by Niles, Abby
She swooped down and bit one shoulder. He stiffened, and an agonized, ecstasy-filled bellow burst from him. She leaned to the other shoulder and bit down hard. His body convulsed, and groaned out an awed, “Holy shit.”
Holy shit was right. A sizzling warmth pulsed to life above her heart. She gasped, sitting up. A void she hadn’t even been aware of filled to capacity with electrifying energy, and flowed over her, through her, from the top of her head to the tips of her toes.
Liam.
He was everywhere.
Humming through her. Strong and dominant. Filling her with his life…with his love.
Tears scorched her eyes. This was how he felt her inside his body. What he’d felt leave him when she was dying. Oh God, the agony he must have felt. She never wanted this glorious sensation to empty from her. This energy that would allow her to know at all times that he was alive and well.
She didn’t realize tears were streaking down her cheeks until he brushed his fingers across them. “We’re one now, Ava.”
He tugged her to his chest, and rolled to his side, caressing her face.
“How does it feel for you?” she softly asked.
A smile came to his lips. And she realized now how tired he’d looked before—because it was all gone now—the paleness, the dark circles under his eyes, the bleakness in them—replaced by joy, contentment, youthful vitality.
“Like I’m whole,” he said, low and tender. “The marks on my shoulders burn with awareness. Of you.”
Just as her marks did. Ever since the bites, her upper thighs had been singing with the feel of him. “The feeling there, and inside...it’s amazing.”
“I can hardly believe I’m truly yours now,” he whispered, and smiled down at her. “We’ll never be apart. Not even death can separate us.”
There was immense comfort in knowing that.
“I’m so sorry for what I put you through…before.”
“That’s behind us. We only have the future. And a hope chest to fill with memories.”
She smiled back at him, running her hands through his hair. “I love you.”
He kissed her gently and touched his forehead to hers. “I love you, too.”
Those words wrapped around her, enveloped her.
The nightmare truly was over.
They were free to be with each other, to have children…and say all the words of love and devotion they wished.
They were no longer cast adrift, but anchored to each other, together now for all eternity.
Acknowledgments
Whew! Liam’s story has been a crazy ride and I want to thank all the wonderful and talented people who rode the rollercoaster with me!
To Guillian, Nina and Candy—just so you know, ya’ll about killed me or, at least, almost drove me to my own white padded cell. LOL. This last month has been insane, but with each revision, Liam’s story really started to shine. Thank you all for pushing me to make it better!
To my fantabulous CP’s Angie, Christina, Christyne & Tina. Girls, you really are my backbone. Love you guys!
Who has the greatest kids in the world? I do! Two very patient and understanding children who are always cheering me on…even if it means they have to sit around the house bored to tears during summer break because mommy is on a deadline. I love you two so much!
And thank you to Entangled for contracting The Awakening series and allowing me the chance to share this special world with all of you!
About the Author
Abby Niles has always loved to read. After having twins and becoming a stay-at-home mom, she started doodling stories to keep her sanity. She didn’t plan for writing to become an obsession, but it did. Today, she juggles work, home life, and writing. It’s not always easy, but hey, who said life was easy?
When Abby’s not writing, you can find her playing “Just Dance” with her kids or trying to catch up on her never-ending to-be-read list. She also loves Zumba, and refuses to admit she looks more like Animal doing his Muppet flail than a sensual Latin dancer.
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