Lost in Shadow (A Shadow Walkers Ghost Novel)

by Cynthia Luhrs

  “Have you come to a decision?” she asked sitting on a branch of the oak tree. Colin cleared his throat. “We have. While we want children we both feel this war is important. Dayne must be defeated. I need to fight and Emily wants to help, whether gathering intelligence, working to find missing persons, or saving children. We don’t want to forget everything we’ve been through.”

  Emily added, “We don’t want to live without each other, we accept the price of sharing the same heart and dying together. We are filled with gratitude for what you have offered.”

  “Then so shall it be. You will both be immortal, sharing the same heart. Colin, you have all your Shadow Walker powers back. Emily, you retain the power to see Walkers, to talk with the dead and I grant you the power to use lightening as a weapon against the Day Walkers to protect yourself. It will serve you in your quest.” Turning to go, the goddess stopped, “Child, is there something else you would tell me?”

  Shyly showing the goddess her ring, the happiness evident in her voice, “We are to be married next week.” Looking up at the tree, Terya smiled. “As a wedding gift, I bless you both with twins, a boy and a girl.” Stunned, Emily and Colin thanked the goddess. With that, Terya vanished. Colin kneeled in front of Emily, placing his hand on her stomach. “I wonder if you are already with child, but to be safe, we should make sure.”

  Pulling him close, she kissed him. “I thought you’d never ask.” He swept her up, laughing, tossing her on the bed as he landed next to her.

  Emily sat up, pulling him to his feet, she knelt, gently removing his boots, placing his daggers, all four of them, on the table next to the bed. Next was the double shoulder holster with his guns and spare magazines, then his shirt, the silk sliding like water through her fingers as she lightly ran her fingernails down his chest, watching his nipples harden under her touch, his skin pebbling from the sensation. Undoing his kilt, her hands shook, wanting to give him everything, wanting to be his shelter, the kilt fell to the floor, his heavy erection sprang free, bobbing near her hand, wanting, seeking. She ignored it for the moment, placing soft, feathery kisses from his ankle up to his hip, across his stomach and down the other leg.

  She could hear his sharp intake of breath, hear his heart beating faster as he held still, rigid with need…wanting her. So this is what sex is supposed to be like between two people, she mused, feeling as if he was the first, the only man she’d ever been with, the others falling away like fall leaves, brittle, crackling, carried away on the wind.

  Watching the firelight dancing across his body, he was a magnificent predator, like a big cat, lethal, beautiful, ready to spring and devour her. Reaching on tiptoes, she pulled the tie from his hair, letting it fall, the braids swinging at his temples, the chestnut and burnished gold strands reflected in the light. He didn’t have any hair on his chest, his muscles flexed under her palm as she ran her hands down his rock hard stomach. Standing there with his legs wide apart, strong thick thighs, broad shoulders and heavily muscled biceps, she felt her eyes fill that he trusted her to do as she wished with his body. This night, she would show him how much she loved him, not with words but with her body.

  He watched her, his velvet green eyes, hooded, waiting for her next move, letting her explore. Placing her palms on his chest, she pushed him back to sit on the bed, backing up, slightly out of his reach. He raised an eyebrow, the corner of his lip curving into a smile as she slowly pulled the sweater dress over her head. She’d never stripped for a man before, finding it too intimate, too revealing. Crazy, she knew, considering she slept with them but something about the act, made it off limits for her, until Colin. She wanted him to know every part of her. He’d given his life for her, she knew she could trust him.

  Clad only in her bra, she saw his eyes widen. “You didn’t have any panties on, I should have dropped my napkin at the table, climbed down to get it and taken you in my mouth, made you come as you ate your bloody orange sorbet.”

  Giggling, she waggled her finger back and forth, “Now, now, no touching yet.”

  “Hmmprh, have your way with me but remember this game works both ways, lass.”

  In answer, Emily reached up and removed her bra. Turning around, she bent over giving him a view of her backside, pleased when she heard him hiss. Slowly, she unzipped and stepped out of each boot, tossing them aside.

  Colin’s words came out in a cough. “You enchant me. Standing before me, the fire looks like it’s licking your body, illuminating and at the same time hiding every part of you as the shadows dance across your skin. Gods Emily, ye hold my heart in your hands, able to crush it with a single squeeze if ye so chose.” He took a deep breath, exhaling hard.

  Tears in her eyes, she held them back. Her savage warrior had been profoundly changed. She’d died for him, would love him throughout eternity. Her voice choking, “Your heart is safe in my keeping, I’ll never hurt or betray you.”

  “Dinna cry lass.” Reaching out to touch her, Colin stopped.

  Seeing Colin reach out for her, her breasts grew heavy, she was ready, anticipating him, wanting him so very much. Emboldened, she moved to stand between his legs. Swallowing in anticipation, she knelt, pressing her breasts to his chest, sliding down his torso, reaching his cock, enveloping it between her breasts. Licking her lips, she took him in her mouth, kissing him, stroking him, tasting him as she lightly scraped her teeth along the underside, feeling him jerk against her, hearing a rumble of satisfaction from deep within his chest, his breathing rough as she took him in, licking and suckling.

  Reveling in the feeling of power, Emily took Colin over the edge as he fisted his hands in her hair, calling out her name as he came. Kissing his sac, running her tongue in that lovely crease between his sac and thigh, he growled, reaching down to pull her up.

  She stayed him with her hand. Sliding up his body, rubbing against him, stretching like a cat, enjoying the sensation of skin on skin. She straddled his hips, leaning up to kiss him. Her breasts, brushing against his chest, her nipples hardening as he reached to roll them between his fingers, stroking her as she rubbed herself along the length of his shaft.

  “You’re ready again?”

  “Aye lass, ‘tis a wonderful benefit of being a Shadow Walker, wouldn’t ye say?” With a moan, he reached down, sheathing himself inside her in one quick, hard thrust. Sighing in contentment, she rode him, arching her back, letting her hair brush his calves. Leaning up to let him slide out, she twisted back down hard as he filled her to the core. Swiveling her hips, she ground against him, gasping with pleasure as he reached down, stroking her while she rode him. Rocking her hips, she could feel the waves cresting, rising, almost to her peak. Leaning back to allow him greater access, she placed her hands on his ankles, her body arched as he took her breast in his hand, kneading, stroking the nipple as his other relentlessly played her. He was so deep within her at this angle she could feel their shared heartbeat through her body, starting in her center, radiating outward as the waves crashed over her.

  Spent, she rested her body on top of his, kissing him as he let out a satisfied groan. “Rest now love, I plan to have my turn next.” Lying in his arms, she couldn’t stop touching him; lazily tracing circles on his chest. Flipping her over, he lay between her legs, spreading them wide, dominating her.

  He kissed his way down her neck, nibbling her ear, scraping his teeth against her nipple, the underside of each breast, making her skin pucker. Licking his way down her stomach, she quivered, his stubble, exquisitely rubbing against her skin. Dipping his head down, he licked her, sliding a finger in, drawing words inside her with his tongue, telling her how much he loved her as he took her in his mouth. The pressure built as he flicked his tongue against her bud, she shattered again in pleasure, her thighs tight against his head.

  Pushing her knees up, he slid inside, burying himself to the hilt as she wrapped her legs around him, her hips bucking up to meet every thrust as they fell over the cliff together, the sacred bees adding the music of the
ir buzzing wings, the leaves of Terya’s oak covering them like a blanket, shutting out the world.

  All that mattered was they’d found each other, would spend the rest of their days loving each other, forever.

  Upon waking, the tree, meadow, grass and flowers had disappeared, leaving only two gold acorns remaining. The room was as it was before.

  Chapter 28

  Saturday, November 7th

  Edinburgh

  Inside the dress shop, Emily thought of Kat; this store’s selection was on par with Charleston’s. Kat would be thrilled Emily had found someone. With a pang of sadness Kat wasn’t here to help her pick a dress, she shook her head, reminding herself that Kat would be there for the main event.

  She tried on a number of dresses, wanting something simple, classic, no big white cupcake dresses for her. Luckily the shop had everything from shoes and hairpins to dresses. She found a beautiful white sheath dress with simple lines–heck, with her giant ring, she didn’t need any other type of adornment. The proprietress was an older lady in her sixties, with snow white hair and a twinkling smile. The owner fussed over Emily, bringing her shoes and gorgeous rhinestone sticks to put her hair up, placing a short veil on top. She told Emily to close her eyes, felt something being put on her dress, felt jewelry being placed on her.

  “Oh lass, you are a vision—wait, don’t look yet, let me straighten one thing…there, open your eyes.”

  Speechless, she was speechless, a sash of plaid matching Colin’s was around her waist—but oh my stars, the bling. Tentatively reaching up to touch the gorgeous stones, she was blinded by the fire opals surrounded by diamonds, throwing rainbows all across the shop as the sunlight poured in, illuminating the stones from within. “I don’t understand, these are amazing, they look antique and worth an absolute fortune…” her voice trailed off.

  “Yes on both counts. A wedding gift from Baron Campbell, worn by the first baroness, like your ring. He wanted to give them to you himself but wanted to make sure they went with the dress you chose and of course he couldn’t be here to see the dress, lass.”

  “Seriously, these rocks would make a trash bag look like haute couture. The man is amazing.” She couldn’t stop touching the sparkling stones. A necklace, drop earrings, bracelet and ring, wow—on so many levels.

  The owner told her they’d have the dress altered and would deliver it along with the accessories in time for the wedding. She handed Emily the jewelry cases as Colin came in.

  Emily jumped into his arms, “I didn’t want to take them off, I want to shower in them, sleep in them, they are magnificent!”

  Arching a brow, he leaned in to whisper in her ear, “I’m imagining you naked in nothing but the jewels, if we don’t leave now, I may take you on the bloody floor.”

  Blushing, she kissed him as he put her down. They thanked the owner and went to grab lunch before going back to Ravensmore. Colin started to tell her all the arrangements he’d made, to tell her he’d enlisted Kat, that he’d like to have her work with some of the men they were training, she’d whip them into shape in no time, it was daunting to say the least.

  Emily laughed, “Has she completely taken over yet?”

  “Are you kidding, that woman could run the country if she wanted to, I’m in awe and a bit scared of her.” Colin grinned.

  “She’s worked with Meg and they’ve taken care of the flowers, cake, food, and drink. All I have to do is finish the license. She even took care of getting movers lined up. They are packing up your cottage and everything will be here in a few weeks. There’s a professor who wanted to buy the place, but she told him she’d rent it, that you wouldn’t want to let it go.” He was watching her closely.

  “I don’t need anything except you, my life in Charleston seems long ago and far away. I’ll let Kat know to go ahead and sell it, heck, she’ll get more for it than I would have. I don’t need it. Ravensmore is my home now. You are my home.”

  Walking down the street, Emily headed for the car. “Come on, I want to drive back to Ravensmore, I’ll try and drive on the left, not my fault we drive on the normal side of the road and you all have to be different.” Reaching in his pocket, she gave him a caress and laughed when he flashed his eyes at her.

  “Better put your money where your mouth is. Better yet, I want your mouth on me.” Colin growled.

  “Emily? Is that you? What are you doing in Edinburgh? Who are you with? Yowza, you look great.”

  Oh my god, it was Charlie. What was he doing in Edinburgh? Oh this is too perfect, thank you Universe. I’m with my hot fiancé, looking my best and there is jerk face Charlie. Every girl in the world wishes this scenario when running into an ex-boyfriend. Only usually the girl is in sweats, with no makeup, bad hair and a big zit on her nose or forehead while said ex is with some supermodel girlfriend, happy and glowing.

  “Charlie, what a surprise. This is Colin.”

  “You’re the bloody stupid bastard who killed Emily?” Colin glared at Charlie and moved within an inch of him. “I should kick your arse right now, better yet, tell me why I shouldn’t gut you from belly to nose and rid the world of some pansy-assed boy who can’t take care of a woman.” Colin sneered.

  Realizing he was in serious trouble, Emily tried not to burst out laughing as Charlie backpedaled.

  “Hey it’s all good man, saying hi for old times sake. Whatever happened to let bygones be bygones, forgive and forget? Emily, help me out here,” Charlie pleaded.

  It was so fantastic seeing Charlie humiliated that Emily started giggling. Clapping her hand over her mouth didn’t help. She started laughing so hard, tears streamed down her face and she started hiccupping.

  “Colin, let’s go, he’s not worth your time. Anyway, he peed his pants, and you’re going to be stepping in pee in a minute.”

  “Oh hell, you are a loser. Get out of my sight before I change my mind.” Colin sounded disgusted.

  At that moment, Emily thought she’d died and gone to heaven as she heard, “Honey, where are you? Charlie, I’ve been looking for you.” A woman, who looked like she stepped out of a preppy catalog, with bobbed brunette hair, beige shoes, and beige handbag, looked down her nose at Emily and said, “Who might you be? I’m Muffy.”

  “Muffy, yikes, what a name, I’m Emily.”

  Watching the recognition cross Muffy’s face, Emily laughed, “Yes, THAT Emily. You better get your boyfriend home, seems he’s had an accident and pissed himself.”

  Muffy’s eyes opened so wide she looked like an anime cartoon. Grabbing Charlie’s arm, she pulled him down the street and Emily laughed as she heard Muffy screech, “Don’t walk near me, how embarrassing. Walk behind me. Disgusting.”

  Charlie ran behind Muffy yelling, “Give me your sweater so I can cover my pants. I must be getting sick or something.”

  Epilogue

  One Week Later

  The orangerie was beautiful, the white flowers adding to the heady orange blossom fragrance. Kat and Fred arrived two days before. Fred took to Colin’s steward immediately. They were currently closeted in the study going over ancient account books. He was fascinated with how Colin’s ancestors kept track of everything on an estate the size of Ravensmore.

  Fred had been easily won over with a few bottles of Ravensmore whisky he found waiting in the room for him. Kat had said he looked younger in person than that dreadful painting in the museum.

  “Emily, he’s perfect for you. A little scary at times, talk about an alpha male—whew! Are you terribly happy?”

  Sighing, Emily smiled and hugged her best friend, “He’s my one true love, corny as it sounds. I thought I loved Charlie, I was wrong…Colin showed me what love really is.”

  “You’ve been through so much, I’m glad you’ve moved on and found someone to share your life with. Please tell me the Charlie story again, talk about karmic justice.” Wiping her eyes, she’d laughed so hard, she cried when Emily related the story of running into Charlie and Muffy.

  “I would hav
e given anything to have been there and see him pee his pants.” She howled with laughter, making Emily laugh harder. Colin found the two of them in tears, cackling. Shrugging at Matt, they went outside so Colin could point out the path down to the water and a few choice fishing spots.

  “Look, I know my sister is crazy about you, but if you hurt her I’ll have to kick your ass.” Matt looked a little sick as he said this.

  “I would expect nothing less. Point taken. Now shall I show you where the fishing gear is? I hear you’re quite the fisherman.”

  She had a moment’s sadness wondering how they would explain not aging as the years passed; she’d have to ask Colin how they would handle it. She couldn’t bear never seeing any of them again.

  The day before the wedding, Robert arrived with Monroe in tow. Monroe looked tired and drawn after his brush with death; he’d gotten out of the hospital the day before and insisted on attending. Emily had sent flowers when she found out what had happened. “Great to see you, mate. You remember Monroe?”

  Robert slapped Colin on the back and swept Emily up into a hug, kissing her on the cheek. He hastily put her down when Colin growled at him.

  “Monroe, up and about I see. No criminals lurking about, why are you here?”

  “I sure as hell didn’t come to see your ugly mug. I’m here to wish Emily well, to see Miss Chandler again, and meet her husband.”

  “Monroe, I’m so glad you could make it, Are you feeling OK?” Emily fussed over him. “I know Kat will be so pleased to see you. I think she and Fred are exploring the dungeon.”

  “I hear congratulations are in order. Walk me to my room? This place is huge.”

  “Absolutely. I’ve seen that look on Colin’s face before; let’s go.” Emily and Monroe turned and headed for the stairs.

  Grunting, Colin turned away, jerking his head at Robert to follow him around the corner.