by Susan Illene
“Give him space and quiet for the rest of the evening,” Micah instructed. “He should be doing better tomorrow.”
“Shouldn’t we clean him up?” Cori asked.
“Someone else can do it.” Bartol pulled her from the room.
“But…”
He didn’t stop, taking her down the hall and toward the solarium. “There is something else we must do now.”
She felt guilty leaving the guardian behind, but she could hardly argue with Bartol while he was this determined. Once they reached her former tattoo workroom, she understood. Raguel—still wearing his tattered robe from battle but fully healed—stood there waiting for them. It was dark in the room now that night had fallen, but a solitary lamp in the corner lit the space with enough light to see.
“Father,” Bartol said, bringing himself and Cori to a halt in front of the archangel.
Raguel looked them over, a hint of sorrow in his gaze. “I wanted to wish you both farewell before I left.”
“You’re leaving now?” Cori asked. She’d hardly gotten any time to speak to him.
The archangel nodded. “They are summoning me back to Heaven.”
Bartol searched his father’s face. “Will you ever be able to return?”
“I do not know, son, but whatever becomes of me it was worth it to see you again and fight at your side. I am proud of the man you have become.”
Cori reached out and hugged the archangel. Raguel stiffened at first, but then he embraced her back. As she looked over at Bartol, she saw appreciation and pride there. He was glad she was doing what he could not.
She pulled away. “If there’s any way we can help you or put in a good word, we’d be happy to do it.”
Bartol’s eyes lit up, a hint of excitement in his expression. “I could call in the favor the archangels owe me.”
“I appreciate that, son,” Raguel said, shaking his head. “But I am not certain they would grant it for my freedom.”
“I will still try,” Bartol vowed.
“And we’ll keep pushing until they give us what we want,” Cori added.
The archangel gave them a faint smile. “While I appreciate that, you two should focus on each other. You’ve both got a bright future ahead of you if you will let yourselves heal and learn to trust each one another.”
“Yeah.” Cori cut a glance at Bartol. “We’re working on that.”
“Take care—both of you.”
“You too, father,” Bartol said, a hint of pain in his voice.
Raguel’s inner glow brightened, and a moment later, he flashed away. Cori hated to see him go, but she had every intention of finding a way to get him back. He’d been a huge help in today’s battle, and he deserved a second chance—not to be put into deep sleep again and only woken when it was time to kill another powerful demon. One glance at Bartol, and she knew he felt the same way. They’d fight for his father, whatever it took.
Epilogue
Cori
Christmas Day dawned bright and clear. Cori and Bartol had gotten back from London late the night before, but they’d agreed to sleep in their separate homes so they could get unpacked and settled. He was due to come by for a holiday brunch at noon, which gave her the time she needed to prepare her gift for him. That had been one of the hardest parts about her trip—keeping her big secret. Luckily, Bartol had always gotten up early to meet with his father or take care of some other matter or else he would have surely caught her being sick every morning. As it was, he’d grown suspicious of her numerous trips to the bathroom during the day.
“Cori, are you alright?” her mother asked, knocking on the door.
She finished brushing her teeth. “Yeah. Just a second.”
As much as she loved her mom, she couldn’t wait for her to go home. The remodel would take until the first week of January, according to current estimates, which seemed too far away. Still, Cori did appreciate all the efforts her mother went through to make the new cabin a home. She also wondered why there was a “keep out” sign on one of the bedroom doors. That hadn’t been there when she left, and God only knew what Joy had been up to while she’d had the place to herself for a few days.
“I put the things you asked for on your bed,” her mother said, voice muffled through the door. “You’ve got an hour until brunch is ready.”
“Thanks, Mom!”
Her mother moved away. Cori wrapped her towel around her a little tighter, still wet from the shower, and headed into her bedroom. Sure enough, the things she’d need to prepare Bartol’s Christmas gift were laid out waiting for her. She got dressed first, choosing something comfortable since she had no intention of going anywhere until that night when Melena would be holding a late holiday meal—with Micah cooking this time. Caius had even said he’d be there since he wasn’t quite sure what to do with himself yet since the demon was gone. Bartol had told her the nephilim counted on dying in the battle with Haagenti because he’d lost his mate. They’d have to do something to keep the poor guy busy, so maybe he could find some peace.
Just as Cori finished wrapping the gift,, her doorbell rang. She rushed downstairs to the living room to place the package under the tree before going to greet Bartol. He stood on her covered porch, looking sexy as ever. He might resent his burn scars, but she accepted them as a part of him and wouldn’t change him in any way. Right next to him, he had a rocking chair with a red bow wrapped around it.
Cori lifted a brow. “What’s that?”
“Your Christmas gift.”
Her eyes widened. He couldn’t have known about the baby already, could he? “You made that last night?”
“No.” He gave her an amused look. “I built it last month. Lucas and Melena were planning which furniture to get you, and I thought it might fit well in your new cabin. Unfortunately, I was away when they moved everything else inside.”
He’d already been in Europe by that point. She breathed a sigh of relief that it was only a coincidence, and he hadn’t figured out her surprise. Then again, something else struck her as odd. “Wait, you weren’t talking to me back then. Why make me a gift if you were mad?”
His gaze turned intense. “I may have been upset, but it didn’t mean I wasn’t thinking of you, Cori.”
She moved closer to him, and when he didn’t pull away, she hugged him. He held her there for a moment before letting go. “We should get inside.”
Even now, he still had a long way to go before he could handle her touching him for more than a few moments. But after all the progress they’d made recently, she had high hopes.
“Yeah, it’s cold.” She stepped back, making way for him to enter the cabin. “And Mom is almost done with brunch.”
Bartol carried the rocking chair inside and set it near the fireplace. Other than a rug, there wasn’t much else around that area, so the new piece of furniture fit well there. Cori ran her fingertips over the chair for a moment before testing it out.
“This is amazing,” she said, rocking back and forth. “It’s so smooth.”
He smiled. “I’m glad you like it.”
“I guess I should go ahead and give you your gift, but I’m going to tell you now I’m really nervous about whether you’ll like it or not.” She stood, barely able to meet his gaze. “It’s um, not something I planned.”
He drew his brows together. “Should I be worried?”
“Well, uh, we’ll see.”
Cori moved over to the Christmas tree and got the package, handing it over to him. She moved to settle on the couch where she could at least be comfortable while waiting for whatever response he gave her. They might be on much better footing now, but this was going to change things in a huge way between them.
Bartol carefully unwrapped the package. Cori dug her nails into her palms as he opened the box and pulled out the framed picture of the baby’s first ultrasound. He stared at it for a moment. “What is this?”
Of course, it was a little hazy and required somewhat of an experienced ey
e to make out. She’d wondered if he would recognize it or not, especially considering it was a modern invention. “You might understand better after you read the card.”
He drew it from the box next, opening the cream envelope and pulling the stationery out. She held her breath as he read the words she’d carefully written on the paper:
Congratulations! You’re going to be a father.
Bartol blinked, turned his gaze back to the picture and then finally looked at her with a stunned expression. “Is this photo what I think it is?”
“I just found out a little over a week ago.” Cori went on to explain about the test and subsequent visit to Paula. “She says I’m probably due in late May.”
“I didn’t think it was possible,” he said, staring once again at the tiny picture of their baby.
“Me, either. I swear I didn’t get pregnant on purpose.”
He shook his head. “You’re not a full sensor—none of us could have foreseen this.”
“So you’re not mad?”
“Why would I be?” His gaze shimmered with moisture that could have been mistaken for unshed tears. “You’ve just given me the greatest gift any man could ever imagine.”
Cori honestly hadn’t expected him to be happy about it. She’d prepared all sorts of arguments for how they’d make it work, and he didn’t have to be responsible if he didn’t want. The reaction he’d given her instead made her heart swell. “Really?”
He carefully set the frame and card aside. She braced herself as he moved toward her, stalking closer like a lion. One moment she was on the couch, and in the next she was in his arms. Bartol kissed her like a man possessed all while holding her like delicate glass.
After a moment, he pulled away. “You should not have put yourself in danger by going to London.”
“That’s why Ariel was there—to make sure the baby was protected.”
Bartol might not have known the full reason, but they’d explained the magnitude of the spell put on her beforehand. Nothing could have harmed her that day, though thankfully, it wasn’t necessary.
“She knew?”
Cori nodded.
“Who else knows?” he asked, narrowing his eyes.
“Well, uh…” she hesitated. “Apparently, just about everyone figured it out before me. I guess there were signs, and Derrick said I smelled different. So if it’s any consolation, I was late finding out, too.”
Bartol shook his head, then a look of concern came over his face as he studied her closely. “Is this why you were in the bathroom so often? Have you been sick?”
“Yeah, but it’s not so bad.” Cori had gone through worse with her daughter during the first trimester and could hardly get out of bed. This pregnancy was easier than that.
“I should have guessed it,” Bartol muttered.
“Like you said.” She took his hands in hers. “We didn’t expect it could happen, or else I would have figured it out sooner, too.”
Joy cleared her throat from where she stood at the entrance to the kitchen. “I’ve waited as long as I could, but brunch will get cold if we don’t eat soon.”
“Oh, right,” Cori said, pulling away from Bartol.
They headed into the dining room and took their seats. Her mother had made a huge meal with scrambled eggs, fried potatoes, pancakes, bacon, and lots of fresh fruit. It was a tradition in Cori’s family when she was growing up, though she hadn’t been a part of it for many years. For the next few minutes, no one spoke and just ate, everyone surprisingly hungry.
Joy wiped her mouth with a napkin. “So what is the plan for you two now?”
“Um.” Cori set her fork down. “We haven’t really had a chance to discuss that yet.”
“We will take it one step at a time,” Bartol answered.
“Are you going to keep living apart?” Joy asked. Her expression said she didn’t think that was a good idea at all. “You should certainly get married.”
“We rushed things before,” Cori said, glancing at Bartol for affirmation. He gave her an encouraging nod. “Even with the baby on the way, I want to make sure we don’t do anything to mess things up this time around. We can look at moving in together when we’re ready, and the rest will come with time.”
“Agreed,” Bartol said.
Cori was relieved that for once they were on the same page.
“I suppose that is the mature decision,” her mother replied reluctantly.
“It’s the right decision for us,” Cori said in a tone that brooked no argument.
Joy waited until they finished their meals before rising to her feet. “Well, it’s my turn for a Christmas surprise. Follow me.”
Bartol and Cori cast each other questioning glances. Who knew what her mother was up to now. They followed Joy up the stairs to the room with the “keep out” sign. She opened it up to reveal a fully decorated nursery in neutral colors. She’d even painted the walls light yellow and hung curtains.
“It needs a few more finishing touches once we know the gender and baby’s name, but I thought this way the two of you had one less thing to worry about,” Joy explained, beaming with pride at her accomplishment.
“Mom, you shouldn’t have. We’ve still got five months to go.”
She gave Cori a reproving look. “You know I can’t help myself, and if I leave it up to you, you’ll put if off until the last moment.”
“You did well, Mrs. Marsh, and we appreciate it,” Bartol said in a diplomatic tone.
“Thank you,” she said, smiling at him in relief.
Cori sighed and decided to follow her mate’s lead. “It does look great, Mom.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” They left the room and headed back downstairs. “Now, I’ve been thinking about names and thought of a few suggestions…”
“Stop.” Cori turned and faced her mother. “The nursery is great, but I draw the line at names. Bartol and I will figure that out together, got it?”
Joy’s mouth dropped. “But…”
“I’m in agreement with your daughter on this one.” Bartol put his arm around Cori. “There are some things we must handle ourselves.”
“Oh, very well,” her mother said with a huff, continuing down the stairs.
And in that moment, Cori knew things would be alright. Sure, they still had some issues to work out, and the future of the world was unclear, but she felt there was hope, too. Maybe, just maybe, she and Bartol stood a chance after all.
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Dark Destiny Series:
Destined for Shadows
Destined for Dreams
Destined for Eternity (coming soon)
Sensor Series:
Darkness Haunts
Darkness Taunts
Chained by Darkness (novella)
Darkness Divides
Playing with Darkness (novella)
Darkness Clashes
Facing the Darkness (Kerbasi holiday novella)
Darkness Shatters
Darkness Wanes
Dragon’s Breath Series:
Stalked by Flames
Dancing with Flames
Forged by Flames
Christmas with Dragons
About Susan Illene
Susan Illene served in the US Army for eleven years and worked as a human resources specialist and an Arabic linguist. She served two deployments to Iraq, and after leaving the army, she studied history at the University of Oklahoma. She and her husband currently live in Oklahoma with two high-maintenance cats doing their best to help her write her books.
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Acknowledgments
I am truly grateful for the support team I have that helps me bring my books to life. First, to my husband who at least tries to keep things quiet while I’m writing. If only he'd stop talking on the phone loud enough for people in China to hear him that would be great. Thanks to my other relatives for being there for me so I can get my work done, including letting me use their homes whenever I needed a change of venue (to a quieter place) or just listening to me talk out my plot ideas and offering feedback (or just nodding). Also to my cats, despite the fact that they tend to make writing more difficult at times by walking across the computer or printer. Any typos that I somehow missed are totally the result of the felines in my life, I swear!
A huge thanks to my editor, Angela. I don’t know what I’d do without your careful and thoughtful edits that always manage to catch things no one else (especially myself) sees. Also to my beta reading team this time around—Sarah, Rachel, Abra, and Julie. This book is so much better because of your input and advice, and it likely makes the editor’s job easier.
I very much appreciate all the people involved in bringing my cover artwork to life. This includes Josh McCullock (the photographer), Sam and Max Radcliff (the husband and wife model team on the cover), Celeste Raquel and Mauri McDonald for hair and makeup during the photo shoot, and Julie for driving out to Norman to assist during the whole process. All of you worked hard to make this and the other covers in the series possible. And last but not least, Victoria Miller for the beautiful cover artwork.
Once again, thanks to Stephanie Brandl at Mystical Illusions Tattoos and Body Piercing in Oklahoma City for answering all my questions about the tattoo process and what it's like to be a female tattoo artist. It would be difficult to pull off writing Cori without you. Having said that, any mistakes I've made in this book are my own or possibly because this story is set in a fantasy world and it required some alterations to the real life process.
Any finally to the fans, who support and encourage me. It's because of all of you that I never lose motivation to keep writing. Thank you so much!
