She wrapped her arms around my chest and leaned against me. I held her and swayed with her to the soft melody played by two men with lutes.
“Are you having fun?” I asked.
“More now that you’re here.”
I could feel her smile against my chest. I touched the crown on her head, returning life to the wood, and flowers bloomed.
“Everyone is talking about how you cured the blight,” she said. “That’s what they’re celebrating, not the rebuilding—you.”
“I didn’t stop the blight,” I said, remembering the image of my father’s black scales.
“You cured the forest, here by the wolf village.”
It was true in part. I had cured much of the blight with the power of the staff. No traces remained on the vegetation of the island. Touches of the taint continued to run deep, its reach beyond my control. More would need to be done in the future to entirely rid our island of the blight. Now that the staff was gone, so was the increase of my power that had allowed me to heal the land. But when I had wielded the staff, it wasn’t me who was in control, but the magic. It was good that it was over.
Astra looked up at me. “You know what would be more fun than dancing?”
Leaving together. “What?” I asked.
“If we left now, just the two of us.”
I spread my wings wide and scooped her up into my arms. The music stopped and people stared, but none of that mattered.
We flew up into the sky, and our hearts beat together as one. All that mattered was Astra.
Epilogue
Thorn
By the door to the prison cavern, I sat on a wooden chair, hands steepled and elbows on my knees.
Four coyote shifters paced in the cells below. Their presence had changed everything, a constant reminder of their assault and all that we had lost. We had rebuilt, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that it wasn’t over.
Other coyotes were still out there.
Drums sounded from the front gate, an announcement of visitors.
Visitors were rare, and Celedon, Guardian of Land, didn’t need to be let in. I rose from my seat and hurried toward the sound.
The gates opened, and standing on the path was a lone woman. Her scent was warm, yet sharp, like vanilla and ginger. She was slight of frame, with a mess of wild red curls and soiled clothes. Her honey brown eyes were hard, yet vulnerable, and just a look into them peeled away my barriers.
“I must speak with your alpha, please,” she said, meeting my gaze.
“I am Thorn, Warrior of Land, Alpha of Wolves.”
“Thorn, I need your help, and your mercy.” She grabbed my hand, and her touch was electric, setting an explosive charge through me and lighting every nerve. “Please help me, and my people.”
Beyond the gates, figures moved through the trees. I tensed and pulled my hand away. There were women and children, elderly and able-bodied men descending upon us. Coyotes, every one.
“I know some of our people have done wrong,” she said. “They aren’t among us. Please, Thorn, we need your help.”
I looked over her face, knowing I was helpless to say no, and knowing I was completely and utterly fucked.
This woman was my mate.
—
Thorn’s story is coming soon!
While you wait, do you want another Keira & Eva collaboration? Midnight Wish is the book for you!
A Taste of Midnight Wish
Chase
Something changed in the air, a pleasant scent that overshadowed everything else. I sat up a little straighter, my tiredness all but forgotten. Gentle and sweet like baked pears, a beautiful scent under so many layers of tragedy. And she was coming closer.
Her footsteps echoed down the hall, and I rose from my seat. My breath caught when she stepped into the room—destiny.
In lace-up brown boots, short denim shorts, and a fitted white tank top, the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen lingered in the doorway. Her skin was tan, her long legs thick with muscle. Platinum blond curls cascaded over her bare shoulders and framed her face. I was completely enchanted. Then I noticed her eyes—dull blue orbs of despair.
She spared me only a questioning glance before moving to Mr. Wainwright’s bedside.
“Daddy.” She took his limp hand and held it tight.
I had no idea Mr. Wainwright had a daughter, but our families had always kept to themselves, so it could have been that he lived with his parents, a whole slew of kids, and even grandchildren. It was a reminder that this man was a stranger to me.
Flicking my gaze between the two, I wasn’t sure what to do, so I remained still. Tears began to stream down the woman’s rosy cheeks, and my heart ached. I had to console her—I had to do something.
“They said he’ll be all right, in a few days.”
She looked up from her father, eyes wide, as if she had forgotten I was in the room.
“Who are you?”
I’m Chase and we’re meant to be together.
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Also by Keira Blackwood
Alphas & Alchemy: Fierce Mates
with Liza Street
Claimed in Forbidden
Fated in Forbidden
Bound to Forbidden
The Protectors Quick Bites
Also by Keira Blackwood & Eva Knight
Midnight Wish
I Dream of Grizzly
The Ocean’s Roar
The Protectors Quick Bites Box Set
To Catch a Werewolf
Outfoxed
Tactics and Tails
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About the Author
Keyboard ninja, late-blooming bibliophile, proud geek, animal lover, eternal optimist, visual artist.
USA Today Bestselling Author Keira Blackwood writes steamy paranormal romance full of suspense, action, and a dash of humor. No cheating. Always a happily-ever-after.
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About the Author
Night owl, ghost hunter, forest explorer.
Eva Knight writes paranormal romances with a dash of mystery and a touch of steam. No cliffhangers, and HEA’s guaranteed.
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Dragon Guardian of Land Page 12
