“He loved me because I was kind? Not because of my gift?” I asked, unsure I wanted to know the answer.
“He loved you because you were just like him; making the best of a horrible situation. He wanted to give you everything he never had. He was immune to your gift.”
I touched my lips, thinking of all the times he kissed me tenderly. Every time he made love to me. It was all real.
“Why did he never tell me he knew?”
“He was too afraid to find out if it was all just an act. If he never knew, he could hope you actually did love him.”
“Griff, if I do not survive, promise me you will tell Jaxs about her father. I want her to know him.” I felt hope for the first time since his death.
“Jaxs?”
“Yes. I had not decided until just now. I think he would like it.”
“I know he would.” Griff’s voice sounded rough, full of emotion.
“You really loved him?” I asked.
“Fate chose him to be the king for a reason. He was more worthy of the protection of the Isturis, my people, than any Haloran or Osidian I have ever encountered.” He paused, and he looked far away like he was in another place. “He was my best friend.” Tears welling up in his dark eyes.
I squeezed his arm as a wave of pain hit. Griff swept me up in his arms as my legs bowed. He closed the distance to the small cottage in what seemed like three steps.
~o~
“One more push!” Griff ordered.
“I am too tired. I cannot do it anymore,” I whimpered.
“You can,” he said, looking intense. “You have to.”
I shook my head. He grabbed the sides of my legs and leaning over my knees so his face was closer to mine. “If you cannot do it for yourself or Jaxs, think of Jaxson. Do it for him.”
I hated him for it, but he was right. I pictured Jaxson standing next to me, holding my hand. It gave me strength I no longer had. I gritted my teeth, but that did not stop me from screaming as I gave one final push.
There was silence as Griff turned his back to me. My body thrummed with a new energy that had not been there a moment ago. I should have been weakened by her birth. Instead, my strength was renewed as though Jaxson, himself had entered into the room.
“Is she alright?” I asked, trying not to panic.
A tiny wail pierced the air and I slumped back against the pillows. Griff handed me the little bundle, and I peeled back the blanket. I ached seeing those perfect green eyes staring back at me.
“She looks so much like him it hurts. I wish he could have seen her at least once.” I could not help the tears that streamed down my cheeks. Tears of happiness, and of pain.
Griff patted my arm. “If there is any justice in the universe somehow he will see her.”
###
Back to Top
Acknowledgements:
I’d like to thank Jolyn Palliata (Jodi) for always believing not just in this story but in me, and for falling as hard as I did. Without ALL your help and encouragement I’m not sure I’d have had the confidence to make this journey!
I’d also like to thank all my critique buddies and readers: Amy, AdriAnne, Renee, Bobbi, Wendy, Jamie and Patrice. Your feedback has been invaluable.
Thanks to all my Twitter friends who have helped me learn not only to grow as a writer but have helped me to discover the business side also.
Thanks to Kathleen Duey for showing me that pantsers write amazing stories, too!
Thanks to all my family and friends for their support and belief in me.
And to all who have taken a look and kept reading! Thank you!
Thank you for reading Children of the Gods. If you enjoyed it, Chosen – A Children of the Gods short story gives a look into Reka’s life the night before she is Chosen and is available at http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/MonicaMillard
About the author:
Monica was born and raised in Alaska. She doesn’t own a dog sled team, but has worked in a place where there are buildings with caged exterior doors to keep employees from being eaten by polar bears.
She lives in Wasilla, Alaska with all her critters, some four legged and others that stand on two. She writes Science fiction, fantasy, and Paranormal for young adults.
Find Chosen – A Short story prequel to Children of the Gods and future releases on Smashwords.com
http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/MonicaMillard
Connect with me online:
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/MonicaEmme
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/emmeandemme
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/MonicaMillard
My blog: http://analaskangirl.blogspot.com/
Children of the Gods - A Chosen Novel Page 17
