by Lia Davis
“Is something wrong, Rachel? What are you talking about, Julian?” Roderick was instantly beside her, his eyes searching her face and then turning to Julian. “Tell me.”
Without another word, Julian stalked out of the room.
She took a deep breath and framed his face with her hands. “Roderick, do you really love me?”
He nodded and leaned forward as if to kiss her, but her words stopped him.
“I am also in love with you. Rod, I’m pregnant.”
His mouth opened and closed, and his eyebrows rose high but no words came out. Then his lips curved until a wide smile split his face. Yet, at the same time, his eyes darted in the direction Julian had gone.
It was a bittersweet moment for him. He didn't have to tell her this.
"I never dreamed to start a family, not at this age. I cannot formulate the words to tell you what I am feeling right now. To find out you love me was more than I hoped, but to also find you are to give me the precious gift of my first child...I love you." He lifted her face up and kissed her. The press of his lips was soft, gentle and precious. "Let's go."
"Are you sure?" Rachel asked, covering his large hands with hers. "Maybe we should remain and try to talk to him again. Surely, he'll reconsider it. I can't believe he's letting you go."
"He'll come around. It may take him a couple years, but he will. Just need him to get over being pissed at me." There was warmth when he looked at her. "We have other things to do. Much to discuss. Let's get out of here." Although she didn't know Roderick as much as she'd hoped, it was interesting to her how patient he seemed to be with the Roman.
Rachel allowed Roderick to lead her from Julian's home. Although she did not see the Roman, she felt something as they went to her rental car. From one of the many windows, he watched them. She was sure of it. Whether in anger or still puzzled, she didn't know, but one thing she did know. When she saw Julian again, once more, she'd beg him to reconsider.
Chapter 8
Roderick tried not to be angry at the entire situation. It was not fair. As hard as he tried to seem nonchalant for Rachel's sake, his gut churned at the thought of returning to Atlanta. Cyn would be paired up with someone else.
For lifetimes, he’d fought as a Protector. The war was far from over and every single fighter was required just to keep some semblance of control over the situation.
Needing time to adjust, he'd convinced Rachel to stay in Italy for a week. It would give Julian time to get his replacement and hopefully a few days for him to adjust to the idea of being benched.
His cell rang and he eyed the display. Rachel had gone out to the small villa’s patio. From inside, he could see her sitting in the sun with a glass of lemonade, reading a book. She was the picture of serenity.
"Hey Cyn," he spoke in a quiet tone, "what's up?"
"What the fuck?" Cyn's voice exploded.
"You'll have to give me more of a clue.” Roderick paced, the cursing in his ear making him cringe. His partner was livid.
Finally, Cyn stopped the string of obscenities and formed a sentence that made sense. "I've been partnered with James fucking Bond." The male's Scottish brogue became heavy with anger.
"Bond is cool."
"This fucker is not."
"Then call him something else."
Silence. He could see Cyn staring at the ceiling trying to come up with a better nickname. "I already kicked his ass once."
"What did he do?"
"Go back and see Julian. Tell him this shit is not going to work," Cyn said by way of an answer.
"Give the new guy a chance. I won't go back to Julian. Not for some time."
There was another long silence. Cyn read between the lines. Both of them knew Julian would not change his mind, not for a while. It could be a couple of years or it could be twenty. Nothing he could say at the moment would change their leader’s mind. "I'm weakening too fast. I can't put you or anyone in danger until this shit is controlled."
"Yeah." Cyn let out a breath. "Thor said once you get mated and live with her, you'd get straight."
Thor had never been mated. It would take a woman with a lot of patience or superhero strength to tame that one. "How the hell would Thor know?"
"His last partner, another Viking, is mated."
Only Cyn would hold a conversation with Thor. "Besides, I called what's his name, the Spaniard. He said the same thing."
It touched him that his partner was scrambling to find a solution to his situation. "Thanks for that. I suspected as much. Since we've been together here, I notice a difference."
"Well, anyway. I'll see you when you get back. We'll figure this out. Got your back."
Roderick nodded, even though Cyn couldn't see him, not trusting his voice.
"You okay?" Rachel stood at the door, her eyes pinned to his face. "Bad news?"
Manning up, he arranged his face into happy happy joy joy. "Nah, just Cynden being a pain as usual. He's mad about his new partner, some British guy."
"Do you know him?"
"Who?" He went to her and pulled her against him. Two reasons, she felt good there and it was hard to keep up the fake smile. She'd see through it.
"The British guy."
"Damn, I forgot to ask his name. I know a couple British Protectors. Both are capable, very good."
"Want to go out to get a bite?" She looked up at him. At once he was lost in the pools of blue. Her beautiful lips moved, probably saying something important. But the only thing he heard was the thudding of his heart and the echo of blood rushing. She had become his everything, worth every loss. As long as she and his child were safe, nothing would matter as much.
"Roderick?" She pouted and, at once, his attention came into focus. "You're ignoring me."
"Not at all. Yeah, so I didn't hear a word you said; I was too busy concentrating on your lips, your eyes, your face."
She softened, a sweet smile curving her lips. In that moment, he vowed she'd always know how much he loved her. "Never doubt how I feel about you. Promise me."
Although she gave him a curious look, she nodded. "I promise."
"Because you are the single most important thing that's ever happened to me. The greatest gift."
She dug her face into his chest and wrapped her arms around his waist. "You're going to make me cry. That is so sweet." The words were muffled, but he felt an expansion in his chest when she let out a sigh and laid her head against him. "I love you so much."
There it was, the reason for his long life. It wasn't all the bullshit with Julian or even the demon slayer gig. His soul purpose was Rachel.
"I'll love you always, for eternity."
They left a few moments later, his entire being lighter at acknowledging how he truly felt.
"How do you know if someone is a dark Fae?" Rachel asked as they strolled down a cobble-stoned street in Florence. He smiled as he'd spotted one not but a few moments earlier.
"They have a bluish tint to their skin. Humans can't see it."
She was thoughtful for a few beats. "Do you think I'll be able to see it?"
Good question, he thought. "I don't know. Probably not."
As they passed a small shop, Rachel tugged him toward it. "Let's check out the pretty pottery."
Roderick took everyone's attention. Not just because he was a tall, broad-shouldered man, but because he was drop dead gorgeous.
It was hard to look away from him. Rachel figured it was how people that dated celebrities must feel like. Their partner getting all the attention, while they were more of a backdrop.
Only a couple days left in Italy and she'd yet to bring up the subject of their marriage or ask about the bonding ceremony. Each time she wanted to bring up the subject, a part of her was hurt that he'd not asked of his own free will. After all, he was the man and as old fashioned as it seemed, she wanted him to ask her and not have to bring it up.
Now they were standing inside the small ceramic shop in which he dwarfed the space and she immediatel
y felt bad for him as he tried to maneuver about and not accidentally hit anything. "We can leave. I don't see anything I like," she lied eyeing a beautiful set of bowls.
"I think you should take your time and look about. I'll wait outside. I don't mind." He kissed her brow and left the shop, having to bend down to get through the door.
"Grosso!" the shop owner exclaimed looking relieved as Roderick walked out. "Bello." She smiled.
"Si," Rachel grinned. Her man was very bello indeed.
A few minutes later, she walked out into the bright afternoon sunshine. She'd purchased several items for her mother and Deborah, her friend, plus four bowls she planned to keep for herself. Roderick sat on a short wall that surrounded a beautiful fountain.
Something was off. Rachel wasn't sure how she knew. In spite of the cold air, there was a light sheen of perspiration on his upper lip and he wasn’t looking her in the eye, but somewhere past her right shoulder. When he swallowed hard, she swiveled and checked behind. Nothing out of the norm.
"Rod? Are you all right?"
His smile was more of a grimace and he inhaled deeply. "Yeah, why?"
"Because you look like you have a stomachache."
"Oh."
He took her packages and placed them on the short wall next to him. It could be Julian called him and offered him the job back. In exchange, Roderick would have to break up with her. If he was about to break up with her, then she'd take it with as much grace as possible. Once in the privacy of the villa, and away from him, she'd cry her eyes out.
"Is there something you have to tell me?"
He nodded and her stomach flipped. Then his face softened. Just as she was about to ask another question, her handsome man fell to his knees and held her hands up to his mouth, kissing each knuckle.
His resplendent eyes met hers. "Rachel, I love you more than you'll ever know. I can't picture continuing life without you. That you carry my child is a blessing I never expected. Make me the happiest man alive and marry me."
It was her turn to swallow. The ground swayed and she let out a breath she'd been holding. "Of course I'll marry you. I love you so much." She threw her arms around his neck and pressed kisses to his face until their mouths met. He held her hard against him, his large, strong body the warmest of refuges.
A moment later, he dug in his pocket and brought out a ring. The stone sparkled in the sunshine and, in spite of her happy tears, she noticed it was a huge pear-shaped diamond set in a simple gold setting. He slipped it on her finger and she turned to the sound of applause and clicks of pictures being taken. The woman from the ceramic store clapped, smiling widely and cried out "Bravo!"
"Let's go back to the villa and celebrate in private," Roderick whispered in her ear and she turned his face to her and kissed him again. "Not until I get some gelato. You promised me gelato."
"You sure you want gelato now? It's freezing out here."
"Yep. I have to have it. Not sure if it's a craving or that it's so good. Even the cold won't stop me." She lifted a brow at him.
"As you wish, beauty, but I think I'll find some hot, steaming coffee."
She felt bad for him. "We don't have to walk to the gelato stand. I can wait."
His eyes were so full of love, she had to blink back tears again. "Oh, you're getting it. Lots of it. I'm going to buy extra in case you want some later. Anything for you. All you have to do is ask and I will do it."
"Wow." Rachel sighed. "If this is a dream, I don't want to ever wake up."
They walked hand in hand back toward a gelato stand she'd spotted earlier. The holidays were upon them, the light breeze was crisp, and the bright decorations began lighting up as the shorter day came to an end.
Roderick glanced at her. "I love you."
She could only nod, her heart filled to overflowing.
Chapter 9
"What do you think?" Rachel asked as she stepped back from the ten-foot Christmas tree. Her face tilted up as she studied the latest of many decorations she'd placed on its branches.
"It's perfect," Roderick told her and glanced at the other two men in the room, who also nodded.
His beautiful, new wife frowned at them. "You guys keep saying that, or just nodding. Look at it, does one side have more ornaments than the other? How about the lights, are they well balanced? I don't want people to come over and it be all wonky."
"It's not wonky," Cyn said between bites of the pizza they'd ordered. "It's nice. A bit frilly, but nice."
"Frilly?" Rachel's voice rose an octave and all three of them froze.
"Now you've done it," Fallon Trent, the Brit and Cyn's new partner, muttered earning a glare from the Scot.
Roderick wanted to punch Cyn in the head, but figured it would only upset Rachel further. "We like frilly. It's good to have a female here to soften things."
"True," Cyn agreed with haste. "You make things smell good, too."
Rachel laughed and the men let out a collective breath.
For the first time in centuries, Roderick looked forward to the holidays. He was married now and had been offered a position at the local hospital. Yes, it would be strange to work with humans and somehow keep them from noticing he was different. He would have to wear contacts to keep the luminescence of his eyes hidden and pretend not to notice any dark Fae when in the presence of humans. In spite of all the adjustments, he was happy.
Leaving Rachel to continue decorating, the men went into the home office. Roderick sat at his desk, Cyn and Fallon on a couch and a chair.
"They're organizing; forming some sort of coven. Some master level Fae is taking the helm,” said Fallon Trent, an 1800s British lord, who remained every bit the dandy. Although now he dressed in modern clothing, Roderick ventured to guess every piece was exclusive designer wear.
Cyn nodded. "Yeah, dickhead and I followed some lesser ones and at dawn they traveled north toward Dahlonega. We lost them thanks to some trucker convoy." He motioned to Fallon who looked up at the ceiling.
It was bad news. They'd suspected for months something was up, but the dark Fae had kept it well hidden. Most of the trouble lately had been younger ones doing stupid stuff, not smart enough to hide. However, the rash of deaths in Atlanta lately was getting the police department's attention. Strange disappearances and reports of humans being chased by weird men, who moved so fast that they almost caught their car when driving away.
With an exhale, Roderick looked from one man to the other. "Does Julian know?"
The Brit nodded. "Yes, he is coming next week. Right now, he's dealing with a problem in Ireland. Seems the friendly Fae are calling a summit of sorts. Julian is meeting with the Queen."
Cyn went to the bar and poured a drink. "Must be related to what's happening here." He motioned to the others and both shook their heads not wanting a drink. He met Roderick's gaze. "We need you, not enough of us to fight."
As if on cue, his phone rang. It was Julian. Roderick put it on speaker. "Julian. The three of us are here in the same room," Roderick said by way of greeting.
The Roman's voice was measured. "I trust you are aware of what is happening with the dark Fae. Several high level demons have joined resources and are forming groups, small parts of a larger army. The highest leader is somewhere in Europe." Julian paused. "I am sending another protector to join you. Not enough to fight all of them. Your role is to be guardians, not fighters. Only attack when a life is in danger."
"Who are you sending?" Cyn asked, his eyes on Roderick.
"Your brother, Kieran."
"Five is not enough," Fallon said, scowling. "We need Roderick back."
"Three," Julian interrupted. "Thor and the Moor are being transferred to New York. There is a larger army forming there." It sounded as if someone came into whatever room Julian was in and he responded to whoever it was with a curt “I'll be right there”.
Julian let out a breath. "Roderick you are not to be on the street unless I direct it."
Roderick bit back a curse. Inste
ad, he replied, "Very well."
The call ended without any further conversation. They sat in the room in silence. They faced a new dynamic. Changes to the war against the dark Fae meant they'd have to be more alert.
"Guardians? What the fuck does that mean? I can't believe this shit." Cyn swallowed the amber liquid and got up to refill. "It's all kinds of fucked up."
It seemed both he and the Brit agreed as they asked for a drink this time.
Chapter 10
The wedding was simple. More of a formality as far as Roderick was concerned. They'd already bonded by immortal law.
They stood in front of the Christmas tree with only the other Protectors, Rachel's friend, Deborah, and her parents as witnesses.
The friend and Rachel’s father both slid wary glances towards the Protectors, obviously suspicious of Roderick's friends all being huge, muscular men. They'd told them both the guys were all partners in a bodyguard business, but that didn't help instill a comfortable trust in them.
Rachel was beautiful in a long, yellow, off the shoulders gown. His bride didn't wear anything in her hair, leaving the golden-brown waves to flow down her back. She held only a couple of roses. A more beautiful bride he could not imagine.
Her nervous smile made him all giddy and he leaned over and kissed her.
"Hey, wait for the whole husband and wife thing before you kiss her," Cyn said, helpful as always.
A pastor friend of Rachel's performed a quick ceremony and a few minutes later, they were husband and wife.
"Merry Christmas," Roderick whispered in her ear when he slipped a delicate band on her finger. It was the most perfect gift ever.
Rachel couldn't wait for everyone to leave. Cyn and his new partner had gone for the weekend to give them privacy, which was sweet. She walked into the bedroom and placed a vase with the roses on the dresser. Roderick's room looked totally different now. She'd added throw pillows to the bed, her perfume bottles and jewelry box adorned the top of the chest of drawers and there was a beautiful painting she'd brought from her home over the headboard.
