Kaitlin's Tale
Page 29
“I burnt out,” Matthew said.
“I suggest that we try to keep that information within the inner circle,” Caroline said. “It’s important that we know, but it might help overall confidence in our organization if it’s not common knowledge.”
“I agree,” Linda Eagle said.
“Me too,” Evan said. He looked Matthew straight in the eyes. “We need you. No one else here can do what you do. If all you need is magic, I think we can support you.”
Matthew studied Evan for a moment, still wishing he knew what was in the other man’s mind. He still had a sample of his blood, nestled away in his lab where no one knew it existed. He hadn’t thought of it much since he’d lost his magic, and doubted it was important any longer. Now, suddenly, he felt ashamed that he had it at all; he made a quick promise to destroy it the first chance he got. A promise he reaffirmed with Evan’s next words.
“I think it’s time to forget the past,” Evan said. “We’ve got a future to build together. Alexander’s losing control, partly because people are afraid and partly, I suspect, because his blood supply is gone and he can’t enforce calm. So what’s next?”
Matthew had ideas. Lots of ideas. He had shared them with Robert, thinking his younger brother would take them and run with them, but instead he shared them himself. The others asked questions, made suggestions, and would be an integral part of implementation, but they looked to him as a leader.
They talked for five hours, the longest meeting on record, and then they agreed to reconvene the next morning. They had a lot of work ahead, and there was no time for delay.
Matthew said good night to everyone near midnight, still feeling a little dazed. His mother was the last to leave. She kissed him on the cheek and whispered, “Don’t let that one go,” before slipping into the night.
That’s when Matthew realized Kaitlin was still there. She wrung her hands nervously, but she stayed put. Matthew closed the door, his heart swelling at the sight of her there, in his home, of her own free will.
She loved him. He knew it for a fact. And he would never be able to doubt it. His mother had been right: he did need a woman he couldn’t coerce.
“I see you moved back into your own home,” Kaitlin said nervously.
“Mom kicked me out after you left yesterday. You were busy.”
Her face went red but she still looked him in the eyes defiantly. I had to tell them the truth.
“I’m not mad,” Matthew said. “Surprised by how well it went, but not mad. Never mad.”
“Oh.”
He stepped closer, feeling her pounding heart echo his own. “You just got one thing wrong.”
“What’s that?” Kaitlin asked.
“In the end, I didn’t sacrifice my magic for the cause.”
“You didn’t?”
He shook his head. “I think I would have recovered from the exhaustion of the escape. It was my confrontation with Xavier that tipped me over the edge. Honestly, I could have used him, but he was going to kill you, and I just couldn’t let that happen.”
Kaitlin’s eyes looked like twin saucers as she stared at him in utter disbelief. “Why?” I’m not worth that.
“I don’t regret it,” Matthew said.
“Yes, you do. You didn’t come out of your parents’ house for a month!”
“I was depressed. I still am. This is going to take some time and I’m not perfect, but not for one single second have I thought that I should have made the other choice.”
“Oh.”
Kaitlin’s eyes started welling with tears. Matthew drew her into his arms and crushed her against his body, needing the feel of her against him.
“I love you,” Matthew said.
“You do?”
“Yes, I do. And I know you love me too, flaws and all.”
“I’m a mess,” Kaitlin said. “I really am. Oh I want this to be perfect and romantic but...” I’m not ready for forever yet.
“It is perfect and romantic.” Matthew drew her away and brushed a tear from her face. “I don’t plan to let you go, Kaitlin. If you’re not ready for a ring yet, then we’ll wait until you are. But I’m going to be there by your side.”
“Me too.”
Matthew leaned down and brushed a kiss against her lips. “Where’s Jay?” he asked.
“With Hideyuki. He mentioned that he’d be willing to keep him all night if I needed him to.” She looked up at him. “Will I need him to?”
“Definitely.” Matthew took her hand and guided her down the hallway to the master bedroom where he planned to spend the entire night thanking God for bringing her into his life. He had never expected someone like Kaitlin to be a part of his future, but now that he truly knew her, he never planned to let her go.
THE END
About the author
Christine Amsden has been writing science fiction and fantasy for as long as she can remember. She loves to write and it is her dream that others will be inspired by this love and by her stories. Speculative fiction is fun, magical, and imaginative but great speculative fiction is about real people defining themselves through extraordinary situations. Christine writes primarily about people and it is in this way that she strives to make science fiction and fantasy meaningful for everyone.
At the age of 16, Christine was diagnosed with Stargardt’s Disease, a condition that affects the retina and causes a loss of central vision. She is now legally blind, but has not let this slow her down or get in the way of her dreams.
Christine currently lives in the Kansas City area with her husband, Austin, who has been her biggest fan and the key to her success. They have two beautiful children, Drake and Celeste.
http://www.christineamsden.com/
Cassie Scot Mystery series
Cassie Scot: ParaNormal Detective Book 1
Secrets and Lies Book 2
Mind Games Book 3
Stolen Dreams Book 4
Other novels by Christine
Kaitin’s Tale
Madison’s Song
The Immortality Virus (SF suspense)
Touch of Fate (paranormal suspense)