He held her hand and squeezed his eyes. 'I love you, my darling. I will always love you.'
The full moon began to rise, filtering in its glow through the window. The drapes were drawn and Drago stared at the sky, his hand tightening around Eve's. This was what she had been afraid of, this moment, the rise of the full moon.
He looked down at her face and swallowed hard. 'You were never going to turn into your father. Your heart has always been strong, your passion for all life honourable.' A tear slid down his cheek and he brushed it away. 'Evil preys on the weak, my darling, and you were never weak. My beautiful, Eve,' he continued, his tone thick with grief.
He squeezed his eyes and raised his head, drawing in a long, shaky breath. He had to leave her now. He had to say goodbye. Slowly, he opened his eyes and stared at the white orb rising high in the midnight sky. He threw back his head and howled long and loud, releasing all the pain and grief wracking his body.
When he fell silent, he lowered his gaze to Eve and stared at her face for the last time.
Suddenly, her eyelids flew open and he froze, staring at her amber eyes. 'Dear God!' he rasped. 'Eve!'
Her eyes turned red before returning to their blue. She stared at him with confusion.
'What happened?' she asked, her voice faint.
His heart soared to the heavens and with shaky hands, he cupped her face gently, lowering his head and kissing her. 'You came back to me,' he said gruffly. 'I love you. My God, I love you so much.'
Her expression softened and she took his hands and clasped them against her breast. Slowly she smiled up at him, her eyes glistening.
'I love you, too, Drago.'
He would tell her later, regarding the colour of her eyes, and how she was now Lycan
Epilogue
'Why are you smiling?' Vasilis asked.
'I know there is a war on our horizon with Balkathan, but at this moment, I am very content. I am happy,' Drago said.
He watched his son glance at Alexandra, Eve and Katya. 'The women are getting along well,' Vasilis remarked.
'They have a lot in common. They learned their art of combat with the same people. No doubt they are looking forward to practicing their skills with each other.'
'Eve's daughter is very pretty,' Vasilis mentioned as he glanced at Malek, his chief guard who was standing silently beside them.
'Yes,' Drago agreed. He immediately knew what his son was up to. 'Malek, go speak with her. Get to know her before your trip tomorrow. Engage in conversation. Look, she is glancing your way.'
Malek's face was grim. 'She was in Balkathan's lair for two years. I'm not so willing to trust the wench until I know for certain she is one of us.'
Drago raised a brow. 'She has offered to take us where he hides. We need to scout the area before our attack.'
'She offered to take us there for battle or ambush?' Malek replied. 'There is something about her I fear. I cannot place my finger on it, but I look upon her and feel…tense.'
Drago stared at his royal guard curiously. 'Aye, I know that feeling,' he began quietly. 'I felt it with Eve and my son felt it with Alexandra.'
Malek visibly stiffened. 'I beg your pardon, Your Highness, but it is suspicion I feel, not passion.'
'I have assigned you as her personal guard. You will guard her with your life and make sure nothing happens to her. The queen has only agreed to this trip under the condition my best warrior guarantees Katya's safe return.'
'Aye, Your Highness,' Malek said.
Drago knew Malek wasn't pleased and he hid a smile. Malek was like a son to him, like a brother to Vasilis and he understood where his Chief Guard drew his concern. He was their strongest and bravest Lycan Warrior and he would die protecting them.
Drago brought his goblet up to his mouth and drank some ale, his gaze resting on his new queen.
Eve had left the women and was talking to Ariel, Alexandra's little sister, and Becca who were both seated on his throne. She said something to the little girls and they both giggled.
His heart filled with fierce love.
* * * *
Katya couldn't concentrate on what the princess was saying to her. She was too furious with the Lycan Warrior who stood proud and arrogant, filling the king and prince with doubts about her loyalty.
How dare he imply she was a spy! She was dying to march up to him and tell him she didn't need him to protect her on their assignment, but she refrained. Her mother had agreed to the trip on the one condition the king's best warrior looked after her daughter.
She tensed her mouth. Well, the arrogant Lycan Warrior was going to find out soon enough she didn't need anyone to look after her.
Coming soon: Lycan Warrior
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