“Meant what?” she asked, feeling awkward under Nellis’ gaze.
“That I still treasure you above all others. Truth is, I have been in love with you from the moment I saw you ten years ago. And that never changed. Even when you took your little unscheduled break,” Nellis professed.
Addi found herself speechless. She just stared at him, with her mouth slightly agape.
Nellis chuckled softly and placed a hand softly upon her cheek. “I should have followed you. I should have told you how much I love you, but I didn’t. And that is my life’s biggest regret. Now, I’ll follow sonny and his princess into danger tomorrow. What I will not do, however, is add to my regrets. I’ll not fail again to tell you how special you are to me,” he promised tenderly.
Addi’s heart fluttered, and her mind raced.
“Addi, you are the love of my life. And if you choose to give me another chance, I promise I will make sure you always know that,” he vowed, leaning close to Addi.
She wanted to say “yes” or something… anything. Instead, all she could do was nod.
“I will take that as a ‘yes,’” he replied, before pulling her close and kissing her deeply. He sat back a bit from her and stood up from his chair. “So, lass… would you care to enjoy the remainder of your evening with your fiancé? Perhaps somewhere a bit more private?” Nellis proposed while extending his hand to Addi.
Addi thought for a moment and then took Nellis’ hand. Smiling as she followed him to his bedroom.
Chapter 40
Wyatt opened his eyes and caught the smell of breakfast cooking. “Damn you, Nellis. Not letting me sleep in, I see,” he complained while smiling. Well, tricks on you. Little do you realize I already have something more tempting than your cooking, he thought as he closed his eyes again and pulled Nev close before falling back asleep.
Nev made soft noises as she fought to stay asleep. Finally giving in, she opened her eyes slowly. Despite what she knew they would face today, she had slept better than she ever remembered. Wyatt, a warm room, and a real bed were apparently the key to her getting an idyllic night’s sleep. She snuggled up close to him and buried her face against his chest. Nev listened to his heartbeat and breath for several long minutes. I will keep you safe today and make it right, I promise, she thought. As she heard him start to wake, she found herself gazing at him. Feeling blissful, she played with a curl that lay across his temple.
Wyatt looked down and saw the contented look on her face. “Well, well… I think someone has finally become a morning person,” he said, grinning and kissing her lightly.
“If this is what mornings are like, then perhaps I have misjudged them,” she pondered as she closed her eyes and burrowed up against him.
He laughed softly as he watched her. “You are adorable,” he noted affectionately.
She nuzzled his chest for a moment before resting her head against it. Letting out a long sigh before closing her eyes for a moment.
Wyatt played with the hair that lay along the side of her face. “It is going to work, you know. It will all be alright. I promise,” he whispered, continuing to run his fingers gently through the hair that had escaped her loose braid.
Nev nodded against his chest. “I know it will. It doesn’t mean I am in a hurry to meet it, though,” she said softly.
“Yes. Well, you and I have kept this particular piece of destiny waiting already. It wouldn’t be polite to reschedule again,” Wyatt replied, kissing the top of her head.
“True enough,” she whispered. Suddenly Nev felt her anxiety surge, and her eyes swelled with tears.
“Hey, come here,” Wyatt urged. He sat up and pulled Nev close to him and held her tight.
“I know it will work, and I know we have to, but… I’m still scared,” Nev said, her voice trembling.
Wyatt squeezed her tightly and then moved so he could see her face. He cupped her hands in his and leaned until his forehead touched hers. “You are not alone anymore. I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere. Remember, I made a promise to not let go—and I’m not breaking it today,” he reassured her tenderly.
Nev sniffed back her tears and nodded. “I love you,” she whispered.
“And I love you. And that is why we will not fail,” Wyatt said, kissing her deeply. He then climbed out of bed and pulled Nev to her feet. He helped her get her chainmail shirt on and attached her cloak for her. After making sure they both had all of their belongings secured, he grabbed her hand and squeezed it. “Time to go,” he pronounced, smiling at her.
Addi and Nellis were already finishing up breakfast and starting to prepare their gear. Nellis offered to fix a plate for Nev, but she politely refused and headed outside alone.
“She okay?” Addi asked, sounding concerned.
“Yeah, she is alright. She wants this chapter of her life to end. This prowler has been hunting her for twenty years. Nev watched him burn her father alive when she was only ten years old. She is facing a lot more than just Sagrine today. There are a lot of demons waiting for her out there as well,” Wyatt explained, staring out the window at Nev before looking back at his sister.
Addi glanced at the ground before finding her brother’s gaze. “It is good she isn’t alone anymore. Nellis and I will have your backs. And we are ready whenever you two are,” Addi assured, giving her brother a quick hug.
Wyatt grabbed a
