FOREVER KNIGHTS: #16 To Keep Her

Farthington Hall, Paladines

SEBASTIAN

When Elsabet left a ball in MidGale City a sevennight later, she was relaxing in her carriage. Dwelling on what Savage Jaxson had said to her.

Restless after a long night of being unable to sleep, unable to take the form of the valkyrie that would’ve offered her comfort, for fear of someone seeing her in that shape.

And endless memories of the man who’d accosted her at the ball. The man she’d shared a beautiful daughter with.

The man she’d spent countless breakfasts and dinners eating across from.

The one that had taken her dancing in his own ballroom to minstrels he created with the flick of a hand.

The man who’d given her everything but the one thing that could’ve saved her daughter’s life.

Her freedom.

The coach was cold and lonely. She’d opted to send her chaperone home in a separate carriage, so she’d not have to listen to her prattle.

Now she sighed. Slumping against the plush red cushion she wrapped her arms around herself.

“I could warm you.” His honeyed voice entered her mind. She jerked to the side furthest the door as it was wrenched open. Carriage still in motion and her driver oblivious.

He slid in, long coat waving around him.

“Sebastian! How’d you find me?”

“I never lost you.”

She gave him a long look.

“I’ve known your every movement since last night. How can I determine what it is you are searching for or that you are safe if I’m not watching you?”

She blinked at him.

“Does it disturb you?”

She didn’t answer. In truth it did not.

“As I said,” He outstretched his arms. “I could warm you. You recall how heated my body is when you are near?”

“I recall your ardor if that is what you are hinting at.”

“I hint at nothing. I’d be happy to show you…” His eyes flashed gold in the blackness of the carriage in full dark. “Again.”

“Is that what you’ve come for Sebastian?”

“No.” His face fell. “I came for my mate.”

“If I recall we were never wed.”

“Would you want to be?”

She stared at him in shock. Her eyes roving his face.

He said those all-familiar words. “Look hard, Lover. Look all you wish. There’s no deception in my face.”

“What about in your intentions?”

“None.” His lips whitened. “I want you. I’ve never implied otherwise. I want your heart, your mind, your body. Next to me, always. And more that would only incite your anger were I to speak the words.”

Confusion was written over her face before her jaw hardened. “Words of children.”

“I’d give you more. Many as you’d ever wish for.”

“I want the one I had.”

“The one we both loved.” He corrected.

“The beautiful girl I tried to save.” Her voice broke.

“Then take it out on me. Harm me. Hurt me. I can take your rage.”

“You mean turn to talons and teeth and shred you?” Her eyes narrowed.

“Whatever it would take to assuage the wrong I’ve done you.”

“There is nothing that would assuage my pain.” She turned her head slowly to stare out the opposite window. Effectually dismissing him.

“Then use me as you’d see fit?” He offered. Opening his arms wide again.

“To what end?” She gave him a sideways glance.

“For comfort, warmth, anything…”

“What comfort would I need from you?”

“You are a grieving mother. A wonderful mother. A kindhearted woman that had poured her love uninhibitedly into one tiny perfect being. A being that was taken from her.”

“With no salvation from you.”

“I came!” He roared. Slapping a hand to his chest.

“Not fast enough!” She shouted back. “I could’ve-”

“I know!” He shouted in anguish. “I know what I have done. I understand what it has cost us both. What I’ve done to you. I’d spend an eternity working to make amends to you. Earning your forgiveness. Enduring your rage. Comforting your heartaches. Anything you’d ever need from me I’d give you.”

“Words are easy to say…”

“Not to me. I’m warm, solid, filled with unending love for you.”

“Her eyes slid sideways to him.”

“If me leaving is truly what you want, I will go.” He whispered against every desire within his body.

She said nothing. Did not move.

He opened the carriage door and moved to go but she caught the back of his coat and yanked him back into the seat.

Before he could react, she’d launched herself into his lap. Tucking under his arm and into his coat. Huddling against his chest. He held her. Cradling her like a child as he dropped his chin to her forehead.

He projected his warmth for her to consume. Lent her the strength of his arms. She sobbed into him. Her body racked with the weight of grief.

He showered her forehead with soft kisses. He held her until the carriage arrived in-front of her rented house.