Rebecca knelt down with him, and placed her hands on his face. “I love you too, Gabe, it’s just--”
“No, Becks, no. For once we’re going to put us first. There will never be a better time than the present. I love you, and I want you to be my wife. Say yes. Say you’ll marry me because I know, no matter what else comes our way, no matter what challenges we will face, even if they’re mythological lords who want to kill us all, even if the prophecy comes to pass, if I have you at my side, if we’re together, we’ll always win.”
“Shut up, Gabe.” She pressed her lips to his. The kiss was tender and soft, perfect for the perfect moment. “You’re babbling.”
He opened the box to reveal a tear-shaped diamond ring. “I’ll keep babbling until you say yes because--”
“Yes, my love. Yes. I’ll marry you.”
***
Savannah
VIKTOR PACED SAVANNAH’S ROOM WHILE she changed in the bathroom into something more comfortable. It was becoming a habit with them and she was beginning to enjoy the security he offered being around. Everything about the last few weeks had been insane. She thought she’d feel better now that the real perpetrators were behind bars, but instead, the emptiness returned. The hollowness she had thought disappeared when she was preoccupied with the investigation, and all the drama surrounding their lives was simply in hiding, and now that she had nothing to focus on, she was forced to face those vacant feelings again.
She took another look in the mirror. Her blonde hair hung loose around her shoulders. She removed most of her makeup, but kept the skin lotion on. Taking a deep breath, she stepped out of the bathroom, and found Viktor had stopped pacing. He was sitting on her bed with her marriage bible in his hands.
She went to grab the book, but he was faster, and moved out of her way. “We’re going to be married soon, princess. That means no secrets.”
“But that is a book I’ve been working on for five years. Some of that is useless material. I’ve changed a lot and…”
He gave her a playful grin, and kissed her lips. “I think this is adorable. You are adorable. But I don’t think I want doves flying up when we kiss.”
“Yeah, like I said, useless material.” She sat down on the bed.
“I’d really like to be part of the planning for this, Savannah. I know my family wants the wedding to be at our estate in Italy.”
“Italy?” She’d never imagined she’d get married in Italy. Then again, she never thought she’d be marrying a prince.
“Would you mind?”
“I’d love that. But don’t you think we should decide on a date first?”
Viktor pulled out his digital planner, punched a few buttons, and handed her the electronic. “Pick a date and I’ll make it work.”
“Tomorrow?”
“If we’re getting married at the castle, we’ll need at least two months’ leeway.”
“Okay, two months from now.”
“Agreed.” He picked up the phone and dialed a number. “Yes, two months from now. Have Jocelyn put together some ideas, and call Savannah in the morning. Yes, thank you.” He hung up the phone and kissed Savannah on the lips. “We’re all set.” He stood up, and headed toward the door, “I had a great time tonight.”
Savannah climbed under the sheets. “I did too.” She never imagined a great time for her would be watching the bad guys be put away for attempted genocide and her sister, Miracle, being banished from our family but things change when you become a vampire.
He twisted the handle of the door. “I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Savannah sighed. “Viktor?”
“Yes?”
“Will you hold me?” she asked. When he touched her, the empty void seemed to be easier to handle, almost disappeared.
“I don’t think--”
“I’m not going to beg, but we are going to be married in two months, and I told you I wanted it all. That means the messy, emotional stuff too.”
He pulled his hand from the door knob, and took off his tie and suit jacket before he sat down to slip off his shoes. Without another word, he climbed into bed with her, and pulled her against his body, back to chest. “You are a very unique woman, Savvy. I think I’m going to enjoy getting to know you better.”
She snuggled closer to him. “Ditto, my prince.”
***
Hunter
THE POWER PASSED THROUGH CATHERINE, Elizabeth, and Hunter as the spell finished, and locked into place. “It’s done,” Catherine said. “Now anyone wishing harm on those living in the compound won’t be able to pass the property line.”
“That was one powerful spell, Hunter. If you’re tired, you may want to rest a while.” Elizabeth’s kind voice washed over him. There was something to be said about a mother’s love.
“Thanks, mom, grandma, but I’m fine. I’m just glad everyone in the compound is safe. I’m afraid we may have made a few enemies with the way the trial ended.”
“Yes, you have,” Catherine agreed, “but you’ve also made some strong allies.”
“Hopefully, those allies will be able to help us find all these siblings we have.” Hunter ran a hand through his blond hair. “Especially if there is more danger on the horizon.”
Elizabeth nodded. “Maverick is also working on investigating some leads with the COS. We’ll figure out the sibling situation as soon as possible, and see where it takes us.”
“And Xander?” Hunter asked. “I still can’t believe he’s related to us.”
“He’s a powerful ally. The Matthews and Winters’ family lines are strong. All of your siblings, including you, Savvy, and Rebecca have the potential to be just as formidable.” Catherine patted him on the back. “For now, I think it’s best we all rest up. Everything is wrapped up for now. The family is protected, and we have a plan to find the rest of your siblings, but there are more challenges coming.”
“Do you think we can get Savvy and Rebecca married before more conflict comes our way?” Hunter looked hopeful.
“That may be wishful thinking, but it is a good goal for now.” Elizabeth hugged her son.
Note from the Author
Thank you for reading Fire Master Rising, the third book in the Winters Saga. I had planned this to be a trilogy, but as I worked through tying up all the loose ends, a new story developed, and opened the opportunity to continue on with at least one more book. Please take a moment, and post a review of this book on Amazon, and while you’re there, check out all my other series.
The plan is to have the fourth book in the Winters Saga published by the end of 2016 or early 2017. Join my reader’s group on Facebook, and sign up for my newsletter here. Thank you again for reading. Have a fantastic day~
Fire Master Rising Page 19