The Royal Hunter

by Donna Kauffman

  And then the idea hit her that she could try again to connect with them. At best it would give her some idea of Baleweg’s success. She tried to sit up, but the wave of nausea and little twinkly lights blinking in front of her eyes drove her right back onto her pillow.

  That was out of the question. At least for now. She stared at the ceiling, letting the totality of the experience finally filter in. Not the specific feelings, but the overall effect it had had on her. She marveled that she’d done it, but also shrank away from the toll it had taken. She didn’t think any amount of training or discipline would make that an easier ordeal. She’d done the wise thing in choosing the career path that she had. Veterinary medicine would have destroyed her for certain.

  A strange peace settled over her then. And she realized it was the last of the guilt leaving her. She hadn’t let them down, or herself. She wasn’t a healer. Not in her time, or in her mother’s. And yet, as an empath, she had made a difference, she had saved lives. Many of them. Perhaps even Catriona’s and the baby’s.

  The baby.

  Her stomach clutched and her head throbbed anew. Baleweg had promised he’d let her know. She clung to that. If … if Catriona hadn’t survived the birth, then what was to be done with her son? Talia was his only living relative. Well, if you could call living several hundred years before his birth a living relative.

  The headache pummeling her worsened and she had to let the whole train of thought go. There was nothing she could do at this point but wait. And worry.

  No worries. She heard Archer’s voice so clearly in her mind, her gaze shot to the door, half expecting him to be standing there. Seeing it empty only underscored just how empty she felt without him. Her heart ached. They hadn’t even said good-bye to one another. “Please just be okay,” she whispered.

  Ringer bobbed his head again.

  Talia tried to smile, tried to take that as a positive sign. Who knew, maybe the little shifter could feel things, too. In the end, the smile wobbled as tears tracked down her cheeks anyway. It was over. She was home. “Alone.”

  Ringer hopped off her footboard and pecked at her toe, making her yelp. “Hey! Okay. Not alone. Jeez.”

  He stretched his long wings, shook them, then refolded them. His owlish stare was unwavering.

  “Of course,” she said softly. “He’ll come back for you.” Then she shut her eyes tightly. “But what will he do about me?” Could she stand seeing him again, only to watch him walk away? No.

  Yes. Yes, if it meant seeing for herself that he was healthy and whole. Yes, if it meant being held by him, kissed by him, one more time. Even if it was a good-bye kiss. She needed that. They deserved at least that.

  When Talia awoke the next time, it was with the knowledge that she’d been dreaming. Dreaming of Archer and their time together. She looked about the room, but didn’t see Ringer. It was very late, shadows were deep. Her stomach growled loudly. Surely that was a good sign.

  But where was Ringer?

  She didn’t like the spurt of panic that shot through her. There was a desperate feel to it, as if Ringer were her only insurance and without him … No, no, she couldn’t do this to herself. She’d already pinned far too much to Ringer’s presence. She was going to have to get on with her life. Alone.

  Just then a black furry thing leaped up and landed on her chest. She shrieked and batted at it, sending it flying toward her feet. Only when it rolled and landed on its feet, staring back at her with yellow eyes that were somehow familiar, did she realize. “Jesus, Ringer.” She blew out a deep breath. “We’re going to have to talk about this.”

  She sank back on her pillow, willing her heart to settle down. When it did, she realized she felt a tiny bit better. Not great by any stretch, but not as shaky. Maybe if she took things very slowly, she could make it to the bathroom. And if that went well, downstairs for some warm tea and toast. Actually, what she wanted was a huge steak and an ice-cold beer. But since her stomach recoiled violently even at the thought, she figured she’d have to settle for toast.

  She very carefully rolled to a sitting position. And that was as far as she got for a good five minutes. That was how long it took for the cold sweats to go away. She considered calling the phone in the kennel office and asking Stella for help. But she wasn’t up to explaining anything.

  What would she say? What could she say? The whole thing had been an amazing adventure. But adventures were only fun for a while. She admitted then that she was thankful to be home. This was where she belonged. She wasn’t the type to live for adventure. Not like Archer.

  “Well, that was depressing.”

  She already knew that they weren’t destined to be together, but she really didn’t want further proof at the moment, thank you. So she blessedly shut down the whole avenue of thought and put all her concentration on what was of utmost importance to her right now. Getting to the bathroom.

  A week passed and Talia had almost regained her full strength. She still tired easily, but she was back at work, glad to be around Stella. Everyone at the Lodge had sent over get-well cards filled with notes on all kinds of herbal and holistic remedies, along with a casserole they’d made in cooking class and some handmade tissue-paper flowers. She’d been so touched she’d cried for an hour. But she cried easily these days. She blamed it on her illness, but she knew it was more than that.

  Archer’s absence from her life was still like a living thing inside her. It wasn’t going away, it wasn’t dulling with time. And it didn’t help that Stella looked at her with such sorrow in her eyes.

  Talia had had to fabricate a huge story about her sudden return, a return that had left her truck in the city. She had ended up telling them that they hadn’t had such a wonderful time and she’d come down with a bug and taken a taxi home. Stella had been crushed that their romance hadn’t worked out. She’d been so certain, she told Talia. Talia had finally all but begged her to not mention it anymore. So now she just got those looks instead. Not much of an improvement, but at least she didn’t have to talk about him.

  She stood on the front porch and waved good-bye as Stella and Tugger, along with one of her parttimers, left for the day. They’d brought her truck back for her, saving her the drive, which she still wasn’t really up to.

  Talia scanned the area for Ringer. She could always tell it was him, whatever form he took. The eyes were always the giveaway. Fortunately he seemed to understand she was the only one he could reveal his true nature to. She had lived in mortal fear the first week or so that he’d change in front of Stella or one of her other workers.

  There was no sign of him at the moment, so she went inside, fixed a cup of Miss Helen’s Revitalizing Rutabaga and Rosehip Tea, which was actually quite good, then found herself wandering down to the kennels. Stella had taken in a rescue during her brief absence and Talia had found herself taking over full care for the little guy. Something about him had tugged at her right from the first … and she’d given in to it rather than throwing up her usual barriers. This morning was the first time the pup had shown the beginnings of trust. She smiled now just thinking about it.

  She let herself in quietly and stopped several feet away, not wanting him to see her, just wanting to observe. He was a shy one, usually staying in the back of his run when anyone walked by. But she’d observed that he was somewhat more confident with the other dogs, even defending his area with a swagger and occasional growl or yip. Since he was all of ten pounds, this was amusing—as well as being a very good sign. His will hadn’t been totally beaten into submission.

  Her heart tugged when she thought about the connections she’d made with him, the pain he was still recovering from. Any other time she’d have stepped back, protected herself. But she simply couldn’t with this one. Or maybe she just didn’t want to.

  Her persistence and patience had paid off this morning. He hadn’t slunk back when she approached. He hadn’t come closer, but he hadn’t run. Right now he was wrestling a knotted piece of denim into sub
mission. Another good sign. Work out those frustrations, little guy. Talia smiled. He’d take some time, but he’d make it. They both would. She felt her eyes burn as she came to the decision she’d known she’d been approaching all week.

  It was time. Talia Trahaern was going to adopt her first pet. “You and me, tough guy,” she said softly, thrilled and not a little apprehensive about her decision. It was the right one, she knew. She’d learned that giving her heart might be scary, but the rewards were so great it was worth the risk. She stepped closer to the pup, wishing she could scoop him up right now and pour out some of the love she had building up like a wave inside her.

  The pup looked up from his rag with wary eyes. But he didn’t move. “Yeah, that’s it.” She stayed where she was, just letting him get used to smelling her. “I guess I should figure out what to name you.”

  “Fella goes on walkabout for a week and he’s replaced by a dog.”

  Talia’s heart came to a complete stop. Her stomach leaped up to take its place. And the room might have actually tilted. Certainly she was hearing things. He couldn’t be—She whirled around. “Devin!”

  Grinning, bold as life. “In the flesh.”

  All her fantasies of what she’d do, how she’d act, what she’d say, how she’d protect herself, her heart, if he ever came back, were rendered useless. She had already launched herself into his arms. And thanked God when he wrapped his arms tightly around her.

  “I can’t believe it. It’s really you,” she said, breathless.

  His eyes squeezed shut. He said nothing, just held her, very tightly. Talia clung to him, still reeling from the shock of seeing him again. And was thankful beyond words that he needed to hold her as much as she needed to hold him. They’d sort the rest out later. Just as soon as they could let each other go.

  Finally he shifted her back enough so he could look at her. Surprisingly, there were tears in his eyes. She laughed, because there were tears in hers, too.

  “You’re okay.” They both spoke at the same time, then both laughed and nodded.

  “Baleweg told me what you did, Tali. You scared me to death.”

  “Saved your life,” she shot back, but her grin disappeared. “What … what happened? Baleweg promised he’d let me know, but I’d begun to think the worst.”

  “Did you?” There was worry and concern in his eyes. “That’s the part I hated the most. But there were things we had to do and I wanted to answer all your questions when I did come. I hated leaving you here, not knowing. I’d hoped maybe you just … knew. I’ve spent every moment of every day thinking about you, hoping you were somehow connecting to that.”

  “I … I wanted to. At first I couldn’t. Then, as I got stronger again … well, I guess I was just … I was afraid of what I’d feel.” She pulled the blue orb from her pocket and laughed self-consciously. “I carry this around all the time; it makes me feel closer to you.” She finally shrugged and looked away. “Baleweg promised and I figured if he never came back, that would be my answer.”

  He pulled her back to face him. “Tali, I’m sorry we worried you.”

  “It’s okay, you’re here now.” She steeled herself. “So, please, tell me. I have to know. What happened? Catriona?” She swallowed hard. “The baby?”

  “She’s going to be okay. You should know that much, it was you who got her through childbirth.” He stroked her face. “You have a nephew, Talia. You saved his life, and your sister’s.”

  “She’s okay?” Talia grabbed his shoulders. “But how?” She felt as if her whole being had been lit up from the inside. “I have a nephew?” she whispered in awe.

  “Trevor is a right fine little man. We’re mates. Only fair since I helped pull the little battler into this world.” His eyes reflected his own awe. “It’s a miracle, Tali, seeing a child be born.”

  “Trevor.” Talia stilled. “Oh, my God.” She had a nephew. She hugged Archer tightly with the sheer thrill of it. “And you were there!”

  He hugged her back just as tightly. “We were both there, Talia. We were both there.”

  She pulled back. “Is Baleweg okay?”

  “There’s much to tell you. He and Emrys—”

  “Emrys! What did he do? I tried to connect, tried to help—”

  “You did, Talia. He’s … well, I can’t describe the odd bond that ties the two, they are so different. And yet, seeing them in the same room …” He shuddered. “It was the oddest thing. Emrys is younger but the spitting image of the old man when you look at him, especially the eyes.”

  “But, you can’t mean … surely you did something to make certain he—”

  “I did my best to make them see they were set to destroy one another and I think they understood that. Emrys is more like a spoiled child who was trying to get attention and Baleweg was the father figure who didn’t have the first idea how to provide that attention. They’re … working on it.” He didn’t look any more convincing than he sounded.

  Talia was more than a little dubious. “They’re working on it. Together.”

  Archer shrugged. “At least he can keep tabs on him this way. I can’t tell you more than that.”

  She shuddered. “I’m not sure I want to know.”

  Archer nodded, clearly feeling the same.

  “So, where is he now?”

  “Last I heard, he’s stayed at court. He personally escorted Niall, Catriona, and the baby.”

  “Niall?”

  “Long story. He’s a Nordic prince, the father of the baby, and he’s the one who found the cure for Catriona. Actually, believe it or not, it was Emrys who led him to it.”

  She stopped dead. “Emrys?”

  “Not with the intention of actually helping, mind you. He’d only done it to lure Niall into his plan to get close enough to the queen to take her.”

  She opened her mouth, at least a dozen different questions on her tongue, then stopped and held up her hand. “I’m sure you’ll explain all this to me, but right now I’m having a hard enough time imagining Baleweg willingly going to court.” Talia put her hand on his arm. “Just tell me Emrys is not with him because no matter what—”

  “Not to worry there. They’ve reached a certain … understanding. Emrys isn’t too fond of the wee screaming ones at any rate.” Archer pulled her back into his arms. “Baleweg has handled it. Trust in him, Tal.”

  She nodded, but was not completely convinced. “So,” she said at length. “Baleweg is at court.” She shook her head, pushing out the worry and letting the much-needed joy swell inside her.

  “Pain in the ass he is, too. Stubborn, autocratic, thinks he knows everything about—” He broke off as Talia started laughing. “What?”

  “Takes one to know one,” she said, beaming up at him.

  Archer opened his mouth, then closed it.

  Talia just kept grinning. She didn’t think she’d ever be able to stop. She couldn’t even speak. The joy of simply standing here, staring at him, listening to him, was overwhelming. No matter what happened next, right now everything was perfect in her world. He was okay. They were all okay.

  Archer looked concerned. “Sweetheart, don’t take this the wrong way, but you look as if a band of fairies could knock you over. Maybe I should get you to the house.”

  “But—”

  “No buts. I promise I’ll tell you every single detail of what happened.”

  “I just wanted to tell you. About Ringer.”

  “Ah, yes, about that. Baleweg’s idea. I know you mustn’t have been too—”

  She shushed him with a kiss. “It was the best present he could have given me. A living, breathing connection to you. Proof that I didn’t dream the whole thing up.” She smiled. “He does take some getting used to. But I guess you could say we’re mates.”

  Archer scooped her up in his arms and whirled her about. “Well, all is fine in my world, then. The family of Devin Archer is now whole and complete.”

  Talia laughed, not minding that her head was spin
ning. Then his words sank in. “What exactly do you mean?”

  He let her feet slide to the ground and looked into her eyes. “I mean what I said. My family is complete.” His expression sobered. Except for the passion in his dark eyes. She felt the thrill of it down to her toes. “I know I took too long in coming back and I regret the worry I caused you. But I didn’t want to come until I could—” He broke off, then blurted, “I knew I’d botch this.”

  She didn’t know what to say, or even what he meant.

  “You know, this isn’t at all how I planned this.”

  She was so touched by his obvious distress but she couldn’t help the dry smile that curved her lips. “You? Planned?”

  He pretended to look offended. “I’ll have you know I’ve spent long hours planning this very moment.”

  Her mouth tilted up, but she knew she was going to cry.

  “Oh, no, we’ll have none of that. Wait, wait.”

  She sniffed through her smile. “What is it I’m waiting for?”

  He scooped her up again, carried her outside, and almost tripped over something. Swearing colorfully, he maintained his hold on her and barely got his balance back.

  She looked down. “What is that?” Just outside the kennel door was her backpack, another larger one, three duffel bags, and several oddly shaped cases. “I, um, packed. Just a few things.”

  Talia did cry then, even as she laughed outright at the color that crept into his cheeks. “Just some stuff, huh?”

  “Yeah.” He dried her tears with his fingertip. “Do you think you’re feeling well enough for a short walk?”

  Right at that moment, Talia was fairly certain she could fly if she put her mind to it. She nodded.

  Archer let her slide to her feet. “Wait just one moment.” He turned and dug into her pack, then came back with Beatrice’s hat in his hands. “Here.” He plopped it on her head. “I’ve actually dreamt of you wearing that horrible thing.” He hoisted another pack on his back, took her hand, then said, “What the hell,” and scooped her back into his arms.