by Rae Rivers
The witch she was duty-bound to defend. Her entire being was connected to her, to them all.
And because of them, since returning to Rapid Falls a few months ago, Jenna had realised there was more to life – the balance – than simply fighting for it.
They carried the responsibilities and burden of their birthrights without question or resentment. A duty they’d embraced. But there was more. They had each other.
Jenna’s throat tightened as she looked at Kate and Sienna. Her gaze drifted to Declan and Archer, settling on Ethan.
Her love for him had surprised her. She knew they faced more battles and challenges that came with protecting two powerful witches. But she loved him. More than she ever thought she could love someone.
He was her friend, her lover. Her partner.
As if he sensed her watching him, he looked up, his gaze finding hers. A boyish grin curled his lips into one of those beautiful smiles she adored. He looked relaxed, happy, his eyes filled with quiet satisfaction.
The photographer lowered her camera and waved at Kate and Jenna. “Now for a photo of the whole family.”
****
Ethan slid his arms around Jenna and kissed her cheek, savouring the feel of her. She settled against him, owning the space that belonged to her.
He grinned at the thought, knowing he’d never hold another woman the way he held her. Loved her.
She tilted her head, laughing as he delivered a soft kiss to her lips. He became vaguely aware of the photographer clicking away.
She eventually lowered the camera, checked the images on the screen, her lips twitching into a grin. “I think I’m done here.”
“Thank God,” Declan drawled in exaggerated relief. “Time for a whiskey.”
“Make that two,” Archer said.
“And champagne for us,” Sienna added as Jenna and Kate adjusted her veil.
They looked so delicate and feminine. It was hard to reconcile the image of Sienna in her wedding gown and her two beautiful bridesmaids to the warrior women who had fought so hard beside them.
He and his brothers were warriors at heart, determined and powerful, but he’d be the first to admit that the three women strengthened them in more ways than one.
And not only physically.
He watched them walk ahead, their arms linked, laughing. Sienna’s veil trailed behind them, the white of the gown a contrast to her bright red hair. A fire witch, a hybrid warrior, and a Keeper.
The Pure.
Incredible to think they were all part of an ancient legend.
He grinned at the thought and turned back to his brothers, but paused when a movement in the vineyards caught his attention.
The glare of sunlight behind the figure made it impossible to see much, but judging by the petite frame it appeared to be a woman.
She stood unmoving, watching them, a silhouette in the sunlight.
Something niggled inside and for an insane moment, the image of his sister’s smiling face came to mind. Beautiful, sweet, kind Sarah.
He felt the familiar tug of sadness always triggered by thoughts of her. She would’ve loved this. Weddings had always been a firm favourite for her and Archer and Sienna’s wedding would’ve been a highlight.
“Ready for a fun night?” Archer asked, coming up behind him, his jacket slung over one arm. He’d loosened his tie, officially ending the formalities of the wedding ceremony.
“Absolutely.” Ethan glanced back at the woman in the vineyards, surprised to find no one there. She’d disappeared. Like a mirage in the distance that had vanished in the blink of an eye.
Maybe he’d imagined her? She’d seemed so real.
Declan joined them, a perfect distraction from thoughts of their sister. His jacket and tie hung over one arm. “Tonight’s all about whiskey, women, and the biggest celebration of the year.”
Ethan raised a brow. “In that order?”
“No. Definitely not.” He grinned at the three women waiting for them and slapped a hand on Ethan’s back. “As for you, brother, this party will be a first for you. No scouring the room for female company tonight.”
Ethan smiled and sought out Jenna. The sunlight highlighted her hair and skin in a golden glow. The olive-green gown she wore clung to her hips like a second skin, accentuating curves and shapely legs he’d explored many times over.
God, she was beautiful.
Mine.
Not taking his eyes off her, Ethan shook his head. “I have everything I want.”
“Excellent choice, brother.”
“Can I tell her you said that?”
“Hell, no.”
Ethan laughed and slid an arm around his brother’s shoulder. “How about those drinks?”
As they reached the women, Ethan glanced back at the vineyards, the silhouetted image etched in his mind.
Frowning, he slipped his hand into Jenna’s, lacing their fingers, bringing them to a stop. Her bright smile tugged at parts of him he’d always kept hidden from women.
But not her.
She’d penetrated every wall, every barricade, and he loved her more for it.
He leaned forward and kissed her, his lips lingering longer than usual. His body tightened in response, auto-tuned to everything her. Desire sparked and he had the insane urge to toss her over his shoulder and haul her back to bed. Wedding or no wedding.
“Hm,” she murmured against his lips, her hips brushing against his, the movement as arousing as it was subtle. “Any more of that and you’re going to have a problem, stud muffin.”
He chuckled and captured her mouth with his, their kiss a promise of everything to come.
A shiver ran through her and with a dreamy sigh, she tipped her head back, just an inch, and peered up at him. “Will you dance with me tonight?”
He caught her chin between his thumb and finger, his lips close to hers, and smiled. “Always, my love.”
Her mouth curled into a beautiful smile that took his breath away. He kissed her, slow, lingering, absorbing everything about her. Breathing her in, he pressed his lips to her forehead.
Always.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
A few years ago, I was driving home from an inspirational lunch with my best friend when the idea of Sienna and her Keepers came to mind. By the time I got home, my mind was racing and I was buzzing with excitement. I went straight to my desk and started making notes that eventually developed into a tale of three brothers, four books, and an epic adventure.
And wow, what an epic adventure writing this series has been! It’s one I could never have completed alone. I am so incredibly grateful to so many people for cheering me on and supporting me:
My precious husband, children, Mom, family and friends. Thank you for your support and love and for being patient with me when I’m distracted, unavailable and lost in a world of my own creation. And as always, thanks to Lisa for always knowing what to say or offering a plot twist when I need one! I love you all.
My editor, Charlotte Ledger (and her team). Your enthusiasm for my Keepers and your guidance, kindness and patience is so appreciated. Thank you!
My incredible author friends. Thank you for your support, love and friendship. You make this journey so fun – and you always understand and believe me when I explain that my Google searches for hot men is for research!
And of course, a massive thank you to all the wonderful book bloggers, as well as my incredible readers across the world. Thank you for reading my books and sharing them with your followers, friends and families. Your messages of enthusiasm and support continue to amaze me and I love that you love my stories as much as I do. YOU are my inspiration. I write for you.
I have so many more stories planned for you so if you’d like to keep updated with my book news, please sign up for my newsletter. I can also be found on Facebook, Twitter or my Blog. Your feedback is always appreciated so please leave a review on Amazon or the site where you bought this book.
Thank you for reading!
Rae Rivers
Also by Rae Rivers
The Keepers: Archer
The Keepers: Declan
About the Author
Rae Rivers
I am an avid reader and writer with a passion for writing juicy romance novels. I live in Cape Town, South Africa, with my gorgeous husband, two beautiful children and a zoo of house pets. Besides writing, I love family time, the outdoors, travelling, watching TV series, reading and chocolate. For more information about my books, or me, please visit www.raerivers.com. You can also follow me on Twitter @RaeRivers1 and Facebook.
About HarperImpulse
HarperImpulse is an exciting new range of romance fiction brought to you from the women’s fiction team at HarperCollins. Our aim is to break new talent from debut authors and import the hottest trends from the US, bringing you the very best in romance. Whether that is through short reads for your mobile phone or epic sagas that span the generations we want to proudly publish romance fiction that gets everybody talking.
Romance readers, come and meet the team at our website www.harperimpulseromance.com, our Facebook page www.facebook.com/HarperImpulse or follow us @HarperImpulse!
Writers, we are simply looking for good stories! So, what are you waiting for? To submit, e-mail us at [email protected].
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