by CK Dawn
“Xena, you can’t do that.” I ran to her side.
“I can, and I will, under one condition. My baby girls must come with me so I can raise them and teach them how a woman should be treated.” She looked to Xander with love and appreciation in her tear-filled eyes.
“You will need to take a vow of chastity and a vow to protect all women, not just your own daughters,” Elysia explained.
“Are you sure you want to give up your life here?” Xander joined us.
“What life, Xander? A life working at a crappy diner in the middle of nowhere? Holding you back from living your life?” She looked down at her daughters. “This will give me an opportunity to make my life mean something, to be someone my girls can look up to.”
“Time is up. One of you must return now. The window of time is closing,” Elysia threatened.
“I understand and respect your decision.” Xander used his free hand to take her into an embrace. “I will always love you and my two nieces.”
“My handmaiden, Korina, will take good care of you and your girls. She has served me well for many years and will do the same for you.”
“Will we be able to see each other again? Or will I have to make a bargain?” Xena asked the oracle.
“We can make an arrangement. This deal has worked out for so many of you, how can I deny you access to those you love the most?” Elysia's face softened, and Korina’s reflection came up alongside of her.
“We are ready for you now, Xena.”
Xander reluctantly handed her the other baby and kissed all three of them on the forehead. “I will miss you very much, but my heart will be eased knowing you are safe and where you want to be.”
“Ditto for me, big brother. I’m glad you found someone worthy of your love. I am sorry I can't hug you both, but my hands are a bit full. I will be watching you.” Xena winked and stepped forward.
Xander and I came together and clasped hands as we watched Xena and her two daughters levitate into the dark hole in the sky. The gray clouds closed with another streak of lightning, and they were gone.
“So, you love me, huh?” Xander turned toward me.
“It would seem I do. Lucky for me, you love me too.” I leaned in and let our lips collide in a kiss that had enough passion to last a lifetime.
The End
Book 2 in the Olympian Shifter Fallen Series, Coming Soon!
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About the Author
USA Today Bestselling author, J.A. Culican is a teacher by day and a writer by night. She lives in New Jersey with her husband of eleven years and their four young children.
J.A. Culican’s inspiration to start writing came from her children and their love for all things magical. Bedtime stories turned to reality after her oldest daughter begged her for the book from which her stories of dragons came from. In turn, the series The Keeper of Dragons was born.
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Author Felicia Starr lives five miles from her favorite Jersey Shore destination with her amazingly supportive family. She loves to spend time creating special memories with her husband and two young boys.
Everyone expected her first publication to be a cookbook, but her love for writing has surpassed her love for cooking.
Felicia graduated magna cum laude from Kean University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a post baccalaureate in elementary education. She is a licensed real estate sales person, a certified yoga instructor, and most importantly, a stay-at-home mom.
Always thinking and dreaming in scenes…
Read More from Felicia Starr
www.feliciastarr.com