The Shadow King frowned, his eyes still closed, his hand still on Couper’s head.
“He’s dead,” she forced out, the empty part of her soul aching. There was nothing left for her except to return the Seal of Morrowen to the Golden King or face the Shadow King’s wrath at being responsible for the death of his bounty hunter.
“No. I can sense his soul. It hasn’t left him. He can still heal.”
“Only if he’s conscious, and I can’t wake him.”
“You don’t have to.”
“I don’t?”
The Shadow King opened his eyes and captured her with a green gaze identical and yet nothing like his brother’s. “You’re his other half. You can awaken his mystic healing and use it to save him.”
“I can’t. I don’t—” Her thoughts stuttered and icy fear filled her. “How did you know I’m Couper’s other half?”
“I have insider information.” The Shadow King cocked a sculpted blond eyebrow and rolled his eyes at her. “You ask a lot of questions. Will you ask so many when you’re in my employ?”
Her heart thudded. “Your employ?” This had to be a trap, but she had no idea how. If she returned the Seal to the Golden King, she’d be free… if he kept his word… which she doubted… but that didn’t matter. Couper was dead.
“You are the best at what you do, and I hear you’ll soon be released from your bond,” he said.
“You planned all this just to hire me?”
“No,” Queen Orlaith said, her voice soft. She stood in the doorway, beautiful in white and gold. Her hair, such a pale blond it appeared white in certain light, was piled on her head in an intricate plait and her dress was complicated and voluminous, likely a match to whatever costume the Golden King had chosen to wear for the ceremony. “I planned this.”
“But— The theft—” Getting shot. Couper’s death. It was all because of Queen Orlaith? Because of a game or a bet made by the Golden Queen? “You planned this? This?” she asked, her voice cracking, unable to restrain her grief and horror.
“Riley—” The Golden Queen took another step into the room but Riley glared at her.
“He’s dead because of you. Dead.” Wild magic crackled over her skin, a promise of the power that had killed Couper and could bring her justice.
“He’s not dead.” The Shadow King grabbed her shoulder and ripped the wild magic from her so fast it made her gasp. “Not yet.”
“And the theft wasn’t my plan at all. It was Rian’s. He arranged to have the Seal stolen, knowing you’d track down Ferris, and he ordered the councilor to kill you. I modified the plan, entertaining him, and giving you a chance at freedom.”
“But the cost.”
“The danger was minimized with Couper at your side.”
Riley’s heart skipped a beat. “Couper was in on it, too? Did he know Ferris was going to shoot me? You all wanted to see if the stupid half-human could do the job?” Maybe Couper had never really been her other half at all. He was sexy and enticing, and he smelled fantastic. Maybe she’d made herself believe it because she didn’t want to face the reality that she’d succumbed to his charm.
No. She knew what she’d felt when they’d made love. He completed her, his soul perfectly matched to hers.
Which made his betrayal even worse.
Queen Orlaith hooked Riley’s chin with her finger and urged her to look up — Riley hadn’t even noticed the queen’s approach. “Couper didn’t know.”
“Couper wouldn’t have listened if we’d told him the truth,” the Shadow King said. He picked up the Seal and held it out to the queen, who placed her hand over his. His index finger slid along her thumb, the affection in her gaze matched in his.
“I have a gift, Riley. It’s inconsistent, at best. But when it reveals itself, it’s always right.” Queen Orlaith sucked in a soft breath and returned her attention back to Riley. “I can sense other half matches. Our king would never accept Couper back into the Golden Court, which meant you needed to be free of your bond.”
“But—”
“Is it so difficult to believe that you have an other half?”
Riley squeezed Couper closer, her thoughts whirling, knowing if they stopped so would she.
“I must go,” the Shadow King said. “And for the love of God, Riley, save my friend.” He strode out of the suite, Queen Orlaith’s gaze locked on him.
“Save him. Sure.” With wild magic. Maybe. Riley’s throat tightened. She’d be more likely to burn both of them up than save him.
Queen Orlaith stood and smoothed the front of her dress. “Now, my dear. Awaken your prince with a kiss.”
Riley barked a bitter laugh. If only it were that easy. “He’s dead.”
“Kane says he isn’t.” A slight smile pulled at her lips. “There’s a reason they’re called fairy stories. Your soul completes his. Join with him and your soul in his body will activate his mystic healing.”
Riley’s pulse pounded.
“You haven’t got a lot of time.”
Please, Lord and Lady. She didn’t know what to do or how to put her soul into his. Tears leaked from her eyes and she didn’t have the strength of will to stop them.
“Go on. Just kiss him. Your soul will know what to do.”
Please let this be real and not a game. Please. Riley pressed her lips against Couper’s and magic rushed into the empty part of her soul. It wasn’t the out-of-control wild magic she’d felt when saving Warren or Couper as she’d expected, but the warm flow of what she drew upon to cast a relocation spell. It flooded her until she couldn’t contain it, then it poured out of her, surging up her throat and out her mouth. It rushed between her lips into him, and a blazing light flared around them, bright and hot, forcing her to close her eyes.
Her pulse raced faster, and the magic continued to flood her and pour into him. The light blazed brighter and hotter, brilliant even with her eyes closed and searing deep into her skin. It reached into every cell and deeper, into the core of her being.
Someone gasped and a hand tangled in her hair, pulling her closer. The smell of musk, dark chocolate, and sex slid across her senses, and the agonizing tightness in her chest eased, releasing more tears.
“Couper,” she sobbed, breath and magic still pouring into him. Thank the Lord and Lady. Thank you. Thank you.
The magic of his soul ignited inside her, drawing heat and desire and certainty. She wanted to be like this forever, wrapped in his embrace, their souls joined, never to leave — although washing off the soot and gore would be nice. And that promised a shower—
“Riley.” He leaned back, cupped her face in his hands, and swept his thumbs over her cheeks. “Why are you crying?”
“I’m not crying.” Maybe if she denied it she’d be able to stop.
“Yes, you are.”
“No, I’m not.” Come on. Stop. He was alive. That was a good thing. She was stronger than this.
He brushed his lips against her forehead. “Yes, you are.”
“It’s soot in my eye.”
“It’s soot in mine, too.” He wrapped her in his arms and scent.
“Riley,” Queen Orlaith said. “The Seal. You have to go.”
Riley eased from Couper’s grip. He groaned, and more light billowed around him. He was still hurt. She couldn’t leave him.
Queen Orlaith held out the Seal. “If you don’t return it in time, you won’t be free.”
Riley met Couper’s gaze. The promise of passion simmered there, but now so did a deep love. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for her, nor her for him.
“Go,” he said. “I just need a little more time to heal up.”
“But—”
“I’ll be right behind you. Win your freedom.”
Riley took the Seal and rushed to the Great Hall. She felt light, bubbly, filled with sunshine and kittens. God, she was losing her mind. No. She had an other half and soon she’d be free — if her king kept his word.
She entered from the back. Th
ere hadn’t been time to change and, given the kind of reception she usually received even when properly dressed, she was certain of a cold shoulder, if not an outright eviction, so it didn’t matter. Her king stood in the center of the room talking with his twin, the Shadow King, and a rage churned in her gut. Her king had tried to kill her.
She squared her shoulders and strode to the front of the room. Gasps and whispers followed her. She stepped up to her king and bowed. “Your Majesty, you requested the Seal of Morrowen.”
She held it out, covered with soot and blood.
The King of the Golden Court stared at her, his expression frigid. If she hadn’t been on the receiving end of that look before, she would have been terrified. He was not in the least bit pleased. Well, neither was she. Both she and Couper had almost died because of his bet. He could go screw himself.
“Thank you,” he said, his tone icy, unable to say anything else without looking weak in front of the Shadow King and the rest of the Golden Court. He took the Seal and turned back to his brother.
Riley tried to inch away and melt back into the crowd, but Queen Orlaith grabbed her elbow and kept her near the circle at the front of the hall. The ceremony began before Riley could protest, forcing her to remain respectfully still. She looked at Queen Orlaith, who nodded and squeezed Riley’s arm. Riley had won this bet, and the queen would ensure the King of the Golden Court kept his word. Riley was free.
“Who had it?” the Warlord asked, his raspy voice frighteningly close behind her.
“Councilor Ferris,” she whispered.
“Interesting. I trust he’s—”
“In little pieces all over his suite? Yes.”
The Warlord clicked his tongue. “That’ll do.” He almost sounded pleased, but whether he was satisfied with her getting the job done or that the fae responsible had been brought to justice, Riley didn’t know.
She let her gaze wander to the Shadow King. Couper’s king and someone important to Queen Orlaith. Lovers, if Riley had to hazard a guess. Each king held a side of the Seal while the spell transferring the Seal’s magic from one king to the other was recited. The Shadow King’s gaze slid to hers and she saw the satisfaction of a game well played in his eyes. She’d seen the look many times in other fae. His attention jumped to something over her shoulder then back to her, and relief flashed across his expression before it returned to a tight frown. Unable to resist, she glanced behind her.
Couper stood in the doorway. Her heart skipped a beat. He was stunning, covered in blood and soot, his clothes ripped and singed, but alive, looking unhurt and all hers. No longer caring who she insulted, she slipped away and rushed to his side.
He cupped her face between his hands, and she pressed her lips to his. Heat and magic rushed through her, filling her soul and all the empty spaces. She could melt in his arms and stay there forever — and to hell with everyone in the Golden Court… except Queen Orlaith. To her, Riley would be forever in her debt.
“So I hear you’re looking for a job,” he said against her lips.
“Maybe. Do you know of one?”
He shrugged. “I might be able to talk to my king.”
A chill swept over her. “Don’t bother.” She inhaled his glorious scent. Hers. All hers and she’d never tire of it. “I won’t bond myself again.”
He leaned back, his eyes alight with mischief. “I think you’ll do well as a freelancer.”
“A freelancer, hunh?” She hadn’t even imagined that could be possible for a half-fae like her.
“It’s what I am. We’ll join forces. Couper and Riley Investigations.”
“Couper and Riley?” She gave him a gentle punch in the arm.
“So that’s how you like it,” he said with a chuckle, his tone turning seductive.
Yeah, but not right now. “Riley and Couper Investigations.”
“You’re right. Sounds better. Ladies first and all that. Besides, the better bounty hunter can graciously go last.”
“Hardly.”
He drew her close, and she leaned into his embrace. It didn’t matter what either of their courts were doing, what political games were being played, or even who was the better bounty hunter. She’d found her other half and was free.
The End
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About C.I. Black
C.I. Black has always lived in a world of imagination. When she’s not daydreaming, she puts her flights of fancy down on paper writing urban fantasy, paranormal romance, and romantic suspense books.
She’s the author of the Dragon Spirit series and the Medusa Files series. You can find a complete list of C.I.’s books at www.ciblack.com.
Ghost Mate
D. Anne Paris
Jessica had a perfect life, until her husband fathered a child with another woman.
Heartbroken, she moves to Texas to start over.
When a handsome stranger pops in her new home he awakens a desire she never experienced. The only problem is he’s a ghost.
Jessi was Jon’s glimmer of hope.
Powerless, he is compelled to work with her to gain his freedom.
Will Jon’s soul chose to stay with Jessi or will vengeance tear him away from his soul mate?
Chapter One
"Come on, Jon! We've been working like dogs!" David Bigsby carried another plastic bin to the truck as he coaxed Jonathan Lewis, his boss.
Jon rolled the black case into the truck bed and turned to face David. " I'm not going. If you guys want to go to a bar that's fine, but I have work to do."
David lifted the bin and pushed it inside. "You can work after you have a beer." He brushed his hands against his beige cargo pants then turned towards Jon and lowered his voice. "Maybe we'll get lucky and find some ladies who’d like to have some fun tonight."
Jon sighed and brushed some dirt off of his shirt. "As tempting as it sounds, I really need to finish analyzing everything tonight."
"All work and no play make Jon a very dull man," David taunted as Jon walked past him.
"No, all work makes Jon a famous archaeologist." He fired back, moving faster to get away from David. He suspected David's invitation was a ploy to get him to miss this opportunity to analyze the pendant they found that morning, a pendant they both heard was the key to immortality. Jon didn't believe in the immortality part, but the pendant was one of the few Aztec relics they’d found completely intact and undamaged, which made it very valuable. He wanted to be one of the first to analyze it and have his name tied to the find.
"You won't be famous if you work yourself to death."
Jon stopped at one of the tables set up under a canopy in the middle of the dig site. The wind kicked up the dry dirt and covered everything. Jon grabbed an Android tablet, shook off the dirt and pressed a few buttons. When David came up behind him Jon handed him the tablet.
"Make sure everything on this list is tagged and sent back to the museum tonight." He grabbed a small box and stacked it on a larger one.
"Yes, sir!" David raised his hand and saluted Jon.
"And make sure all of you are here by 6 am. I want to unearth everything we can from section twelve and close it up." He moved around David and headed to his car.
"You sure you don't want to stop by the bar for a drink? I think you can use one," David shouted to him.
"I'm good, thanks." He strode to his car to end the conversation with David. The guy got on his nerves, especially recently with the new find of the pendant. He kept trying to pull it away from him and analyze it at the dig site when they needed to work on other things. Jon wanted to unearth its secrets before anyone else did, which was the reason he would take the pendant home with him tonight.
He popped his trunk open in his sedan and gently placed the boxes inside. His seniority status on this project gave him the leverage he needed to bring the pendant ho
me tonight so he could study it without David hovering over his shoulder.
He slid into the driver's seat. With his mind on the pendant, he sped out of the dirt parking lot. A few minutes later he parked in front of Jumping Java and headed inside. He’d need an extra dose of caffeine to get through the long night ahead.
The smell of ground coffee smacked him in the face as he opened the door. His body already felt a jolt of extra energy just by inhaling the scent. He glanced at the menu to read about new coffee concoctions the owner had created. Most of the flavors were too sweet or creamy. While he mulled over the options, he reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone to check the time. He frowned. They’d stayed at the dig site pretty late tonight.
His team had been the first to uncover a major archaeological find in Texas, an Aztec building. It was unheard of to find anything Aztec related in Texas. He couldn’t believe construction workers digging into the land had discovered a foundation from centuries ago. He’d studied Aztec culture and history his whole life. One particular legend had piqued his curiosity, the story about a pendant that gave immortality, the same one he believed was in his trunk.
Jon stepped up to the granite counter as the patron in front of him moved away.
"Hi, Kerri." Jon smiled at the perky woman with long raven hair who was working the register.
"Hi, Jon. The usual?" Kerri Smithson flashed him a smile.
Jon tried to keep his mind on ordering. Kerri, a local college student, studied history and worked at the coffee shop part-time. He recently spoke to her class when they visited the archaeological dig site. During his speech, he caught her biting her bottom lip and gazing at him, analyzing him more than the artifacts he displayed. He caught her sensual study of his body. Each time she stared at his groin his cock had stood at attention.
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