A few towns around the abbey were deserted. To officials, rumor of the Black Plague making a comeback was the reason. In reality, most of them had been sent to the farms or drained immediately.
Dayne didn’t need any of the humans’ energy; he simply wanted the more powerful army and didn’t care if he destroyed all of humanity to get it. A few weeks ago, he visited an abandoned industrial site in Glasgow; it was perfect for large-scale urban farming. They had room for thousands. The site came with ten corporate apartments; these were perfect for some of the men to live on the grounds.
The orphanages took more planning. Dayne thought in hundreds of years instead of five or ten; he knew it would take time to defeat Thorne, cost him many armies. The prisons were ripe for the picking. He was pleased the worldwide financial system was in such ruin, prisons were all going private. He had good lawyers, mainly demons in human guise, they were the best at law, buy the prisons anonymously and then Dayne had entire armies at his disposal to convert to Day Walkers. Easy enough to turn the inspectors as well so no one wondered why the prisoners were disappearing, the cells replaced with human cattle. It was the perfect cover. He was acquiring his first prison next month, couldn’t wait to see the results. He could have huge farms and armies in production in one fell swoop. He was brilliant, patiently waiting to take Thorne down once and for all.
The orphanages were an experiment, if it worked great, if not, the humans could be drained, either way, win, win in his book. As the children grew, slaves from childhood, created to provide energy sources, he pondered the food issue. He did have to feed the disgusting humans. Maybe he’d acquire a few fast food establishments as Rawlins suggested, the cheaper the food to feed them, the better for his bottom line. Funny, as humans cut corners to feed farm animals as cheaply as possible, now the people were “cows” feeding his armies, fed and housed as cheaply as possible.
“Milord, I’ve brought over three of the goblins to guard the orphanage and a group of demons to guard the food. I’ve told them they cannot eat any healthy children. Sick ones, or those dying, may be eaten at any time.” Solien smiled.
“Excellent work.” Dayne was thoughtful. Keeping a secret this big from Thorne would be tricky but so worthwhile. His dear brother, trying to save the humans, while Dayne was destroying them at a much faster rate than they could ever be saved. Delicious.
“I had a rather interesting call from Rawlins. He visited the farm in Inverness, said a couple of the goblins you placed there have been eating the stock, the healthy ones. Rawlins killed the two responsible, he’s back in our realm healing, took quite a few rather nasty wounds. We did discuss this—no eating the healthy stock whenever the fancy strikes, at this point we need them to get up and running. Give them a healthy one once a week, that ought to satisfy and keep them from depleting our reserves.”
“I’ll take care of it, milord.”
Chapter 25
Colin went to his study and pressing on a rosette next to the fireplace, the wall swung open, the lights coming on. Nice not to have to keep torches lit anymore, electricity was a fantastic invention.
The stairs led down to a vault where most of the castle treasure was stored. Hamish had never found it, couldn’t waste it, neither had Abigail found the secret rooms. The treasure was still there waiting when he came back, finally took back Ravensmore. There was gold and silver, all worth a fortune to today’s collectors. Many jewels, tucked away in chests…he was looking for something particular. Something the first Baroness of Ravensmore had owned.
Pausing, he let out a breath. He’d never thought to give these jewels to Abigail. She demanded new jewels and he gladly indulged her, thinking these were too old-fashioned. How things change with the right woman. He knew Emily would appreciate them, not only for their beauty but for the history behind them and what they represented.
He came across a set of fine china, must have gotten it from Robert at some point. He made a mental note to bring it up, give it to her as a wedding present. Sitting down he had a moment of panic, what if she didn’t want to marry him? He was asking her to give up everything, her brother, her friends, her job, her life in the States. Would he be enough for her? He knew he loved her, would cherish her as long as they both lived.
Which posed an interesting question—he knew Emily wanted children, wanted to give them to her, might she be interested in adoption? If so, he’d fill Ravensmore to give her the large rowdy brood she wanted. Colin knew deep in his soul he wanted to continue fighting, he believed in keeping humanity safe, loved the fight, wasn’t sure he could give it up.
Taking a page from Emily’s book, he decided to quit moping, enjoy the day with her and discuss it over dinner. Coming across the chest he’d been looking for, his heart sped up; the wooden box had turned nearly black from age. Opening it, the brilliance of the jewels caught the light throwing prisms of color across the room. There was a stunning choker, set with fire opals and diamonds in a vine pattern which would look beautiful against her skin. A matching bracelet, earrings and ring finished the set. These would be the perfect wedding present to go with the china. There was one last box, it was small, it should be here…there, sitting on a solid gold plate, waiting for him.
Opening the box, he smiled. She’d think it was too big—the first baroness had worn this ring every day of her life, passing it down to each subsequent generation. It was a stunning emerald cut diamond, easily twenty carats, with smaller diamonds flanking each side. He’d have a wedding band made with emerald cut diamonds to match.
Taking the stairs two at a time, he placed a call to a jeweler he knew in Edinburgh. The jeweler had old notes regarding the ring, the firm had originally fashioned it, so it should be simple enough to tell him what he needed.
Emily and Colin spent the rest of the day together. After eating lunch in the orangerie they headed upstairs to be alone, curled up by the fire in their room. On the soft grass blanketing the floor, Emily fell asleep, he watched the firelight play over her features, memorized every detail, couldn’t believe after all these years he’d found her.
Waking up, Emily leaned up and kissed him, “It’s nice to wake up next to you. You generate a lot of heat.”
He waggled his eyebrows at her leering, “I’ll show you some heat.” Growling, he lifted her on top of him, stroking her thighs, making love to her.
Afterwards, Colin had tea served while Emily relaxed. He was so nervous he paced the room. Couldn’t remember feeling this ill ever in his life, not even before his first battle. He’d gladly face a thousand Day Walkers rather than face her rejection—what if she wouldn’t have him? She’d said she loved him but forever was a long time. Maybe she’d want to enjoy her immortality, not be tied down.
“Colin, what’s wrong? You’re scaring me.” Stopping in front of her, dropping to one knee, he laid his heart bare at her feet. Emily’s eyes were wide as she watched him.
“I was lost in shadow, devoid of hope until you appeared and blazed a shining path through the darkness. I want you to stay in Scotland with me. I love you, for all eternity. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
He looked at her with love in his eyes, waiting for her answer. Emily lunged forward almost knocking him backwards. “Yes, Colin, yes, I’ll marry you! Yes, I’ll stay in Scotland. I love you, with you I’m whole.”
Holding out the box to her, he watched her open it, gasping, her hand flying to her mouth. Thank the gods she was pleased. Colin slid it on her finger; it fit perfectly as if it had been waiting all these years for her and her alone.
“It belonged to the first Baroness Campbell. Do you like it? It isn’t new, if you’d rather something…”
“Are you kidding? It’s beautiful. The sparkles remind me of the stars and the story you told me on the ship. I love it. We have to make a trip to Charleston, I’m showing you off and walking around with my hand waving around in the air so everyone can see it. I think this is the biggest diamond I’ve ever seen.”
&n
bsp; There was a knock at the door. Worthington stood there, his eyes briefly widening as he took in the tree and meadow that had sprung up in the middle of the room, “Will you be attending dinner, milord, milady?” he sniffed.
“Aye, we’ll be there, thank you Worthington.” Colin suppressed a guffaw. How it must look with a meadow in their room. Worthington probably wondered how he would have it cleaned and did someone have to mow the bloody grass?
Chapter 26
Thorne, king of shadow, approached the graveyard in the realm of shadows. There were many, every ancient god and goddess had a temple here, lost to the world, forgotten. There were no priests or priestesses, no flowers, no visitors except him. He didn’t know if his brother came or if their mother ever showed up, today he didn’t care, he came seeking solace.
Luna’s temple was made of silver and white marble. Hauntingly beautiful, eerie in this barren landscape, where no living creature dwelled. Entering, his footsteps were loud to his ears in the stillness. He knew Luna wasn’t here; she had been turned into the moon after her death…after he killed her. This empty temple stood to mock him over what he had done in a fit of jealous rage so many eons ago.
Thorne remembered. He had heard a human cry out as the human died. The human consumed by guilt and self-hatred. As self-inflicted penance for killing Luna, Thorne vowed to protect humanity from his brother’s scheming; he answered the angry lost human…and created the first Shadow Walker.
Shoulders slumped, Thorne was weary of the constant battles, weary of controlling his temper and from holding back his rage and destroying the world. He wanted solace, peace.
Sitting on a white couch in front of a life size painting of Luna, he willed himself to relax. In front of him, the painting was offset by the stars, the temple opened to the heavens, stars sparkling down at all times, weeping for her.
Thorne had asked for forgiveness many times, never receiving an answer. He knew she could hear him, even in her moon form, yet she refused to answer. The painting mocked him, she was still the most beautiful woman he’d ever laid eyes on. He fell in love with her with a simple glance across the room. Luna was already in love with Solus. He didn’t care, ancients were fickle, he thought she’d tire of him and they would be together, instead they fell deeper and deeper in love.
Wincing at the memories, replaying the night he murdered her, Thorne slammed shut the door in his head, putting his head in his hands.
“Why won’t you forgive me? You know I regret what happened, how sorry I am, that I still love you.”
No answer. Well, at least she was consistent. Thorne wasn’t sure if he showed up here because he thought one day she’d answer and forgive him, or because he knew Luna would never deign to answer him.
Chapter 27
Walking in to the dining room for dinner, Emily kept looking at the massive ring on her hand. Colin wanted to shout for joy seeing her happy.
“I can’t stop looking at my ring. Wait until I tell Kat; she’s going to flip. Fred will probably calculate how many Third World countries we could buy with this rock.”
“Thought ye might be pleased, though the skipping part might have given it away, lass.”
Pulling out her chair, he lightly smacked her arse earning a startled yelp in reply. Chuckling he sat down across from her, wanting to drink in the sight of his woman.
“Everything smells wonderful. I like your hair pulled back in a ponytail, it shows off your eyes. And please tell me you’ll wear a kilt every day for the rest of our lives.”
“Ye dinna care for the daggers?”
“Seriously Colin, only guys drool over the weaponry.” Leaning across the table, giving him a nice view of her breasts down the front of her dress, he didn’t care what she was talking about. She mock whispered, “Though I think the black silk shirt makes me want to run my hands over the silk, down to your kilt and kiss the scar on your thigh to make sure it’s all better.”
His cock jerked in response, ready for her. He was completely healed. The scar on his thigh Rawlins inflicted, the only thing remaining as a reminder of the sacrifice.
He grabbed her elbows, pulling her across the table, dishware clattering as he kissed her soundly.
“Milord! You’re ruining my pretty table. Let the poor lass eat before you devour her.” Meg scolded, bringing in the wine.
“Oh! That was some kiss.”
Pleased she was breathless, he grinned while she pulled herself together. Embarrassment flushing her cheeks a fetching shade of pink. Colin poured her a large glass of red wine. Emily—his fiancée—he’d never been happier and terrified at the same time. Thinking of her safety, how Day Walkers would try to kill both of them. If he chose a mortal life, he could still see them, but they’d have the advantage with their powers. Yet, he wanted to give Emily a child, to create a life with her, as much as he wanted to keep fighting, he couldn’t take that dream from her.
“You look beautiful tonight.” His eyes caressed her, taking in the soft heather gray sweater dress and black boots. He wanted to slide his hand up her booted calf, up her thigh, to see if she was wearing lace or silk panties, to touch her, make her shake with need.
My god, get a hold of yourself man, you’re ready to take her on the table in front of the staff, nice way to have your first meal with your fiancée. Shifting to a more comfortable position, he hoped he didn’t have to stand up; his tented kilt would give evidence to his feelings.
Meg and Worthington, along with the rest of the staff, congratulated them as the meal was served. Once the staff departed, Colin shared his news. “I called in a few favors, we can have the wedding next week if you’d like? Kat and Fred, and your brother can all attend.” Seeing her annoyed look, he wanted to laugh out loud but refrained. “Don’t worry, I didn’t tell them I’ve ravished you; I told them you were OK but had been in an accident and would be staying here for a while to recover. They all said they wanted to come, so it was really rather easy. When they get here you can tell them I’m keeping you here.” He finished, looking quite pleased.
“You forgot making an honest woman of me. Next week can’t come soon enough, and I did want all of them here. Thank you. Though I’m not sure if I can find a dress so quickly, I want a white dress and I’d like to be married here at Ravensmore.”
“Lass, I’ll buy the store if needed, you’ll have the dress you want. It makes me verra happy you want to be married here. Are you sure you want to live here? It’s a drive to the city, will you feel isolated here after the hustle and bustle of Charleston?” He wanted her to love Ravensmore as much as he did, but if she didn’t, they’d live in Edinburgh if she wanted, he’d do anything for her.
“I fell in love with Scotland the moment I set foot off the plane, the stark beauty of the highlands, the colors of the sky against the land, it’s breathtaking. When you brought me to Ravensmore, I finally felt like I belonged. Something about this place, it makes me feel like all is right with the world.”
“Even after everything that’s happened? It would be understandable if you didn’t want to live here.”
“We can’t change what happened, and I won’t let that spoil Ravensmore for me. Home for me, is wherever you are. I will be content staying mortal with you, growing old together, though I would hate not remembering everything but either way, as long as I’m with you, that’s all I need. I know you want to keep fighting for what you believe in and I’ll try not to, but I will worry when you fight. If I lost you again, well, it would be best I died at the same time, I don’t want to live without you, and I can accept us being immortal—I’ll have forever to love you.” She watched his face, waiting for his response.
Sucking in his breath, Emily continued to amaze him. He was prepared to be mortal, give her lots of children, would she regret the choice?
“What about the houseful of children you want? If we choose immortality, I don’t want you to regret your choice a hundred years from now.” He looked at her, searching her face for a clue to her fe
elings.
With a tremor in her voice she asked, “Would you be open to adopting a few kids of our own? You’d be the most amazing father.”
Jumping up from his seat, Colin practically ran around the table. Laughing, he picked her up, swinging her in a circle, kissing her face. “Lass, we’ll adopt a houseful, there’s an agency in Inverness we can visit. This place needs to be filled with laughter and love.”
Putting her back down as the dessert was brought in, he sat beside her. “Oh yum, orange sorbet, my very favorite.”
“You can have it for every meal if it will keep you smiling like that, makes me want to drizzle it all over your body and lick it off,” he leered at her.
“Colin Campbell—you will not waste sorbet. Now I’m fine with ice cream or honey but I’m eating every drop of this sorbet…speaking of which…if you’re not eating yours, pass it over.”
Roaring with laughter, he gave her his dessert, watching her eat, imagining the spoon she was licking was his shaft.
As she finished the last drop, he nearly dragged her from the room, swinging her up in his arms as he dematerialized them to their bedroom. “Let’s tell the goddess so I can properly ravish you, I’m not sure I can wait much longer.”
Pointedly looking at his erection tenting his kilt, she arched an eyebrow, “I think we better sit down to talk to Terya, not sure how she’d feel about you sitting there with a big ol’ hard-on.”
Sitting in front of the ancient oak tree in the bedroom, noticing the gold and silver dust floating in the air, sparkling on their skin, Colin asked Emily to call Terya since the goddess seemed to have a special affinity for her.
The air shimmered, the sound of a babbling brook filled the room as Terya appeared. Barefoot as always, her hair floating in the breeze, she looked serene, all-knowing.
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