Eternal Fire - Book 3 of The Ruby Ring Saga

by Chrissy Peebles

  “I’ve slain dragons and won wars, but it means nothing if I don’t have you at my side.” He cupped my face. “I shall never let you go.”

  His lips crashed into mine, and we shared a hot, hungry kiss. I could have spent an eternity kissing the man. His hands roamed my body as he dragged me down to the white, shag carpet. He lifted my hands over my head and gently pinned them to the floor as he hovered over me. He kissed me deeply, just as sensual as the first time we met. I moaned and called out his name.

  A knock on the door jolted me out of my passion.

  Damn! We need our own place. “Yes?” I barely managed.

  “Let’s go,” Liz said. “You said we were leaving an hour ago to see Beth.”

  I let out a breath. “Be down in a minute.”

  Soft, tender lips pressed gently against mine in short, sweet kisses. Victor then whispered in my ear, “I love you more than anything.”

  “I love you too.”

  “I’ll do anything to save our family, even if it means staying here for a time.”

  “That means everything to me, Victor.”

  “After long centuries of darkness and loneliness, I’m thrilled to have a loving, loyal, dedicated wife, and I’m even more thrilled to raise a family with you, Sarah.”

  “We’re going to have a beautiful life,” I said, cupping his face. “Our love will conquer all obstacles that stand in our way.”

  “Nobody can take away what we have,” Victor said.

  “Nobody,” I agreed. There was an honest sincerity in his eyes, and I believed every word he spoke in those hushed, romantic whispers.

  “I’ll let my brother run things for now, but in time, I must return and reclaim my throne.”

  “You have made a wonderful compromise, my King,” I said, “and I know it’s a lot to ask.”

  His eyes twinkled as he kissed my hand. “We’ll raise our son to be loving and generous, just like his mother.”

  I smiled at the thought. There would be nothing more fantastic, more satisfying than having a kind and loving son. We refused to let Ethano program our son with his propaganda or to turn him into the monster I’d seen on the fortune-teller’s cavern wall. Our Alexander would live up to the true meaning of his name.

  * * *

  I walked into Beth’s hospital room carrying a huge teddy bear I’d purchased from the hospital gift shop.

  Her eyes lit up the second she saw me, and then she glanced at Victor and Charles. “Uh…hi, everyone,” she said. “Frank told me you were back in town, Sarah. I’m so glad you’re okay.”

  I hugged her, and she embraced me tightly.

  “I was so worried when you didn’t come back through the portal with us,” she said.

  “I’m fine,” I said, gripping her hands.

  Her gaze drifted back to the guys. “Victor and Charles, you fellas are looking good in those tight shirts. It’s really hot.”

  I playfully slapped her. “Stop! They can’t help it my dad’s not exactly a bodybuilder. We had to raid his closet, but we’re going shopping after this.”

  “Those shirts do way more justice then those cloaks they wore. Not one muscle is left to the imagination.”

  Liz walked in after parking the car. “Beth! We’ve missed you so much.”

  “It’s great to see you.”

  Liz held up a bag of fast food. “Burgers and fries, anybody?” she squealed in excitement. “Your nurse said it’s okay.”

  “You shouldn’t have,” Beth said.

  “Well, I remember hospital food from when I had my tonsils out. I’m sure it hasn’t gotten much better. Plus, I’ve been waiting a decade for a Whopper. They didn’t exactly have drive-thrus where we were.”

  She laughed. “You’re right about that,” Beth said, reaching for a fry. “Oh, this is heaven! Thanks, guys.” She popped another fry in her mouth. “What you did for Frank was amazing. I saw it all on television. He stopped by, but I was sleeping.”

  “Frank showed me a picture of little Christopher. He’s adorable, with blond hair and blue eyes, just like his mama.”

  Beth grinned. “Thanks. Now tell me, how did you guys get through the portal?”

  “It’s a long story,” Liz said.

  “Yeah,” I said. “Just know we’re gonna be here for a while.”

  “Let me take a wild guess,” Beth said. “You’re in trouble with the Immortals.”

  I bit my lip. “Something like that.”

  “You’re more than welcome to stay with Christopher and me.”

  “Thanks for the generous offer, but we’re staying with Sarah’s parents,” Victor said.

  “That’s great.” She looked at Victor and Charles, then Liz. “Hey, would you guys mind if I talked to Sarah alone? I have some things I need to clear up with her.”

  “No problem. I think I hear a vending machine calling my name,” Liz said, looping her arm around each guy. “You wanna see how one works?”

  “We’ll give you two some time to talk.” Victor walked outside the door.

  Beth’s eyes welled up with tears. “Sarah, I’m so sorry I didn’t wait for you when we left through the portal. I thought you were right behind us.”

  “It’s okay. I chose to stay behind.”

  “You should’ve told us. We thought something horrible had happened. Frank and I staked out the portal countless times, looking for a Guardian to follow. We even held a few expeditions there with the team.”

  “How are they? The team?”

  “They’re fine, but they’re worried sick about you.”

  “I’m sure they’ve seen the news by now and know I’m still alive and kicking.”

  Beth met my gaze and let out a long breath. “I’m sorry about the whole Frank thing. I never meant to get in the way of you two.”

  “I was over Frank long before that, even if he wasn’t over me.”

  “He’s still not over you,” Beth said.

  “I’m sorry I got in the way.”

  “I love him,” Beth said. “I really do. I want nothing more than to be a family.”

  “He’s a great guy—maybe a tiny bit obnoxious, but still a great guy.”

  She laughed. “I hope to win his heart back again someday.”

  “You know my favorite saying, right?”

  She grinned. “Sure. Love can conquer all.”

  “Do you love Victor?”

  I gripped her hands. “With all my heart.”

  “I’m happy that you’ve found true love. No one deserves it more than you.”

  “Thank you.” I touched my stomach. “I’m having his baby too.”

  Her entire face lit up. “Oh, Sarah! Congratulations!”

  “Thanks, Beth.”

  “No wonder you’re beaming.”

  “I know. Victor and I couldn’t be happier.”

  “It is strange seeing Victor here in our world, in normal clothes. How is he adjusting?”

  “It’s too early to tell.”

  “Are you going back to Tastia when everything dies down?”

  “I’m sure that’s his plan. I’m sure he won’t give up his kingdom and title to stay here forever. I can’t deny that part of me hopes he’ll fall in love with the place and give it all up for a wonderful life here with our child in a modern-day world.”

  “Only time will tell,” she said.

  “Was Frank pissed at me when they arrested him for my murder?”

  “He didn’t hold it against you, Sarah—not once.”

  “He’s such a saint.”

  She laughed. “Perhaps a sarcastic one.”

  We both chuckled.

  I touched her arm. “How long do you have to stay in the hospital?”

  Her lips pressed into a grim line.

  “What’s wrong?” I asked.

  “The doctors tell me I’ll never walk again.” She looked away as her voice began to tremble. “My spinal cord was severed in the accident.”

  I gripped her hands. “Gosh, Beth, I�
�m so sorry.”

  A tear rolled down her face as emotion consumed her. “I’ll never run on the beach with Christopher or dance again. I won’t be able to go on any expeditions in the deep woods. My life is over, Sarah.”

  I hugged her and held her as she wept, and I tried to whisper words of comfort and encouragement.

  “What’s wrong?” Liz asked.

  Beth looked up at her. “I’m paralyzed from the accident. I’ll never walk again.”

  “I’m so sorry,” Liz said. “I’m here for you if—”

  I cut Liz off. “Remember when Ethano’s men found us at your castle? We escaped, and there was a battle.”

  Liz nodded. “Yeah.”

  “You healed that horse who was fatally wounded.”

  Liz met my gaze, aware of what I was about to ask.

  “Can your gift be done on a human?” I asked.

  Beth’s eyes widened. “What are you saying?”

  “I’m asking my sister if she has the power to heal you.”

  Liz set down her coffee. “I’ve only healed animals.”

  “I know, but can it be done?” I asked.

  “I don’t know,” she said. She looked up at Victor. “Can it?”

  “Liz isn’t strong enough yet,” Charles said, “but she will be in time.”

  Victor shifted his stance. “There’s only one way to find out.”

  Liz inched toward Beth. “Do you want me to try?”

  “I’m willing to try anything,” she said.

  Liz closed her eyes and touched Beth’s legs, and a yellow light began to swirl around. A wind came out of nowhere and grew stronger by the second. Cups, cards, and other items blew off the bedside table. Papers from the chart hanging on the wall swished. A loud howl broke through the eerie silence, and then it began to die down.

  “I need more power,” she said. “I’m losing the connection.” She inhaled deeply. “Charles is right. I’m not strong enough yet.”

  Victor gripped Liz’s left hand while Charles gripped her right. I put my hand on her leg. With the energy of three more Immortals, Liz was able to reestablish the connection. Charles guided her through the process, telling her how to stay focused. The wind whipped across my hair as the long, horizontal window shattered with a boom. Little bolts of lightning flashed above our heads, and tiny orbs of energy surrounded the bed.

  “Almost there!” Liz yelled.

  My head pounded, and I fought not to pass out.

  A nurse’s voice almost caused me to lose the connection when she rushed in and tried to pull us away from Beth. Liz collapsed, and the wind immediately stopped. “What is going on?” the nurse roared.

  Thunder boomed as lightning flashed. Peeking out the window, I could see the dark clouds rolling in. Instantly, I knew Victor was summoning a rainstorm. When I glanced at him, his eyebrows were arched in concentration.

  “A tree crashed through the window,” Victor said.

  She looked out as rain pelted the window. “What tree?”

  Victor closed his eyes and moved the woman out of the way as the giant, towering tree next to the hospital suddenly crashed through.

  “What’s going on?” the nurse asked, stumped.

  I stared into her eyes. “You didn’t see anything. Lightning struck, and a tree crashed into the window, but everyone is okay.”

  She blinked. “The tree’s so old. I told them ages ago to chop it down.”

  “Good. Now go.”

  She nodded and left the room.

  Victor helped Liz to her feet.

  “Are you okay?” I asked frantically. I feared the energy had been too much for my sister and that her heart couldn’t handle it. I was stupid to suggest something that hadn’t been tested, putting all our lives at risk.

  She stood. “I’m fine. How’s Beth?”

  Beth’s eyes fluttered open.

  “Beth!” I said. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m all right,” she said, smiling, “and I think I can actually feel my legs.”

  “You can?” I asked hopefully.

  “I can!” she shouted again, this time even louder.

  “Can you walk?” I asked, reaching for her hand.

  She slid to the edge of the bed and put her bare feet on the floor. She put weight on her left foot, then her right. With a burst of excitement, she screamed, “I can walk! I can walk!”

  We all exchanged happy glances. A group of nurse walked in and looked at the tree, but then their gazes shifted to Beth.

  “She’s walking!” one nurse shouted. “Her spinal cord was completely cut.”

  “How is that possible?” one yelled, completely stunned and shocked.

  “Get Dr. Moon now!” another yelled.

  When security flooded the room, we knew it was time to go. I said a quick goodbye.

  Beth gripped my hands. “Thank you,” she said. “I’ll never forget this.” She then flung her arms around Liz and thanked her just as heartily.

  Charles grabbed Liz’s hand. “We need to go.”

  Rushing out of the room and trying to stay inconspicuous, we darted down the stairwell and out of the hospital.

  “Looks like your gift does work on people,” I said.

  “You only need to learn how to control it,” Victor said. “I can teach you how.”

  Chapter 18

  We spent our first night in my mother’s house, and Victor and I chose to stay in my old room so we could have privacy. One of my massive headaches kicked in, and my compassionate, carrying husband held me throughout the night without a single complaint. I didn’t fall asleep till around five a.m., and when I woke up, my headache was gone.

  Victor took a long walk outside by himself to think. I offered to go with him, but he declined my offer. He was getting all broody again, and I wished he’d let me in. He was gone for hours, and I knew he was contemplating everything that had happened. I also knew how worried he was about me. The headaches were getting worse, and we both knew something was drastically wrong.

  When he came back, I made lunch for him, then put on one of my favorite movies. I sat on the sofa, snuggled up to Victor. It was still hard for me to comprehend that he was sitting in my mother’s living room. I had grieved his death, and he came from another world, but there I was with his strong arms wrapped around me. I’d never expected to be in his embrace ever again. It was mind-blowing, and I couldn’t stop staring at the gorgeous man next to me. When he caught me looking at him, he winked at me, his blue eyes twinkling. I smiled; I had taught him how to wink, and it made my heart melt. I laid my hand over his and grinned widely. I’d never been so happy in my entire life.

  My mom walked in the living room and smiled at me. “I was hoping we could go shopping for the baby.”

  Liz laughed, shooting me a glance. “You go shopping with Mom, and you’re gonna stimulate the economy big time.”

  I turned to Victor, a big smile still plastered on my face. “That means my mom is going to buy out the entire store for the baby.”

  “Then I will be stimulating the economy also,” Victor said. “I shall purchase the entire market.”

  “Me too!” Liz chuckled. “We’re going to spoil this baby rotten.”

  “Mom, I just got here,” I said. “There’ll be plenty of time for that later.”

  “I know. I guess I’m just excited to be a grandma.”

  “I’ve got an idea,” Liz said. “Mom can give me her credit card so I can get us all some clothes. I can’t stand looking at Charles in dad’s clothes any longer.”

  “How about you, Victor, and Charles go shopping for clothes, and I’ll take Sarah baby shopping?” my mom said.

  “I love it!” Liz said.

  “Mom,” I said, “Victor doesn’t want to be stuck with Liz all day.”

  “Speak for yourself,” Liz said. “Men love me.” I smirked, and she giggled, turning to face Victor. “Okay, all kidding aside, knowing my mom, she’ll have Sarah out for hours looking at cribs, high chairs, an
d baby outfits. The stroller technology will baffle your mind. Trust me on this one. When I used to babysit, I could never get the dang thing open.”

  My mom laughed. “She couldn’t.”

  “You’ll be bored to death,” Liz continued. “I know you enjoy being with Sarah, but this time, it’s best you come with us. I’m dying to show you and Charles around.”

  I gripped Victor’s hand. “It’s all right, darling. I’m sure my mother just wants to spend some time with me.”

  “You deserve time alone with your mother,” Victor said.

  I hugged him. “I couldn’t ask for a more understanding husband.”

  He wrapped his arms around me and embraced me tightly. “As you say, you’re stuck with me.”

  I smiled. “Hey! That’s my line.”

  My dad walked past us. “If you wanna save a buck or two, Victor and Charles can try on some of my clothes that I stored in the attic. They’re a little bigger.”

  “No more of your clothes, dear,” my mom chimed in.

  “But I have a pinstriped suit that’d look wonderful on Victor.”

  “No, no, and no,” Liz said. “There are two kinds of people in this world, the ones who are hot and the ones who are not! We’ll be heading to the mall, thank you.” She touched Victor’s arm. “You would like to be in the hot category, right?”

  “I am not too warm at all,” Victor said, confused.

  I playfully slugged Liz. “Of course he’s hot, and Dad’s clothes are off limits.”

  “I heard that!” my dad called from the next room.

  “Sorry, Daddy,” I said.

  “No offense taken.” He laughed. “You were a fashion queen back in Tastia. Has the world of glamour cast a spell on my daughters, no matter what dimension they’re in?”

  Liz chuckled. “Yes, yes, and yes again.”

  We all laughed. I loved being with my family, back in the house I grew up in. When I’d first made the decision to stay with Victor, it tore at my heart that I wouldn’t see my parents. They were my best friends, my world, and they meant everything to me.

  “You haven’t a tailor to personally create your clothing?” Victor asked.