* * * *
Toryn stared at the only woman he ever loved. His world was complete with her in it. Didn’t matter to him where they were, or what they did, as long as she was by his side.
He remembered Reance’s words. He’d seen a bright future, and children. His heart swelled.
Isa’s dazzling emerald eyes sparkled in the firelight. “You going to stand there watching all night? Or make good on your promise?”
“Oh, I’ll fulfill that promise.” He strode toward her and took her hands. His smile couldn’t be contained as he dropped to one knee.
Her mouth fell open as her chest heaved with a surprised breath. “Toryn?”
“From the moment I first saw you, you held my heart. I fell for you every day and will continue to fall the rest of our lives. Will you do me the honor of being my bride?”
She sank to her knees, wrapping her arms around his neck. “Does that mean I get to make you my knight for real?”
He laughed softly. “As long as you say yes.”
Happiness nearly boiled over when she squealed, “Yes, a thousand—no a million-zillion times yes. There’s nothing I want more than to have you for the rest of my life.”
Toryn laughed. “You have me, forever.”
Relieved, Toryn couldn’t stop grinning. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the ring as he took her hand. Taking a deep breath, he met her gaze, and slipped the symbol of his love on her finger.
She gasped when she looked at the ring. “You didn’t have to do this.” Her gaze swept through the clearing. “Any of this.”
“No, but I wanted to.” After a pause, he blurted out, “Tell me you don’t hate all the fuss.”
She blinked. “Hate? No, I love it. All of it. You’re always doing everything right, and sometimes I feel as though I don’t do enough.”
“Of course you do, Isa. You are my whole world, and even if it doesn’t seem like grand gestures to you, your love shines in everything you do.”
“I love the ring. It’s beautiful. And this—escape, it’s perfect.”
His hands delved into her hair and he kissed her.
Pulling back, breathless, she whispered, “Now, will you make love to me?”
“Of course.”
Before he could help, she pulled her dress over her head. He took it from her, dropping it on the ground. With desire coursing through his blood, he picked her up, carrying her to the fleece blanket covering the low, wide stump. Delight danced through her eyes as she shifted to her knees to pull the golden zipper.
A laugh escaped. “Why have you never mentioned your obsession with that zipper?”
Shrugging, she looked up at him. “You have a way of distracting me.”
“Always share your fantasies. I’m happy to indulge.”
Nodding, she slipped her hands into his waistband, pushing his pants down. “Love it when you go commando.” She giggled, mischief dancing through her eyes.
Toryn’s brow arched. “That I know.” Wasting no more time, he hurriedly removed the rest of his clothes. Kneeling in front of her, he reached down to the scrap of black lace and yanked it from her body.
“Oh, fuck yes!” she exclaimed.
“Told you, I’m going to make love to you all night long. And every night after this one, for the rest of eternity.”
“And don’t forget the days. Anytime the mood strikes.”
“Like right now.” He lay her back on the blanket and moved over her. She wound her legs around his hips as he slid deep into her body. Staring into her eyes, he made love to his mate. Her hands caressed up his sides.
“Love you,” he whispered.
“And I love you.”
Their shared climax was long, sweet, and incredible. He held himself over Isa, staring into her soul. Nothing would tear them apart.
Chapter 14
Nearly dawn and his body was finally sated. Scotty sighed as he stared at the ceiling. At least there was no guilt, despair, or any other negative emotion. He looked over at Zoe who was still asleep, a blissful smile on her face.
Leave, or wake her first?
That smile. Yup, time to leave. Other than lust, he felt nothing for her. Zoe was a test run, plain and simple. She proved he could have a wild night of sex and leave without thoughts of Saressa.
He climbed from the bed and pulled his pants on.
“Taking off?” she asked with a yawn.
A brief flare of guilt went through him. “Sorry, I just—”
“Aren’t looking for more?” She sat up and shrugged. Her expression was soft, and only slightly sad. “It’s best that way. I’m not over my last relationship, but,” her eyes skated away, “I needed to know I wasn’t a broken mess who couldn’t enjoy another man.”
He sat down on her bed and dried the tear that slipped down her face. Her obvious pain tugged at his compassion. “Did you?”
Blue eyes swept to his, one corner of her mouth lifting. “Very much. You gave me hope. Strange as it may be, I needed one seductive night of freedom to move on with my life.”
“Same here.” He nudged her shoulder. “Since neither of us are looking for romance, what about a new friend?”
“I’d like that. I’m new in town, and feel so out of place.”
“You hungry? We can get to know each other, talk.” He shrugged. “Whatever.”
“My first real friend in Seattle? After that amazing night, and trust me it was, an offer of friendship is too good to be true.”
He nodded, relieved she didn’t want more. “We can be friends without fucking. Though, if you need sporadic relief I could be persuaded.” He winked at her.
Her laugh warmed his soul. “Let’s eat. I’ve worked up quite an appetite.”
At peace, finally. He wasn’t under the oppressive weight of Saressa, and he could have an intimate night without overwhelming emotions. Scotty’s future held unlimited potential.
* * * *
Dawn’s first rays peeked through the trees. Toryn woke with a smile on his lips. Isa was warm in his arms, her head rested on his beating heart. He traced lazy patterns on her skin. They were still outside, on the blanket. The magic fire still warming their sanctuary.
He longed for their future, knowing one day they would live in Faerie, happy and in love with their beautiful son. Seattle was their home, for now, but their future was elsewhere.
Isa’s hand curled around his waist as she shifted to press a kiss to his lips. Her radiant smile brightened his.
“Best night of my life,” she murmured.
He squeezed her tighter. “Same here.”
Toryn rolled to face her, and propped his head on his hand, staring into her sleepy emerald eyes.
“I suppose this means we should start thinking about a wedding.”
A nervous laugh bubbled free. “Soon. First I need to tell you something.”
“Go on.”
“I asked for your parents’ blessing the other morning. Reance had already talked to Aeryana. She sends her love, and approval. Reance blessed the ring.”
She twined her fingers in his. “How long have you been planning this?”
“Since we came back from San Francisco. I had a jewelry smith make the ring.”
She pressed her lips over his heart. When she looked back at him, he gently pulled her face to his for a sweet kiss.
“There’s another thing. This I didn’t plan, but Aeryana wants us to seal our vows the same time she seals hers to Reance.”
Her nose wrinkled. “Tell me that doesn’t involve sex in front of a royal audience or anything, and I think I can manage that.”
Toryn chuckled. “No. It’s very similar to a traditional marriage, but no god is mentioned, and magic is involved. It’s mostly ceremony. Faerie court will be there, at least two kingdoms’ worth.”
Her brow wrinkled. “You mean I’ll be introduced as the princess?” She closed her eyes briefly.
“Many people know about you. It’s only a matter of time before
they find out exactly who you are.”
“Good point.”
“Our ceremony can be whatever you want. I’m not a noble, and most of us don’t ever have a ceremony, even if we find our mate.”
She looked at her ring with a frown. “Do you not want a wedding?”
“I do, as long as you do. What better way to prove to everyone you’re mine and I’m not ever letting you go?”
Her eyes sparkled. “When?”
He frowned. “That, I don’t know for sure. I should have asked, but I was much more interested in asking you first.”
“I’m yours no matter what. Of course I was going to say yes.”
He kissed her again. Then promised, “I’ll always love you.”
Want more of Scotty’s story?
Changing Destiny is coming August 31st.
Preorder now.
One decision can alter your destiny.
The nymph every woman desired swept Jayde off her feet, but an oath put Scotty in Saressa’s path. To protect Jayde, he did everything in his power to keep her from Saressa’s wicked clutches.
Years later—and finally free—Scotty catches a glimpse of Jayde. After everything he put her through he struggles with the decision to mend their broken love… or let her go.
Convinced she had been wrong about Scotty and their future, Jayde has moved on. An old friend pushes them together, but her heart has been battered.
With her hold on Scotty broken, Saressa will stop at nothing to regain control.
In an effort to convince Jayde she’s the only one, Scotty must rebuild the happiness stolen from them both. Or will Saressa change destiny once again?
About Brandy L Rivers
Brandy L Rivers is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She is kept busy writing the Others of Seattle, Others of Edenton, Combustible, and the Pine Barrens Pack series.
An avid reader, Brandy has always loved writing. She became serious about it as a stay-at-home-mother. With every story her world of characters expands, pulling her new directions.
Living in rainy Western Washington with her husband and three kids, Brandy is already working on future stories in each of the series, and several other projects.
To keep up with upcoming releases and news visit me at my
Website – Facebook - Twitter
Or join my newsletter
Or reading group Rivers’ Shenanigans
Also by Brandy L Rivers
Box Sets
Others of Edenton – Series Volume 1
Others of Edenton – Series Volume 2
Others of Edenton – Series Volume 3
Others of Seattle – Series Volume 1
Others of Seattle – Series Volume 2
Others of Edenton
New Beginnings
In Too Deep
Shadows Fall
Shadows of the Past
Falling Into Place
Fated Love
Breaking Free
Mending Scars
Labor of Love
Light in Darkness
Blissful Agony
Entangled Darkness
Deadly Design (Coming 10-24-16)
Untitled: Declan’s story (Coming Summer 2017)
Others of Seattle
Nights Embrace
Storm Mistress
Accepting Fate
Red Queen
Seductive Solutions
Changing Destiny
Coming Together
Storm Wrath
Twisted Bonds (Coming Spring 2017)
Nights Embrace Spin Off
Summer Rhythm
Stand Alone Contemporary Romance
Heart on Fire
Falling Star
Sweet Tooth
Backburn (Coming 1-6-17)
Pine Barrens Pack Co-Written with Rebecca Brooke
Cursed Vengeance
Vengeance Unraveled (coming 2017)
To keep up with upcoming releases and news visit me at my
Website – Facebook - Twitter
Or join my newsletter or reading group Rivers’ Shenanigans
Preview: Changing Destiny
Chapter 1
Two hundred fifty-four years ago…
Big, strong, and made for pleasure, Endiscott closed the distance in long strides. Trapped by his rich brown eyes, Jayde struggled to appear unaffected by the walking temptation.
Surely he’s going to change directions, and approach another woman.
But to her surprise and heart’s elation, his seductive gaze never drifted away. He stopped inches from her, forcing her to look up. Jayde’s mouth watered, and her hands twitched with the need to touch the magnificent male before her.
Her mother’s gaze pressed on her, watching to see how she would address the nymph every woman desired.
“Pleasant morning, Endiscott. To what do I owe this honor?”
He licked his full lips, eyes trailing down her body in a way no respectable court fae would ever indulge in public. His parents were Lord and Lordess of High Elm Grove. Always proper themselves, but everyone knew their son rarely followed protocol, which meant he was not often invited to court.
A smooth baritone washed over her. “I would like a word with you after court. Perhaps we could share a meal?”
Jayde blinked slowly, feeling the path of his eyes as if his fingers made the journey. With the seductive distraction she must have heard him wrong. “A word?” she asked breathlessly.
The warm touch of a hand on her shoulder drew her gaze. Her mother smiled. “If Endiscott wishes to properly court you, a meal is a fine idea.” Lordess Janessa of Moonrise Cove watched him with great interest. “Is that your intention, young man?”
Endiscott tore his attention from Jayde and met her mother’s questioning eyes. His expression changed from lust-filled to one of determination. “Yes, Lordess, that is my intention.”
Blinking, Jayde turned back to Endiscott. His eyes swept to hers and the room, along with everyone in it, faded away.
“Give the young man an answer, Jayde,” Mother prompted.
Snapping out of her daze, she managed to reply, though her voice was breathless. “Yes, of course. I’m looking forward to learning more about you, Endiscott.”
“Not nearly as much as I crave learning you.”
Heat flushed her cheeks. Surely he didn’t mean to imply her body? Other than her awakening, which had been rushed and not nearly enough to leave her satisfied, she was inexperienced. The nymph before her had been with hundreds of women over his two hundred years.
His dimples deepened as he took her hand and placed a soft kiss to her palm. “Good day, my lady.” He turned and walked toward his family.
Her mother smiled and leaned close to her ear with a hushed voice. “Proof I wasn’t lying when I told you that you are beautiful, Jayde. You’re not the plain girl you think yourself to be. Endiscott does not approach women. They come to him, and he turns most of them away. He came to you, my sweet. You must see where this goes, without letting him into your bed.”
Is that even possible? One look and I melt.
She stole a glance at Endiscott. He sat with his parents, his eyes locked on her. With no clue what to make of the encounter, she concentrated on staying proper for court.
* * * *
Endiscott took his seat next to his parents. Maybe their decision to drag him along wasn’t as torturous as he’d thought. The second he walked in, he caught sight of a beautiful woman he’d never seen before.
Two hundred twenty years, and he’d never been so captivated. Curves barely contained by the ridiculous court getup. Hazel eyes an intoxicating mixture of green and gold. Chestnut-colored locks that hung down over her shoulder in a thick rope.
One look and he knew he wanted more than a quick roll in the sheets. The shrewd expression as she took in the crowd intrigued him. Face a carefully composed mask of indifference, but something in her stance made it clear she wasn’t one to be pu
shed around, no matter how shy she appeared.
Her gaze swept to him. She stilled for a second that seemed to stretch an eternity before looking away. A slight blush warmed her cheeks. He couldn’t wait to delve inside and learn everything about Jayde.
Toryn dropped into the seat beside him. He leaned over to whisper in his ear, “You’re about to ignite the poor girl in flames. Keep watching and she’ll spontaneously combust.”
Endiscott dropped his eyes to his hands, which were folded in his lap, hiding the evidence of his desire. “Can’t help it,” he muttered.
“That enraptured by the girl? I hear she has the same gift as her mother. Heals by taking power.”
Endiscott couldn’t help glancing her way. Their eyes locked. This time she didn’t look away, silently challenging him.
“Need her,” Endiscott answered, barely above a whisper.
“Think she’s the one?” Toryn asked with a raised brow.
“Never felt anything like this. No other woman exists. Only her.”
“Not even Saressa, who is still watching you like her favorite pet?”
Endiscott’s eyes cut over with a sneer. “Reance’s warning stays with me. Saressa may be beautiful, but she’s heartless. I won’t dabble with the likes of her. I’ve seen what she does to the men stupid enough to play her game.”
Toryn nodded. “Don’t have to tell me, I’ve seen the same. Now, Jayde, you’ll have to go slowly. Are you capable of such patience?”
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