Fate Forsaken

by Chauntelle Baughman

  “Deal.” Evette didn’t hesitate. A smile crossed her face, and she brought her mug to her lips. “So what’s for dinner?”

  Rho laughed, shook her head, and returned to the kitchen. As she poured her cup of coffee, she considered how far they’d come. They had three Kamens in their possession and a new member on their team. Rho’d been sentenced to death, but she’d been given at least a little time.

  Eldon strode across the kitchen and took Rho’s hand in his. With a gentle tug, he pulled her away from the rest of the group and led her to the empty living room. He spun around and planted a kiss on her lips, then deepened his kiss, gently exploring her mouth.

  She wrapped her arms around his waist and pulled him closer. The scent of him filled her entirely, all clean soap and spices, and she wished she could bottle it just to keep it with her. He entered her mind freely this time, and she let him in without hesitation.

  Just as his kisses left her breathless, he pulled away.

  “What did you do that for?” Rho panted, gazing up at him.

  He gave her a lopsided smile. “I love you, Rho Vasile.”

  “And I love you, Eldon Tradare.” She shook her head as she studied his eyes. They’d been the first part of him that had drawn her in. “Nothing in my life can ever be easy, can it?”

  He caught her chin with the crook of his finger then bent forward and pressed a kiss to her nose. “Nothing worth fighting for ever is.” He lifted his lips to kiss her forehead. “But you’re worth the fight.” When he pulled back, he gazed down at her face. “I’ll fight for you, Rho. I’ll fight until my last breath.”

  Her throat grew tight, the sincerity in his voice nearly melting her where she stood. “And I’ll fight by your side.” She shook her head slowly. “Everything happens for a reason. Meeting you, our connection, this team. It all serves a purpose.”

  “I don’t care what the purpose is, as long as I’m with you.”

  “I’m not going anywhere. Not until they make me.”

  He let out a light laugh. “They’ll have to get through me to get to you.”

  She smiled and gave him a playful shove. “And good luck with that.”

  Eldon cupped her face in his hands and dipped down, kissing her deeply. Their height difference meant she had to stand on her toes, but she didn’t care. She wrapped her arms around his neck to pull him closer, embracing the warmth of his skin touching her and her connection with his soul.

  Nothing in her life had been easy, but everything happened for a reason. She’d joined this team for a reason. She’d met Eldon for a reason. Even if she didn’t have all the answers, she at least had today. As long as she was here, she had a lot to be grateful for.

  Not to mention a hell of a lot more work to do.

  THANK YOU

  A tremendous thank you to all of my readers. I’m so grateful for all of the love and support you’ve shown me since this series started. You guys are amazing.

  Few people get to see what happens behind the curtain when I’m working on a novel, and I couldn’t achieve my goals without such an incredibly talented team backing me up. A special thank you to Deanna, my awesome critique partner in crime and a fabulous author, without whom I’d never get anything done. Thanks for pushing me and keeping me on my toes. Rhonda, my editor who takes no prisoners; Minx and Leslea, my beta readers; Claudia, my brilliant cover artist; Ashley, my gifted typographer; Jennifer at Red Adept for proofreading; and Crystalle at Victory Editing for catching the tiniest of errors. Thank you all for everything you do.

  Last but certainly not least, thank you to my husband for his support and my gorgeous baby girl. Her impending arrival inspired me to get this story finished, and just in the nick of time. Everything I do in this world, I do for her.

  ALSO BY CHAUNTELLE BAUGHMAN

  THE DARQREALM SERIES:

  Magick Marked

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Chauntelle is a writer with a special love for the genres of paranormal romance and urban fantasy. She also adores musical theater, walking around barefoot, wearing scarves and eating chocolate – not necessarily in that order. When she’s not busy working in the Houston oilpatch, you find her spending time with her husband and daughter at the lake. For more updates and information on her latest releases, please visit her website at www.clbaughman.com.

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  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5858692.Chauntelle_Baughman