Page 99 of The Last Kelpie

“Yes?”

“The Editor could have a similar potion.”

“Yes. That's why I asked you not to assume anything. We don't know who or what this person is. So, we need to stay alert for any possibility.”

“Yes, of course.”

I sat down beside him, and we watched the festivities in silence. I didn't know how they used to celebrate a success, but this felt perfect. My gaze went to Áedán over and over until he came to me and held out his hand. As he pulled me to my feet, Caelum stood and looked at Áedán as if he expected something.

Sure enough, Áedán had a question for Caelum. “If enough people remembered my family, would they come back? Could they exist again?”

Caelum didn't answer immediately. He looked up into the branches of Velas's oak, his expression distant. The silence stretched long enough that I thought he might not respond at all. Finally, he said, “I don't know.”

Áedán's shoulders sagged.

“But,” Caelum continued, “that's only because no myth has ever come back so strongly after nearly fading. Not even me. I think kelpies will return. How could they not, with all the belief in them? Will they be your family members? Maybe. If anyone could make it happen, it's a kelpie who has taken the world by storm.”

Áedán's eyes glinted, and his shoulders straightened. “Thank you. I hope I can count on you if I need help.”

“Always.” Caelum squeezed his shoulder once, then walked away, leaving us alone beneath the tree.

We left the garden and went up to my room. After he locked the door, Áedán took my hand and led me to bed. He didn't undress me, just sat down beside me.

“What is it?” I turned toward him.

“The Velasca will send you on other assignments. That's your job now.”

“Yes.”

“I want to come with you.”

“You want to help other myths?”

“Aye, I want to help them find new beginnings. The way you helped me find mine. But mainly, I want to be with you.” He lifted our joined hands and kissed my knuckles. “Wherever the Velasca sends you next, we go together.”

“I want that, but I want you to have something that's yours too.”

“Have you forgotten who I am? I'm the Guardian of the Water. The Bonnie Loch Beast. And I've got a lot to do. But I'll find a way to do it at your side.”

“I'm sure we can find jobs for an eco-warrior like you wherever we go.”

He kissed me then, slow and deep and full of promise. When we eased apart, he was smiling.

I kicked off my shoes. “I think we'll have a little time before my next assignment.”

“Then you'll have time to settle into your new home.” He kicked off his shoes.

“You are my home.”

Áedán grabbed me and pulled me down onto the bed with him. As we kissed, we slipped out of our clothes. Then we were lying naked in each other's arms. Our eyes met, and we went still.

“I love you,” we said together. Then we laughed.

When we settled into smiles, Áedán said, “Thank you for not giving up on me.”

“I'll never give up on you.”

He set his hand on my chest. “Nor I you.”