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Maeve turned toward him uncertain what to expect. His eyes were alive with celebration and rimmed with a golden light. “How many beers have you had?”
He chuckled. “Not nearly enough. I plan to keep celebrating for at least the next year.”
He settled beside her on the heavy top stones of the low garden wall. He pushed his shoulder against hers. “How you doin’? Are you recovered from the battle?”
She rubbed her left hand. “I’m not too bad, really. My fingers tingle and twitch, but that’s to be expected.” She glanced at his hand. “And you have killing power too, now.”
“That I do. Or maybe I do if I can recreate the same potion.”
“You used emerald flame.”
“Three grains. I’d do it again, too, if it meant ridding our world of another monster like Veyda. Name the time and place and I’m there.”
He heaved a sigh and grew quiet. His gaze shifted about.
She felt the need to address the tough issue between them. “Kiara told me Laura was here tonight.”
At that, he met her gaze. His beautiful green eyes bore a shard of pain she understood extremely well. “She was. She wore her favorite outfit.”
“Remember earlier when I called you into the shower?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Frank had just visited me. I mean I didn’t see him like you saw Laura. But his voice was in my head, though he sounded like he spoke from a great distance. He told me I needed to move on.”
Braden spoke quietly. “Do you think you can?”
She tried to smile but failed. “I think so. But I’m going to need some time to get over all that’s happened.”
He slid his arm around her and she leaned her head against his shoulder. He switched to telepathy. I love you, Maeve.
She drew a deep breath. I love you, too.
He squeezed her shoulders. Aloud, he said, “I never thought I’d say this, but I don’t want to leave the Landing. Not ever. How would you feel if I stuck around?”
At that, she drew back and stared at him. Though she’d shifted position, he still kept his arm around her. “Really? I’d love it. But when did things change?”
He smiled then kissed her forehead. “I don’t know how it happened, or when. I think it was a gradual process from the time I woke up from my coma. But it looks like I’ve found a new home here.”
“What about your pack in Sav
age? You love them. You’re bonded to them.”
“I know. I don’t even know how this is going to work exactly. But I’ll talk to Jeremy and Alpha Warren. We’ll figure it out. Yet, somehow, I don’t think it’s going to be a problem.
“Five Bridges isn’t like the human world. We’ve got forces working for us. Laura brought me here for you. I know that now. She knew you’d need me and that I’d fall in love with you.”
Maeve’s throat grew really tight. “But, Braden—” She let the words hang once more.
At that, he shifted toward her and caught her chin with his free hand. “You ended her suffering, at her pleading, and Laura knew what it was going to cost you. That’s why she stuck around, to make sure you were okay.
“I know it won’t be easy for you to get over what happened. I’ll have my own impossible days as well. But it will never be about recrimination. Do you understand? There’s nothing to forgive here. I have only gratitude for your courage in the face of an impossible situation.”
His words and his sincerity brought a wave of peace flowing through her.
Nothing to forgive.
When he leaned in and kissed her, she accepted his lips without reservation. She had a man in her life, a partner, a lover. And he wasn’t going away.
