Epilogue
Four months later…
“What do you mean I cannot turn your mum into a frog?” Rhodes asked, his tone full of feigned disappointment. He tugged at the cuffs of his fine linen shirt. “I have practiced, wife. Tirelessly. I am now highly skilled at such a feat.”
It had taken time and endless talks with Elune, his grandmother, to learn about his heritage and how his da had renounced his witch heritage, which included far too many warlocks, for the woman he loved.
She had given her word to her son, Rhodes’s da, that if the time ever came that he was in danger, and he wasn’t there to guide him, that she would do what she had to do to protect him.
When Theodora granted Rhodes’s wish, it stirred his witch’s blood.
Elune knew she had to act fast since it would alert dark forces to Rhodes’s awakening.
Cander, a distant cousin, pounced on the chance to entice Rhodes with what warlock power could achieve.
He was just beginning to comprehend and embrace the immense power that he had inherited.
Fawn slipped her arms around his waist from behind, her cheek brushing his back. “Rhodes, if you so much as try to turn my mum into a frog, you will start a war you will soon regret and a never-ending one at that. You may even find yourself turned into—” She laughed. “A goat.”
He turned in her embrace, his hands sliding to rest at her hips, his smile curling slow and wicked. “A goat, is it? That would hardly suit me. I’d prefer a stag. Or perhaps a wolf.”
“You’d prefer whatever gave you an excuse to strut about and make the rest of us tremble,” she teased, though her eyes softened when they met his. “But no magic tricks with my mum, understood? You are still learning. Elune is teaching you control, not mischief.”
“A pity,” he muttered, then leaned down until his lips brushed her temple. “At least my grandmother believes I have potential. Your da encourages, though I think I shocked him when I summoned thunder over his head. Your mum, however—”
“You will never entirely please her.” Fawn smiled faintly. “She expects more from everyone, even herself.”
He lifted her chin with a finger, studying her as though she were the only truth he needed.
“I am learning more than power, Fawn. I am learning patience. Restraint.” His thumb brushed her lower lip, his touch tender despite the mischief still glinting in his eyes.
“But when it comes to you, wife, I cannot help myself. Even the strongest warlock would fail at resisting you.”
Her laughter came soft and full of warmth, her hand pressing flat to his chest where his heart beat steady. “It is a good thing you’re not a warlock, then. You may be a witch, but first and foremost you are my husband. That is all the power I need you to wield.”
Rhodes bent his head, kissing her with a mix of heat and promise. “It is the one power I will never relinquish.”
Fawn laid her hand over his, giving his chest a gentle push. “We had better get to the celebration, husband, before they come looking for us.”
His brow arched, mischief dancing in his dark eyes. “Or we could slip in late, then slip out early. I have far better plans for us than feasting with a horde of people.”
“Rhodes.” Her voice carried mock sternness, though the warmth in her smile betrayed her amusement. “If you try to spirit me away, you will have my sisters and my mum to answer to.”
“Then I’ll count myself a brave man indeed.” He kissed her once more before offering his arm. “Come, wife. Let’s endure the celebration, then I’ll collect my reward later.”
The Great Hall brimmed with laughter, music, and the clink of tankards raised high.
Torches burned bright, their flames reflecting off the clan banners that hung proudly against the stone walls, the hearth fires flickered gayly as if in dance, and the scent of roasted meat and spiced wine carried through the air.
The whole clan had gathered in merriment and celebration.
“Fawn!” Two voices rose in unison, and in a heartbeat her sisters were rushing across the hall to throw their arms around her.
Fawn hugged them tightly, her heart swelling with joy, happy they had shared the past week together. For a moment, the hall, the noise, the eyes watching all faded away and it was just them, three sisters reuniting, sharing laughter and talk once again.
“This has been wonderful,” Ingrid said, smiling broadly.
“Aye,” Aura agreed, happily, and we will do it often. She rested her hand on her stomach that had yet to round. “I want you both there when I give birth.”
“Aye, me as well,” Ingrid said with a chuckle, her hand going to pat her slightly rounded stomach.
Aura smiled at Rhodes. “Get her with child, so our children can grow together like sisters and brothers.”
“He is doing his best, believe me,” Fawn said, her cheeks blossoming pink, not from embarrassment but the secret she had yet to share with her husband.
Two tall warriors, one with exceptionally fine features, moved in behind them.
Raff clapped Rhodes on the shoulder with a grin. “Whoever thought wishes could turn out so wonderful in the end.”
Declan chuckled. “Except for the mother-in-law part. She’ll turn you into a frog if you’re not careful.”
Rhodes’s mouth curved and looking as if he was ready to boast about his skills, Fawn poked him in the back with her finger.
He caught himself and said, “I’ve faced worse.”
The men laughed, shaking their heads, unaware of the truth that lingered unspoken. The power at Rhodes’s command, his witch’s blood that ran through him, the secret that bound Fawn and him tighter than any vow.
But Fawn felt the weight of it, even as she smiled at her sisters, her heart soaring at the sight of them all safe, happy, and together. Tonight was not for fear. Tonight was for joy.
Theodora swept toward them, Artemis at her side, both attired in garments that had the clan whispering of possible royalty.
“Mum, are you enjoying the celebration?” Fawn asked and waited for her to complain.
“It is quite pleasant, Fawn, and the food quite tasty.”
Her daughters stared in shock as her sons-in-law did, all except Rhodes.
“I told you that the Clan MacBrair knew how to throw an excellent celebration,” Rhodes said.
“And you were right,” Theodora acknowledged with a brief nod.
“Are you feeling all right?” Artemis was quick to ask.
“Aye, Mum, is something wrong?” Ingrid asked, Aura looking as puzzled as Ingrid sounded.
Fawn remained speechless that her mum admitted Rhodes was right, which made her wrong and she was never wrong about anything, so she claimed.
When Theodora didn’t respond, Artemis said with a grin, “So, you were wrong.”
His three daughters shook their heads at their da in warning.
Theodora turned a raised brow on her husband. “I don’t recall hearing Rhodes tell me I was wrong.”
A soft chuckle came from behind them. Elune approached, Sprig nestled comfortably in her arms. “My grandson is far too much of a gentleman and far too wise to embarrass his mother-in-law.”
Artemis rolled his eyes and Raff and Declan hurried their wives away before things turned ugly.
Fawn hurried to save the moment. “I see Sprig has chosen a new favorite.”
Elune smiled faintly, stroking the kitten’s fur. “He knows wisdom when he sees it. A good sign.”
Theodora arched a brow. “He is too young to know any better.”
“Or he is wise beyond his years,” Elune said smoothly, with a glimmer in her eyes. “I hear talk you mean to remain here.”
“And why should I not?” Theodora countered, her chin tilting upward.
“Your other two daughters are with child, I would think you would spend your time between them both since Fawn has me,” Elune replied, her voice calm but firm. “I am here to guide her and my grandson, to teach what must be taught, to help when help is needed. That should ease your mind.”
Theodora bristled, color rising in her cheeks. “Ease my mind? You dare—”
“Theodora,” Artemis said, interrupting her as he gave a nod to Rhodes.
“You are needed at home. The forest waits for you, as do those who rely upon you.” His sternness softened as he added, “And you promised Fawn that Ash would come home with us. He’ll be safe in our woods, and I am sure you already have a mate in mind for him. You cannot go back on your word.”
“Aye, a witch’s word must be kept,” Elune said and walked away smiling.
Theodora scowled and went to follow the old woman, but Artemis took hold of her arm, stopping her.
“Enough, wife, it is time we enjoy our daughter’s wedding celebration.” Artemis stepped closer to her and whispered, “And it is time you let our daughters go and live their lives. While I hate to admit it, you chose good husbands for them.”
Theodora smiled, casting glances at the three men she had come across that fateful night.
“I knew there was good in them as soon as I heard them talking. And I would never choose husbands for our daughters. I simply sent good men their way… love did the rest. Just as it did for you and me.” She smiled sweetly.
“Come, let us enjoy the delicious feast.”
Artemis’s brow wrinkled. “What do you mean, just as it did for you and me? Did you cast magic on me, Theodora?”
She hugged his arm and chuckled softly. “If you call love magic than, aye, I did, for the moment I laid eyes on you, I knew I loved you.”
Artemis kept his laugh low. “Good, then my magic worked.”
Theodora smiled. “Your magic always works on me… when I let it.”
Artemis shook his head. “You are a handful, wife, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Rhodes was leading Fawn to the dais, taking advantage of the opportunity his father-in-law had provided to step away, his hand firm at her back. The hum of voices swelled again as they mounted the dais, all eyes on their laird and his bride.
Not far from the raised platform, two wolfhounds lay sprawled, their golden eyes half-lidded but ever watchful.
They had welcomed Fawn’s tender command the very day she insisted on keeping them, and the clan still marveled at how obedient they were under her gentle hand.
Overhead, a sweep of wings stirred the rafters—Rook had claimed his perch.
He kept near Rhodes, sharp eyes tracking the room as though daring anyone to threaten his master.
The sight brought a murmur of wonder through the hall, as if even beasts now knew where their loyalty lay. Fawn’s heart warmed at it, and when Rhodes’s fingers brushed hers, she caught a wicked smile on his lips and a spark of passion in his eyes that stirred her own desire.
“Your sisters have good men. I have battled by their sides numerous times. They will keep your sisters safe.” Rhodes covered his hand with hers. “I have come to know your sisters this past week, and I see that neither of them are as bold or stubborn as you.”
She elbowed him lightly, though her smile betrayed her pleasure. “Stubborn? A wife with her own mind is a blessing, my lord. Or so you told me the other night when I mounted you.”
He chuckled, the deep sound vibrating through her. “Aye, and I’ll keep saying it… though you test me every day.”
“To our laird,” Boyce shouted, raising a tankard high, Sara at his side with her hand resting on her sizeable belly, the bairn due soon. “To our laird, who slew the warlock and brought peace to Clan MacBrair!”
The hall erupted in cheers, voices booming and feet stamping until the rafters shook.
Fawn leaned close to Rhodes, whispering as the noise rang out, “They’ll make you into a legend before long.”
“Let them,” he murmured, brushing his lips over her temple. “So long as you remain my truth.”
Later, when the pipes played and couples spun across the hall, Rhodes stood and scooped Fawn off her chair and into his arms.
She gasped, laughing as she clutched his neck. “Rhodes! What are you doing? People are watching!”
“Let them,” he said again, his dark eyes blazing with warmth. “They’ve had their celebration. Now I’ll have mine.”
The hall rang with cheers and laughter as he carried her out, his stride determined, her laughter trailing with them.
Up the winding steps he went, ignoring her mock protests, until he shouldered open the chamber door. The fire within already glowed, their bed piled with furs, the scent of pine and spice filling the air.
He cradled her close, brushing his cheek against hers. “You’re my wealth, Fawn. My strength. My stubborn, beautiful witch of a wife.”
Her smile softened, her hand slipping inside his shirt to rest against his chest. “And you’re mine, Rhodes. Always.”
His mouth claimed hers, the sound of music and merriment fading below as the world narrowed to the two of them.
He carried her toward the bed. “We need to get busy on Aura’s request about getting you with child.”
She smiled softly, placing her hand on her stomach. “You’ve already seen to that.”
He stopped abruptly, his eyes searching her face. “Are you telling me that—”
“Aye, your seed took root. I carry your bairn,” she said with pride.
He pressed his brow to hers. “I love you, wife, now and always.”
He kissed her, sealing a future where love—stubborn, fierce, and solid—would always win.
The End