Chapter 20
Was she breathing? She couldn’t tell. All she could feel were the tears sliding down her cheeks, the tremble in her fingers, and the rapid beat of her heart.
Fate had set this man in her path for a reason. And now she had the chance to not only save Everwood but marry for love—with Cillian... her Krieger. The man who crumbled her walls and worked his way straight into her heart.
As her eyes roamed over the yellow gold band with a solitaire oval diamond, her cheeks heated and warmth spread across her chest. He wanted her to be his wife.
No words formed as she cupped her face and shook her head. This couldn’t be—she had broken her rules. Don’t fall in love, and protect the people. She had failed her people. She didn’t deserve to feel happiness. What would her mom think? Her fault.
While her mind was spinning, he placed his hands on her wrists and lowered her arms, saying, “Eva, let me carry some of your burdens, Angel.” He tucked some of her hair behind her ear. “I’m here, kneeling before you, asking you to share your life with me, not just because it will benefit both our settlements and end a feud—but hell, Eva, don’t you know? I want you by my side every day. I want to see those beautiful jade eyes of yours, and listen to that spirited voice, and touch this soft, golden hair.”
She took a deep breath. Could she let him share in her burden? The way she was living before had led her down a path of being betrayed, by someone she considered a friend no less. If she had been more connected to the people around her—been a better friend to Derek—she might have seen his pain and shame that lay beneath the surface.Instead, she had been focused on the physical part of protecting her settlement, and look where that had gotten them. Maybe that’s why she had failed.
Maybe it was time for a different path, one where she wasn’t suppressing her feelings and was able to open her heart. How could she have ever considered revenge—that would have been the last thing her mother would have wanted. She still had time to become a person her mom would be proud of.
As she gazed upon him, she couldn’t deny that every cell in her body wanted to say yes. But the bent and broken side of her heart was heavy with disbelief. Cillian was from a land she had considered her enemy for years, and that wasn’t an easy thing to let go. But Cillian had been helping her loosen her grip on the past this whole time.
This man had not only saved her life—on more than one occasion—he’d also taken care of her and treated her with respect. Cillian Beck was everything she could ever want in a life partner, a man she would be honored to go to war with and have by her side.
His smile filled her with a joy she hadn’t felt in years. He looked down, sweat breaking out on his brow as he held the ring. Was he nervous?
Then he took her left hand and added, “Plus, I can’t wait to see General Rush’s face when we take him down. Together.”
Her lips parted and she breathed, “Together?”
He was willing to help her free her people and bring the man who had destroyed her home to justice—not just because of the peace treaty but because it was important to her.
Her heart swelled as he placed the engagement ring on her finger and said, “I won’t deny it, the mission to free Everwood will be dangerous, but I can’t do it without you.”
Locking her eyes on his, she nodded and said, “Okay, Cillian. Together.”
His smile widened. “Yeah?”
She nodded again, smiling. “Yes.”
Then she was in his arms as he lifted her from the chair. She embraced him, closing her eyes as she inhaled his rich pine scent, locking this moment into a memory she could recall when she wanted to.
As he set her gently back onto the floor, he leaned in but then hesitated. Her eyes moved from his eyes to his lips, and a deep ache settled in her belly as she remembered what it felt like to have his mouth pressed against hers. Raising up on her tippy toes, she wrapped her arms around his neck and crashed her lips against his.
Eva’s body molded to his as he tightened his grip on her. She opened for him, feeling his tongue caress hers, and she melted in his arms. These strong arms she never wanted to leave.
In the middle of their embrace, a tapping on the door caused her to pull back. Axel was on his feet, a growl emanating from his throat.
Cillian’s muscles tensed under her palm, and his eyes landed hard on the entrance. “Who’s there?”
A muffled female voice met their ears. “It’s Becky, I have the stuff for—well, the items I told you I was bringing.”
Eva felt Cillian relax at the woman’s words and kept her voice low as she said, “Who is it?”
He smiled at her as he moved to the door. “It’s Becky, the healer. She wanted to bring you something for your ankle and some clothes.”
The corner of her lip twitched up as she exhaled a breath. “Oh, t-that is nice of her.”
She didn’t know why she was surprised. Maybe she just expected everyone in Stone Haven to dislike her.
After Cillian unlatched the lock and opened the cabin door, a tall, slender woman who looked like she was in her late forties walked into the room. She held a bag in front of her, and two were slung over her shoulder.
“Wow, it’s really starting to come down out there. I was hoping the snow would hold off another month. Oh well, wishful thinking.” Becky blew her brown bangs out of her eyes and spun to face Eva. “I’m Becky! It’s so good to see you up. You had quite the knock to the head.”
Cillian approached her. “Here, let me take some of your bags.”
Axel danced at Becky’s feet, begging for attention from their new guest. The corner of Becky’s eyes crinkled as a smile spread across her face. “Hello, Axel, cute as ever, I see,” she said as she passed Cillian the bag she was holding, then moved to place the other two on the bed. “It’s not much, and I’m not sure if I guessed your size correctly, but I think you will be much more comfortable.”
Eva’s eyes widened. “This is all for me?”
“Of course,” Becky said, then motioned for Eva to sit on the bed.
Eva looked to Cillian, who nodded in agreement. He returned to the kitchen and started peeling the potatoes again. “Becky, will you stay for some lunch?”
“That would be great. Thank you.”
With gentle and slow steps, Eva eased herself onto the bed.
Becky kneeled in front of her. “It’s the left ankle?”
Eva leaned back on her forearms, extending her leg. “Yes.”
Becky smiled, and her warmth radiated off her tall frame, along with the distinctive smell of eucalyptus. She took Eva’s foot in her lap, removed a small glass jar from her bag, and applied the salve on Eva’s skin. “This should help any pain you have.”
Afterward, she returned the container, then pulled out material and some type of shoe, and began to wrap her ankle. “You are in luck. I was able to find a walking cast. This should help you get around and heal faster.”
Eva studied the enhanced footwear. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Becky smiled as she eased the shoe on her foot and secured it with the Velcro straps. “Most likely before your time.”
Becky stood, eyeing Eva’s head bandage. “Now, let’s take a look at your head.”
Eva leaned forward as Becky untied the bandage. After waking from her nap, her headache had eased considerably. “I’d really like the ingredients to the salve you applied to my ankle. My mom was a healer, and I-I learned a lot from her.”
“I’d love for you to come by the clinic sometime. I could use some help running it, if you are interested?”
Eva nodded. “I’d like that. Thank you, Becky, for... all this.”
“Of course. Now, tilt your head to the side.”
Becky shifted Eva’s hair out of the way. The skin was sensitive—she was going to have a bruised skull for a while.
“I don’t see any new blood. I think it’s healing nicely. I’m sure you know this, but I will tell you anyway, you will need to take it easy—at least a week. Two would be better.”
Cillian had moved to the fireplace, Axel hot on his heels as he set a grill over the flame, then placed the pan of food on top of it. Once he was satisfied with the setup, he turned to face them. “Oh, she will rest the full two weeks.”
Eva opened her mouth to protest, but he held up his hand. “You can’t help anyone if you are injured, Angel.”
Eva felt heat rush to her face. Cillian hadn’t addressed her as “Angel” in front of anyone before, but as heat coiled in her belly, she decided she liked it.And as much as she wanted to argue, he was right. If she was going to face the general and the Others, she needed to be at full strength.
“Oh! Before I forget.” Becky grabbed the burlap bag she had set on the bed and the one Cillian had taken from her. “In here, you will find some toiletries, feminine products, and a few little extras I threw in there. And the other satchel has an extra pair of boots, a couple shirts, a pair of pants, and shorts for sleeping. I’m sorry we don’t have more to offer—”
Eva reached out and rested her hand on Becky’s, stilling her movements. “This is wonderful. I wasn’t expecting...” Eva hesitated, not knowing the right words to say.
Becky’s brown eyes lit up. “You weren’t expecting a warm welcome, probably.”
Eva let out a breath. “Yes. With the feud, I thought everyone might hate me.”
“Well, I’m of the mind that the feud had little to do with you. You are welcome here, as far as I’m concerned. I’d say more than half of Stone Haven is going to be thrilled you’ve come. It will mean more food on their table for their families. If you have accepted the peace treaty... Would they be right to think that?”
Eva’s chest tightened at her words. This whole time, Stone Haven had been the enemy, but the reality was, there were innocent families here that needed Everwood’s help.
She nodded as she met Becky’s inquiring eyes. “If Cillian and I have anything to say about it, it will.”
Axel lay at Cillian’s feet as he stirred the food, the rich aroma filling the cabin. He looked over his shoulder and nodded in her direction, his words echoing in her head. Together.
Becky turned to Cillian. “And how are your ribs, sir? Are you keeping the wrap on?”
Cillian held up his hands. “Feel free to check me. I assure you, the wrap is in place. They feel better already, I swear.”
Becky gave him a look of disbelief, then removed the jar of salve she had and set it on the stand next to the bed. “I’m leaving this here, use it on your ankle, Eva, and Cillian, your ribs.”
Cillian removed some mismatched plates from the shelf and scooped some food from the pan onto them. Handing Becky her plate, he said, “Will do, we appreciate you looking after us, Becky.”
Becky’s cheeks flushed with color as she sat in the chair by the fire and began to eat her food. Cillian handed Eva a plate, then rested on the floor, his back against the bed frame next to her legs. Axel pranced over to her other side, sitting with his tongue hanging out the side of his mouth, eyeing her food.
They were quiet as they ate. Her mind raced, and her heart swam with unease. Her father and crew were in danger, and here she was receiving care and food. She looked to the bracelet that still hung from her wrist—the one Sarah had given her. Eva closed her eyes and tried to shut out the sudden wave of pain that ran through her.
The mattress shifted under Cillian’s weight as he moved next to her and wrapped his arm around her back.
He wanted to bear some of her burdens. That’s what he had said.
His silent support helped her take her next breath, and the next. With him by her side, she was able to finish her food.
“It was very good, Cillian. What was the herb you added to it? Rosemary?” she asked.
He stood, taking her plate. “Yes. I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
He took Becky’s plate and returned to the kitchen, then scooped the last bit of food onto a plate and set it down on the floor. “Here, buddy, this is for you.”
Axel trotted over to the plate and ate greedily. Eva smiled at the sight.
Her joy was short lived, as she startled when a pounding sounded at the door.
“Cillian, open up,” a male demanded from the other side.
Eva’s heart dropped into her stomach, and Axel barked over and over again.
Cillian was calm as he petted Axel’s head. “Easy, boy, it’s just Liam.”
Liam?
Cillian moved to the door, unlocked it, and eased it open. A gust of snow and wind whipped into the room, causing the flames of the fire to whirl.
“Brother, how are you?”
Cillian’s brother.
Liam shook the snow from his black coat and brown cap, then embraced Cillian. A red band was sewn onto the arm of his coat—the mark of a soldier.
All of a sudden, Eva felt ill.
“I wanted to speak with you, Liam, I’m glad you came.”
Liam ran his hand across Axel’s body. “Hey, buddy.” Then he turned, his eyes landing on Eva.
She took in his light blond hair that stuck out from under his cap, and his light hazel eyes, so much like his brother’s. His features were younger than Cillian’s, but there was a hardness that lay beneath them, a wisdom beyond his years.
She wouldn’t recognize him from any battles since their father kept them on Stone Haven land—away from any of the fighting. She let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding and tried to calm her frantic heart.
He assessed her for a moment before he nodded in her direction. “Eva. Hi, I’m Liam, Cillian’s younger brother.” Then he waved to Becky.
Looking back to Cillian, he said, “I wish we had time to talk, but... word has spread about Eva. Some of the villagers aren’t happy. Some want answers. I thought you should know before things got out of hand.”
Cillian clapped Liam on the shoulder. “Shit, I thought we would have more time. I appreciate you coming to me about this.”
Eva’s heart continued to pound. They knew she was here. No more hiding. If she was going to announce her presence, then they might as well get it out of the way now.
She stood, using her good leg to take most of her weight as she took a couple steps toward the brothers. She felt the comfort of the boot Becky had brought her and was able to walk more normally with it on.
She stopped just before them and said, “We need to address them, tell them our plans—to marry and unite the settlements.”
Cillian reached out and tucked Eva under his arm. “You’re right. It’s the only way to squash the rumors. Liam, do you think you can call a village meeting in the hall? For seven tonight?”
“Sure can. Do you need anything else?”
Becky stood and moved next to Liam. “I can help tell the villagers too.”
Cillian nodded. “Good. No, Liam, I think that will be all. Eva and I will be there to address Stone Haven about the future of the settlement.”
With that settled, Liam turned to Becky. “I’ll take the north village if you take the south.”
Becky snorted. “You know we could just tell mouthy Margret and everyone would know in an hour.”
Liam laughed as Cillian turned Eva to face him. “You sure you’re ready for this, Angel? Cause if you’re not, we can figure out another—”
Eva pressed her fingers over Cillian’s lips. “I’m sure.”
A confidence rolled through her as she gazed into Cillian’s eyes. This is where she was supposed to be. Fate had intervened and sent her down this path—to Cillian. To not only save Everwood but Stone Haven as well.
Separately they were strong; together they were invincible.
The skies had darkened, giving the landscape an eerie appearance. Eva shivered as she stared out the hall window, watching the wind flicker the flames of the lanterns hanging off the nearby buildings. It could have been the chill in the air that caused her gooseflesh to rise—or maybe the urgency she felt to save Everwood.
Murmuring came from the other side of the office door she leaned against. The village of Stone Haven had assembled to hear what their heir, Cillian Beck, had to say.
Or in this case, reveal. Her.
Eva’s heart thumped in her chest as the time to step out onto the stage neared. She took a deep breath, steadying herself, noting the room smelled of candle wax and the minty scent of eucalyptus.
Cillian spoke with his brother at the office desk. The sound of their voices seemed to echo off the bare walls.
Liam had met with their father about what was about to happen. He was unable to attend due to his health, but they had his blessing to move forward. How sick was their father?
Liam did mention Thomas Beck had a request after the meeting. He wished to meet her. Eva couldn’t say she was thrilled about it, old habits dying hard and all. She needed more than a few days to accept the fact that maybe they weren’t the enemy after all.That they were a lot like Everwood and were just trying to survive.
If Derek hadn’t fired that shot and started a feud, who knows, maybe Stone Haven and Everwood would have partnered up sooner.
As far as Eva could tell, this was a sound settlement. The weather up this far could be a problem though—the avalanches and mudslides being the main culprits. But Cillian was working on a remedy for that. With a little work, and education on food sourcing, Stone Haven could be just as prosperous as Everwood.
Eva’s heart thundered in her ears. She didn’t even hear Cillian’s approach as he laid a hand on her shoulder.
She jumped, and a nervous giggle erupted out of her. “You scared me.”
Cillian slid his hand down her back. “I’m sorry, Angel. You looked pretty deep in thought. Are you still sure about this?”
She took a long inhale once more in an effort to calm her trembling nerves. “I am.”
Everwood being overtaken had shattered her confidence. The fear she had for her people and her father consumed her. She needed to take steps toward saving them. That would help her trust herself once more, wouldn’t it?
Cillian’s right hand rested on the door handle, but he hesitated. His left brushed against hers, and she opened her fist, not realizing she had curled it into a ball, and laced her fingers with his.
He turned and closed the space between them, whispering in her ear, “Just remember, I got you.”
A smile crept onto her face, and she squeezed his hand. He rested his forehead against hers, and she closed her eyes, letting his scent calm her even more. “I know you do.”
For the first time in a long time, relief washed over her. She wasn’t alone in her fight; she had a partner ready to face the battle right alongside her. Someone whose fire burned just as brightly as hers.
He pulled the door open and stepped out into the hall. Eva silently thanked Becky for the walking cast she lent her and trailed behind him. Their hands were still linked as Cillian stepped into the entrance to the hall.
The roar of the people took her by surprise. There were more citizens of Stone Haven than she thought.
He climbed the stairs to the stage and faced the crowd, and she straightened before them. So many had their eyes on her as silence spread throughout the room.
Cillian’s strong, confident voice rang out. “Thank you all for coming on such short notice. I know it’s late, but as heir, I believe it to be my duty to alert the community to any new events that affect them.”
Eva scanned the crowd. Most of the faces looked to her with curious eyes, some even seemed excited about her attendance, as if they knew who she was and what it meant for them. But others had looks of contempt.
Cillian tightened his hold as if he had known her confidence had wavered, then went on. “First off, I’m not dead—as you can see. Second, General Rush has seized Everwood and is claiming it as his own. A treasonous act against Stone Haven. As most of you know, we had entered into a cease-fire with Everwood as peace negotiations were being settled.”
He cleared his throat and looked to her. “This is Evangeline Wolf, the daughter of Samuel Wolf, leader of Everwood.” His eyes remained on her as the crowd began to talk among themselves. “She is the best person I have ever met and one of the bravest. I stand before you tonight to tell you I have asked her to be my wife, uniting the settlements, and she has honored me by saying yes.”
Shouts of approval from the crowd met her ears, and her heart swelled from Cillian’s words.Eva smiled at him—Mother Earth, she loved this man. She made a mental note to tell him just how she felt and soon, but right now wasn’t the time.
Her eyes darted around the room, her confidence regaining its strength. There were still a few hateful smirks on some of the men, but they were the minority.Most of the citizens were filled with joy, celebrating her presence in their settlement. These people needed her—needed the joining of the settlements that their marriage would bring. Today, she would make her mom proud.
She took a step forward, still holding tightly onto Cillian’s hand. “Together, we will take back Everwood and prosper as one!”
The crowd cheered and clapped—cementing her decision. She felt it deep within her, a rising of hope.
What will you do when the odds are stacked against you?
Be the hope.
She looked over the room once more and leaned intoCillian, who stood tall next to her. He looked at her as one would gaze at a setting sun. In awe.
Together, they could save their people.
She nodded at him, and as one, they lifted their joined hands.The people of Stone Haven went wild with excitement. Their greatest hope was within their grasp.
A crash sounded to her right, drawing her attention. The side door to the hall had whipped open, slamming into the wall. A rush of wind and snow soared into the room, along with a man who pushed through the crowd.
“Move out of the way, I need to speak to him. Cillian!”The man raised his arms to get their attention.
Cillian stepped to the edge of the stage. “Quiet down, everyone. Let him through.”
Eva leaned into Cillian’s side once more, his arm instinctually going around her waist, pulling her tight against him.
She kept her words low as she asked. “Who is that?”
As the crowd quieted, he said. “Glen, a spotter stationed at the top of the mountain.”
Her heart plummeted into her gut, and the mood of the room shifted as everyone looked to Glen.
Glen bent in half with his hand pressed to his chest, sucking in big gulps of air. “I. Ran.” He took more heaving breaths then uttered, “All. The way.”
“Take your time,” Cillian said.
Glen took a few more breaths and then stood, closing the gap to the stage as he spoke. “The tower. I smelled smoke. I didn’t see anything until I picked up the binoculars.”
Fear gripped Eva’s chest as she became rigid, waiting on Glen’s every word. Smoke could mean only one thing. Fire. Fire in these lands was one of their greatest fears.
Cillian urged him on. “It’s okay, Glen, what did you see?”
He removed his hat, twisting it in his hands. His brown eyes were wildly looking around the room. His body shook, maybe from the cold—or worse, fear.
Eva held her breath, the seconds feeling like hours as she waited for the words to fall from his lips. Cillian’s thumb made lazy circles against her side in an effort to calm her.
She looked to him, and his eyes bored into hers. In her mind, she heard his unspoken words. Together. I got you.
She nodded, lifting her hand to press against his chest. The action grounded her—together, they could face anything. She lifted her chin, then fixed her sight back onto Glen.
“I saw it, I think it’s on fire.”
The breath rushed out of her, and she couldn’t stop the words from leaving her lips. “What’s on fire?”
She swallowed hard past the lump in her throat, preparing for the answer she feared the most. Squeezing Cillian just a little tighter, she leaned on his strength.
Glen looked right at her and said, “Everwood.”