“Thank you for the well wishes,” Brynne replied. “As for our diplomatic role, I imagine Zael and I will be seeing much more of you both.”
“And the Order in general,” Zael added. “This alliance is a partnership between our people, but I hope you and the rest of the warriors understand that beyond any formal agreement, you also have my friendship. And my service, should you need it—whether that’s in battle against Selene or any other threat we have to contend with.”
“That is most appreciated,” Lazaro answered. “Unfortunately, it seems Opus Nostrum isn’t about to give us any rest. It will be a damned good day when we finally take the bastards out.”
“Let’s hope it’s soon,” Brynne said. “If there’s anything Zael and I can do to help make that happen, the Order needs only to ask.”
“You honor us well,” Lazaro replied with a formal bow of his head.
The phrase was tradition within the Order, one of the highest praises bestowed on its brethren. That he said it now, to Brynne and her Atlantean mate, was a compliment they both would aspire to be worthy of from this day forward.
The Rome commander gestured toward the vehicle Tamisia had entered. “And you have our word that we’ll make sure your friend gets whatever she requires while she’s with us.”
“Thank you both,” Zael said as the two men shook hands.
Melena pulled Brynne into a brief hug. “I so enjoyed meeting you.”
“The pleasure is mine,” she replied, smiling as she drew back from Lazaro’s mate. “May I ask you a personal favor?”
“Of course, anything.”
“When you speak with the Order again, please tell my sister I am well, and that I hope to see her soon.”
“But not too soon,” Zael interjected, a grin tugging at his mouth. “Brynne and I have a blood bond to celebrate. I plan to keep her all to myself for as long as I possibly can.”
They said their goodbyes, watching as the SUV rolled away into the gathering night.
Zael’s eyes glimmered as he took Brynne’s hand and led her back onto the sailboat. She couldn’t wait to be back on the island. Back in her Atlantean mate’s arms, and back in his bed.
Their bed.
In the home they would make together.
And, if they were so blessed, in the home where they would one day start a family of their own. The wish took root so firmly, it swept her breath away.
Because it wasn’t only her wish, she realized.
She felt that same hope shining in Zael’s heart too.
It was in his blood, in the bond that now connected their hearts and their futures.
He pulled her into his embrace, his mouth coming down on hers in a kiss so passionate and filled with emotion that it shook her to her marrow.
“Yes, I want it, too,” he murmured against her lips. “I want it all with you, Brynne. Forever.”
And when he pressed her down onto the deck with him to lie beneath the blanket of stars, she knew to the depths of her soul that she was already holding the future in her arms.
She was for the first time in her life—and forever—right where she belonged.
~ * ~
Thank you for reading Defy the Dawn. I hope you enjoyed it!