Page 22 of Dark Witch: Entangled Fates

Peter banded his arms around her waist and lifted her off her feet, kissing her like a man possessed.

When they finally broke apart, chests heaving and hearts racing, Marina felt lighter than she had in years. The weight of guilt had lifted off her shoulders, replaced by the buoyant, effervescent joy of love requited. Her happy cloud had a big rock tied to it, but at this moment, the buoyancy was strong enough for her to soar despite the weight dragging behind.

"I love you so much," she whispered. "I will spend every day trying to be worthy of you."

Peter's eyes shone with a happiness that took her breath away. "You already are, Marina." He pulled her into another kiss, this one softer, sweeter, a promise of forever sealed with the press of his lips.

Marina felt a sense of peace settle over her. She was where she was meant to be, which was in the arms of the man she loved, or rather the immortal who, against all odds, loved her back.

15

AMANDA

When Onegus had swept Cassandra into his arms, the cheering and hooting had gone for much longer than it had for Amanda and Dalhu, and even though Alena and Orion hadn't gotten that much applause either, it still irked.

Amanda hated feeling petty and jealous, but she couldn't help it. So yeah, Onegus was the chief Guardian, and his people respected and appreciated him, but she was the princess, the clan's darling, the one who had set them on the path of finding Dormants who, in turn, had become life-long partners. If not for her, Onegus would have never suspected that Cassandra could be a Dormant, and she would have become just one more conquest in the endless string of them.

Oh, well. Amanda let out a sigh. She had a job to do and another happy couple to match.

Her gut was telling her that Jasmine was a Dormant, and even though Amanda had been wrong about that before, this time she was sure she was right because of the extraordinary circumstances of Jasmine finding her way to the clan. The more bizarre and unlikely the path was, the stronger the indicator for the Fates' intervention.

Craning her neck, she swept her gaze across the crowded ballroom, searching for Max. She spotted him by the bar, his blond head and boisterous bearing setting him apart from the other patrons waiting to be served by Bob.

He was so perfect for Jasmine. She seemed like a fun-loving, easygoing person, and that was Max to a tee. Opposites might attract, but similar personalities made relationships stick. The best ones had a little bit of both.

Her Dalhu hated attention while she thrived on it, but they both had an eye for art and shared similar views about the world at large. In fact, the only thing they had ever argued about was how to raise Evie, but they had sat down, had a talk, and reached a compromise like a civilized couple should, so it was all good.

Leaning toward her mate, she cast him a bright smile. "I love you." She planted a kiss on his cheek. "I'm going to have a quick chat with Max and come back. Do you want me to get you something from the bar?"

"I'll come with you." He stood and offered her a hand up. "I'll order us drinks while you have your chat."

"Good plan." She let him pull her to her feet.

He wrapped his arm around her waist and started toward the bar. "Are you going to talk to him about Jasmine?"

"Why else would I want to talk to him?"

Dalhu shrugged. "I don't know. You don't tell me everything."

She arched a brow. "That's not true. I don't keep any secrets from you."

"It's not intentional. Sometimes you think that I'm not interested in this or that, so you skip over the things you think bore me, but you shouldn't. I find everything you say and do fascinating." He leaned and brushed his lips over the side of her mouth. "I just love listening to your voice and seeing the sparkle in your eyes when you get excited about something. You are so full of life and energy. So passionate."

"Oh, darling." She leaned into him. "You say the nicest things to me."

"I love you." He let go of her as they reached the bar. "Make it quick." Leaving her standing next to Max, Dalhu strode to the other end of the bar.

"Fates, I love this male," she murmured, taking a moment to admire the breadth of his shoulders and his tight ass. "Perfection." She tore her eyes away from her mate, plastered a smile on her face, and turned to the Guardian she'd come over to talk to. "Max, darling. I need a word with you."

He inclined his head. "I'm always at your service. What can I do for you?"

She shifted her weight to her other stiletto-clad foot. "I'll cut right to the chase. I think that our rescued damsel in distress is a potential Dormant. I've spent some time with her, as have Syssi and even Kian, and we all believe that she has a paranormal talent. In fact, I'm sure of it." She leaned closer and whispered conspiratorially, "I thought I should tell you first that there is an available Dormant on the ship before it becomes widely known and there is a stampede of males vying for her attention. You've been the groomsman for too long. It's time you became the groom."

"I'll pass." Max surprised her. "If Jasmine needs guarding, I'll go, but I'm not interested in her otherwise."

Amanda blinked. "Have you seen her?" she asked, not even trying to stifle the incredulity in her voice. "She's a stunning woman, and she's lonely, just waiting for someone to talk to. Right now, she's all alone in the staff lounge. You can go, have a little chat with her, and see if there is any attraction. If there is, great, and if not, someone else will gladly take your place."

Edgar, who was standing next to Max, turned around and lifted his hand. "If he won't, I will. Jasmine is one hell of a catch. She's beautiful, friendly, and not full of herself as so many beautiful women are."