Page 56 of The Wolf's Captive
“I’m sorry,” I whispered as the tears pushed their way out. “I love you.”
Leaning his head against my forehead, he sobbed with me, our combined grief breaking us both.
“I love you, too. Please, don’t go.”
My eyes started to flitter closed against my will. I tried to fight it, I really did. It was no use. “Tell Drake I love him, too.”
A commotion sounded in the distance, but I couldn’t concentrate.
“Let me,” someone shouted, “I can help.”
It was too late. My body was ready to give up. At least I’d be able to run with Emiliah and the wolves we’d lost. At least I’d see Malone when he finally joined me on the other side. At least I’d finally loved someone with everything I had…
Chapter Eighteen
The bright sunlight fluttered on my eyelids, enticing me awake. I’d always imagined the afterlife as a pretty meadow with loved ones waiting to greet me. The warmth of the rays on my face encouraged me to open my eyes and check.
Blinking, I focused on the soft pillow beneath my head and the comfort of the mattress beneath me. Mattress?
The wooden walls of our cabin came into focus. I was lying in our bed, staring at the window. How was that possible? Or was I stuck in limbo where no one could see me?
Frowning, I pushed up into a sit and glanced around. A note was on the pillow beside me, the handwriting scruffy, just like Malone’s.
Did you really think I’d let you die? Get ready, I’m going to make you mine today.
Wait, what? I was alive?
Jumping up, I went to the window and looked out. Several people milled around, all dressed in their best clothes. What the fuck?
I tried to quell the quaking of my insides as I glanced around the room. My dress was hung on the back of the door, the gorgeous lace bodice enticing me. Shit, Rochelle had finished the grey creation and it was perfect.
How was this even happening? How had they saved my life?
A buzz made me look at the bedside table. My phone.
Going over to it, I read the text from Malone.Please don’t keep us waiting forever.
How had he even known that I was up? Should I reply? Deciding against it, I went into the bathroom and checked in the mirror. I looked like me, alive and well.
Victor must have somehow pulled the spell off at the last minute. I was alive. I was a-fucking-live.
Yelping in grateful excitement, I shoved the shower on and rushed to get ready. Once I was dry, the dress slipped on beautifully, caressing my skin as it settled over my hips. I had never imagined that I would find a man to marry – well, bond with. My dreams were coming true in the most surreal way.
Standing in front of the long mirror in the bedroom, I smiled at myself. Jeez, Rochelle was talented. The dress was stunning beyond my wildest dreams. I just had to make sure my hair and make-up looked as good.
A pang of loneliness hit me. Where was Rochelle? I could’ve done with someone to help me get ready. Wasn’t it every bride’s right to have her closest friend’s help?
“Just use your magic, darling,” a masculine voice said behind me.
Turning, I blinked at Victor, who stood in the doorway. A smile lit his face as he appraised me, his eyebrows lifting high onto his head. “You look incredible.”
“I can use my magic?” I murmured.
Inclining his head, he gestured for me to go ahead. I paused, almost afraid to cast a spell. If Kieran could feel it, I would feel him, although…
Whispering an illusion spell, I wiped my hands over my face and hair. The perfect bridal make-up appeared on my face and my hair hung in perfect loose curls around my shoulders. And I hadn’t felt Kieran.
“Did my near death experience disconnect me from Kieran?” I asked, my heart pounding as Victor came in and sat on the end of the bed.