Chapter Twelve

brEAC

T he forest was quiet around us as Torgan and I rode side by side. We'd spent hours discussing our plan to infiltrate the palace and end Gnarlug's reign, but now we were both lost in our own thoughts. I was positive that Torgan used his time to review our proposals for ending Gnarlug, including the pros and cons of all the options. He disagreed with my plan, probably because it held extreme risk. I considered them acceptable since the risks were mostly to me, but Torgan refused to accept those kinds of losses, even to me. So we were in a detente as we pondered other options, however, my mind kept drifting back to Evie, her hurt expression as I pushed her away haunting me.

"Why did you let her go?" Torgan's voice broke through my brooding.

I glanced at him, surprised by the question. "Who?"

"Evie," he said, his tone matter-of-fact. "She's your mate. There will be no other for you. If I had a mate, I wouldn't let her go so easily."

I sighed heavily, the weight of my past pressing down on me. "I don't deserve her," I admitted. "The things I've done. I can never make them right."

Torgan fell silent, considering my words. The only sounds were the steady clip-clop of our horses' hooves and the rustling of leaves in the breeze. Finally, he spoke.

"Breac, you can redeem yourself by righting the wrongs, defeating the king, and ensuring nothing like that ever happens again. Punishing yourself will not absolve you." His voice softened. "A love like a soul bond mate doesn't come every day. She may very well be your salvation."

His words stirred something in me, a longing I'd been trying to suppress. But fear still gripped my heart. "What if I lose her too?" I asked, voicing the fear that had been gnawing at me since the mate bond first revealed itself.

Torgan smiled knowingly. "That's the real issue, isn't it? You're afraid you can't protect her." He shook his head. "I think Evie can protect herself. But what she really wants is to be loved. Just love her, Breac. The rest will sort itself out."

I mulled over his words, the truth of them slowly sinking in. All Evie ever asked for from me was my love. She had been so giving in all the time I had known her. Even when she heard of my past, she still stood by me. Gods, I'd been such a fool. In trying to protect Evie, I'd only hurt her—and myself.

"I've been an idiot," I growled, more to myself than to Torgan. "I need to find her."

Torgan's laughter rang out as I whirled my horse around, ready to gallop after Evie. But as I turned, my heart leapt into my throat.

There, riding towards us, were Evie and Raguk.

Evie's eyes met mine, a storm of emotions swirling in their depths – hurt, anger, determination, and something else. Something that made my breath catch.

"Evie," I breathed, unable to believe she was really there.

As they drew closer, I could see the set of her jaw, the fire in her eyes. She was angry, and rightfully so. But she had come back. Despite everything, she had come back.

Torgan's words echoed in my mind. Just love her. The rest will sort itself out.

As Evie reined in her horse beside mine, I knew I had a lot of explaining to do. A lot of amends to make. But looking at her, feeling the pull of our bond, I also knew one thing with absolute certainty.

I was never letting her go again.

I stared at Evie, hardly daring to believe she was really there. Torgan gestured for the others to move away, giving us some privacy. Their knowing smirks and good-natured teasing barely registered as I focused entirely on Evie.

As she struggled to dismount, I was by her side in an instant, helping her down. She slid against my body, and I felt the familiar spark between us ignite.

"Why are you here?" I asked, my voice rough with emotion.

She planted her hands on her hips, her head tilting up to me, and her eyes met mine, challenging. "Why did you send me away?"

"I thought you wanted to go home."

She shook her head, still watching me carefully. "I'm not sure that was ever my home."

Hope tightened in my chest. "Where is your home?" I asked, barely breathing.

Evie's hand gently cupped my cheek as she gazed into my eyes, a soft smile curving her lips. "I'm with you, you big dumb orc," she said, giving my arm a playful punch that still stung. "But promise me you won't get yourself killed."

I nodded, understanding her concern, but determined to carry out our mission. "We have to kill the king."

"Don't sacrifice any of yourselves in the process," Evie cautioned. "That won't absolve you of anything. You have to do the work, big guy."

I couldn't help but grin at her words. "I've been told." Then, my heart racing with hope, I asked, "Are you staying for good?"

Her coy smile sent a jolt of electricity through me. "Depends on if anyone asks."

In that moment, I knew what I had to do. I lifted her chin and brushed my lips against hers. "I love you, Evie," I whispered. "Stay with me. Be my mate."

She sucked in a breath before throwing herself into my arms, kissing me with a passion that left me dizzy. As our kiss deepened, it felt like we were the only two people in the world.

Torgan's voice broke through our haze. "First, we have to kill the king."

I glared at him, frustrated by the interruption. "Not yet," I growled. "I have to properly bond with my mate."

Evie laughed, her eyes bright and cheeks flushed from our passionate kiss. "Damn right," she said. "Then we can kill the king. And this time, include me in any planning."

I nodded, pulling her close. "Together," I promised. "We'll face whatever comes together."

As we rejoined the others, I felt a sense of purpose I hadn't known in years. With Evie by my side, I finally felt whole. Whatever challenges lay ahead, I knew we'd face them as one.