Chapter 19

CHAPTER NINETEEN

T wo weeks later…

Vera watched eagerly as a large communication screen was erected in the center of the village. Grabon stood next to her, her hand clasped tightly in his. Since no one else, not even the king, had technology as good as Wraith's, the message had been pre-recorded and sent to the Isles. Even though she knew what it contained, a little shiver of excitement went down her spine as the large screen flickered to life to reveal King Cronan.

It still surprised her that he seemed so young. Young and handsome, although she'd never mentioned that part to Grabon. He also had a human mate and they had decided to pay a visit to the capitol once things had settled down on the Isles.

The air around them crackled with tension, the Elvar's' collective breath held in anticipation as the king began to speak. His voice filled the square, deep and resonant.

"After careful consideration of the evidence presented by Grabon Thorne and the testimony of the Elvar people, I have reached a decision."

Grabon's grip tightened and she squeezed back.

"The crown hereby recognizes the Elvar as a free and independent people," the king declared, his words clear and unequivocal. "Their sovereignty shall be respected and protected by the crown."

For a moment, silence reigned. Then, as if a dam had burst, cheers erupted from the crowd. The air filled with joyous cries and exclamations of disbelief. The Elvar embraced one another, their wings shimmering with excitement.

She threw her arms around Grabon, laughing as he lifted her off her feet and whirled her around in a celebratory embrace. Maeve came to join them as he set her back down.

"Thank you," she said quietly. "Thank you both. I hope you are intending to remain here with us."

Her mate actually looked a little uncomfortable.

"About that …" He hesitated and she squeezed his hand encouragingly. "Cronan has suggested that I become the Farlain ambassador here. An actual ambassador," he added quickly. "This isn't an attempt to regain control. And only if you are agreeable."

Maeve studied him thoughtfully, then grinned.

"I can think of no one more perfect for the job. Congratulations, Ambassador."

Grabon looked even more uncomfortable as Maeve smiled and disappeared back into the jubilant crowd.

"You're going to have to get used to it," she said gently.

"I suppose so, but not right now. Right now, I want to be alone with my mate."

"I think that's an excellent idea," she agreed, laughing as he immediately picked her up and headed off into the jungle.

He'd recovered his full strength, carrying her easily, and she took full advantage, peppering his face with tiny kisses, nipping at his neck, and stroking the sensitive tips of his ears. As she'd expected he was fully erect by the time they reached the spot they'd discovered a few days ago, perched high on a hill, the view stretching out over the jungle canopy to the ocean beyond, shimmering in the moonlight.

The sounds of the crowd had faded away, replaced by the soft rustle of the warm wind through the leaves and the low whirr of insects.

In spite of his obvious arousal - and her own - they stood there for a moment, gazing out over the breathtaking view.

"So much had happened so fast," she murmured.

It all seemed like a surreal dream, but Grabon's arm around her shoulders was real and solid and perfect. How far they'd come, from mistrust and misunderstanding to this profound connection.

"Do you regret it?"

A trace of anxiety hovered in his beautiful green eyes.

"No, because we found each other. And more than that, we made a difference."

He pulled her closer, his deep voice rumbling with contentment as he replied, "We did. Together."

She leaned against him, letting the peace of the moment wash over her, before smiling up at him.

"Speaking of together …"

She licked her lips, enjoying the way his eyes flared with heat, then tugged his head down so she could kiss him, long and deep and sweet.

"I've wanted to kiss you here since I first saw this place," he muttered against her lips.

"Just kissing?" she teased.

"That's only the beginning. But it will be a delightful beginning," he promised as he captured her mouth in a fierce possessive kiss.

He wrapped her braid around his hand, angling her head so he could deepen the kiss, and she clutched at his shoulders, clinging to him as the world around them dissolved.

Nothing else mattered but this - the taste of his lips, the feel of his skin beneath her fingertips, the raw strength of his body pressed against hers - and she let the pleasure of the night sweep her away.