Warrior's Pain (Cadi Warriors Book 4)(127)

Everyone present gasped seeing the bloody welts in his tender skin. Sabin was Graca’s brother in name, but it was clear he didn’t feel brotherly love for her.

“Sabin,” Giselle cried, her hand reaching out to the boy.

“Graca is mine, and anyone who wants to say or do anything to hurt her, will have to go through me,” Sabin snarled.

A lump formed in Riley’s throat at the way Sabin revered Graca. Graca’s tiny hand reached up to him, her little eyes returning his affection. It was hard to imagine ones so young could recognize the illusive spark some searched a lifetime for. But there it was, honest and true, untainted by the insecurities of life which often got in the way. Riley hugged Cyprian close as she stared at the two children.

“And they will have to go through me.” Kagan stepped behind Sabin, and Giselle joined him. Sabin looked appreciatively up at his adopted parents. “Now, my young warrior, we all recognize your claim; however, I must insist that you wait till Graca is of age.”

“Okay. I bet Graca will want to pick out her own pretty dress for our mating ceremony. I don’t think she likes this one,” Sabin commented sounding more like the child he was, as he relinquished Graca to Giselle.

It was almost frightening how children could be more enlightened than the wisest adult one moment, then go back to being their carefree selves the next.

“And you’re going to let Jorg look at your chest, so it doesn’t get infected,” Giselle insisted, her brows drawn in concern.

“Yes, Ma,” Sabin replied, allowing Giselle and Kagan to lead him back to the front row.

“Sorry,” Giselle mouthed as she passed.

Riley shook her head. The apology was unnecessary. She didn’t mind Sabin’s interruption. Riley was going to remember this day always. Now the memory had an added flourish.

“Kali has seen your devotion,” Ismat repeated, with a subtle nod toward Sabin. “And she extends her blessing. Let us celebrate your bond.”

Riley stared at her name branded on Cyprian’s chest as the courtyard filled with stomps and cheers.

“So, it’s official, huh?” Riley asked in between congratulations.

“Yes. I have a gift for you, Wild Manx,” Cyprian husked, then nodded to the guys.

“Oh,” Riley replied curiously.

Kagan, Tytus, Dagaa, and Metcor led their ladies to a circle that formed in the crowd.

“Instead of a traditional perambulo, we have something from the human tradition. I hope we don’t screw it up too badly,” Kagan announced to everyone, though the leader’s eyes never strayed from Giselle.

Cyprian took Riley’s left hand, then wrapped his arm around her waist, and pulled her in close.

“I listened to this song as I held you on Aculus’ ship, praying that you’d come back to me.”

Riley’s brow furrowed as she tried to figure out what he was talking about. Her eyes shot up to his, as the first strains of Unchained Melody by the Righteous Brothers began to play.

“Cyprian, how?” Riley asked, as her eyes filled, and Cyprian began to sway to the music.

How had he salvaged her music, much less found the sweet song she’d set to a series of wedding photos?

But Cyprian didn’t answer. Instead he dipped his head, nestled his lips in her hair, near her ear, and husked the words of the song, as if he’d listened to it over and over.

“I… need your love,” he whispered, his deep voice thick with emotion.

Tears streamed down Riley’s cheeks as she leaned into Cyprian, soaking up every heartfelt sentiment. Everything in her life fell into place as Cyprian clutched her in his sheltering arms, and turned in slow rhythmic circles. Life had been a lonely struggle up till now. Her path had been paved with heartache and pain. But all of it had been worth it, now that she had her warrior.





Epilogue




Ashtoret de Origa

“I don’t have a good feeling about this,” Vintor said as they waded neck deep in water.

“I agree. I feel eyes on me,” Ashtoret replied, as he pushed reedy grass out of his face.

If infiltrating a foreign and hostile planet under the cover of darkness wasn’t daunting enough, then landing in water and disembarking in its murky depths, clinched it. Unfortunately, they couldn’t land any closer to their target, without being discovered. The occupants of the planet lived in a vast community that extended for hundreds of hectares up and down the coast. It left them few options.

“You are certain the nearby military stronghold didn’t spot us entering their atmosphere?” Vintor asked.

“I can’t make any promises. I’m still learning my way around Osivoire technology.”