Waterfall(38)

“They all died.” She ran a shaking finger along the top of his hand that rested on her thigh. “Did you love them?”

“Some. Ada, indeed. She was my first. Others were simply a primal attraction.”

Her breath hitched, and she swallowed a swallow that pinched his soul. “I had always hoped to marry for love and…”

“Continue.”

“And neither my marriage to Hudson or this have started in that vein.” She glanced back up at him, and tears ran down her face in a stream.

Jordan’s heart ached. He enclosed her hand with his. “What we have is more than simple love or primal need.”

“What more is there than that?”

“Destiny. Devotion. Passion. Caring for all time. Knowing without a doubt we are meant to be together and I will do anything to protect you, your family and us. What we stand for is love. What we have the capability to be is an iconic romance.” He turned her around, leaned in and kissed her. Her soft lips were wanting beneath his. She opened her mouth to him, and he slowly traced the inside of her lips with his tongue. Her unique taste of sweet candied cherries and orange blossoms filled his senses. His head lightened. Keep your calm. She is unsteady. He softened the kiss.

She pulled back. “You believe what you just said?”

“What I said has nothing to do with belief. I know what I said is true. I more than love you, Celeste. If you let yourself relax and give it time, you will see that all I said is sincere. You feel, and would do, the same for me. You have already. Think of the boat.”

She turned her head to look back at the fire. “Why would someone make such a huge jest?”

“I can’t promise this is one. Simply put, there are inconsistencies that lead me to doubt their truth. You should prepare yourself for the worst.” He pulled her close. “Your grandmum may be injured. Or worse, gone.”

She pulled back from him. “I understand. I want to speak with Hudson.”

He didn’t want to allow that. He wanted to protect her from all that was harmful, but she deserved to confront the man. “After we tell Ferrous of this new development, we can all go back to the silver room.”

She nodded. “Very well. Let’s go see Ferrous.”

They walked down the hall toward the library. He wanted to pick her up and carry her. Her pain and confusion streamed through him as if they were his own.

She should be safe. She should feel secure, damn it.

He could do little besides be with her to ensure that. She needed to embrace her power, and his support would allow her to. He could, however, hold her hand. He slipped his fingers into her grasp. Her energy swirled about their fingers and wrapped his wrist like a vine, then tightened. Damn, she was powerful. The scene with the boat should have solidified that in her mind, but for some reason, she still resisted.

They turned into the library. Jordan stopped short. Ferrous stood over the flame as he had when Jordan had left moments before. Madoc stood with his back to them as he and Ferrous talked.

“This entire day has been a bumblebroth.” Madoc spun about, and his great coat swirled with enough force to blow papers from a nearby stand.

“Good day, brother.”

“Good day, Jordan and Your Grace.” He bowed.

“Please do not call me such.” Celeste tightened her hold on Jordan’s fingers.

“What should I call you, then?”

“Celeste.”

“Very well.”

“Did you write the letter?” she demanded, a quaver in her voice.

“I write all the time. Which one do you refer to?”

Celeste broke from his hold and walked to Madoc. “Here.” She held out the parchment.

Madoc read the letter and then stared at Ferrous as he handed the letter to him. He turned back to them. “No, I did not invade your being and scribble those distressing words. I did bring your grandmum with me, and there is an issue, but…”

“She’s here?” Her voice squeaked with excitement. “Grandmum’s here? Where is she?”

“She is settling in the emerald room.” Madoc glanced back and forth between them. “What’s going on?”

“Hudson is joined with another entity or is transitioning.”

Jordan stepped forward. “Celeste had a vision that he killed her grandmum by biting her.”

“And the letter said she was injured.” Celeste stepped up beside him, and her energy spiked hotter.

“How did you know to come to the Isle, Madoc?” Ferrous walked around the table and stood next to Madoc.

“I stopped by Hudson’s to talk to him about our latest project. Your grandmum was in a fit. She said that you and the entire household had disappeared. Honestly, I had thought Jordan had taken you.”