Page 86 of Wolf's Keep

She glanced at the woman disappearing out through the door, at the jars of herbs and powders and at the large pot bubbling over the fire. “You brought me to the witch?”

“It is her herbal concoction that helped you through the turning, and once you are strong enough—”

Erin pressed her lips against his, cutting him off. He went still, searching her face, a spark of hope flickering in his eyes.

“I thought I could leave you, but I can’t.” She drew in a deep breath. “I love you, Gaharet.”

A tremor ran through his body. “Are you certain, Erin? You will not regret leaving your life, everything you know and love? Your job?”

“I shall miss it, and there will be times I will long for the things I can’t have here, but I don’t want to wonder what could’ve been. Regret a chance not taken. I want toknow.”

His lips curled into a smile, and he pulled her to him, taking her mouth in his, going deep. Erin moaned against his mouth, desire roaring to life, the heightened sensation of his lips on hers and his musky scent, all making her heart race. She growled deep in her throat.

Startled, she broke off their kiss, her hand going to her throat.

“Did I…? Was that me?”

Gaharet chuckled. “All of your senses are heightened now.” He raised an eyebrow at her. “Care to test them?”

He slid his hand beneath the covers, his touch against her skin, his hand trailing up her stomach, sending waves of desire pulsing through her so strong she thought might faint from the intensity of it. She growled again.

“I will take that as a yes.” His hand cupped her breast. “Welcome to the pack, Dame d’Louncrais. My mate, my love.”

Then he claimed her mouth, and she surrendered to him, to her desire, and her new life. Whatever the future held in store for her, she would face it with him by her side. With her knowledge of the past and his understanding of the present, she would change his fate, just as he’d changed hers.

* * * *

Gaharet lay staring up at the thatched roof, worry for Ulrik and his men roiling in his gut. The coals in the fire had burned down, giving the room a soft glow. Beside him, snuggled into his side and sleeping soundly, her blonde hair splayed across his shoulder, lay Erin. He still had much to tell her. What had happened to Ulrik, how they had swapped the amulets and how he had revealed his presence to Lothair. He squeezed her closer, and she murmured, protesting in her sleep. He let his arm relax, and she settled. Tomorrow. He would tell her tomorrow. For now, he would enjoy holding his mate in his arms. She was his. She had chosen to stay and be his wife. He planned to have her by his side for the rest of his very long life. Lothair, Renaud and her history be damned.