Page 59 of The Darkest Knight

Needing to reassure her mother, Tammie had called and told her everything. Between sniffs, her mother told her how relieved she was that the sacrificed she’d foreseen was not what she’d feared. Apparently, she’d had recurring dreams of Tammie being trapped in another realm never to return.

Then her mother had asked about Niall and what would happen next. Tammie had been vague in her answer. “Time will tell.”

Niall had been asleep when she’d walked into the room to see him for the last time.

At that point, she’d figured out how to break the curse. Calling the men into the room, she’d chanted the spell and had them repeated it. Then holding her hands up, she’d surrendered her magic to the universe.

A strong whirlwind had swept the room, then it was silent. When she tried to form a fireball, nothing happened.

“He’s free,” Liam had announced, and the others nodded. Apparently, a surge of energy swept through them each time one of them was freed.

Just thinking about the last weeks in Scotland made her tired. No, she was not ready to think about Scotland, which in turn meant her thoughts would immediately turn to him.

She climbed into bed and closed her eyes, the soft sound of traffic outside lulling her to sleep.

“Tammie,” A voice hissed, “are you asleep?”

“What?” Tammie bolted up banging foreheads with Sabrina. “Ow!” They both yelped.

“You scared the shit out of me. What are you doing here?” Tammie squinted at the now-lit room. “And why in the hell did you turn on the bright overhead light?”

Sabrina smiled; she looked refreshed, at midnight. Only her sister would look that good in the middle of the night. “I came to see you. We’re worried about you. You left so quickly.”

Her expression changed, eyes sliding to the doorway, lips curving into a mischievous smile. “I brought you a present too.”

Tammie narrowed her eyes, peering at Sabrina’s hands. “I don’t see any present.”

“Oh, no silly, you have to get dressed and come out to the living room. It’s too big to carry.” Sabrina giggled, her eyes twinkling, which made Tammie more suspicious.

“Why do I have to be dressed?” It didn’t make sense unless there were people in the living room. It’s not some sort of surprise party is it?”

Sabrina gave her an innocent wide-eyed look. “I’m not saying anything else.” She turned on her heel and practically ran out of the room.

Only Sabrina would think a surprise party in the middle of the night was something she’d enjoy. As much as she detested the idea of a party, she was too nosy to remain in bed.

She would not get dressed. The people would be subjected to her bright pink tank top and bikini panty set. She’d say hello and go back to bed.

“That will teach them,” she mumbled, padding toward the living room in bare feet.

The living room was gloomy and empty. Only one lamp was lit. She stood for a moment tapping her bare foot.

“Sabrina?”

No one replied.

“This isn’t funny. If people are going to jump out and say surprise, do it now or I’m going back to bed.”

Still no one answered.

She turned and inspected the empty kitchen. Where the hell did Sabrina go? “I’m going back to bed sister. Your joke is lame.” She turned to go back to the bedroom. The sound of the back door shutting caused her to turn.

Niall stood by the back door. Although she could not see his face clearly, she recognized him. His stance was rigid, which made her wonder if Sabrina had forced him to come. This was not her idea of a good present. Once again, Niall forced to do something against his will.

He didn’t want to leave the enchantment, his love so great for his wife that he’d rather remain in the alter-world and die to be with her. He sure as hell did not want to be with Tammie. But, knowing her conniving sisters, they’d played on his honor code and told him being with her was the right thing to do. Now here he stood, looking like he’d rather be anywhere but.

“Hello, Tamara.” He always called her Tamara, pronouncing it like no one else, but somehow it sounded like a caress when he said it. The sound of his voice wrapped over her like a warm blanket. “How are you?” He came closer, and she could see the discomfort in his expression. She felt sorry for him.

“Niall, you didn’t have to fly here. I know that was probably not a pleasant experience,” Tammie told him. He didn’t respond, only watched her, his grey eyes scanning over her, hesitating at seeing the panties.