Dark Warrior (Warrior 2)

He took her hand and squeezed tight. “I was not the one to order your parents’ capture and when I heard of their fate, I attempted to return so that I could free them and you. I was not in time; my journey was delayed and I knew they would suffer horribly, but then Magnus saw to them and to you, for which I was grateful.”

Mary gasped. “Now I know where that familiar scent comes from. The scent I smelled around Michael when first we met. It belonged to a man who often visited with my father late at night. He always remained in the shadows and they would talk.” Tears spilled down her eyes. “It was you.”

He brought her hand to his lips, choking back his own tears. “I had promised your father that I would see him, your mother, and you free. He knew of my true identity and that placed him in jeopardy. I was securing your escape when your parents were captured.”

“How did he know who you were?”

He shook his head. “He amazed me when we first met, for he told me that he knew I was not an evil man but a messenger and redeemer for God. And he would help me in any way he could.”

A sudden realization had Mary saying, “There was no man who questioned my safety and brought you to Magnus. It was you. That is why you never answered me when I asked you the man’s identity.”

“I had no choice but to get you out of where you were.”

“You knew where I was all these years?”

“Of course,” he said. “It was the only way of making certain you remained safe. I knew Magnus could protect you for the time being, but there would come a time he could not.”

“And that time came?”

“Church leaders insisted that you be found, fearing that you had matured and would begin spreading your father’s teachings. They wanted you purged of your sins, which meant they wanted you dead.”

“You convinced them you could reform me?”

“The Church edict forced me to look at other ways of assuring your safety. If you were my wife, no one could touch you. I feared that no matter where I sent you, you might be found, whereas if you remained by my side you would forever be protected.”

“But why rescue me if you intended to marry me all along?”

“The Church made mention of your name as a possible problem. That was when I informed Magnus that you were in trouble. I thought he would move you until I determined the Church leaders’ intentions. Unfortunately Magnus had his own problems, leaving me no choice but to see to you myself.”

“You found out the Church wanted me dead after we were together?”

“Just before I rescued you, and by then I had promised Magnus I would see you safe. I had not yet decided to make you my wife.”

“When did you decide?” she asked.

“Why would be a better question. I attempted to convince myself it was for your benefit, but it was for a selfish reason.” He squeezed her hands tightly, afraid to let go. “I fell in love with you. You released me from the darkness and shed light on my isolation. I began to feel again, to remember what it was to love.”

She eased her hand out of his and reached out slowly, hesitated then finally touched his face. “I know you and yet I do not. I know Michael is there inside you, but when I look upon you I see Decimus, the man who I have hated these many years.”

Her hand did not remain long upon him and he ached at the loss of her touch. “I could not chance you knowing who I was. I had to make certain you thought me repulsive, evil, and not to be trusted. Even now you look at me with doubt.”

“You did not trust me to know your true identity?” she asked sadly.

“After a while I feared for you to learn of my true identity.” He sighed heavily and shook his head. “I have warred with my feelings for you. Do I tell you? Do I not? Is it safe for you to know? Would you love Decimus as much as you love Michael? I feared losing your love.”

Mary stared at him, uncertain of who he was. “It is difficult for me to accept that Decimus and Michael are one and the same. Decimus hunted me while Michael saved me and loved me. How do I bring the two of you together?”

Decimus gently cupped her face with his hand. “With love?”

Tears slowly slipped down her cheek.

He moved his hand to rest on her flat belly. “Love for us both?”

“Oh, Michael,” she cried and rested her forehead on his. Mary closed her eyes and trailed his face with soft kisses until she found his lips and then she kissed the man she loved, the man who owned her heart and soul.