Trapping Her

When a sharp hunger pain hits, I stop pacing and close my eyes to drag up Isabel’s beautiful face from memory. I take a few deep breaths as I recall every detail about her—the way she laughs, her smile, the light in her eyes when she looks at me. When the pain finally subsides, I go to the window and stare out into the dark, wondering what she’s doing right now and if she’s okay.

Gods, she must be scared out of her mind. It’s been over two weeks since I left, and I haven’t trusted them not to trace the call if I use the phone in my room. I know they will eventually be able to find my island, even with made-up flight logs and false information given to the right people. Money has a tendency to make people talk, and I know with time they will offer the right person the right amount of money. I just pray that Angus is able to get her somewhere safe before then.

When a knock sounds on the door, I start to tell them to go away. But before I can open my mouth to do so, a familiar scent fills my nose and I almost drop to my knees.

When the door opens, the world falls out from under me. “No!” I roar, shaking my head in denial as I take in my beautiful Isabel standing feet away. Her hands are bound behind her back, armed men pointing their guns at her and me.

“I’m sorry,” she whispers as her chin wobbles. “I had to come. I had to. Please don’t be mad at Angus I made him bring me.”

I move faster than a bolt of lightning and place her behind my body. I study the armed men in front of me, taking in every detail in the blink of an eye.

“The king asked she be brought to you. You’re both safe for now,” the one who must be the leader says, and I bare my teeth, enjoying the fear I see in his eyes. I might be unarmed, but he has enough sense to know I could easily take him and his men out if provoked.

I slam the door closed then lift Isabel into my arms. “What on gods’ green earth are you doing here?” I roar in fear. I want to throw her over my knees and spank her for coming here. I want to kiss her until she can’t breathe.

“I can’t live without you.” Her hands capture my face. “I know you’re mad, but I can’t go another day without you. If you go, I go… I can’t be without you.”

Her words are my undoing and I storm across the room and lay her on the bed. I take in her scent then sink my teeth into her neck. I drink, drink until I feel myself come back to life, drink until I’m full of her. It isn’t until she goes limp in my arms that I pull my mouth away and lick over the wounds. Fear that I’ve gone too far claws at my chest, but then I hear the steady beat of her heart like it’s my own. I pull her against me and relish the feel of her back in my arms, right where she belongs. Whatever happens, good or bad, we’re together.

13

Isabel

I don’t open my eyes. I don’t dare disturb the dream I’m having, a dream in which Cameron is holding me, with his heavy hand resting on my stomach. Life. We somehow created a life. I can picture our little ones, a boy with dark hair just like his father’s. A girl with bright golden eyes. Tears leak from under my lashes, and my lips quiver as my mind moves through space and time, showing me what our future could look like.

“Why are you crying, love?”

I feel Cameron’s fingers against my cheek, wiping away tears, and I turn in his arms, shoving my face against his chest.

“Isabel?”

“I think I’m pregnant.” The truth rushes out of me like a harsh wave, and his strong arms wrap around me tightly. “I’m scared, Cameron. What will happen to us now?”

His body stills and his muscles bunch. “Nothing will happen to you.” His tone is firm and unyielding. “Nothing will ever happen to you or our babies.”

I want to believe him, but I know. I know he doesn’t have a say.

I don’t tell him that. Instead, I wrap my arms around his waist and lift my lips to his. After we’ve both had our fill of each other, I lie in bed with the sun shining outside, trying to figure out what we should do next.

Samuel

“I’m sorry, your majesty. I wasn’t able to find anything.” Nual shakes his head, his long, gray hair brushing his shoulders. “Are you sure she’s pregnant?”