Munro (Immortals After Dark #18) by Kresley Cole

            “Only because that’s where you keep ravishing me.”

            She blinked at him. “Why else would it be my favorite?”

            He chuckled. Then he grew more serious. “We can come here whenever you like. We can split time between the two countries or live anywhere in the worlds. Whatever pleases you.”

            “Let’s go to Conall. I’m keen to patrol those woods.”

            No longer did she feel pressure to fight against evil immortals because of her family’s legacy. Responsibility had transformed into opportunity; she would protect those in need because the cause was just, and she was strong.

            Since her blade had lost its magic along with everything else in Glenrial, she’d let her weapon rest at last, a storied link connecting Ren to her own storied past.

            One day she would tell her beloved boys all about her lives and deaths and the “monster” she fell for. While her and Munro’s own story would continue. . . .

            “Your patrol partner awaits, she-wolf.” He tilted his head at her. “I still canna believe your control.”

            When she’d told him about her dream with her beast, he’d been amazed: “Cooperation over conflict? Who would’ve thought?”

            Now he cradled her face with a look in his eyes, as if she were his every dream, wish, and fantasy rolled into one. “You astonish me, love.”

            She gave him a saucy grin. “I plan to be full of surprises. Just try to keep up, old wolf.”

            “Ah, my wee harridan.”

            Still smiling, they walked hand in hand down the stairs, heading toward the laughter.





            “When are you and Emmaline taking the plunge?” Munro asked Lachlain.

            The king, Munro, and Will were surveying the raucous party from the lodge’s front porch. Loreans of all species had descended on them.

            Kereny, Chloe, Loa, and Queen Emmaline sat nearby on a blanket under the soft moonlight. Ben and Rónan played soccer with some of the younger set on the large green lawn.

            Will added, “Your queen looks like she enjoys kids.” He lifted his beer toward Emmaline, who had a dreamy smile on her face as she cradled the twins in her arms. The lads were dozing, bellies full of Kereny’s milk.

            “No plunge for us. No’ for a while,” Lachlain said, with the look of a male in charge of his destiny. “She and I had a rational discussion and mutually agreed that we should wait until after the Accession. Once we decide to get pregnant, only then will she begin to eat food of the earth.”

            “Sounds smart,” Will said.

            Mariketa strutted up to Emmaline and accused her of hogging the babes. After Glenrial’s magic had failed catastrophically, the witch had been quick to remind Munro about a specific clause in that terms-of-service contract: Spell may lose functionality in the case of an archwarlock’s death in close proximity.

            Wiccae.

            With a reluctant sigh, Emmaline handed the twins over to Mariketa, then traced straight to the buffet table. The vampire, a relative food newbie, slathered whipped cream on a muffuletta, lifting it to her mouth—

            “Mo chridhe!” Lachlain called with wide eyes. “We spoke about this!” He rushed to intercept her.

            Will and Munro chuckled.

            Earlier, Lothaire had traced Ellie and Balery by for a brief visit. The two females had brought all kinds of gifts for the lads.

            The Enemy of Old had taken Munro aside. “My gift to your wolflings is that I will not target them for my new ledger until they’re in their teens. But after that, one stray step will land them in those pages.”

            Munro had bared his fangs, fists clenching.

            “My gods, it’s too easy to rile your kind. But seriously, Lizvetta has informed me that I’m not ever to target your offspring.”

            “That’s a good thing.” Munro had feigned a thoughtful nod. “Especially since Balery told me my sons will be mates to your future daughters.”