Page 31

EPILOGUE

SEVEN MONTHS LATER…

T he majority of those abducted and imprisoned by Patrick were understanding of the situation after he explained it. Restitution came in the form of restoring their magic with that provided by Anu. Their original abilities were returned to them, along with a promise of protection in the future. If ever they found themselves in need, they were to reach out to Patrick or Ronan and, through them, to Anu. For the disbelieving, the Goddess herself had made a special appearance, ensuring Patrick spoke true.

A support group was formed and met monthly in Lucky’s backroom to help alleviate the trauma Loman had heaped on them. Patrick took part in every discussion, taking care to allow every speaker to have their say, and encouraging anyone reticent to open up to healing. Before the meetings adjourned, they would all join hands and express their gratitude for surviving when others hadn’t been so fortunate.

For the families of the deceased, each of them made a point to visit and to tell stories of their loved one’s bravery in the face of Loman’s sadism. With permission from Anu and Isis, Patrick erected a memorial on the island, creating a safe space for families to commune with those residing in the Otherworld. Whenever it was safe for the veil to open and allow those on the other side to cross onto the Earthly plane, he was there, with Ronan at his side, and the two acted as gatekeepers, ensuring the well-being of all.

“Reggie’s arrived. Just there,” Patrick told Ronan.

His son-in-law’s head whipped toward the area reserved for teleporting, and a wide grin nearly split his handsome visage. “I didn’t think he would.”

“Word’s spreading about what you’re doing here,” Fi said from beside Patrick.

“Aye,” Ronan replied with a nod before striding off to greet his cousin.

As they observed the two men hugging, Fi rested her head on Patrick’s shoulder. “Tadhg’s expressed interest in visiting.”

“Sure, and I’ll believe that when I see it,” he muttered.

“Well, open your eyes, Paddy O. He’s there, on the dock.”

Tadhg’s gaze scanned the surrounding area, and his grim expression revealed his acute discomfort. Returning to the island was difficult for all of them, but the more they did, the easier it became to see the prison was long since torn down and its horrific past buried. In its place, something beautiful was blooming. Bonds were forming and relationships were developing.

“You’ve paid your restitution, love,” she assured Patrick, stretching to kiss him. “Keep believing in yourself and your mission.”

“It’s easier to do with you by my side, Fi.”

Her self-satisfied smile filled his heart to full.

“Should we go greet Tadhg?” he asked. “The least we can do is meet him halfway, yeah?”

“No. He needs to seek you out this time. You’ve tried to make it right in the past, and he was a stubborn twat. Let him take the step.”

As soon as the words left her mouth, Tadhg’s attention locked on them and he headed in their direction. A wealth of emotion came and went across his face, with acceptance settling down for a spell.

“Have you heard from Noah,” Patrick asked her as they waited for her brother to reach them.

“Just yesterday. He’s spending his spare time with his brother and family.”

“Good. No one should be alone in this world.”

Fi grinned up at him. “As if you haven’t been popping into his pub for a pint!”

Patrick laughed upon discovering she’d found him out. “He’s an interesting man to talk to.”

“You’ve a healthy attitude about life, all the same,” she replied before turning to greet her brother.

After a breathy exhale, Tadhg held out his hand to Patrick. “I’ve come to apologize for encouraging Mam to hire those assassins. And to tell you, I bear ya no more ill will.”

“That’s mighty big of you,” Patrick replied, tongue in cheek, but willing to accept the offer of a truce. “Come, I’ll show you around.”

“Will ya join us, Fi?” her brother asked.

From behind him, Patrick shook his head, hoping she realized he’d prefer alone time to patch the rift.

“I’ll catch up with you before you go, Tadhg.” She patted her brother’s cheek. “I’ve duties to see to here.”

With a hesitant nod, her brother fell into step beside Patrick. They walked for a bit without speaking until they came to a clearing.

“This is where our cellblock was located,” Tadhg said.

His voice was deep from the emotion he struggled to suppress, but Patrick experienced them all the same. Anu had gifted him with an empath’s ability to feel what others were so that he could better help them heal.

“We haven’t decided on what to build here, yet.” He met the man’s cautious blue gaze, pleased to realize Tadhg’s animosity was truly gone. “Fi and I were waiting to see if you had any ideas for it.”

“Me?”

“Aye.”

“Why would either of you care what I have to say?”

“Because you’re her family, and she loves you, boyo. And also because your mam wishes you to find an outlet for your aggression.”

Wry humor flared in Tadhg’s eyes. “She told me to make nice with Fi or not come home again.”

“Is that the only reason you’re here, then?”

“No. Rumor has it you’re doing good things. I’d a mind to see it for myself.”

Patrick surveyed all he’d built, feeling a vague sense of satisfaction. “There’s more to do, and I could use your help if you’d care to give it.”

“I would.”

“No more knives to the chest, though, yeah?”

The flush of embarrassment colored the younger man’s skin. “It’s sorry I am for me temper that day, and every day before it.”

“You had the right, Tadhg. Loman put us all through hell, and those who survived have come out stronger. Or at least, are working on becoming stronger.”

“If you’ll have me, I’ll be a member of your team and be glad for the work.”

“We’ll have ya. Have a look around the place and be thinking of what would fit best here.” He noticed Tadhg’s curious gaze stray to Reggie and Ronan, lingering longer on the former. “His cell was diagonal to mine.”

“Aye. I know who he is.”

“The O’Malley-O’Connor feud has ended, boyo. I’d not have it start up again if you’re looking to settle a score.”

Surprise caused Tadhg’s jaw to sag as he shifted to meet Patrick’s gaze. “No! It’s not like that. I know Ronan and Reggie were innocent of Loman’s wrongful acts. I’ve no need to seek revenge on them for something that gobshite did.”

“Then what’s your interest—Ah!” Patrick could be dull as a rock some days and had missed Tadhg’s curiosity for what it was. “Would ya like an introduction to Reggie?”

“He’s posh and too good for the likes of me.”

“So you’ve no desire to know him better?”

A wave of longing swept over him, and he recognized it as not his own.

Tadhg was lonely.

“Tell me, boyo, do you like to read?”

“Aye. Every chance I get.”

Patrick smiled. “Then I think you’ll have a lot in common with our Reggie, to be sure.”