Page 82 of The Mating Fire

The goddess studied Harper with a calm demeanor. “You have questions, Harper. About your birth parents.”

“Yes. They died… saving me.” Her voice quivered.

Danu went to her and rested a hand on her shoulder, her touch reassuring and motherly. Calmness immediately replaced Harper’s distress.

“You were a curious child and they tried to protect you, but in doing so, isolated themselves. Had they trusted more, and reached out to Caderyn, their guardian and judge, for assistance, he could have found them help.”

The goddess rubbed her shoulder. “He tried his best to find you good, adoptive parents to raise you. Unfortunately, though they seemed to be up to the task, they resented being parents. You deserved better.”

Harper glanced at Jared, his face filled with loving concern. “It’s okay, Danu. I found better. I don’t wish them ill will. Are they all right?”

“They are content.” Danu dropped her hand. “You do not have to see them ever again if you do not wish it.”

“I don’t wish it. Let them live their lives. I have mine.” Harper slid her palm into Jared’s.

“I still can’t believe the curse is broken,” he murmured.

“It was all upon you, Jared,” Danu told him. “The moment you sacrificed yourself for Harper, the curse was broken. Love is a force of power, but the act had to be demonstrated, not merely words spoken.”

Harper’s heart felt full of joy. Then she remembered the evil being Jared had mentioned.

“That…thing… that was present at the battle,” she began.

“The Dark Lord, ruler of all evil.” Jared’s gaze narrowed. “He wanted you and your powers, Harper. He’s building an army.”

Danu’s expression tightened. “Dark times are coming for all Others and Skins, I fear. The Dark Lord is gaining power and must be defeated. A war is on the horizon when all, humans and Others, must choose a side for either good or evil.”

Resolve filled her. She knew now her purpose, and Jared’s. “Then we will be there to help you in this fight. We will be your champions.”

Jared picked up her hand and kissed the knuckles with a gentle brush of his mouth. “Indeed.”

Hours later,when Danu had left, she and Jared sat in the great hall. Curled in his lap, she nestled against him with contentment.

“Are we going to stay here?” she asked, stroking his bearded cheek.

“For the time being, if you’ll have me as your mate. Then we can decide where you want to settle. Or if you want to settle.”

Jared took her hand and kissed her, watching her face brighten. “Harper Ashley will you marry me? For better or worse, in human form or not?”

She flung her arms around his neck. “I will. I love you, Jared Griffin. No matter what form you are, Jared Griffin, I know your heart will never change.”

He framed her face with his hands, his gaze sparkling with love. “Never. It will always be yours, forever.”