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Fallon couldn’t stop staring. Maybe subconsciously he was afraid she might disappear if he took his eyes away. In an instant, she was on the bed by his side, cupping his face in her hands.
“I’ll never leave you again,” she murmured, nuzzling into his neck. “I can’t live without you.”
He gulped. “I can’t believe you’re really here. I thought I’d never see you again.”
Months of hurt and pain lined her beautiful face. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. His stallion leapt up, prancing around, tossing his brittle mane with pride and glee.
“I’m so sorry...” Cyn said.
Fallon stroked her hair. The feel, smell, and sight of her was a vision he’d summoned to get him through countless lonely nights. He’d dreamt of this moment, but hadn’t expected her to return. He wanted to start all over and pretend it was the day they’d first met, without a shadow looming over them. Cyn hadn’t chosen to come to the Realm, and the mistake almost cost him everything. She’s really back. We’ll never let her go again.
Darcy launched herself at the weary traveller. She wrapped her arms around Cyn and squeezed, making Cyn squeal and Fallon chuckle. “Cyn, I’m so happy you’re here.”
Cyn wrapped an arm around the girl and pulled her close. “I’ve missed you, too.”
Fallon loved how enamoured Darcy was with his mate. It meant everything to him. His youngest daughter had never experienced having a mother, and it broke his heart. The affection reflected in Cyn’s eyes showed the feeling was mutual.
“I’ve been taking care of Father,” Darcy said, pointing toward the tray with broth. “But maybe you can make him eat a little more.”
Cyn furrowed her brow. “I didn’t know he was sick. What happened?”
Fallon silenced Darcy with a sharp look. “Would you mind leaving us?”
“Not at all,” Darcy said, hopping off the bed. “Bye!”
When she was gone, Fallon pulled Cyn close and inhaled her familiar fragrance. Love, affection, and desire flooded his senses. The mate bond soothed the dull ache in his chest. Cyn’s heartbeat was pounding against his body as she tucked into his frame. He pulled her fingertips up to his mouth and kissed them gently.
“I love you,” Cyn said. “I love you with every fibre of my being. I was so lost without you.”
Fallon studied her face. It was completely free of guile, and tears shimmered in her eyes. From the moment he first saw her he’d fallen under her spell. There was no denying the desire that surged through him. His stallion nodded in agreement. He needed to reunite with her, and feel her shiver beneath him.
“I forgive you.”
Cyn gently leaned forward and placed her lips against his. The kiss was magical, like a balm to his stallion. Lust flowed through him, its warmth spreading through his limbs, and his stallion whinnied and tossed his head as the mate bond surged through them both. He wanted her desperately, but it would have to wait a bit. Felicity would give birth soon, and he was certain Cyn would want to be there.
“I want to spend more time connecting,” Fallon said as he stroked Cyn’s lower lip with his thumb. “But I know you must be worried sick about Felicity.”
Colour faded from her cheeks. “I am.”
Fallon concentrated on his words, reining in his stallion. He was distracted by Cyn’s beauty. It was hard to believe he’d forgotten little details, like the small mole on the right side of her upper lip. Seeing her again in the flesh was exhilarating and he could barely contain himself. He wanted to pick her up and carry her directly to his bed.
“She’s in labour right now and it’s not been an easy one so far.”
Cyn sucked in air. “She’ll be okay, though, right?”
“The healer is with her now,” Fallon said, not wanting to lie. “I understand you’ll need to go to her. Have Darcy take you. Don’t listen to anyone if they order you out, do you understand? Seeing you will do wonders for Felicity, and as my mate, you answer to no one.”
She laughed. He’d forgotten how musical her laugh was... It was so good to have her back.
“I answer to no one anyway,” Cyn said cheekily.
Fallon melted inside. He pulled her close, kissing her soft lips once more. Then he reluctantly released her. Felicity needed her, and his stallion would simply have to wait.
* * *
CYN AND DARCY FLEW down the stairs, through the castle doors, and all the way to the healer’s cottage. Niall was pacing outside the door to the birthing chamber. He didn’t even register their arrival. While she hadn’t been afraid before, Niall’s dishevelled appearance and the panic in his gaze sent a small shiver down her spine.
Cyn approached him cautiously. “Niall...”
She hadn’t really considered how everyone, aside from Fallon and Felicity, would treat her when she returned to the Realm. Niall was friendly enough when she’d known him, but that was before she’d walked out on everyone.
Niall nodded and slowly clenched his hands into fists. “I feel helpless. The healer won’t let me in. I can’t even see my mate. It’s driving my stallion mad.”
There was a wail from the other side of the door. Cyn’s palms broke out in a sweat.
Cyn donned an artificially cheery voice to comfort Niall. No sense in upsetting him further with her fear for Felicity. “It’s going to be okay now.”
“Hello, Cynthia.”
Cyn turned, and blushed. Tomas was sitting on a bench by the doorway. She hadn’t noticed him when she first came in. She’d shamelessly flirted with him for weeks, but now she only had eyes for one man, her mate.
“’Ello,” Cyn said.
Tomas rose and greeted her with a hug. Relief washed over her. At least there was one more person in the Realm who didn’t hate her.
“You think there’s a chance I can go inside?” Cyn asked Tomas, searching his face for clues to Felicity’s condition.
He shrugged. “It’s possible, but the healer is extremely protective right now. Please don’t be offended if she says no.”
“She won’t even let me in and I’m her bloody mate,” Niall muttered.
Niall sat down next to Maelíosa and a male púca Cyn didn’t recognize. She’d been completely focused on finding out about Felicity, and hadn’t paid any mind to Maelíosa. Why bother? The woman was vexing.
“Look who’s back,” Maelíosa said, her voice snide.
Cyn ignored Maelíosa. “Niall, when was the last time you heard an update on her condition?”
“It’s been hours.” Niall tilted his head against the wall. There were massive dark circles under his eyes.
Cyn swallowed. “I’ll see how she’s doing.”
“Don’t pretend like you care about anyone other than yourself,” Maelíosa said. “If you gave a shite about her you wouldn’t have left. I don’t know how you could leave my father and your best friend.”
“Maelíosa, enough,” the púca seated next to her said. He stroked her shoulder soothingly. “This is a stressful time for all of us. Don’t make it harder than it has to be.”
Cyn was stunned. She’d never seen Maelíosa compelled into silence. All the wrath faded from her face. When Maelíosa wasn’t scowling, she was actually lovely. Cyn was surprised more of the male púca hadn’t chased after her. Although, considering her temperament, Maelíosa most likely turned them off with her sarcastic wit. It was probably enough to send even the most hot-blooded stallion running.
“Fine,” she snapped. She stood and headed for the entrance to the hut. “Kieran, let’s take a walk and get some air. Maybe there’ll be news of my little niece soon.”
Kieran followed Maelíosa out the door. He murmured something Cyn couldn’t hear. She was surprised at Maelíosa’s laughter, and wondered what was so special about him. Kieran was dishy, but all of the male púca were mouth-wateringly gorgeous. It was curious how Maelíosa responded differently to him than to anyone else.
Cyn looked from Darcy to Niall to Tomas. “I can’t take this anymore. I’m going in.”
Darcy nodded, and moved to comfort her brother.
“Please see to my wife,” Niall said quietly.
Cyn took a deep breath, walked up to the chamber door, and knocked three times. There was a sharp cry from inside, and she pushed against the door with all her might, shoving her way inside.
Cyn gasped. “Bloody hell!”
