Everkin

The Kindred

Donna Grant

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Afterword

Newsletter

Also by Donna Grant

About the Author

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

EVERKIN

© 2017 by DL Grant, LLC

Cover Design © 2017 by Croco Designs

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce or transmit this book, or a portion thereof, in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without permission in writing from the author. This book may not be resold or uploaded for distribution to others. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

www.DonnaGrant.com

Chapter 1

England, 1334

Battle had a way of damaging not just the body, but the mind, as well. Radnar gripped his right wrist as he flexed his hand. He’d taken a nasty hit two weeks prior, and there were times his fingers went numb.

Not a good sign for any knight, much less one who earned his keep by his sword.

He blew out a breath and leaned a shoulder against a wooden beam as he watched the blacksmith work on a new shoe for his horse. It was something Radnar could ill afford, but if his horse weren’t properly outfitted, he was as good as dead. So here he was, spending his last bag of coin.

Life was one meaningless battle after another. He’d fought alongside some of the best knights of the age, and had even trained in techniques from a foreign land.

A few of the nobles he’d fought in service for had asked him to remain at their castles, but something kept driving him onward. It was as if there weren’t a place in all of England he felt he could call home. Or even wanted to.

His travels were taking him to an earl, who was building up his army to invade.... Someone. Somewhere. Radnar didn’t know who the earl was attacking, and he didn’t care. There was coin waiting, meals, and a way to release his love of battle.

It was the sights, the sounds...the smell...of battle that sustained him. There was no family to call him home, no lover who beckoned.

His mind drifted to years earlier when he was just a squire. Though his life had been hard, he hadn’t minded. Sir Gregory was fair, if heavy-handed at times. Gregory, unlike some knights, was more than willing to help Radnar join their ranks.

It was during that time he first saw her. Edra.

He pushed away from the post he leaned against and walked to his horse, rubbing his hand down the stallion’s neck. More and more often lately, Edra had entered his thoughts.

No matter how much time passed, her face remained as clear in his mind as the day he’d first met her. There would never be another who had her bright blue eyes. No matter how hard he looked, there wasn’t a woman whose hair could match the honey blonde of Edra’s.

Her smile had the ability to melt away his cares. Her laugh had given him contentment. Her sexy voice could have him hard and yearning with just a few words.

The three months he’d spent with her had been the best of his life. He’d fallen in love with her and had promised to make her a lady just as soon as he earned his spurs. They’d made so many plans.

Their passion had run hot from the instant they met, so it was no surprise that within a month, they were lovers. The gift of her maidenhead wasn’t something he’d taken lightly. He would’ve done anything for her.

So when she’d left without a word, he was devastated.

All he’d wanted to do was drown himself in ale, but Gregory didn’t give him a moment’s peace. Though Radnar hadn’t realized it at the time, the old knight had been looking out for him. He’d given Radnar something to focus on to quell his desolation. And when his misery turned to anger, Gregory had given him the opportunity in battle to become a knight.

After he had been knighted, Radnar lay awake, staring at the stars, wishing he could celebrate one of his goals with the only person he loved: Edra.

Sometime over the years, that anger had dissipated and shifted into longing. It settled in his chest, consistently tightening. It kept him moving from place to place, but he knew why.

He was searching for her.

Radnar knew he was a fool. If Edra had really loved him, she wouldn’t have left. But his heart wouldn’t listen, no matter how many times he tried such reasoning.

He rubbed the black’s velvety nose. “Easy, boy,” he murmured when the stallion flicked his tail in agitation.

Suddenly, Radnar stilled, his heart pounding. He turned in the direction where he’d seen the flash of honey blonde hair out of the corner of his eye. He was about to rush after the woman when the blacksmith called his name as he finished shoeing Radnar’s horse.

Radnar fished out a coin and tossed it to the blacksmith before taking his stallion’s reins. He leapt atop the horse and gave him a nudge with his knees that sent his mount into a trot through the streets.

He was so intent on looking for blonde hair that he nearly missed her. The woman was light of foot and wore a cloak with the hood up, preventing him from seeing her face as she zigzagged through the streets. But the cloak moved just enough that he saw a long, honey blonde braid.

Just as Radnar started to call out to her, he noticed the woman glance hastily over her shoulder. He pulled on the reins to slow the stallion as he looked in the direction the woman had gazed. He saw two more cloaked women striding purposefully after her. One in red, the other in green.

He clicked to his horse, following the blonde as she diverted toward the forest. It was a smart move. There was more cover within the trees, but if she needed help, there would be no one to hear her.

With a sigh, Radnar dismounted and dropped the reins. His horse would remain there until he returned. His other two horses, along with his armor, were hidden a few miles from the village. He didn’t like leaving them so long, but he couldn’t, in good conscience, abandon the blonde.

He kept the other cloaked women within sight as he followed discreetly. The fact that they didn’t quicken their steps as the blonde began running worried him. Only someone who was sure his or her quarry would be caught projected such confidence.

His gaze jerked ahead, past the blonde. Years of battling and planning attacks had honed his instincts. Someone was there, waiting to capture her. He could feel it. He quietly slid his sword from the scabbard at his waist and twirled it once.

On quiet feet, he trailed the women through the forest. Thunder rumbled in the distance, and the smell of rain hung heavily in the air. The women didn’t look away from their target or falter in their pursuit.

It was their stony countenance that set his teeth on edge. He knew what killers looked like. He’d seen enough of them in battle, and that’s exactly what these females reminded him of. It was an odd thing for the fairer sex.

His grip on the hilt of his sword tightened when the blonde jerked to a halt. The hood of her cloak fell back, revealing a wealth of honey blonde hair. He quickly ducked behind the trunk of a tree.

Then she turned around.

His heart missed a beat as he found himself staring into a face he saw every night in his dreams. Edra. He drank in her hauntingly beautiful eyes and her stubborn chin. His hands ached to caress her creamy skin along her jaw to her cheekbones. He longed to feel her plump lips against his.

His mouth parted as his blood pounded in his ears. The joy that erupted within him quickly soured as he saw two other women come up behind her.

Just as he’d suspected. She’d fallen into a trap.

“You shouldn’t have run, Edra,” said the woman in the deep green cloak.

Edra squared her shoulders and lifted her chin. “My answer was nay years ago. It is nay now, and it will be nay for eternity.”

The one in the red cloak threw off her hood to reveal her midnight locks. She laughed as she shook a finger at Edra. “We warned you. We told you what would happen if you refused us.”

“Someone would die,” said a third woman in a brown cloak.

A fourth woman, wearing a black cloak smiled widely. “Someone close to you.”

If Edra’s eyes could kill, all four of the females would be lying dead upon the ground. “You killed her.”

Radnar frowned when he heard the tremor in Edra’s voice. There was violence in her words and in her bearing. The soft-spoken girl he’d known had grown into a fierce, defiant woman.

And it set his blood aflame.

“Of course, we did,” said the first woman.

The second cackled loudly. “You can keep running, but we’ll continue to follow.”

“And kill those you help,” said the third.

The fourth woman rubbed her hands together in anticipation. “But we have you cornered. I say we deal with your disloyalty now.”

To his shock, Edra calmly smiled before she said, “I was hoping you’d say that.”

He stood, awestruck, as she flung open her cloak and shifted so that she could see all four women. Her stance was that of a warrior, one ready and willing to face her enemies.

His first instinct was to help her, but something held him back. Edra appeared more than capable of handling herself. Even against four. It shouldn’t be possible, surely, and yet what he saw said otherwise.

“You want to take us all?” asked the one in the red cloak, disbelief etched on her pretty face.

The woman in green held up her hand for silence. “This is the very reason we wanted her in our Coven.”

That drew Radnar up short. Coven? As in...witches? His gaze jerked back to Edra, who appeared unfazed by the word. He crept closer, needing to know more.

“I’ll be leaving here,” Edra stated as she looked at each of the women. “Alone.”

Black cloak gave a loud snort. “We’ve not tracked you all over England these past years just to allow you to get away.”

“You actually think you caught me?” Edra asked, a small smile about her full lips. “How...naïve.”

“I told you,” brown cloak bit out as she took a step back, putting her body at an angle as her hands went up in front of her.

Radnar had no warning before the woman in brown lifted her hand up higher in the air as words he didn’t understand began to tumble from her lips. A greenish glow appeared and took the form of flames.

Edra, on the other hand, appeared to know exactly what was going on. She leaned to the side as a branch, aimed right for her, tumbled from a tree.

It was when Edra turned, and her cloak billowed that he saw the glint of steel. She pulled out a sword and plunged it into the heart of the woman in the black cloak. The shock on the impaled woman’s face mirrored that of the other women.

“Get her!” shouted the one in green.

Red rushed Edra, but Edra whipped her head around, her arm outstretched and her fingers curling inward as if she were wrapping her hand around something. The woman slid to a halt, her hands clawing at her throat as she gasped for air.

Radnar was so stunned that he could only stare in wonder at what he currently witnessed. Surely his eyes were playing tricks on him—women were burned for less than what Edra now did.

The wind suddenly whipped into a frenzy, sending leaves swirling and raining upon them as the trees swayed viciously. His gaze landed on Brown and Green to find that both were chanting something. They stared at Edra with fury burning in their eyes.

There was a loud creak above him. He lifted his head and watched a large branch break off and swing straight for Edra. He bellowed her name, but nothing could be heard over the wind.

He thought for sure she would be impaled, as she never looked in the direction of the limb, but right before it struck her, she said something and moved the arm holding the sword toward where Brown stood to her right. The branch slammed into the woman with such force, he heard her bones shatter, even over the gale.

“I’ll kill you!” Green screamed and lifted both arms. She spread her fingers and faced Edra, palms out.

Radnar watched in horror as Edra went flying backward, slamming against a tree before crumpling to the ground. As Green and Red approached her, he came up behind them.

“It’s time we finish you once and for all,” Red said to Edra as she rubbed her throat.

Edra was laughing when she lifted her head. “Beatrice, do shut up.”

She then dove forward and grabbed her sword as she jumped to her feet. Radnar pulled back his arm and thrust his blade into Green’s back the same time Edra shoved her sword into Red’s stomach.

Red reached out to Edra, more of the words he didn’t understand reaching him on the wind before she stumbled back a step and fell to her knees.

“What have you done?” Green said as she looked down at the tip of Radnar’s sword protruding from her chest.

Edra took a deep breath and looked at Green as the gusts died away. “I did what had to be done.”

He withdrew his sword as Green turned and speared him with black eyes before she gave a bark of laughter. “His blade can’t hurt me.”

“Aye, it can,” Edra said as her focus shifted away from Red. “I spelled it long ago.”

Red fell to the side unmoving as Green coughed, blood trickling from her mouth. She pointed at Edra and shouted hoarsely, “Hunter!”

As the word faded away, Green crumpled to the ground, dead.

Radnar lifted his eyes to Edra and their gazes clashed. She stood bold and glorious with her hair falling from its braid. There was so much he wanted to say, but suddenly, he had no words.

“Hello, Radnar.”

Chapter 2

She’d always known her past would catch up to her. Eventually. It’s why Edra had finally stopped running from the Coven and decided to face them. But she’d been wholly unprepared for Radnar.

Of all the people she imagined she might eventually run into, she’d never expected him. Hoped for, but never anticipated.

“Is it really you?” he asked.

She swallowed and nodded, her heart aching at having him so near after so long. It had killed her to leave Radnar, but she’d done it to protect him. There had been no other way. She knew since she’d searched for any kind of solution.

“Where have you been?” he asked.

Edra didn’t want to leave any bodies to be found. She whispered a few words and heard the hiss of the bodies right before they began to burn from the inside out. She ignored it as she cleaned off her sword and sheathed it. Her gaze went to Radnar often, taking in the changes she saw there.

He’d always been tall, and the years had honed his muscles and filled him out nicely. His dark brown hair was pulled back in a queue at the base of his neck with a leather strip. She saw the faint lines of a scar along his cheek, and the deep lines on his forehead as if he wore a perpetual scowl.

It was the guardedness she saw in his dark eyes that made her sad. At one time, he’d gazed at her as if she were all that mattered. It was his love that had given her the courage to stand up for what she knew was right.

Unfortunately, that had brought doom upon all who knew her. Which was why she left.

She started to walk past him when his long fingers reached out and grabbed her arm, stopping her in her tracks. Edra turned her head to look at him. So many times, she’d wanted to find him, to take comfort in his arms, but she’d stayed away to keep him safe.

“Edra,” he murmured.

“I’ll answer all your questions, but we can’t stay here.”

He stared at her for a long moment, then gave a nod as he released her. “Follow me.”

They didn’t exchange another word as they trudged back through the forest until they came upon a big, black stallion grazing. Radnar whistled, and the horse lifted its head before neighing and walking to them.

He mounted the steed and then held out his hand for her. She hesitated only a heartbeat before she grasped it and allowed him to hoist her up behind him.

She’d intended to keep her hands to herself until the horse began to gallop, but once he did, she had no choice but to grab hold of Radnar’s waist.

His anger burned between them, so intense she could feel it, but she didn’t fault him for that. He had every right to be furious. She would be in his position. She wasn’t looking forward to his questions. Or her answers.

He didn’t mention anything about the magic. But that didn’t matter. It would come out anyway. She wasn’t worried that he would turn her in. Radnar had an innate morality that didn’t always go along with the current politics or policies.

It wasn’t long before they came to a stream and a secluded meadow where two other horses loaded down with his armor and other packs grazed. He grabbed their reins as they rode past and kept going.

It was another hour before he finally stopped. He swung his leg over the stallion’s back and slid to the ground. Then he reached for her. The fact that he wouldn’t meet her gaze let her know that things were only going to get worse.

“We’ll camp here tonight,” he said as he dropped his hands as soon as her feet were on the ground. Then he began unsaddling the destrier.

She looked around to find a river close and trees to give them shelter. A glance behind her showed that it would be hard for anyone to come upon them by surprise. These were things she’d learned out on her own.

While he worked with the horses, she searched for firewood. She felt his eyes on her often, but still, he didn’t speak. He’d changed in the seven years since she had last seen him.

The time had changed her even more.

Radnar used to be impatient, and could, at times, be reckless. No doubt the recklessness was still there, but he’d harnessed the impatience with a firm, steady grip.

When she came back with an armful of wood, Radnar was nowhere to be seen. All three horses foraged nearby, so she knew he hadn’t gone far. She set about building a fire. Once it flared, she sat back and listened to the wood as the flames devoured it.

She was on her back, looking at the clouds passing overhead when Radnar returned, carrying a brace of hares. She sat up and took one of the animals to clean.

“Why did you leave?” he asked in a soft voice devoid of anger or resentment.

The silence had gone on so long, that when he spoke, she was so surprised that she looked up from her task. She gazed into his deep brown eyes and saw the pain there, no longer hidden but raging for her to see.

“The women you saw today. They approached me a few weeks before I left you. They wanted me to join their Coven.”

“Coven? As in witches?” he asked.

She gave a quick nod. “My magic was a secret I kept my entire life. I don’t remember my mother, but I know everything about the magic she showed me while she was still alive. Afterward, while I lived with my aunt, I kept it to myself until I could get out on my own.”

“How did the women know how to find you?”

“I don’t know. I was surprised when they discovered me, but excited. I knew with them that I was safer than alone.”

A look of indignation filled his face. “Because you didn’t feel safe with me?”

“That’s not what I meant,” she said with a sigh. “I’m a witch. You know what they do to women who are even suspected of witchcraft”

“Is that why you didn’t tell me what you were?”

“I didn’t tell you, to protect you.”

He gave a grunt and then took her unfinished hare and quickly skinned it before putting both over the fire to cook. She cleaned off the knife she’d used and tucked it into her boot as she settled before the fire. He was looking off in the distance at the horses.

It was time he knew all of it. Edra took in a bracing breath and said, “As soon as I went to the Coven, I saw that they weren’t the type of witches I wanted to be around. They harmed people. Killed them. I refused to be a part of that.”

“So you ran away.” He looked at her before promptly shifting his gaze.

“I told them that I wasn’t interested. They had seen us making love. They threatened to kill you if I didn’t join.”

His head turned to her, a frown wrinkling his brow. “You should’ve told me.”

“You don’t understand the power they have. I put the entire village and castle at risk. Everyone who knew me, anyone I even looked at would have died if I’d remained. They would have killed everyone until I joined them. So I left.”

He stared into the fire but said no more.

“A year after I left, I heard that you’d become a knight. I returned and snuck into the castle while you slept. That’s when I spelled your sword so that you would always have a defense against a witch.”

“What do you mean you spelled my sword?”

She loosened the binding of her braid before running her fingers through her hair. “Most witches will cast a protection spell on themselves. They can be injured, but it takes something special to actually kill them. Every witch has a weakness. For some, it’s a certain type of wood that can kill them, some it’s metal, some it’s flowers, and the list goes on and on. But with a sword empowered by a witch, you have the ability to kill any of us, no matter our protection.”

“You could’ve woken me. With my sword spelled, I wasn’t in danger anymore.”

“Everyone else still was. It’s why I kept on the move. But it didn’t matter where I went because they always found me. Sometimes, I sensed that they were coming and got away in time. Others, they took me unawares.”

He turned the hares over. “Who did they kill?”

“I found a girl of about ten summers. She was alone in the woods, eating berries and bark to stay alive. I fed and clothed her. I came back one day to find her dead. By the angle of her broken neck, I knew it was magic.”

“Is that when you decided to confront them?”

She lowered her arms to her lap and stared into the red-orange flames. “After running for so long, it felt good to stop. I knew they’d never guess what I had planned.”

“It was four against one. They would’ve killed you,” he said, irritation deepening his voice.

“Maybe. But they didn’t.” She looked into his eyes. “Thanks to you.”

He looked away as he reclined back on one forearm. “What will you do now?”

“What I’m supposed to do. Someone has to fight those evil witches. I intend to hunt them.”

“So that’s why she called you a hunter.” He drew in a deep breath and slowly let it out.

Her gaze was drawn to him, as it had been from the moment they first saw each other at the market. It had only taken her days to fall in love with Radnar, and she had gladly given him her heart. Being away from him all those years had been the most difficult thing in the world.

“I never stopped loving you,” she said.

The fire popped, and a log broke in two, the only thing breaking the silence. She hadn’t expected him to believe her, but some kind of response would’ve been nice. His hurt ran deep, she knew this. When people loved as they did, the pain of abandonment sliced into the soul.

“What are your plans now that the Coven has been killed?” he asked.

She blinked back the threat of tears that burned her eyes. His utter dismissal of her words cut her profoundly. “Those four were only part of the Coven.

He sat up and checked on the hares. “Will they continue to try and bring you into the group?”

“Their intent will be to kill me now.”

“You did kill four of theirs.” He tested the meat with his fingers.

“Three. You killed one.”

His dark eyes slid to her as he licked the juices from his hands. “Are you suggesting they’ll know that I was part of it?”

“Each witch has a different set of skills. Some are more powerful than others. It’s better to think the worst and be prepared.”

“Do you really expect me to go on the run with you.”

She shook her head, doing her best to hide how much his words stung. “I’m warning you to be cautious. You won’t know you’re facing a witch until it’s too late. They’ll come at you when you least expect it, and you won’t want to fight them because they’re women.”

“I’m not the man I was.”

“The core of you hasn’t changed, no matter how much the outside has.”

He took one of the hares off the spit and pulled apart some meat before he held it out to her. “You’d be surprised how much someone can change.”

The meat burned her fingers. She blew on it to cool. “I stand by my assessment. I know the man you are.”

“You knew me. There’s a difference.”

Firmly put in her place, Edra began to eat. She was grateful for the meal, and though she wouldn’t point it out, the fact that he had helped her, sheltered her, and now fed her, spoke volumes regarding the kind of man Radnar was.

She was enjoying her time with him, even if it wasn’t exactly pleasant. But it also hurt more than she’d expected. He was a reminder of what she’d had, what she’d lost—of the life that had been offered to her.

The life she’d had to walk away from.

Because of what the Coven had done, it would’ve been easy to allow hate to fill her and corrupt her soul. There were times when it nearly had. Then she would think of Radnar, of the way he’d tenderly held her and the passion they’d shared.

Her love for him got her through each day. Which was why it might very well break her when he departed. Because she had no doubt that he would.

There was no action she regretted when it came to him. Not giving him her body outside of marriage, not falling in love with a squire, and not leaving him. Everything she had done, she’d done out of love and to protect him.

And she would keep doing it.

She looked his way when he handed her another piece of meat. As she accepted it, she saw the wounds on his hands. As a knight, he had obviously seen many battles. He was alive and whole, and that overjoyed her. But she could only imagine the injuries he’d sustained.

Who had seen to his wounds? Who had helped him recover?

Edra’s stomach churned so that she was barely able to swallow the food in her mouth. She might’ve remained alone because her heart belonged to him, but that didn’t mean he’d done the same.

She watched his face as the light from the fire danced over him. A man like Radnar drew women. He wouldn’t be alone. Not now. Not ever.

Chapter 3

Radnar noticed when Edra stopped eating. He offered her more meat, but each time, she waved it away. She kept staring off into the distance as if her mind were somewhere else.

He kept going over her words, trying to reconcile them with everything he held dear. Witches were real. He couldn’t believe it. No matter what the church said, he’d always thought it was just fanatics going overboard with their beliefs.

Now he knew Edra’s truth. And it was a big one. The fact that she’d shared it with him so easily was astounding. He literally held her life in his hands, but she didn’t seem worried. In fact, Edra appeared more than capable in all aspects.

Then again, she’d learned to survive on her own before her aunt had found her. Then after, Edra had done whatever she could to keep food in her stomach and a roof over her head. She knew what it meant to work hard, but she’d never complained. No matter how badly her hands had hurt from kneading the bread at the baker’s. Coin was coin, and she’d needed it.

He’d wanted to take her away from that harsh life. It irked him that she had done it on her own...without him. Though, to be fair, she hadn’t had a choice. If he could believe her.

What was he saying? Of course, he believed her. All those years of hating her when her actions had been done out of love. She’d been right not to tell him. He would’ve done something stupid and confronted the Coven, which would’ve gotten him killed.

He eyed her gown. It was clean but frayed. No doubt she’d had it for a while. Her cloak was no better. He couldn’t imagine her out on her own. The world was a cruel, unforgiving place for a woman alone.

It wasn’t much better for anyone not of noble birth.

“You still haven’t told me what you plan to do.” He hadn’t intended to bring it up again, but he had to know her thoughts.

It was more than that. Now that he’d found her, he wasn’t keen on letting her get away from him again. He moved his gaze from the fire to her face.

She had her legs crossed with her hands in her lap. The hilt of her sword peeked out of her cloak. Someone had taught her to fight. He hated that it hadn’t been him. When he thought of her years without him and all that she’d seen and done, he was jealous of anyone who had been with her when he couldn’t.

“I need my own Coven.”

Her words made him frown as he sat up. “You’re going to persuade witches to hunt other witches?”

She smiled as she looked at him. “I might be able to convince a few, but then I’d be giving up my intentions. I’m thinking about another kind of Coven.”

“A hunter’s Coven,” he guessed.

“Precisely.”

Intrigued, he leaned to the side, braced on his hand. “Where do you propose to get these hunters? You’ll be putting your life in jeopardy if you recruit knights or anyone, really.”

“I know. That’s why I’m going to raise my hunters using orphaned children.”

He gave a shake of his head, smiling despite himself because it was just the sort of idea she’d come up with. And it would work because Edra was that sort of woman.

“Is that approval I see in your eyes?” she teased.

“It is. Are you surprised?”

She gave a small shrug. “A little. You’re taking all of this well.”

“I wish you would’ve told me years ago. I would’ve kept your secret.”

“I know, but it’s also a burden. And you already had so much to carry. I’m proud of you for becoming a knight, but I never had any doubt.”

He couldn’t look into her blue eyes anymore. “I hated you for a long time.”

“I don’t blame you.”

“I missed you.” The words left his mouth before he could stop them. And once gone, his throat clogged with emotion. “I missed you so much it felt like someone had ripped out my heart.”

He saw her crawl to him out of the corner of his eye. When she raised her hand, he squeezed his eyes shut because he both ached for her touch and feared it. It had taken him so long to get past the pain of what she’d done, that he refused to be put there again.

Seconds passed, and he didn’t feel her. Finally, he opened his eyes to find her sitting back on her haunches, staring at him with deep sadness in her eyes.

“I left my heart with you,” she said softly. “The last thing I ever wanted to do was hurt you. Perhaps it’s better if I go.”

She stood and turned to leave, and he reached up and grabbed her wrist more firmly than intended. She looked back at him, waiting.

“Don’t,” he whispered. “Don’t go.”

“As long as I’m with you, you’re in danger.”

He looked down at his hand holding her wrist. “I don’t care. I can’t be apart from you again.”

He lifted his gaze to her face before standing and caressing up her arm to her slender neck. Then he sank his fingers into her glorious hair to cup the back of her head.

Slowly, he pulled her to him. His heart slammed against his ribs, his blood pounded through his veins. Only one woman had ever made him feel such overwhelming desire, and he’d finally found her again.

“Say you’ll stay with me,” he urged, their lips only breaths apart.

Her eyes slid shut. “I’ve always been yours. I’ll always be yours.”

With those words, he covered her mouth with his. He groaned at the taste of her. The passion within them exploded, consuming them. Their tongues dueled as their hands roamed over each other’s bodies.

Within minutes, they had discarded their clothes, and he had covered her body with his. He feasted his gaze on her lovely body and perfect, pink-tipped breasts. His hand skimmed down to the indent of her waist and then her flared hip.

“Don’t make me wait to feel you inside me,” she begged breathlessly.

He looked at her swollen lips, his body eager to fulfill her wish, to fill her. She spread her legs and reached for him. From the very beginning, she’d amazed him by how she gave herself to him so freely. She hadn’t questioned the passion between them, or their need to be joined. Maybe that’s what made it so easy to love her.

With their eyes locked, he found her entrance and groaned at how wet she was. He guided his cock inside her. The feel of her tight, slick walls gripping him was pure heaven.

Inch by inch, he filled her. Her fingers dug into his arms as her breathing hitched. Once he was fully seated, she was the one who rocked her hips.

His need, the driving hunger to claim her again had him teetering on the edge of climax already. The way her blue eyes darkened didn’t help, the desire there burning brightly. His cock jumped, and his hips moved of their own accord.

He bent and wrapped his lips around a nipple as his tongue laved at the turgid peak. The louder her cries became, the faster he pumped his hips.

He rose over her as he thrust harder and deeper. Her legs wrapped around his waist while she called out his name. His balls tightened. He didn’t know how much longer he could hold back his orgasm.

Then he felt her body jerk, her mouth falling open on a silent scream. A heartbeat later, he felt her walls clutching him. He pumped his hips faster, prolonging her pleasure as he closed in on his.

When he tipped over the edge, he thrust deeply as the climax enveloped him. The ecstasy was everything he remembered from before—and everything that had been lacking with other females.

He pulled out of her and moved onto his back. Edra rolled to the side and rested her head on his chest. Both were breathing harshly. For an instant, it felt like those years separating them had never happened.

But then he felt the numbness in the fingers of his right hand, and he knew it was only an illusion. Radnar closed his eyes and held onto Edra tightly.

“I won’t leave you,” she whispered.

Her words brought a smile to his face. “Good.”

“But I will continue to hunt the witches.”

“Then I’ll hunt with you,” he stated. He opened his eyes when he felt her rise up.

Her blue gaze searched his face as a small frown puckered her brow. “You aren’t going to ask me what I’m going to do?”

“I can, but I know you’ll tell me when you’re damn good and ready. You’re a strong woman. It’s what pulled me to you. I admire and respect you for it. You know witches. I don’t.”

She smiled and gave him a quick, hard kiss. “I’ll teach you. And you can teach me to fight.”

“We’re going to need somewhere to hide.”

“I know the perfect place.” She settled back on his chest and released a deep breath.

Radnar understood that a woman such as Edra would intimidate many men. He wasn’t threatened. Her fortitude and conviction made him stronger both mentally and physically.

He opened his eyes and put his other arm behind his head as he watched the sky darkening as night drew near. Hunting witches wasn’t going to be as easy as it sounded, but the idea thrilled him.

The band that had constricted around his chest was gone. No longer did he feel the need to wander. Because he’d found what he’d been seeking. And now he had a purpose.

All the worries of before were gone as if they hadn’t weighed upon his shoulders for years, threatening to crush him. He was free from all of that, but that didn’t lighten the situation.

He was going to have to learn quickly because Edra wouldn’t be hunting the witches alone. He’d be right beside her every step of the way.

Witches. Magic. His thinking would have to change, as well. Not his battle skills, but the witches were different than an army of knights. His strategy would have to adjust. Though he wasn’t looking forward to one-on-one battles with them—even with his spelled sword.

Chapter 4

“Where are we going?”

Edra glanced at Radnar over her shoulder and smiled. They had made love several times throughout the night. After a quick wash, they were on the move shortly after dawn.

“Don’t you trust me?” She held back a laugh at her teasing. Ahead, she saw the rooftops of the village.

“I just like to be prepared.”

She rode one of the extra horses while he sat astride the stallion. His dark locks were loose and falling down his back. She’d run her fingers through his thick hair last night as he’d fallen asleep with his head on her stomach.

After all the hardship she’d endured, all the torment and agony, it seemed almost too good to be true that Radnar was back in her life. But she wasn’t going to tempt Fate to take him from her again.

“The village up ahead has something I need to pick up,” she said.

She heard the sound of hooves as he galloped the stallion even with the horse she rode. As he stared, she rewrapped the reins of the third horse around her hand.

“I know that look.”

She shrugged and gave him an innocent smile. “What look?”

“The one that says you’re preparing for something, and you’re going to get your way regardless of who tries to stop you.”

Edra blew him a kiss. “It got me you, didn’t it?”

“I went after you,” he said with a snort.

“You’re wrong. I decided I was going to have you.”

He gave a shake of his head as he chuckled. “Are you going to tell me what it is we’re getting?”

They entered the village. “You’ll find out shortly.”

“I knew you were going to say that,” he grumbled, a smile about his lips.

He let her pass, taking the rear as she rode through the village. They were almost to the other side when she caught sight of the little girl.

Edra halted the mare and dismounted. Radnar moved his horse forward so he could see what was going on, but he remained behind when she held up a hand stopping him.

She had seen the child when she was setting up the witches for battle and had been unable to stop and help. Since she had been homeless and starving at one time, she knew exactly how the girl felt.

Edra saw her huddled next to a building with her knees against her chest, her bare feet sticking out of the frayed and filthy skirts she wore. The girl’s hair was matted, and she was covered in dirt.

When the child’s soulful brown eyes turned her way, Edra felt her knees give. She remained upright by grabbing hold of the building. The desolation and misery that filled the girl’s gaze broke her heart.

“Hello,” Edra said with a smile.

The child continued to poke the stick she held into the ground. She looked away, not bothering to reply.

Edra knew the gaunt look of the starving. She had lived through it while others had succumbed. And if she had anything to do with it now, this little girl would survive, as well.

Even though Edra knew the answer, she asked, “Do you have any family?”

The girl gave a shake of her small head.

Edra crept closer by a few steps. “Are they dead?”

Another shake of the head.

At least she was getting answers. Though Edra didn’t like them at all. She swallowed and took another few steps slowly. “I have food I can give you.”

The child looked her way, but there was no hope or elation visible. “Why?”

“Why?” Edra repeated, shocked. She felt her heart breaking again. Lowering herself to her knees, she sat back on her haunches and handed the child some bread. “I’m offering this to you because you’re hungry, and I have it.”

For long seconds, the girl stared at her. Then, quick as lightning, she snatched the bread from Edra’s hand and tore into it with her teeth.

Edra watched her for a moment. “I once lived just as you are.”

The girl looked at her with eyes wise beyond her young years. She gave a huff that told Edra exactly what she thought of that statement.

“It’s true,” Edra said. “My mum died, and I had nowhere to go. I remember being so hungry that the mere thought of food made me sick. It was the weakness I detested the most.”

“I hate the cold and the wet.”

Edra nodded in understanding. “My aunt found me and took me in. I had shelter and some food, but it wasn’t much better than where you are now. The thing is...I want to help you.”

The girl eyed her skeptically. “How?”

“How old are you?”

“Don’t know,” she said around a mouthful of bread.

By the look of her, Edra suspected she was around six or so. “I want to make you an offer. I want to share my home with you. I ask nothing more than that you help me with chores and that you don’t steal.”

The girl looked over her shoulder. “Who is he?”

“Radnar. He’s a knight and my friend. My name is Edra.”

The child lowered the bread as she considered the offer. “If you hurt me, I’ll run away.”

“I won’t hurt you. And I promise that I can teach you how to protect yourself so that no one ever hurts you again.”

“My family abandoned me.”

With those four words, Edra wanted to wrap her arms around the girl and track down her family for retribution. She did neither. She simply blinked to keep the tears at bay. “I won’t ever leave you.”

“Why did you pick me?”

“Because you need me. Just as I need you.”

The girl nodded slowly. “All right.”

“What’s your name?”

“Leoma.”

Edra held out her hand, palm up. “Hello, Leoma. Ready to start a new life?”

The girl hesitated before she put her hand into Edra’s. Once she did, Edra softly closed her fingers around the much smaller ones. They stood together and turned toward Radnar. He sat, watching them intently, his expression fierce.

“Do not be afraid of him,” Edra whispered.

As they got closer, Leoma pulled her hand away and walked straight to Radnar. She leaned her head all the way back and looked up at him.

“Hello, youngling,” he said, gazing down at her.

Leoma tilted her head to the side and asked, “Are you going to hurt me?”

“I give you my word as a knight that I’ll never harm you,” he vowed.

Edra watched the exchange with interest and a smile. Then, to her shock, Leoma raised her arms. Without missing a beat, Radnar reached down from his lofty perch and plucked her up, setting her before him on the horse.

They both looked Edra’s way.

She returned to her mare and mounted. The three of them left behind the small village and the horror of whatever had happened with Leoma.

“Where are you taking us now?” Radnar asked when the village was far behind them.

Edra thought back to the ruins she’d stumbled across a year prior and had quickly used magic to hide from others. “A place that will be ours. A place for us to gather and train. A place where we can hide when need be.”

“You’ve really thought this through,” Radnar said.

She shot him a wry look. “I knew I wasn’t going to run from the Coven forever. I had to devise a plan.”

They traveled the rest of that day, and half of the next before they came to the forest. Edra was nearly bursting with excitement. During their time together, Leoma hadn’t spoken much, but she had taken turns riding with Edra and Radnar. It was enough that the child seemed to be adjusting.

But there were times when she caught Leoma looking around as if she expected to be abandoned again. Edra was prepared for the long road ahead of helping the child overcome such fears—if that were even possible. Sometimes such events had lasting effects.

Edra took them through the forest, turning toward a large rock formation. She dismounted once they’d reached the rocks. A look back showed both Leoma and Radnar looking around with interest.

She tugged on the horse’s reins and walked around to the side of the rock where there was an opening. It was partially concealed, making it difficult to find unless you knew what to look for.

Once she was through, she stopped and waited for Radnar and Leoma to catch up. She smiled at them as they stood together. Then she waved her hand, removing the spell that had hidden the ruins.

Leoma gasped in surprise, and the first signs of a smile appeared. Without another word, the girl rushed up the curving stairs that had been cut out of the rock and walked beneath the vine-covered archway to the ruins.

“How did you find this?” Radnar asked in awe.

Edra moved closer to him and took his hand. “By accident.”

“You’re right. It’s perfect. Though it’s going to need some work.”

“Come,” she said and tugged at his hand as she began walking.

As soon as she was up the steps and beneath the vines, she felt like she was home. But it wasn’t until she reached the old wooden door and stepped through it to stand in what was left of the castle that she knew this was where she belonged.

She released Radnar’s hand and walked to the middle of the great hall. Most of the ceiling was missing, causing light to stream in, breaking up the shadows. She twirled in a circle, her arms out as she laughed.

When she stopped, she swayed from the dizziness. She looked around to find Leoma at the top of the stairs with her legs hanging over the side of a balcony.

Then Radnar was before her. He took Edra’s hands and drew her against him. She leaned her cheek against the hand that cradled the side of her face.

“We’re home,” he said.

She wound her arms around his neck as she came up on her tiptoes. “Our home.”

“I never thought I’d find you again, much less be together.”

“But here we are. Are you sure you want to do this?”

He lightly kissed her lips and put his forehead against hers. “I’d rather be fighting witches with you than doing anything else.”

“You might regret saying that,” she said with a smile.

“How can I when I have my own witch?”

She laughed at his teasing. The laughter faded as they kissed. It was Radnar who broke away and raised his gaze toward Leoma.

“We have a watcher,” he whispered.

Edra was about to pull out of his arms when Leoma’s voice reached her.

“Are you two married?” the child asked.

Marriage hadn’t been discussed, and Edra wasn’t sure how to reply. She knew her love for Radnar went beyond anything a priest could sanction, but how did she explain that to a child?

“Not yet, little one,” Radnar said.

Edra’s gaze jerked to him. She gave him a curious look to see if he was saying that just for Leoma’s benefit or not.

“You look surprised,” he said.

Edra shrugged helplessly. “A little.”

“I’ve wanted nothing more than to have you as my wife,” he said. “Nothing will stand in my way now.”

She raised a brow. “How about the absence of a priest?”

“Like I said, nothing will stop me now. What’s your answer?”

Leoma asked, “Aye, Edra. What’s your answer?”

“You know my answer,” she told Radnar. “Aye.”

While Radnar picked Edra up and spun her about, Leoma clapped and laughed, the sound reverberating through the ruins like the tolling of bells.

Chapter 5

Radnar looked at the sky as he stood outside the ruins. Just an hour earlier, there had been a sprinkle of rain, but the skies had cleared as if they knew how important this day was.

“You’re fidgeting,” Leoma said.

He cut his eyes to the girl and gave her a stern frown that usually set men back on their heels. It didn’t deter the child at all.

He’d wanted to marry Edra the day after they’d arrived at the ruins, but she had put him off, saying the date was important. So while he waited for her to tell him when it was time, they’d begun working.

After a month, the new roof was almost in place, and Edra, with Leoma’s help, had been cleaning the rooms. Radnar had also cleared some of the vines away from the ruins. It was how he had discovered the stables. There was work to be done to make them suitable for the horses, but at least he didn’t have to build one from scratch.

The biggest change had been Leoma. It had taken some doing to get her thoroughly clean, and her hair detangled, not now it gleamed a glossy brunette with red highlights when the sun shone upon it. She also had new clothes and shoes.

He was thinking about growing food when Leoma elbowed him in the thigh. His gaze swung from her to the stairs where Edra stood.

For a moment, he couldn’t breathe as he stared at her. In all his fantasies, nothing could’ve prepared him for the day he took her as wife.

She wore a dress of deep blue that hugged her shape before the shirts flared. A belt of pale blue wrapped her small waist twice before the ends fell down the front of the gown. Her honey blonde hair flowed down her back to her waist. Atop her head was a crown of flowers.

There was a smile on her face as she came down the steps, looking as ethereal as an angel. Her bright blue eyes never left his face as she came to stand beside him.

He faced her and took her hands. “You’re beautiful.”

“You’re very handsome yourself,” she said, running her hands over his navy tunic.

Leoma stood before them, her hands clasped before her. “How does this work?”

Radnar winked at Leoma before he grew serious as he stared into Edra’s eyes. “I knew from the moment I first saw you that you were meant to be mine. You’ve always been in my heart, and you always will be. I vow to love and protect you for all of my days. I will stand beside you to fight whatever battles come our way. From now through eternity, you have my love.”

Edra’s smile was so bright it could’ve lit up the night. He watched as her eyes filled with tears of happiness, but she struggled to keep them at bay.

“Radnar,” she said. “Our hearts and bodies were bound long before we met. Our souls recognized that and called to each other. I freely gave you my heart long ago, and you hold it even now. No other can match you in strength, bravery, kindness, or love. You have always been my knight. I pledge that I will love and protect you always. Despite what may find us in the days and years ahead, nothing will separate us again. We’re united in all ways. Our minds, our hearts, our bodies, and our souls. I loved you even before I knew you, and I love you more each day.”

His heart hammered against his chest as her words filled the air. The forest was their church, and Leoma and everything around them their witnesses. The cloudless sky was a canopy of blessings of its own. Though there was no one to officiate the ceremony, it was binding nonetheless. Because it had been done before the gods and nature with hearts full of love, it would tie them together for eternity.

“Forever and always,” he said.

Her lips curved into a smile. “Forever and always.”

Radnar pulled her into his arms and kissed her with all the love, hope, and passion he held within him. Before the kiss could take a seductive turn, Leoma began skipping around them, humming.

They watched her for a moment before she took off into the trees. Radnar had been worried at first until Edra showed him that Leoma was a child of nature. He hadn’t understood that until he saw how the forest protected her.

“The start of our family,” he mused.

He pretended not to notice the sadness in Edra’s smile. It had been there ever since she’d discovered that she wasn’t carrying his child. But there were many more years ahead of them.

And there were witches to hunt.

“Don’t go far,” Edra called to Leoma. “You have training.”

Leoma lifted her hand in a wave to let them know she’d heard.

“You’re starting her early,” Radnar said.

Edra flattened her palms against his chest. “In a world with magic, there is no such thing as too early.”

Radnar chuckled, unsurprised. They turned and began to walk to the river at the back of the castle. “Leoma seems to know a surprising amount for her age.”

“Aye, she does. What weapon are you going to work with her on today?”

“The bow. She did well with the sword the last two days, but she didn’t like it.”

“Perhaps the bow will be her specialty,” Edra said as they stopped beside the river.

Radnar began to speak, but the words went right out of his head when his wife removed her crown of flowers and then her gown, followed by her shoes.

She gave him a smile as she walked to the edge of the water. “Are you planning to watch me, or will you be joining me?”

He didn’t need to be asked twice. Radnar hurriedly removed his clothes, intent on enjoying the day. Who knew how many they’d have before they began hunting.

Edra laughed as he ran into the water and pulled her against him. This kind of happiness had seemed so far out of reach just a month earlier. Now, he couldn’t remember what life had been like without Edra.

Their smiles died as the desire flared between them. Radnar groaned as he leaned down and claimed her mouth.

Thank you for reading EVERKIN. I hope you enjoyed it! If you liked this book – or any of my other releases – please consider rating the book at the online retailer of your choice. Your ratings and reviews help other readers find new favorites, and of course there is no better or more appreciated support for an author than word of mouth recommendations from happy readers. Thanks again for your interest in my books!

Donna Grant

www.DonnaGrant.com

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Also by Donna Grant

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Contemporary Paranormal

REAPER SERIES

Book 1: Dark Alpha’s Claim

Book 2: Dark Alpha’s Embrace

Book 3: Dark Alpha’s Demand

Book 4: Dark Alpha’s Lover (April 2017)

*

DARK KINGS

Book 0.1: Dark Craving

Book 0.2: Night’s Awakening

Book 0.3: Dawn’s Desire

Book 0.1-0.3: Dark Heat

Book 1: Darkest Flame

Book 2: Fire Rising

Book 3: Burning Desire

Book 4: Hot Blooded

Book 5: Night’s Blaze

Book 6: Soul Scorched

Book 6.5: Dragon King

Book 7: Passion Ignites

Book 8: Smoldering Hunger

Book 9: Smoke and Fire

Book 9.5: Dragon Fever

The Dragon King Coloring Book

Book 10: Firestorm (March 7, 2017) Book 11: Blaze (May 30, 2017) Book 11.5: Dragon Burn (August 22, 2017) Book 12: Heat (October 3, 2017) Book 13: Torched (February 2018)

*

DARK WARRIORS

Book 1: Midnight’s Master

Book 2: Midnight’s Lover

Book 3: Midnight’s Seduction

Book 4: Midnight’s Warrior

Book 5: Midnight’s Kiss

Book 6: Midnight’s Captive

Book 7: Midnight’s Temptation

Book 8: Midnight’s Promise

Book 8.5: Midnight’s Surrender

Book 1-8.5: The Dark Warrior Series, The Complete Collection

*

CHIASSON SERIES

Book 1: Wild Fever

Book 2: Wild Dream

Book 3: Wild Need

Book 4: Wild Flame

Book 5: Wild Rapture (October 30, 2017)

*

LARUE SERIES

Book 1: Moon Kissed

Book 2: Moon Thrall

Book 3: Moon Struck (July 24, 2017)

Book 4: Moon Bound (January 2018)

*

WICKED TREASURES

Book 1: Seized By Passion

Book 2: Enticed By Ecstasy

Book 3: Captured By Desire

Wicked Treasures Box Set

*

Historical Paranormal

DARK SWORD

Book 1: Dangerous Highlander

Book 2: Forbidden Highlander

Book 3: Wicked Highlander

Book 4: Untamed Highlander

Book 5: Shadow Highlander

Book 6: Darkest Highlander

Book 1-6: The Dark Sword Series, The Complete Collection

*

ROGUES OF SCOTLAND

Book 1: The Craving

Book 2: The Hunger

Book 3: The Tempted

Book 4: The Seduced

Book 1-4: Rogues of Scotland Box Set

*

THE SHIELDS

Dragonfyre (connected) Book 1: A Dark Guardian

Book 2: A Kind of Magic

Book 3: A Dark Seduction

Book 4: A Forbidden Temptation

Book 5: A Warrior’s Heart

*

DRUIDS GLEN

Dragonfyre (connected) Book 1: Highland Mist

Book 2: Highland Nights

Book 3: Highland Dawn

Book 4: Highland Fires

Book 5: Highland Magic

*

SISTERS OF MAGIC

Book 1: Shadow Magic

Book 2: Echoes of Magic

Book 3: Dangerous Magic

Sisters of Magic Boxed Set

*

THE ROYAL CHRONICLES NOVELLA SERIES

Dragonfyre (connected) Book 1: Prince of Desire

Book 2: Prince of Seduction

Book 3: Prince of Love

Book 4: Prince of Passion

Royal Chronicles Box Set

*

Military Romance / Romantic Suspense

SONS OF TEXAS

Book 1: The Hero

Book 2: The Protector

Book 3: The Legend (June 27, 2017)

*

Stand Alone Books

Mutual Desire

Forever Mine

Savage Moon

*

Anthologies

The Pleasure of His Bed (including Ties That Bind) The Mammoth Book of Scottish Romance (including Forever Mine) Scribbling Women and the Real-Life Romance Heroes Who Love Them

1001 Dark Nights: Bundle Six (including Dragon King)

About the Author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Donna Grant has been praised for her “totally addictive” and “unique and sensual” stories. She’s written more than thirty novels spanning multiple genres of romance including the bestselling Dark King stories, Dark Craving, Night’s Awakening, and Dawn’s Desire. Her acclaimed series, Dark Warriors, feature a thrilling combination of Druids, primeval gods, and immortal Highlanders who are dark, dangerous, and irresistible. She lives with two children, a dog, and three cats in Texas.

Connect with Donna online:

www.DonnaGrant.com

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