Summer of Frost Page 18

  “All right, child, I’ll tell you,” Elvena whispered regretfully.

  “Do I need to fetch Ariella?” Meliantha asked, cutting in.

  Elvena’s eyes went wide. “No! I don’t want her in here. She has so much to worry about right now. I can’t put this burden on her.”

  “Did the scroll mention something having to do with Ariella?” I questioned curiously.

  “That’s the thing,” Elvena whispered sadly. “You all have sacrificed so much, and now one of you might have to sacrifice it all. If what the scroll says is true, I fear it’s going to have to be Ariella that kills him, and I just don’t know what the outcome of that will be.”

  We all stiffened as the realization of what she said sunk in. Meliantha shook her head forcefully and paced the room. “Please don’t tell me she’s going to die if she kills that son of a bitch. You’re not saying that, right?”

  Elvena staggered to a nearby chair and sat down, looking ancient and defeated. “To be honest, I’m not sure. The scroll states that the only one with the ability to kill the dark sorcerer will be the one who can earn his trust. We all know he’s not going to trust any of you, which leaves only one left. Since Ariella hasn’t fully come into her power, we need to wait and see what happens before we tell her. I don’t want her knowing yet. We’ll cross that bridge when the time comes.”

  My mind reeled with the fact that out of the four of us, it was going to all come down to the one that I’d least expected. “How is she going to earn his trust? I don’t like the way this sounds,” I admitted forlornly.

  I didn’t want to think about it, much less tell Drake what was going on. Elvena sobbed, “I’m sorry you all had to find out like this. I worry about how Ariella will take it once she finds out.”

  Calista knelt down and held Elvena’s hands. “Once she comes into her power and bonds with Brayden we’ll figure it out. For now, we need to live our lives and enjoy every minute of it. We have plenty of time to come up with other options, but until then we speak of this to no one. I’m not going to let anything happen to my family, especially Ariella.” She extended her hand and held it out to us. “I say we make our own destiny. Are you with me?”

  I placed my hand on top of hers. “I’m with you, no matter what I have to do to keep everyone safe.”

  Meliantha followed and slapped her hand on top of mine. “That bastard isn’t going to touch Ariella. I’ll hunt him down to the end of time if I have to. I’m with you, always.”

  Our silent agreement was going to be hard to keep from Drake, but I knew it had to be done. We had no clue what was going to happen with Ariella and Brayden, but until they bonded there was nothing we could do, but sit and wait.

  “Why … must … you … torture … me?” Drake asked while trailing kisses down my neck to my collarbone.

  Moaning, I tilted my head back in the water. “Because I can,” I taunted back.

  The current of the water rocked us back and forth, already fueling our hunger for each other by making our bodies move together in a tantalizing rhythm. We spent the night in our underwater retreat, and instead of getting dressed we decided to spend the day in the water, exploring its depths.

  “Well, since you abandoned me in the dream realm, again for the second night in a row, I have to make up for all the time we missed.” Wrapped around his body, he was already hard between my legs. It was sublime being able to spend every waking hour with him and no distractions. It would soon come to a close once things were set in motion.

  He lifted my chin gently with his hand. “What’s wrong, beautiful? You seem distracted. Did something happen in your dream that you aren’t telling me?”

  My throat tightened up at the remembrance of my dream. I witnessed the most heart wrenching sight of my life, and I’d never forget the look on Calista’s face for as long as I lived when she saw Merrick for the first time. “I was with Calista last night, Drake. I did something that I didn’t think I could do, but it worked. I found Merrick in the Hereafter and linked him to the dream I was sharing with Calista.”

  Drake’s mouth flew open. “You did that? I didn’t know you could talk to people in the Hereafter. How did it go?”

  I smiled, and a tear escaped the corner of my eye. “You know I’m not the type of person to cry over sentimental matters, but seeing them together was one of the most beautiful things I’d ever seen.”

  Drake took my face in his hands and kissed me deeply. “You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. I love you, Sorcha. How about we make love right here, right now, for the rest of the night. Then, tomorrow I can teach you how to transform into your dragon?”

  Nodding, I plastered a smile onto my face even though I was nervous about transforming into my dragon. Drake, however, put my mind at ease by devouring my body to near exhaustion. The night ended, giving me the best night’s sleep I’d had in a long time.

  Collapsing onto the sand, sweaty and exhausted, I had my first transformation into the dragon. “You were amazing up there,” Drake uttered whole-heartedly. “I can’t believe how fast a flyer you are, and what’s even greater is that you’re a frost breathing dragon. I guess your Winter side didn’t want to let you go.”

  I snorted. “I guess not, but opposites attract right? My frost to your flame …”

  Drake smiled down at me. “I like the sound of that. Okay, beautiful, we have two weeks until we’re needed at Ariella’s Guardian Ceremony. What new adventures do you want to go on in the meantime?”

  Wrapping my arms around his neck, I tugged him down closer to me. “Anything with you is an adventure, but preferably I’d love to stay with you here, just like this.”

  Balancing on his arms, he rose above me and stared lovingly in my eyes. “I think I can handle that, but the question is … can you?”

  With a wicked grin, I ran my hands down his chest. “I guess you’ll have to find out.”

  There was so much on my mind, but for the time being I let it all slip away while I relished in the joys of our court and our time together. The end was near, I could feel it, and so could the land. I had to believe we would win, to defeat the evil once and for all, and come out stronger. The energy of my court crackled underneath my fingertips as I delved them into the sand. This was my home and my land, and I had to protect it. It was mine and Drake’s Summer … our Summer of Frost.

  The End

  Read on to find out what happened in Calista and Merrick’s dream

  “Are you sure you want to do this?” Ryder asked softly, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. We were lying in bed, snuggled together with his arm around my waist, holding me tight.

  Slowly, I turned my head to face him and whispered, “More than anything.”

  He gently caressed my arm, moving up and down in calming motions. I wanted sleep to come, but I was too anxious, and scared that Sorcha wouldn’t be able to bring Merrick to the dream. I tried not to get excited about it just in case it didn’t work, but my heart betrayed me and filled me with hope.

  “What if Sorcha can’t find Merrick? Will you be okay with that?”

  I shrugged noncommittally. “I’m not going to lie, it’ll hurt, but if I could just talk to him and make sure he’s okay I’ll be happy. His absence will always be there, but the pain will be less. After all these years I still feel it as if it happened yesterday.”

  Ryder sighed and tucked me under his arm, where I lay my head on his chest. He rubbed my back as I curled into him, trailing my fingers over the deep ridges of his stomach. His heart beat steadily under my ear, a continuous rhythm that brought comfort and joy to my life. He was mine and he loved me, but he wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for my fallen guardian, Merrick. Merrick saved Ryder’s life and paid the ultimate price, but he did it for me because he loved me and knew that my life would be empty without Ryder.

  Taking deep, calming breaths, I closed my eyes and willed sleep to come. Ryder kissed my forehead and continued his slow, soft caresses up and down my back.
“That’s it, my love. Go to sleep …”

  The sounds began to fade, and my body felt like it was floating away as I was pulled from my mind to another place, the dream realm.

  Sorcha was waiting for me, holding out her hand, with a smile on her face. Anxiously, I took her hand, looking around nervously.

  “He’s not here yet,” Sorcha informed me.

  “Oh,” I replied half-heartedly, looking away.

  She squeezed my hand and smiled. “I wanted to ask you if there’s a place you’d like me to take you, and to also get you to take that look of disappointment off your face.” When I opened my mouth to speak, she cut me off. “There’s no need to explain, I understand. This is a big deal for you, but you need to stop doubting me. I’ll get him here. Tell me … do you two have a special place, a place where you and Merrick share happy memories?”

  Nodding, I bit my lip to distract myself from the tears that threatened to spill at any moment. “Yes,” I answered softly. “There’s a field we played in as children. It’s also the place where he secretly trained me, and where his ashes are scattered.”

  “I would say that is a special place, indeed.” Sorcha approached me and placed her hands on both sides of my head. “Okay, here’s what I want you to do. I want you to close your eyes and picture this field in your mind; the smells, the air, the wind as it blows through the trees. I want you to be there, body and soul, and hold onto it.”

  Closing my eyes, I did as she said. The field came easily to my mind, as did the memories of my time there with Merrick. The air was thick and humid, hot from the Summer sun, but the smells were what reminded me of my old home. The smell of honeysuckle and fresh green grass filled my senses, bringing a smile to my face. I could feel it all around me.

  Sorcha sighed and let go of my head. “Open your eyes, Calista. It’s beautiful.”

  The moment my eyes opened I couldn’t hold the tears back any longer. “This is it,” I breathed. “Now what do we do?”

  Smiling, Sorcha slowly began to walk away. Her lower lip quivered when she spoke, “Right now I’m going to leave you, Calista.”

  Confused, I started toward her, not understanding why she was leaving me. Could she not bring Merrick? The sound of someone calling my name behind me rooted me to the ground.

  “Cali?”

  My heart stopped beating, and my breath came out as rapid pants, making me feel lightheaded. “I imagined his voice,” I whispered to myself. “Yes, it was just my imagination.”

  “Well, I see you’re still as stubborn as ever. I guess nothing’s changed in the last five years.” When I didn’t turn around, he huffed out an exasperated breath. His voice, his humorous tone, was just like Merrick. “If you don’t turn I’m going to make you, and you know how I loved throwing you around so you could kick my ass.”

  It was him!

  Turning around quickly, I frantically raked my eyes over my guardian standing before me. “Please tell me this is real,” I choked out, sobbing.

  Merrick opened his arms and laughed. “Get your ass over here, Cali!”

  Not wasting a second, I ran and flung myself into his arms, crying the whole way. “Merrick, I’ve missed you so much! There are so many things that have happened over the years, and I’d give anything to have you there with me.”

  As I held him, I breathed him in deeply, remembering how it used to give me comfort growing up. He was my best friend and he was always there, taking care of me.

  “I know,” he whispered, releasing his hold so he could look at my face. “I’ve missed you, too. I’ve been watching over you this whole time. It appears even in death we’re still connected.”

  His brown eyes were still the same—all warm and loving—and his hair was still the same bright blond that slightly curled around the edges of his face. He hadn’t changed a bit. Lifting my hands, I traced the planes of his face, and ran them through his golden locks like I used to do when we were together.

  “So you know everything?” I asked softly.

  “Yes, Cali, I know everything. I was there when the land crowned you Fall Queen, and I was here in this field when you came to talk to me, even though you thought I wasn’t there. I was there when Sorcha told you she could bring me here, so needless to say, I was expecting you.”

  The tears streamed down my face, and he gently wiped them away with the pad of his thumbs. Taking my chin in his hand, he lifted up my face and smiled down at me. “Out of everything I’ve seen you accomplish and do to make our land better, nothing will ever compare to the day you gave birth to your son. The way your face looked and the smile you gave him when you named him after me. That has stayed with me and given me joy.”

  “I never knew you were there with me,” I confessed sheepishly.

  “Yes, you did. You just didn’t realize I was actually there. You said it yourself, you could feel me inside your heart. Now think back to every time you had to clutch your chest from your heart fluttering out of control. How many times did it feel so full of love that you thought it would burst? That was me, Calista. That was you feeling my happiness and love.”

  I was so scared to ask him my next question, but I had to know. “Merrick,” I began. “Are you happy in the Hereafter?”

  He laughed, and the familiar rumble in his chest made my heart feel lighter. “Of course, I’m happy. Yes, I miss you, and I would give anything to be there with you and meet your son, but I’m where I’m supposed to be.”

  “Will you always be with me? Are you always going to be there even though I can’t see you?”

  “For the most part, yes, but mainly in the times you really need me or wish me there. I can feel the tug on my soul when you need me, and it pulls me to you. I’ve seen you sad so many times, and I prayed that you’d be able to hear me just once so I could beat some sense into you.”

  I laughed because I could just picture him yelling at me to stop my blubbering. Merrick laughed along with me, but then stopped and shook his head. Taking my face with both hands, he kissed me on the cheek. “I hate seeing you sad, Calista. Just always know that I’m there with you. In here …” he said, placing his hand over my heart, the same way he did when he was dying all those years ago.

  I placed my hand over his, and squeezed. Sorcha caught my attention as she made her way swiftly to us. She acknowledged Merrick with a nod of her head before saying, “I can feel the dream starting to shudder. We’re almost out of time. I just wanted you to know so you could say your good-byes.”

  When she turned to leave, Merrick called out. “Wait! Is there any way for you to do this again someday?”

  Sorcha turned her head and winked. “I’m sure it can be arranged.”

  Merrick and I both howled in delight as he picked me up and twirled me around the field. “You see, Cali. I’ll never leave you. There will never be a good-bye.”

  “Never,” I repeated jubilantly.

  In the next moment, the dream world started to shift and fade. Merrick pulled me in quickly and held me close, not letting go. Quickly he said, “I’m not going to say farewell to you because I know I’ll see you again. Just remember, I’m always there when you need me.”

  “I won’t forget,” I whispered, crying softly. Tilting my head back, I stared into his soft, brown eyes. “I love you, Merrick, my guardian.”

  He placed his hand on my cheek and sighed. “I know.”

  Those hushed words were the last ones I heard before everything faded away and I was thrust out of the dream realm with more love in my heart, and happiness in my soul.

  To my husband—Thank you for your love and understanding of my passion. Some days I know it’s not easy to deal with me, but you do knowing that I’m doing what I love. You will always and forever be my rock, the one thing that holds me steady.

  To my crazy friends—Jenna Pizzi, Amber Garcia, Jimie, Francesca, Sarah Davey, Shanora, Desiree, Kathryn, Jessie, Cassie, Derinda, and so many more—I appreciate you always being there for me and constantly helping me
out when I am in need. I couldn’t have asked for anything better. I love you all.

  To my Guardian team—I want to thank you so much for all your hard work and devotion. You all are the best!

  To the Indie Inked group—What can I say? You ladies are amazing! I never knew how tight knit a group of authors could be until I was asked to join in with you. You all are my family, and your guidance and support has been phenomenal. I look forward to watching our group flourish and thrive over the years.

  To Regina—I love you and your amazing work that you’ve done for me and my books. I will treasure my covers for the rest of my life. You are one talented woman, and your future is going to be as bright as the brightest star.

  To Melissa—You are the most amazing editor in the world.

  To Julie—Thank you for making my books beautiful on the inside with your amazing talent.

  To my beloved fans—I would be nowhere without you. I want to thank you all for taking a chance on me and finding joy in my books. I will always and forever be grateful to you. I hope to always be able to give you books you can enjoy and cherish.

  L.P. Dover lives in the beautiful state of North Carolina with her husband and two wonderful daughters. She’s an avid reader that loves her collection of books. Writing has always been her passion and she’s delighted to share it with the world. L.P. Dover spent several years in college starting out with a major in Psychology and then switching to dental. She worked in the dental field for eight years and then decided to stay home with her two beautiful girls. She spent the beginning of her reading years indulging in suspense thrillers, but now she can't get away from the paranormal/fantasy books. Now that she has started on her passion and began writing, you won’t see her go anywhere without a notebook, pen, and her secret energy builder…chocolate.