FOREVER KNIGHTS: #16 To Keep Her
Bast's Penance

Perhaps a bit too obvious. Acharius thought. Knowing it was sure to bring out Chastain’s mischievous side.

Chastain nodded toward Acharius and then to the foot of the cot.

He hesitantly leaned over and worked the coverlet loose on both corners at the foot of the cot. Eyes lighting with understanding.

Chastain gave Acharius a wicked smile.

Together they lifted the coverlet and headed toward the doorway.

Bast watched them in stunned surprise.

Chastain and Acharius abruptly threw the blanket over Sebastian.

“Hey!” Bast objected. Struggling under it until fighting his way free and tossing it to the floor to glower at Acharius as though he’d betrayed him.

Acharius threw back his head and laughed uproariously.

Chastain giggled.

Acharius’ adoring gaze lingered on her. It occurred to him nothing had struck his soul the way Chastain’s laughter could.

She lifted sparkling green eyes to him and took his hand.

Acharius lifted her small hand to place his lips tenderly to the back of it. “My Love.”

“I asked Mags and Agatha about Vikings.” She swallowed hard.

I know. Just saying their names is difficult for me too.

“You did?” He asked softly.

“Yes. And from what I understood of them. Words like ‘My Love’ wouldn’t come natural to one.”

“That would be accurate.” He tilted his head grudgingly. “But I’ve grown far from who I was then. I’m quite civilized and highly educated now. Rest assured.” He smiled broadly.

“The only pillaging I’ve a desire to do now, would be in the pantry.”

Chastain laughed. Outstretching her arms. “Lift me up so I may hug you, your far too tall to do so on my own.”

Deragan led Nora from Meredith House and across the lovely garden. Plucking a rich red apple and handing it to her. “Perhaps as sweet as you.”

Nora looked up at him but her expression was pensive. “He’s a creature of great intensity is he not?”

Deragan nodded solemnly. “You’ve no idea.”

“What you said to him was very wise.”

“About savoring the moment with her?” He blinked at her.

“Yes.”

“Acharius is a unique man. He takes his responsibilities very seriously and has never failed me.” Deragan stated with pride in his voice. “But he’s had rare moments of happiness. His mind is always racing and he is constantly evolving but I fear he’s wasted much time not living in the moment.” Deragan sighed. “And unfortunately, I think the wisdom I offered him before was somewhat lacking.”

“Why?” Nora was stunned.

“I cautioned him to stay away from her and spare her pain.”

“Never.” Nora shook her head. “I’d take any amount of pain with you then the horribly yearning that was me longing for you without knowing it was you I needed.”

“Sometimes I must direct them from any amount of risk to protect the pack. And any woman they ally with becomes part of our pack. My decisions are not always sound.” He admitted. “I don’t always have the time or steadfast emotion to properly consider them.”

He and Nora shared a long look.

“That must be hard.” She remarked. For the first time she began to fully understand Deragan’s position among the Knights.

That night Acharius slept next to Chastain.

Uncomfortably. His shoulders overhung the side of the cot. And his shins and feet hung off the foot.

Far too small.

I need to build something bigger.

“You don’t have to stay with me.” She grumbled into the wall. Face smushed against it as she tried to share the sparse width of her cot.

“I want to.”

“What if I can’t breathe?” Her chest was also smashed against the wall, making it hard to draw a full breath.

He sighed and rolled off the edge. Thudding the couple feet to the floor with a grunt.

“Are you okay?” She peered over the edge.

Much like she used to peer out of the window and down at him sitting in the fog.

I’m scared to lose her. It had occurred to him that what Nora Bishop had done could still reverse. I don’t even know how long it would be to know it won’t.

Anxiety shot through him. I just want to watch over her.

What if I fall into the Knight Sleep and she is gone by morning? He was too scared to close his eyes.

I almost lost her.

When she blinked her eyes open in the early hours of the morning. She found him sitting next to her. His forearm across the edge and his chin resting on it. A light finger trailing her hairline.

“Whatever are you doing?” She asked in amusement.

“Savoring the sight of you.”