The Ancients by Rena Wilson Page B

"He did, but that was when he is the most vulnerable. That is when I struck with the power the Goddess gifted me with.  He didn't get a drop."
                  Riley shook her head, "I thought he needed your combined blood to rise?"
                  "No he needs my blood to regain full strength.  Samara disappeared with him while he was being burned alive by the Goddess' fire.  I wasn't able to finish.  The Goddess said this was only the beginning."
                  I nod, "It seems like it.  We will have to gather all of the other paranormal leaders to a summit."
                  Rian agrees, "This is where the prophecy begins, not ends.  We have a long way to go."
                  "Alright everyone, we need to let Rian get some rest," I instruct.
                  Everyone clears the room, but Rian stays snuggled on my lap.  "I can't wait any longer, Rian.  I would have been able to find you if we were mated."
                  "When I was under Samara's spell, all I could think about was you.  That we would never have the future we wanted."
                  "Let me make you mine, forever.  Then we can take on this new challenge together," I practically beg.
                  "Okay," she says softly.
                  I grasp her chin and pull her face to where her eyes could meet mine, "Told you."
                  She laughs, "Yes, you did."
     
     
    Epilogue
    Charles
                  My workshop doesn't feel the same anymore.  It feels tainted by that witch.  Part of me thinks I should be grateful to her, after all it was only because of her I got to see and know the Goddess marked.  "Fred? I am home," I say as I walk to back room.  "Fred?"
                  I hear the dog whining.  "What is wrong?  Sorry, I haven't been around to feed you, you wouldn't believe what happened."  I round the corner to see Fred cowering in the back corner.  "What is it?"
                  "I believe your dog doesn't like me," the man from a few nights ago is sitting in my store again.
                  "What is it you want from me?  You never did say," I try to stay lighthearted.
                  The man smiles, "Don't worry, Charles.  The powers that be understand what happened here.  Your punishment will not be death."
                  I snort, "Yeah, well you and I both know there are punishments out there worse than death."
                  "You are quite right," the man stands.  "Servitude to the Queen."
                  "For how long?" I swallow.  Of all the punishments, it wasn't the worst. 
                  "100 years," he says solemnly. 
                  I nod.  "And Fred?"
                  "I will ensure that he is taken to a new home."
                  "Don't suppose I will be brining anything with me, so let's just get it over with," I say not wanting to prolong things.  "What is your name by the way?"
                  The man smiles, "You may call me Terp."
                  "Alright, Terp, let's do this," I say as we begin walking out.  I couldn't help but think of the Goddess marked Lady.               In the pit of my stomach, I know we will meet again when it matters the most.