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"They had no idea," he said in her ear as he drew her down to the ground and into his lap

"Did you think they did?" She could feel hirew stronger by the moment

"I didn’t know And I wouldn’t have trusted one of them if I hadn’t seen the Dubliner’s face just now"

"Jack was his" She sniffed "They never spoke of it--none of them--but Murphy is their sire"

"Tom and Declan, too?" He paused Nodded "Yes, I see it now No wonder they’re… Well, it’s no wonder"

The three vampires moved with quiet efficiency and bleak expressions around the dock where they had coid wanted to comfort her friends Wanted to be there for them, but she had no idea what to say "How could he betray theid"

Our faid realized in that moment how truly extraordinary her husband was Over a thousand years, he had created a vast network of huether, not by fear, but by love Grounded by faith and devotion, her clan chose to be guided by the immortal who held her, not because they were afraid to act without him, but because they simply didn’t want to

Brigid stared at Carwyn over her shoulder as he watched the activity that spread through the harbor "I love you so much"

A smile crossed his uncharacteristically serious face "I love you, too"

"I’ood one"

He looked down, and Brigid saw sudden tears touch his eyes "I hope I’ood husband I’m a bit out of practice, so you’ll have to be patient"

"I think we both will Lucky for us we have an eternity to get it right"

He chuckled and pulled her closer "I iine you’re right And I’ll probably try to run away once or twice if things get difficult"

"That’s fine As long as you understand that I’ll catch you"

"Every time?"

"Every time"

A bubble of joy rose in her chest and she bit her lip to hold in the laugh "I’ll count on it, then"