Echoes

By Charlene A. Wilson

“Every breath you take is a song to my soul.”

Nothing is sacred to Cole when it comes to keeping his love – not even covenants made with gods. When Lord Dressen's obsession to have Anna soars, Cole pulls out all the stops. But, through all his efforts, lofty or damned, the truth remains.
Will echoes of another life cause him to fail?

Echoes is the spectacular second installment in the award-winning Shilo Manor series. If you like compelling alpha heroes, magical romances, and surprising twists of fate, then you’ll love Charlene A. Wilson’s fantasy romance.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Charlene A. Wilson
• Release date: Nov 10, 2013
• ISBN: 9780989984638

Charlene A. Wilson

USA Today Bestselling Author, Charlene A. Wilson, takes you to other dimensions with her stories. She weaves magic, lasting love, and intrigue to immerse you into the lives of her characters.She started writing in her youth when her vivid dreams stayed with her long after she had them.Charlene lives in a small community in Arkansas, USA. She's the mother of two children, married to the most patient guy she knows, and they share their house with a very flirtatious cockatiel named Todder.

Book preview

Chapter One

Exhaustion racked Cole’s body as he squeezed his eyes shut and breathed deep to cleanse his lungs. The harm he’d caused Anna pulsed through his fatigued mind in fits of memory—distorted flashes that reminded him of the deceit, broken covenants, and ethereal anger. Pressing his palms onto his brow, his head sank deeper into the pillow. Did his actions really cost her soul five lifetimes?

He dragged his hand down his face and blew air through his pursed lips. He’d bound her soul, and even with his formidable skill with spells, he was unable to right his wrong.

The God of Life’s fury rang in his ears as scenes of the night before haunted him.

You have defiled that which is sacred. No Meridian shall cause my child’s death without promise of rebirth. Gryffin, I demand justice!

His gaze turned to his love, and he listened to the sweet sound of her steady breathing. Strands of sleep-messed hair fluttered along the pillow each time she exhaled. As God of Conformance, Gryffin had every right to end him when Taravaughn called for justice. Surely, that was the desired punishment. To sentence him to serve Mianna for the rest of her natural life only echoed Cole’s intent from the start.

As rays of morning sunlight inched up the patchwork comforter, he hitched his knee around her legs and formed his body to hers. How could he have imagined when he gave her the gift of Unsigh so long ago, the time would come when it would save her? In returning Anna’s soul to a previous life, they were blessed beyond his dreams. It freed the binding and... He buried his face in her long waves, and the scent of roses filled him.

He had Mianna back.

Mianna. His whisper warmed his lips as it pooled against her neck.

She stirred, and he pressed a kiss to her shoulder. Cole. Her sleepy eyes fluttered open but closed as if her lids were too heavy. Have you been awake long?

He smiled as the sound of her voice dispelled his troubles. A while. How are you feeling?

She brushed his long hair with her fingers. So tired. I don’t think I’ve ever been so tired. Her soft voice turned to a mumble. You couldn’t have given me a better wedding gift but, she drew a deep breath, what did it do to me? What does Unsigh mean?

Cole blinked his gaze to the side. She doesn’t know what Unsigh means? He peered at her cherubic face. Did she say wedding gift? Realization flushed his senses. The gift returned her memory to our wedding night. We truly are starting our life together over as if it were 1613 rather than 1974. And never mind the thirty-two years we enjoyed as a married couple.

He pulled the comforter up to her chin and then wrapped his arm around her. Unsigh means one heart, my love. It joins our passion when you create the symbol, a triangle with your fingers and thumbs, then utter the spell. It’s an enchantment only you can call on.

Oh, she breathed. It’s amazing…really. It’s just…I’m so…

As she drifted back into sleep, Cole furrowed his brow in thought. Mianna’s spell had never caused her fatigue, not even when her soul called upon it in Anna’s lifetime.

A spray of sunlight pitched across his face as it hit the wide dresser mirror. With a scowl, he squinted at the glare and twitched his hand toward the window. The crepe sheers whipped closed, followed by a thick swish from the burgundy drapes. The room plunged into darkness. Dim light from the vanity area competed with the beams peeking through the gaps around the window coverings. He heaved a sigh and sat up, resting his arm on his knee.

Perhaps it was everything she’d been through, and she just needed rest. She’d experienced more trauma in the last week than he had in his sixteen hundred years. Her life as Anna hadn’t been easy—abandonment, loss, and then manipulation by a man whose attention she’d refused. He raked his fingers over his scalp. Then, to nearly lose her life while he tried to unbind her soul...

Cole gazed at the petite form beside him. Brushing the dark hair from her face, he marveled. How could Anna’s features be so similar to Mianna’s? The gentle slope of her nose, the curve of her bowtie lips. He tilted his head and gently stroked her cheek with his finger. Or was it love that colored his view? The cherishment in his heart sent a smile to his lips, and he touched his brow to hers. No matter the reason. He had her back, and he vowed to never lose her again.

A satisfied grin tugged at Lord Dressen’s cheeks as he looked over the gathered noblemen. Their low voices filled the stately hall. Sunbeams poured through the twelve-foot windows and drowned the crowd in a yellow haze.

With most of the Grand Marshals’ court in attendance, the turnout met his expectations. He furrowed his heavy brow and lifted his chin. Cole Shilo, you’ll pay for taking Anna from me.

The dull rumble of conversation subsided as he stepped to the Officiator’s stand and then took his chair at the center of the table. He nodded to the two men at the entrance, and they stepped out, closing the doors behind them.

Lord Carrington tugged at his vest as he strode up the center aisle. His trusted friend moved with trained temperance, an admirable trait. Taking his place at Dressen’s side, he leaned in with a hushed voice. Ninety-nine are in attendance. Lord Standish’s men are the only ones not to sign in.

We can do without them. What are twenty-two votes against ninety-nine?

Carrington nodded and stroked his tailored beard. One concern I feel I must voice, Kyle. His brown eyes twitched. Standish may not hold the court’s majority, but he’s a strong believer in tradition. Tradition and religion go hand-in-hand. The men here control a vote, but many of their wives and family are faithful to the gods, including my own. They practice religious rites that encompass the Shilos as Sentinels. If this isn’t handled with care, it could become nasty.

Dressen sighed as he glanced at the portraits of Senior Grand Marshals lining the room. His gaze gravitated to the depiction of Sylis Shilo at the center of the hall. The Founder seemed to watch him, coal hair, onyx eyes, and square features set firm. Dressen sneered. A wizard surrounded by noblemen.

Sentinels, he scoffed. They’re aliens. Nothing more. And their own laws protect us from the powers of their dimension. What superior race agrees to such an arrangement? They’re weak. Their kind has no place on Terra.

Nevertheless, the faithful could rise up to protect them. Carrington looked at his cufflink as he straightened the gold piece. And I’ll be frank. Even though I see nothing wrong with how you achieved your goal with the girl, many will see it otherwise. Having the wizards bend her will as a servant was one thing but calling for total compliance pushed the intention of the agreement.

Dressen scowled. The Wizards of Shilo Manor accepted my bid as any other. She broke the law, and she was harvested. With the new curfew in play, she was no different from the homeless. He softened his tone. It was the only way to get her past the idea that my standing separated us. Once she joined the household, she admitted wanting to be with me all along. She told me she loved me. Always had. She was happy.

Looking at his comrade, he narrowed his gaze. Cole Shilo’s desire to have her is what took her from me. He pointed his finger to accentuate his view. I know he has her up at that manor.

Lord Carrington cocked his head. We have no authority within the Sentinel’s home.

You just deal with the charges.

The only real proof we have is the vision you shared from that night she disappeared, Kyle. And that’s another issue. You were only able to share it by way of the magical means Cole Shilo gifted you. His friend quirked his tan lips. There’s talk about a loss of integrity at the expense of—

A thief? A growl rumbled in Dressen’s throat as his blood seethed. Loss of integrity. Any means used to expose—

A Sentinel, Kyle. You must view this from these men’s perspective. I know you’re not religious, but religion is going to play a large part in what they decide.

Then use their beliefs against them. Research the covenants the wizards have made. Their long lives will show something. In eight-hundred years, no man can live without error.

Carrington tugged at his collar as if it had suddenly become too small. I’ll make the assignment. But how do you expect to get to the girl if she’s up there?

Dressen cocked a grin for his friend. I’ll find a way. You just call them in for questioning, and I’ll do the rest.

Chapter Two

Cole knelt beside the vanity and watched for Mianna’s reaction, senses on high alert. Whether the years had dulled his sensitivity to her or his anxious heart wouldn’t let him hear past its heavy beat, he wasn’t sure how to read the emotions emitting from her. He chose to believe the latter. Nothing could mar his ability to recognize her soul’s voice—feelings and all.

She stared at her reflection, color drained from her face. Bright shimmers danced in her blue eyes as her mouth pressed into a straight line. Her long lashes batted.

Should I say something?

A weak laugh puffed from her lips as she patted the counter and shook her head.

Mianna?

Fingers fumbling, she reached for the wide brush and then stroked it through her hair. Honestly, Cole. If you wanted me to have a new look, you didn’t have to go through all the trouble. Mirth seeped from her gaze as she glanced at him. It took you four hundred years to find just the right body to meet your liking, and it turns out to be practically the same as the old one?

She chuckled, and he couldn’t help joining in, relief washing through his limbs. He hadn’t realized he was so tense. Oh, my love. How I’ve missed the sound of your laughter.

Mianna wrapped her arms around his neck and set her forehead to his. I knew life would be amazing with you. Imagine. A chance at living my life again. In a whole new world.

A spike of emotion pulsed from her, but before Cole could decipher the meaning, it disappeared. She pulled back, looking into his eyes. Her soul sang in his heart. That he knew for certain.

You’ll have to fill me in on what happened the first time around.

I think maybe I should fill you in on how to make things happen in this life first.

You mean there’s more than instant candles?

He nodded. You said you wanted to bathe.

Yes.

How about a hot shower?

Her quizzical gaze turned to a gasp as the guestroom window shattered. Mianna jumped from his arms and stumbled over the vanity stool as she rushed into the adjoining room. An arm of a statue shot through the room and gouged the wall before it rammed into the corner wingchair.

Cole growled, knowing whose temper likely caused the destruction. Rushing to Mianna’s side, he waved his hand around them. An opalescent sheen thickened the air, causing the medium to warp as it expanded to fill the space as a protective shield.

Mianna set her hand to her heart and released a shaky breath. Oh. I must have moved too quickly.

He wrapped his arms around her trembling body, and as she returned the embrace, he grasped anew the blessing of her in his life. It’s okay. It’ll take time to get used to everything.

A smile touched her lips. What’s to get used to? I’ve been around your brothers long enough to know the manor gets destroyed on a regular basis.

Mianna, you’ve been through a lot. You just don’t remember. He caressed her slender back. I’ll take care of this. I have a feeling it has to do with what took place last night. I need to fill James and Vince in on what happened. Sucking a deep breath, he relished the warmth of her next to him. They don’t know you’re back yet.

I’ll get cleaned up and be down soon. She rested her forehead on his chin and her hot breath sketched down his neck. Heat pooled in his stomach.

He blinked his gaze to the side. Why don’t I come back in a short time? I’ll help you with that shower.

As she ran her hands down his torso, her voice hummed a sigh. Then I’ll wait for you here.

Damn brothers. Cole sat on the bed and pulled her to straddle his lap. The scent of licorice and cream fell from his lips as he shared his Breath of Zephyr. She wilted beneath the seductive gift of his realm. A tree limb burst through the window. It rebounded off their protective screen and wedged against the headboard.

A low growl rumbled in his chest. I’ll be right back.

Mianna snickered and rolled to the side as she sprawled onto the comforter. She peeked up at him with a wry smile, her toes traveled up his leg.

He clenched his jaw to bite back the urge to chance further interruptions and join her in the shower. This is going to be a quick conversation.

Cole trotted down the stairs and marched past the marble sentinels beside the banister. Dull thuds sounded through the foyer as his heels struck the hardwood floor with deliberate cadence. Cherubim sconces lined the walls, their angelic smiles only irritating him further. Stepping into the kitchen, he halted with a jolt. The wide paunch along the wall of the breakfast nook sent streams of light glaring off the polished cookware above the baker’s island.

He scowled and squinted away the sting to his eyes. Peeking through his lashes, he caught Elaina’s movement as she slid two pans of batter into the oven. She looked up as an annoyed sigh punched from his lungs. Eyeing him with a hesitant gaze, she tossed her strawberry hair to her back and then grabbed a towel from the counter.

Um, morning, Cole. Were you able to get any sleep?

He cocked his brow in answer. What are they doing back there?

Well…James said Vince needed to let off some steam. A blush coated her freckled cheeks and her voice hushed. He’s a bit…testy. She looked away. And James said they may need to practice anyway.

Just what I thought. Cole growled and closed the space to the back door in five lengthy strides. He peered across the terrace onto the lush grounds and then pressed his lips into a thin line.

James’ fist punched from beneath his cape. A briar bush beside him tore from its bed and darted across the yard. He jabbed an energy pulse from his palm. It sliced into the foliage above Vincent’s head.

Vincent spun aside, his unruly hair danced with the breeze caused by the spell. The bush rammed into the tree several feet behind him. A bright smile lit his square features. You really need to work on your aim, brother. That shot missed me by a mile.

James lowered his hands and his dimples deepened. Who said I was aiming for you?

He motioned with his finger and the pine behind his younger brother released its peak. Vincent flinched and threw his fist toward the crackling timber. The tree exploded with the force of his blow. Splinters and pine needles tore through the air and rained over the grounds like confetti. In a flash of a second, he thrust his hand at his foe. Spangles shot from his fingertips, blue neon jetted across the grounds.

With a furl of his cloak, James dispersed his elements and the marble statue behind him burst. Shards littered the terrace and pelted the plinth. His dark essence dashed across the court, encircled Vincent, and lifted him from the ground in a whirlwind. Bursts of brilliant blue flew from Vincent’s hands, tearing through foliage as he tried to strike the formless cloud. Roots snaked from the terra, entwining his ankles and wrists. Slowly retreating, they held him to the ground.

James re-formed, his brawn pinning his smaller brother with ease. He clasped Vincent’s fists to ward off finger commands and then shook his head. You’re not thinking. The Grand Marshals are immune to our magic. You saw what happened when you tried that with Lord Dressen. The Covenant repelled your power and you only managed to destroy his foyer. You have to use the elements against them.

Vincent snarled.

Cole smoothed back his hair and stepped from the doorway. If you two are done blowing up the back yard and Mianna’s room, there’s something I need to talk to you about.

The two glanced at him and then looked at each other with a solemn gaze. He knew they caught his use of Mianna’s name and the fact sent a grin to his eyes. James released Vincent’s fists and the roots unbound his limbs. He stood and offered Vincent a strong arm, pulling him to his feet.

As they crossed the terrace, Cole motioned to the grounds. You’re cleaning this up, right?

James cocked a grin. A pass of his hand, and he took in the area at large. Marble reassembled like an intricate puzzle, smaller pieces snapping into place with tiny clinks. Limbs and splinters gathered and reunited with the trees as leaves and pine needles reclaimed their rightful holds. Roots slithered back into their burrows and sod settled into place to blanket the disturbed soil.

Cole watched the circus of movement and shook his head. Nothing could take away