Debbie Mazzuca Bundle, page 51
“It seemed the best option at the—” Aileanna broke off at the sound of Aidan’s loud bellow.
Poised for flight, Syrena’s mouth dropped when Aidan stormed through the doors of the keep with Alex under one arm, a protesting, red-faced Jamie under the other. Clutched in the boys’ hands were a set of bows and red-tipped arrows just like the one sticking out of the thick, inky black waves on top of Aidan’s head.
She clapped a hand over her mouth to contain her laughter, but it was no use.
He glared at her, splotches of red on his sun-bronzed cheeks. “Ye think ’tis funny, do ye? Ye wouldna if ye were the one they were shootin’ at.”
Lowering the boys none-too-gently to their feet, he glowered at Aileanna. “Who was the bloody fool who gave these to the wee demons?” he asked, rattling the weapons he’d swiped from the boys’ hands.
“’Tis a present from our granddad,” Jamie cried. His arms windmilling, he went after Aidan, who flattened his open palm against Jamie’s forehead. He managed to keep Jamie at arm’s length, his foot from connecting with Aidan’s shin.
“Jamie, stop that right now,” his mother admonished, grabbing hold of the back of his shirt.
“But ’tis our present. He canna have them.”
“Your Uncle Aidan is right. It’s not a suitable gift for five-year-olds, and your grandfather and I will be having a wee chat about it. One more thing on an ever-growing list,” she muttered.
Thinking of the chat Aileanna was about to have with the glowering man who towered above them, Syrena knew she didn’t want to be anywhere in sight, or within earshot, when she did.
“Jamie, Alex, why don’t we go outside? You can show me the hiding spot you were talking about the other day.”
The twins reluctantly agreed, shooting daggers at Aidan as they took her hands.
“That’s a wonderful idea. You boys go and play with your Auntie Syrena, and Mama will get on with the preparations to celebrate yer da’s day of birth.”
Auntie? Syrena stifled a groan, hurrying the boys out the door before Aidan exploded.
Jamie frowned, struggling to keep up with Syrena as she hustled them across the courtyard. “Why did Mama call you our auntie?”
Shooting a glance over her shoulder, relieved Aidan was not in hot pursuit, Syrena said, “She . . . she thinks I’m going to marry your Uncle Aidan.”
“Ye’re marryin’ the monster?” Jamie asked horrified.
“Ummm . . . hmmm, I . . . maybe.” Her pulse quickened at the thought. At one time it had been her fondest desire. How often had she lost herself in that particular fantasy? In the magickal world she’d created where Aidan would love her even though she was Fae.
Where they would live happily ever after with Lachlan, and their children, two boys who would look just like their father, completed the idyllic world she’d imagined. She would have laughed, if it hadn’t been so painful.
The beautiful Highlander who’d once looked at her with love and desire in his gray eyes now looked at her with disdain and distrust. But it didn’t matter. Her illusions had been destroyed a long time ago. She wasn’t meant to be loved—her father, her mother, Aidan, and even Lachlan had proven that to her. The pain of that knowledge was no longer as difficult to bear. She’d given up on the dream a year ago. Winning the Fae’s admiration was enough. It had to be.
The dire consequences of Syrena being married to Aidan were volleyed back and forth between Jamie and Alex at a pace that left her dizzy. Offering the boys a reassuring smile, she said, “Don’t worry, I can handle the monster.” At least she hoped she could.
Their angelic faces lit up with smiles. “We ken it,” Alex said.
“Aye, and we’ll have our weapons to help you.” Jamie added in a conspiratorial whisper, “Our da will give them back to us.”
She laughed, but watching Alex and Jamie bend down to examine a small creature inch across the cobblestone, eyes filled with wonder, her amusement faded. If her life went as planned, there would be no children for her.
No little boys to play with, to look at the world through their curious and innocent eyes, to cuddle and rock to sleep. No one to give all the love she kept bottled up inside her. She rubbed the dull ache in her chest and looked down at Jamie and Alex.
Then Syrena made a decision that eased the tight band constricting her lungs. After they found Lachlan, she’d ask Aileanna if she could come back and visit. They had become friends, and she didn’t think Aileanna would mind. The thought lightened her mood. She took hold of their baby-soft hands. “Come, let’s take advantage of the fine day.”
Head pounding, Aidan strode across the abandoned courtyard, the keep a hive of activity as everyone within prepared for his cousin’s celebration. He drank in the musky sweetness of the fall air in an attempt to cool his heated blood, his anger a barely banked inferno.
After the demons had set upon him with their bows and arrows, his day had gone from bad to worse. Thinking of Aileanna, he shook his head. Why the bloody hell did she tell her father he and Syrena were betrothed? She’d left him no choice but to play along—if he didn’t, he risked the MacDonald discovering who Syrena really was. And he wouldn’t allow his family’s closely guarded secret to be exposed. A secret he’d kept hidden for so long he was sometimes able to put it behind him.
But Syrena’s presence forced him to deal with the emotions he’d thought he’d overcome—anger at his father, his mother, and however unfair it may be, his brother. And now he had to pretend he loved a woman whose family had plunged his own headfirst into their nightmare.
A year ago, it wouldn’t have been an act. But he knew who she was now, and like Davina, she’d lied to him, played him for a fool.
He cursed, staring at the crumpled missive in his hand. He couldn’t believe it; his uncle was dead, along with his hopes of finding Lachlan alive and well in the Hamiltons London town home. And now he had no choice but to deal with his cousin, John Henry, the man Davina had betrayed him for. The newly appointed Lord Hamilton, although offering his assistance, made it clear he did so unwillingly. The easy friendship they’d enjoyed in their youth had been destroyed by the love they’d shared for the same woman.
A sultry peal of laughter rippled like the light breeze rustling the leaves overhead. Aidan took a deep breath before he set off in the direction from which it came. Regardless of his feelings for Syrena, he had to find his brother, and he was certain she held the answers he sought.
He followed the bairns’ giggles to the kitchens. Rounding the corner of the squat, weathered stone building, he stopped short. Dappled sunlight filtered through the boughs of an old oak to shine down on Syrena and the bairns who sat at the base of the tree. Her hair lay loose upon her shoulders, shining like a freshly minted gold coin.
He took a step back and leaned against the warm stone. Sweet Christ, he still wanted her. She drew him in, just like Jamie and Alex, he thought wryly, noting the expressions of rapture on their wee faces as they gazed up at her.
He had heard it said bairns were the best judge of character. Aidan snorted. If that were the case, it didn’t say much for his, but spoke volumes of hers. She truly cared about the lads. It was obvious from the way she spoke to them, listening to their nonsensical prattle with endless patience.
Aye, so how did he reconcile this woman with the one he condemned? Was it possible she told the truth? Did she truly have no idea as to Lan’s whereabouts? A part of him hoped that was the case, while the other part prayed it wasn’t. If she had played no part in his brother’s disappearance, how in the bloody hell would he find him?
“You promised, Auntie Syrena, now where’s our present?” Jamie demanded.
Aidan sent his eyes to the clear blue sky. Auntie. An auntie who appeared somewhat flustered if the faint flush coloring her cheeks was anything to go by.
“Um-hmm . . . well . . . give me a moment. You’re supposed to have your eyes closed, Jamie. No peeking,” she admonished.
The bairns squeezed their eyes shut. Her hands fluttered behind her back. Aidan frowned, wondering what she hoped to find since there was nothing behind her. Her fingers wiggled on top of the grass. Eyes closed, she moved her pink lips silently. Aidan stiffened.
Magick.
Bloody hell, she meant to use her magick. He stepped from the shadows to stop her, but then remembered her confession of the day before and couldn’t bring himself to berate her.
Hearing how she’d suffered at the hands of the Fae when she was no older than the bairns had left him shaken. It had taken everything he had not to take her in his arms and comfort her. But she’d related the tale without tears or recriminations. And he’d stood there, undeniably proud of her strength, of her ability to get past the cruelty without visible scars.
“Can we open them now?” Alex asked.
“Not yet.” Her face a study in concentration, she wiggled her fingers again. Aidan’s eyes widened. What looked to be a gooey, white substance dripped from her hands. A smile lit her face then she glanced over her shoulder and groaned. With a frustrated shake of her long tousled curls, she wiped the sticky mess onto the grass and prepared to try again.
Aidan’s shoulders shook with silent laughter. The emotion surprised him. He hadn’t felt like laughing in a long while. What was it about her that she could make him feel that way? It had been the same from the first moment he’d met her. She’d filled him with a warmth, a lightness that stole his breath away. More likely his sanity, he thought.
“Is something wrong, Auntie Syrena?” Jamie asked, cracking one eye open.
“Ah . . . no, I’m having a hard time remembering where I put your present is all. Close your eyes, Jamie.”
A movement a few feet behind Syrena drew Aidan’s attention. Black nose pushed to the ground, a collie pup snuffled its way toward her. Concentrating on her magick, she wasn’t aware of its presence until a pink tongue darted out to lick her fingers. Syrena shrieked and scrambled to her feet. The pup yelped and the bairns squealed with delight.
“Oh, Auntie, ’tis the bestest present ever,” Alex cried as he crouched beside the pup, who licked the sticky residue from the grass.
“We always wanted a puppy, Auntie, but Mama and Da would never let us have one. But they canna say nay now.” Jamie whooped and flung his arms around her legs. Alex, not to be outdone, did the same. Their excitement contagious, the puppy yapped, stretching up on its hind legs to paw at Syrena’s dusty rose skirts.
She went to pat the tops of their heads, then remembering the gooey substance, she let her hands drop to her sides. Aidan chuckled, looking forward to seeing the look on his cousin’s face when the bairns presented him with Syrena’s gift. There was not much Rory didn’t like, but dogs topped the list.
As Syrena watched the bairns, a wide smile spread over her face. Aidan didn’t think she’d ever looked more beautiful.
He stepped away from the wall, and their heads swiveled in his direction. Jamie, who’d picked up the shaggy ball of tawny fur, held it tight to his chest. Casting a mutinous scowl in Aidan’s direction, he said, “Ye canna take him. He’s our present from Auntie Syrena.”
Noting the look of defiance in her golden gaze and the stubborn jut of her chin, Aidan held out his hands. “I wasna goin’ to take him from ye, Jamie. After all, ’tis a present from both yer aunt and I.” Aye, he thought ’twas a grand idea. If the bairns thought the present was from the both of them, they’d quit beating on him.
She shot a look of disbelief in his direction.
Jamie looked up at her. “Is that true, Auntie?” he asked doubtfully.
“Well—”
Aidan grinned. “Of course ’tis. When a man and woman are betrothed, the gift comes from the two of them.”
“Oh . . . thanks,” Jamie murmured with obvious reluctance.
Alex, the politer of the two, smiled shyly. “Aye, thank you, Uncle Aidan.”
“Mrs. Mac is lookin’ fer the two of ye.” The bairns groaned. “Off ye go now,” Aidan said. After giving one last hug to Syrena, the bairns tromped off in the direction of the keep, fighting over which one should hold their pet.
Aidan watched as she wiped her hands on the grass then leaned over to retrieve her slippers. An image of her barefoot, her long hair streaming down her back as she danced provocatively in the moonlight, came upon him without warning. She met his gaze. The heat of the memory must have been written upon his face, he thought, when her topaz eyes widened. The pulse at the base of her slender neck fluttered.
Aidan cleared his throat. “Ye still prefer yer bare feet to yer shoes, do ye?” He moved closer, inhaling her sweet feminine scent.
She glanced helplessly at the delicate slippers in her hand as though, like him, the memory of the passionate interlude they’d shared that moonlit night a year ago ensnared her.
“I . . . I have to go,” she stammered, hopping unsteadily on one foot as she tried to put on her shoe.
“Here, let me help ye.” He held out his hand. Her cheeks flushed. Reluctantly she handed him her slipper. He lowered himself to one knee. Taking her foot in his hand, he raised his gaze to hers. “We have to talk, Syrena.”
Her fingers bit into his shoulders. “You can’t blame me for this, Aidan. Aileanna told her father we were betrothed because she couldn’t come up with any other reason for my presence.”
“I ken that. ’Twas no’ what I wanted to speak to ye about.”
Her brow furrowed then she grimaced. “You saw me use my magick.” She released a defeated sigh. “I didn’t mean to, honestly, but Alex and Jamie were so sad about losing their bows and arrows I wanted to cheer them up. I don’t even know what manner of animal it is that I conjured. It isn’t dangerous, is it?”
Unable to help himself, Aidan laughed at the fervent concern in her eyes. “Nay, ’tis a dog. They use them to herd sheep. And, Syrena, yer magick wasna responsible fer his appearance.”
Her smooth brow furrowed. “No?”
“Nay. As fer it bein’ dangerous, the only one who would believe so is Rory. He canna abide dogs, big or small. He’s been afraid of them since he was a lad.”
She glanced in the direction of the keep. “I suppose I’d best go and apologize then.”
Rising to his feet, he took hold of her arm. “No’ yet. We have to talk, about Lan.”
She lowered her eyes, long lashes caressing the soft curve of her cheek. Bloody hell, she was hiding something. Once again he’d allowed himself to be taken in by her bonny looks and her gentle ways with the bairns. The memory of how much he’d wanted her, and if he was honest, how much he still did.
“Tell me what ye ken, Syrena,” he demanded.
“I don’t know anything and you’re hurting me,” she accused him. With surprising strength, she peeled his fingers from her arm.
“Ye’re lyin’,” he gritted from between clenched teeth.
She placed a palm on his chest and attempted to push him out of her way. “No, I’m not. I didn’t take Lan. I wouldn’t lie about that. I’m as afraid for him as you are.”
“Can ye promise me that the Fae are no’ involved?” He found himself wanting to believe her.
She chewed on her bottom lip. “I don’t think they are, but I can’t be certain. All I know is something strange is happening in London. Over the last few months, Fae men have gone missing, five to be exact.”
“Why did ye no’ tell me this before?”
“Because I’m almost certain it doesn’t involve Lan. They’re pure-blood, Aidan. Lan is only half. And like you, he hates the Fae. I can’t see him seeking them out, can you?”
What she said made sense, but it was difficult for him to let go of his suspicions. If he did, it meant he’d wasted precious time in his search for his brother.
“I doona ken. No one has learned what happened to them?”
“No, but . . . but there have been rumors of dark magick.”
“Why doesna’ that surprise me with the Fae involved?”
“Are you suggesting I’m evil? You’d best think long and hard on that, Aidan MacLeod, it’s not me Jamie and Alex refer to as a monster!” She made a frustrated sound. “I won’t put up with your suspicions or snide remarks any longer. I’m leaving for London tomorrow, with or without you—preferably without!”
Chapter 17
Syrena’s slippers tapped an angry beat across the courtyard. The man was infuriating! His inability to get past his distrust of the Fae put Lachlan at risk. How would they ever find their brother if they could not work together? She’d threatened to go to London on her own, but it was an idle threat. She didn’t even know where the city was let alone how to get there.
But the thought of spending any more time in his company left her uneasy. Aidan MacLeod still held a piece of her heart. If she hadn’t realized it before, she did now. The warm amusement that danced in his eyes, the deepening of the crescent moon in his cheek, and the flash of his strong white teeth when he smiled shook her resolve to keep him at arm’s length. It wasn’t fair he could still make her feel the way he did. Turn her emotions inside out and, with a simple touch, bring back the memory of the heated moments they’d once shared.
“Syrena!” He called from behind her, his deep voice tinged with frustration.
Good! She hoped he was as frustrated as she was.
“Bloody hell, I was no’ finished talkin’ with ye. Get yer bonny arse back here.”
She heard a snicker of laughter, and out of the corner of her eye spotted several of Dunvegan’s men-at-arms sharing a laugh at her expense. She growled low in her throat. Whirling on her heel, she strode toward Aidan. Hands on her hips, she glared into his annoyingly handsome face and demanded, “What did you just say?”
He splayed his hands. “I’m sorry, it slipped out.” The twitch of his lips had her ready to call him on his lie, but before she could, he said, “Syrena, we have much to discuss that I doona wish the others to overhear. With the keep filled to overflowin’, we’ll no’ get a moment’s peace.” He held out his hand. “Come with me.”
