Wicked Darkness

by Victoria Zak

  Passion had been in the air and it was hers for the taking. However, she’d never expected to lose control and wake up beside two dead men. One of them Beathen, her laird’s son.

  The marks left behind on their necks revealed she’d been responsible for their deaths. Her sister Adaira had warned her, “The veil is thin, Leana. The queen will send her princes for us. Stay hidden, and by the saints, dinnae draw attention to yerself.”

  If she’d only listened before, Beathan would be alive.

  Leana took in a deep breath. She couldn’t change the past, though she desperately wanted to. The Baobhan sith inside her screamed to be unleashed. Yet, she reminded herself… I am Davina. I am human.

  Leana eyed him warily. What exactly was he looking for? A wife or a woman to live with? Mayhap Kendrick was already wed.

  “Does yer wife know of this arrangement?”

  “Nay, she died five years ago.”

  “I’m sorry.” Now she understood the emptiness in his eyes.

  Leana considered his offer. What would Davina have done? After all, the brave lass had asked her to live life better than she had. This was the lass’s prince—her new life.

  Everything Kendrick offered was exactly what Leana wanted. However, there was a difference between wanting someone and needing them. Needing her meant Kendrick needed her and only her. Want…well didn’t that mean he had a choice?

  “Kendrick, ye said ye needed someone. Do ye want just anyone or do ye need me?”

  “I want ye to accept this offer.”

  Leana’s heart plummeted. It wasn’t the response she secretly wanted.

  However, she wasn’t giving up that easily. “I’m to accept that I’ll be working

  as yer housemaid with wife duties without any promise of becoming yer wife.

  Does no’ seem fair.”

  “I’m paying ye for a service, lass. I dinnae need a wife.”

  “Understood. However, I’m of marrying age. I need to find a man who at least has the intentions of marrying me.”

  “A handfasting?”

  “Aye. I need a promise from ye that after a year of service, ye’ll either marry me or let me go.”

  Suspicion spread across his face as he considered her proposal. “Lass, what is it that ye seek? The offer is fair.”

  “I seek a proper reputation. I dinnae want to dedicate me life to ye with nothing in return. I’m no’ asking for much.”

  “Aye, ye are,” Kendrick exclaimed, shoving his hands through his hair in frustration.

  “Kendrick,” Finn warned.

  “Nay, I’ve offered her a deal of lifetime…to… to leave this rat hole and make a better life for herself.” Kendrick stood. “I will no’ be tricked into marriage.”

  “Sit down,” Finn glared at Kendrick. “Davina is no’ asking for anything unreasonable.”

  “Then ye marry her,” Kendrick shouted.

  “Ye’re being rude,” Finn

  “I’m going home.” Kendrick nodded to Leana. “’Tis been a pleasure,” he said with a smirk before he walked way.

  “I apologize for me friend. He’s normally no’ this rude.”

  Leana gave Finn a sideways glare. She didn’t believe him.

  “Aye, he’s a wee bit outspoken,” Finn retracted his statement.

  Leana continued her glare as she crossed her arms.

  “And a wee rough around the edges.”

  “A wee rough doesna come close.”

  “I should no’ be telling ye this, but Kendrick is running away from some hellish demons. He loved his wife verra much and her death has devastated him.”

  Leana’s heart softened. She knew what it was like to lose something cherished. When she’d returned to Dornoch, after escaping from the fae queen, the news of her mother’s death had been hard to accept. It was even harder to stay away from her sisters.

  “I’m sorry for his loss, but what does all of this have to do with me?”

  “Kendrick’s life is falling apart, and I can no longer watch him destroy it with his drinking. I think I’ve pushed him too far.” Finn scrubbed his hands down his face. “I wanted to help him.”

  Leana touched his arm. “Ye did what any true friend would do. He must know that.”

  “Aye, I’m sorry to have wasted yer time, Davina.” Finn stood. “I bid ye good night.”

  Leana watched him walk toward the door. This wasn’t her problem. She didn’t need to get involved, no matter how perfect an opportunity. The idea of living a normal life appealed to her. Yet, she’d not bring evil into a house with children.

  Two men entered the tavern. The hair on the back of her neck stood on end. What was Bhaltair doing there, and why was he with the wolf she saved from the dark prince? Shite! Adaira or Masie must have sent them to find her.

  This is no’ good. She couldn’t let them see her.

  Quickly, Leana left the table and ran after Finn before he reached the door. She pulled him into a dark corner. “Wait. I accept the offer.”

  Finn stared at her, confused.

  “I can help Kendrick.”

  “Ye can?”

  “Aye, and I will no’ bring up marriage again. We need to leave now.”

  Leana grabbed Finn’s arm, pulling him toward the door.

  “Wait. Ye should pack yer things.”

  “No need. I have nothing.”

  Finn took off his cloak and draped it over her shoulders. “Here, ‘tis cold outside,”

  “Thank ye.” She followed him outside, looking over her shoulder to make sure Bhaltair hadn’t seen her. She prayed the wolf wouldn’t sniff her out.

  Finn lead Leana to his horse where Kendrick waited on his own mount.

  “What is this?” Kendrick asked.

  “Davina has accepted yer offer.”

  Kendrick reached down, pulling her onto his horse.

  Leana settled in front of Kendrick, keeping an eye on the tavern door. She wouldn’t relax until they were far away.

  “I will no’ marry ye,” Kendrick whispered. His breath prickled her skin in the most sinful way.

  “Good,” she said. “Because I dinnae want to marry ye.”

  Too absorbed in his own thoughts, Kendrick hadn’t said a word since they’d left the tavern. Why had Davina suddenly changed her mind? Finn must have said something.

  “This better no’ be a trick,” Kendrick warned.

  “A trick?” Leana asked.

  Kendrick didn’t trust her. She was up to something and had left in a rush.

  “I’m sure yer family will be concerned for yer safety.”

  Her body stiffened. “My parents died in a fire five years ago.”

  He shifted in the saddle, regretting his quick judgement. “I’m sorry for yer loss, lass.”

  “’Tis me mother I miss the most.”

  “Did ye have brothers or sisters?”

  “My two sisters died in the fire, too.”

  “But ye survived.”

  “I wasn’t home when the house burned down.”

  “Ye’ve experienced much tragedy in yer young life. I assure ye, me family will welcome ye with open arms.” At least Kendrick hoped they would. “There’s five tenants and their families who work for me, then Finn and his house of goats.”

  Davina glanced behind her, at Kendrick, her blue eyes penetrated through the gray night, warming him in ways he’d long forgotten. “Finn lives with goats?”

  “Aye,” Finn answered. “I have five. Fiona is by far me favorite. She’s the runt of the herd but dinnae let her fool ye. She’s tough. When I come home, she greets me with a cute, meeh, meeh.” He smiled.

  Davina laughed, but Kendrick could only imagine what was running through her mind. She must think his best friend was mad.

  “Och, I happen to like me goats,” Finn defended. “They are loyal animals.”

  “Aye, ‘tis why ye live alone,” Kendrick jested.

  “Well, I’d love to meet yer Fiona someday,” Davina said.

&
nbsp; “I’ll see to it, Davina.” Finn assured her.

  5

  ROLLING hills covered in snow shimmered beneath the moonlight. A shadow of a house with smoke billowing from the chimney welcomed them. The smell of cattle lingered in the air with a hint of barley. In the distance, a chorus of whinnies from the horses in the barn sounded, reminding Leana of home.

  Kendrick stopped in front of a stone fence and unlatched the gate. As they rode through, Leana noticed a tower. “Is this yer home?”

  “Aye. ‘Tis not much, but it’ll keep ye safe and warm.”

  He dismounted and walked the horse to a small barn. Once inside, he reached up and helped Leana climb down. Their eyes met as her body slid against his. Her feet touched the ground, but why did she feel like she was floating? She should look away, break the spell. But her resistance didn’t last long, she quickly admired his full lips, imagining how soft they’d feel against hers. Her eyes grew large as Kendrick leaned toward her.

  Maiden, Mother, Crone, she was doing it again, compelling him to kiss her.

  What was she doing? Kendrick pulled her into his arms, but she stepped out of his embrace.

  “I dinnae know what came over me. I apologize for making ye feel uncomfortable. It will no’ happen again.” Kendrick strode out of the barn.

  She caught up with him as they made their way to the tower. He left the door open as he walked inside and lit a few candles. “The children are in bed.

  I’ll introduce ye in the morn.”

  Leana closed the door. The candles gave the room a soft, warm glow,

  inviting her into Kendrick’s world.

  “Please, make yerself at home,” he said as he cleared the table of dirty dishes, carrying them into the kitchen.

  The warmth from the hearth called to her. She walked over and placed her hands over the smoldering embers. The flames had burned out, but there was enough heat to warm her hands. She took in the room. The floor was dirty, the furniture worn, and clothes were scattered about. Indeed, Kendrick needed a maid. Above the hearth, a sword and shield covered in dust and cobwebs hung on the wall. She admired the weapons.

  “They have seen much battle,” Kendrick said, offering Leana a tankard of ale.

  She smiled as she accepted it. “Ye should take better care of such prized possessions.”

  “Aye, I guess I dinnae have to use them much anymore.”

  “Finn mentioned ye had fought in many battles together.”

  Kendrick took a drink. “Aye, I fought in the king’s army for many years until me wife passed.”

  “I’m sure ye prefer this life better, being home with yer family.”

  “Nay, lass. I’m a warrior, no’ a farmer.”

  “Of course.” Just looking at his muscular frame, strong weathered hands, and the small scar above his right eye, he looked a warrior. “Now that I’m here, will ye return to the king’s service?”

  “Nay, those days are long gone. However, I’m the fletcher for the king’s army.”

  “With all the work on the farm, ye still make arrows for the king’s archers? No wonder ye need a wife… maid.”

  Uncomfortable silence passed between them.

  Kendrick cleared his throat. “’Tis late. I dinnae have a bedchamber prepared for ye yet. Ye can take mine for the night.”

  “Thank ye.”

  “I’ll show ye to the room.” Kendrick walked to the stairs, and Leana followed. They reached the third floor and followed the corridor to the end.

  Kendrick fumbled with the latch as he opened the door. Leana walked in. At least his chamber was cleaner than the hall.

  “Everything ye need should be here.” He walked over to the hearth, laying a piece of wood on the fire. “This should keep ye warm through the night.”

  Kendrick faced Leana, sweat breaded across his forehead. He scrubbed his hands down his trews. He was nervous; she could smell it.

  “Kendrick, I’m perfectly comfortable sharing yer chamber with ye.”

  “Nay. I can no’ allow me children to see me with a woman,” he stammered.

  “Where will ye sleep?”

  “I’ll find a spot.”

  “Well, at least take a fur so ye dinnae freeze.” Leana grabbed one from the bed and handed it to Kendrick.

  His hand brushed against hers and a swarm of butterflies fluttered in her stomach. He was doing it again, undressing her with his eyes. Suddenly her body wasn’t hers to command as she leaned toward him, wanting a kiss goodnight.

  “Davina.” His breath was hot against her lips. “Welcome to Lochenkirk Keep.” Stepping away, he took the fur and headed toward the door.

  A long sigh escaped as the door closed. Funny, she hadn’t realized she’d been holding her breath. What was it about Kendrick? She crossed the chamber to the bed and fell into it with a groan. She rolled over, taking a fur with her. By the saints, he was like a warm summer’s day.

  A vision unfolded before her. She stood outside the keep with the wind blowing in her hair, a red-headed bairn on her hip, waiting for Kendrick to return from a long day’s work plowing the fields. When he did arrive, he’d kiss her like they hadn’t seen each other in days. Aye, a simple life without the threat of an evil fae queen.

  Leana rolled over, clutching the fur to her chest. To think such things was a bad idea. Only fools dreamed of love. Leana sat up. Aye, she couldn’t fall in love with Kendrick. It would only bring anguish and heartache to his family.

  She settled back underneath the covers, smelling Kendrick on the furs and pillows. She might not be able to live out her fantasies as his wife, but nothing could keep him from her dreams.

  A loud bang jolted Leanna from her sleep. “Who’s there?” She looked around the chamber, seeing no one. Thinking she’d gone mad, she opened the door

  and stepped into the corridor. She could hear voices coming from downstairs.

  Kendrick’s family was awake.

  With haste, she ran her fingers through her hair, braiding it. This was her first day as the housemaid and she was already late. Excitement pulsed through her as she thought about meeting Kendrick’s children.

  She paused at the top of the stairs, looking down into the hall.

  “Da, why is there a woman in yer bedchamber?”

  “Anna, ‘tis no’ what ye think,” Kendrick told his daughter.

  “Och, I believe me eyes. ‘Tis one thing to put up with yer drinking and cleaning up after ye, but I will no’ have ye bringing home whores. I beg ye Da, dinnae disgrace our family like this.”

  “Is she pretty?” a boy asked.

  “Och,” Anna huffed. “Kit, it does no’ matter. She’ll never step foot in this house again.”

  “Annabelle, sit down and let’s talk,” Kendrick said gently.

  Anna did as Kendrick asked. “Please, by all that is holy, dinnae tell me ye love her and she’s staying.”

  “Da”, Kit said. “Where were ye last night?”

  The youngest girl climbed onto her father’s lap. Kendrick smiled and wiped her cheek. “Allie, me sweetling, when are ye going to stop growing?”

  The sweet child giggled as her father tickled her.

  “What did ye want to tell us?” Anna asked.

  “’Tis time I hired some help around here. And I think it would be good to have a maid here, ye girls. Davina, the lass ye saw in me bedchamber, is our new housemaid.”

  Anna groaned.

  “I thought ye’d be happy, Anna,” Kendrick said.

  “Nay,” Anna stood. “She must go. We dinnae need a maid.”

  “Da,” Kit interrupted. “Ye need to stop drinking. ‘Tis affecting yer judgement.”

  “Nay”, Kendrick exclaimed. “Me judgment is sound. I would no’ have to ask for help if I could trust me daughter no’ to sneak off at night. This has been a harsh winter and I’ve had to work long hours. We need a housemaid.

  We can no longer do it by ourselves.”

  “If ye’d stop spending yer time drinking, we could b
e a family,” Anna said.

  “Anna,” Kit warned. “He’s our father. Show some respect.”

  “He’s a drunk,” Anna said, tears running down her face.

  “Anna, ‘tis enough. If ye won’t accept Davina then ye leave me no choice. I’ll send ye to the nunnery.”

  Anna stood up, raising her head defiantly. “Ye disgrace mother by bringing that whore into our house. Send me away if ye must.”

  Anna’s words hurt Leana, but she understood why they didn’t want her there. They still mourned for the loss of their mother. The most surprising thing was learning of Kendrick’s drinking problem.

  Mayhap if Leana earned the children’s trust, she could help mend their broken hearts.

  Leana continued down the stairs. “Good morn.”

  Kendrick stood, placing Allie next to him at the table.

  “Davina, this is Allie, Kit, and Anna.”

  “Tis a pleasure to meet ye.” Leana smiled at Allie.

  “Och.” Anna rolled her eyes. “Da, I want her gone.” Anna donned her cloak and quit the hall.

  “Ye better no’ be heading to the MacTavish’s,” Kendrick called after her.

  “Sister Elspeth will be expecting ye.” Frustrated, Kendrick scrubbed his hand through his hair. “That child will be the death of me.”

  “’Tis nice to meet ye, Davina,” Kit said, in obvious awe of Leana.

  Leana grinned.

  Kendrick cleared his throat. “Kit, Finn will be here soon. Ready the horses.”

  “Aye.” Kit scooted off the bench and grabbed his cloak.

  Leana cleared the table. “Ye should have wakened me. I dinnae like to be late.”

  “I thought ye needed rest.” Kendrick followed Leana into the kitchen.

  “How much did ye hear?”

  “Enough to know yer children dinnae want me here.” Leana placed the tankards on a nearby table, then faced Kendrick. “Do ye want me here?”

  “Aye, I made ye an offer and I stand by it.”

  “That’s no’ what I asked. Do ye want me here?” She searched his face, hopeful he’d say the words she longed to hear.

  Kendrick shifted from one foot to the other, uncomfortable with her question. “Leana, I’m a man of me word. I would like for ye to stay.”

  It wasn’t the exact answer she’d hoped for, but it would do for now.