Wicked Darkness

by Victoria Zak

  “The lass needs to apologize.”

  “Kendrick, it will only make matters worse. ‘Tis my fault. Anna walked in while Allie and I were trying on yer wife’s clothes. I should no’ have allowed it.”

  Kendrick walked back to the hearth. He scrubbed a hand down his face.

  “She saw that?”

  “Aye.”

  Kendrick exhaled.

  “It was awful.”

  Kendrick knelt in front of Leana and held her shaking hands. “I apologize for her behavior. I know her words can sting. ‘Tis been difficult for her.

  However, that does no’ excuse her rude behavior.”

  Leana gazed into his eyes. He was genuinely embarrassed by his daughter.

  “I understand the pain she’s feeling. There’s no’ a day that goes by that I dinnae miss me mum.” Leana stared at their joined hands. “I didnae know how hard this would be.”

  “’Tis only yer first day and I’ve never seen the kitchen so clean.”

  “Allie helped.” A smile spread across her face. “She’s a wonderful child.”

  “Aye.” Kendrick tipped her chin up with his finger. “Ye’re smiling. This is good, aye?”

  “Aye.” Leana’s smile brightened.

  “Please, dinnae give up on us.”

  Did her ears deceive her? He wanted her to stay? “I dinnae break that easily.” She met his gaze. “I’m no’ leaving.”

  6

  ADAIRA SLIPPED FROM THE BED, careful not to wake her wolf. Rafe rolled over, giving her pause. She stared at his handsome face. Her wolf was truly an angel; one look and she was under his spell. For a moment she wanted to crawl back into bed with him. But she had much to accomplish.

  Since Bhaltair and Teg had left in search of Leana, an unsettling fear had taken root inside Adaira. It made her restless. Leana had been gone too long.

  And why hadn’t the men found her yet? Had the queen captured them? Was Leana her prisoner, too?

  Suddenly feeling sick to her stomach, she knelt beside the bed and grabbed the chamber pot. She threw up three times.

  Catching her breath, she sat back on her heels, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. She had to find Leana. If Bhaltair and Teg didn’t bring Leana home soon, she’d go herself.

  Rafe’s gentle snore broke, and Adaira gazed at her husband. “Please, dinnae let him be awake.” He couldn’t see her this way, naked and kneeling on the floor next to the chamber pot. How was she going to explain herself without causing him to panic? Thankfully, her husband still slept.

  By the gods, she hated keeping things from Rafe. Her sickness was nothing to worry about. The time to attack the queen grew closer, and every day that passed without word from Leana, the stomach pains and nausea worsened. Besides, Rafe knew her fears, there was no need to keep reminding him. She could take care of herself.

  Adaira pushed herself up from the floor and walked to the wash basin.

  She washed her face and hands, then dressed. Feeling better, she left the

  bedchamber.

  Adaira made her way to the kitchens. She grabbed a pitcher of wine and tankard, then sat down in the great hall. It was late; no one was milling around, so she had the privacy she needed to think about the attack. The queen needed to be dealt with before she set her eyes on Dornoch. Adaira sensed Queen Snowdrop’s hunger for revenge, the need to control everything.

  The sound of small footsteps pattered down the stairs. Adaira didn’t need to look up to see who joined her.

  Adaira ran her finger around the rim of the cup. “I can no’ remember the last time I’ve seen the sun.”

  Masie sat down next to her.

  “I fear we’ll never see it again.”

  “Och, sister,” Masie said. “We will overcome the darkness. We’ll find Leana and take back our freedom from the queen. We must.” Masie held her hand over her stomach.

  Adaira’s eyes widened as she looked at her sister’s swollen belly. “Ye’re with child.”

  “Aye.” Masie grinned. “Ina says ‘tis a boy.” Masie’s grin faded. “And a blood drinker.”

  Stunned, Adaira didn’t know what to say. Their kind couldn’t bear children; or so she had thought. “Can Ina be trusted?”

  Masie stood. “I dinnae know who to trust anymore. I believe her, for I can feel him inside me. I want to be happy, but I fear Ina is right. He’s a blood drinker.”

  “Masie, have ye told Kerr?”

  “Aye.”

  “And…”

  “He’s overjoyed to have a son.”

  “Do ye believe him?”

  “Aye.” Masie’s brows creased. “He’s the only one I trust completely.”

  Adaira knew what Masie was hinting at. Unresolved trouble lingering between them. “Masie, I had to leave ye in Ravens Landing. It was the only way to keep ye safe.”

  “Nay. Leana and ye abandoned me. Do ye know how terrified I was? I thought I’d never see ye again.”

  “If ye want me to apologize, I will no’. I kept ye safe.”

  Masie stood with her hands folded over her chest. “I do no’ want to fight.

  Ye knew I would no’ have approved of yer plan. We should have talked about it.”

  “Aye,” Adaira agreed.

  “Ye’re agreeing to keep me happy. I know ye Adaira Keith, ye’re as stubborn as a mule.”

  After a shared moment of laughter, the dark cloud of doubt returned. How could they escape their uncertain future?

  “Adaira, have faith. Bhaltair and Teg will find Leana.”

  “Ye sound like Rafe.” Adaira sighed in annoyance.

  “He’s a wise wolf. Trust him.”

  Adaira looked at her sister and smiled. Masie always saw the good in people. Her faith never wavered even through tough times. However, Adaira didn’t share Masie’s belief. The danger ahead wasn’t something to take lightly. The odds were against them.

  Suddenly, a gust of wind blew the castle door open. A violent swirl of snow and ice filled the room, and Adaira moved toward the door, shielding her face with her arm. Surprisingly, Bhaltair and Teg appeared.

  “Bhaltair,” Masie exclaimed.

  “Teg,” Adaira called out, pleased to see him.

  “Where’s Leana?” Adaira asked.

  “We found her.” Bhaltair removed his gloves.

  Panicked, Adaira thought the worst. Was Leana dead? Fear gripped her heart and she couldn’t speak.

  “Where is she?” Masie asked as she took Bhaltair’s cloak.

  Teg shook his head like a wet dog. “We found her at a tavern, a two-day ride north of here.”

  Relief and joy filled Adaira. Her sister was alive. “Why didn’t she come with ye?”

  The men gazed at each other as Masie escorted them to the fire. “It was too risky.”

  “What do ye mean?” Adaira asked.

  “I wanted to bring her home,” Teg said. “But Bhaltair threatened to take me manhood if I disobeyed a direct order.”

  Adaira turned to Bhaltair. “What?”

  “Let me explain,” Bhaltair said.

  “I ordered ye to bring me sister home.” It’d be a miracle if Bhaltair left

  the great hall with his head still attached. “Ye’d better have a damn good reason for leaving me sister behind.”

  “Och, if ye kill me, ye’ll never find out.” Bhaltair stepped forward; a fool for challenging her.

  “Adaira,” Masie warned, stepping between them. “I’m sure there’s a good reason.”

  “We tracked Leana to a tavern like Teg said. She left there with two men.”

  Adaira rolled her eyes. “Apparently Leana hasn’t learned her lesson.”

  Masie glared at her. “She’s our sister.”

  Teg cleared his throat, gaining Adaira’s attention. “’Tis not what ye think.

  She’s living with a family on a farm.”

  “What?” Adaira asked. “This still does no’ excuse the fact ye left her there.”

  “I made the decision
to leave her because I dinnae have the power nor strength to make Leana leave. A wolf is no match for a Baobhan sith. I didnae what to scare her and have her run away.”

  Bhaltair was right. Knowing her sister, she would’ve bolted if she felt threatened. Adaira took a deep breath.

  “Can I speak freely?” Bhaltair asked.

  Adaira nodded.

  “I believe ‘tis best ye go to her.”

  “Over my dead body,” a voice growled from the stairs.

  Adaira met Rafe at the bottom of the staircase. “They found Leana.”

  “Aye,” Rafe kissed her forehead. “Ye’ll not go on yer own.”

  “I’ll be with her,” Masie said.

  Adaira faced Masie. “No’ in yer condition.”

  “I’m well enough to ride a horse.”

  “And what condition are ye in?” Bhaltair asked.

  “I’m pregnant.”

  Bhaltair raced to Masie’s side. “Yer with child? Does me brother know?”

  “Aye,” Masie said. “Of course, he does.”

  “He willna let ye go,” Bhaltair said.

  “Enough,” Adaira exclaimed. “I’m going.” She looked at Rafe. “Alone.”

  “My queen,” Rafe stated sternly. “I’m going with ye.”

  Adaira didn’t need anyone slowing her down. “Ye’re a stubborn wolf.”

  Teg stepped forward. “I’m going, too.”

  “Me, too,” Masie insisted.

  “No’ without me.” Masie’s husband, Kerr, entered the great hall. “That’s me child,” he stood in front of Masie and rubbed her belly. “I will protect him with me life.”

  Masie looked up at Kerr, then whispered, “Thank ye.”

  Speechless, Adaira shook her head. Her family and servants obviously loved her. How could she deny their help? However, the fear churning in her stomach was still there. With the fae queen still a threat, the journey to recover Leana could be dangerous.

  “Och, sister,” Masie said as she kissed Adaira’s cheek. “I told ye to have faith.”

  7

  KENDRICK DISMOUNTED FROM HIS HORSE, thankful he was finally home.

  Another hour in the frigid snow and he would’ve frozen to death. Fixing up the old barn in the middle of the coldest winter he’d ever lived through was going to send him to an early grave. However, the project was a good distraction from what was happening at home.

  It had been too long since Kendrick had been welcomed home with warm meals, clean clothes, and a tidy house. He hated that Finn had been right. His family needed Davina. After a chaotic few weeks, his kids had finally warmed up to her. However, he fought to keep himself in check. Having a woman in his house stirred old memories back to life, releasing feelings that had been buried long ago.

  Davina was beautiful; he’d be a fool not to notice her curves, full lips, and her long, red hair. Many nights after the ale had numbed his mind, he’d lie in bed and imagine what it would be like to tangle his fingers in those locks as he pulled her into a kiss. If she warmed his bed as well as she cooked, he be a lucky man.

  Like his wife, Davina was patient and kind; even when Anna argued for no reason. Kit was bewitched by Davina’s beauty. And Allie…sweet wee Allie took to Davina like she’d found a new friend.

  Davina was a blessing…as long as he steered away from temptation.

  Kendrick paused before opening the door as the smell of freshly baked bread filled his senses. He closed his eyes and inhaled. Damn. His cock strained against his trews. Good food went straight to his heart.

  Kendrick opened the door. Davina and Allie were sitting on a chair in

  front of the hearth, reading a book together.

  “The…pah…pah…” Allie struggled as she tried to read.

  “Princess,” Davina corrected.

  “Princess Mar…”

  “Marjorie,” Davina said.

  “Princess Marjorie Bruce,” Allie exclaimed joyfully.

  “Aye, ye’re reading verra well, lass.”

  Kendrick tore his eyes away from them. There was nothing sweeter in the world. He shut the door and cleared his throat, making sure his presence was known.

  “Da!” Allie jumped off Davina’s lap.

  Kendrick picked Allie up. “And how’s me princess of Lochenkirk Keep?”

  “Davina has been teaching me to read.”

  Kendrick’s body heated as Davina joined them.

  “Aye, we’ve been reading about King Robert and the battles he won for freedom.”

  “Ye’re reading a book about battles?” Kendrick’s brows creased as he looked at Allie.

  “Aye, Da. He was a great warrior. Just like ye.”

  “And yer grandfather.” Kendrick put Allie down and dared a glance at Davina.

  “Ye should add a few fables fitted for the lass to yer reading collection,”

  Davina said. “She’s a strong reader.”

  “Aye, too wise for her own good,” Kendrick joked as he patted the top of Allie’s head.

  “Och, I almost forgot.” Allie ran to the kitchen.

  “Allie,” Davina called after her. “Be careful. It still might be hot.”

  Davina helped Kendrick out of his cloak and stepped away before she touched him. He walked over to the table, poured himself some ale, downed it, then poured another. “I’ll be in me workshop.”

  “Wait,” Davina followed him to the door. “Allie made something for ye.”

  “I have a lot of work to do.”

  “Kendrick…”

  He shut the door before Leana could say another word.

  Feeling like a compete arse, Kendrick threaded a feather onto the end of the arrow he was making. It was the twentieth one he’d fletched in less than an hour, and it was only his second pitcher of ale. Seeing Davina with Allie threatened his peace of mind; he wanted a new life, wanted to love again, but didn’t know how.

  Adamina would have approved of Davina, for happiness was slowly being restored in his house. However, there was a wall surrounding his heart, preventing him to love freely.

  Why did he feel so damn guilty for bringing Davina into his home?

  Because ye heart still belongs to Adamina.

  Shaking off his thoughts, Kendrick inspected the shaft of the arrow. He ran his hand down it, admiring the sound craftsmanship. Made from ancient pines in a sacred forest, the wood was unlike any other. It was blessed with Druid magic.

  There was a reason the men in his family were born with the passion for battle and the taste for blood. He came from a long line of powerful Druids.

  Though their numbers had slowly dwindled, their magic thrived.

  Someone knocked on the door. “Kendrick.”

  He stopped threading the feather. For all that’s holy, lass, go away.

  Davina stepped inside.

  Shite.

  “I brought ye a piece of bread Allie made.” She placed a plate on his workbench. “I promised Allie I’d make sure ye got some.”

  Ignoring her, Kendrick continued working on the arrow.

  “Would it hurt ye to say thank ye?”

  “Thank ye,” he mumbled just to make her happy, so she’d go away.

  But she didn’t move.

  Leana leaned in, and he froze as the plaid she wore slide off her shoulder.

  Flesh pure as fresh-fallen snow was inches from his touch. His throat went dry.

  “Allie worked verra hard on the bread. The next time ye see her, tell her how proud ye are. She’s a bright child with a kind heart. Dinnae break it,”

  Davina said.

  Kendrick tossed the arrow on the work bench. What did she know about raising a family? He stood. “Do ye have children?”

  Davina retreated a step. “I…I dinnae. Ye know that.”

  “Then why would I take yer advice?”

  “Because it does no’ take a wise man to see what’s happening here. Ye’re pushing yer children away. Ye come home from work and head straight to this shop. When was the last ti
me ye sat down and ate a meal with yer family?”

  “Davina, my family is no’ yer concern.”

  “Och, ye hired me to take care of them. They are me responsibility. Did ye know Anna is learning to sew, and Allie loves to read?”

  “I’m no’…” Kendrick couldn’t finish his sentience under Davina’s scrutiny.

  “Nay. Ye dinnae know, because every night ye lock yerself in this shop avoiding yer family.”

  “Stop acting like me wife.”

  “Och, someone has to be honest with ye.”

  The lass was out of line—or was she?

  Through the anger, Kendrick didn’t realize how close he was to Davina until he’d pinned her against the wall. He met her challenging gaze. The lass wasn’t scared of him, but he sure as hell was afraid of her.

  Davina drew him in like a moth to a flame.

  “I know what ye want, Kendrick,” she whispered, her breath hot against his cheek.

  “Ye know nothing.” He met her gaze. “I will no’ fall for yer trickery.”

  Davina grinned like the devil. “Ye’ve already fallen.”

  She was familiar, yet he didn’t know her. What was happening to him?

  He yearned to touch her. To taste her. Aye, there was something different about this lass. He could feel it. This wasn’t ordinary lust, it reeked of magic.

  With a hunger he could no longer control, he claimed her lips. Sweet and hot like warm honey, his tongue thrust into her mouth. She pulled him closer, her firm breasts pressed against his chest. His heart raced with excitement.

  This had to stop before there was no turning back.

  Kendrick broke the kiss. Out of breath, Davina looked up at him and smiled.

  “Who are ye,” he asked, bewildered at how his body responded to Davina.

  “I can no’ tell ye all me secrets.” Davina ducked underneath his arms and darted out of the shop.

  Kendrick stared at the door, reliving that fateful kiss. Aye, there was a

  part of him that wanted her to stay. However, he wasn’t one to allow his cock to overrule his common sense. Untamed passion left him craving more.

  Companionship. Laughter. Love.

  But it wasn’t right. He’d pledged his heart to his wife.

  Kendrick freed himself from Davina’s spell. “Nay, this can no’ be.” He wiped her kiss from his mouth as he walked over and grabbed a tankard of ale. He downed it and refilled his cup over and over again, ingesting so much the room spun out of control. The way Davina had made him feel inside.