by Mary Morgan
Aidan lifted his hand, letting the ball of energy swirl in a tempest within his palm. How he longed to rip the tongue from the warrior.
Liam aimed his sword at the energy. “Has the mighty Aidan Kerrigan lost control?”
Crushing the power within his fist, Aidan swiftly leveled a blow to Liam’s jaw. “Never.”
Staggering backward, Liam rubbed a hand over his chin. “Liar.”
He rushed forward, but Aidan continued to dominate the training. The clash of blades echoed all around the enclosure within the castle’s list. As Aidan tried to contain his growing ire over Liam’s words, the warrior intensified his attack.
“Too much drink last evening, warrior?” taunted Aidan.
His foe remained quiet, lunging outward with his blade.
Aidan wielded his sword high. “I believe it was the additional dram that has you seeing double right now.”
Liam’s eyes blazed. “Might I remind you that you drank my last dram of whisky?”
“To keep you from falling over and making a fool of yourself in front of the lass,” countered Aidan, as he deflected yet another blow.
“You’re correct,” agreed Liam and swiftly pointed his sword at Aidan. “I plan to make amends by asking her out to see the band, Wicked Pipers. I must present myself in good form.”
Aidan let out a hiss. “You will not ask her to go anywhere with you!”
Liam’s smile turned wicked. “Why? Surely you don’t have a Fae claim on the lass? My year of sexual absence in the human world ended decades ago, so I see her free for the taking.”
Dropping his sword, Aidan let out a great roar and charged at Liam. When the warrior lifted his sword, Aidan smacked it out of his hand with a wave of power. His hand went to the man’s throat. “There will be no talk of bedding Rose MacLaren,” he ordered, though he barely recognized his own words.
“Yo-yo-you win,” stuttered Liam in a strangled voice. “She is yours.”
Releasing his hold on the warrior, Aidan stumbled back and glanced down at his hands. They shook not from rage, but from the loss of his iron-clad control. He raked a shaky hand through his hair and retrieved Liam’s sword. “There are no winners today, and Rose MacLaren is not mine.” Aidan held the sword outward.
Taking his blade, Liam saluted him. “I concur.” He started to sheath his sword and then stilled his movements. “If I may inquire, why does this human female appear to have you mystified?”
His observation unnerved Aidan. He pointed to Liam’s sword. “Do you fear retaliation for your question? I can assure you I shall not lash out further.”
Liam blew out a curse and completely sheathed his blade. “I was being cautious.”
“My puzzlement is over her concern with studying the stones. No more. She has seen and photographed them.” Aidan brushed past Liam and retrieved a cloth from the bench. Wiping his face off, he tossed it aside.
“Why? Their markings were left by the ancient Picts eons ago. What reference could she deduce? She studies plants.”
Aidan cast his gaze to the sky. “Wrong. I fear she will be the one to connect the tallest standing stone to the altar stone. Until I saw the markings with my own eyes, I concluded they weren’t the Picts. They chose not to record or transcribe anything. Yet, the stones are evident of Fae lore. The altar stone records the constellations of our world. One of them listened to our stories told over a campfire and carved them into the stones.” He glanced over his shoulder. “Call it intuition, but none of the others within the professor’s group are making any similarities. They’ll conclude they’re gibberish. Perchance symbols for a ritual. But the lass is unique. Therefore, my deductions have led me to believe Rose is on a path of uncovering an ancient secret.”
Liam wiped a hand across his brow. “Then we must thwart her plan to inspect the area. The professor must be alerted, so he can oust her from the dig.”
Aidan winced, unsure if this was the best plan of defense. “Rose is inquisitive. Keeping her and the Society from the area might encourage her to continue to inspect the stones on her own.”
“Then a guard must be posted,” demanded Liam.
Chuckling softly, Aidan exited the lists and made strides across the bailey. “I don’t believe a guard could halt the progress or curiosity of Rose MacLaren!” he shouted.
“So what is the plan of attack? Earthquake to bury and destroy the stones?” asked Liam, running alongside him.
Aidan shook his head. “Steer the lovely lass in another direction. Give her a possible scenario. Watch, observe, and guide her on another thought process.”
“What about the professor?”
Halting his stride, Aidan clamped a hand on the warrior’s shoulder. “Use your charm and persuasive words to have the professor permit the Society in on the full dig.”
“Wonderful,” he replied, sarcastically.
“Are you not up for the challenge?”
Liam narrowed his eyes in thought. “Why don’t we create another dig for the lady to direct her fascination?”
Aidan released his hold and entered the castle. “I deem any other dig would not hold her interest. She possesses a gift for insight. I fear she’d sense the ruse.”
“Sweet Mother Danu! Great. Next, she’ll proclaim to the human world she has discovered Fae Warriors living among the humans.”
“It’s happened before,” admitted Aidan, ascending the stairs to his chambers.
“If I’m to prepare the professor, what are your plans for today?” asked Liam, following alongside him.
Smiling, Aidan responded, “A visit to see the two members from the Society of the Thistle and give them the good news about working on the site.”
“Why am I not shocked? Though aren’t you making an assumption the professor will agree?” Liam remarked, making his way toward his own chambers.
“Use your power of persuasion, MacGregor. I’ll give you one hour to comply, before I bring the lovely lasses to the dig site.”
****
“Maeve says a cure for too much drink is a chocolate shake and cheeseburger,” suggested Lily, cupping her hand over the phone.
“I’d gag at the smell,” moaned Rose, splashing cold water on her face and neck.
“Colleen recommends tomato juice mixed with a raw egg and pickle juice. Then hold your nose and drink the tonic in one gulp.”
“Goodness, that’s horrid.” Rose sat down on the edge of tub.
Lily peered around the entryway of the bathroom. “Or I could run out to the market and find some herbs?”
“Have you consulted everyone at the Society?” complained Rose, massaging her temples to alleviate the pain.
“Almost. Let me hang-up the phone.”
“You’re a wicked sister. I bet you all think this is hilarious that I’ve finally succumbed to having what you all famously have experienced—a hangover.”
“Now Rose…” Her sister entered and sat down beside her. “Did I berate you in any way? Get angry when you didn’t arrive back to the hotel until after midnight? And yet, did you think to call your sister, so she would not worry?”
“Ha.” Rose cast a skeptical glance at her sister. “You only arrived five minutes before my entrance.”
Lily snickered and smacked Rose’s leg. “You’re always the reasonable one when working on a site. One drink. Early to bed and up before dawn. No dating, yada, yada. In all honesty, I’m curious about the man you had dinner and drinks with.”
“No one special. And it wasn’t a date.”
“Really? Then why did you keep repeating his name in your sleep?”
“I did?” blurted out Rose.
“Oh, yes. Aidan, Aidan, Aidan.”
“I met him at the bookstore and found out he’s part of the dig.”
Her sister’s smile vanished. “Did you say anything about the standing stones? Was this an investigation to pry information from him?”
Rose bit her lower lip. “It sorta leaked out we were interested.”
>
“Crap!” Lily stood and began to pace in the small enclosure. “I think it’s time to head back home.”
“No!” Abruptly standing, Rose reached for a cloth and went back to the basin. After running it under cool water, she wrung it out and placed it on the back of her neck. “I’ll take a cup of coffee, toast, and an aspirin.”
“Why?”
Rose met her sister’s gaze within the mirror. “I have seen the image of my visions on that standing stone. I’m not about to retreat without an explanation or another vision.”
“Be careful,” warned Lily, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. “Forcing the information can leave you battered and trigger migraines.”
Rose dropped the cloth in the basin. “Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing.”
Indecision wavered across her sister’s features for a moment, and then she smiled. “Then tell me more about this Aidan.”
Shrugging, Rose moved out of the bathroom. She had no wish to be put under Lily’s microscope. She waved her hand dismissively. “You know. Tall, dark hair, knowledgeable. Aidan Kerrigan is also the owner of Balleycove Castle near the dig in Corridon.” After hastily removing her T-shirt, she rummaged through her suitcase and pulled out jeans and a pale green sweater. Tossing the jeans onto the bed, she pulled the sweater over her head. “He’s nothing spectacular.”
“How many drinks did you have with him?”
“Three beers and a dram of whisky,” confessed Rose.
Her sister clucked her tongue in obvious disapproval. “I’ll go fetch you that tea and toast from the café next door. Imagine you having drinks with the owner of a castle. You must share more when I return.”
“Coffee,” she corrected, keeping her focus on tidying up her suitcase.
As the door of their room closed softly, Rose collapsed onto the bed. Never would she divulge her immediate attraction to Aidan Kerrigan to her sister. Ever. The man was merely a means to obtain valuable information. “Nothing more,” she muttered, though she doubted her words.
A knock on the door caused Rose to lift her head. On a groan, she called out, “Did you forget your key or misplace it again, Lily?”
She made the effort to get off the bed, and when she opened the door, her anger turned to one of shock. Aidan Kerrigan’s great shadow darkened the door’s entrance. His gaze went from her eyes and traveled the length of her body.
“Is this how you greet all your guests, Rose?”
Her eyes widened in alarm. “Oh!” Slamming the door on the man, she dashed over to the bed and yanked on her jeans. And to add further to her embarrassment, Lily’s voice echoed in the corridor. Running into the bathroom, she quickly swept a passing glance over her hair and face. “Awful,” she muttered, twisting the long mass of hair into a knot. Searching the bathroom counter in a panic, she plucked a hairclip and pins from her sister’s case and secured everything.
“You have a visitor,” announced Lily upon entering.
Taking a deep breath, Rose released it slowly and strolled into the room.
“Forgot my money,” confessed Lily, digging in her purse.
The corners of Aidan’s mouth twitched in mirth, and Rose gave up trying to fight the heat rising to her face. She lifted her chin and stared at him—daring him to burst out in laughter.
“Good morning, Aidan,” she greeted.
He coughed into his hand. “Actually, it’s early afternoon.”
Her humiliation now complete, Rose folded her arms over her chest. “Is there a reason why you’re here?”
“Did I not say we would see each other again?”
“I took it to mean something else,” she argued, keeping her eyes fixed on his. Do not retreat. Do not let him intimidate you with his size. Do not swoon!
His smile was slow in coming. “I accept. Dinner tonight after I let you inspect the standing stones in Corridon.”
Rose snorted in disgust. The man was not following the conversation. Making up his own set of rules. “Absolutely not. I think—” She blinked, finally recalling all the words he had spoken. She grasped his forearm. “You are going to let me study the stones—in Corridon?”
Aidan glanced over her shoulder at her sister. “Did I not express myself clearly?”
“You sure did,” admitted her sister.
Rose beamed. “I don’t know what powers of persuasion you used over the professor, but thank you.”
He dipped his head. “You’re welcome.”
Lily nearly pushed her out of the way as she thrust her hand out toward the man. “I’m Rose’s sister, Lily. It’s nice to meet you.”
“And you, as well.”
Rose chuckled softly. “Give me a few moments to gather my supplies, and I’ll meet you outside.”
Her sister continued to banter with Aidan as they strolled out of the room, giving Rose time to brush her teeth and apply some lip gloss. After retrieving her boots by the side of the tub, she went to the small desk by the bed to check the supplies in her satchel. Picking up her journal by the lamp, she stuffed it inside.
Lily stepped back in the room and leaned against the door. “Oh, sister…”
“What?”
“You don’t lie very well.”
Rose shrugged. “I don’t know what you’re referring to.” Sitting down in a chair, she put on her boots.
“Sadly, I won’t be able to see how this adventure will play out here,” declared Lily.
“You’re speaking in riddles.” Rose stood and slung the satchel over her arm.
“I received news last evening that the new client is here from America. Arrived a week in advance. They’re requesting a meeting with Maeve and me, so I’m leaving now. I’ll call the hotel in Corridon and have them change the reservation to one. Sorry I won’t be able to assist you.”
“No worries. I only need a day or two at the most, especially since the professor has given me access to the stones.”
Lily pushed away from the door. After pinching her sister’s arm, she glared at her. “You must be blind or you’re lying.”
“Ouch! Your brain must be addled,” declared Rose. “Whatever are you referring to?”
“Be careful of Mr. Nobody, Rose MacLaren. Your face betrays your feelings. If you have not noticed, Aidan is one gorgeous man.”
Rose swallowed. Noticed, filed, and tucked away. “I will ring the Society when I’m ready to return and someone can pick me up.”
When she stepped outside the door, Rose paused and looked at her sister. “He’s not the adventure I’m seeking.”
“I think you’ve already taken the first step.”
Her sister’s words continued to echo within Rose’s mind as she made her way out of the hostel and into Aidan Kerrigan’s vehicle.
Chapter Nine
“To study the footpath of an ancient civilization, you must travel the road with a keen insight to the landscape of the past, not present.”
~Society of the Thistle
The busy highway blurred behind them as the vista opened to reveal the lush hills of Corridon. From the moment Rose entered the car, Aidan could sense the uneasiness from his traveling companion. She continued to fidget with the strap on her satchel, keeping her gaze fixated on the passing scenery, and remaining silent. Was she contemplating her greeting earlier in only a sweater that barely reached the tops of her thighs? The vision she presented him roused his lust in an instant. Aidan yearned to lift her into his arms and whisk her away to some remote part of his castle—preferably his chambers, and feast on her body.
Slamming the door on the image, Aidan cleared his throat. “Your enthusiasm to view the site has left you without speech, Rose.”
“What?” she asked softly, turning her attention to him.
Her eyes mirrored the deep forests of his homeland, and Aidan swiftly glanced away. “You’re quiet.”
Rose laughed nervously. “Sorry. I guess I don’t have much to say at the moment.”
“What are your plans when you get th
ere?” he asked, attempting to draw her into a conversation.
She huffed out a breath. “Observe, notate, photograph, and contemplate the surrounding area.”
“Efficient, precise, to the point.” What has you wound so tight, lass?
Wisps of silver-blonde tendrils had escaped from the braided hair on her head, and Aidan’s fingers itched to hold them against his skin. Instead, he returned his attention to the road in front of them. Horses grazed in the surrounding hills, the afternoon sunlight shimmering on their dark manes. The soothing view of land and animals quieted his inner turmoil. The beast of lust had emerged constantly in Rose’s presence, and he found it difficult to harness his desire for her, and to keep his other emotions in check.
Enough! Bind and control. She’s merely a human.
When Rose’s stomach protested loudly, Aidan pulled the vehicle to the side of the road.
“Why are you stopping?” complained Rose. “Have you rescinded your offer in taking me to the dig site? Surely it’s not much farther.”
Aidan stepped out of the car, choosing not to respond to her cutting remark. “Would you care for coffee or tea with your cucumber and watercress sandwich?”
Her eyes lit up. “You have coffee? Food?” She removed her satchel, dumping it onto the floor of the vehicle.
He tried to contain his humor. “Yes.”
“I’ll take coffee, please. Do you need some help?” she asked, exiting the vehicle and coming to stand beside him.
Aidan opened the back door and pulled forth a thermos. Handing it to her, he then proceeded to bring out two sandwiches. Motioning toward the fence, he suggested, “Let’s eat out in the sunshine.”
“Excellent.” She beamed.
“Do you require cream or sugar with your coffee?”
She shook her head, and more of her locks came tumbling free. “Nope, unless you have cinnamon?”
“Cinnamon?” He closed the car door and started forward.
Rose lifted her head to the sunshine. “Helps to curb the bitterness.”
Aidan nodded slowly. “Interesting…”
When they reached the fence, Rose immediately dove into the coffee. After pouring a full cup, she inhaled and sipped it slowly. He stood in fascination, watching her ritual. When he held out the sandwich, she shook her head. “I must have a full cup inside my system first.” She gave him the most glorious smile. “Thank you. I fear I would have been difficult to be around without any food or coffee. I can be moody before my first cup.”