The Mystic Cove Series Boxed Set (Wild Irish Books 5-7)

by Tricia O'Malley

  Chapter 35

  Though it felt like days, it was likely only a matter of minutes, perhaps an hour, that Dylan sat, frozen in place, his arms around a shivering Rosie, as he watched Grace.

  He’d never seen such magnificence, nor frankly could he even understand what he was seeing. A golden halo of light seemed to pulse around her, quickly enveloping Liam, and the two of them seemed to shine in this almost otherworldly glow. Sweat poured from her brow, and he wanted to go to her and wipe her brow, or put a cold cloth on her neck, but he held himself back. Dylan had promised to not interfere, no matter what happened.

  She was enthralling, at one with the universe and all its energies, and he had never been more in awe of anyone or anything in his life.

  And yet, as the minutes ticked by, nerves started to rack Dylan’s gut. What if she couldn’t save Liam? Shouldn’t he call the paramedics from the house phone? It would make sense to have them on their way, just in case. Worried that he was failing his friend, Dylan shifted from where he crouched, deciding he would just sneak into the living room and place a call to the medics.

  Liam’s eyes opened.

  “Oh, there he is,” Dylan whispered, careful not to disturb Grace’s flow, or whatever she was doing. The light began to build around them both, pulsing in liquid waves of gold, becoming so bright that Dylan threw up his arm to shield his eyes and Rosie whined and buried her face in her paws. For a brief second, Dylan’s heart seemed to stop as the thought crossed his mind that maybe he was witnessing Liam’s soul leaving his body.

  When a dark cloud, almost like a swarm of bees, flew from Liam and out the window, a resounding crash shook the entire cottage. Dylan jumped up, Rosie in his arms, and looked out the window, unsure of what do to.

  “He’ll be okay,” Grace said and Dylan looked to where she kneeled now, her head to the mattress. Gingerly, Dylan crept closer to look down at Liam.

  “Hey, mate. Sorry the scare. Guess you were right about the cove,” Liam said, his face pale, but the same smile hovering on his lips.

  “How… how do you feel? Are you okay?” Dylan whispered, bending to place Rosie on the floor, casting worried glances between Liam and Grace. He wasn’t sure if he was allowed to touch, or interfere, but she said nothing, only stayed with her head bowed to the mattress.

  Liam stretched and Dylan almost passed out with joy to see his body moving seamlessly – no paralysis, and no broken bones to be seen.

  “I feel like I was hit by a truck, and I could sleep for a week. But I’m okay. See to your woman,” Liam said, nodding to Grace. “She needs you more than I.”

  With those words, Grace slumped to the floor, motionless. Dylan scooped her up on the fly and, after depositing her neatly on the bed in her room, he called the only person he could think of.

  Chapter 36

  It wasn’t long before voices filled the small cottage. Margaret and Sean had unerringly found Dylan, who was hovering over Grace where she lay on the bed.

  “What’s happened?” Sean demanded.

  “Liam was hurt. Gravely. She healed him,” Dylan said, feeling slightly embarrassed by the explanation but too tired to care what they thought.

  “Did she take it into her? Or send it out?” Morgan demanded from the door where she, Cait, and Aislinn were crowded.

  “Um, out? Something dark went out the window and there was a huge crash,” Dylan said, and the women seemed to collectively sigh in relief.

  “Here, now, let us in, will you?” Margaret said, nudging Dylan back a bit. “We’ll see to her. Check on Liam, please.”

  Reluctant to go, Dylan just stood there. He’d never felt so helpless in his life, or so completely out of his element.

  “I don’t want to leave her. She saved Liam. For me, she saved him. It’s my fault she lies here like this,” Dylan said, his eyes on Grace, who lay motionless on the bed but for the light rhythm of her breathing.

  “She has her own mind, doesn’t she? You didn’t cause this, but I hope next time you’ll be more careful in your choices,” Margaret said, then shooed him back so that the women could crowd around the bed. Dylan watched as they all linked arms and laid their hands on Grace.

  “Come, boyo. Let’s check on Liam. Come, come,” Sean said, pushing Dylan out of the room and closing the door behind them.

  “But…”

  “They’re of the same blood. There’s none stronger that can help her now,” Sean said. They both entered the other bedroom to find Liam propped on the pillows, looking faintly dazed, but the color had returned to his cheeks.

  “There’s a lad,” Sean said, smiling at Liam. “Haven’t seen you for ages now. I wish I could say it was under better circumstances, but nonetheless, here we are.”

  “Sean, always nice to see you. Sorry for causing a scare,” Liam said, his voice drowsy, but his eyes bright and alert.

  “You’re not living if you don’t have a bit of a fright now and again,” Sean said. Then, casting a look over his shoulder to see if any of the women were about, he leaned in to whisper, “Think a whiskey will shape you up?”

  “Just what the doctor ordered,” Liam agreed, and Sean disappeared into the other room.

  “Liam…” Dylan said, his hand closing around his friend’s palm, squeezing it tightly. “You scared the shite out of me.”

  “Aye, I know. It scared me too, truth be told. I couldn’t feel my legs. I thought I was done for, I really did,” Liam admitted. “It hurt like nothing else I’ve ever felt before – at least the parts that I could feel. I think I just eventually passed out from the pain. What… what happened? It seemed like one moment I was on the beach and the next I was a crumbled mess on the rocks.”

  “You were. It was a rogue wave – an enchanted wave – there’s no other way around it. Just tossed you in the air like you were a dog toy. It has to be quite possibly the scariest thing I’ve ever seen in my life,” Dylan admitted, squeezing Liam’s hand harder, “I thought you were gone. I… I may not say it much, but you’re family, Liam. I don’t know what I would have done without you. You’re my best friend, my right hand man, my brother.”

  “To family,” Sean interjected before the moment became too weepy, and handed out small glasses of whiskey.

  “Sláinte,” Dylan said, taking his down in one swallow. Though it burned a path straight to his gut, he still felt shaky after what he’d witnessed that day.

  “How’s Grace?” Liam asked, his voice strained.

  “She’ll be fine. Just needs to regain her strength. A healing like that will knock a body out for a time, is all,” Sean said.

  “Still don’t believe in magick?” Liam asked, cocking an eyebrow at Dylan.

  “I… I have no explanation for what I saw other than magick, power of the universe, divine intervention. So no, I can’t say that I don’t believe,” Dylan said.

  “Smart lad. You can’t be around these women and not believe in magick. It makes the world a hell of a lot more interesting, and that’s a fact,” Sean said, cheerful as ever.

  Dylan just shook his head at the man’s easy acceptance of the phenomenal events they’d just witnessed.

  “I know you aren’t in here serving that man whiskey after he almost died.” Margaret’s sharp voice had both Sean and Dylan ducking their heads.

  “Aww, Margaret, the lad asked for it,” Sean said, neatly throwing Liam to the wolves.

  Figuring she couldn’t harass him much after the ordeal he’d had, Liam smiled at her weakly. “That I did, pretty lady. Just a wee spot of medicine to get me sorted out.”

  “Well, since you’re all sorted, get to your feet then. You’re coming back to the village with us,” Margaret ordered.

  “Wait, do you think he should stand?” Dylan asked.

  “I’m fine, I’m fine.” Liam rose easily, proving his words.

  “Nonetheless, we’ll be keeping an eye on you in town. Dylan, you’ll stay here with Grace,” Margaret ordered, and sailed from the room with her head high.
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br />   “But… wait. What if she needs something? Like something magickal that I can’t do? Should I take her to the doctor?” Dylan protested, coming to stand in front of the women in the living room.

  “We’ve done what we could to help her. All she needs now is rest, and to know that she’s not alone. There’s some soup from the freezer defrosting on the stove,” Cait said briskly. “Make sure she rests.”

  “But…” Dylan said again, but his protests went unheard as the women steamrolled him before clucking around Liam and getting him to the car. In a matter of moments, the cottage was once again quiet but for Rosie, who came over and dropped the bone he had given her at his feet.

  “I suppose that’s the least I can do for you,” Dylan said, remembering it was the dog who had found them first. Finding the cookie jar on the shelf, he tucked some treats into the toy before poking his head in to see Grace, resting peacefully in her bed beneath the eaves. It took all his willpower not to go to her, crawl in bed, and cradle her to his chest. It wasn’t her job to soothe his nerves right now, Dylan scolded himself. Easing the door closed just slightly, he turned back to the room. Spotting the rocking chair and the fireplace, Dylan set about making himself at home.

  For if he had any say in it, he wouldn’t be leaving here any time soon.

  Chapter 37

  She felt powerless.

  It wasn’t a feeling that Grace particularly enjoyed, especially considering she’d been able to do anything she wanted her whole life. At this moment, she was so exhausted that even opening her eyelids was a struggle.

  Someone was moving around in her cottage, with soft music – a pretty Celtic number – playing from the stereo by her fireplace.

  “Water?” Grace whispered, her eyes still refusing to open. Paws hit the side of the bed, and Grace felt Rosie’s cold nose on her arm before she padded away. Seconds later, Grace felt a presence over her.

  “Water?” Grace whispered again, hopeful.

  “There she is,” Dylan said, and he crooned to her as he lifted her head, pressing a cup to her lips so she could drink. The cool water soothed her ravaged throat and she smiled, just barely, before drifting off once more.

  The next time she woke, Grace was able to open her eyes. Turning, she saw that Dylan had pulled the rocking chair close to her bed. He sat there reading a book, Rosie at his feet. Dark circles ringed his eyes, and he looked like a man who was dead on his feet.

  “Is there… water?” Grace whispered again, and Dylan’s head shot up. Snapping the book closed, he sat on the bed and helped her with water once more. This time, she didn’t drift off immediately, and instead surveyed his face.

  “Thank you,” Grace said.

  Dylan half-laughed, raking his hand through his mussed hair and shaking his head. “You owe me no thanks. ’Tis I who should be thanking you. You saved Liam’s life. I’m forever indebted to you,” Dylan said, his voice sober as he looked down on her.

  “I’m glad to have been of help. My responsibility,” Grace said, still barely able to speak, her eyes drifting closed once more as her body demanded sleep to restore her resources.

  The third time she woke, Grace was startled to find that Dylan lay in bed next to her, his arm thrown over her body, cocooning her in his warmth. Feeling incredibly safe, she snuggled in, and he buried his face in her neck. Grace held her breath for a moment, wondering if he would say anything, but then realized he was asleep as well. The man must have been exhausted, Grace thought, and settled back to enjoy the feel of his arms around her. Even if it was but for this one moment, she’d take it, and worry about what the future held later. Once more, she drifted off to sleep, feeling secure as she snuggled into Dylan’s warmth.

  Grace didn’t know how much time passed before she finally sat up and looked around. She smiled at the sight of Dylan sitting in the rocking chair once more, his head nodding as he slept over the book in his hand. Not wanting to wake him, she slid her legs from beneath the quilt, for she desperately needed to use the facilities. Rosie, the little traitor, let out a short bark and Dylan snapped awake.

  “What are you doing?” he asked, jumping to his feet. He was at her side immediately.

  “I, um, need to use the toilet,” Grace said, nodding to the little bathroom in the corner.

  “Oh, right,” Dylan said, and helped her up. Together they walked across the room, though Grace didn’t need the assistance. She just liked touching him.

  “I’m fine to go in alone. Truly, I feel much better,” Grace said and smiled at him.

  “You’re certain?”

  “I am. I haven’t slept that peacefully in years. In fact, I’m quite energized,” Grace admitted.

  “You’ll call me if you need me? I’ll be right here,” Dylan said, worry crossing his face.

  “Yes, I promise,” Grace said and slipped inside. One look in the mirror made her change her plans, and she laughed when he complained from outside the door.

  “You didn’t say you would shower,” Dylan yelled.

  “I need it. It makes me feel better. I promise I’m okay,” Grace said as she luxuriated in the feel of the hot water coursing down her back. There was nothing quite like a hot cleansing shower after feeling sick for days. When she walked out, wrapped in only a towel, Dylan stood in front of her with his hands on his hips.

  “You could’ve collapsed in the shower and hit your head,” he griped.

  “I really do feel better. In fact, is there any food? I’m ravenous,” Grace admitted.

  Dylan sprang to action. “Yes, let me make something. Can I help you to bed or… um, to get clothes on?”

  Grace bit back a smile at his awkwardness, so uncharacteristic for this highly confident man.

  “Why don’t you get food and I’ll put some clothes on.”

  “Pajamas only. You’re going right back to bed,” Dylan ordered as he left the bedroom. Which was fine with Grace – she wasn’t quite up for leaving the cottage just yet.

  Slipping on loose flannel pants and a long-sleeved waffle knit shirt, she toweled most of the dampness from her hair before winding it into a knot on her head. By the time she’d finished, she was more than ready to crawl back under the covers of her bed. Rosie jumped up immediately and pressed her nose to hers.

  “I’m just fine, girl. I promise. It was scary for a moment, is all. You should get a badge – a hero-dog badge,” Grace said, rubbing Rosie down until the dog rolled in delight on the bed.

  “So, Rosie was the heroine of the story?”

  Dylan came through the door with a tray. Leaning over her, he put the tray on her lap and she was delighted to see toasted cheese sandwiches and a bowl of tomato soup. Perfect fare for someone on the mend, she thought, and immediately dunked her sandwich into the soup and took a gleeful bite.

  “Yes, I’ve never seen her like that,” Grace said, gesturing with her sandwich, Rosie’s eyes following its every move. “She completely lost her shite, howling away, and I knew instantly something was wrong. I opened the door and she was off like a rocket to the cove. When I saw your truck… I thought it was you.”

  Grace shivered as she relived the moment, and Dylan came to stand over her, running his hand down her arm to soothe her.

  “I’m a complete and utter fool,” Dylan admitted and Grace nodded, not trusting herself to speak without crying. She shoved another bite of sandwich into her mouth before she said something stupid, like ‘love me.’ Dylan hovered over her, awkwardly watching her eat, unsure what else to say. By the time she was finished, he’d made her so nervous with his fluttering about that she wanted to snap at him.

  “All done?”

  “Yes, mother,” Grace said, feeling cranky.

  A ghost of a smile passed across Dylan’s exhausted face. “I’m told that once the patient gets cranky, they’re on the mend,” he said, removing the tray and then standing over her once more. “What can I do for you? What do you need?”

  “A hug,” Grace whispered, not willing to meet his eye
s.

  “I can accommodate that,” Dylan said and the bed dipped as he slipped beneath the quilt beside her, pulling her to him so that he completely enveloped her in his arms. Burrowing her face into his chest, Grace listened to his heart beat. She wanted this – just this – more than anything else in the world.

  “I’m so sorry. I should have stayed away from the cove. Liam wanted to go there so desperately – I told him it was a bad idea. I knew it was a bad idea,” Dylan said, his voice all rumbly in his chest.

  “Men never listen,” Grace said.

  “I could say the same for many a woman I know,” Dylan said.

  “I suppose that’s true as well,” Grace admitted, shifting so she could look up at him.

  “You scared me,” Dylan said, his voice soft.

  “My healing or the aftermath?” Grace asked, wanting to clarify.

  “All of it. From the cove chewing Liam up and spitting him out, to you somehow transporting him home, to the healing, to you folding in a heap at the floor when it was done. It was the single most terrifying and awesome experience in my life. I’m still reeling from it all,” Dylan admitted.

  “Magick scares you,” Grace said. It wasn’t a question.

  “It does. It makes me feel like I don’t have a choice in the outcome of a situation,” Dylan said.

  “You always have a choice. Free will,” Grace whispered, her eyes drifting closed as she snuggled in, sleepy and sated from her meal. She knew they had much to discuss and that nothing was really, truly resolved.

  But in this moment? She was exactly where she wanted to be.

  Chapter 38

  Grace blinked her eyes open, startled to see it was dark. Dylan lay next to her, his arms still wrapped around her, protecting her even in his sleep. She studied him in the low light from the small lamp on a table across the room.

  She loved him.

  There was no denying the fact. She could hide from it, disavow it, try to convince herself that she couldn’t love the man he was in this lifetime. But no matter what tricks she tried to play on herself, the truth was always there, riding just below the surface. Grace loved him and could forgive him his transgressions of the past few weeks, if she so chose. He certainly hadn’t handled things well, but learning how he had wanted to create something to help others had only endeared him to her further.