by C V Leigh
“That he’d killed me?” Nicholas grinned. “It would take more than Nathan Trevell to finish me off. I’m a Kincaid through and through. We’re made of stronger stuff. Let’s get back to the house. There’s nothing out here. With any luck, Alistair’s been able to speak to the Council.”
Drake appeared, rifle ready.
Nicholas helped Jacob until he found his legs once more; it wasn’t healthy to only partly transform and had left him weakened. A bird landed on a branch, sending snowflakes tumbling over them.
A howl caught their attention.
“He’s taunting us,” Drake said. “Did you find anything?”
Nicholas shook his head. “His scent is all over the place. It’s like he’s looped around and gone back on himself and then changed track again, in both human and wolf form. There were signs of a recent kill—”
“A ewe, maybe,” Jacob said with a grunt.
“Most likely,” Nicholas continued. “I made it as far as the road. Looks like someone’s had a go at clearing it. We might be able to make it to Taedmorden by morning as long as it doesn’t snow again. We’ve been lucky and caught the edge of the storm. All the cables and lines seemed to be intact, so they should be back up and running soon.”
“There was a piece of burnt wood in that barn, stank of Nathan’s blood.”
“Clever dog,” Nicholas said. “Cauterising his wounds, minimising bleeding. I wonder what else he’s got hidden up his furry sleeves.”
“It almost sounds like you’re impressed.”
“Part of me is. If what we suspect is true, then he’s following his natural, primeval instincts. He’s reclaiming his mate. In the wild—”
“In the wild,” Drake cut in, “male animals will kill the young of another male just to assert their dominance. He’s made it clear he thinks Megan’s daughter is the key to something much bigger. We need to protect the boys.”
“We’re not wild animals, though,” Jacob pointed out. “He’s nothing more than a rabid dog that needs to be destroyed.” He stormed off in front of his twin brother and uncle, making his way back to the house, and ignoring the howls that echoed in his mind.
* * *
Alistair dialled a number and held his mobile to his ear. “It’s Alistair. No… No, Alistair Kincaid.” He groaned. “Your fucking boss! I said… No. I need to speak to… Imad? It’s Alistair… Shit!” He dropped the phone on the table.
“No luck?” Megan asked. She sat at the table, watching as he paced the kitchen. She lifted a mug to her lips and took a sip.
“No.” Alistair went to the kettle and made himself a cup of tea. “I managed to send an email to the Americans, but can’t get hold of anyone in Edinburgh.” He huffed a laugh. “How ridiculous is it that I can contact people on the other side of the world, but not those less than two hundred miles away?”
“Did you try to email Edinburgh?” she offered.
“Yes, but it failed. Bloody internet’s as shit as the phone service. In and out. I’ll try again later.” He kissed the crown of her head. “I’m glad you’re feeling more like your usual self.”
“It helps to have the children around. And Zane insists I drink this revolting concoction of his.” She pulled a face. “It smells like compost, but I have to admit it helps with the nausea. I’m sorry if I’m keeping you awake at night. I’ve had some terrible dreams.” She looked up at him and smiled. “They’re just nightmares, though.”
His phone vibrated on the table. He snatched it up and answered it. “Imad… I’m glad you were able to get through.”
Megan picked up her drink and left him in peace, heading for the drawing room. She passed the library, where Ben played with his toy cars.
“The phones are back!” Tess squealed, running down the hall. She darted into the study. Megan followed her. Tess woke the computer and frowned at the screen.
“Everything okay?” Megan asked.
She screwed her mouth to one side. “You might want to get Alistair.”
“What is it?” Megan moved around to the other side of the desk and saw what had Tess so concerned: photographs of Nathan. With Nicholas.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Tess sat on a bench on the side patio, her back to the house, a view of the gates to her right. The sun broke through, warming her face and hands. She watched the snow melt into cold puddles and listened to the distant sound of the stream trickling gently into the valley.
When the brothers and their uncle had returned, Derek had come back with news the roads had reopened, and the storm hadn’t been nearly as bad as they’d first thought. He’d taken the Land Rover and headed into town to pick up more groceries. Zane had given him a list of items to get from the pharmacy, including a new first aid kit after the old one had gone missing and nobody knew when or how.
She rubbed at the sore spot on her leg. One advantage of being a lycanthrope was a quicker healing time, but it still hurt like hell.
She kicked her legs underneath her and pulled a tartan blanket over her lap when an icy breeze blew around the side of the house. The overnight gales may have blown some of the snow away, but they’d done nothing for the cold air. Steam danced from the mug she clutched, and the sweet smell of Derek’s famous hot chocolate and vanilla filled her nostrils. She had just taken her first sip when a four-by-four marked with fluorescent stripes and lights on the roof pulled up to the gates.
An arm came out of the window and pressed the buzzer. Tess strained to hear. A woman with a soft Scottish lilt introduced herself as Sergeant Clara McBride.
The wrought iron gates creaked open, a hungry mouth ready to devour whatever morsel it was offered. The car drove in and parked behind the Mercedes-Benz. The woman climbed out, dressed in black combat trousers and heavy snow boots. A stab vest covered her chest, an unzipped thick jacket over the top. She approached Tess.
“Hi,” she said, then took her gloves off and held a hand out. “Sergeant McBride.”
“Tess Lowry. How can I help?”
“I’m here to speak to Mr. Kincaid.”
“Which one?” Tess asked, standing up and taking the offer to shake her hand.
“Nicholas.”
Tess put the mug on the glass and metal table. “He’s somewhere. Follow me.” They headed in through the front doors and met Alistair in the hallway.
“Sergeant McBride is looking for Nicholas,” Tess said.
“Sergeant McBride. It’s been at least a week since we’ve been graced with a visit from Taedmorden’s finest,” Alistair said.
McBride gave a sardonic smile. “I’m looking for your uncle Nicholas. I need to speak with him regarding an incident that took place in the bed and breakfast a few days ago.”
“Sure. If you’d like to take a seat in the lounge, I’ll go and find him for you.”
“I’ll wait here, thanks.”
Tess took her in. Beneath the layers of cloth and Kevlar, she was tall and elegant. A thick mane of red curls had been pulled back into a tight bun at the nape of her neck, with a few frizzy strands spraying around her hairline. She looked at Tess with deep hazel eyes. It was obvious she didn’t have a clue how Tess was related to the Kincaids.
“I’m Nicholas Kincaid’s personal assistant,” she offered.
“And he brings you to stay here with him?” McBride studied her with narrowed eyes.
“I’m also his nephew’s partner,” she explained. “I take care of everything pertaining to the Kincaid family business.”
“Ahh, yes.” McBride nodded. “Sanguis Luna Law, right? It’s Latin for blood moon, isn’t it? Bit of a strange name for a business.”
“It’s memorable. Marketing is everything.”
“I’m sure.”
“So, what do you want with Nicholas?” Tess asked.
“I’d rather speak to Mr. Kincaid about that.”
Jacob strode down the hall, dressed in smart jeans and a checked shirt with the top button undone. “Sergeant McBride? I’ll be acting as Nicholas�
�� solicitor. How can I help you?”
“Jacob,” she said with a nod as if remembering him from a previous encounter. Perhaps from Megan’s incident in town. “I wasn’t aware the lawyer would need a lawyer,” she said, clearly bemused. “He hasn’t been arrested or charged with anything. Yet,” she added, staring straight at Jacob. If she’d heard the rumours of the wolves of Faol Hall, she didn’t believe in them.
Jacob smirked. He’d played this game before. “Arrested or not, he won’t be speaking with you unless I’m present.” He held out an arm and accompanied McBride to the study. Tess enjoyed watching the show–Jacob Kincaid, smart, professional, polite, and always in control. A far cry from the man they saw behind closed doors.
Tess followed until Jacob stopped her in her tracks. “He doesn’t need a PA,” he said.
“No, but if this gets out, then the whole family might need some good publicity. Let me sit in. I can spin this the right way, you know I can.” She pushed past him and grabbed a notepad and pen from the desk. “Don’t mind me,” she said, taking a seat in the corner.
“This is certainly unusual,” McBride said, taking out her own pad and pen. She looked at Nicholas who was already leaning against the desk. “Mr. Kincaid?”
“Nicholas. Please, take a seat. Excuse my nephew and niece-in-law. When you live in a family of lawyers—”
“I understand.” McBride glanced between Jacob and Tess, and it was clear she thought he was the brother she was dating. “Mr. Kincaid, can you tell me where you were three days ago?” She remained standing.
“I was here for much of the day. I also went into Taedmorden—”
“To speak to the police.”
“Yes. There had been an incident involving my nephew’s wife, Megan.”
McBride looked at Jacob. “I believe you were present during that incident, weren’t you?”
Jacob folded his arms over his broad chest and nodded.
“Yes,” Nicholas confirmed. “I went to the police station, and once I was assured all charges had been dropped, and no further action was being taken, I returned home.”
McBride scribbled on her pad and made a disagreeable noise. It was also clear she was not one of the officers he’d bribed, but she knew those he had. “You didn’t stop by the B & B?”
“I wouldn’t have any reason to, no.”
“And yet we have a witness claiming a man matching your description was seen fighting with one of the guests. Can you explain that?”
Nicholas bristled. “They were mistaken.”
“Not many men come to Taedmorden dressed in an expensive suit like they’re ready for a business meeting.” She used her pen to gesture at Nicholas’ attire. “Nor do they have a family history like yours.”
“Make your point, Sergeant,” Jacob said, irritably.
“We’ve all heard the rumours, Mr. Kincaid.”
“What rumours?” Nicholas asked innocently.
“Oh, come now, Mr. Kincaid. You know exactly what I’m talking about. Reports of missing livestock—”
“Are you saying you believe in werewolves?” Jacob asked.
“No, of course not. But there’s no smoke without fire.”
“Did someone see a wolf then? Perhaps you should be speaking to the Cairngorm Rangers instead. Or the local wildlife park.” He exhaled. “I’m getting a bit tired of fielding these absurd accusations.”
McBride smiled. “Oh, the suspect is very much human,” she said. “But, where the Kincaid family is involved, it’s best to investigate every small detail, go down every avenue.” She turned back to Nicholas. “So, Mr. Kincaid? Do you have anything to say?”
“They were mistaken, Sergeant McBride.” Nicholas straightened. “Can I ask what this is all about?”
“The guest in question has been reported missing. You, or whomever he was fighting with, is possibly the last person to have seen him. I’m just following up leads.” Her smile was sickly-sweet. “And, yet again, a major incident has led to your door.”
“Who reported him missing?” Tess jumped to her feet and promptly sat back down under Jacob’s intense stare. She shifted uncomfortably under the heat of his glower.
“The owner of the B & B. The guest was supposed to check out yesterday, but never did. When the owner went to look in his room, you know, to make sure he hadn’t done a moonlight flit without paying his bill, all of his things were still there, and the bed hadn’t been slept in. We’ve asked around the town, and your name kept popping up, Mr. Kincaid. A police officer identified you. So we have a fairly good idea it was you who was fighting with him.” She gestured at the wound on his brow. “And you’ve clearly been in some kind of altercation.”
“I walked into a door,” Nicholas said with a small smile.
“How convenient,” McBride said.
“What’s the guest’s name?” Jacob asked. “Perhaps we can help? It’s possible he got lost in the mountains, and we know this land better than anyone.”
“He registered under the name Nate Travis. He’s an American tourist, although the owner of the B & B thought he might have been English. His accent was muddled.” She looked around the room. “Does that name ring a bell?”
They all shook their heads.
“I can’t say it does,” Nicholas said. “Perhaps Jacob is right, and he simply got lost. It happens more than you’d think.”
“True enough,” McBride agreed. “Mountain Rescue are already out searching.” She pulled a business card from her pocket and handed it to Nicholas. “In the meantime, if you do think of anything, or see anyone, or anything unusual, perhaps you could give me a call?”
“Of course. I’m sorry we couldn’t be of more help.”
McBride chuckled. “You should be aware, Mr. Kincaid, that the locals are already creating new stories around Faol Hall. Missing livestock is one thing, but missing people?” She paused. “Murder.” She shook her head. “Well, that’d be a new one, eh?”
“Murder?” Tess gasped and shrank back when she caught Jacob’s glare.
“Wouldn’t it just.” Nicholas smiled. “But I can assure you, Sergeant McBride, nobody has been murdered by anyone in the Kincaid family. You are free to search the property if you wish, but you won’t find any evidence of this… What did you say his name was again?”
“Nate Travis. No, I’m sure I wouldn’t.”
“Let me show you out.” Jacob guided the policewoman out of Faol Hall. Tess remained in the study, replaying the scene in her head.
“Shit.” She hissed a breath as the reminder of her encounter with Nathan Trevell pinched at her ribs.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Michael sat on a straw bale while Nathan re-dressed his wounds. He’d brought out a thermos of coffee and some fruit he’d taken from the kitchen. He’d also found some better-fitting clothes; he doubted anyone would miss them; they hadn’t seemed too bothered by the disappearing first aid kit. Nathan looked as smart as Uncle Nicholas when he put on the fine trousers and a clean shirt. A layer of stubble had started to grow over his chin, though. Uncle Nicholas would never allow that to happen; he’d always been clean-shaven, for as long as Michael could remember.
“What…” Michael cleared his throat. “What else do you need?”
“Nothing,” Nathan said with a smile. “You’ve done amazingly well. I’m proud of you.”
Michael grinned. His father rarely praised him. “Are you sure I can’t help you? I don’t mind. I’m good at finding things.”
Nathan shook his head. “No. I wouldn’t want you to get into trouble.”
He’d said that before, but Michael knew he was going to be in a whole heap of trouble if his dad found out he’d been helping Nathan, anyway.
Michael kicked at some loose straw. “It wouldn’t matter if I came with you,” he said, voice aimed at the ground. “He wouldn’t care anyway. He’s too busy looking after Mum and Ben. He doesn’t give a shit about me.” His eyes widened as he realised he’d sworn, but Nathan didn�
��t seem to mind.
“And how does your mum feel about being fussed over?”
“She’s pissed off,” he replied, relaxing into the fact he was allowed to swear around Nathan. “I heard her saying she wishes they’d all stop it and just let her be. She wants to go back to being normal, but Dad won’t let her. He said she’s got to take it easy, and that he’ll deal with it all because he’s the big Alpha. But nobody will tell me why or what’s going on. I wish we could all just leave. I hate it here. Dad doesn’t like me being outside on my own. He says you’re going to try and kill us.”
“He treats you like a child.”
“Right! He thinks because I’m not thirteen yet, and I haven’t had my first change, that I’m some weakling, like Ben. But he doesn’t know everything’s starting already. My hearing and sense of smell are already pretty powerful, maybe more than Uncle Nicholas’. I found you all by myself, and they don’t even know you’re here!” He laughed. “They think you’re holed up in some old rundown barn on the other side of the stream.” Michael picked out a piece of straw and twisted it in his fingers, feeling the rough edge against his skin. “The police came. They were looking for you. They said there’s going to be helicopters and all sorts searching the area. Tess is worried.”
“She’s your aunt, isn’t she?”
“Not really. She’s Uncle Zane’s girlfriend. She’s not a Kincaid. She tries to be my friend, but I know she’s only trying to be sweet, so Uncle Zane likes her more. Uncle Jacob called her a liability. They don’t get on. He says Uncle Zane is led by his dick.” He sniggered.
Nathan tilted his head and narrowed his gaze. “Jacob sounds very angry.”
“He is. All the time. He hates being here as well. He wants to go back to Edinburgh. So do Uncle Zane and Tess. But Dad insists we stay. He says we’re safer here.” He looked at Nathan. “Where do you live?”
“America. But I used to live in England. Your Uncle Nicholas made sure I had to leave.”