Bound by Blood (Cauld Ane Series)

by Tracey Jane Jackson

  “And what were your plans for the chemicals, Shannon? A lot of innocent people could have been killed.”

  “Are humans really ever innocent?” Shannon let out a sigh of irritation. “Besides, only a few would have ultimately died. We had an iron-clad plan until you arrived. You were an unforeseen problem.”

  Sam snorted. “I think the real problem here is that my mate has been entirely too nice to you.”

  She noticed Baldvin move out of the corner of her eye and before she could react, Payton slumped to the ground. Alex headed toward Fiona and Sam shouted, “Don’t!”

  Alex froze. Sam blinked and focused on Shannon, whose eyes expressed fear.

  You have the gift of suggestion, love. Use it.

  What do you mean, “suggestion?”

  You can make them do what you ask them to do. You are their queen, they must listen to you.

  Sam bit her lip. Kade, I don’t know how I feel about this.

  Sweetheart, I need you not to feel right now. I just need you to keep them from hurting you. We can discuss your feelings later. We’re almost there.

  Payton’s hurt.

  I know. Just stay calm.

  Sam forced herself not to swear. Stay calm. Thanks, honey. Great advice.

  She stayed locked onto the three adversaries while Fiona saw to Payton.

  Fiona let out a curse. “You’re a real bitch, Shannon.”

  “What is it, Fi?” Sam asked.

  “Red Fang.”

  Shannon’s hand twitched, but when Sam snapped, “Don’t move,” she froze again.

  The plodding sound of feet distracted Sam and she found herself slammed to the ground, staring up at the sneering face of Shannon. A shot rang out, but before Sam could react, Shannon was hauled off her and Sam was lifted into Kade’s arms.

  She wrapped her arms around his neck and sighed. “Hi.”

  He gave her a gentle squeeze. “Are you hurt?”

  “No. Who got shot?”

  “No one. They missed.”

  She tried to push out of his arms. “Let me check on Payton.”

  He shook his head. “Brodie has her and Angus is administering the antidote.”

  “Will she be okay?”

  “Aye,” he rasped. “Be still, love. I need to make sure you’re all right.”

  Sam took the time to finally look at him. The worry in his eyes made her heart stutter. She stroked his cheek. “I’m fine, honey. I promise.”

  He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Sam stayed quiet, offering her whole heart to him. He relaxed after a few seconds and opened his eyes again. “I was terrified.”

  She smiled. “I know.”

  “I didn’t think we’d make it in time.”

  “I know, honey. But you did and I’m fine,” she said. “Put me down, hmm?”

  He gently lowered her to the ground, but kept an arm firmly around her waist. She felt his emotion, the heaviness of it, and laid her palm against his chest, willing him to calm. “I really need to check on Payton. Okay?”

  He took another deep breath and gave her a curt nod. She stepped away from him, not surprised that he followed.

  Brodie was on the ground, cradling Payton in his arms. Her eyes were wide and she appeared frightened, but the rest of her body was limp. Tears slid down her cheeks and Brodie wiped them away gently as Angus stuck a needle into her arm and pressed the plunger in.

  Connall and a man Samantha didn’t recognize were in a deep discussion, while the security detail secured the three “revolutionaries.”

  A deep, frightened groan from Payton had Sam’s heart racing, but Brodie pulled her closer and Sam smiled when Payton wrapped her arms around his neck and sobbed into his chest. She would be fine. Brodie would make sure of it.

  Kade grasped her hand, and Sam sighed as he pulled her back into the safety of his arms. “Everything’s secure now. Connall and Max are going to remove Shannon and the others, and we’ll head back to the hotel.”

  “So, that’s Max?” Sam nodded toward the handsome, athletic man with dark hair and ice-blue eyes.

  He nodded. “Aye.”

  “He’s on the Council, right?”

  “Why?”

  She smiled up at him. “Just putting a face to the name.”

  “You’ll meet him later. Right now, I want you all to myself.”

  She linked her fingers with his and gave his hand a gentle squeeze. He forced a smile, but she could feel his stress. “Hey. I’m okay.”

  He nodded.

  “Did you get everything done in Iceland?”

  He scowled.

  Baby, tell me.

  He closed his eyes and gripped her hand tighter. Iceland was a decoy.

  In order to get to me here?

  He nodded again.

  Why?

  They knew that if they could kill you, they could move forward with their plan, and I wouldn’t have been able to stop them.

  Sam frowned. Yes you would.

  No. I. Wouldn’t. “If you were to die, Sam, I would follow.”

  “Don’t say that, Kade. Lots of people survive the loss of a spouse and you’re needed here.”

  Kade’s sudden rage was so strong, Sam jumped away from him just before he slammed his fist into the car next to them, forcing it sideways with a screech of its tires.

  A collective gasp sounded from the group as Connall rushed to Samantha, pushing her behind his back, and holding a palm out to Kade. “My lord.”

  Sam stepped out from behind Connall and approached her mate. “Kade. Honey, I’m so sorry.”

  Kade’s eyes burned red as he stood drawing deep breaths into his lungs.

  “Sam, careful,” Connall warned.

  Kade turned toward Connall and his eyes narrowed. Sam swallowed, but continued toward Kade. Baby, I’m here. I’m safe. The danger’s over.

  He didn’t seem to understand her, so she tried again.

  Kade. Honey. Despite her fear, she reached out and laid a hand on his arm. He stared down at her hand and Sam gave his arm a gentle squeeze. Shhh. Everything’s okay.

  Kade blinked several times and Sam relaxed when she saw the flame recede and his eyes return to normal. He pulled her against him and buried his face in her hair. Sam wrapped her arms around his waist and held him tightly.

  Fyrirgefðu ef ég hræddur þig, elska. (I’m sorry if I scared you, love.)

  What? That little display? Pishaw.

  He chuckled and Sam felt the rest of the group relax. Her familial bond with Kade’s siblings was made more remarkable by the fact that she could feel their stress.

  I need you. Now.

  Sam nodded and let him lead her to the car. Another large Saxon-looking man held the back door open for her. She didn’t recognize him, but that didn’t surprise her. Kade probably had hundreds of large, fierce, wrestler-types at his disposal. She slid into the seat and secured her seatbelt. Kade did the same and quickly grasped her hand.

  You okay?

  He nodded. I should have known this was going to happen.

  How could you have possibly known?

  Because my mother set it up.

  Sam gasped. “Really?”

  He nodded. She betrayed us all.

  Before she could respond, the car pulled up to the hotel and Kade ushered her out of the car, into the hotel, and up to their room. He closed and locked the door, then rushed her. She was lifted off her feet and had to wrap her arms around his neck in order not to fall backward. His lips covered hers and she responded without thought.

  * * *

  Samantha licked her lips and tried to catch her breath. She pushed her hair away from her face and turned towards Kade. “My word, honey. I think you need to go away more often.”

  Kade growled. “Never again, Samantha.”

  “Sorry.” Sam giggled. “Too soon?”

  He pulled her close and kissed her. “I thought I was going to lose you.”

  “I know.” She stroked his chest. “But whatever this gi
ft is came at just the right time.”

  He nodded. “You’ll find more abilities manifest as time goes on.”

  “That’s what Fiona said. Kind of cool, because I thought this might be the only one I get. Not that I’m complaining. It’s really kind of cool, but I’m not sure the ability to make people do what I want them to do is a good thing. I would never want to abuse it.”

  “The fact that you’re concerned about that is probably why you got the gift in the first place. And according to the book, as my mate, you’ll be gifted with more.”

  She settled her chin on her hand and raised an eyebrow. “So you’re good value, then?” He chuckled and Sam grinned. “There it is.”

  “What?” he asked.

  “Your laugh.” She kissed his chest. “I have missed that most of all.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “You’ve missed my laugh most of all?”

  She grinned. “If you’d like to repeat what you did earlier, I could amend that statement.”

  “Is that a challenge?”

  “More like an invitation,” she retorted.

  “I accept.”

  He flipped her onto her back, laid a fingertip gently on her forehead and whispered, “Ég er að fara að kyssa þig hér…,” and then ran his finger down to her hip and then her ankle. “…og hér og alls staðar þar á milli.”

  (I am going to kiss you here…and here and everywhere in between.)

  Sam sighed and raised her chin to receive his kiss.

  * * *

  Two days later, Samantha stood in front of the mirror and tried to bring her wayward hair to heel. Pepper sat in her desk chair while Fiona and Payton sat on the bed and read a gossip rag. Kade had reluctantly left her to pick up his brothers and Angus, who had flown to Scotland with the “dissidents” and delivered them to the Council for decision of their fate. They were due to arrive at the Gastonian in an hour, where the ladies were scheduled to meet them.

  “Kade just left you ten minutes ago,” Pepper said.

  Sam scowled at her in the mirror. “Your point?”

  Pepper crossed her arms and rolled her eyes. “My point, strange one, is that you can’t look any better than you already do and your fiancé wouldn’t care if you shaved your head. He’d still look at you like you’re the only woman on the planet.”

  “I agree,” Payton piped in.

  “Are you suggesting I shave my head?” Samantha retorted.

  Pepper giggled. “Oh, I’m not suggesting, Sammi…I’m saying.”

  Sam smiled and opened her mouth to say something just as Pepper’s cell phone rang. She ignored it.

  “Your mom?” Sam asked.

  Pepper nodded. The phone pealed again and Pepper let out a frustrated groan.

  Sam laid the brush on the bureau. “Just answer it, Pep. She’ll keep calling, especially if she’s drunk.”

  Pepper nodded and answered the call. “Hi, Mom.”

  She listened for a few minutes and cringed. “I don’t know where your cat is, Mom. He’s probably roaming.”

  Sam raised an eyebrow in question. Pepper’s mom was probably drunk and the cat was probably sitting on her lap.

  Pepper’s face went ashen. “What do you mean?” she asked as she stepped out of the room. She returned within a few minutes. “Hey. I need to take care of something. Can you do without me for a bit?”

  Sam nodded. “Sure. Everything okay?”

  “Yeah. Mom’s melting down. I’ll be back by dinner.”

  “Can we do anything?” Fiona asked.

  “No. She does this a lot,” Pepper said.

  Sam hugged her. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

  “Yes.” Pepper forced a smile. “Now, enjoy your man. I’ll see you later.”

  Sweetheart? What’s wrong?

  Pepper. Sam sighed. Something’s going with her mom. Are they here?

  Landing in about twenty minutes.

  Are you coming here or to the hotel first?

  I’m surprised you have to ask. You are always first.

  Sam smiled. What about your brothers?

  Kade chuckled. They aren’t nearly as beautiful as you.

  Ah, so I’m first because you think I’m cuter than them?

  Aye.

  Sam stopped herself from laughing out loud. I don’t know, honey, Connall’s really pretty for a man.

  I’ll tell him you said that. I’ll see in you in a little bit.

  Hurry.

  Of course.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  LESS THAN THIRTY minutes later, the doorbell pealed and Sam rushed to open the front door. She was gathered up into Kade’s embrace and kissed until neither of them could form a coherent sentence. She looped her arms around his neck. “Hi.”

  “Hi.” He kissed her again. “Och, love, I missed ye.”

  “I’ve missed you more.”

  He grinned. “Not possible.”

  “You’ve been apart for less than an hour,” Connall retorted as he pushed Kade aside and hugged Sam. “You two really should get a room.”

  “If Kade didn’t have to pick you up from the airport, we would have,” Sam challenged.

  Connall laughed. “Touché. How are you?”

  “I’m great.” Sam grinned as Kade pulled her back against him.

  Brodie and Angus had managed to slip inside and were speaking with their mates. Payton seemed a little warmer to Brodie since her scare, but Sam could tell she was still a little leery.

  “Are your parents home?” Kade asked.

  Sam shook her head. “No, they left a while ago. I’ll set the alarm and we can go.”

  The group made their way outside so that Samantha could lock up and then she followed Kade to the car. They’d planned ahead and rented the stretch limo for the week, knowing they’d more than likely travel often as a group.

  “I’m glad he’s back with you, Sam,” Connall said. “He’s been a pain in the arse.”

  Sam laughed. “How is that even possible?”

  “You have her fooled, it would appear,” Brodie complained.

  Kade took Sam’s hand and smiled. “Absolutely. Like taking candy from a baby.”

  Sam snorted. “Have you ever tried to take candy from a baby?”

  “Admittedly, no.” He kissed her fingers. “But I’d imagine it’s about as easy as convincing you I’m perfect.”

  The banter continued as the group climbed back into the limo. Sam noticed a darkness cover Connall’s face and she frowned. Within seconds, her phone rang and Dalton’s name came up. “Hey, Dalt.”

  “Hey. Pepper’s mom was attacked.”

  “What? What happened?”

  Kade squeezed her hand and she gratefully took the comfort.

  “We’re not sure,” Dalton said. “I’ve got a team going through the house now, but Pepper’s gotta be somewhere else.”

  Sam sighed. “Bring her to the Gastonian. Kade booked the whole place and there’s plenty of room for her. Don’t take no for an answer.”

  “I won’t.”

  “Meet us at the hotel and we’ll all head to the restaurant together, okay?”

  “Okay, great. Thanks.”

  Sam hung up and sagged against Kade. “Pepper’s mom was attacked.”

  “What did Dalton say happened?” Kade asked.

  “He’s not sure. He’s got a team at the house now.”

  Kade kissed her fingers. “We’ll protect Pepper, you know that, right?”

  Sam nodded. “I know. The big issue is whether or not she’ll let you.”

  “She won’t have much of a choice, Sam,” Connall said as the car pulled up at the hotel.

  Kade slid from the back seat and then assisted Sam. She was pleasantly surprised that the rest of the group scattered, with the promise to meet up in an hour for dinner.

  Kade gave her a lascivious grin and whisked her up to the penthouse suite, where she found herself kissed and undressed in record time. She didn’t come back to earth until they were forced to a
cknowledge the time.

  Sam glanced up at the bed from her place on the floor, sprawled over Kade’s chest. “I remember that bed being quite comfy.”

  He chuckled. “I do too. I’m looking forward to actually sleeping there tonight.”

  Samantha giggled. “Me too.”

  Kade’s phone buzzed. “Where are my pants?”

  “Here,” Sam said and handed them to him.

  He pulled his phone from the pocket and sighed. “Everyone’s waiting for us in the parlor.”

  She kissed his chest. “Thank you for the quickie.”

  He grinned. “There’ll be much more to look forward to after dinner.”

  “Can’t wait.”

  * * *

  Kade and Samantha headed downstairs and met everyone in the foyer. They arrived just as Dalton walked in the front door with Pepper. Samantha planned to hug her friend, but hesitated when she saw Pepper catch sight of Connall.

  Like magnets drawn together, Connall approached Pepper and smiled as he held his hand out to her. “Pepper, lass.”

  “Yes,” Pepper said.

  “I’m Connall,” he said.

  “I’ll be damned,” Kade whispered.

  Sam glanced up at him. “Are they?”

  “They’re mates.”

  Sam laid her fingers over her lips. “Kade, really?”

  He kissed her temple. “Aye.”

  “Well, that worked out just about perfectly, didn’t it?”

  “Did it?” he asked.

  “She has been my sister-in-heart since we were seven. Now, she’ll be my sister-in-law for real.” He grinned and Sam sagged against him. “I didn’t really need to say that out loud, did I?”

  “Remember when I said I loved hearing your thoughts and secrets?”

  She smiled up at him. “I love you. You know that right?”

  “Intimately.” He leaned down and whispered, “I love you too.”

  Sam leaned closer to Kade, reveling in his strong arms wrapped around her, and watched as her best friend started her own magical journey.

  “Galdrastafir virðist ófullnægjandi á einhvern hátt (Magical seems inadequate in some way),” he whispered.

  She glanced up at him. “It does, doesn’t it?”

  “Tilvera högg með boltanum af eldingum vafinn í regnbogans.”

  She giggled. “Exactly! Lightning wrapped in a rainbow.”