Highland Shifters: A Paranormal Romance Boxed Set

by Unknown

  “What makes you so confident this cure will work?” Brynner leaned forward, placing his palms on the table.

  “I’m actually more confident about the properties of the final ingredient. If the cure doesn’t work, I’m at least certain you won’t die from it like the others did.”

  “What is this final ingredient?”

  Monika hesitated. “Broderick…has the answers. He has the final ingredient. I know you have kept my magick a secret all these years, and I do trust you to keep this one…but it’s not my secret to share.”

  “I knew there was something unusual about that young man,” Johanna said. “No one faces a creature like that werewolf and lives to tell the tale.” She snorted. “The beastie was easy to scare off, indeed.”

  Monika chuckled. “You are correct about that, but I will let Broderick be the one to tell you. I’ll return with him at sunset. In the meantime, please stay indoors.” She turned to Brynner. “I have no idea what Marcus will do to obtain this cure. He knows you need it, too, and that you’re one of my best friends. He has proven to take very drastic measures, which means he may come after any of you.”

  Brynner frowned, but nodded.

  “I have a ward that will keep Marcus from entering the house, but since you have been bitten, it will also work against you. If I put the protection up, you won’t be able to leave, but they can if you need anything.”

  “Do what you have to. I want these two safe.”

  Monika walked around the farmhouse, erecting an invisible barricade at every window and entrance of the home.

  “That’s all?” Brynner frowned.

  “You can try to go outside, but it won’t be pleasant.”

  He grabbed the handle to the front door and swung it open. When nothing happened, he frowned and stepped forward. Before he crossed the threshold, he was thrown back onto his bottom with a grunt. His cheek glowed red. Analise rushed to his side.

  Monika shook her head. “I did warn you.”

  Brynner pursed his lips and touched his cheek, wincing. “Very amusing.”

  Monika chortled. She opened her jar of burn ointment and smeared a dab of it into Analise’s palm. “For his cheek.” After resealing the jar, she dropped it back into her basket. “At sundown then.”

  Johanna closed the door behind Monika as she exited.

  Monika had a strong suspicion Marcus Sparenland was indeed somewhere close by. He most certainly didn’t seem the type to just give up and walk away because Monika snubbed her nose at him. She plodded down the path back to Kostbar. Until Broderick rose this evening, she would wait in her cottage.

  When Monika approached her home, she halted in her tracks. The door was ajar. Cautiously, she crept toward her home, making a wide arc to peer inside at a safe distance. She frowned at the low burning fire in the hearth. Other than that, she saw no movement in the dim common room. Tiptoeing forward, she stole some flames from the hearth and raised her hand, ready for anything.

  Mina stepped out of the bedroom and gasped, hurling a gust of wind at Monika, blowing out her flames and scattering many objects around the cottage. “For goodness sake, child! You nearly sent me to my grave!”

  “Oma!” Monika dropped her basket and rushed forward, embracing her frail grandmother. “I’m so sorry. Do sit down.”

  Mina returned the hug and chuckled. Shuffling to the chair Monika offered, she sat and placed her palm on her chest, then frowned. “What are you doing wielding fire so openly?”

  Monika picked up her basket, erected the ward around the house and closed the door before she started righting all the debris blown around. However, she reconsidered since she would only be repeating the clean-up. Surely Oma would not be happy once Monika confessed the events of the week. “It’s a rather long tale. Let me make you some chamomile tea.”

  Mina pursed her lips. “Chamomile, eh? This isn’t going to be good news, is it?”

  “Well, some of it is, but you’ll need something to keep you calm.”

  A soft breeze moved through the cottage. “Oh, bother.” Mina propped her elbow onto the table and rested her chin in her hand.

  Monika grinned wide. “Perhaps I’ll add some lavender to the tea as well.”

  Mina’s eyebrows rose into her hairline. “If I need that much calming, wait until you brew the tea before you unfurl your long tale.”

  Once Monika set the strong, steaming cup before her grandmother, she joined her at the table. She finally admitted she’d been having dreams of being in love with a Scottish man and told Oma about Broderick and his wife Davina, including the fact that Davina was Monika’s previous life. She recounted most of the events that transpired since Mina left to care for Symon…except for the nights she spent in Broderick’s arms, of course. During Monika’s descriptions of those tense moments with Marcus, wind swirled in a corner or two, in spite of Mina’s calm façade. These were subtle signs of her grandmother’s stirring emotions and Monika’s brow creased with confusion. The larger the turbulence, the stronger her grandmother felt about a particular topic, but very little disturbance occurred as she continued recanting her experiences from the week. Perhaps the tea is doing more than I thought it would.

  Monika told Mina almost everything up until yesterday—when she was able to bring the book home—before she sat and crossed her arms. “Go ahead. Do your worst.”

  “What, child?” Mina sipped her tea.

  “You took all this surprisingly well and only interrupted me for clarifying questions. Hardly any a-stirring. I assume you’re waiting until I’m finished before you let loose your whirlwind.”

  Mina scowled and set her cup down. “I have had almost a week to mull over your little sex magick spell and everything you ignited while I was away.”

  Monika blanched. She hadn’t mentioned that in her summary.

  “Yes, the winds told me what you did and I’m a little disappointed in you.” Oma pursed her lips and waggled a scolding finger while dust stirred in the corners. “You are a Fire Witch, the most volatile magick of all the elements. You know this and yet you combined this combustible force with sex magick. And to make matters worse, you used an abandoned faery ring!”

  Monika’s hair fluttered around her head and she gripped the edge of the table.

  “Just because the fae no longer use the ring doesn’t mean their mischievous intentions aren’t left behind. I would wager it was the little dash of their influence which made your week so trying.”

  The air settled around Monika.

  “However, since you have received very unwanted attention from men as a result, I do hope you have learned your lesson.” She snorted and tipped her cup to her lips. “Much of what has happened is very good news and many of it I have been expecting for some time now. Although, I am upset that you put yourself in danger with this…Marcus.” A gust blew Monika’s basket from the table. “Excuse me.” Mina took another sip of tea.

  Several little breezes rustled the corners of the room and Monika hunched her shoulders, ready for the storm. The drafts stirring dust in the rafters settled and sprinkles of dirt rained on the table while Mina held her hand over her cup.

  Mina sighed. “I am thrilled the book is returned to us after all these years, but you put yourself in harm’s way, and for what? We still don’t have a cure, Treasure.”

  “Actually, Oma…we do.”

  “What do you mean?” Mina clasped her hands into her lap and leaned forward.

  “The final ingredient is Vamsyrian blood.”

  “How is that? I don’t understand.”

  “Oma, it is the most wonderful miracle I have ever witnessed. The blood can be used as a liniment to heal a cut or wound instantly…or taken internally as an antidote.”

  Mina’s mouth dropped open. “To heal the person from the wolfsbane!”

  Monika grinned and nodded. “Precisely!”

  A pleasant warming draft swirled around the cottage. “Oh, child! That is good news!” She held her palms to the sky an
d muttered a prayer of thanks.

  Monika sank back into her chair, smiling and enjoying the glee on her grandmother’s face.

  Mina cackled. “You little sprite. I knew you were up to something the morning I left.” She patted Monika’s hand. “I am glad all turned out well.”

  “So how is Papa? How badly was he wounded?”

  “Silver weapon, so you know the recovery is slower. And he had a very deep gash. I feared for his life.” Mina snorted. “Of course, you know your stubborn father. He won’t listen to me when I tell him to rest, and he insists he’s well.”

  Rolling her eyes, Monika repressed a smile. Sounds like a certain Vamsyrian I know. She rose and set about straightening the cottage from the little wind gusts, while she and her grandmother caught up on the rest of the village happenings and the welfare of her father.

  * * * * *

  Irma held the fresh-baked loaf to her nose and breathed deep. “I love your bread, Edda.” She sighed. “Papa Josef and Hans do, too. They’ll love this. Thank you!” Slipping the loaf into her basket, she covered it with a cloth.

  “Are you sure you don’t want me to walk with you?” Edda wiped her hands on her smock.

  “No, no!” Irma hung the basket on her arm and waddled out of the blacksmith’s shop. “It’s a short walk there and back and gives me some quiet time.” She waved over her shoulder.

  “Very well, dear.” Edda waved back. “Come by later if you need anything.”

  Lumbering across the courtyard, Irma rubbed her belly as she veered onto the main path toward Vollstadt. The walk to her father-in-law’s dairy farm was pleasant, with a cool breeze soothing her face and the sun hanging low in the sky, casting a warm orange and yellow glow above the trees. After she dropped off supper, she would be back home just before sundown.

  “I can smell that bread from here, fräulein.”

  Irma turned around and smiled at the handsome stranger. “Freshly baked,” she bragged. “And it’s Frau, if you please. Frau Fischer.”

  The dark-haired man with ice-blue eyes and Van Dyke beard sauntered toward her and bowed. “Forgive me. I’m Herr Carr.” He glanced around the area. “Nice evening for a walk. I’m headed to Vollstadt. Would you mind if I accompanied you?”

  “I’m afraid it won’t be for very long. I’m bringing supper to my husband and father-in-law, just up here at the dairy farm.” She waddled along and squinted, concentrating. “Carr…Carr. Why is your name familiar?”

  “I’m not sure. I don’t believe we’ve met before.”

  “Oh! You must know Fräulein Konrads. She said she’s been writing herbal remedies for your father these last few days.” Irma grinned, glad she’d solved that little mystery.

  “You’re correct.”

  “Well, here we are!” Irma stopped and nodded to her companion. “Thank you for the company. A good day to you, sir.” She turned to walk up the path, but winced when he gripped her arm, stopping her.

  “I’m afraid you’ll be accompanying me on an errand of utmost importance, my dear.” He pulled her against his imposing frame and she gasped at the sharp point at her side. “Shall we?”

  Irma shrank under his frosty gaze and nodded, holding her belly and praying.

  * * * * *

  Monika refilled their tea cups and a knock rattled the front door. She and Mina locked gazes and Monika swallowed the sudden fear that surfaced. She pulled some fire from the hearth again, a glove of dancing flames ready to do her bidding. “Who is it?”

  “’Tis I, Monika.”

  Relief rushed through her body so quickly, her knees trembled. She shook off the fire and threw open the door, nearly jumping across the threshold and into Broderick’s arms. “Thank the Gods, it’s you.”

  His chuckle rumbled against her breasts as he lifted her in his embrace. “Good evening, Blossom,” he whispered against her ear.

  Monika mumbled the removal of the ward on the house and pulled Broderick inside by his hand. “Come! You must meet my grandmother.” She closed the door behind them and hugged his arm as she stood at his side. “Oma, this is Broderick MacDougal.”

  Mina remained seated, her hands still clasped in her lap, a soft smile upon her lips…and her eyes glassy with tears. Broderick stepped forward and bent on one knee before her. Taking her wrinkled hand in his, he kissed it. “’Tis a pleasure to meet you, madam.” His voice, a whisper.

  She studied Broderick’s face before she patted his cheek. “You’re much more handsome in person than in the thoughts Malloren Rune shared with me so long ago.”

  “Oma?” Monika maneuvered around Broderick to peer at his scowling face. “You met the prophetess Broderick told me about?”

  “I knew that woman was somehow involved.” He stood and paced the room, raking his fingers through his hair. “That is how you learned the incantation to ward yourselves against Vamsyrians, is it not?”

  Mina nodded. “She came to the old cottage the night Monika was born.”

  Monika put her hands on her hips and repelled the sinking pressure in her stomach. “Oma. Why did you never tell me?”

  “It wasn’t necessary, child. Malloren had said who and what she was and informed me she was gifted with the knowing. You were a special babe, she said, who must be guarded against Vamsyrians. Though there may be Vamsyrians who might try to hurt or take you from us, only one would come for you when you were of age and be your protector.”

  “Did she feed from you?” Broderick crossed his arms, maintaining his black expression.

  Mina shook her head. “She placed her palm on my brow and I saw your face in my mind’s eye. When I asked your name, she said a name didn’t matter, as many Vamsyrians used several names through the years.” Her grandmother regarded both Monika and Broderick, then cackled. “All has turned out exactly as Malloren predicted. Though she knew nothing of this Marcus or him returning with the book.” She pointed to Broderick. “Everything about you came to pass. I don’t understand why you are of such a foul disposition.”

  Broderick harrumphed and leaned against the mantel. “She is known to be a bit of a manipulator, revealing only parts of the truth and leaving everything up for interpretation.”

  “Malloren reveals just enough information to guide us, but not too much as to interfere with our free will and judgment.” Mina pointed a scolding finger at Broderick. “You, Vamsyrian, are one who doesn’t like to lose the reins and strives to control the journey every step of the way.” She cackled again. “Control is an illusion, young man. None of us are ever in control of our destiny, so you might as well relax and enjoy the scenery along the way. You are older than I am, so you should know this.”

  Broderick cocked an eyebrow, then grumbled.

  Monika gasped and grabbed Broderick’s hand. “Goodness, I completely forgot. I promised Brynner and Analise I’d return with you to discuss administering the cure.”

  “I would like to accompany you.” Mina rose from the table and snatched her shawl from the back of the chair. “I want to see this cure and how Vamsyrian blood heals.”

  Taking her mother’s book off the bookcase in the bedroom, Monika showed Mina the final recipe for the cure she’d scrawled on a separate piece of paper. Monika folded the scrap of parchment and placed it in the basket. Along with that were the ingredients she’d gathered this morning in preparation to force the cure on Marcus, including the vial with Broderick’s blood.

  Broderick pulled his sword a few inches from the scabbard, then shoved it back into his the sheath. He nodded and escorted them out of the cottage. He scanned the surrounding fields and forest as soon as they arrived at the farmhouse.

  Monika slipped her hand into his as her grandmother walked inside. “What is it, love?”

  “I know he’s out there and I don’t want him interfering or learning about the cure.”

  “I have a feeling he already knows about it.”

  “All the same, I’d rather not risk it.” He frowned at Monika. “I may not be able to con
trol my destiny,” he said referring to Mina’s previous comments…and the words were bitter on his tongue. “But I’m not going to keep us open to an attack. I’m going to erect some boundaries around the property to keep him away.”

  Monika stood on her tiptoes and pulled him down for a kiss. “I’m in agreement with you. Be careful, though.”

  “Always.” He tasted her lips once more and waited until she was inside before he ran around the farm, searching for any sign of the werewolf. When he found none, he held his palms in front of him and recited the incantation, imagining an invisible wall at least thirty feet wide and just as tall. Encircling the entire property, he repeated the ward until the farm was surrounded by protection. This allowed him to enclose the area without having to perform a cleanse from the center outward, which permitted both Broderick and Brynner to remain within.

  “The protection is up,” he informed them all when he walked through the door. “If Sparenland is out there, he won’t get near enough to see what we’re doing.” While Monika and Mina were busy at the hearth, preparing the herbs for the cure, Broderick explained to Analise, Brynner and Johanna what a Vamsyrian was.

  “So what does a Vamsyrian have to do with the cure?” Brynner crossed his arms.

  “’Tis my blood that’s the final ingredient to the cure.” Broderick borrowed a knife from the chopping block and asked Monika for one of the cups they were using in their preparations. Taking these to the table, he made an incision across his forearm, allowing his blood to drip into the cup. The cut healed almost instantly, much to the amazement of everyone present. Broderick inclined his head toward Johanna. “I see that cut on your forehead is still healing.”

  The older woman touched the gash she’d received when she fell, running from Marcus…the night Brynner was bit. She nodded.

  Broderick dipped his finger into the blood. “May I?”

  Johanna darted her eyes around the room. Mina shuffled up beside her and took her hand. “Go ahead, Johanna. I’m sure all is well.”

  When Johanna nodded, Broderick dabbed his blood onto the scabbed laceration and she gasped. Brynner, Analise and Mina each murmured in fascination and Johanna touched her now-healed forehead. “It’s gone!”