by Donna Grant
“How could you?” Jason bellowed.
Dale’s eyes blazed with fury, but he kept his gaze on the floor in submission just as Jason expected. “My men were no match for the others.”
“I gave you all you needed to best him,” Jason said as he paced the length of the private office he used beneath the house, the heels of his boots hitting the floor hard.
“Arran wasna alone!” Dale paused and said in a calmer voice, “Two more were with him.”
Jason paused and lifted his blue eyes to Dale. “Did no one know others had left MacLeod Castle?”
Aisley crossed one leg over the other and tapped a broken nail on the arm of her chair nonchalantly. “It appears not.”
Jason’s head whipped around to her. He glared and pointed a finger in her direction. “When I want your opinion, I’ll ask for it. Now, shut your trap!”
She waited until he’d turned his back before she rolled her eyes.
“We know Charon disappeared from our watch,” Jason said.
Dale stroked his goatee. “He’s the copper Warrior? He was the one who came in last and took the two Druids.”
“You had two Druids within your reach.” Jason leaned his hands on his desk and shook his head. “And you didna return with them. How does that happen?”
“You have no’ fought those Warriors,” Dale said.
Jason straightened and looked at Dale. “No’ yet, but I will. Who was the other Druid?”
“Saffron. She was meant to be a surprise.”
“You should’ve told me! I could’ve been there and gotten both the Druids. Do you have any idea what a Seer could do for me?”
“Aye,” Dale said tightly. “Declan used her, remember.”
“Exactly. I need Ronnie, Dale. I need to know what was in the chamber, and I suspect her magic has something to do with her being able to find so many artifacts. That could prove verra useful if we need to find something.”
“You think you can convert her to a drough?” Mindy asked as she caressed a hand down Jason’s back.
“I converted you, did I no’?”
Mindy giggled and rubbed her large breasts against him. “You were very convincing.”
Aisley thought she would throw up if she had to keep watching them. She hated Mindy with a passion that bordered on extreme. One day she and Mindy were going to have it out. The “when” was the question.
“All isna lost,” Jason said after a long kiss with Mindy. “I have three more Warriors.”
“Three?” Dale repeated. “How did you find them? I thought it was growing more difficult to locate men who had the gods within them.”
Jason took a deep breath and slowly released it. “My magic is that great. It’s true I had to go to Ireland for one of them, and the other two were … no’ easy to bring home.”
Not easy my ass.
Aisley didn’t know how much longer she could sit and listen to Jason go on about his magic. He might have located the men, but she was the one who had persuaded them to come to Scotland.
One she’d had to drug just to get him on the ferry and out of Ireland. He was a crazy bastard. But that volatility was nothing compared to his rage when he awoke to find himself locked in a cell.
He’d promised her and Jason they would pay for what they’d done.
Aisley still shivered when she thought of his warning. Jason hadn’t been concerned, not even when he released the god within the Irishman.
But Aisley had seen the promise of retribution in the Irishman’s green eyes.
“Did you no’, Aisley?”
She jerked her gaze to Jason. “What?”
“I said you did a good job in getting the men here.”
He still smiled, but she saw the spark of annoyance in Jason’s eyes. “Yes. Thank you.”
Jason slapped Mindy on the ass and winked at her as he walked slowly around his office. “Since Mindy has reported that Charon hasna returned to MacLeod Castle with Ronnie and the other Druid, there are only two places he would have taken them. To his village, or the dig site.”
“I’ll have a look at the village,” Dale said.
Jason held up a finger. “Already being taken care of. There are those who know what I am, those who want to help me in my quest. They may no’ have magic, but they’re useful. One has reported that Charon isna in his village.”
“Then we go to the dig site,” Mindy said with a wide, eager smirk.
Aisley frowned. “Wait. I thought only Warriors were going to the site?”
“A little slow today, are we?” Jason asked her, the sarcasm dripping from his voice.
“Apparently.”
Jason slid his gaze away from her. “There is enough magic in the area based on what Dale has told us that if there are other Warriors, they willna be able to detect you.”
Aisley had an uncomfortable feeling about Jason’s new plan. He’d told her a Druid with enough magic could stop a Warrior in his path, but she wasn’t sure she had enough magic to do that.
And from all she knew of the MacLeod Warriors, they weren’t men to be trifled with.
“In other words, Aisley,” Jason continued, unaware of her turmoil, “they willna know you’re there until you send them a blast of magic. I just need them detained long enough to get Dr. Reid.”
“And when does this plan of yours take place?”
Jason cut his eyes to her. “In a matter of hours. We leave in five minutes. Be ready.”
Aisley slowly stood as he and Mindy left the office. She placed a hand on her stomach, which had turned sour at Jason’s words.
“Aisley?” Dale whispered.
She looked into his dark eyes and tried to smile. Dale witnessed what Jason had done to her, and it was Dale who had given her the tools to stitch her side—since she’d never been able to use her magic for healing. He’d tried to do it himself, but Jason hadn’t allowed it.
“I’m all right.”
“You’re no’ a good liar.”
She touched her side, still feeling the blade that had cut through her skin. “Were the MacLeod Warriors really that good?”
“Better. I doona relish fighting them again.”
“They why do it?”
“Because Jason demands it.”
“You’re a Warrior. You could fight him.”
Dale looked away from her gaze. “There are things you doona know, Aisley. I have to do as he orders. And doona ask more. Just leave it as it is.”
She looked up the stairs where Jason had gone.
“I’ll watch over you,” Dale promised. “The MacLeod Warriors willna harm you.”
Aisley took his hand and squeezed it. She appreciated his words, but she knew in battle they would be useless. “Thank you.”
She knew all she had to do was show Dale the slightest interest and he could be hers. For as long as Jason allowed it. But Aisley didn’t want to give Jason anything to use against her.
Aisley released Dale’s hand and squared her shoulders before she followed Jason up the stairs.
* * *
Ronnie wiped the back of her arm across her forehead and sat back on her heels. It had felt good to get her hands in the ground again and dig.
The activity hadn’t completely taken her mind from Arran, but it had helped. Her emotions swung from anxiety and fear about the attack to warmth and protection when she thought of their hours alone.
One minute she knew everything would be all right, and the next she was a bundle of nerves. Each hour that ticked by with no word from Arran took ten years off her life. She’d be lucky if she survived the day.
Several more items had been found in the section she was working. She’d even discovered a bowl with amazing knotwork that somehow reminded her of Arran. The bowl had come through the ages faring well, with only a few chips along the rim.
Ronnie held up the bowl and turned it first one way and then the other. It might be one of the items she requested to keep for herself, if the government allowed it.
She handed it off to Andy to be cataloged and numbered along with everything else. Ronnie had started the catalog and numbering system after Max stole from her.
At least now she could account for everything.
Ronnie spent another three hours slowly moving dirt in the hopes of finding something else. She could still feel there was something in the ground, but she could no longer tell exactly where, since her mind wasn’t completely in it.
Finally she rose to her feet and looked at the sky. It was well past midday. She’d expected Arran by now. Where was he? And why hadn’t he contacted her?
She took off her gloves and shoved them into the back pocket of her jeans as she walked to the tables where everything was laid out.
Andy was there with his clipboard, keeping track of everything. Ronnie couldn’t contain her smile. That clipboard was never out of Andy’s sight, not even when he ate. She often teased him that he took it in the shower with him.
“Hey,” Andy said when he saw her.
“Hey. How’s it coming?”
He grinned boyishly and shoved his glasses up on his nose. “It was another good day. I wonder how much more is in that section?”
“More, I hope.”
“I wish I knew how you pick the sectors to excavate, Ronnie. It’s magic, I swear.”
She stilled and slowly looked at him. For long moments she’d didn’t breathe until she realized he hadn’t meant actual magic.
“What is it?” he asked, his forehead furrowed. “You went white.”
“Nothing. Sorry. It’s been a long day.”
“You look beat. I think you should call it an early day and get some rest.”
“Maybe I will.” Ronnie ran her hand along the bowl she’d just dug up.
Someone shouted for Andy, and he hurried away. Ronnie didn’t mind. She liked being alone with the items she’d dug up, items that hadn’t seen the light of day in centuries.
She often wondered what the people who had used the pieces she found had been like. Were their lives good? Bad? Had they loved and been loved? Did they have a family? How had they died?
Her gaze moved slowly over the items displayed on the table. It wasn’t until her second look that she realized the large piece of rock carved with amazing detailed knotwork was missing.
There was no empty place on the table, but she knew it had been there. And that wasn’t the only piece missing.
A sick feeling filled Ronnie.
“No,” she said softly, her stomach curdling as she realized what had occurred. “This can’t be happening to me again.”
She spun on her heel and went to find Andy. She didn’t say a word as she pulled the clipboard from his hand and looked over his inventory.
Ronnie put an asterisk by the pieces she knew were missing. Then she went back to the tent and looked, piece by piece.
“What is it?” Andy asked worriedly as he stood behind her, a frown marking his brow.
Ronnie turned around, barely able to take a breath. “There are six pieces missing.”
“What?” he gasped, and took the clipboard from her.
She held her stomach as she tried to keep the little food she had eaten for lunch down.
“I don’t believe it,” Andy whispered.
Ronnie couldn’t either. Nor could she believe Arran would do something like that to her. Arran. The man who had danced with her, kissed her. Made love to her.
The man she had given herself to.
The man she had begun to fall for.
She blinked hastily to stop the threat of tears. Now she knew why she hadn’t heard from Arran, why he hadn’t bothered to call. He’d been busy stealing from her while she worried about his safety.
Did that mean Saffron was also in on it? Ronnie hoped that wasn’t the case, but at this point, she didn’t trust anyone.
She stumbled out of the tent.
Only to lock eyes on Arran as he strolled casually toward her.
CHAPTER
THIRTY-ONE
Arran couldn’t keep the pleasure from showing as he looked at Ronnie. He’d waited hours to be able to hold her again, to know that she was all right. How he had missed her.
As he closed the distance between them, all he could think about was having her against him again. Holding her, touching her.
Loving her.
He was nearly to her when he saw how pale she was. The smile dropped and concern took over. Before he could say anything to her, Ronnie turned on her heel and walked away.
Arran lengthened his strides and followed. He glanced at Andy to see him shaking his head as he looked from his clipboard to artifacts arranged on tables. It didn’t take a detective to know there was something up.
And Arran suspected more items had been stolen.
No wonder his Ronnie was upset. After the first time, he suspected Ronnie had thought never to have it happen again. Arran would find who had stolen from her and make them pay.
He privately hoped it was Max. He wanted to find the bastard and make him hurt as he’d hurt Ronnie.
Ronnie walked through the dig site until they reached the spot where the tents and caravans were. She suddenly stopped behind her tent and whirled to face him.
Arran was right on her heels, ready to take her in his arms and give her whatever comfort he could. It would be short-lived because of the danger approaching, but he’d take the time.
He saw her arm rise, saw her hand come at his face, but he did nothing to stop the slap. The sound was loud as her hand connected with his face.
He rubbed the spot on his cheek and looked at her. So much for offering comfort. “Care to tell me what that was about?”
“Stop it,” she ground out. Her body shook—but with fear or anger, he wasn’t sure. Her eyes were bright, as if she held back tears. “Just stop it. I’ve had enough of the lies and your seduction. Why did you come back? To take more?”
Arran frowned as he struggled to comprehend what she was saying. “What do you mean, why did I come back? Why do you think I came back? I came for you. I promised I’d keep you safe.”
She laughed, the sound filled with hurt and indignation. “Oh, you’re good. So much better than Max.”
And then it dawned on Arran. “You think I stole from you?”
“I know you did!” She closed her mouth and put her hands on her hips as she looked at the ground. “I trusted you.”
“The only thing I would have tried to take from you is your heart, lass.”
She shook her head slowly. “Stop the act. I’ve counted six items gone, not including what you convinced me to give you from the chamber. How much have you taken in all?”
Arran grabbed her arms and gave her a little shake. “I. Didna. Steal,” he said slowly, enunciating each word.
“Am I expected to believe you? Nothing has been stolen until you arrived. I don’t believe in coincidences, Arran.”
Neither did he. He dropped his arms and took a step back. How had this happened? More important, why didn’t she believe him?
They had a connection, a bond. It hadn’t been a figment of his imagination. He’d felt that bond, knew it had strengthened while in Edinburgh. Arran wished now he’d never let her out of his sight.
“Aye, I expect you to believe me. You saw the attack. I’ve been battling men since Charon took you out of the hotel. I made sure the police knew you were no’ involved, and I got information from the Warrior we were able to keep alive for a wee bit. I watched Camdyn get struck by bullets filled with drough blood and prayed that I got him out in time so Sonya could save him.
“Fallon jumped us back to MacLeod Castle so Camdyn could get healed and he could tell me what they’ve found. I returned to you as quick as I could. Tell me what I need to say so you’ll believe I didna steal from you.”
“Was it all a setup?” she asked as if he hadn’t spoken. “The attack, the story about the Warriors and Druids? Was it all some elaborate scheme to get close to me?”
Arran clenched his jaw as he felt his connection with Ronnie unraveling with no way to halt it. “Nay. What I told you was the truth. You’ve seen me and the others. You know I didna lie about being a Warrior, and you know you’re a Druid.”
“All I really know is that I’ve been used.” She blew out a shaky breath and put her hand to her forehead. “I want the items returned immediately, and maybe then I won’t report you to the authorities. I don’t know if anything you’ve done involves Saffron or not, but either way, I don’t want her funding anymore.”
“Ronnie, this has to wait.” He’d debated on telling her that she was bait after everything she’d said, but she needed to know. “There’s an at—”
“An attack,” she finished, and dropped her arms to her sides. “Yes, I’m sure there is. Now, get out of my sight, Arran. I don’t want to see or hear from you or anyone you’re associated with ever again. I hope I’m clear on that. Go away.”
Arran watched her walk away. He felt as if he’d been gutted. He was crushed, shattered.
Destroyed.
All by one woman.
He couldn’t think straight, couldn’t even begin to understand how this had happened. All he kept hearing in his head was her parting words. They echoed in his mind, getting louder and louder until he was deafened by them.
Someone touched his arm, and Arran spun around to find Andy. Only then did Arran realize he had Andy by the throat. He quickly released him. “Sorry, mate.”
Andy rubbed his throat and warily looked at him. “I don’t think you did it,” he said after clearing his throat several times.
“I didna.”
“She won’t listen to you, though.” Andy pushed his glasses up on his nose and gave a shake of his head. He seemed suddenly older than his twenty-something years. “Max really messed her up. There’s nothing you can do or say to make her believe it wasn’t you.”
Arran suddenly grunted. “There’s one way. I find the real thief.”
“That would work,” Andy said with a chuckle. “Where to start, though.”
“I begin with you.”
Andy held up his hands so quickly, he dropped the clipboard. “I—I wouldn’t dream of do-doing that to Ronnie. She’s like my si-sister, dude.”