“Yeah.”
She dropped her forehead to mine. “Yeah, yeah, or meh yeah?”
“Yeah, yeah.” I chuckled. “I just forget sometimes.”
“Why don’t we try to do that awake?” Isla suggested.
“Do what?”
“Find a place we both feel safe. A place in our minds. A place no one else can get to.”
I frowned. “And exactly how do we do that?”
She blew a breath out through her teeth. “I have no idea.”
I smiled, dropping my forehead to hers again. “Close your eyes.”
She did and I tried to reach her thoughts, but I just didn’t know how.
It’s okay, love. Let me try.
Within seconds, I stepped into a black room and let out a grunt when I could see nothing in front of me.
I’m here, Isla crooned.
Where?
Here.
She was suddenly in front of me. How did you do that?
Isla chuckled. I just found the link to your emotions.
What does that mean?
I’m not entirely sure how to explain it. Next time I’m emotional, you can practice.
So in about an hour?
She smacked my arm, and I was whooshed back into her bedroom. “Don’t undo all the gooey stuff we’re working toward.”
I grinned, kissing her gently. “I apologize.”
“Well, then you can make it up to me by walking me down to the barn.”
“Why the barn?”
“Because Hershey got out again and I need to see if I can figure out a better locking system.”
“I have other ways to make it up to you that are a hell of a lot more fun than walking you down to the barn and figuring out a better locking system… unless it’s locking you in handcuffs to the bed.”
Isla kissed me quickly, then climbed off my lap. “I have no doubt you’d like to keep me as your sex slave, but you’re going to have to wait for that until you pull your head out of your arse.”
I laughed. “Workin’ on it, baby.”
“I appreciate that.” She held her hand out to me and I rose to my feet and linked my fingers with hers.
* * *
Isla
Arric and I walked down to the barn in silence. Well, out loud silence, anyway. His brain was humming with all manner of things he was trying to keep from me.
“Stop it,” he growled.
I wrinkled my nose. “No. How else am I to get information out of you?”
“Ask me.”
“You deflect.”
He huffed.
Which is why I have to do it this way.
He let out a grunt as we walked into the barn and I heard Ahearn crooning to Hershey.
“Hi, Ahearn,” I called out.
His head popped out over Hershey’s stall and he smiled. “Highness.”
“Hershey’s abscess is back?”
“Aye,” he said, stepping out of the stall. “It’s nothing to worry about. We just need to keep him inside and dry for a few days until it resolves.”
“Except he has a problem staying inside and dry.”
“Aye,” Ahearn said with a sigh. “I’ve asked yer da to come and look at it later today.”
“Okay, thanks,” I said, and slipped into the stall as Ahearn walked away.
Arric leaned over the door as I ran my hands over my horse. I lifted his back hoof and ran my fingers over the frog.
“How do you tell if there’s an abscess?” Arric asked.
“Come in here and I’ll show you.”
“I’m good here.”
I released Hershey’s hoof and faced Arric. “Are you scared, love?”
“I won’t rise to that bait, Isla.”
I unlatched the door and slid it open. “Just come inside. You’re going to have to learn to be comfortable around horses or you’ll be miserable.”
“Why will I be miserable?”
“Because I will make you miserable.” I tugged him inside with a grin. “If you don’t love horses like I do, you’re not worth knowing.”
He rolled his eyes then closed the door behind him.
“Come stand over here,” I directed, guiding him in front of me.
“Shouldn’t I face his head? Not big on starin’ at a horse’s ass.”
“Why not?” I retorted. “I’m staring at one right now.”
He let out a sarcastic, goofy laugh. “Oh, you’re funny.”
“I know.” I smiled up at him. “Trust me?”
“I trust you, baby, but not your horse.”
“He’s never kicked anyone in his life. You’re perfectly safe.” I settled my palm on Hershey’s rump, then ran my hand down his back leg. “Watch what I’m doing, then I’m going to have you do it.”
“He’ll just pick his leg up like that? You’re not doing anything weird?”
“Like what?”
“With any horse I’ve been around, you gotta squeeze that soft spot in their ankle part.”
“The fetlock.”
“Sure,” Arric said.
“Nothing weird, love. Hershey knows what I want him to do,” I said. “You try.”
I stepped back and Arric settled his hand lightly on Hershey’s croup. Hershey threw his head up, startling Arric who sidestepped as far away as he could in the small space.
“You’re fine, love,” I said. “He’s just getting used to you. Try again.”
Arric didn’t look convinced as he walked back to Hershey’s side, settling his hand on his croup again. Hershey threw his head up again, but Arric stayed put which seemed to calm my horse.
“Okay, slide your hand down his leg,” I encouraged. “He’ll lift his foot for you without you forcing anything, so go gentle.”
Arric was halfway down Hershey’s leg when all hell broke loose, and I found myself shoved into a corner with Arric shielding me with his body while Hershey kicked out at him.
I shoved at Arric, but he pressed me further against the wall.
“I need to get to him,” I growled.
He shook his head. “I’m not letting him hurt you.”
When he shifted, I slid out from under his arm, and rushed to Hershey before Arric could pull me back.
“Hershey,” I whispered. “Come here, baby.” He snorted again, but I was able to reach him, so I laid my palm against his neck. “Shhh, you’re all right.”
He calmed immediately, shoving his muzzle into my palm.
“There you go,” I crooned, then focused on Arric. “He’s good now, love. You can move out of my way.”
He kept an arm around my waist but let me move closer to my horse. Hershey was perfectly calm now. In fact, his head was lowered, and he was putting weight on his back leg. I ran my hand down to his fetlock, no longer feeling any heat. Hershey picked his foot up and I pressed around the hoof. “The abscess is gone.”
“How can you tell?”
“Come and have a look,” I said, and showed him the newly healed hoof. I glanced up at him. “I think you did that.”
“Healed your horse?”
“Yes,” I said, dropping Hershey’s leg.
“How?”
“Not sure. But it’ll be something we’ll ask Haddi.”
“I don’t think Haddi will care two shits about whether or not I can heal a horse, Isla.”
I raised an eyebrow, squeezing his arm. “There has never been any record of one of us able to heal someone outside of our families, let alone the ability to heal an animal, love. My father’s a healer and even he can’t just lay his hands on an animal and cure it. He went to school to learn the technicalities of veterinarian medicine and uses that in concert with his healing gift. This is remarkable.”
“Well, I highly doubt I have the ability to heal a fuckin’ horse.”
I wrinkled my nose. “He’s not just a fucking horse, Arric Mann. He’s Hershey the Great.”
Arric chuckled, sliding the stall door open, and guiding me out. “Well, let’s l
eave Hershey the Great to rest.”
“You’re going to ride with me tomorrow, right?”
“Sure.”
I squeezed his arm. “Don’t be scared.”
“Baby, I’m not scared. I can ride. I’m just not the biggest fan of horses, and I just didn’t want him to hurt you.”
“Hm-mm,” I mused, unconvinced.
He grinned. “I’ll show you tomorrow.”
“Ooh, I can’t wait.”
He kissed me quickly then squeezed my chin gently. “I’m gonna walk you home.”
“Sounds good.”
He kissed me again, then we headed home.
My phone buzzed in my pocket as we walked, and I pulled it out to see my cousin calling. “Excuse me,” I said, and answered. “Hi, Cat.”
“Auntie Gillian is home,” she said, excitedly.
Gillian was Payton’s sister and a gifted doctor. She met her mate a few years ago and moved to Iceland to be with him, which meant she was closer to their other sister, Kenna, but too far away from Payton for her liking. Gillian hadn’t been home in ages, so I knew this was exciting for everyone.
“That’s great,” I said. “When did she get home?”
“Just now,” Cat said. “Just showed up. We’re having an impromptu dinner tonight, so you have to come.”
“Of course I’ll be there. I’m sure Mum and Dad are coming, so I’ll ride over with them.”
“Great. How’s Hershey?”
“He’s great.”
“Ride tomorrow?”
“Absolutely,” I said. “Let’s plan on after lunch.”
“Works for me.”
I grinned. “I’ll see you tonight.”
“Okay, bye.”
“Bye, love.”
We rang off and I smiled up at Arric. “Are you available to have dinner at my aunt and uncle’s tonight?”
“Am I invited?”
“Yes.”
He smiled. “Then, yes, I’m available.”
“It’ll be casual.”
“Well, that’s good, ’cause I left my tux at home.” I rolled my eyes and he laughed, taking my hand. “Come on, let’s get you home.”
Arric walked me home, leaving me to get ready with the promise to meet me at my aunt and uncle’s on time.
Isla
I WALKED INTO Brodie and Payton’s home, and was immediately pulled into my aunt’s hug. “Och, love, I’ve missed you.”
“Payton,” I admonished. “I just saw you yesterday.”
“But I’ve missed you just the same.”
I chuckled. “This is why you’re my favorite auntie.”
“Hey now,” Gillian said, pulling me away from Payton. “I thought I was your favorite.”
I grinned, hugging her back. “Welcome home.”
“Thanks, sweetheart.”
I greeted the rest of my family and then Gillian wrapped her arm around my shoulders. “Now, where’s this mate I’ve been hearing about?”
“He’s meeting me here—”
“Speak of the devil,” Catriona said, and Gillian and I turned to see Arric walking through the front door.
My heart fluttered, even though I’d just seen him a few hours earlier. He was magnificent, his long muscular legs showcased in a pair of dark jeans and motorcycle boots, his gorgeous hair left to hang around his shoulders, his black long-sleeved T-shirt barely hiding his muscles.
“Aren’t you a lucky girl,” Gillian whispered, and I grinned.
“Jury’s still out on that,” I retorted, and Arric made his way toward us, leaning down to kiss my cheek before going through the niceties with Brodie and Payton, thanking them for inviting him.
He then slid his arm around my waist and stayed connected to me as we followed the group into the great room. Arric was on edge but I couldn’t figure out why.
You okay?
Peachy, he replied, giving me a gentle squeeze.
I studied him for a few seconds, but we were distracted by dinner being announced, so I couldn’t pull him aside and grill him.
We were seated at the large dining room table, because even though it was just immediate family, there were still dozens of us.
Arric was seated between Gillian and me, and he got more and more distant as dinner wore on. I settled my hand on his thigh and he settled his hand over mine. But then he squeezed my hand and shook his head.
Don’t do that, he growled.
I’d been trying to pry into his thoughts, but he’d figured out how to block me, which I did not like on any level.
What. Is. Wrong?
Leave it, Isla.
I don’t want to leave it. I want to know what’s wrong.
He leaned over like he was going to kiss my cheek, but instead he whispered, “We’ll talk about it when we’re alone. Drop it for now.”
I scowled up at him but dropped it.
Sort of.
How are you blocking me?
He grinned, taking my hand, and lifting it to his mouth. I waited until you were emotional and followed that path.
You choose now to start listening to me?
Chuckling, he leaned down to kiss my cheek. “Behave.”
Brodie pushed back from the table, taking a knife, and clinking it against a glass to get everyone’s attention. “Welcome, everyone. I want to take this opportunity to welcome Gillian home.” He raised his glass. “Sláinte!”
Everyone else raised their glasses with a responding, “Sláinte!” and dinner wrapped up relatively quickly after that.
Dessert was being served outside so the group filed that way, but I held Arric back and pulled him into Payton’s office at the front of the house.
“What is going on?” I demanded.
He rolled his eyes, crossing his arms. “I really didn’t want to go there right now, Isla.”
“Well I don’t let things go, so let’s settle it now.”
“There’s something off about Gillian.”
“What?” I squeaked. “Why would you say that?”
He shook his head. “Not sure yet. Just something that’s not right.”
I waved my hand dismissively. “That’s just Gillian. She’s a phenomenal doctor, I mean, she delivered me and I’m pretty great.”
His mouth twitched.
“But she’s also hippy dippy and all about peace and love. Everyone has that crazy aunt or uncle, right? She’s ours.”
“I wouldn’t know.”
I wrapped my arms around his waist and smiled up at him. “I promise. She’s good.”
He leaned down to kiss me. “Gonna have to take your word on that.”
I tugged on his beard gently. “Then take my word for it.”
He kissed me again, then we joined my family outside.
* * *
Really?
I had just fallen into a deep REM state when Arric found his way into my head, albeit waking me sweetly with a kiss, but, still, I’d had a very emotional day and I was exhausted.
I figured it out.
I couldn’t help but smile. He was so excited to have figured out this new ability and the world we were standing in was one of wildflowers and sunshine.
Do you like it? I made it for you. You said you loved lying in the fields of heather as a little girl.
My heart swelled with love. Oh my god, honey, it’s perfect.
And I fuckin’ love it when you call me honey.
I’ll try to do it more often, I promised.
Arric kissed me gently. Do you want to go back to sleep?
I glanced around at our mythical surroundings. In a minute.
We stayed in our little bubble for longer than a minute, but it was well worth any sleep I might miss out on, especially now that Arric was finally starting to trust me. Just one more day and he’d know everything.
* * *
Arric
The morning of my twenty-fifth birthday, I’d hoped to start the day with increased clarity and strength, but instead awoke with a feeling
of dread. It was the first night since I’d met Isla that I hadn’t been joined in a dream by her. I sat up and slid my legs over the side of the mattress, nearly doubling over with need.
Isla!
Jesus, I’d never felt so much pain. I was sure my heart was going to burst in my chest, and I couldn’t breathe.
Isla!
Why the fuck wasn’t she answering me?
Because I’m asleep… or I was.
I felt my pulse slow and the pain in my chest eased.
And that’s when I knew.
Everything.
She was everything.
I squeezed my eyes shut. Fuck, baby.
Welcome to the game, love.
I’m coming to you.
I pulled on clothes, slipping out of the castle unnoticed, and heading to Isla’s home. No one was around when I walked inside, rushing up to her room. The door was pulled open just as I arrived, and I stepped in, wrapping an arm around Isla’s waist and pushing her up against the door I closed behind me, and covering her mouth with mine.
Ancient words floated into my mind, and I projected them to Isla, Að eilífu maki minn. (Forever mate)
Aye, love.
I broke the kiss and stroked her cheek. “I’m so fuckin’ sorry, baby. I had no idea you’ve been suffering like this.”
“I did try to tell you.”
I smiled. “Yeah, I get that now.”
“I’m sorry I wasn’t more patient.”
I kissed her again. “I’m sorry I pushed you to the brink of insanity.”
Her beautiful laugh filled my soul. “Do you still feel like you’re being forced to do something?” she asked.
“No. But let’s be honest, I would have chosen you even if we weren’t mates.”
“You think?”
“I know.” He met my eyes. “I’m just sorry I made you suffer with my ignorance.”
“Ignorance just means you don’t know something, love. Now that you know, we won’t ever have to deal with the uncertainty.”
I nodded. “What now?”
“Scottish tradition is to have a handfasting then bonding, but old timey tradition is to bond, then party. Which do you want?”
“What do you think?”
She grinned. “I’m pretty sure Mum and Dad figured that.”
“You think?”
Isla nodded. “Haddi has signed off on us taking a little time for ourselves, ergo, we’ll have security up the bum, which means, we can check into the Balmoral hotel any time after three.”
Bound by Fate (Cauld Ane Series Book 10) Page 11