Dark Alpha's Caress Page 3

  “You know how to look for the Halfling,” Cael told them.

  Cathal nodded, holding Cael’s purple gaze before he bowed his head to Erith and then looked at Eoghan.

  “Come,” Eoghan told the three Reapers.

  Aisling and Rordan walked together while Cathal found himself alongside Eoghan. Eoghan had not spoken for thousands of years. He only began talking again right before he became leader of their group. Even now, he was a man of few words. Normally, it was something Cathal appreciated, but not so much today.

  Once the four of them were outside the tower, Eoghan stopped. They looked at him, waiting for whatever it was he had to say. He didn’t make them wait for long.

  “If the Halfling is working with the Fae, she’ll have to be stopped.”

  Aisling gave a nod.

  Cathal wasn’t so quick to agree. “Any Fae? Or the ones who are trying to fill the role of the Others?”

  “The ones you and Dubhan ran into not so long ago,” Eoghan said, a slight grin on his lips.

  Aisling flicked back her long hair in its many small braids. “I can’t imagine those Fae would bring in a Halfling.”

  “One that’s Scottish?” Rordan said with a shrug. “What if there’s a connection between her and the Dragon Kings?”

  Cathal snorted. “No Fae would be that stupid.”

  “We don’t know anything,” Eoghan said, interrupting them. “This is the time for us to gather information. Any of it. All of it. I don’t care how small you think it is, we need to know. That group of Fae could disrupt things.”

  Eoghan referred to how the infamous Light Fae, Rhi—daughter to the now-deceased ex-Queen of the Light, and newly mated to the King of Dragon Kings, Constantine—were trying to unite the two factions of Fae under one council with the help of a Dark Fae named Noreen. Things weren’t going exactly to plan. Some Fae were completely against it.

  The Others had remained hidden for a long time. At least they had been hidden from the Reapers and Dragon Kings. Apparently, they had been recruiting both Fae and Druids behind the scenes to get the most powerful of both to join. The Others, however, had only been comprised of six people. A Dark and Light Fae, a mie and drough Druid from this planet, and a mie and drough Druid from another realm where the humans had originated. The combination of the magic of those six individuals was powerful enough to go against the Dragon Kings. Before the Others, nothing and no one had magic more powerful than the Kings.

  That’s what shocked Cathal. Because no matter how powerful the Fae were, no matter how many of them joined forces, it wouldn’t be enough to take down the Dragon Kings.

  If that was even their end goal.

  Chapter Three

  It was good to be home. Sorcha was never happier than when she arrived back on the Isle of Skye. She wanted to go straight to her house, but instead, she went to see Rhona since she knew her cousin would want a report immediately. Sorcha hadn’t slept at all the night before. And not just because of climbing after not doing it for so long or because she had been spying. No, it was mostly because of the man who had helped her. She couldn’t stop thinking about him.

  An hour before dawn, she’d left the B&B and turned in the rental car before climbing back into her trusty ancient Range Rover and driving onto the ferry that would start her return trip to Scotland. All the while, she looked around, hoping that no one followed her. She was new to the spy business, and she wasn’t sure if she could even get herself out of a jamb. Her goal was to make sure she didn’t find herself in one.

  It took over nine hours from the time she left Ireland until she arrived home. She was exhausted both mentally and physically. She hoped that what she had done was enough for Rhona because Sorcha wasn’t sure she could survive another night like the one she’d just had. All she wanted was to climb into her bed and sleep for the next few days. Yet she rubbed her tired eyes and stifled a yawn after she pulled up in front of her cousin’s house, knowing that wouldn’t happen quite yet.

  Rhona’s bright green eyes held a smile when she opened the front door. “Good to have you home, cousin.”

  “It’s good to be back. You were right, by the way.”

  Rhona’s smile slipped, unease filling her gaze. “I’d hoped I wasn’t. Come inside.”

  The two went in, where tea waited in the back room. Neither spoke until they had a cup in hand and were sitting comfortably on a sofa. Sorcha was having a hard time keeping her eyes open. Now that she was back, the weariness was settling in.

  “Perhaps you’d better get started,” Rhona said.

  Sorcha set aside her cup and began relaying everything that had happened, including the man who’d carried her to the car.

  “How is your ankle?”

  Sorcha shrugged. It hurt like hell, but as soon as she was able to get it elevated, it should be all right. “It’ll be fine.”

  “Was he one of the Druids?” Rhona asked.

  Sorcha shook her head. “I couldn’t see all their faces, but I don’t believe so. He didn’t ask me anything.”

  “That’s not always a good sign. He might have seen you spying on them.”

  “I wasn’t followed. I made sure of that.”

  Rhona’s lips flattened for a moment. “Did you use magic like I told you to?”

  This was the only thing that was a point of contention between them. Sorcha was a Druid, but magic had made her lose all that she held dear. Because of that, she chose not to use it at all anymore. It was a part of her life that she had given up freely and willingly, even while most of the other Druids on Skye couldn’t understand her reasoning.

  “Sorcha,” Rhona admonished. “That’s how you keep yourself safe.”

  “I was fine without it.”

  “I think you were lucky.” Rhona released a long sigh. “You’re our best climber. You’re also one with powerful magic. That’s why I sent you.”

  Sorcha lowered her gaze to the floor. “You know why I won’t use magic.”

  “You’re back, and you got us great intel. Thank you. You’ve done more than I could’ve hoped. I’ve kept you long enough. You need rest.”

  Actually, she’d done exactly what Rhona had asked for, but Sorcha didn’t mention that. She forced a smile and got to her feet. “What does all of this mean for us on Skye?”

  “I don’t know yet. Makes me wish Corann was still alive,” Rhona said, sadness filling her eyes.

  Sorcha had to agree. Corann had led the Skye Druids for what felt like eternity. He’d been wise and fair, and he’d always known what to do. “You’ll do fine. You were Corann’s choice to succeed him, and he always made the right decisions.”

  “I’m utterly out of my depth,” Rhona admitted, her face showing her exhaustion.

  Sorcha touched her cousin’s arm and gave her a comforting smile before she started for the door. She was nearly there when Rhona’s voice reached her.

  “Thank you, Sorcha.”

  She lifted her hand in a wave but didn’t turn back. Sorcha slid behind the wheel of her car and sat there for a second, letting everything sink in. Then she started the engine and drove the ten miles to her house.

  The moment she walked inside, she felt as if a huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She locked the door and limped to her bedroom, where she collapsed onto the bed without removing her clothes. Her eyes closed, and she let herself fall blissfully into sleep.

  When Sorcha next opened her eyes, it was to see that the sun had recently risen. She yawned and stretched before she climbed out of bed. She pulled off her clothes and got into the shower, letting the hot water run over her. Her fingers were beginning to prune when she finally turned off the tap and grabbed a towel.

  After she dressed, she made her way to the kitchen for some tea. Only then did she head to sit on the front porch and look out at the beauty of Skye. She watched the birds coming to the feeder. The sound of sheep could be heard in the distance. The next field over held Scottish cows, mooing at the sight of their ma
ster.

  This was home. This was where Sorcha felt safe. She realized now more than ever that there was a reason she hadn’t left Skye in years. It had been reaffirmed. Nothing and no one could get her to leave her home again. Ever.

  The sound of a vehicle pulling up snagged her attention. She recognized Rhona’s car. While it wasn’t odd for her cousin to visit, the fact that it came on the heels of her return caused her some concern. Sorcha got to her feet as the vehicle pulled to a stop, and Rhona got out of the car.

  “Morning. What brings you here so early?” Sorcha asked with a smile, hoping the knot of worry in her stomach was for naught.

  Rhona didn’t return the easy expression. Instead, she closed the car door and walked to the porch. She stopped before Sorcha. “News has spread about the meeting of the Druids in Ireland. Some here want us to have the same sort of meeting.”

  “You aren’t, are you?”

  “If I don’t, someone else will. At least if I arrange it, I can control it.”

  Sorcha’s stomach fell to her feet. “Controlling it and getting the votes you want isn’t the same thing.”

  “What choice do I have?”

  “There is always a choice. Corann taught us that.”

  Rhona looked away, long strands of red hair flying in the breeze. Finally, she slid her gaze back to Sorcha. “If I don’t have the meeting, there are so many things that could go wrong.”

  “When are you planning it?”

  “I’m not sure.”

  “Put it off for as long as you can.”

  Rhona’s brows drew together. “Why?”

  “I don’t know.” And she didn’t. It was just something she felt in her gut. “The Druids in Ireland haven’t voted yet. That isn’t happening for two more days if what I heard is true. Wait for them and see what happens.”

  “That’s a sound idea. I don’t suppose I can convince you to go back, can I?”

  “Not with my injury.” It was a good excuse, and she was glad for it. Sorcha wished she felt better about the talk, but she didn’t. Probably because she knew that more was coming. “You didn’t come all this way to tell me that, did you?”

  “No.”

  She waited for Rhona to continue, but her cousin remained silent. Finally, Sorcha said, “Spit it out.”

  “It’s time for you to go to the Fairy Pools.”

  Sorcha took a step back, feeling as if she’d been punched. She winced at the pain in her ankle and quickly shifted her weight to keep it slightly lifted. “I told you I wasn’t ever going back.”

  “It’s a family tradition. You can’t ignore that.”

  “I’ve ignored it for ten years. I figured I could keep doing that.”

  Rhona blew out a breath. “I told you I’d never make you. Corann never made you. But one day, you’re going to have to let go of the past.”

  “When I die.”

  “There hasn’t been a Fae on Skye since Usaeil took Corann and killed him.”

  Sorcha shot her a flat look. “That was only a week ago.”

  “The spells in place will alert us if any Fae do arrive, but we can’t keep them out. We’re not that powerful.”

  Sorcha glared at her cousin, trepidation rising quickly. “Why tell me this?”

  “In case that’s what’s keeping you locked in your house.”

  “I stay here—alone—because that’s how I like it.”

  Rhona shook her head sadly. “We miss you.”

  “You see me.”

  “Not like I used to.”

  Sorcha shrugged. “Unfortunately, that’s how it’s going to be.”

  Rhona smiled sadly, then wrapped her arms around Sorcha for a hug. “I love you, cousin. Know that you’re the only one who holds onto the past. You’re young and beautiful and have so much to give. Please don’t keep yourself locked away here.”

  Before Sorcha could reply, Rhona released her and turned on her heel to walk back to her car. Sorcha watched as the vehicle drove out of sight, Rhona’s words ringing in her ears. Sorcha wanted to ignore everything that had been said, but she couldn’t.

  She limped into the house and went to make some toast. The moment she pulled the bread out, she realized that she had forgotten to send her grocery list to Noah. He picked up anything she needed from town and brought it to her for a small fee. It saved her from having to get out and…socialize. And it made him some money.

  It had begun with his older brother, Harry. Once Harry finished his schooling and went off to start his life, Sorcha asked Noah if he’d like to take over the job. Noah had been quick to agree. And, for the past two years, things had been going fine. The only problem was that Noah was about to finish his schooling and leave Skye.

  Sorcha found her mobile phone and made a list of items she needed to refill her pantry and fridge before sending it to Noah. She set her phone down and walked away to make her toast. She heard the mobile ding, letting her know that someone had sent a text. No doubt it was Noah letting her know that he’d be by sometime today with the groceries.

  She didn’t look at her phone until she finished eating her buttered toast. The message was from Noah, but it wasn’t to tell her he would bring her items. She blinked at the text, then checked her calendar.

  “Shite,” she murmured.

  How had she forgotten the date Noah was leaving? She knew the answer. She’d been too wrapped up in leaving her home for Ireland and undertaking a dangerous mission to recall those details. Noah had left the same day she had, and she had completely forgotten about it.

  Since she didn’t readily know anyone who could assume his position, it meant that she would have to suck it up and go into town herself. But that didn’t have to be today. She sent a quick text to Noah, apologizing and wishing him well in his new life. Then she grabbed her headphones and went to the sofa to listen to an audiobook. She’d think about dealing with her groceries later.

  She soon realized that her head wasn’t in the book. She shut it off and removed the headphones. Her mind kept returning to the Fairy Pools. She didn’t want to go. No matter what Rhona said, Sorcha didn’t need to be there. Yet she couldn’t ignore the guilt that pulled at her. And she hated feeling guilty about anything.

  Although that was the very reason she had gone to Ireland for her cousin in the first place.

  Sorcha rolled her eyes as she dropped her head back on the sofa and stared at the ceiling. The Fairy Pools were a place she had gone to with her family numerous times. And not just for their ritual. Skye drew people to it, those who had even a drop of Druid blood in their veins. But the Fairy Pools were something altogether different. No one who visited could deny the magic that seemed to surround the place.

  They had been a particular favorite of Sorcha’s. During the summers, she could often be found swimming in one of the many pools, soaking in the sun, and gazing at the glorious mountains surrounding her. Even when it was too cold to swim, she hiked along the pools.

  Thinking about it caused memories of her family to fill her mind. She grabbed her head in an effort to stop them, but it was too late. They had already infiltrated. Her mother laughing, her sister teasing her. They had been the Three Musketeers, doing everything together. They were closer than most families could even dream about. Not that they didn’t argue. With three women, the fights could get very heated, but they never lasted long.

  A tear slipped down Sorcha’s face. She hastily dashed it away. Even after a decade, memories of her family could still gut her like nothing else. It was why she didn’t think back to those times too often. They might be good memories, but it was also a reminder of what she no longer had.

  And what she had done.

  Forgiveness wasn’t something she could give herself or accept from others. She deserved everything she had gotten. Whatever life she had thought to have had died the day her mother and sister did.

  Sorcha blew out a breath and lifted her head. She looked around the small cottage she’d lived in for her entire life. At
first, she hadn’t changed any of her mother’s decorating. But after a while, Sorcha needed to take away things that roused too many memories. Eventually, over the last ten years, the cottage had become distinctly hers. While her mother and sister had loved to collect all sorts of things, Sorcha was more of a minimalist. And that was reflected in everything from the furniture to the clothes she wore.

  Her gaze lowered to her ankle. It was still a little swollen, but it wasn’t broken. She’d feared that the night of the storm, but she hadn’t wanted to think about anything but getting away from the cliffs. The drive home had only made it worse because she hadn’t been able to keep it elevated. Sleeping for as long as she had, had helped things, but if she wanted to walk normally again, then she needed to get the swelling down.

  You could’ve asked Rhona to help with it.

  The minute the thought went through her head, Sorcha got angry at herself. If she wasn’t going to do magic to help herself, she certainly wasn’t going to ask someone else to do it for her.

  It would be so easy for you to fix the ankle.

  It would, but this wasn’t the first time she had hurt herself. Nor would it be the last. Magic wasn’t meant to be used for such things. It was a powerful tool, and in the wrong hands, it could do lasting damage. As she well knew.

  She shifted so she lay on the sofa. Sorcha used the pillows at the end to stack beneath her ankle to elevate the leg. She didn’t bother trying to listen to the audiobook again. Her thoughts were too jumbled for that. Neither could she read. She debated turning on the tele but decided against it.

  Instead, she stared at the ceiling, going over everything that had happened in the last few months. The Isle of Skye had been a refuge for Druids. It had also been a stronghold that no one dared to threaten. All that ended with Usaeil. She had once been the Queen of the Light Fae, ruling for thousands upon thousands of years. But it had all been a lie. She had murdered her own family to take the throne. Her entire reign had been a deception since she had used glamour to hide the fact that she was really a Dark Fae.