Seductive Danger: Sinclair and Raven Series

by Vella, Wendy

  He stepped out the back door and found a small lean-to. Loading some logs in the basket, he carried them inside.

  “Just place that there, then come and sit. Tea’s almost steeped.”

  “I need to get going, Mrs. Radcliff.”

  She made a sucking sound that pulled her lips into her mouth.

  “You’ll rest, young man. You’re pale. Why aren’t you up there with your family?”

  “I—pardon?”

  “I know who you are, lad. You have the look of them.” Mrs. Radcliff got out of her chair with a great deal of effort and moved to pour the tea. Rory hovered, ready to help if she fell.

  He could just leave, make a run for it, and she wouldn’t catch him, but… Rory didn’t like to upset the elderly woman. He could take a minute or two, even though it chafed at him, as no one would come looking for him now.

  Ignoring the pain deep in his chest, he sat and held out his frozen hands to the fire. Was Kate still in bed? She was healed, at least he knew that, but was she tired, hurting? God, he’d known fear when he’d seen her shot and in the minutes before they’d healed her.

  Fear that she’d be taken from him. Fear that the world would never be the same if she was. He’d never be the same.

  You betrayed us.

  Her words had cut deep, but then the evidence against him had been damning.

  Max believed that too, and that hurt. The brother who’d left him, who he’d once again found. The brother he’d almost believed would be part of his life again. You’re an idiot.

  Reaching into his pocket, he sought the angel, then remembered. It was now hanging on the tree. At least he would be leaving something of himself behind.

  “They think because I’m old I don’t see, but I do. I know what that old besom was before he met his maker. Beast of a man, and no right to bear the title duke. But this new one… well, he’s a good un now those Sinclairs have a hold of him.”

  Clearly the late Duke of Raven had been a bastard. Rory was glad he was dead and could cause no more suffering.

  “They’re a big, loving family now, boy, and you’d be welcomed into it if you wished it.”

  Rory stood to take the mugs of tea from her and placed them on the table between them.

  “There’s plum pudding there.” She pointed to a plate… three plate loads, actually. “Pick the middle one, it’s Josiah Hemple’s. The others are dry.”

  He did as he was told, handing Mrs. Radcliff a plate and then filling his own.

  “Sit, can’t abide a person hovering over me.” She waved to the chair beside hers.

  “I wasn’t hovering, I was being polite, and I need to go.”

  “And you will, after you’ve had tea and plum pudding. Your face is like parchment, and your shoulder’s paining you.”

  It wasn’t a lie, so he sat again and drank his tea and ate the pudding.

  “No point in brooding, boy, get it out.”

  Ignoring her words, he let his eyes travel around the small room. A shelf held twigs, flowers, and leaves tied in a festive knot. Books lined another. Everything was neat and in its place. Warm and cozy, he thought.

  “You carry those scars with you right through your life, it’ll be an unpleasant one.” She slurped her tea. “Move forward, boy, and take what’s before you.”

  “There are complications—”

  “Life’s one big complication. It’s how we go about unraveling them that counts. They’ve a wedding and Christmas to celebrate, and you should be a part of that up there at the castle.”

  He ate and thought.

  “You’ve that Kate Sinclair in your heart. She’s a pretty wee thing and as fiery as the others. It’s that business between your families, of course. Makes things different. Adds spice.”

  “Business?” He didn’t know how she had come to the realization he loved Kate, but he didn’t refute the claim. It was the truth.

  “The gifts. You’ve seen them, I know it. They’re protectors, those Sinclairs, and it’s your lot that they watch over.”

  Rory remembered what he’d seen in that room, remembered the power in the air. Saw the way Kate had come back from the dead.

  “I don’t understand.” Which was true, and if Mrs. Radcliff could at least clear that up, he’d be grateful. The rest… well, he didn’t believe that would resolve itself.

  She swallowed the last mouthful and then rocked back in her chair, cradling her mug.

  “You witnessed it, did you?”

  “I did.”

  “Many years ago, back in 1335, a Sinclair saved a Raven. King Edward III gave them land and a title, and since then they’ve protected them. They’ll give you the details, but let’s just say that their senses are heightened, and that’s what makes them special.”

  “I saw it and still don’t believe it.”

  “I know it to be true.”

  “How do you know it?”

  “Never you mind how, just that I do,” she snapped at him. “Now drink your tea, then you go on back and face your family and your girl.”

  “I can’t do that. They think I betrayed them.”

  Her rheumy eyes looked at him as she rocked in her chair.

  “But you didn’t.”

  “No.”

  “Then go back and prove them wrong.”

  “I need to leave now.” Rory placed his mug on the table and got to his feet. “Thank you for the food and drink. Take care of yourself, Mrs. Radcliff.”

  “You can’t run forever, boy. Sooner or later you have to stop. And my bet is on that being here with your people.”

  He didn’t reply, simply raised a hand and left. Rory walked down the street, skirted two men pulling a log behind them. The Yule log. Luke had wanted Rory to be there for that.

  Looking in windows, he saw families eating a meal on Christmas Eve. Tomorrow they’d rise and attend church together. Why did that hurt him more than it did a few days ago? Because you want that with them.

  Crossing the street, he heard the rattle of a harness and the thunder of hooves and watched a carriage enter the village. Behind it was a man on horseback. He thought about running, but then where would he run to? So he simply stood there in the middle of the street and waited.

  Chapter Seventeen

  “You were all but dead not long ago, and now I’ve allowed you to come down that bloody mountain in the freezing cold,” Wolf growled. “It’s idiotic, and the only reason I’m condoning it is because had I not, you would have simply done it yourself.”

  “I would have, yes.” Kate had on her coat. A scarf, and thick gloves covered her hands. Over her knees was a fur blanket. She felt tired, and her body ached, but she had to do this.

  “God’s blood, you and Alice test me.”

  She reached out a hand to her brother, and he took it.

  “I’m sorry you were scared, Wolf. Sorry that you had to see me like you did.”

  “Lilly has saved both of my sisters now. I’m not sure I can ever thank her.”

  “I know. It terrifies me to contemplate that both Alice and I would be gone were it not for—”

  “Don’t.” Wolf raised a hand. “I can’t think it, let alone hear the words.”

  “I had to come and find Rory. Just as you would have done the same for Rose.”

  His eyes held hers.

  “Are you so sure he’s the one?”

  “I have never felt such a desperate need to reach someone as I did that day I saved Rory. Since then, I have felt that need building inside me—”

  “Lord have mercy.” Wolf held up a hand once more. “Spare me further details, if you please. At least he’s a bloody Raven, even if he’s lived most of his life in France.”

  They rolled down the main street, and Kate knew Rory was near. Could feel him even as the carriage slowed and Max thundered past on horseback. Seconds later, they stopped.

  “You will not leave this carriage, Kate.”

  “But I want to see Rory.”

  “Then I w
ill bring him to you. Move one foot, and I will take you back up that mountain so fast you will not know if you are standing or sitting.”

  She leaned forward and kissed his clenched jaw.

  “I love you, brother.”

  “I love you too. It is because I do that I worry for you.”

  “I know, and I love you for it.”

  “Stay,” he added, stepping from the carriage.

  Leaning out the window, she tried to listen to what was being said, but the wind was too strong. Opening the carriage, she climbed down and moved to stand beside the driver.

  “We know you are innocent, Rory.” Max was speaking.

  “But you did not believe me before.”

  “No, and you cannot expect that of me. I know nothing of you, only that you are my brother. I know you are a good man, but not what you’ve been forced to do to survive.”

  “I’m sorry I doubted you,” Wolf said, stepping closer. “All I could feel was anger, as Kate had been shot. It was wrong of me to blame you, Rory.”

  “Sh-she is well.”

  “She is tired and sore, but near to fully recovered.”

  “We must explain what you witnessed, Rory,” Max said.

  “Mrs. Radcliff told me some of it, but it is not easy to contemplate or believe.”

  “We can help you with that if you’ll let us,” Wolf said. “Come back to the castle, to your family.”

  “I think it best I leave.”

  “No!” Kate hurried forward. “I don’t want you to leave.”

  “I told you to stay in the carriage!” Wolf thundered.

  “You brought her with you?” Rory demanded. “She was near to death just hours ago. What were you thinking?”

  “Clearly you don’t know my sister,” Wolf drawled.

  “Are you mad, woman? What the hell are you doing out here in the cold when you were shot. Get back in that carriage at once!” He stood before her now, angry, lion eyes flashing.

  “I will not.”

  “You bloody well will.”

  Before she could retreat, Rory had picked her up and was carrying her back to the carriage.

  “It was foolish to leave the castle. You are weak and hurting.”

  “As are you, put me down!”

  He did, inside the carriage.

  “Go back to your family, Kate. Let them care for you.”

  “Don’t go.” Kate reached for his hand. “Please.”

  “Kate.” Her name was wrenched from him. “Don’t do this. I’m no good for you. I must go. This is not my life, and I was fooling myself to believe it was. You were injured and nearly killed because of me.” He closed his eyes briefly. “I could not have lived with that.”

  “It was not your fault.”

  “Family is not for me, Kate. I am not part of yours.”

  “But you are! They are your family too.”

  The anguished look in his eyes gave her confidence to speak her heart.

  “I love you, Rory.”

  “No!”

  Kate grabbed his hand. “Yes, and I will love no other. Ravens marry Sinclairs, and I want to marry you.”

  “Don’t be foolish. I cannot marry you, Kate. I can offer you nothing here. My life is in France.”

  “Then I will go there with you.”

  “No, you bloody well won’t!” her brother bellowed.

  “Stop listening, Wolf!”

  “It’s freezing out here, let me in then.”

  “Not yet.”

  Kate heard several curses, followed by foot stomping.

  “You would leave England to be with me?” She could read nothing in his expression.

  “I would.”

  “About what I saw today, Kate—”

  “Is that why you want to leave? D-do you see us as freaks?”

  “What? No, of course not! How could you believe such a thing? Mrs. Radcliff said you have heightened senses, and she told me the story as to why. I don’t completely understand, but what you are is wonderful… all of you.”

  “Good answer, brother.”

  “Go away, Max.” This time it was Rory who spoke.

  “Mrs. Radcliff?”

  He waved her words away.

  “My decision to leave had nothing to do with the miracle I saw in that room. The miracle that saved your life. I just need to leave here, Kate.”

  “But I saved you and you are of Raven blood so we are bound together.”

  “I have no idea what that even means.”

  “Rory, please don’t go, not this way.” Kate touched his cheek.

  “I’m not the right man for you.”

  Suddenly the carriage started moving. The door swung open, and in jumped Wolf.

  “It’s cold, you can discuss this further in the castle. Both of you are injured, and I’m freezing, as is Max.”

  “I’m leaving, Wolf. It’s for the best, surely you can see that?” Rory stated, moving to the door.

  “It’s not for the best. Definitely not for you or my sister, and if you jump, you’ll hurt yourself more. Tomorrow is soon enough to make decisions. You can leave your family in the morning if you must, which incidentally is Christmas Day and my sister’s wedding,” Wolf added.

  Rory said nothing further. He threw Kate a final look, then turned to look out the carriage window as they picked up speed and headed back up Raven Mountain.

  She’d taken the risk and told him she loved him but had no idea if he felt anything for her. Had she imagined the connection between them? Kate didn’t believe so. Neither did she believe he would come willingly if it was his wish to leave. This thought, she held tight.

  They arrived back in the great hall to find the family still gathered around the Christmas tree. Lilly was there now also, and it was to her Kate went.

  “You saved me.” Lilly rose from her seat and wrapped her arms around Kate. “I can never thank you enough.”

  “I am blessed with the ability to heal and will use it any time my family needs me. The thought of losing any of us is not to be borne.”

  Lilly held her shoulders, looking into her eyes. “Are you well?”

  “A bit stiff and a small cut, but nothing more than that.”

  “And what of your heart?”

  “P-pardon?”

  “I know you love him, Kate. Does he?”

  She was literally speechless.

  “Forgive me, my words have shocked you and you have suffered enough today already. We will speak on this no more now, but know I am here if you need me.” Lilly patted her hand. “Now you must rest.”

  Did all her family know she loved Rory? She looked for him and found him with his siblings. As if sensing her, he turned, and their eyes caught. It was he who pulled away first.

  He must feel something for her.

  “Come. Wolf told me I have to take you to your room and put you to bed.” Alice arrived at her side. Acknowledging everyone in a general goodbye, the sisters slipped away.

  Kate let Alice chatter about how excited she was for tomorrow and was pleased when she did not mention Rory. After changing into her nightdress, Kate climbed into bed and pulled the covers up to her chin.

  “I’m so glad Lilly saved you, little sister.”

  “Me too.”

  “And now I’ll leave you, but know that all will be well, Kate. You’ll see. Rory loves you; I know he does.”

  “How do you know?”

  “The way he looks at you, it’s the same way Nicholas looks at me. Now sleep, sister.” Alice kissed her forehead and then left the room.

  She slept then but woke to find it was still dark outside. Her thoughts turned instantly to Rory. Was he still here in the castle or would he have slipped away? Dared she go to him?

  Climbing from her bed, Kate pulled on her robe and slippers, then left the room. Hurrying along the hall past where her family slumbered, she took the stairs up, then counted the doors to Rory’s room. Taking a deep breath, she didn’t knock, simply turned the handle and wa
lked in.

  “You should not be here.”

  He sat on the rug before the fire, looking into the flames. His shirt was loose, and he wore breeches, but his feet were bare. He looked golden, just like the lion she’d thought him to be.

  “Go back to your bed, Kate.” His words were clipped and cool.

  She closed the door and advanced. Heart pounding, she knelt facing him on the rug.

  “I want to talk to you.”

  “I don’t want to talk, I want you to leave.” His eyes flicked to hers, then away to the fire once more.

  Kate touched his arm. His muscles were clenched tight.

  “Damn you, I said leave!” He grabbed her shoulders. “Don’t you see I must go?”

  She saw the pain and turmoil then, etched deep in his eyes.

  “I love you.” Kate cupped his cheek.

  “No one loves me.”

  “I do, and your family also.”

  “Why?” The word was torn from him.

  “Because you have strength and honor. Such goodness inside you.”

  “You can’t know that.”

  Those golden eyes were locked on hers now.

  “I can.” She leaned in and kissed him softly. “I was wrong to say what I did to you when I woke after Lilly healed me. You had not betrayed us, and I knew it soon after you’d gone.”

  “When those men told you. Manton and Berger.”

  “No. I knew before that. Knew you would not do that to me… us.”

  He took her hands in a fierce grip.

  “Your belief is stronger than mine.” He kissed her knuckles. “When I saw you that day on the beach, Kate, I believed what I felt was a result of gratitude. You saved my life. I would be dead without you. You were my angel at that moment.”

  “I don’t want to think about you dying.”

  Rory placed his hand over her mouth.

  “It’s my turn to talk.”

  She nodded.

  “I saw you when I woke at Oak’s Knoll. Felt different when you were near, and again believed that connection was due to what had happened. You came to my side when I met family for the first time in the parlor. Sat with me, and I told myself you were doing as you would for any person.”

  “Not any person. You.”