by Mary Morgan
“I did not notice,” he lied, placing her sandwich on a wide portion of the fence post.
He took in their surroundings and spotted several colts in the distance near a barn. A young colt darted past its mother with a playfulness that was full of innocence. “New life,” he pointed out between bites of his food.
“Aren’t they adorable,” she exclaimed. “I have not ridden in some time.”
“How long has it been?”
“Several weeks,” she declared, pouring some more coffee into the cup. She offered the steaming liquid to him. “Your turn.”
Taking the cup, he nodded his thanks. “Do you ride daily?”
“Weather permitting, though I would consider taking out Daisy—my horse—in a light spring rain.” Rose reached for her sandwich and ate the meal with gusto. She closed her eyes on a sigh. “You’ve added provolone.”
Aidan’s mouth went slack. He swiftly averted his gaze to the young colts. “It’s a favorite of mine,” he professed.
“This is heavenly,” announced Rose.
He stole a hesitant glance. “The food or coffee?”
Rose waved her hand about. “Both, including the view. As much as I love parts of a city, my heart is at peace when I enter any countryside. Wide open spaces, sprawling hills.” She turned around and faced him. “Deep, lush forests filled with earthy scents and the sounds of nature. Those are my much loved spots to wander.”
As they are mine, Rose MacLaren. “And not the ocean?”
She shook her head. “It’s turbulent, fascinating, exciting, but I find contentment deep inside a forest. Shrouded and mystical—many secrets can be held within the trees. We have one member at the Society who takes a sabbatical four times a year into the Turlough Forest in Ireland. I begged her once to let me go with her, but she always rebuffs me. Tells me this is her quiet time away from the constant chatter of other females. Mind you, we all adore and love her. Her knowledge of plants, herbs, trees, and flowers is extraordinary.”
Aidan almost choked on his food. His curiosity blatantly stoked the moment the lass mentioned the forest. Quickly recovering, he took a long swill from his cup. “Why does she choose to go to Ireland, instead of the deep forests here in Scotland?”
“It’s where she’s from. Have you heard of the forest?”
“Yes.” He popped the last bit of bread into his mouth. Refilling the cup with more coffee, Aidan held it outward. “Turlough Forest borders my lands there. I know it well.”
“Interesting. You own land in Ireland, too.” Taking the cup, Rose took a sip. “How odd.”
“Indeed. What is the woman’s name?”
“Aelish, but I’m positive she would have remained hidden from anyone’s view. She always returns refreshed, proclaiming peace and quiet away from other people is a tonic to her nerves.”
Clenching his fists by his sides, Aidan cast his gaze outward in an attempt to temper the building fury and unrest of finding out the Master Fae Apothecary was also a member of the Society of the Thistle. Why didn’t Loran mention this in his report? Was Aelish a guardian to one of the women? She did tend to those with special gifts of the land, so it was plausible. His mind reeled with the new information and what would be his next step.
If you have remained hidden, you must explain yourself, Aelish.
“Is something wrong?”
Rose’s touch and voice focused him on the present. Aidan rubbed a hand over his face. “No. Perhaps I can escort you back to the Society when you have completed your research.”
Wariness reflected across her features. “Honestly, there’s no need. I’ll ring for someone to fetch me when I’m done. That’s a long drive.”
“Over 200 kilometers, I believe. Roughly, two and half hours or more, depending on the traffic. Your talks about the Society have intrigued me.”
She did not look convinced.
Rose brushed the crumbs of her meal onto the ground. Placing the cup on top of the thermos, Rose held it out to him. “I’m sure we would bore you with what we do. And there’s no need to escort me back. I’m a big girl who doesn’t require a guard to whisk me back to my castle.”
He would not be dismissed. Disregarding the thermos, he grasped her hand and tucked it in the crook of his arm. “Consider it part of the package for allowing you to peruse and study the archaeological dig.”
“Seriously, there is no need,” she protested feebly.
Aidan enjoyed seeing the heat bloom on her cheeks. When they reached the car, he opened the door gallantly. “Your carriage awaits, fair maiden.”
She burst out in laughter. “Do you always get your way, Aidan?”
“Always, Rose.”
“Hmm. I believe you’ve met your match. I am not easily swayed by good looks and charm.”
This time, Aidan laughed with delight. Time will tell, lovely Rose.
****
After strict rules were set forth by Professor Linton, Aidan escorted Rose to the standing stones. Several other students were engaged in their own research on the outer standing stones. They gave them curious looks as they made their way to the altar stone. Two standing stones set as guardians on either side of the slab. He found it fascinating that the professor opposed the Society—the reason, he would delve into at a later time. Thankfully, Liam had persuaded the professor to let Rose conduct her research, but only if another from the university was present.
“How intriguing,” Rose muttered, removing her satchel. Pulling forth a camera, she photographed not only the stone, but also the perimeter around the slab.
Aidan observed her motions as she continued to take pictures in all directions for quite some time. He settled himself against the base of a pine tree—content to watch her mind ponder in silence for a while. He noted the weak sunlight fighting to emerge from the dark clouds overhead and determined the lass had sufficient time to peruse her studies before the storm arrived.
After examining the stone, she approached him and dropped her satchel. Once she retrieved a notepad and pencil, Rose studied the eastern sky. Scribbling down some notes, she then went back to tapping the pencil against her mouth. As she bent down near the slab, Rose angled her head and then looked behind her.
“There were no pine trees at the time of the construction,” she stated. Rising slowly, she pointed upward. “These trees are young, say a couple hundred years. The open sky was a vision for the ancient people.”
“A speculation or conclusion?” asked Aidan.
Rose chuckled softly and moved around to view the slab. “First impressions are always a speculation. To make a conclusion would be foolish.”
“Or there were other trees and they have since been removed,” countered Aidan.
“True.” She knelt in front of the slab, studying with intent for some time. When she stood, she frowned at him. “Are you not working on a project here? Or has the professor assigned you as my guard?”
Aidan picked up a fallen pinecone and rubbed it between his palms. “My input is needed for analyzing the data and artifacts from what is gathered by the students.”
Pointing to the slab, she asked, “And your thoughts on all these symbols? They’re fascinating and similar to the ones at the other dig in Glasgow.”
Shrugging, he replied, “A sketchbook for those who visited and left their mark.”
“Seriously? That’s your best reasoning?”
His good humor vanished. “Then do share your thoughts, Rose.”
She held her arms outward. “Look at the vastness of the area, say a couple thousand years ago. Yes, trees heavily surrounded the landscape, but I believe there’s more. The arc of the standing stones is set behind this slab. Perhaps it was more elevated. We can’t say for sure until the university inspects underneath.”
Shrugging, Aidan responded, “They may decide not to destroy the land beneath the slab.”
“What I saw on the tallest standing stone reflects a larger picture.”
A chill of foreboding swept
through him. In her short time of being among these standing stones, she’d obtained bits of knowledge no one else had come upon. “Continue,” he encouraged softly.
Hugging her notebook against her chest, she went to the tallest stone in the center. “These symbols and images on the back mirror the three centered on the slab. In addition, they are all the same as the other site outside of Glasgow.”
“They’re merely circles,” he admitted, keeping his voice steady. “The Celtic triskele symbol also decorates many other stone structures.”
Her brow furrowed in obvious concentration as she disappeared around the back of the stone.
Tossing the pinecone aside, Aidan stood. His instincts screamed at him to do something to prevent her from further inspecting the stone. Only he knew the significance. And he now understood why he was sent here. In all his travels, not one human had documented his time among them. Or so he believed. Upon his arrival, he longed to pulverize the stones to shards of dust after viewing the back. The altar stone had remained buried under moss, dirt, and ivy. The same was true with the tallest stone at its base.
He fought against extending his hand outward and sinking the area a thousand feet underground. Making quick strides to Rose, he came to an abrupt halt. Her face was ashen as she knelt behind the stone, sketching an entire scene on her notepad. One side mirrored the stones, but on the opposite page, her hand drew an epic vista.
The blood pounded inside his head, and he dared to draw in a breath. With each stroke of her hand, an image came to life, and his greatest fear unfolded. Slowly, Aidan lifted his hand. The power built and traveled down his arm. He had to destroy the picture. Banish the past vision from her mind. Eradicate all knowledge of him. Seal the door to the past from the present.
The truth must never be revealed.
But when Rose lifted her gaze to meet his, Aidan’s heart stopped. For the first time in his life, he was torn between duty and his own personal needs.
“I am sorry,” he stated in a strangled voice.
Immediately, she dropped her notepad and stood. Rose cupped the side of his face with her small hand. “Are you all right?”
The energy swirled in a tempest around them and then slammed back within Aidan. With a flick of his wrist, thunder crashed over them, and the sky darkened. The first drops of rain splattered across her cheek. Aidan took his thumb and brushed away the moisture. “Yes,” he whispered, though he barely recognized his voice.
Rose dropped her hand. She took a hesitant step back, searching his face.
Thunder once again resounded all around them, and this time, Rose stooped to gather her items. He watched as she stumbled across the dig to fetch her satchel.
She hurried out of the area until she disappeared into the trees.
Making no move to join her, Aidan went and stood behind the stone. Crouching down at the base, he traced a shaky hand over the etchings. “So long ago. What a fool I was to share a story of my home world to these ancient people.”
He laughed at the absurdity and stood. Raking a hand through his wet hair, he lifted his head to the torrential downpour. “What am I going to do with you, Rose MacLaren?”
Chapter Ten
“A warrior’s courage is akin to the red dragon stones on our home world of Taralyn. To waver is a sign of vulnerability.”
~Edicts of the Fenian Warriors
Rose stared out the car window, uncaring of the water dripping down her cheeks. Her hair was a sodden mess, since she did not attempt to throw her hood over her head when she fled from the standing stones. Protecting her drawings was foremost on her mind. “It was sunny. Not a cloud in the sky,” she muttered. After wiping her nose on her sleeve, she rubbed her hands together to ward off the bite of chill in the air.
The other students were huddled under a tented enclosure. Were they waiting until the rain cleared? She noticed the professor speaking with Liam at the entrance. Lightning splintered the sky, along with another boom of thunder. She rummaged through her satchel and pulled out her pocket watch. Noting the time, Rose shook her head. The day was done. Nothing more could be accomplished in this weather. She prayed the rain would dissipate by tomorrow morning.
With a deep sigh, Rose leaned back against the headrest. Her nerves had gotten the best of her earlier, half expecting to go into a full-blown vision right in front of Aidan. Instead of observing more of the stone, she decided to draw her vision and compare it to the carvings from both the standing stones. Both sites were similar, but she was able to see more of the detailed carvings here.
When Aidan interrupted her, Rose thought the world had ended. He towered over her, though she did not fear him. His face had transformed to one of power, and his eyes glittered like stars. The man stirred emotions and curiosity inside her. She should have fled the moment his eyes shifted from lavender to silver. Yet, his gaze held her rooted to the ground. What was this fascination she had with Aidan Kerrigan?
“He’s mysterious with interesting eyes, nothing more.”
Though her sister would argue in favor of his looks. Raw magnetism oozed forth from the man and Rose was not oblivious. Regardless of his sexy appearance, the man was off-limits. “You probably have a woman in your bed once a week or possibly every night,” she whispered.
She watched as Aidan finally emerged from the trees and made long strides to Liam. His friend met him part way, not letting the weather hamper their conversation or stance. Liam stole a glance in the direction of the vehicle, and Rose’s face heated. Were they talking about her?
“Get a grip on your daft emotions, girl.”
Aidan fisted his hands on his hips as he continued to speak with Liam. When his friend shrugged, Aidan pointed a finger at him. Rose became fascinated with the heated conversation. It was similar to watching a military man giving orders to a junior officer. Maybe Aidan no longer wanted her at the dig. Was she a hindrance? All she yearned to do was inspect the stones. Everyone, including the professor considered the Society an outsider without a proper education.
“You’re assuming facts not yet presented,” she complained.
Both men glanced sharply toward her.
“What? Do you have supersonic powers of hearing and observation?”
When Aidan arched a dark brow her way, Rose gasped. “Impossible,” she declared, watching him intently.
His smile came slowly. A shiver coursed through Rose’s body. “I’m freezing, so finish your conversation.” She bit her lower lip and forced her awkward stare away from the alluring man.
She didn’t have to wait long. Aidan arrived and entered the vehicle. “My apologies for keeping you.” After starting the engine, he turned on the heater.
“Not a problem,” she lied, holding her hands out to the blessed warmth.
Aidan maneuvered the car out of the area. “I was giving instructions to Liam for tomorrow’s dig. He will be your guide. I have urgent business that requires my attention at Balleycove.”
“Oh. Fine. Good to know.” She turned away to hide her disappointment. Why do you care if it’s Liam or Aidan? Be content they’re letting you examine the stones.
Exhaling softly, Rose rested her arm on the edge of the door and watched the rivulets of rain splatter down the window glass.
Silence became their companion during the remainder of their journey back to the hotel. She sealed her foolish thoughts on the sexy man in the car and concentrated on what she had learned today. If she had uninterrupted time at the site tomorrow, she might be able to conclude her examinations. There would be no need for an additional escort. She could move to the area the Society was studying in Glasgow.
When the hotel loomed in the distance, the storm had all but abated. A light mist descended over the hills behind the tiny town, and she smiled. As soon as Aidan drove up to the front, Rose bundled all her items and exited the vehicle. Before closing the door, she glanced at him. “Thank you for your time today.”
Not giving the man a chance to respond she slammed th
e door and made steady steps toward the hotel entrance.
“Rose.”
Ignoring him, she kept on walking away. “It’s better this way, Kerrigan,” she muttered.
“Rose!”
His commanding tone halted her where she stood. She narrowed her eyes and glanced over her shoulder. “Yes?”
“Pick you up in one hour for dinner.”
And without giving her time to refuse the offer, he sped off down the road.
She lifted her chin. “Maybe I won’t show up!” Turning back around, she collided with a couple exiting the hotel. Making a swift apology, she entered the building and hastily registered and grabbed her key from the desk clerk.
Running up the stairs, she entered her room and unpacked her small bag. She grabbed her bag of toiletries and went into the bathroom. Gripping the sides of the sink, Rose studied herself in the mirror. “You should not go out tonight. You look a fright. Haggard. A sodden mess. You will gawk at the man. Make a fool of yourself.” Indecision fought a battle within her mind. “He’s an overbearing man. Dominating. Controlling. Not for you.”
However, the more she tried to convince herself, the more her resolve melted away.
Smacking the porcelain, Rose shook her head. “This will be my parting meal with you, Aidan Kerrigan. Tomorrow is another day, and then we shall part.”
Turning away from her reflection, Rose turned on the taps to the tub and stripped her clothes from her body.
****
Rose stood back and examined the outfits on her bed. One pair of jeans had streaks of dirt down the side. The other was still damp from the afternoon rain shower. A flowered lavender dress hung on a lone hanger in the closet, tempting her to yank it off the rack. What possessed her to toss in the garment at the last moment was a mystery.
