by A. C. James
“Not yet,” Felicity whispered as she placed a hand on his arm.
He turned in the direction she was looking. Caitlin was heading for their table.
“What can I get you?” she asked Niall.
“My lady first,” he said with a smile that’d melt anyone.
“I’ll have the fish and chips.”
Caitlin jotted down Felicity’s order before turning to Niall.
“A whiskey and a steak burger.”
“I’ll have another whiskey too,” Felicity added.
“Very well. I’ll be right back with your drinks.”
Felicity was still holding his arm. She was starting to get comfortable around him. His stallion approved.
“Now, tell me what’s bothering you.”
Felicity turned her gaze from Caitlin’s retreating back and looked down at her hand as if she’d forgotten she grabbed him. She let go of his arm. “Sorry, I don’t know what to make of her. I’m usually good at reading people, but there’s something about her that puts me on edge. I can’t put my finger on what exactly…”
“The bartender’s niece?”
“Do you know her?”
“Aye, in a manner of speaking… I know Caitlin.”
Felicity arched an eyebrow. “Never mind. I don’t want to know.”
Niall laughed. “Jealous?”
“Not bloody likely,” she snapped.
“I swear it’s not like that. At least it’s not what you’re thinking.”
“How do you know her then?”
“I’ve known her since she was a wee lass. Her aunt is the bartender here, and her family has served mine for many generations.”
Caitlin brought a whiskey back to the table. “There you are. Your food will be out in a few minutes.”
Anger and bitterness flared in her eyes but those emotions were gone almost as soon as they appeared. His stallion took notice, but Niall had no idea what was eating at Caitlin. Maybe Felicity was on to something.
“Aye, thanks,” Niall said.
Caitlin gave him a nod and headed back to the bar.
“How many generations?” Felicity asked.
“A few centuries,” Niall said, and then drank his whiskey.
“How is that even possible?”
“It’s not like the mate bond. They don’t become immortal, but their longevity increases through their servitude. They bear our mark, which links them to us, and also slows aging and helps them heal faster.”
“Caitlin said she was being groomed to take her aunt’s place. It makes sense now. She knows first-hand that the legend is real. That you’re real,” she whispered.
“Aye.”
“And she knows who’s responsible for threatening Mr. Archer and his worker.”
Niall’s eyes hardened. “That’s not possible. Caitlin would have told her aunt…who would have told me. Her aunt maintains our cottage on the island, keeps our secret, and acts as our eyes and ears. That’s why she works here.”
“Of course. What better place to pick up gossip than the island’s most popular pub,” Felicity murmured.
“Aye, now you’re catching on.”
“I went to see the priest this morning.”
Niall’s stallion reared his head. “Why didn’t you wait for me? We could have gone together.”
“I know how to handle myself, thank you very much.”
Gah. Why were all the women in his life so bloody stubborn? First his sister, now Felicity. Couldn’t they see he only wanted what was best for them? His fierce protection was for their own damn good. Anyone could be behind this, and he wasn’t entirely sure he was ready to rule out the priest. But he hadn’t told Felicity not to do anything without him, so he couldn’t be that upset at her.
“Your safety is my concern, and considering that worker who stumbled in here was bleeding from the head, I’d figure you’d at least show some caution,” Niall said, his voice softening
Felicity looked away. It seemed she was warring with her emotions. Perhaps she was trying to resist a smart-arse retort because he’d been stern. He couldn’t be sure, but he didn’t care. If anything ever happened to her…
“You’re right. Next time, I’ll come to you first.”
Niall nodded. “That’s all I ask. If we’re going to work together, then I don’t want you putting yerself at risk.”
“Well, I wanted to know about the island’s history and see if he could give me any more information. It might help us. As it turns out, there were two families whose land was bought out for that resort to be built. The McSharrys’ farm and the Tierneys’ land were sold to Archer.”
“Don’t forget the priest has to relocate his home and his church.”
Caitlin returned to the table with Felicity’s fish and chips and Niall’s steak burger. “Can I get you anything else?”
“I’m fine, thanks,” Felicity said.
“All right then. I’ll leave you to it,” she said before heading off to another table.
“At any rate, I don’t think Father Cleary is the one responsible. At least not directly,” Felicity said before shoving a bite in her mouth. She chewed and swallowed before continuing. “I’m not saying he’s innocent, since he left out an important detail that Caitlin filled me in on.”
“What did she say?”
“The priest’s brother is married to Kelly Tierney. Apparently, she inherited her family’s farm, and after they’d fixed the place up, Archer bought them out. I can’t imagine they were happy about it.”
Niall’s eyebrows rose. “I don’t understand why Caitlin’s aunt didn’t tell me. How could she not think that was relevant?”
“Hard to say, but maybe we should pay the priest’s brother a visit after lunch. He has some explaining to do.”
“Aye,” Niall said. “That he does.”
Chapter 9
Felicity finished her fish and chips while Niall ate the last few bites of his steak burger. They left Tí Joe Watty’s and headed for Michael Cleary’s home.
Caitlin was very helpful and directed them to the residence where the priest’s brother lived. It struck her as odd, since Caitlin had been bitter and sour before. Felicity questioned her motivation in helping them. But on an island with a close-knit community such as this one, everyone knew everyone…and their business. She imagined it could be good or bad, depending on the gossip. It reminded her of an Irish proverb: “It is not a secret if it is known by three people.” So perhaps Caitlin was just a flibbertigibbet who liked to circulate rumours.
It seemed rather odd that Niall’s servant—Caitlin’s aunt—hadn’t disclosed the relationship between Michael and Kelly. As far as Felicity was concerned, the priest had probably brought her here to keep his brother from being accused of trying to sabotage the resort construction. If a supernatural cause was blamed, then no one would be suspicious about his brother. She grew more certain of this as they headed for Michael’s home.
She was panting as she tried to keep up with Niall. His long legs made his stride much bigger than hers, and she was quickly winded.
“Could you not walk so fast? I’ve got short legs,” Felicity said, as she huffed hair out of her face.
“Right, sorry.”
He slowed his pace, but only a little.
“I think that’s the place,” Niall said, pointing toward a small cottage with a red door.
Niall swung the gate open, and she followed him up the path that led to the door. He gave it three hard raps with his knuckles. No one answered at first, but there was movement at the window.
Then Michael opened the door to greet them. “Good day…Felicity, right?”
She edged her way around Niall, standing beside him on the narrow path. “Yes, we met at the construction site. Would you mind if I asked you a few questions?”
“No,” he said, but didn’t invite them in.
Felicity found this revealing since the island was so welcoming. She’d get right to the point and try to catch him
off-guard. His reaction was everything. “I understand you’re married to Kelly Tierney.”
Michael scowled. “What’s it to you?”
“Well, Archer bought the farm she inherited. Isn’t that right?”
“Get outta here, you fecking gobshites! Who put you up to this?” Michael asked, his voice booming as he moved toward Felicity.
Felicity took a step back, afraid that Michael might strike her. Niall straightened, stepping slightly in front of her.
“You’ll watch yer mouth in front of the lady. Never mind who told us. I believe Felicity asked you a question.”
“I don’t have to answer to you. Yer not a cop,” Michael said as he lifted his chin.
Niall cracked his knuckles for emphasis. “Aye, I may not be, but I can make you answer.”
Michael turned red in the face, but he’d backed down at Niall’s commanding tone. Felicity had to admit that the way he stood up for her was impressive and definitely hot.
“We’re divorced! And everyone bloody well knows it too,” Michael shouted.
This was really puzzling. Why would Caitlin lie to them?
“We’re very sorry,” Felicity said. “We’re trying to be thorough in our investigation.”
“Then go question Kelly and leave me be. She’ll tell ye. I gave her everything. Never wanted a thing from her. She got the farm, and that’s as it should be. The whole thing was hers to start with, but I’m still fuming that she’d sell it after all the hard work I put in. And her selling out sacred land is probably why the púca have returned to haunt us.”
“You really believe that,” Niall said.
“Oh, for fuck’s sake. Believe whatever ye like,” Michael nearly yelled, and with that, he turned on his heel and slammed the door in their faces.
“Isn’t he a friendly lad?” Niall said sarcastically.
Felicity laughed. “Charming.”
She turned and retraced her path up the stone walkway, with Niall following behind. She was glad they were leaving. She’d honestly thought for a split second that Michael was going to hit her before Niall edged around her and warned him to watch his mouth. They started walking back up the dirt road as she considered her feelings toward him. His chivalrous gesture and everything she’d learned about the town’s real estate deals was restoring her trust. But it wasn’t just the evidence pointing away from him, or how he’d stood up for her. He’d done so much to show her that he was being straight with her. She really should give him more of a break.
Part of her wondered what it’d be like as his mate. God, where did that thought come from?
What do you want? Cyn’s question nagged at her. Was she willing to admit what she wanted?
Niall had fallen into step beside her.
“Thanks for standing up for me back there.”
“I always will, love. If you let me,” Niall said quietly. His words were like a gentle caress.
She wanted to let him love her, protect her, but it was hard enough under normal circumstances. But she couldn’t keep ignoring her feelings and pretending like this was any other case she’d investigated for Everyday Supernatural, either.
“Niall, I’m sorry I practically accused you of having something to do with that worker being injured. I know it wasn’t you.”
“It couldn’t have been me. I was with you.”
“I know… I should have trusted you.”
“And I should have told you sooner, but I promise I’ll always be open with you.” He reached out and took her hand. She stopped walking and turned toward him. They stood in the middle of the dirt road, his amber eyes looking down at her.
“What will you do when this is over? I mean, once you discover why the veil was disturbed, there will be no reason for you to stay…” She looked down at her feet and kicked a pebble.
“Aye, my clan needs me. I shall return to the Realm.”
A heaviness settled on her chest. She didn’t want to think about saying goodbye. “Oh.”
Niall palmed her chin and lifted it, so she was forced to meet his eyes. “That’s not what you’re really asking me, now is it?”
His gravelly voice was making her stomach do somersaults, and her tongue was stuck firmly to the roof of her mouth. Her eyes settled on his lips, which she desperately wanted to explore again. Words and thought escaped her, and she found it impossible to answer him.
“I was hoping you’d come with me,” he said.
Felicity forced her lips to move. “Niall, I don’t know what to say…”
“Say you’ll think about it, and you’ll let me cook you dinner tonight.”
She let out a shaky breath. “All right.”
“Come to the cottage at eight. I’ll make something tasty.”
Eating wasn’t really what she wanted, but she pushed her naughty thoughts aside and nodded slowly. She’d promised herself she wouldn’t risk getting hurt again, didn’t want to desire him, and couldn’t possibly fall in love, except…
His eyes crinkled as he smiled down at her. Oh, fuck. She’d gone and done it. And she couldn’t stop now, even if she tried.
Chapter 10
Niall was in the kitchen preparing dinner for Felicity. His servant had brought him the fresh mussels he’d requested and set everything up for his date before she headed home. But when he’d questioned her about Caitlin, she couldn’t understand why her niece was suspicious of Michael or had mentioned his marriage to Kelly. Indeed, everyone on the island knew of their separation. His stallion had grown suspicious of his servant’s niece too, but he didn’t have time to think about it. Felicity would be there soon.
In fact, just as he was putting a pot of water on the stove, there was a knock on the cottage door. Niall opened it, and his eyes swept over Felicity from head to foot. She truly was lovely, and he adored everything about her. A pair of dark jeans outlined her generous hips, and she wore a black top that dipped into a deep V, revealing her cleavage. He couldn’t help noticing her large breasts with the shirt she had on. It made his stallion want to bed her. Felicity’s face was flushed, and he could tell she felt the sparks flying between them, too.
“Hi,” she said with a shy smile.
His stallion could barely be contained.
“Hi, beautiful.”
She shrugged. “Uhhh, thanks.”
“Believe me, you are beautiful.”
“If you say so,” Felicity said as she stepped into the foyer.
“I do say so. The way you smile, the way you look, the way you are is why I want you to be my mate.”
“Niall…”
“Shhh, love. I know you’re not ready to accept what I have to offer. Enjoy the moment, a good meal, and being with me. Can ye do that?”
Felicity smiled. “I think so.”
“Good. Would you like a glass of wine?” he asked over his shoulder as he headed for the kitchen.
“That’d be grand.”
“White or red? I bought both because I didn’t know what you’d like.”
“White.”
She’d followed him into the kitchen and perched on a stool in front of the breakfast bar. Felicity was watching him pour the wine. He could sense her swirling emotions—a mix of jangled nerves, arousal, and something else his stallion couldn’t quite define. Niall placed the wine in front of her.
She took a slow sip. “This is good. Can I help you with anything?”
His servant had set the table with fresh flowers and dinnerware while he’d showered earlier. There was nothing left to do, but he didn’t want her lifting a finger even if there was. This was his treat.
“Dinner is almost ready. The only thing you need to do is relax,” he said with a smile.
Felicity looked down at her wine. “Easy for you to say. You’re so…and I’m not sure I’m ready for this.”
“I wasn’t ready either. I never expected to find you. I want you, but it’s not easy…not at all. You think there was nothing to it when I told you who and what I am?”
&n
bsp; She searched his eyes, but didn’t say anything.
“It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but in the end, I realized my only regret would be the chance I didn’t take. Revealing my stallion to you is a risk. But I could only know if you’d accept me if you saw me as I truly am,” Niall said.
Her breathing hitched. Something a human wouldn’t notice, but his stallion sure did.
“I do accept you, Niall.”
Felicity lowered herself from the barstool slowly and made her way around the breakfast nook. The water was boiling on the stove, and she reached for the knob and turned the burner off. They stood only a few feet apart.
“What are ye doing?”
“I don’t want dinner.”
His stallion could smell exactly what she wanted. His voice grew thick with desire. “What do you want then?”
“You.”
A cold shiver slid up his spine, raising the hairs on the back of his neck. Her rich hazel eyes stared into his. He lifted her up, grabbing her under her thighs to carry her. She wrapped both legs around his waist as he headed for the bedroom. Not going to make it. His stallion needed her. He stopped in the foyer without warning and placed her on her feet, pushing until her back made contact with the stone wall.
Felicity grabbed the edge of her shirt and tugged it over her head. She flung it across the foyer, and it hung haphazardly from the intercommunication portal’s driftwood frame.
He grinned. “Nice shot.”
“Now you…”
He was already pulling the t-shirt over his head. “Yes, my lady.”
“I could get used to that,” she murmured and then licked her lips.
She unfastened the button on his jeans and slid the zipper down, pushing at his pants and boxers until they were around his ankles, all in one fluid motion.
Niall considered unhooking her bra, but his stallion needed her too badly to waste time on non-essential garments. He followed her lead and undid her jeans. He shoved them down and then pinned them to the floor with his foot so she could step out of them, then he kicked them out of his way.
His body held hers to the wall. She inhaled sharply as his lips slid across her jawline. He dropped his head, kissing down her neck, across her bra strap, and to the curve of her shoulder.
