Jessie kept her eyes dead ahead as Bryce spoke to her telepathically. “Say nothing, lass. This could be a trick. These men are known for their pirating ways.”
“Okay,” she replied but was sure to share with him what she had felt when she touched them. “My empathic abilities are rarely if ever wrong.”
“Aye, then,” he said. “’Tis good to know.”
“I got this,” Christina said into their minds. “Just hang on.”
Jessie glanced at her friend, not overly surprised they were all connecting telepathically at this point and could hear one another.
“If you want to see proof, I’ve got it.” Christina offered a charming grin as she looked from John to Angus. “You’ve gotta promise though that you won’t overreact but sit back and let things play out. Trust that my friends and I mean you no harm. Trust that we’re your allies.” Her eyes narrowed a fraction. “Can y’all do that? Can you let things play out because I promise it’ll be damn fast.” She snapped her fingers. “Blink of an eye.”
They considered her, hesitant at first but seemingly too curious to say no as they nodded.
“Well, all right then.” She held up her ring finger. “Just keep an eye on this Claddagh ring, okay?”
“Aye,” they barely got out before Graham whipped his blade at the man guarding the entrance. Fast, in the blink of an eye, Christina stood beside the guardsman and grabbed the dagger moments before it met its target.
Wide-eyed, Angus and John stood, blinking in amazement as they witnessed not just Christina’s supernatural speed, but her godly glow and most importantly the bright magical shine of the gem in her ring.
“Och!” Angus shook his head. “’Tis bloody true, then!”
“Aye,” John whispered, amazed as a slow grin curled his lips, and he nodded at his father. “We’ve got the Bruce’s lot with us through and through.”
“Be off with ye then,” Angus said to the man Graham had nearly taken out. “Let the others know we’ve truly friends not foes amongst us and see that proper lodgings are made up.”
Even more wide-eyed than his superiors, the man nodded then left as another came in with a platter of food and set it on a table beside them. Naturally, Christina dug right in without further prompting, needing to satisfy the use of her magic, or what she called her lightn’.
“’Tis bloody impressive,” Angus continued, eying Christina and Graham before his eyes went to Jessie and Bryce. “Ye two can do the same then?” His eyes dropped to her ring. “Make it shine like that and move so fast?”
“Aye,” Bryce said before Jessie had a chance to respond. He shifted his chair closer and pulled her hand onto his lap as he smiled warmly at her. “But ‘tis something we cannae do on request like Graham and Christina. Not yet.”
A shiver rippled through her at the unexpected promise in his eyes. While she knew he was doing it for show, it felt so real. “Here, lass,” Bryce said softly as he put some food on a plate for her. “You should eat.”
She nodded and offered a small smile to Angus and John as they watched her closely, waiting to see if she would elaborate on what Bryce said about their developing connection.
“Thank you for the food and drink.” She steered clear of deeper conversation. “Your hospitality is much appreciated.”
“Aye,” John responded. “’Tis our pleasure.” His eyes never strayed from her face. “Do ye mind if I ask ye one more thing then, lass?”
“Not at all,” she replied, sensing something bigger coming before he even said it.
“Good.” He cocked his head. “Would ye mind telling me why there’s a Norsewoman here named Aðísla claiming to be with ye?” His eyebrows perked. “Moreover, why she says yer arrival here might verra well mean our end?”
Chapter Six
BRYCE SHOOK HIS HEAD and narrowed his eyes at Sven later that evening. “Why would she do this? Why would your Aunt Aðísla create havoc here before we even arrived?”
“I don’t know.” Sven frowned and shook his head. “And I’ll have no further answers until she joins us.”
“And when will that be?” he asked as his eyes drifted to Jessie. They had been given a small cottage of their own shortly after John’s question. They weren’t sent off because they couldn’t provide a sufficient answer but because rumor had it a strong storm was brewing up north. So Angus and John wanted to see that the ships were well prepared.
Fortunately, the MacDonald men had more trust in the Bruce’s faith in them versus the ominous words of a Viking woman. Yet Bryce got the feeling this wasn’t the end of it. That they would want answers eventually.
In the meantime, Jessie was listening quietly as she made a poultice out of the flowering plant she had picked earlier. Of the Figwort variety, it was known for its healing properties, and she was determined to treat Bryce’s scratch.
“I have been searching out my aunt since I first traveled to Scotland,” Sven continued, a frustrated growl in his voice as he spoke stronger words than he likely intended. “Yet she remains a hidden coward.”
“Is that right?” came a soft voice before none other than Aðísla entered, her sharp eyes going to Sven as he stood. “Sit, Nephew. Now. Then I will explain myself.”
“I will not,” he replied, irritation obvious in his eyes.
“You will,” she shot back, her eyes narrowed. “And you’ll do so out of respect not only to an elder but because you’re wise enough to know that too much emotion will never get you the answers you seek in life.” She cocked her head. “And without the answers you seek, how do you ever intend to keep your people safe?”
Though Sven frowned, Bryce didn’t miss the flash of fear in his eyes. “What has happened back home? Do you know something?”
“I know here and now is all that matters.” She urged them to join her by the fire. Though her eyes lingered on Jessie, she said nothing. Yet Bryce got the feeling she wanted to. That so much more was going on here. “I know that secrets are still kept and need to be revealed.”
“What secrets?” Sven shook his head, troubled. “Tell me...tell us.”
“A storm brews,” Aðísla said softly. “One that could very well throw history off track.” Her eyes went to Bryce. “They’re sailing into dangerous weather that will likely shipwreck the lot of them.” She scowled. “As I’m sure you all know, John is supposed to deliver news to Robert on the tenth that his father, Angus’ fleet, is in the Tay. Not only that but he has already sent scouting ships down to the Farne islands, and the Bass Rock and sent more galleys down to blockade Humber, Bridlington, Whitby, Hartlepool, and Tynemouth.” She shook her head. “If they do not arrive safely and on time, history will very likely be changed.”
“And all because of weather that shouldn’t exist,” Jessie murmured. “A storm that never actually happened.”
“That’s right.” Aðísla’s eyes went to hers. “You know how to see them through this, yes? Because they fully intend to obey the king’s request no matter the peril.” Her approval was obvious. “We can only be thankful they are as eager to face danger on the high seas as we Vikings would be.” She shook her head. “These men are no cowards.”
Jessie clenched her jaw and held Aðísla’s eyes before she looked at the fire again and murmured, “There’s little I can do about what my...the warlock is doing right now unless I’m with the ships traveling through the weather itself.”
“So that is what you need to do,” Aðísla said. “Be with those ships.” She looked from Bryce to Jessie. “Both of you.” Her tone grew ominous. “If this does not happen, all will be lost.” Her pained eyes went to Sven. “Which means our descendants will be lost as will their country.”
Sven inhaled deeply, clearly disgruntled. “What of the burning dragon symbol that brought me here, to begin with? Does that have to do with why you’re here? What will be happening to our people? The prophecy?”
“The prophecy is here and now, Nephew,” she stated bluntly as her eyes again drifted to Je
ssie’s face. “As to the dragon on fire, that is not to be worried about.” Her eyes met Sven’s again. “All that matters is protecting your descendants and seeing them through this curse.” Her voice dropped an octave. “All that matters is that you are the man your father and Uncle Heidrek know you to be.”
As their eyes held and he offered no response, her voice remained low but intensified. “Two kings have sent you here and ask that you protect what matters most. Do you understand, Sven?” Her eyes narrowed. “Do you truly understand?”
Though Bryce barely caught it, startled distress flashed in Sven’s eyes before he clenched his jaw and nodded once. “I understand.”
“Bloody cryptic,” Bryce muttered. “All of this.”
“Just as cryptic for Sven,” Jessie said softly, her eyes still on the fire.
Though frustrated that she defended the Viking, he could admit to being pleased she was kind enough to come to his defense. Sven had done nothing but help him and was a good, albeit quiet friend. In truth, he couldn’t be more grateful for his presence these last few weeks. A presence that rarely left Bryce’s side.
“We will talk more alone, Nephew,” Aðísla said as she stood and gestured at Sven. “So that our friends can rest and be up early, yes?”
He nodded and stood, bidding them goodnight before they departed. Not much in the mood to imbibe any more than Jessie seemed to be, their drinks sat untouched on the table. Though two cots had been provided in their single-room cottage, he sensed her discomfort.
“I’ll find another place to—” he began before she cut him off.
“No,” she murmured and shook her head as her eyes flickered between him and the fire before finally settling on him. “I don’t want to be alone...please.”
He nodded, as she began applying the poultice. Though it had a rather pungent smell, he could only focus on her delicate scent. It reminded him of wildflowers and evergreen blowing on a springtime wind. Fresh and enticing yet earthy and sweet.
Then, as she continued to touch his skin gently, his dragon picked up another scent entirely. Arousal. In direct response, his own intense need roared to the surface. She was too close and far too tempting. Knowing full well this wasn’t the time for such things, he said through clenched teeth, “’Tis all set. Thank ye, lass.”
When her eyes whipped to his, it was clear she understood why he needed her to be finished. Thankfully, she nodded, then proceeded to wash her hands in a small bowl before she sat beside him and stared at the fire again.
Though she had done as he asked, Bryce was still overly aware of her. How quickly she was affecting him in general. Those moments at the waterfall had been profound. While yes, he was very impressed by how she saved him, his sole focus at the moment was how her small body had felt against his.
As he rubbed his fingers together, he could still feel the warmth of her in his hands. The firmness yet frailty of her body. Then there was the strength of her mind. The great kindness within her. A beauty that was hard to describe. He had never felt another mind the way he did hers. Not only was it arousing but comforting in a way he couldn’t explain. Yet in some small way, it made him wary too.
Mainly because it was a connection he should not enjoy so immensely.
“Ye know I’m promised to marry another,” he suddenly blurted softly, his brogue far thicker than intended. He frowned and kept his eyes locked on the fire.
“Yes, I know,” she replied just as softly. “And I respect that.”
His scowl only deepened as a part of him wanted her to show more emotion. To get a wee bit riled that he might not be available. Though he meant to remain quiet, he kept on talking. “If you respect it, then am I to assume that you dinnae intend to ignite the power of the ring with me?”
Her brows perked slightly as her eyes went to his and she reiterated, “I respect that you’re promised to another.”
“Yet you’re here with me now.” He might be many things, but foolish wasn’t one of them. “And my ma gave you her magic which means she had faith in...”
He trailed off as it suddenly occurred to him that he was mayhap more foolish than he thought. Had he nearly just used his mother to convince her that she should be with him after he himself said it wasn’t possible because of another lass?
“We should rest,” she said.
“You should eat,” he countered, well aware she had barely touched a bite in Angus’ cottage. “You need food, lass.”
“Sometimes,” she agreed. “But in small portions at times such as these.”
He tilted his head in question. “Times such as these?”
“Yes.” Her eyes flickered to the fire again before landing squarely on his. “As a rule, if I feel I might need to use my magic in excess, I’m the opposite of Christina. Nourishment is not necessary. If anything, it drains my spiritual self because it pulls me back into my physical body.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “Oftentimes, I’m sort of like a monk fasting to reach a part of himself that might otherwise be unattainable.”
Just when he thought Jessie couldn’t surprise him any more, she did.
“Aye,” was all he could manage as he mulled that over. He knew nothing of her magic or the strength of her powers. Which reminded him how much he wished Adlin and Grant were here. They could mayhap understand it better.
“I ate enough already,” she assured, her eyes still on his. “I’m all right, Bryce. Really.”
He almost shook his head. She was the furthest thing from all right, and he could feel it in all the little things she did without realizing. By how her forefinger slid back and forth slowly along her right thumb. By the way she swallowed a tad bit too often because her throat had gone dry. More than anything though, he sensed it in the erratic beat of her heart. It went too fast when it should go slow and too slow when it should go fast.
That’s when he realized how much she tried to keep herself under control. How much she had trained herself to keep the warlocks from knowing her true reactions.
Though tempted to ask more about his sister, he wanted to understand Jessie better first. “Tell me what happened after you opened your grandfather’s book.” His eyes went to the pocket in her dress where he knew it lay. “Tell me about what happened in those first few years after your house burned and you became master to...” How to phrase this? “Things so powerful.”
Jessie eyed him, clearly hesitant before she finally spoke. “At first, it was a living nightmare for both my mother and me.” Though she wrapped her fingers together on her lap as though at ease, he caught their slight tremble as she remembered. “Though Mama hired men to remove the debris from the fire, the warlocks would not allow anyone else to rebuild. Rather, they used their magic alongside mine to reconstruct a small log cabin.” She swallowed hard. “It allowed them to keep better tabs on us.”
Bryce couldn’t imagine what that must have been like. “I dinnae mean to sound insensitive, but I find it curious they allowed your mother to live at all.”
“Only because I convinced them that I needed her as I came into my magic,” she replied. “That I was far too young to be without a parent. Not to mention without a parent or legal guardian, I would be placed in another home.” Her voice grew soft. “But then eventually, of course, it didn’t matter.”
When he frowned in question, she said, “The only reason I kept my sanity around them was because of my magic.” She clenched her jaw as emotion flickered in her eyes. “Someone with no magic will end up turning very bad themselves, or eventually lose their mind.” She released a choppy breath. “I’m afraid Mama fell into the latter category. Though she held on for longer than I would’ve expected, she was pretty much insane by the time I turned eighteen.”
“Och,” he whispered. “I’m so sorry, lass.”
“It’s okay,” she murmured. “Her death was swift in the end. Once the warlocks realized how far gone she really was, they ended her life before she could possibly harm me.” She trembled again. “At least the w
arlock who did it was mercifully fast about it.”
How bloody terrible. Did Jessie’s nightmares never end? He clenched his teeth in anger, more than eager to finish off these warlocks if for no other reason than to avenge her.
Determined to offer her some level of comfort, he rested his hand over hers. Though she jerked slightly at his touch, she didn’t pull away as she continued talking.
“There’s little to tell about the in-between years except that I was always watched closely,” she said. “As I got older my friendship with Milly, Lindsay and Christina was only allowed because they served a purpose. They were part of the plan.”
“For the most part, your upbringing and time since must have been verra lonesome,” he said. “Did you spend a lot of time speaking with these warlocks? ‘Tis hard to imagine you didnae.”
“I did here and there,” she conceded. “Mostly to the one tasked with spending more time with me as I grew. The same one who ended my mother. I spoke with him at length when he...it was around. Or should I say, when it made itself known. Because one way or another they were always watching me.”
“It sounds like you were almost fond of that one,” he remarked. “Shocking, considering it killed your mother.”
“Yes, but like I said, it was mercifully quick.” She shook her head. “The others would have drawn it out and made it excruciating to feed their own dark desires. Especially the one with my grandfather’s essence.”
“Is that the one affecting the weather now?”
She nodded. “Yes.”
“’Tis surprising he fights us first considering how powerful he is.” Something occurred to him as newfound distress flashed in her eyes. “Unless, though not necessarily more powerful, the last warlock is far more difficult for you to destroy.” He narrowed his eyes. “The last one is the merciful warlock, isn’t it?”
“Yes,” she whispered.
“Then you must let me take control when ‘tis time to face him,” he said. “You must let me end him for you.”
Jessie offered a single small nod, her eyes trained on the fire once more. “The only way that will be possible is by igniting the power of this ring.”
The MacLomain Series: A New Beginning Boxed Set (Books 1-4) Page 88
