Anice: The Cursed Clan

by Schroeder, Melissa

Phoebe shook her head. “These books have nothing to do with any other family. It is just the McLennans and McWaltons. You seem to be the ones who they always talk about. I was confused at first because this baby is stealing my brain cells on a daily basis. I was trying to think of the reasons why the Clans had to be united, like all of the Clans of Scotland. But that’s not what it is saying, or what Maggie’s ancestors were saying.”

  “And mine,” Brody said.

  “Yes, and yours.” She smiled. “But they were trying to say that the McLennans and the McWaltons needed to come together.”

  “Not bloody likely,” Callum groused.

  “Oh, shut it, Callum,” Phoebe said with a smile

  “You think we need to work with the McWaltons? How would that even work?”

  “I don’t think the witches meant Gavin or any of his predecessors. What I think they meant was the Stewarts.”

  She looked at Brody, who blinked.

  “You think we are here to save you?” he asked.

  “No. I think you are here to save Anice, and both of the Clans. You said it yourself. Every time one of them becomes laird, they go mad in some way.”

  “That is true,” Anice said. “Remember, I ran into Gavin months ago. I thought he was just another well-dressed chap. A businessman. Now, he looks, well...”

  “He’s a bloody mess,” Brody said. “He’s unkempt. He can’t seem to bathe. Although, I’m not sure if bathing would help. You might need to talk to Meghan and Maggie about this, or maybe Esme can help, but when you dabble in black arts, it tends to stain you.”

  “You mean your soul?” Anice asked, thinking back to the way Gavin had looked when he approached the table the other evening. He had been dirty, but Brody was right. It was as if there was some kind of stain on him. Just like most of his predecessors.

  “Your soul, yes. But your soul starts to show on the outside. Unless you are truly a good witch, you doona know the spells to make it fade away and fool people.”

  “And they doona do that? They doona know magick?” Anice asked.

  He shook his head. “They never minded being led around by dark magick or dabbling in it to get what they wanted, but they never learned the craft. Esme knows more about that than I do.”

  “I heard my name,” Esme said as she stepped into the room.

  “Esme,” Brody said with the same tone her cousins used when they were embarrassed or irritated with her.

  “What? You know if I’m distracted, I tend to wander. And this is one big, beautiful place to wander around in. So much coolness.”

  “She does wander. I should have warned you.”

  Phoebe smiled and shook her head. “No worries, love. Come in. You’re family.”

  “No they aren’t,” Anice said.

  “They’re related to Maggie, which means they are part of our family,” Phoebe said, patience and understanding threading her voice.

  “Oh. Yeah.”

  For a second there, she had been thinking that Brody might be blood related and, well...that meant nothing because nothing was going to happen. Ever. Maybe.

  Bloody hell.

  “So, can you explain what Gavin is up to?” Phoebe asked Esme.

  Brody’s cousin sunk down on the carpet and crossed her legs. If the situation was weird, you couldn’t tell by looking at Esme. She appeared completely at ease in the situation.

  “Sure. All of them. That whole side of the tree needs to be burned down to the bloody ground, after being castrated without any drugs to help with the pain.”

  “I’m getting a little uncomfortable with how many times a day you threaten that, even if I doona like the McWaltons.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Get over it. They all deserve it. Their kind is infected.”

  “Infected?” Anice asked.

  “With the curse.”

  She blinked and looked at Callum, who looked as confused as she was.

  “We’re cursed, not the McWaltons,” Callum said.

  “No. You are all cursed. Granted, while yours can suck because you’ve never had a normal life—and I assume there is something about babies born of immortals in the curse...” she waited for a nod from Phoebe before continuing. “Then it’s nothing compared to the McWaltons. I mean, they set theirs in motion, not like you all.”

  “Okay, pregnancy hormones are doing a number on my brain. I’m confused,” Phoebe said.

  “Not just you, love,” Callum said. “I’ve a feeling that both Anice and I are just as confused.”

  “Oh. Oh! Okay, so I thought you had worked all this out already. Anyway, the McWaltons were to leave you alone. There are probably passages in the diary about that, but maybe you haven’t come across them yet. But from what my mum told me, the McWaltons could just go on their merry way and live. Meaning they had to leave your family alone. That was the one requirement. Easy, right? Not for those bastards. Of course, they had to ignore all the warnings.”

  “Esme,” Brody said. “You’re making my head spin and I’m accustomed to your rantings.”

  “I doona rant. I explain. Not my fault your stupid wolf brain can only handle some of what I say.”

  “We are both wolf and witch,” he said chuckling.

  Anice ignored the warmth that slipped through her at sound of it. She would not fall for a treacherous bastard who lied to her, even if they had to work together. She didn’t care how much she wanted to.

  Esme sniffed in his direction. “Fine. Let me say it easy for those witches without powers—”

  “Sod off.”

  “And our lovely hosts,” she said smiling in Anice’s direction. Anice had to blink. Oh, lord. The woman was powerful. She hid it well, but it radiated out of her now, her eyes glowed and her skin shimmered.

  This was one bloody powerful witch.

  “So, you know about the initial curse, but my ancestors were kind of mischievous.”

  “They were arseholes,” Brody said.

  “Hey, you’re related to them too, Brody. So, back to my story before the stupid wolf boy interrupted. When the McWaltons had the witch place the curse, they could have just gone on their merry way as I said. But witches aren’t stupid. They understand human nature more than your average human.”

  “And she knew that the McWaltons would probably cause problems,” Anice said.

  “Exactly. There is some indication that my great, great nan could see ahead in time. Not all of us have that ability, but I’m guessing Jack does.” She waited for a nod from Anice. “You know this.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I have a feeling they know you personally. That she knew you would be the one to connect everything.”

  “I still have no idea what that means. Phoebe just said I was the key to everything and now everyone acts like I should know something.”

  “Hey, I’m not the barmy witch who wrote the diary,” Esme said.

  “Witches,” Phoebe said.

  “What?” Esme asked.

  “Witches. There are several different generations who have written this,” Phoebe said.

  “That makes sense. Even after marrying into the McWaltons, there was a good chance they were worried and only gave bits and pieces to write down.”

  “So they married into the family?” Anice asked.

  “I’m not sure if it was a marriage of choice. The McWaltons have always been devious. They were ruthless, but worse, they would sell their souls for power.”

  “And they have?”

  Esme nodded. “So, my ancestors made sure there was a caveat on the curse. That there was a way out of it, and if the McWaltons tried to keep you from accomplishing the task, they would be ruined.”

  “They aren’t ruined,” Anice said.

  “Answer me this: Do they have vast holdings? I know that Lennon Industries has a lot of money and power. What do the McWaltons have? And look how many of them have gone mad.”

  “Why do you think that is?” Callum asked.

  “That they wen
t mad? They dabbled in the dark arts. They must have gleaned from one of the witches, either through bribery or torture, that they were cursed in this way. To hold onto the curse against you, dark magick would have to be applied. They would never be able to make it this long. But it stains your soul”

  “That’s what Brody was just saying,” Callum said.

  “Yes. And that’s why they get the way they do. They do the bidding, they use the power, but they have no idea how to handle it.”

  “What will stop that?” Phoebe asked.

  Esme shrugged. “Unlike my very distant cousin Jack, I doona see the future. I do know that once you do claim your mortality back, there is an indication that their line will die out now that they have dabbled. It’s why he’s worried the most. He is the last of that side of the family.”

  “And if he can’t produce an heir before we solve the curse? Then there will be no other McWaltons?”

  “Well, there will be, but not from the original line. That’s why the baby is so precious and must be protected against all costs.”

  “That’s why Brody was so protective of Phoebe,” Anice said.

  “What?”

  “He walked her into the office and helped her sit down.”

  “We always protect the young,” Brody said.

  “It was more than that though,” Anice said.

  “Probably. More than likely, you will have to put up with both he and Cayden popping in to check on you. Their wolves will sense the danger, even if the human side of them does not.”

  “You say the baby is in danger. We’ve read that in the diary. We thought that if he or she is born before we solve the curse, that something could happen to the baby,” Phoebe said.

  “I doona know about that. I always thought the danger was from the McWaltons. They will do anything to keep that baby from being born, because they have no idea what it will be or what it means to them.”

  “What are you saying?” Callum demanded.

  “That if I know McWaltons—and I do—Gavin is already plotting to kill Phoebe to prevent the birth of another McLennan.”

  Chapter Ten

  Another family meeting was called, and it was just as loud and opinionated as the English Parliament. Of course, Brody didn’t make that comment out loud. The McLennans might live in the modern world, but they held onto their old transgressions. It was hard to blame them. After the Clearances, they’d lost everything, including their family. He knew how devastating it had been to lose their family land, but at least the family had remained intact. Somewhat.

  “So, this slimy bastard thinks he can just waltz in here and take Phoebe?” Angus asked. “Not going to happen.”

  The anger in his voice was understandable, but there was always a bubbling rage on the inside that Brody could sense. Angus was ready to erupt and that wasn’t normal. He was known as being cool at work. He had never heard of Angus losing his temper, and Angus had been the one who appeared to be the calmest before this discussion. Now, Brody wasn’t sure Angus wouldn’t march into Edinburgh and kill Gavin with his bare hands.

  “He thinks it, but it isn’t going to happen, love,” Maggie said gently. “We have wards up to protect.”

  “I can help strengthen them,” Esme said. “I’m devilishly good at it.”

  “She is,” Brody said.

  “We’ll take all the help we can get,” Maggie said with a nod.

  “Amen to that,” Meghan said.

  “Before you start that, I think we need to make sure whatever plan we have doesn’t involve all of you,” Anice said.

  Brody was sitting next to her, thankfully. It calmed his wolf to be close enough to feel her body heat. Every second that passed meant that his wolf was prowling closer to the edge.

  Because we need her.

  “What do you mean?” Maggie asked.

  He wasn’t sure why, but Maggie was apparently in charge of stealing the jewel.

  “Brody and I need to be the ones who grab that jewel, but I think we need at least two of you here, and I’m including Rena and Esme in that. For protection.”

  “I think we can handle Gavin,” Fletcher said.

  “I love you, brother, but no, you can’t. We all know just how dark this magick can be. That line for the laird seems to be especially apt to lose their minds when they start dabbling. Leaving Phoebe unprotected is insane. If what Esme said is true, then we can’t leave her alone. We need magickal people here to help.”

  Smart.

  Of course she’s smart. She’s our mate.

  She turned to look at him. “Do any more of your family know magick? Practice I mean?”

  He couldn’t answer. He knew what to say, but his brain just went completely blank. The words seemed to stutter in the back of his throat as he struggled to get them past his lips. Instead, there were flashes of them in bed together and the taste of her pleasure flooded his senses. His entire body went on alert.

  “Brody?”

  Thankfully, Cayden took pity on him and answered. “Our brother Archie practices. I can give him a ring and see if he can make it up here.”

  “I’ll send the plane for him,” Callum said.

  Cayden nodded as he pulled out his mobile and walked out of the room.

  “Okay, so the wards need to be strengthened first, then we will go over the plan with the two of you,” Maggie said.

  Anice turned away from him and his wolf growled. He bit it back, just barely. He needed Anice or he needed a good run. He didn’t need to shift that often. Well, need was a strong word. They were half witch, and while most of them identified with their wolf more than their witchy side, it did give them an advantage. It took a bit off the edge. Almost all of them liked to shift, loved it in fact, but now it was imperative to shift. He needed to run off his lust for Anice.

  “We have to be the ones who get the jewel, right? I mean, what are the chances that there’ll be a gala or something like with Fletcher?”

  “But there is. That’s how I found out that he had the jewel. I’ll talk to you about that when we get back,” Maggie said.

  “Maggie,” Anice said. Impatience threaded through her and it snapped out at him. She might look calm and cool, but she was definitely chomping at the bit to take action. He could hardly blame her. They had been searching for this for centuries. They were so close.

  “Protection is more important right now,” Callum said.

  Anice sighed and nodded, but Brody could feel her disappointment. It washed over him, and he couldn’t help the need rising in him. He wanted to soothe her, make her feel whole.

  You can do that and more…in your bed.

  Bloody hell. His wolf was getting out of control.

  Every moment he spent with her was making that wanker louder and louder in his head.

  He felt himself leaning toward her, wanting to pull her closer to him or even up on his lap. Part of it was definitely sexual, but there was a deeper feeling of comfort. He needed to touch her to feel complete.

  He drew in a deep breath and looked out the window. The sun was already setting, and he knew they were safe on McLennan land. He had a feeling that his idiot cousin wouldn’t try anything tonight. Gavin wanted confrontation. He wanted to win by crushing not only Anice, but also Brody. So, until they went after the jewel, Gavin would sit back and wait. The barmy bastard was probably relishing the idea and fantasizing.

  Speaking of fantasizing...

  Damn.

  He pulled himself back, with difficulty. “Is there anything else?”

  Callum looked at him strangely. “We’ll be eating in about an hour, so I guess we can go over the plan then.”

  He nodded. “I need to get out. I’ll go along with the witches for protection.”

  Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Maggie open her mouth, but Esme shook her head. His cousin knew he needed to shift, and as fast as possible or he would make an ass out of himself and drag Anice to bed. Then she would humiliate him by kicking his arse.

>   “Good. I should be back by then.”

  He rose and followed the women out of the room. He met his brother making his way back into the office. He was still on the phone with their brother.

  “Going to run?” Cayden asked.

  Brody nodded. “Plus, I can ensure the safety of our cousins.”

  Maggie smiled at him when he included her.

  “Meghan isn’t related. She’s a dirty American,” Maggie said.

  “Seriously, woman, I can make you bald-headed.”

  He ignored them and gave a pointed look at his brother, who nodded. “I’ll make sure there are some clothes for you when you return. Back entrance. And, I will keep an eye on Anice.”

  He nodded and walked down the hallway, only to be stopped again. This time, it was by Jack.

  “I want to see.”

  “What?” he asked.

  “I want to see you shift.”

  He grabbed Brody’s hand and dragged him to the end of the hallway to a side door.

  “This would be best because there are bushes, and no one can see you naked.”

  He chuckled despite the raging need pulsing through his entire body. The boy had a way about him that was for sure.

  Brody followed Jack out the side door and into the garden. He was, indeed, correct. Of course he was. He probably knew every nook and cranny in the house.

  “I will keep a look out so none of the ladies see you,” Jack said earnestly.

  Brody smiled. “Thank you.”

  Nudity didn’t bother the Stewarts. Their kind didn’t get embarrassed, even from a young age. Sexuality was natural and ensured the pack’s survival. Still, he would never embarrass Jack. He was trying his best to be helpful.

  “You won’t eat me when you shift, right?” Jack asked.

  “Of course not. I doona eat little boys.”

  He smiled, then motioned with his hands to tell Brody to get on with it. Jack turned his back to him and Brody started to disrobe.

  “What do you look like?”

  “I’ll be the only wolf in front of you, so you aren’t going to mistake me.”

  The boy giggled. It was hard to remember that he was a little boy. So many of the dire warnings came from him, and he always seemed so bloody serious.