by Donna Grant
“Things were going along great. Until they weren’t. My father got himself into a scheme that backfired on him, and it sent our family into ruin. My father was out of his league. He had no idea what to do. But my stepmother did.”
A shiver of apprehension ran through Sorcha. She’d never met the woman, but she didn’t like Cathal’s stepmother at all.
He paused for a moment, then said, “She came to me and told me it was my responsibility to see that the wrong done to our family was put to rights since my father couldn’t. I had left the house many years before since she and I were clashing already then. She wanted me to become like my father, and I had no interest in politics. I knew the only way I’d find happiness was to leave. So, I did, and I joined the Queen’s Guard. However, when I left, there was no one to tell my father that my stepmother’s ideas weren’t always good. So, when she told me what had happened to him, I was outraged. The biggest mistake I made was believing everything she told me.”
Chapter Fifteen
Cathal felt the same rage that used to control him begin to return. Then, Sorcha’s hand began to rub softly across his chest. It helped him combat the storm of anger and return to the story.
“She told me my father had been tricked by two of his friends into investing their entire fortune into some business. The friends had known it was doomed to fail, and they laughed as he not only lost his money but also became a laughingstock amid those at court. I’ve always hated court because it’s just a cruel place.”
Sorcha smiled softly, nodding.
“I got the names of the men and immediately went after them. I spent hours torturing the first one, trying to get the truth out of him. He kept telling me that he had no idea what I was talking about, that he was the one who had lost his investment. But I didn’t believe him. I kept thinking about how I’d let my father down by leaving. Guilt rode me hard, and I lost myself to the anger. I killed the Light. But I didn’t stop there. I went to the second so-called friend of my father’s and began the torture anew with him. He said the same as the first. That he was the one who had lost his fortune. I didn’t mean to kill him, but I did. And as I stood staring down at his body, it occurred to me that I hadn’t thought to see my father first and get details from him.”
Sorcha touched his face, sorrow in her eyes. “Did you go see him then?”
“I did,” Cathal told her. “I was so wrapped up in finding the truth that I didn’t stop to think about what I’d done—or the changes in my appearance. The minute my father saw me, he was appalled. When I tried to tell him why I’d done what I did, he wouldn’t listen. That’s when I saw my stepmother standing to the side with a smile on her face. I left the house that night, thinking I’d never see my father again. I was so distraught over what I’d done, believing it had been to save my sire, that I couldn’t stand to be around anyone. I couldn’t return to the Queen’s Guard as a Dark, nor did I want to go to the Dark Palace. I didn’t know what to do, so I went into the forest alone to try and sort myself out.”
“Did you?” Sorcha asked.
He tugged at the auburn ringlet around his finger. “I wish I had before the note from my father reached me. It said that he wanted to talk, that he’d discovered what his wife had done to me, and he wanted to apologize. I didn’t hesitate. I immediately went to the location. Except it wasn’t my father there, it was my stepmother with the family of the men I’d slain.”
Sorcha leaned her head forward. “What happened next?”
“They killed me.”
“I’m sorry. They did what?” she asked, blinking as if she weren’t sure she’d heard him correctly.
Cathal shot her a rueful smile. “They killed me.”
“But…how are you here if they…you, know, killed you?”
“Magic.”
Sorcha lowered her gaze to the bed. Then she asked, “Why did your stepmother want you out of the picture? Why did she lie to you?”
“Apparently, my father discovered that she’d been having an affair. In fact, she’d strayed twice—with the men I’d killed. She wanted them out of the way so my father couldn’t confront them. To add insult to injury, she talked my father into the investment as well as into dragging the two men with him. After they’d sunk all their money into the business, my stepmother convinced my father not to do it.”
“In other words, she helped to ruin those other men and used your father, as well.”
Cathal nodded. “Exactly. She had gotten used to the money and prestige, but my father got tired of it. He wanted a quiet life, but she didn’t. He became suspicious of her. She did whatever she could to keep things going how she wanted. When it all began to fall apart, she devised another plan. One that would turn my father against me.”
“And turn you Dark.”
“She knew exactly what to say. My father was everything to me. We were very close. I never begrudged him the happiness he’d found with his second wife, but I wasn’t happy there. He accepted that. Yet, after I left, we drifted apart. He had other children to take care of and see to.”
Sorcha licked her lips. “You blamed yourself for what happened.”
“I did for a long time. You see, I was old enough to remember the Fae Realm before it was destroyed. I remember how happy we were there as a family. When we came to Earth, we found a new life. One that included my stepmother.”
“I’m so sorry,” Sorcha said as she leaned forward and kissed him. “What you did, you did for the love of your family. You might have taken it too far, but you’re not to blame for all of it. Your stepmother instigated it all.”
He smiled at her, falling harder by the second. “You don’t need to say any of that. I know exactly what I did. I killed two men, and it doesn’t matter the reasons why. I should’ve gone to my father first. Had I, none of that would’ve happened.”
“But you wouldn’t be whatever it is you are now. You wouldn’t have helped me in the storm when I twisted my ankle, and you wouldn’t have been at the Fairy Pools to stop that Light. I don’t care what your coloring is. It’s what’s in your heart that counts,” she told him.
Cathal pulled her against him, holding her close. He never wanted the night to end, but there was no stopping the coming dawn. “You told me your story. I wanted you to know mine.”
“Thank you,” she whispered.
He blew out a breath. “I want you to know that I won’t let any of those other Fae harm you. Ever.”
“You plan on watching over me always?” she asked with a smile as she looked up at him.
Cathal knew in that instant that the answer was a resounding yes. He parted his lips to tell her just that when someone cleared their throat from the living room.
“Just wanted you two to know I’m here,” Aisling said.
Sorcha giggled and placed another quick kiss on his lips. “Guess that means we need to get up.”
He wanted to drag her back and tell her to ignore Aisling, but he wouldn’t. They had plans to make and an attack to get ready for. As much as he knew Sorcha’s idea was dangerous, it was also the right one. Something was definitely off. And if Aisling was back, then she must have news.
Cathal forced himself to release Sorcha. Before her feet hit the floor, he used magic to put their clothes back on. She grinned at him and shot him a wink. He watched her walk from the room as he stayed behind. He didn’t try to stand because he knew his knees wouldn’t hold him.
Not when he realized that he loved her.
“Cathal?” Aisling called.
He cleared his throat twice before he could answer. “Coming.”
When he walked into the living room, the two females were sitting on the sofa. He chose the chair Sorcha had used earlier, thinking distance from her might be just what he needed to clear his head.
Aisling looked between them. “I’ve been trying to untangle lie after lie after lie.”
“What did you find?” Sorcha asked.
Aisling flattened her lips as she speared a loo
k at Cathal. “You were right, Sorcha. There is more than this thing about the ritual. It actually goes back to your father.”
Cathal frowned at the news. His gaze jerked to Sorcha to find her doing her best to digest this latest tidbit. “What about her sire?” he asked.
“That’s the thing, I’m not exactly sure.” Aisling blew out a frustrated breath. “It didn’t take long to hear that a Fae had taken out a contract, looking for his half-mortal daughter. I found that too coincidental, so I paid a visit to a few people. Turns out, no one knows if the Fae is Light or Dark. All they know is that the reward is huge.”
Cathal’s anger began to grow. “And this nonsense about getting Sorcha pregnant?”
“I’m guessing that’s what some Fae think to do, to ensure they not only get the reward but also get into the family. The word is that it’s a very prominent family.” Aisling shrugged and looked at Sorcha. “I wish I could say it was just a rumor, but it’s all anyone is talking about throughout the Fae.”
Sorcha sat back and looked at Cathal. “Well, now we know why the Fae have suddenly decided to show up. And why they’re so intent on getting me to go with them.”
“They lay one hand on you, it’ll be the last thing they do.” He didn’t care that fury laced his voice or that the threat might push Sorcha away from him. He’d promised to watch over her, and he was going to do just that.
Aisling looked between them. “Look, big guy, I hear you, but we need to be careful. We have rules we need to follow.”
“She’s right,” Sorcha said. “Aisling found out a few things. Now, it’s my turn to get to the truth.”
Cathal barely heard either of them. He knew he had to answer to Death, but there was no way he would let anyone or anything harm Sorcha. She was…everything…to him. He nodded.
“What are you talking about?” Aisling asked.
Sorcha sat up and smiled. “Cathal and I talked.”
“Oh, is that what you were doing?” Aisling interrupted with a roll of her eyes.
Cathal watched as a blush stained Sorcha’s cheeks, and her emerald eyes met his. His heart swelled, love filling every particle of his being. He couldn’t believe his path had crossed with hers. But now that he’d met her, he wasn’t sure he could ever let her go.
The thing was, he might not have to if she agreed. Death now allowed the Reapers who found love to have their women and still continue to do her bidding. But the question was whether Sorcha would leave her human world behind for one on another realm with the Reapers. He was pretty sure he knew the answer.
“We did talk,” Sorcha told Aisling with a saucy look. Then she ruined it with a bright smile. “As well as other things.”
Aisling shot a look of surprise at Cathal. “Well, well. Sorry I interrupted, but I figured this was important.”
“It is,” Cathal told her.
Sorcha nodded. “I’m going to confront a Fae out there. I asked Cathal if both of you could be close when I do, but hiding so none of the other Fae can see you. Just in case I get into trouble and need help.”
Once more, Aisling’s red eyes landed on him. Cathal didn’t acknowledge the question in her gaze.
“Of course, we will,” Aisling said. “But…you can do magic. You’re a Halfling. The bit of Fae magic within your veins will make your Druid magic stronger. If what we saw with Usaeil is any indication, you’re incredibly powerful, Sorcha. I’m not sure you even need us.”
And there it was. The very thing that had been in the back of Cathal’s mind. Sorcha had asked him for help, had put her life in his hands when no one else ever had. But the simple fact was that she didn’t need him. Or anyone.
“Cathal?” Aisling prodded.
He nodded woodenly to Sorcha. “Aisling is right. You are powerful.”
“So powerful that I wasn’t able to save my family,” Sorcha said, though there was no heat in her words. She looked at the floor for several moments before she lifted her head and looked into his eyes. “I’d rather have you near, regardless if I do magic or not.”
“Then I’ll be there.”
Aisling glanced at him. “We’ll be there.”
Chapter Sixteen
What in the world had she been thinking? Sorcha had actually believed that she could stand before a Fae and demand they tell her what she wanted to know. She must have gone daft for a few moments because now that she stood outside, she wanted nothing more than to turn around and run back into the house.
But she didn’t. No matter how terrified she was of not only facing the Fae coming for her but also how she would respond if they told her the truth, she would never forgive herself if she didn’t at least attempt to get some answers.
She didn’t turn around and look at the house as she walked the property. Cathal and Aisling hadn’t followed her out. They’d told her they would leave the house in a way that ensured that no one would see them but said they would keep an eye on her and be there if she got into trouble. Sorcha wanted to laugh at that because she didn’t see how she could come face-to-face with the other Fae and not get into trouble.
As she walked, her thoughts went back to her trip to Ireland. The Skye Druids had been so upset about the prospect of other Druids forming a group to follow the Others that it was all Sorcha had thought about, as well. It had never entered her mind that there could be something more in store for her. Something potentially bigger.
After all, the Others—as well as Usaeil—had left scars upon them that were still raw and festering. Not to mention, whatever these Fae wanted with Sorcha had nothing to do with the other Druids on the isle. So why should any of them have taken note? It wasn’t as if Sorcha had actually been a part of the Druid community over the last ten years. She might be blood to some, but she had made it known that she wanted nothing to do with any of them. If they had seen the Fae, they hadn’t been worried enough about them to check in with her.
And she couldn’t be upset about that. She had gone out of her way to distance herself from them, telling them in no uncertain terms that she wanted nothing to do with the Druid way of life anymore.
Though she still wasn’t sure why she had gone to Ireland. No, that wasn’t true. She had gone because her cousin had asked for her help. Rhona was one of the few who kept in touch with Sorcha whether she wanted it or not. And not once in all those years had Rhona asked Sorcha for anything. How then, when she had come to her, could Sorcha say no?
Looking back, Sorcha was glad that she had gone to Ireland. She hadn’t been happy at the time, but it had brought Cathal into her life. Just thinking of him made her smile. She knew he had secrets, and she was all right with that. Mainly because she accepted that he wouldn’t remain in her life. Odd how her mum hadn’t bothered to tell her about her father, and yet Sorcha had nearly followed in her mother’s footsteps. Well, in all cases, she had followed her mother. She had fallen in love with a Fae. What Sorcha wouldn’t do was get pregnant or believe that Cathal might want her as his.
She tried not to feel resentment or anger at that thought, but she couldn’t quite manage it. For all she knew, one of Cathal’s secrets was that he was married. She really hoped not. The one thing she could never forgive was a person cheating on their lover with another. She’d only had one boyfriend do that to her, and it had been the worst pain she’d ever experienced.
Sorcha stopped when she got to the fence. This was one of the places where Cathal had urged her to go. Apparently, a Fae had been here, standing for hours, simply staring at her house. There was no one here now, however.
She clicked her tongue and held up the carrot. One of the mares in the pasture jerked her head up. She didn’t always come with treats, but that never stopped the animals from trotting over to her for some petting and soft words. She’d always loved horses. They were magnificent animals.
As the horse drew closer, it slowed to a walk, neighing softly. She smiled and held out the carrot as an offering. The animal extended its neck to take the vegetable instead of co
ming closer. That alerted Sorcha that something wasn’t right.
“What’s wrong, girl?” she asked the mare.
The horse chewed the carrot. Once it was gone, the animal took a tentative step to the fence. Sorcha held out her hand, waiting for the horse. As the mare paused, Sorcha suddenly had a feeling that she shouldn’t have put her hand over the fence. She lowered her arm, her heart pounding. It could be nothing more than her imagination getting the better of her. And no one knew better than she just how active her thoughts could be.
Still, she couldn’t help but feel as if she had just barely avoided being grabbed. Sorcha hoped it was nothing more than her imaginings, but she didn’t think so. She wished she could take hold of Cathal’s hand. It helped to know that he was near. It was too bad he wasn’t right beside her, though.
Funny, she had always been so proud of the fact that she didn’t need anyone for anything. She managed things on her own. Her mother had begun that when she taught both Sorcha and Molly that there was no reason the two of them couldn’t do anything anyone else did. Her mother had gotten many tools over the years, and thanks to online videos now, Sorcha had learned to fix all sorts of problems in her house and with her car.
And she hadn’t done any of it with magic.
Not that there weren’t times when she wanted to do magic. Sometimes, she woke with it running through her so potently that all she had to do was think of what she wanted to do, and it likely would’ve happened. But she hadn’t let herself.
If she hadn’t relied on magic that day with her mum and Molly, then they might still be alive. She’d been overconfident and arrogant, and she’d paid a heavy price for it. Sorcha wasn’t going to allow that to happen again. Magic was nice to have. It was handy in some instances, but it couldn’t be counted on to save lives.
She was so lost in thought that when the mare jerked her head up, it startled Sorcha. She started to turn away when something caught her attention out of the corner of her eye. Sorcha did a double take, her gaze immediately landing on a man standing a few meters away. He was beautiful with short black hair and bright silver eyes, and he was attired immaculately. That revealed a Fae more than most anything. The fact that they were so vain they had to dress so perfectly showed their true colors.
