Lassie’s jaw clenched, and his men spread out across the room, readying for a fight. “Three of my men have gone missing.”
“I’d love to help you, but I won’t be much use to you dead.”
A growl rumbled from Aiden. “How long have they been gone?”
“A few weeks. They were tracking the drug. Their last communication came from this town. They said they were close. Then nothing. When we arrived, we found no sight or scent of them.”
Shayla angled toward Aiden, the pieces clicking together. “These wolves were taken, weren’t they? Like you. Why?”
James made the connection first, speaking before either wolf broke their standoff. “It’s the blood.”
“Of course. The drug turns those predisposed into wolves. They then tracked the wolves, captured them, and harvested their blood to create more. They need the infected to keep up supply.”
Shayla very deliberately turned away from Aiden, her throat so tight breathing became difficult.
He didn’t trust her.
He never had.
Lassie had been right. Aiden just wanted to use her to find his men.
He never had any intention of mating her. She didn’t realize how much she wanted that until it was taken away.
Emotions became leaden, distant, as she struggled to figure out the fastest way to put this part of her life behind her once and for all. Her mother was right. Nothing good could come from her gift. All she had to do was lead them to the compound where the wolves were being held and then she’d be free.
It couldn’t come soon enough.
Her resolve hardened, and she pushed everything away but the need to complete this job and get the hell out of Scotland. She glanced at James. They had met when she’d worked her first and last missing persons case three years ago. He knew the dangers, what to do if things went wrong.
James looked grim but resigned. “I’ll be here. Just don’t get yourself killed.”
“Then let’s begin.” Shayla held out her hand toward Lassie. “Do you have the items I told you to collect?”
He hesitated, as if he wanted to protest, but they both knew it had progressed beyond that. She wiggled her fingers, and he finally withdrew a small tube from his pocket. The vial was dull in the early morning light. Viscous liquid, dark and heavy, clung to the sides of the glass, the rotting blood lumpy.
“This’s all I could get my hands on in such short time. The drug has already degraded. You shouldn’t be affected at all.”
Before she could wrap her hand around the vial, Aiden blocked the exchange by shoving his way between them.
“Not until we know the dangers to you.”
Chapter Twenty-three
Aiden had lost control of the situation, he was losing her, but he’d be damned if he allowed this young pup to put her in danger. He crossed his arms, refusing to budge, daring anyone to harm her while he was there.
“You said there were dangers. What do you mean, exactly?” He nudged his way between Shayla and the upstart wolf. He didn’t like the proprietary way the guy was treating Shayla, as if she had no choice.
Shayla remained stubbornly silent. When she turned those expressive blue eyes on him, Aiden winced. The warmth and joy that had become so precious to him was gone.
Destroyed because of his idiot behavior.
His wolf snarled in denial.
Marked or not, she was theirs.
His first wife wanted the privileges that came with being married to a warrior, but she despised the beast. She wanted the status, but hated to be in the same room with him. Ridiculed his touch. Neither Aiden nor the beast had contemplated claiming her.
Now the tables were turned.
Shayla was everything he could ever hope for in a mate. And she intended to run the moment she finished the job. He had no intention of letting her go without a fight. He would follow her, give up his pack if it meant being with her, even if he had to remain in the shadows.
Aiden turned toward the only other person in the room who didn’t have an ulterior motive. James. “Explain.”
“She only seeks objects. For people, she has to search longer, go deeper into her gift. The more she lingers, the more damage it does.” James rubbed the back of his neck, avoiding the nasty glare Shayla shot his way. “I almost wasn’t able to bring her back the last time.”
Aiden swallowed hard at the dire pronouncement. His wolf’s fur stood on end at what they were asking her to risk.
“That’s how you found me, wasn’t it?” Everything made sense. He had been a fool, too caught up with lusting after her, not to notice sooner. He should’ve known she was a Beloved right from the start.
A beautiful blush filled her face, and wolf perked his ears up, intrigued by her reaction.
“Not exactly. I wasn’t really searching. My gift never works on me.”
Her flustered answer charmed him. She wasn’t telling the truth. At least not all of it.
But she had shared it with someone else. A burst of jealousy brought a snarled to his face. “You told your Lassie what you could do.”
Shayla snorted, crossing her arms defensively. “Don’t you dare try to make this my fault. You were the one keeping secrets. Lassie knew about my abilities when he searched me out to do a job.”
They exchanged glares, while everyone else watched the them with fascination. Aiden puffed up, unable to defend against the truth, but unwilling to let it go.
“You already knew about the wolves, didn’t you?”
Shayla shook her head. “Not at first. I discovered it on my own.”
The knowledge shook him, and his beast stilled. When? Before they had made love or after? He quickly went over the timeline, devastated to realize that it must have been after. His time alone with her meant everything to him. Did knowing the truth change the way she felt? “You never said anything.”
“Sure, what was I supposed to say? Ask if you were a werewolf? Since the world doesn’t know about your species, that means you want to keep it secret. What if admitting the truth meant I couldn’t leave or worse?”
It smarted, but she wasn’t that far off base. They guarded their secret closely. If it had been anyone but her, she would’ve been right in her assumptions. That she believed he would harm her gutted him.
Lassie and his men were desperate. They wouldn’t allow her leave without getting their men back. That Aiden had at one time contemplated using her for the same reason was immaterial. He might not be able to stop her, but he could make sure she would come to no harm.
Aiden turned to face Lassie. “Let’s wait until nightfall. The humans are more vulnerable in the dark, and the full moon will give our wolves more power. It will be our best chance.”
“I’m agreeable.” Everyone looked toward Shayla.
“I’d rather just get this done.”
Aiden stalked toward her until they were almost touching. She didn’t back down, his little wolf, but tipped up her stubborn chin, her mouth pursed in an adorable little pout he longed to kiss. “I won’t allow you to get yourself killed. You will give me time to organize my men to protect you. At any sign of danger, you will stop. Understood?”
She sighed, dropped into the seat next to James and crossed her arms, obstinate to the last drop. “Fine, I just want this nightmare over.”
Swallowing became impossible at the curt statement. He wanted to protest but didn’t have the right. She’d gone through hell to save him, and it wasn’t over. But he could do one thing…protect her from the upcoming battle, no matter the cost. “We’ll meet back here an hour before sunset.”
* * *
The room emptied quickly. Shayla watched Aiden storm out, and despite everything, she wanted to go after him. But what was the point? Everything had been said between them. It hurt too much to see him and know that she’d lost.
James stood beside her, studying her with eyes that saw too much. “You were a little harsh. I think the guy might actually care for you.”
“You found a man who didn’t flinch when he learned of your gift. One who has a bigger secret than yours. I would think you’d be a little more understanding. Except in his case, he also has to keep his people safe. It’s not just his secret.”
“That’s not fair.” She gritted her teeth. It was already painful, but if she fell any more in love with Aiden, it would destroy her to lose him.
James raised a brow. “Isn’t it? It’s also my job as your fiend to tell you when you’re being an idiot. You’ve kept yourself apart from everyone. You use your gift as an excuse. Now you have a guy who accepts and wants everything you’re willing to give him, and you’re running. Are you going to be a fool and toss it away because you’re scared?”
Damn James anyway. He didn’t know the truth. She swallowed hard, bitterness adding a bite to her words. “He doesn’t want me. You saw how easily he dismissed me.”
James snorted. “What I saw was the way that man looked at you. If he had his way, he would’ve carted you off to his castle if he thought he could get away with it. He’d do anything to keep you safe. You’re lying to us both it you tell me you don’t want what he has to offer.”
James was right in one respect. She was a coward. She almost never went out with a man past the first date. That’s usually when they asked her what she did for a living. When she told them, they either considered her a con artist or freaked out, terrified that she’d expose their secrets.
She’d learned as a kid not to get too close to others.
Never tell anyone what she could do.
For the last year, she’d stopped dating entirely.
Never allowed anyone close enough to hurt her.
Until Aiden.
He somehow sneaked past her guard.
James nudged her, practically shoving her toward the door. “If you don’t take this chance, you’ll never forgive yourself.”
Before she could formulate a protest, he opened the door, and all but flung her outside. Shayla stumbled and straightened to see the door to the inn slam shut in her face. The sunlight blinded her. She shaded her eyes, then reluctantly turned, but saw no sign of her elusive quarry.
“If you’re looking for Aiden, he’s down by the docks.” Mac walked out from the side of the inn as though he’d been waiting. He studied her, the stiffness in his face easing slightly. “Humans have made his life hell. You wanted to hurt him, punish him for his behavior. You succeeded. I hope you enjoyed your victory.”
Shayla flushed in shame, but met his stare and waited for his judgment. None came, which made her feel even worse. “There have been so many lies…on both sides. Everything has been tainted.”
“Not everything. Not the way he feels about you.” Mac straightened, gazing off in the distance. “If you care anything for Aiden, tread carefully. After decades of being alone, you’ve made him feel, and he’s struggling with those emotions. You’re important to him, and he doesn’t know how to react without messing things up.”
Shayla remembered Aiden’s shattered expression. She’d lashed out to hurt him, but never expected to feel so crappy afterward. Mac turned away, leaving her to decide if she wanted to fight for a second chance. Nerves danced in her stomach as she remembered Aiden’s gentleness, the way he seemed so determined to keep her safe. She hadn’t realized how much she’d come to rely on that until he took it all away from her with his public rejection of her.
She wanted that again and began walking, then running. By the time she reached the dock, she was breathless. She scanned the beach, finally spotting Aiden as he worked with one of the villagers on their boat. The panic that had built up in her chest, that she wouldn’t find him in time, eased enough for her become nervous all over again.
A plaid kilt was wrapped around his waist, leaving that glorious chest naked for her viewing pleasure. No doubt he wore it so he could shift into whatever form he needed and not get tangled in clothes. The impressive sight was enough to distract any girl.
Muscles flexed as he moved a large tangle of nets for the fisherman, making her want to run her hands over him to feel all that wonderful strength again.
Once wasn’t enough.
She shouldn’t be surprised to find him helping others. He treated it as just part of his job. He never asked anyone for help when he could do it himself. He gave his time freely to everyone. It didn’t matter if it was training with his men…or helping a female he didn’t know stay alive.
He never expected anything in return.
Lured closer, she’d taken just two steps when she noticed a hitch in his stride. As if he knew she was watching, he straightened, turned and stared right at her. There was no expression on his face, no softness, the intensity in his eyes causing her chest to tighten. To have all that focus directed at her made her breath catch.
Aiden strode toward her, no rush in his steps, his eyes on hers as he wrapped a length of kilt over his shoulders.
A leather strap was wrapped around his wrist, up his arm, worn like a brand of ownership. With a start, she recognized the thin strip of material from her bag. Warmth flushed through her at the thought of this proud warrior belonging to her.
He stopped a foot away, taking care not to touch her, as if he was afraid she’d scurry away. His musk evoked memories of them together, sweet and sexy times that she’d buried.
Awkwardness struck her for the first time since they’d met, and she fiddled with her fingers, unable to meet his eyes. “Do you want to go for a walk?
From under her lashes, she saw Aiden’s brows furrow, studying her as if he expected a trap. He swallowed hard then peered down the shore before gesturing her forward. “We should be safe enough if we don’t go far.”
They walked in silence, and Shayla took the time to study Aiden. He appeared tense. Twitchy. He scanned the area, but his gaze repeatedly wandered toward her, touching on her for a second before jerking his attention away when he found her watching. His hands were clasped behind his back in his standard pose.
Her breath hitched. Pleasure heated her face. Was it possible she made this indomitable man nervous? “I thought you’d sent Lassie to protect me. That’s the only reason I left. By the time I figured out the truth, it was too late.” She watched her feet, ashamed that she hadn’t questioned the situation sooner. “I just thought you should know.”
Tension melted from him, the alpha in him easing back until only the man remained. “And I shouldn’t have locked you up. I wanted to protect you. Instead, I put you in more danger.”
His voice was hoarse, his accent leaving her all tingly, and she didn’t want him to stop talking. Wanted to know everything about him. Between her hormones and his unexpected apology, it took a few steps before her brain could fire on all cylinders again. “Tell me about your family.”
He scowled, and a muscle in his jaw twitched before he relented. “I’m a hereditary wolf. That means I was born a wolf, not bitten. We’re called pure bloods. While some wolves aren’t able to change shapes, pure bloods are more powerful and able to shift into two forms. We’re more feral, which makes us more dangerous. Our first change takes place at puberty.”
“Was it painful?”
Aiden nodded, not looking at her. “Yes, but we’re prepared for it. If we don’t have control, we can lose ourselves to the beast for a time. We become lost in flux. Sometimes it can take years to change back, sometimes it never happens.”
Silence stretched as she waited for him to continue. When he didn’t, Shayla walked a little closer and bumped her shoulder against his arm. “Parents, brothers or sisters?”
He jumped as if sta
rtled that she’d voluntarily touched him, moving away to maintain the carefully controlled distance he placed between them. He frowned, then glanced at her as if coming to a decision. “No women are ever born shifters.”
Then, much to her surprise, he wandered a little closer. He tensed as he waited for her reaction, not touching, but close enough that every nerve sizzled at his nearness.
“Your parents?”
His shoulders eased at her question. “My father vanished when I was young.”
“I’m sorry.” Shayla couldn’t speak for a moment, unable to comprehend the solitude of growing up that way. “And your mother?”
“Humans can’t survive giving birth to children of the wolf. Their bodies aren’t able to contain the magic and usually die in childbirth. Father loved my mother. They were devastated when she became pregnant, but she refused to terminate the pregnancy. She wanted to give me a chance at life. Father stayed around as long as he could for me, but her death had taken its toll. His spent more and more time in his wolf form, until he just never returned.”
“Did you ever search for him?”
“Wolves never come back after too much time in flux. Stay human too long, you stifle and eventually kill your wolf. Stay wolf too long, and you forget your humanity. The castle functions more as a sanctuary for my kind. A place for the very young to learn about their heritage. Once they learn control, they leave and roam the world. The very old, who can no longer contend with the changing times, return for longer and longer visits. A few even stay to serve the pack.”
Shayla often cursed her close-knit family, but wouldn’t trade them for anything. She didn’t know how these men could bear to see everyone they loved die over and over again. Loneliness clung to him in a way that made her want to gather him close. “How can you survive living like that?”
“It wasn’t always that way. A long time ago, there was a bloodline of females who were our perfect counterparts. They were strong enough to bring our children to full term and survive. The Beloved. We just had to search until we found our match. The mating ritual extends our mate’s life while the female stabilize out wolf. They were the most coveted prize a wolf could ever hope to claim.”
Coveted Page 19
