by Victoria Zak
She shivered in response, needing warmth. Quickly, he rolled her over and removed the rest of her wet, blood-soaked dress. He gathered the furs around her, then sat beside her and rubbed her body through the thick material. What he was doing wasn’t enough. She needed more—she needed his body heat. He stood and undressed, anxious to slip under the covers and hold her close. Pulling back the furs, he got into bed and wrapped his arms
around Adaira, holding her close to his chest. She nuzzled against his body.
“That’s it my queen, take all that ye want.”
He brushed her hair away from her face and kissed her forehead, praying her body had enough strength to fight off the poison. Losing her would be the death of him. The thought of never seeing or touching her again ripped him up inside. He stifled a mournful howl and tightened his arms around her.
“Mark my words, I will kill the fae who did this to ye.”
He didn’t know how long he’d been lying next to Adaira watching her sleep, but it was long enough for the fire outside to burn out, for the cold air had invaded his tent. Reluctantly, Rafe forced himself from beneath the furs, tucking the covers tight around Adaira. He needed to tend the fire before he fell asleep. “Shite.” It was cold. His bare arse was freezing even for a wolf.
Rafe wrapped his plaid around his waist before he stepped outside. The frigid air hit him hard. It burned his lungs as he inhaled, making him want to shift. In wolf form the cold wouldn’t bother him; it was his human side that suffered.
He dusted the snow from a pile of wood near the tent and suddenly sensed he wasn’t alone. As he carried the logs to the fire pit, he noticed his younger brother walking over to him.
“Tegwyn, what are ye doing up this early?”
“I’m coming back from watch duty.”
“Aye.” Rafe continued tending to the fire, avoiding further conversation.
“Aren’t ye going to ask me about the Keith lasses?”
This was the last discussion he wanted to have with his brother. Time was running out; his pack was sniffing around. They knew Rafe had been acting strange. They’d been so close to capturing Masie they didn’t believe she had escaped on her own. With Masie safe at Ravens Landing and Adaira in his bed, there was only one sister unaccounted for. And once Leana was found, then what would he do? He knew damn well he wasn’t going to hand them over to Cormag. However, if he refused, his brothers would pay the price and he couldn’t allow the Honor Guard to be punished for his crimes. If he didn’t tread softly, he’d find himself banished from the pack and his head on the chopping block. And with a past like his, there would be no consideration for a second chance.
Rafe blew out a frustrated breath. “Well, did ye catch one?”
Tegwyn stood next to Rafe warming his hands over the fire. “Nay, but I find it odd that we had one cornered and she mysteriously got away.”
“What are ye insinuating, Brother, that I’d deliberately let her go?” He turned to Tegwyn, sternly eyeing him. “I don’t appreciate the accusation.”
“Nay, I’d never question yer integrity. I’m a bit frustrated.”
“Aye, ye know how to relieve that problem, don’t ye?” Rafe smirked, shoving his brother in jest.
Tegwyn grinned. “Aye, ‘tis been too long since a warm, soft lass has graced my bed.”
Rafe knew the long hunt had taken a toll on Tegwyn. This winter was extraordinarily bitter, leaving few options for food. The Honor Guard had been hunting the Keith sisters for over a month and the pack was desperate for a hot meal, warm bed, and the company of women. He felt their restlessness in the air, which wasn’t good—a restless wolf always meant trouble.
Because of Rafe, his brother and sister carried a heavy burden. They were known as the siblings of the Mad Dog. Rafe’s violent reputation haunted him like a lurking demon, at a distance, yet close enough to torment his soul. Hell, after a while, he’d stopped fighting the darkness and welcomed it, accepting his fate. He didn’t deserve to be forgiven for his sins—not after what he had done to Gwenlyn.
The taste of rage still lingered on his tongue and the sound of his fangs ripping into flesh still echoed inside his head. His sleep was dominated by nightmares of him uncontrollably racing through his village, ripping and tearing through people who crossed his wrath.
No matter how fast or far he ran, his past was always just one step behind.
It wasn’t the nameless faces that he’d killed that haunted him from the grave. Nay, it was knowing in a haze of fury he’d killed his mate. It felt so fresh in his mind, Gwenlyn gasping for life as he held her. Rafe had ruined his family, because he couldn’t control his temper.
“Brother, there’s something ailing yer mind.” Tegwyn faced him. “Do not allow the ghost in.”
Aye, his brother knew him too well. Even through the hardest of times Teg stood by him. He didn’t deserve his brother’s loyalty, yet Teg loved him unconditionally. That only hurt Rafe worse, knowing he kept secrets from his brother. Secrets that could end up being the death of them.
“Teg, ye worry too much. I’m well. The hunt is wearing me down just like everyone else.”
Tegwyn raised a brow. “And this has nothing to do with Adaira?”
Rafe shifted from one foot to the other. “Adaira made her choice when she fled Dornoch and took a liking to the enemy. She’s the one who has to answer for her crimes.” He felt the weight of Teg’s scrutiny. “Do not question me, Brother. Adaira is no concern of yers.”
“It is when my life is on the line. Rafe, if ye know where she is, ye must turn her in.”
“I’m through having this conversation with ye,” Rafe growled. “Heed my words, Brother. Adaira makes her own decisions, and the guard must fulfill its’ duty to the laird. Don’t question me again.”
Tegwyn looked away as Rafe glared at him. A sure sign his brother fully understood the consequences of speaking Adaira’s name.
Rafe didn’t mean to be so gruff. He clasped Teg’s shoulder. “We’re no good in our current state. I’m calling off the hunt for a couple of days so we can all rest. We’ll camp here until then. In the meantime, take the pack to the village. Find a tavern and some lassies to keep ye warm.”
A grin spread across Teg’s lips. “Aren’t ye coming?”
“Nay, someone needs to stay here. Promise ye’ll keep the men in line.
Ye’re in charge.”
“As ye wish.” Teg nodded and then made his way back to the campsite.
Rafe looked up into the early morning sky in relief. His brother’s senses were right. How long could he keep up such treachery before he was caught?
3
AS IF IN a weightless dream Adaira rose from the pallet like mist rising from a loch. A warm ray of light shined down on her, calling her soul from the darkness, reminding her of a time long ago when she and her sisters were free-spirited and frolicked in the sun. Masie and Leana’s youthful giggles echoed in the memory as soft mystical whispers called her home.
When the soft voices fell silent, Adaira opened her eyes and stared blankly at her own corpse still lying on the pallet. There was no fear, no screams of denial, and no regrets. She wasn’t afraid to die. “Ashes-to-ashes, fade to black. A new life begins.” Her dispirited epitaph marked an end to a life that was extinguished long before she’d taken her final breath.
An icy awareness tingled through her fingertips as she touched her lifeless body. The furs fell flat against the pallet and she gasped, stumbling backwards. Her hand trembled as she flung the furs away and stared down into a mound of ashes.
A brisk wind invaded the tent whipping her ashes into a cloud of dust, spinning the scene around her into a barren forest. Dead trees lined the bank of a murky stream that snaked through the forest. Ravens squawked and circled above. The stench of rotting earth surrounded her. A sure sign of death, she thought.
A chill raced down her spine as she walked deeper into the woods, entering the realm of the dead, forever damned. When she reached t
he stream, a fiery halo appeared above the flowing waters. Raging flames flickered toward the heavens, hissing like a whispering siren, luring Adaira closer. She tipped her head back and stretched out her arms, bathing in the
warmth and accepting her fate.
She didn’t know how long she’d been there when she heard a voice. At first, she didn’t pay attention, for nothing mattered except staying in the light.
“Go away,” she whispered.
“Adaira, help me.”
Through her blissful haze, she recognized the voice and spun around.
“Hello?” she called out as she stepped from beneath the light.
“Ye must go back.”
“Leana? Is that ye?”
Her sister revealed herself, stepping out from behind a rowan tree.
Adaira ran toward her, but the faster she went, the more the forest came alive. Branches grabbed her, slicing her skin like sharp fingernails. “Leana, dinnae go. I’m coming!”
Adaira’s feet suddenly sank in thick mud. “Nay!” The earth sucked her deeper inside. She struggled against the bubbling sludge, fighting her way to Leana. Maiden, Mother, Crone, she couldn’t lose her sister again. She stretched her hand out to Leana, but she was still too far away. “Where are ye? I promise I’ll find ye.”
In a gasp, Adaira lunged forward in bed. Her throat felt like she’d drunk sand, rough and dry. Where was she? In between her labored breaths and coughing, she took in her surroundings and panicked. Nothing looked familiar and she couldn’t remember how she ended up in a tent. A gust of cold air nipped at her skin. She looked down and found herself naked.
The tent flap opened and Adaira realized she wasn’t alone anymore.
Before she could cover up, the man froze in his tracks as if he’d seen a ghost.
She blinked, trying to clear the fog. She needed to see his face clearly. Was he a threat? Did he strip her naked and put her to bed last night? Not knowing what to do, Adaira rolled off the pallet. “Stay away from me.”
The man came closer.
“Heed my words. Stay away.”
“Adaira, ‘tis me, Rafe.”
Rafe? Nay. She wiped her eyes. Why couldn’t she see clearly? There was only one explanation; this wasn’t real, she was hallucinating. Rafe couldn’t be here, she was far away from home. “I dinnae believe ye.”
Confused, she stepped back. If she could only remember what happened, how’d she gotten here. Aye, she’d been running through the woods, chased by the fae prince. “Nay.”
“Adaira, ye need to lay down. The poison is still strong.”
“Poison?” She felt the sting of the claw marks on her back.
“Aye. Do ye remember what happened?”
“I dinnae know what is real anymore. I can no’ see clearly.”
Rafe approached her. Carefully, he claimed her hand and held it over his heart. “I am real. Ye are inside my tent. Ye have been poisoned by the fae.”
Adaira breathed a sigh of relief. “Rafe, ‘tis really ye?” She took a step forward and the tent began to spin. Her knees buckled, but Rafe’s strong arms saved her from hitting the ground.
“Aye, my queen, ‘tis me.”
“I…must…find Leana.” Adaira fought to stay awake—the darkness beckoned to her again.
“All in due time. Ye need rest.” Rafe picked Adaira up and walked back to the pallet.
“She’s in danger.” Adaira tugged the furs off despite Rafe’s efforts to tuck her in. “I must go.”
“Shhh, Leana’s a strong lass. Wherever she is, we’ll find her, but not tonight. Ye’ll be of no use to her in yer current condition. Rest and fight off the poison.”
Rafe was right. She stopped struggling. Leana was strong, but it was her instincts or lack thereof, that Adaira worried about. The oldest of the three sisters, Adaira was the responsible one, the voice of reason. She kept them safe, or at least had tried.
Adaira laid back. Leana couldn’t make it on her own. She worried, with the queen out for blood, any one sister alone couldn’t outrun her. What if she was too late? By the saints, what if the queen had already found Leana?
Leana, I will find ye.
As she drifted in and out of sleep, she remembered the day their fate had been changed forever. As children, they’d been desperate to help their mother escape their violent father. Ale brought out the monster in him. Seeking a way out of their miserable lives, they followed the fairy fire into the glen one night. Leana believed this was their chance to rid themselves of Doughall forever.
“Doughall must die.” She could still hear the desperation in wee Masie’s voice. No child should harbor such anger.
The memory of Queen Galanthus Snowdrop’s words sent a chill down Adaira’s spine. “It’s the rule of the Unseelie; in order to take a life, we must
gain a life. One of ye must come with me and live in my kingdom and learn our ways.”
Instead of being separated, Masie, Leana, and Adaira all pressed their bloodied fingers together with the queen’s, sealing the oath.
“We’re bound by blood,” the queen said. “This oath can’t be broken.”
Even then, Adaira knew they were making a horrible mistake. She tried to warn Leana, but she wouldn’t listen. The queen had only asked for one of them. However, Adaira couldn’t let Leana carry that burden alone.
This was the first time she couldn’t save her sisters from a horrible mistake. A mistake that had woken their true nature and their thirst for blood.
Another wave of nausea hit Adaira, filling her with dread as the effects of the poison took ahold of her mind, opening old wounds. She tried to shake the bad memories off, but she was defenseless.
She rolled over, curling into a ball. Ye cannot run from yer demons, child, the queen’s voice sounded from somewhere in the distance.
“My heart’s queen.” Rafe’s hot breath against her skin comforted her.
“Hold on to me.”
She rolled into his embrace, burying her head against his chest. His big arms wrapped around her, cocooning her in warmth. He grounded her, everything else was pain and lies brought on by the poison.
“Rafe, the poison….” Her voice trailed off as she faded into another deep dream.
This time she watched a scene unfold when she was but ten and three, cornered in the buttery by her father and another man much older than she was. “Ye’ll wed this man and bear me a grandson,” her father seethed.
Doughall grabbed her by the front of her dress and raised his fist.
Adaira watched herself relive her father’s drunken tantrum. Rage consumed her and she couldn’t hold back anymore. Adaira ran toward Doughall and grabbed his arm, protecting herself from the blow. But she moved right through him as if she were a ghost. She turned around and watched his hand came down like a hammer, striking the lass in the face and knocking her to the ground.
In a panic, Adaira knelt in front of her younger self. “Run. Run away, lass,” Adaria warned, for she knew what was going to happen next.
The lass looked up and Adaira froze at the sight of the agony behind her dark eyes. The cold truth struck Adaira in the chest. This was the moment that had scarred her forever.
The other man walked through Adaira and grabbed the lass by the shoulders, picking her up from the ground. “Ye should show yer father respect.”
She spat in his face, which only brought harsh punishment.
Adaira’s heart raced with terror. Tears streamed down her cheeks. She couldn’t prevent the nightmare from happening. And she couldn’t turn away.
Her shield was down. Unprotected, Adaira’s wounds reopened. Maiden, Mother, Crone, make it stop!
The lass was pushed to the ground. She screamed, slapping the man’s hands away from under her dress. “Have no’ ye learned yer lesson, wench?”
He smacked her, splitting her bottom lip open. “Be a good lass and obey yer husband.”
Adaira tasted the blood in her mouth…the stench of ale on his breath…
the feeling of complete helplessness. It all twisted in her gut as she relived the night her innocence was stolen. Like a thief, the man took what he wanted and left her in a heap on the ground.
Shaking, Adaira sat back on her heels. “Fight lass, fight.”
The man climbed off her and looked down at her as he straightened his trews. There was no compassion in his eyes, no remorse, not even a kind gesture to help her off the floor. “Until next time,” he slurred and grinned.
The killer inside Adaira begged to rip the man’s throat out and feed it to the dogs. Seeing herself sobbing on the ground, violated, was beyond devastation. She wanted to cradle the lass in her arms and reassure her she’d have her revenge, that she’d take justice into her own hands and make sure that he’d never be able to use his cock to harm another lass again.
Adaira walked toward Doughall as he watched his own flesh and blood sobbing on the floor. The grudge she’d carried in her heart all these years was because of him. He’d made her suffer, even from the grave. These horrid memories were only a small part of the damage he’d done. She breathed heavily, anger flowing through her. “How could ye?”
A cold wisp of air settled on her hand and the hairs on the back of her neck stood. The lass was holding her hand. Tear-filled, dark eyes peered up at her. “Tell him…Tell him he’s an evil man, a disgrace. Tell him ye hate him for harming us. Tell him ye’ll meet again one day in hell where ye’ll finally have yer revenge.”
Adaira considered the child for a moment. Her black hair neatly draped over her shoulders was free of tangles and sweat. Her dress was clean. Any
evidence of that heinous act was now gone. She reached down and touched the lass’ hair. Her hand passed through the strands and the girl melted away, along with her childhood hopes and dreams. Doughall had stripped her of everything in life. He’d raised the demons inside her. Adaira fisted her hands.
Aye, she’d made sure justice had been served.
Adaira glared at her father. “Ye’re going to die.”
Doughall’s image faded along with the earthy smell of the buttery and was replaced with warmth and the fresh scent of mint.
