Fueled by concern for her, Bryce would do a hell of a lot more than fly. She’d gone through much worse. “Aye.”
“We’ll clean up here and then join you,” Malcolm said. Bryce scanned the area, at all the destruction from the aftermath of battle. This land might have been a lively place while Mairi’s clan lived there, but now it stood desolate and battered. The stench of burning demons still lingered.
“I’ll catch up soon,” Duncan added. “In case, the journey proves too difficult.”
Carrying her limp body in his weakened state, the flight back through the Highlands was somber and slow. The dismal gray sky loomed over craggy cliffs. The gargoyles had emerged victorious over the sluagh, but if Mairi died, what did it matter? She’d fought with courage, pitting herself against the creatures ready to martyr herself for others. She’d even given him the last of her energy reserves. He glanced at her, cradled in his arms. Selfless and brave. The most amazing woman he’d ever met. Now, so fragile. He roared out in protest, but his cries were swallowed by the waves crashing against the rocks.
As he flew over the moors toward the castle, he sensed someone approach. When he turned back, he spotted Duncan. Bryce had flown slower than usual; he wasn’t surprised Duncan had caught up.
After they landed, Duncan said, “You made it back. That must have been a tough journey after all that happened tonight. You’re more resilient than I thought, Bryce.”
Bryce wasn’t sure what to say. Praise from Duncan didn’t come often, at least not when it came to Bryce and his brothers. He nodded.
“You can bring her inside. We’ll take good care of her. She can stay with our clan.”
The tautness in his chest made it difficult to breathe. He should be relieved—he’d brought her here, like she’d been a problem he had to rid himself of as quickly as possible. Now, that he’d succeeded, it hit him as a loss, not a win. An ache grew. She’d be miles away. On a different land. With different gargoyles. Perhaps mating with one. He tightened his hold on her.
If she ever recovered.
“Shouldn’t it be up to her where she lives?” Bryce replied, clutching desperately at a straw.
“Of course,” Duncan agreed. He raised a brow. “You brought her to live with our clan, correct?”
Bryce all but heard the implied sentiment. To get rid of her. Or maybe it was a combination of his guilt and regret.
“Aye, but—”
“You don’t want her to go back with you to the Isle of Stone, do you?”
That was exactly what he was thinking. But once Duncan said it, Bryce realized that was a foolish fantasy. Why would she leave the Highlands, her home, to come live on an isle with five brothers? A reckless bunch who, according to every other gargoyle, only cared about their rock music. The idea was mental.
Not that she’d ever laughed at his dreams with his music. In fact, she’d leaned in, eyes bright with fascination, eager to hear more. What musician could resist someone who appreciated their passion?
“It’s up to her,” Bryce blurted. The defensiveness in his tone was clear despite his attempt at neutrality.
“Ah, I see,” Duncan said. “You’ve grown attached to her.”
“I—I—uh…” What was he trying to say? “I just want to make sure she’s safe.”
“It’s natural that your instincts compel you to protect her.” Duncan reassured him. “Worry not. She will be taken care of by our clan.”
Perhaps Duncan was right—it was his gargoyle instincts taking over. Once he returned to the Isle of Stone, the feelings would dissipate knowing she was safe. Both he and Mairi would go on with their lives the way they were supposed to do.
Yet, something hot and intense had woken inside him. A hardened cage had opened, and she’d found her way in. Problem was, it left him with a yearning so powerful, it eclipsed everything. He’d fallen for her. And it had left him exposed and terrified.
Time to take a step back and regain a control of his harried emotions.
“Thank you, Duncan. For all you’ve done.” He tried to think of a reason to linger. He needed to be here when she woke.
What for? An entire clan of gargoyles was around to assist her. What could he provide that they couldn’t?
“Of course. It was what we had to do.” Duncan turned to walk away, but paused. “Good luck to you and your brothers. I’m sure you’ll have plenty to keep you occupied back on the isle.”
It was true. Bryce watched Duncan walk away. He was an old alpha; he’d experienced and sacrificed so much in leading a clan. And Bryce was now a beta of a clan. They’d been gone from the island long enough. He had to get back there, to accompany Lachlan to the peace talks. He couldn’t abandon his responsibilities and linger here. It was time to return to his duties.
He carried Mairi inside the castle and placed her on her bed. The last time they were there together…
“Bryce!” His mum rushed towards him. “You’re back!” She hugged him and then pulled back. “What’s wrong with Mairi? And where are your brothers?”
He attempted to calm her worries. “They’re coming soon. We’re all okay.” He glanced at Mairi. “She needs to rest.” He faced his mother and entrusted her with a task he wished he hadn’t balked out of earlier. “Will you watch over her?”
“You’re leaving?” Her brows furrowed with surprise.
“Aye.” He avoided the urge to look at Mairi, again. “No reason to stay.”
“But you…and Mairi…”
“What about us?” he said, steeling himself not to turn soft.
“But you seemed so—good for each other.”
She had to make this harder, didn’t she? “We spent one night together. That’s all. Do you know how many women I’ve spent the night with?” His excuse sounded hollow and false to his ears; an old, womanizing, superficial version of himself resurfacing.
“I don’t want to know.”
“I’m not going to commit to someone I barely know.” His voice sounded strained as he tried to justify his actions to both his mum and himself. “Besides, she’ll be better off here with a full clan. With gargoyles like you to take care of her.” If he trusted anyone to do so, it was his mum. “She needs to heal, Mum. Not just physically. What she’s gone through….”
“I know that. But you’re a stubborn fool for leaving.”
He swallowed a lump in his throat and stole one last glance at Mairi. That was a mistake, making leaving all the more difficult. “Maybe so.” Her auburn hair flowed, soft tendrils framing her peaceful face. He took one step closer to her and raised his hand but then dropped it. Why torment himself? “But it’s what’s best for both of us.”
He turned away before he changed his mind. “I’m going home.”
Mairi woke, not sure where she was. A quick scan of her surroundings revealed a familiar room. She focused on a glass of water on the wooden table near the bed. Her throat was parched, as if licked by flames from a torch. She lifted the glass and sipped the lukewarm liquid that was both painful and refreshing on her dry throat. When she assessed the rest of the room, the pattern of the gray stone walls rang with familiarity.
Aye, she’d been here before. With Bryce. Visuals of that magical night together before the battle returned. She closed her eyes, reliving some of the heated moments.
She snapped her eyes open. That meant she was back with the Calder clan. Where was he?
Stretching her body under the chestnut-colored, fur blanket was a mistake. Burns stung her flesh and her muscles ached. Memories of their origin rushed back, flashing before her.
She’d been burned fighting the demon. She’d fallen. Bryce had caught her and they were both falling. Burning…
Her wings had been so badly scorched, they’d been useless. He’d been the only one with a chance at saving them. She’d transferred her energy to him. But it had taken too much out of her.
That was it. All she remembered. How did she end up here when her last memory involved scalding flames whi
le plunging to the earth with Bryce?
She stretched out her arms. Char marks over both, but far fewer than she’d expected after such searing pain. A quick scan of the rest of her flesh revealed similar, but fading marks. Which meant she must have been recovering. How long had she been here?
When she attempted to climb out of bed, she found she was naked under the blanket. More questions rose.
What could she cover herself with? Where was her dress? She closed her eyes and willed it to come. When the fabric reappeared, taking form over her body, she was a little surprised, not knowing what had happened the last time she’d shifted.
She had to find Bryce. Talk to him about what happened.
Wait, she’d survived—but what if he hadn’t? What if he’d been injured? He had to be okay.
Padding across the stone floor of the castle, she pushed open the wooden door and peered into the hall. “Hello?”
Sounds of movement in the distance caught her attention. In seconds, Aileen appeared.
“You’re awake, dear. So good to see you on your feet.” She scanned Mairi. “I’d hug you, but wouldn’t want to hurt you. You’re still recovering.”
“I’m feeling better—I think.” It had to be true. The last memory was of blistering flesh and plunging to the earth. Anything had to be better in comparison.
“You must be hungry,” Aileen fussed. “Let’s get you something to eat.”
“I could eat,” she replied, noticing the emptiness in her stomach.
Aileen’s doting made her feel cherished. She thought of her mother and the memory was both comforting and painful. Would she ever be able to move past her grief and remember her parents with fond memories, rather than be haunted by their loss?
It had been less than a fortnight since she’d lost them, and grieving was a process, or so she’d heard. She only wished she didn’t have to go through it so alone.
Where was Bryce? In what she hoped didn’t sound too eager, she asked, “Are your sons all right?”
“Aye. We were lucky. They all sustained injuries to some extent, but nothing like what you suffered.”
“And the rest of the clan?”
“Them as well. Many injuries, but most have already recovered from their wounds.”
That was a relief. Shifters healed quickly. “What about the demons?”
“Defeated,” Aileen said. “I heard about the battle. Without your bravery, they never would have been able to surprise and overpower the sluagh the way they had.”
Not without a price. But what was done was done. At least, they’d defeated the demons and they couldn’t hurt anyone any longer.
All she’d wanted since they’d attacked her clan was revenge. Yet now that she had it, the victory seemed as hollow as the ache within. She was still missing something.
Or someone.
“Where’s Bryce?” she asked, trying not to sound too eager.
His mother’s eyes took on a concerned expression. “He had to go back to the Isle of Stone.”
He’d left her?
Her insides dropped, amplifying the emptiness within.
“He’s very concerned about you,” Aileen added. “Insisted I take good care of you.”
Mairi barely heard the words. They swam off in the distance like she was underwater. He’d left her.
Whatever had been developing between them was all in her head. He’d ditched her as soon as he could. Got rid of her.
And why not? She’d interfered with his life. He might have helped her out of feelings of obligation or gargoyle code, but the task was done, and he’d moved on.
“I’m sure he will be eager to hear you’re awake,” Aileen added.
Mairi blinked, wrapping her arms around her torso. “On second thought, I’m not really hungry.” She forced a smile and knew it was weak. “Thanks for watching out for me.”
“Oh Mairi, you have to eat!” Aileen clapped her hands together, eyes filled with distress. “It’s been almost three days. You need to recover, and starving yourself isn’t the way to do it.”
She would clearly not let Mairi leave without feeding her. “All right.”
While Aileen led her down the hall to a dining area, she said, “My boys have more spontaneity than sense. Reckless. Always have been. Half the time, I’m surprised they even made it to adulthood with all their foolish excursions. Their rock concerts—” She shook her head. “Don’t even get me started.”
Mairi listened without comment, trying to ignore the lump in her throat. The kisses she’d shared with Bryce flashed in her mind. And the night they’d spent together before the battle… Wow. He’d said the way they’d connected might have had something to do with being with the right person.
Full. Of. Shite.
She shouldn’t have listened, since for him, it had just been sex. Nothing more. And all those moments they’d shared—even during the fight, together—she’d misinterpreted their closeness, imagined their connection. It hadn’t meant anything at all. He didn’t care for her the way she’d thought. If he did, he wouldn’t have left her here in the Highlands. Her bottom lip trembled, hot tears scalding her eyes.
No. She squeezed back the tears. She hadn’t gone through hell and back just to end up a pathetic mess because he’d rejected her. She took a deep breath to steady herself. She was a survivor.
Aileen prattled on. “I’m happy Mason and Lachlan have smartened up and settled down with mates, but the others—I can’t see Gavin ever committing himself to another.” She turned to Mairi. “I thought Bryce and you…” She clucked her tongue. “He’s a proper idiot. Stubborn as always.”
And Mairi was a fool to have fallen for someone who didn’t want her.
Staying here would be too much. She’d be taunted with reminders of him. The time they’d spent together. Their one night. Aileen would fret over her—his mother. Not hers.
Another reminder of him.
She had to leave here as soon as she’d recovered. Had to find a way to move on with her life—even if it meant doing so alone.
CHAPTER TEN
Back on the Isle of Stone, Bryce searched the familiar surroundings, seeking relief at being home. None came.
Raina had raced over to Lachlan when they’d returned. Mason had continued to the moors and back to Kayla.
“You made it,” Raina said to Lachlan. “I was so worried the entire time you were gone.”
“I’m here,” Lachlan replied in the gentler tone he only used when speaking with her. “Fine. In one piece. Nothing to worry about.”
Bryce tried to ignore their interaction, but an ache grew. He could have had something like this with Mairi. Someone who he cared about. Lived for.
He thought he’d made the best decision for them both. She could stay with a full clan in the Highlands and he could continue his life on his terms—a free bachelor and beta in the clan with his brothers. His plan now rang as shallow.
It will fade. Just give it time.
Days had passed, and the ache continued.
His brothers had given him space to brood, but one evening Mason said, “I’m surprised you were able to leave her.”
He gritted his teeth. Did Mason think it was easy? It had been the most difficult thing he’d ever done in his life. He’d thought it was best for her. And the clan. Or was it for himself? He didn’t know anymore. All that remained were feelings of loss.
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Are you going to visit her?” Mason prodded.
“I said I don’t want to talk about it!”
“Somebody’s got a pickle up his arse,” Gavin said.
“You need to learn when to shut yer gob!”
His brothers eyed him as if he was a new species that had crawled onto the Isle of Stone. Not that he could blame them. Lashing out wasn’t like him. Banter had always been part of their daily lives. Ribbing each other about whatever topic came up, especially women. They hadn’t even been giving him a hard time, and he’d f
lipped out.
His feeble attempts at using distance to get Mairi out of his mind were clearly failing.
Had he made a mistake? The biggest mistake in his life?
He plodded past the cabins, which he’d shown to Mairi. They mocked him. Possibilities that would never come to be.
Families had lived there. His family had lived there. He could have lived there—with Mairi.
Why didn’t Lachlan and Raina choose to make a permanent home in one? Or Mason and Kayla. They were building a home far from them in the copse when there were sound structures already built. Perhaps choosing gargoyle territory wouldn’t sit right with the pack and coven. But if they embraced a new era, they could establish homes there. Each would have privacy. The gargoyles could rest under the sun on the amphitheater the way they loved. A win-win situation.
For most.
Time to shut down a fantasy that would never happen. Mairi wasn’t here.
Which meant he wanted no part of that dream.
Days stretched on. Every day or two, he’d go with Lachlan to the peace talks in the moors. With the threat of the humans gone, and one of the beta wolves absent, the urgency to come to an agreement faded. After initial interest in the other species and the territories that had been off-limits, the fascination had settled down. The witches, wolves, and gargoyles seemed content for the most part to continue to live as they had been for the past twenty-five years.
While in stone, when he flew with his brothers at night, his mind always drifted back to Mairi. Was she recovering? Was she awake? He wished he could communicate with his mother in the Highlands for updates on Mairi’s progress, but couldn’t from such a distance.
What tormented him most was the absence of how he’d felt around her. Over a week had passed since he’d seen her, and the feeling seemed to grow, not lessen. With her, he wasn’t second. Second-born, second-in-charge, second best. She’d listened to him, engrossed. Beautiful eyes gleaming with interest.
Number one.
Before he’d met her, he was all right with being second. The fewer expectations and responsibilities made up for the pangs of jealousy, which hadn’t struck that often. With her, he’d had a taste of what it was like to feel adored. The way she looked to him for safety or comfort. And how she’d trusted him with her darkest secrets.
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