The Pack Rules Boxed Set: The Complete Series of Wolf, Bear, and Dragon Shifter Romances

by Michele Bardsley

“Be strong, girl. You must drink my blood and hold the medallion. I’ll give you the spell that will transfer my power to you.”

  “So, I’ll be a … erm, dragon?”

  “Even better,” said Mrs. Calhoun. “You’ll be a dragonwitch.”

  AIDEN POURED TWO glasses of wine for his sister, Bridget, and her mate, Daniel. He made himself a scotch on the rocks. “I didn’t expect you to arrive until tomorrow.”

  “We wanted to meet your American,” said Bridget, fluffing her red hair with its flattering pageboy cut.

  “You wanted to talk me out of the ritual.” He stared at his sister. “Shannon is Clíona.”

  Bridget shared a look with Daniel, one that Aiden interpreted as “here we go again.” Then his sister smiled, her voice gentle as she asked, “Are you sure, Aiden?”

  “Yes.” He looked at his watch again. “I’m afraid I’ll have to leave you two here. I promised Shannon I would take her into town. We won’t be gone long. Back in time for dinner.”

  “That’s all right,” said Bridget. “We’ve been here a while already.”

  Aiden paused. Foreboding rippled through him though he had no obvious cause to worry. “Why didn’t you announce yourselves?”

  “Technically, dear brother, the castle belongs to all of us. Daniel and I wanted some private time.” She looked around, her gaze bright. “We shouldn’t wait so long between visits.”

  “You know how it is in dragon time,” said Daniel, flashing a toothy smile. “A decade is a mere blink of our eye.”

  Bridget laughed, raised her glass, and drank. Aiden turned, attempting to hide his impatience and anxiety creeping coldly through him. Damn it all, the early arrival of his sister and her mate had thrown him off. He hadn’t expected to entertain guests this evening. Of course, Bridget and Daniel had never thought to call ahead. It was their natures to do as they pleased.

  “How you do you plan to call forth Clíona’s soul without a dragonwitch?” asked Daniel.

  “That’s what I asked him,” said Jessica as she sashayed into the library wearing a low-cut, hip-hugging black dress and stiletto pumps. Her lips were as red as blood and her blonde hair gleamed like trapped sunshine. “Bridget! Daniel! I haven’t seen you since … that thing in London, or was it Paris?”

  “Amsterdam, darling. Although I do see why you wouldn’t remember. Everything’s a haze from that pleasure trip.” Bridget rose from the chair and air-kissed Jessica’s cheeks. Daniel did the same.

  “Who is that standing in your shadow, m’dear?” asked Bridget

  “Oh!” Jessica stepped aside and allowed her companion to move forward. “C’mon Kenny, join the fun.”

  Aiden put down his wine glass and shook Ken’s hand, hiding his surprise. Kenneth Roth was in his late forties and one of the wealthiest humans in this part of Ireland. A few years ago, the man had lost his wife to cancer. He sold his businesses and house in Dublin, and moved to Clonakilty for peace and quiet, or so he said. Town gossip had it that the poor bastard had cancer himself.

  Aiden eyed Jessica whose expression was far too innocent. What was his little sister up to now? Wooing yet another husband?

  “Is dinner soon?” asked Jessica. “I’m starving.”

  “We’re having a late meal tonight,” said Aiden. “I promised Shannon a trip into town.”

  “You’ll make your family wait for your company so you can entertain that woman?” Jessica sounded petulant, and her childish attitude grated on his nerves.

  “You’re right. I’ll tell Cook to serve dinner at the regular time.”

  Jessica’s blue eyes glowed in triumph. He patted her on the head because he knew it would annoy her. “Shannon and I shall dine in town.”

  Bridget burst out laughing. “Oh well done, brother dear.”

  Jessica narrowed her gaze, but Bridget easily shrugged off her sister’s ire. “You deserved that, Jess. So long as you act like a child, you will be treated like one.” Bridget looked over Jessica’s head. “Isn’t that right, Kenny?”

  “I find Jessica quite charming,” he said.

  Jessica slipped her hand around Ken’s arm. “See? I have someone who appreciates me.” She beamed up at her paramour. “Would you like to see the gardens? We’ll return in plenty of time for dinner.”

  “Of course, dear.” He patted the slim fingers curled around his jacket and smiled. He nodded to the remaining siblings and allowed Jessica to lead him out of the library.

  “Another one hooked,” said Daniel, shaking his head.

  “How long until she’s bored with him?” Bridget finished off her glass of wine. “She goes through men like I do chocolate.”

  “Eight-hundred years and she still acts like a hatchling.” Aiden sighed.

  “Jessica will always be Jessica,” said Bridget. “You worry too much.” She turned to her mate. “We have some time before dinner, darling. Shall we go sit in the arboretum and make out?”

  Daniel laughed. “I can think of nothing better to do.”

  11

  AIDEN STOOD AT the foot of the stairs. He looked at his watch and frowned. It was fifteen minutes past the time Shannon had agreed to meet him. Trepidation filled him as he jogged up the staircase.

  His heart beat faster as he hurried down the hall to Shannon’s room.

  The door was open, and the bed was empty. He searched the whole place and found nothing.

  Where the hell was she?

  He stepped out of the room, panic rising. Daniel and Bridget walked leisurely down the hall, arm and arm.

  “You look as if you’ve seen a ghost,” Bridget said.

  “Shannon. She’s gone.”

  “Surely not,” denied Daniel. “She’s probably somewhere in the castle. Maybe she got lost.”

  “Let’s go downstairs.” Bridget looped her arm around Aiden’s. “She might be in the library or study or dining room.”

  Aiden knew she was not, but he allowed his sister and her mate to lead him down the wide stone staircase. They split up and searched the rooms.

  They met in the foyer.

  “It seems your American has disappeared.” Bridget looked remarkably unconcerned. “Maybe my crazy brother ranting about past life loves drove her away.”

  If his sister meant her comment to be funny, it was far from comedic. Aiden bared his teeth at her. “If you don’t want to help me, then leave,” he said.

  Bridget brought a hand to her throat, a shocked expression on her face. “What’s wrong with you? I am your sister. Your blood. Damn it, Aiden. Clíona is gone. Forever.”

  “She is my heart, Bridget. If I have no hope of reuniting with my wife, then I have nothing.” Aiden felt as though he’d been dealt a mortal blow. His guts churned with hate, with hurt, with betrayal. Shannon! Violence swirled through him, the taut strings of anger pulling at his control. Vengeance covered him like a cloak, and he pulled it close, savoring the impulses of a warrior long dead.

  “Maybe she took a walk,” said Daniel. “Let’s go round the castle and check the exterior. She could be in the gardens—or gone to the glen.”

  “Yes, of course,” Bridget agreed in a stricken voice.

  Aiden found three flashlights in the kitchen pantry. Jessica and Kenny had disappeared, and his younger sibling wasn’t answering her cell. Aiden doubted Jessica had any desire to find Shannon, but despite her coy attempts to capture his attention, he couldn’t believe she’d wish him or his beloved any harm.

  “We’ll take the old path to the woods and check out the glen first,” said Aiden. “Follow me.”

  They left out the back kitchen door and hurried through the well-tended gardens, down the uneven stone path that led to the woods. The three beams of light bounced through the darkness until one beam of light swept across the rocky trail and found Jessica crumpled in a heap, red streaks dripping through the shiny strands of her blonde hair.

  “Jessica!” Aiden hurried to her side.

  Daniel and Bridget followed, shining their lights on
her still, pale form.

  “Is she—?” asked Bridget.

  Aiden pressed two fingers against her throat and sighed with relief at the strong pulse that beat there. “She’s alive.”

  Daniel crouched down, gingerly turned the girl’s head, and lifted her hair. “Got a knot and gash on her skull.” He looked at Aiden. “I’ll look after her. You and Bridget find Shannon.”

  “She needs a doctor.”

  “She’s dragonborn, Aiden. She’ll be fine. I’ll take her back to the castle.” Daniel swung the unconscious woman into his arms and strode back toward the kitchen entrance.

  Aiden stood, his heart pounding out of his chest. “Where’s Kenneth?”

  He and Bridget shone their torches around, but the human was nowhere to be found.

  “Why would Kenny hurt her?” asked Bridget.

  “We don’t know that he did.”

  “So we have prowlers?” Bridget’s gaze shone red, her inner dragon reacting to the perceived threat. “Who would dare to broach Cloch nag Coillte without permission?”

  “Only the suicidal,” said Aiden.

  “Look.” Bridget aimed the torch at the ground. The beam hit on something metallic. Aiden leaned down and picked it up. “What the hell is this?”

  “A necklace. It looks familiar… Does it belong to Shannon?”

  “I don’t know.”

  Bridget put a hand on his shoulder. “Do you think she went to the cave?”

  Aiden felt the blood drain from his face. “God, no.”

  “We’ll split up. You check the cave, and I’ll check the garden. You have your cell?”

  “Yes.”

  “Good. Go. Whoever finds her first calls the other immediately.”

  “WHERE ARE WE GOING?” whispered Shannon as she followed the housekeeper down the darkened path.

  “To right a grievous wrong. Quiet now, girl. It’ll get tricky from here.”

  Mrs. Calhoun insisted that they not call attention to their presence by using flashlights. She had to trust the older woman’s sense of direction and familiarity with the area. They wound down a steep incline. Shannon pulled her woolen coat tight around her shoulders, glad she’d dressed earlier for a hike. The bitter wind still nipped her nose and battered her hands. She’d forgotten her gloves.

  Loose rocks tumbled from the weed-choked path. She slid a time or two, and the loss of balance even for a second put her heart into her throat.

  “Nearly there.”

  Shannon kept her gaze on her feet, trying to make sure she didn’t fall and take a one-way trip straight down into the roaring ocean.

  “No!”

  Shannon’s head jerked up as she saw Mrs. Calhoun stop and put her arms up. A shadowy figure raised something—a stick or bat—and smacked the housekeeper so hard the woman fell to the ground.

  “Run!” yelled Mrs. Calhoun.

  Shannon turned on her heel and scrambled back up the ridge.

  12

  WHEN SHANNON GOT to the top of the hill, she looked back. Nothing stirred on the path below. She couldn’t see Mrs. Calhoun or the attacker. Fear shook her limbs, stuttered her heart. Hurry, Shannon. Hurry!

  Why would anyone hurt an old woman?

  Shannon stumbled along the stone path. She had no idea how much time had passed since Mrs. Calhoun had ushered her out of the castle, or where they had walked on the expansive grounds. The purple shadows of dusk had long stretched into evening; stars dotted the velvety black skyline.

  Shannon stopped, breathing hard, panic welling, and looked around. Where am I? The path she was on led to a massive thicket of trees. No way would she go in there. Shannon spun around and behind her, the castle rose in the distance, stark against the evening sky, yet as welcoming to her as a fuzzy blanket, hot cocoa, and crackling fire. And Aiden.

  Home.

  Her legs still felt like wet noodles, and her breath rattled in her chest. Night sounds filtered around her: Hoots of owls, chirping of crickets, and snapping of twigs. Wait. What kind of bird or bug snapped twigs with its movements? Her stomach clenched as fear swirled through her.

  The attacker!

  She increased her pace despite the pain ricocheting up her spine from semi-jogging. Her sudden need to be away from the forest forced her to move faster, and she broke into an awkward run.

  All she had to do was get to the castle.

  AIDEN SLID DOWN the steep pathway, his shoes skidding against the loose rocks. He felt sick to his stomach. Had he lost his beloved again?

  No. He couldn’t bear the thought.

  He wouldn’t live another minute, much less a century, without her.

  Cold foreboding settled in his heart. Fear made his temples pound. He felt like ice coated his insides, clinging to his organs, sharp gelid points piercing him.

  His foot smacked against something, and he nearly went ass over teakettle down the rest of the hill. Instead, he caught himself and swung around. His flashlight revealed the prone form of his housekeeper. “Mrs. Calhoun?”

  He knelt next to the older woman and felt her carotid artery. The strong pulse against his fingertips sent relief skittering through him. He patted her cheek. “Mrs. Calhoun?”

  Her eyes popped open, and she sat up. “Where’s the girl?” Her gaze pinned his. “Speak, boy. Where’s Shannon?”

  He sat back, startled at her intensity. “We’re looking for her. Are you all right? What happened?”

  “Nothing I can’t heal. No, ‘tis more important to find your bride. ‘Tis the only night the reunion magic will work.”

  “How do you…” He trailed off, staring at her. “You’re a dragonwitch? Why did you not tell me?”

  “Self-preservation,” said Mrs. Calhoun. “Danger lurks among the dragonborn. Find your bride, Aiden and meet me in the cave.”

  Aiden felt as though he’d been punched in the stomach.

  His shock must’ve shown because Mrs. Calhoun grabbed his arm and squeezed. “We must end the circle where it began—if you hope to save Clíona.”

  SHANNON STUMBLED AND fell to her knees. She sucked in deep breaths, but couldn’t seem to get any air into her lungs. She felt dizzy and cold, but her resolve kept her moving. Aiden. Aiden. Aiden. God, she was tired. Her body had never felt so worn-out. Her mind clicked sluggishly, trying to find inspiration to go on. Maybe she could sleep right here on the garden path. Just sleep…

  “Shannon?”

  She looked over her shoulder and saw an athletic man jogging to her. His expression showed concern, but there was something off about his smile. The hair on her nape rose as he reached her.

  “Who are you?” she asked.

  He bent to help her, his cold hands curling around her arms. He yanked her up none too gently and smiled. “Don’t you recognize me?”

  “No,” she said, her voice trembling. Thick fear coated her throat as chilled tendrils of dread curled through her body.

  The man leaned into her face, his blue gaze gleaming with cruelty. “I’m hurt, Shannon.” He bared his teeth, and she watched his eyes blacken with hatred. “Or should I call you Clíona?”

  Shannon said nothing, but the truth of his words speared her. The man was obviously crazy. Wasn’t he?

  “So bereaved was Áillen at your loss, we thought he would surely follow you in death. But no, our mourning king turned to the dragonwitch—and asked for your return.”

  His spittle landed on her cheek, but she was still as a stone. Horrible knowledge rose, battering her brain with images. Running through the forest, blood on her hands, her keening mixing with the wild wind. A storm was coming, and she wanted it. Needed it to escape. The thunder of horses’ hooves, the wicked laughter of a mad woman, the triumphant cries of…

  “Gannon,” she whispered.

  His eyes widened. “So, ‘tis really you.” He bared his teeth, and she smelled sulfur. His eyes flash deep red, and she reared back, crying out.

  “A human for his mate—none could believe it. You made him weak!”
>
  “I made him happy!”

  Shannon gasped. What the hell was she saying? Tears fell as memories that were not hers flooded her mind. She sagged forward, struggling to understand.

  “I told her that Áillen needed to die, too. But she refused. Better that you die and he lives a broken man. We will not make that mistake again.”

  “No!” She struggled against his grip, but it was useless. Her body had been battered and bruised and offered her no help.

  As Gannon dragged her away, she screamed, “Where are you taking me?”

  “To your death.” He smiled grimly, his grip tightening on her wrists. “And this time, you will not come back.”

  AIDEN FOUND BRIDGET walking toward the tree line. “She’s not in the gardens, but I think I heard someone in the forest,” she said, her expression filled with worry.

  “Let’s go.” Cold foreboding settled in his heart. He felt like ice coated his insides, clinging to his organs like sharp gelid points piercing him.

  “Ouch! Damn it!”

  He aimed the flashlight at Bridget. Her high heel had snapped. She leaned down to rub at her ankle. “We are at our weakest in the human form.”

  “Can you walk?”

  “I think so—” She attempted a couple of steps and grimaced. “So much for being a big, bad dragon.”

  “I’ll help you back to the castle.”

  “No, I can make it, Aiden. Go find your Shannon. And don’t worry, we’ll have a drink and a laugh about this.” She patted his arm. “All will be well, brother. Have faith.”

  Aiden nodded. Bridget smiled and turned, limping toward the castle.

  After his sister had departed, Aiden jogged to the edge of the forest. His flashlight barely made a dent in the darkness between the trees. His instincts screamed at him to stop, to turn around, to go back now.

  To hell with it.

  He spun around and headed toward the cave.

  The path down leading to the beach was treacherous, but he managed it without injuring himself. His heart hammered as he hurried toward the dark entrance of the cavern—a place he had not been since the day he’d found his wife drowned.