“I saw two of them earlier.They’re loitering and watching everyone,” Liam said.“It’s like they know about shifters and are waiting for someone to break.”
Liam had summed up the situation concisely.
“I hate this,” Sienna said.“We’ve never had trouble in town.”
They ceased chatting when they passed one of the town’s two pubs.Two strangers stood outside, talking with a group of locals and smoking.They openly watched her and Liam as they passed.It was creepy and vaguely threatening.Sienna’s shoulders didn’t relax until they rounded the corner and left the cobblestone path.
“How well hidden is your father’s camp?If the hunters search, will they easily discover it?I asked Tamsin.She assured me they wouldn’t, but what if a local informs on them?”
“They camp in a valley and are very careful when they come and go.Once they’re at their camp, it would be difficult to find them.Some of their pottery competitors have tried, because the clay they use for our products is superior.No one has discovered them yet.”
“What about you and Tamsin?If those men grabbed either of you and tortured you?”
Sienna gasped, shock reverberating through her.“Surely, that wouldn’t happen?”
“We’re best to plan for the worst.”
“I don’t know the location, but Mama does.We could pack up and join Papa.”
“Someone would need to leave to get food,” Liam said.“Also, the visitors already know the town’s residents.I got the sense someone had given them a list.Tony said they were aggressive when questioning his wife.”
“Who would do this?We keep to ourselves and don’t cause trouble.”
“Tamsin asked the same question.We found tracks this morning when we went to the valley.”
“Two or four feet?”
“Two.We were lucky to notice before any damage occurred.But as Hedrek said, it could be someone skulking around, trying to find their clay source.Not necessarily something connected to the hunters.”
“Unless they’re playing a long game,” Sienna said.
“Possibly.I promised Hedrek I’d stay close and protect you and Tamsin.It was the only way I could get him and your brothers to stay in hiding.”
They’d almost reached the cottage, and Sienna halted.“Why did you agree to stay?Why did you make your promise to Papa?”
“You’re in trouble, and I want to help.The hunters’ arrival could be coincidental, but I hate that no one warned your family.Perhaps they’re filming a documentary, but it doesn’t seem innocent.It feels planned.Deliberate.”
Sienna agreed.“Are we sure they visited all the locals?They could be lying.”
“We can’t trust anyone,” Liam said.
Sienna bit her lip.Before she could reconsider, the words spilled out, “I haven’t been honest with you either.You’re from New Zealand, not Australia.”
His expression didn’t shift.
“I’ll understand if you choose to leave.Or return to Scotland.They’ll assist you at the castle.At least they’ll know your name.”Sienna risked a glance at him.
“Is my name Liam?”
“Yes, but I don’t know your surname.Abducting you was…impulsive.”
“Why me?”
Sienna winced.“Um, I’d chosen your friend until I found you alone in your room.You took a tumble and struck your head when I held a drug-soaked cloth over your nose, and the rest just happened.I didn’t plan it.I know that doesn’t excuse what I did.”
“You kidnapped me.”His gaze grew stormy, his jaw turning rigid.“What about your family?Did they agree to your plan?”
Sienna took a half step back, shaking her head.“They didn’t know what I did.Still don’t.Ma suspects, but Papa and my brothers think we’re mates.”
