Tamsin kissed his cheek.The unexpected affection filled him with warmth, and he froze, savoring the moment.“I’m afraid it’s bread and soup again,” she said.“I sent everything we had with Hedrek.”
Sienna wandered into the kitchen, dressed in worn jeans and an oversized T-shirt.“I’ll set the table.”
Liam studied her openly.No, despite everything she’d done, he didn’t dislike her.“I might go to the pub tonight.Found enough change in my pocket for a drink.”
“Why would you do that?”Sienna asked, freezing mid-reach for the plates.
“To gather information.”
“Are you not leaving?”
Sienna confused him.Most people stared at his face—the scar was a mystery to him, but the injury must’ve been severe if his feline couldn’t heal it.Women in town had reacted with horror.Others peeked and looked away.Sienna always met his gaze, except when guilt flickered in her expression.She’d abducted him, breaking her parents’ teachings.Her reasons might’ve been well-intentioned, but if she’d explained and requested his help, he would’ve politely sent her on her way.
A part of him understood her reasoning.Loyalty and love were rare—something to treasure.That was why he intended to keep his promise to Hedrek and stay.Despite her withholding some truths, he genuinely liked Sienna.A man could do a lot worse in a mate.He’d wait before delving into his past.The truth was, he was terrified of what he might find.His head ached sharply when he tried to access memories.He took this as a sign to proceed slowly with his investigation.
“It’s not advisable to go to the pub alone.”Tamsin rapped a wooden spoon against the side of the pot.“Take Sienna with you.”
“Mama, you can’t be here alone.”
“I was while you were at the gathering, young lady.I’ll be safe enough with locked doors.”
“But what if you have visitors?”Sienna protested.
A sharp rap sounded—sudden and unexpected, as if she’d conjured it.They froze, staring at each other.Another, louder bang rattled the front door.
“I’ll get it,” Liam said.“Stay here.”He lowered his voice.“You’ll be able to hear.Just make sure they don’t see you.”
“It might be a neighbor,” Tamsin said.
The third knock was thunderous, and Liam rapidly unfastened his shirt and the top button of his jeans.He ruffled his hair as he strode to the door.At the threshold, he paused, sniffed, and yanked it open to find two strangers.One was tall, broad-shouldered, with the stance of a soldier.His khaki pants and tan shirt reinforced the impression.The other was shorter and bulkier, dressed in a brown coat, black pants, and muddy hiking boots.Both carried light packs.No noticeable weapons, but Liam was positive they had them.
“Where’s the fire?”Liam made a show of fastening his jeans and dragging a hand through his hair.
“We’re with the team hunting the Beast of Bodmin.Several villagers have told us you might’ve seen it.”
Anger pumped through Liam, but he masked it.Blaming the Teagues was pure cowardice.Rather than standing together, the locals tossed the Teagues to the wolves.
“The phantom haunting the moor?”he said with a snort.“Who spewed that rubbish?I reckon this beast is a product of too many pints at the pub.You’re chasing a figment of someone’s imagination.”
“Our tracker arrived last night.He picked up a trail this morning,” the military man said.
“What sort of trail?”Liam demanded.“We have local sheep farmers with dogs—couldn’t it be them?Is your expert sure?”A tracking expert for a mythical beast?Their organization and confidence didn’t match a simple legend.It was like they knew exactly what they were hunting—or at least, thekindof thing.
“You’re not from around here,” the bulkier man said, his blond brows squeezing together.“Australia?”
“Yes,” Liam said without missing a beat.“Married a local girl.”
“I hear it’s recent.”
“Correct.Which means I have better things to do than chase a mythical beast.”
“Who else lives here?”
Liam didn’t answer.Silence fell like a weight.
“Who is it?”Sienna called.“Get rid of them and come back to bed.”
“I haven’t seen the beast,” Liam said.“And I’m busy.Good night.”He started to close the door, but the bulkier man stuck out a foot, blocking it.
