“This is bad.The longer we must conceal Papa and my brothers, the higher the risk to all of us.”
“Yeah, if they catch us wandering at night, they’re gonna ask questions,” Liam said.
“It’s none of their business what we do, day or night.Yet they’re watching everyone like we’re criminals.It’s not right.They have no legal power over us.”
“What does the mayor say?”
Sienna snorted.“The mayor doesn’t talk to a lowly person like me.”
“Fair enough.So why don’t Tamsin and I ask questions?Stir the rumor mill.Maybe we’ll get a better sense of what is going on, and why the hunters behave as if they’re in charge.”
“Excellent idea.”Liam impressed her.He was smart, and she liked him way more than she was comfortable with.Forcing her thoughts away from how decadent it felt to sit this close to him, she added, “I’ll do the same.If nothing else, it might get the other villagers asking questions.The longer the hunters hang around, the more dangerous it gets for every shifter.”
“Are you positive your father and brothers are safe in their current hiding place?What if the hunters pick up a trail, especially since we need to get their products?”
“Papa says it is safe, but I worry.Mama does too, but what’s the alternative?We can’t move elsewhere.”This was why Sienna had taken a risk and attended the gathering.She inhaled before saying, “Liam, I’m scared for the future.That’s why I gave in to desperation and dragged you into this.”
Why was he still staying with them?He had his excuses, sure—but if she were in his shoes, she’d be furious, desperate for the answers she couldn’t remember.She’d have marched to Scotland and pounded on the castle gates, demanding the truth.
To her frustration, he didn’t say a word, just nodded.
“Do you have suggestions?”she asked.
“Not at present.It’s difficult when I can’t access my memory and experiences.”
Sienna pressed her lips together.He blamed her—of course he did.On the heels of this thought, another heavier one came.Itwasher fault he’d hit his head and lost part of his past.She should’ve researched those drugs before using them and suspected they were behind his lingering struggles.Despite that, he was coping better than she would in his place.
“Papa and Mama haven’t come up with any alternatives, and they’ve tried.”Tears filled her eyes, and she swiped them away.She worried about her brothers’ futures.How could they meet mates?The village residents certainly weren’t helping.
Liam lifted his hand and gently cupped her chin.With slight pressure, he signaled he wanted her to look at him.
Sienna struggled for an instant before giving in to his silent demand.
“Aw, sweetheart.Somewhere, there will be an answer.We’ll find it.”
Sienna gulped on seeing the caring in his expression.She didn’t deserve it—not after ruining his life and destroying his trust.
Chapter 10
LiamledSiennabackto the cottage.He’d discovered he enjoyed holding her hand, enjoyed having her close.They’d share a bed tonight, no matter how late he arrived home after helping Jago.He wasn’t certain why, but his feline half stirred in agitation when they were apart, so he’d go with the flow and figure out everything later.
Yes, he was furious at her manipulation, but the concussion had been an accident—he believed this.He’d seen how the villagers recoiled at his scarred face, and their reactions stirred sympathy for Sienna’s father and brothers.More than that, they made him want to stay, to help, instead of chasing a past that felt terrifyingly blank.And if he was honest, being near Sienna seemed right.
“How will you and Jago get past the hunters?”Sienna asked, dragging his thoughts back to their immediate problems.
“If we leave home around one or two in the morning, chances are they’ll be tired of patrolling in the dark.We’ll go in our human forms and keep our fingers crossed.”
“Might work,” she muttered.“And if either or both of you get captured?”
“You, Tamsin, Hedrek, and the boys will need to devise a plan to rescue us.”Liam forced a teasing note into his voice.
“This isn’t funny.”
“Believe me, I know.”
The thump in his head intensified, and he barely resisted rubbing the sore spot.His headaches never disappeared—just ebbed and surged without warning.Fatigue, maybe.Who knew?What if his memories never returned?
Oddly, he could live with that.He liked the Teagues—their closeness, the way they looked out for each other.Even without his past, he doubted he’d had a family who cared like that.He frowned, uncertain if it was the truth or a defense against the sting of rejection.
