“Camping in this weather?”Niall frowned, following her gaze.“That can’t be comfortable.”
“We’ve managed worse.”But there was no pride in Sienna’s voice now, only weariness.
Liam stepped closer to her chair.“What if we all went back together?You could introduce everyone properly.No pressure, no expectations—a conversation.”
Sienna shook her head, her voice sharp.“It’s not that they won’t believe you… It’s that they won’ttrustoutsiders.The last time strangers came, hunters followed.”
Liam’s gaze didn’t waver, but his tone softened.“I’m not expecting them to open up right away.But your family knows me.That’s a start.”
“All right,” she said, after a long pause.
Sienna was quiet during the drive back, her knuckles white where she gripped the steering wheel.In the rearview mirror, Liam could see Niall’s Range Rover following them through the increasingly heavy rain.The windshield wipers struggled against the downpour, and he leaned forward to peer through the gray curtain of water.
“They’re going to think I’ve lost my mind.Bringing strangers to our camp.”
“Your father will understand once he meets them.”
“Will he?”She took a sharp turn onto the narrower road leading to the campsite.“Papa’s spent his whole life being stared at, judged, rejected.And now I’m asking him to trust the friends of the man I kidnapped.”
The campsite entrance appeared through the rain, marked by a weathered wooden sign.Sienna slowed as they passed the main facilities block, deserted except for one hardy camper’s car, and continued toward the back, where the trees provided more shelter.
“There,” she said, pointing to a cluster of tents barely visible through the pines.
Even from this distance, Liam noted how carefully they’d positioned everything.The Teagues had tucked their tents deep into the tree line, hidden from casual view.A tarp stretched between several oaks created a makeshift shelter where thin wisps of smoke rose from the concealed camp stove.
As they pulled up, figures emerged from the shelter.Hedrek appeared first, his distinctive silhouette unmistakable even in the rain.The boys flanked him protectively, while Tamsin hung back in the deeper shadows.Their positioning spoke of months of practiced caution.
“They look like they’re ready to run,” Niall observed quietly as he and Suzie joined them beside the vans.
“They probably are,” Liam said.“It’s become second nature.”
Hedrek stepped forward as they approached, his leonine features set in polite wariness.His dark eyes took in Niall and Suzie with the quick assessment of someone who’d learned to read potential threats instantly.
“Papa,” Sienna said, her voice carrying despite the rain drumming on the tarp above them.“These are Liam’s friends from the castle.Niall Sinclair and his mate, Suzie.”
“Mr.Teague.”Niall extended his hand without hesitation, seemingly unbothered by the water dripping from his hair.“I’m pleased to meet you.”
Hedrek scrutinized him before accepting the handshake.Behind him, Liam noticed Jago and Calan moving closer to their parents, protective and ready.Even Jamie edged nearer, his young gaze watchful.
“You’re the castle owner Sienna mentioned,” Hedrek said.It wasn’t quite a question.
“I am.Though Angus, our steward, does most of the actual work.”Niall’s smile was easy and genuine.“I understand you’ve had an arduous journey.”
Tamsin emerged from the shadows then, and Liam saw Suzie’s intake of breath.Sienna’s mother had always been elegant, but weeks of rough living had taken their toll.Her clothes hung loosely, her face looked gaunt, and the dark circles under her eyes spoke of many sleepless nights.
“Mrs.Teague,” Suzie said, stepping forward with sudden purpose.“You must be exhausted.Camping in this weather can’t be easy.”
“We manage,” Tamsin replied with quiet dignity.
The rain chose that moment to intensify, driving harder against their makeshift shelter.Water dripped through gaps in the tarp, and Jago darted over to adjust the sagging corner.
“This is madness,” Suzie said, loud enough for everyone to hear.“You can’t stay out here in this.Mr.Teague, we have warm, dry rooms at the castle.Hot water, proper beds, and decent food.Please, at least come in out of this storm.”
Hedrek glanced at his wife, and Liam caught the silent communication that passed between them.Tamsin’s slight nod was almost imperceptible, but he saw Hedrek’s shoulders relax fractionally.
“We appreciate the offer, but we don’t want to impose.”
“Papa.”The word came from Jago, barely audible above the rain.He was still holding the corner of the tarp, water streaming down his face.“Mama’s cough is getting worse.”
