It is ridiculous that hearing Mal use the word ‘we’ to refer to himself and me, makes my heart skip. But it is what it is. I’m almost as happy about that as what his words signify.
They proclaim his permission. They mean I get to go after Lello’s abductors and make them pay.
I can’t wait.
Chapter ten
In all the very many years I roamed the Earth when I was free, I never once visited Scotland. I was an idiot. This place is beautiful. The sky goes on forever and the mountains are magnificent. The dark, still waters of the loch are evocative.
It is timeless here. Nature unchanged by humans. It could be any century or even any millennium. In these Highlands, I don’t feel out of place or as if the world has spun away from me, leaving me far behind. It is soothing, invigorating. Healing.
It feels as if I am standing free in the outside world and the illusion is intoxicating. Mal is standing a few steps away, but he brought me here. He trusts me enough to take me on a long journey. He is allowing me to go without a leash or chains. It could be because he knows he is stronger than me and could stop me if I tried anything. Or that he has faith that he has trained me well. Regardless of the cause, I’m still cherishing it.
It feels so damn good to be alive and experiencing new things. I spent so long locked in a room merely existing and suffering. In comparison, this feels like heaven.
Suddenly, the waters of the loch stir. Someone is approaching. I feel his power before he breaches the surface of the loch. Then swiftly and majestically, he is before us. A powerful kelpie in his human form. Well-defined muscles over a broad naked chest streaming with water. Waist long dark hair and a proud jawline.
More than a stallion. This man is clearly the Alpha of his herd. Once upon a time, I would have found him desirable. I wouldhave done my best to seduce him. Riding him would have brought me joy. But now, the only thought in my mind is how he pales compared to Mal.
My keeper is far more desirable. Mal’s body looks older and his muscles are not as big. Yet he is far more alluring. Perhaps it is the tattoos? Or that he has been feeding me well and my body knows his. Whatever the cause, it is interesting to note. And a little alarming.
But I’m being ridiculous. I’m fond of Mal. He treats me well, so of course I am. But that is all it is. Fondness. Nothing more. It is nothing to be alarmed about.
The kelpie admits to having Lello, and then dives back into his loch. Out of sight.
Lello’s mate stares after the Alpha. Sadness, frustration and fear roll off of him. Which makes no sense at all. We know for sure where Lello is now. We just need to dive down and get him.
But for some inexplicable reason, everyone turns and starts walking back to where we left the cars. Despite my confusion, I walk beside Mal and savor the feel of the grass beneath my feet. I guess making plans out of earshot of the kelpies is a good idea.
As we reach the cars, everyone spreads out to form a rough circle. It feels like a lot of people to be facing. I take a step closer to Mal and he puts his arm around my waist. The sensation feels good. The warm weight of his arm is possessive and protective. I like it. Even though it is all probably just in my mind. The truth is that he is holding me in place. Reminding me that he owns me. My fantasy is far nicer.
I push my meandering thoughts aside and try to focus on the conversation. Paying attention is so hard, but this is important. This is where we decide on the plan to get Lello back.
It looks like everyone is here. Everyone who was imprisoned in the harem. The siren, Blue, is being brave. He is out of his pool and in the presence of Mal, as well as Carter and Brodie. Three strong,dangerous human men. I cast a sideways glance at Mal. All right, humanish.
The vampire is here too. Indigo, though he seems to be going by Ned now. Whatever his name, having a vampire on our side is very useful. As is the half-blood fey, Jade. Red is a wolf shifter and they are always good in a fight. I’m not sure what Pink, the human magic-weaver can bring to the table, he doesn’t seem to know how to wield his power. But it is endearing that he wishes to help.
Six paranormal boys. Two former enforcers. And whatever Mal is. A herd of kelpies is not going to be a problem.
But as talks of plans flow over and around me, I realize that nobody is asking my opinion. They don’t seem interested in any contribution from me. It stings. Do they think I have no wish to help Lello?
I sigh. These people have no reason to trust me. They don’t know me. I was comatose for most of my time in the harem. Trust has to be earned. Even then, it can be false.
I trusted someone once. Someone I thought I knew better than anyone in the world. I’m still paying the price.
A shudder wracks my body as I yank my thoughts from that path. It only leads to a locked box that I have buried deep within myself. Memories and agony I am never going to revisit.
I focus instead on Carter’s summary of their plan. It’s not a bad one. It should work. I am content to leave them to it and step in only if it all goes wrong.
Blue’s singing is beautiful. It pours out across the dark waters of the loch. Woven into the night air. A song of longing and seeking and finding. A call to come home. A call of love. A call to the lost.
The magic does not work on me, yet still the notes of unending yearning bring tears to my eyes. I almost wish I could lose myself in Blue’s song. Follow it and believe I was about to find everythingI have ever wanted. Safety. A home. Love. Even as an illusion, it would be wondrous to be swept up in that belief, even for a short while.
It is working on the kelpies. They are all swimming out of their underwater caves. Leaving them empty for Carter and Ned to swim down and retrieve Lello.
But it means an entire herd of kelpies are heading straight for Blue and those of us standing here to protect him. It is a little unnerving.
Ripples race towards us. My heart thuds. In a blink of an eye, the kelpies appear, standing waist high in their loch. Some in their human form, some in their horse form. All of them have their dazed eyes fixed on Blue. The herd is enchanted. They are standing still, listening to Blue’s singing. It looks as if they are barely breathing. It is an eerie sight.
