“Remember, the closer you get to your ár mökunar, the stronger your abilities will become.”
I relaxed. That had to be it. “You’re probably right. That’s probably all it is.”
“Or…you havesomekind of pull toward him,” she observed.
I sighed. “If I do, I don’t want it.”
She smiled. “Well, luckily, he’ll be gone soon, and you’ll never see him again, so it’s a moot point.”
“Your undying sense of optimism is why you’re my favorite. Now, how about we get out of this stuffy old room and go for a walk in the garden before dinner? I need to clear my head of all thoughts related to Arric Mann.”
“I have a better idea,” Cat said with a twinkle in her eye. “Let’s sneak into the kitchen and find some of your mum’s American pumpkin pie.”
“How can you eat that?” I judged. “It’s disgusting.”
“No, you just have no taste.”
I chuckled, pulling open the door, craning my neck to scoff at her as I moved forward… slamming into a pillar.
“Jesus.”
“Oh my god,” I breathed out as I faced my nemesis. I noticed one of the tattoos on his neck had glowed for a brief second but was now back to normal. “What are you still doing here?”
“I’m staying here for a few days,” Arric said. “Your uncle insisted.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Why would he do a dumb thing like that?”
“Isla!” Catriona admonished. “Be nice.”
I glared at my cousin who just put a beautiful smile on and turned to the enemy.
“I’m Cat,” she said, holding her hand out to him.
With his eyes on me, he refused to shake her hand. “Arric.”
She dropped her hand and I scoffed. “He won’t touch you, Cat. He’s afraid he’ll light up like a nightlight again.”
“Very funny,” he snapped, low and angry.
“Enjoy your visit,” I said, linking my arm with Cat’s. “We’re heading out to the garden.”
“We are?” she asked.
“Yes. Weare,” I stressed.
“Do you live here?” Arric asked me.
“I do not.” I tugged on Cat’s arm, but she didn’t budge. “Cat,” I growled in warning.
“If you’d like someone to show you around, I’d be happy to,” Cat purred. “Name the time and I’ll make it happen.”
“You’re too busy to show him around,” I countered.
“I am?”
“Yes. Remember? You’re treating that rash on your bum.”
Cat let out a snort. “Oh, that cleared up weeks ago. As you well know. But I appreciate you loaning me the last of your ointment. Mine wasn’t nearly as bad as yours.”
