He desired her.
He wanted the lady for himself.
Orion woke suddenly having broken out in a sweat and achy with need.
Bloody hell! He’d never had such an intense dream in his life. She’d been so real.
His mother may have ordered him away from the sacred grove, but Orion would not stay away. He could not. The lady called to him, and he couldn’t rest until he at least knew her name.
He could ask Nephele again, but Orion wanted to hear it from the lady’s lips.
But how could he go there without anyone noticing or questioning him?
On any other day, if he decided to walk the paths in the grove as he had done as a child, no one would think it odd. Now, if he stepped a foot in that direction, his mother would become suspicious, then, follow to make certain that he did not go beyond the boxwoods.
She knew something. Of that he was certain. Her questions had been too demanding of what he had seen.
Could it simply be that he’d been to the scared grove and viewed the temple?
No, it was more, and he’d wager his quarterlies that Mother already knew about the lady in the grove.
At his age, he should know how to get around her, but he must be very careful because she was far too perceptive, which he had been reminded of far too many times in his youth and even into adulthood. Sometimes he wondered if his mother didn’t already know all his secrets, even who he bedded and when.
That certainly was not a pleasant thought, but she had let too many comments slip that had him wondering.
Of course, she was a witch, but she didn’t have the power of second sight.
Unless she did and had never told them.
Blast! Now he was being paranoid of his own mother when it was nothing more than she was perceptive and knew her children too well.
Therefore, he must find a way into the grove without her being wise to his plans.
Perhaps a boat?
There were three and it wasn’t unusual for any of them to sail down to Bocka Morrow or up to Jory’s Bay. He would need to wait until the time was right so that he could hide the boat in the grotto beneath what he now knew was the secret grove. It wouldn’t be low tide for several more hours and at this time of the morning, the opening was barely visible. But the sea would drop and then he’d leave.
Once there, he would tie the boat off, then exit through a break in the rocks and take the path to the top.
With those thoughts, Orion pulled himself from the bed, dressed for the day and made his way to the breakfast room where most of his family had already gathered.
“You have never told me how long you and Pierce intend to remain at Nightshade Manor,” his mother inquired.
Orion glanced to his older brother. They had not discussed their plans, but there was no reason to return to London since it was summer. He had also declined any invitations to house parties since they came from mothers with daughters ready to wed. Though, if those mothers had a choice, they would prefer Pierce, also known as Viscount Harcourt, and Father’s heir. Nor was there any reason to return to their family estate, Markella House in Wiltshire.
“I had thought to remain here,” Pierce answered. “Damon will be too distracted by his new bride, and he does have the responsibility of his nieces.”
“I can see to my granddaughters,” Aunt Cassandra announced from her place near the head of the table.
“That was my excuse to remain,” Pierce teased. “Since the estate remains open, I would like to enjoy this corner of Cornwall, unless there is an objection.”
“You are of Drakos blood,” his aunt reminded him. “Any family member can reside here if they wish, no matter who the Earl of Wharton happens to be. It has always been that way.”
Nightshade Manor was never a place anyone lived for long, unless a daughter was gaining her magical powers, but anyone in the Drakos line could visit when they wished, even though it was his father who owned the estate.
Except, when the estate was sealed off from discovery. Then the men needed a witch to break the spell to allow them in. Even the trees at the narrow opening of the cove closed in so no boat could get through.
If Pierce stayed, then so could Orion. “I believe I will remain as well. I have nothing pressing, and I might enjoy fishing, sailing, or going into Bocka Morrow. I have not spent time here in years.”
