Page 26 of Dark Embrace

Brie breathed hard, anguished for Aidan and his child all over again. “Was it a demon?”

“It was his father,” Claire said.

“Oh, God,” Brie whispered, aghast. “What he has suffered! No wonder he has become so dark!”

Claire grasped her arm. “Brie, you are too involved!”

“How can I not be involved? He needs me—he needs us,” she added quickly, flushing. “We have to help him.”

“Help him how?” Claire cried. “Help him find himself? He is ruthless, Brie.”

Brie hugged herself. “If he was as ruthless as you say, I wouldn’t be standing here.”

Claire was pale. “Are you really thinking of befriending him? To what end? To guide him back to his vows? He isn’t the same man, and I don’t think he’ll ever be that man again. He’ll destroy you.”

Malcolm took her elbow. “She cares fer him, Claire.”

“Obviously!” Claire cried.

Brie realized there was no point in trying to hide her feelings. “I can’t walk away from him—not when he is in such torment. I can’t walk away from his son’s ghost, either.”

“If there is a ghost,” Claire said.

Brie jerked. “Why would you say that?”

“Because Aidan is the only one who has seen Ian.”

Brie was stunned. “I can see him.”

Claire’s eyes widened and she exchanged a sharp look with Malcolm.

“The gods have a reason fer all they do—when they bother with us,” he finally said.

“Maybe you are right, and there’s a reason you are here,” Claire said to Brie. She shook her head. “Aren’t you afraid of him? We fear him. Everyone fears him. He should be feared.”

Brie did fear him. He made her uncomfortable, and he was so unpredictable. She was terrified of the Wolf. But she didn’t think he would hurt her. She’d meant what she’d said earlier. He’d had many chances to do so. “He still has a conscience.”

Malcolm started. “Ye have faith. I am pleased.”

Claire spoke grimly. “Befriend him—save him if you can—but do not trust him,” she warned.

Brie knew it was really good advice. And the truth was, she didn’t quite trust him, so Claire’s advice would be easy to follow.

Malcolm spoke. “I still fear fer ye, lass. In good conscience, I canna leave an’ Innocent in this place with my brother. Would ye care to come to Dunroch with us? Ye can save him in bits an’ pieces, from a safe distance.”

Brie wasn’t going anywhere. “I appreciate your concern, but I’ll stay here.” She couldn’t befriend Aidan if she was at Dunroch. She stared at the handsome couple. “Do you guys know Black Royce and the lady of Carrick?”

Malcolm smiled. “Royce is my uncle, lass, and we ken them well.”

Brie felt so much relief. She desperately needed backup, and Allie was the best backup there was. “Are they far from here?”

“By horse, Carrick is a two- or three-day ride, depending on the time of year,” Claire said, grinning. “I should have known you and Allie were friends. I’ll let her know that you’re at Awe.”

“Thank you,” Brie said. She wasn’t as alone as she’d been an hour ago, and now, understanding more of what had happened to Aidan, her purpose was becoming clearer. “I have one more question. What is today’s date?”

“’Tis November 18th,” Malcolm said. “November the 18th, in the year 1502.”

Brie froze in horror.