Page 25 of Dark Embrace

Just as the howl seemed to have finally faded, it started again, and the long, lonely cry resounded. She stood and walked slowly to the great hall’s threshold. Even if she had considered cutting and running earlier—not that she could simply leave Awe—she would never do so now.

This man needed healing, she thought, trembling. And he also needed a friend.

It might not be the best idea to have so much compassion flooding her now, and offering him friendship might be dangerous, but she couldn’t stop her feelings—nor did she want to.

Grandma Sarah’s ring eased on her finger.

The windows in the corridor outside were small, and she was drawn to the closest one. Through the bars, she looked into an outer ward and at the castle’s soaring curtain walls. A full moon was hanging overhead, burning a fiery orange. A red moon rising was the harbinger of great evil, but this was a glimpse of the moon as she had never before seen it. She did not know what the fiery moon meant.

Footsteps sounded, and Brie started as great, white power touched her. A couple turned the corner. The man was a drop-dead gorgeous Highlander, clad exactly like Aidan except for the color of his plaid. It took her a moment to look at the woman at his side. She was very attractive and very tall, with auburn hair. She wore a long leine, a belted plaid and a shortsword—and then Brie saw blue jeans beneath her tunic.

Brie’s surprise vanished. Allie had gone back in time last year, and she had just time-traveled, too. The odds were that they weren’t the only ones who’d found a way to journey through the ages, and the auburn-haired woman walking toward her was proof.

The strange woman hurried to her. “You’re hurt!”

“I was attacked—in New York City,” she said unsteadily, her eyes glued to the woman’s face. She had an American accent and wore her hair in a very all-American ponytail.

The woman wasn’t surprised by Brie’s statement. “I’m Claire, and this is my husband, Malcolm of Dunroch.” Claire laid her hand directly on Brie’s bruised ribs, which made Brie wince. “Let me heal you.”

Brie nodded, biting her lip as warmth flowed into her from Claire’s hands. She saw that Malcolm stood by one of the barred windows, his expression grim as he gazed out into the night. She didn’t have to be telepathic to know that he was listening for the Wolf, waiting for it to howl again. Its reverberating cries had faded. Brie was certain that there would not be any more anguished howls. “It’s Aidan,” she said softly.

Malcolm turned toward her and their gazes met. “Aye.” He added, “I am Aidan’s half brother.”

Brie was more than surprised, she was relieved and thrilled. Aidan had a family in his corner.

Claire removed her hand. “I’m not a great healer, but that should be better. How do you feel?”

Brie took a breath, and no pain resulted. “Wow. Way better. Thank you. I’m Brie,” she added.

Claire stared intently. “Did Aidan do that to you?”

“No!” Claire was Aidan’s sister-in-law, and even she thought Aidan capable of hurting her. Unnerved, Brie said grimly, “A gang of boys attacked me, not Aidan.”

Malcolm suddenly strode to them. “I’ll take ye back to yer time, lass. ’Tis nay safe fer ye at Awe.”

Brie tensed. In the past moments, it had become very clear that she could not go anywhere—not when Aidan was in such torment. “I don’t think he’ll hurt me,” she said firmly. Their eyes met and held. Malcolm’s gaze was frankly searching. She refused to blush, not wanting him to suspect she had inappropriate feelings for his brother. “If he wanted to hurt me, he had a dozen chances to do so.”

Malcolm and Claire exchanged looks, which did not escape Brie. Malcolm said, “I have chosen to keep faith, but I dinna trust him very well. I dinna think yer safe here. He uses women at will. Why take the risk, Lady Brie?”

Brie lifted her chin, her heart pounding. Malcolm was wrong. Aidan could have used her in the tower, and he hadn’t. “If you’re telling me that Aidan commits crimes of pleasure, I do not believe it.”

Malcolm flushed. “I willna believe it, either,” he said. “But it’s best fer ye to leave Awe.”

He wasn’t certain just how demonic Aidan had become. Her heart hurt her now. “He needs his friends,” she said unsteadily. “He needs me,” she added. And she felt color finally creeping into her cheeks.

Malcolm stared at her, as did his wife. “My brother needs no one, an’ he’ll be the first to tell ye so. He has no friends, nary one. Ye dinna ken him well, lass.”

Brie shook her head, upset. “No one can live alone. Everyone needs friends.”

“Aidan lost his soul decades ago,” Claire said softly. “He has become a dark and dangerous man. He is not the stuff of romantic dreams. I hope you can see that. I hope you aren’t interested in him.”

“I’m a Rose,” Brie said, hoping to hide her feelings, which were clearly somewhat obvious. “Rose women are gifted, and we’re meant to use our gifts to help those in need. I have the Sight and I’m a strong empath. I met Aidan a year ago, briefly, and never expected to see him again. But recently I have been consumed with his pain and torment, and it’s unlike any empathy I’ve ever had before. I’ve been brought here for a reason, Claire.”

“An’ what reason do ye think yer here for?” Malcolm asked bluntly.

Brie hesitated. “He saved me,” she told them. “The subs would have murdered me and he saved me. Maybe it’s my turn to help him.”

Claire gasped, “He hasn’t rescued an Innocent since his son was murdered.”