Ella didn’t know how this fit in with the here and now, but knew it was significant.
Marcus rubbed his temple and lines expanded around his eyes. “Why is this important now?”
Ella sat up. Maybe having this conversation in bed wasn’t the best idea. She shifted away a little and laid her hand on his arm as he sat up too.
“Because I sensed a flaming anger inside her cold heart and twisted mind. There’s no empathy, kindness, or real love inside her. Her darkness made me feel ill, and yesterday, I felt that same sensation surrounding Robert. This woman may have loved this Dagda once, but she despised his weakness. When he lost power, her feelings changed. She hated the fact that after everything, he still cared about Ariana. Once, she would have done anything for him. In fact, she did terrible things in his name, but he cast her aside.”
Marcus nodded, but arched his neat eyebrow as if unconvinced. “Let’s say you’re right. What’s the significance of what you’re seeing in relation to now? What you talk about is ancient history. Besides, when you located me in Mexico, you needed my shirt with my scent, and when you searched for Nate, you had a bond. He’s your son, but this—how is stepping inside someone’s body and mind possible? You don’t know this Morrigan.”
Ella sighed with exasperation. She didn’t know herself, but as she rubbed her moonstone bracelet, a desire to sleep washed over her. Once asleep, she wandered into the soul of this strange woman; she didn’t know how or why it should happen now. No matter how crazy it sounded, she believed in her bones it was crucial.
“Honestly, I don’t have the answers to that.” She gazed down at her bracelet and rubbed the moonstone. “Lady Tenille returned this to me, and I think somehow it’s responsible. I don’t know if this experience is a moment in the past or even where it took place. Nothing appeared familiar to me. All I know is this Morrigan isn’t dead. Time is different for the gods. Maybe she’s one of them. I visited with Ariana months ago, and I’m certain what I saw has to do with what’s going on right now. This queen of darkness is more powerful than anything I have ever experienced before. More powerful than Lady Tenille. Perhaps more powerful than Ariana. Zephra saw crows in her vision. Well, the Morrigan stood in a field and called out to thousands of black birds that gathered around her like an army. I also think she killed Dagda.”
Marcus descended from their king-sized bed and stood tall, broad and magnificent. A better example of masculinity would be hard to find, with his tight abs and bulging pecs. She longed to run her hands all over his corded muscles and feel the strength of him press against her, blotting all her worries out. Shifting her attentions elsewhere, she reined in her emotions to focus on gaining his understanding, and cooperation, but risked another peek. She examined his somber expression as he thought about what she had said, taking his time before giving an answer. A flash of fear crossed the angles and planes of his handsome face, but as soon as the emotion appeared, he shut it down.
“Okay—well, ask Isabella. Remember, she mentioned the magnum opus of history books for all supernatural beings—The Book of Blood, Liber Sanguinis. I believe it contains the history of the gods. It’s worth checking out. I will talk with Zayn, leader of the Fae, and find out what he knows of this woman, the Morrigan. But first—there’s something I need to tell you.”
A shiver rippled down her spine and she drew up the pink woolen blanket that lay over the duvet. Ella remembered Isabella talking about The Book of Blood months ago. Learning the history of their kind from the witch had provoked an argument between them at the time. Now a strong gust of guilt and fear rose off Marcus. The overwhelming sensation was enough to make Ella open her mouth, ready to fire him with questions.
But his cell buzzed on the side table and he grabbed it.
“Yes. Shit. Did you call the doctor? Okay—I understand. I’ll be there now. I want to see the security footage, and don’t give anyone access to the scene except me,” he shouted.
Ella scrambled to the edge of the bed, aware a call this early couldn’t be good news.
Marcus flared his nostrils as he spoke, the only outward sign of emotion. He closed his eyes and placed his phone back on the side table. “Steel’s unconscious. His vitals are good, and he’s breathing on his own, but they cannot wake him up. They tried to rouse him to give him a drink, but couldn’t. Shit...”
Ella grabbed his hand and squeezed it, knowing the unspoken bond between the two men ran deep.
“This isn’t your fault. Steel knew the risks and he left you in charge. He placed his trust in you. The old fox will be fine because he has you in his corner fighting for him.”
Marcus’s features didn’t soften nor did he elaborate. He merely nodded. “Until we have the bastard in my clutches, everyone’s at risk. I’m hoping the preliminary results of the autopsy will shed some light, but they won’t be back until later. Until then, please, stay here with Nate. Don’t fight me on this.”
A desire to throw a punch in his abs gripped her, but thinking about Nate made her simply push at his belly.
He grabbed hold of her arm. “Promise me, Ella.”
“I’m not going anywhere. Now go and shower.”
Marcus let go and headed for the en-suite. He stopped at the door, giving her a full view of his wonderful, tight rear end and long, powerful legs. Her mouth watered. She smiled and slid back
