“We’re too late. My brother was here waiting for the right moment. Issac’s taken him. They’re gone,” she said.
Marcus spun around and gripped her shoulders. His eyes narrowed, and crease lines flared at the sides, highlighting his fear as he searched her face before he shouted over her head. “Jake, check with Bear. See if my son…confirm…” He shot the words out, but she shook her head and knew what his second-in-command would find.
“On it, boss,” Jake said.
“I’ll kill him,” Marcus said under his breath as he dipped his head.
She caught his hand and summoned her strength, letting the dizziness settle after shifting back. She was ready to share what she had learned, knowing they would both need to be strong for the coming days.
“The Morrigan has taken him. My brother was sent here for that very reason all along. She doesn’t care about Nate; she has him to get to me. If I don’t go, she’ll kill him, Marcus. I have to go to Wales.” Ella stood up and strode away.
“Drayton, this is what the witches predicted.” Lady Tenille left her seat at the table to stand between them.
“It’s my destiny, and I must go alone.” Ella looked back at her husband, reining in her emotions and hiding away her fear of what that would mean, determined she would save Nate and protect Marcus as best she could.
“You may believe it’s your destiny, but I don’t give a rat’s ass what the witches said. And there’s no way in hell you’re going alone. Not while I’m still breathing. That bitch doesn’t play by the rules, so it’s time we made our own. Tell me everything she said—and no skipping parts, Ella. We’re in this together, now and always.”
A shiver rippled through her as she stared at the hard man with ice-cold chiseled features totally focused on her, and her heart doubled in size. No matter the situation, Marcus always stood there like the Great Wall of China, defending and guarding her from the invaders. Filling her with confidence despite the odds. She relayed what the Morrigan had said.
“Bottom line, she wants me at the Temple of Gods. Do you know where this is?”
“Tregowen?”
Ella puffed out a breath and opened her mouth, amazed that he would pick that of all places and when she shook her head, frowning at him, he carried on.
“You talk about destiny. Well, here’s the thing—we’re caught up in this together. We always have been. Your future is mine, too. Besides, the moon goddess told Raven she would see him again at the Temple of the Gods, and I remembered when I saw the stones back in Wales, looking for your brother. Of course, the temple is no more than ruins. So, we are going to formulate a plan and while you’re focused on that bitch, I’ll find Nate. Then her leverage is gone. You’re not giving her what she wants.” He stepped in front of her, holding her shoulder as his nostrils flared and he tilted his chin up.
Ella ran her hand over his taut bicep that filled his shirt. “I never said I would.” She leaned her head against him, listening to the steady beat of his heart.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Ella strolled around the bright-white, state-of-the-art laboratory, with its shiny workspace covered with a variety of microscopes and scientific equipment. She stepped closer, looking through the lens to study a slide of what looked like human cells and moved away, observing the multiple wire shelves full of medical supplies and several fridges filled with colorful test tubes. This place instantly reminded her of the past and her throat tightened. She had one purpose this morning: to get possession of the poison the professor had recreated and leave.
The idea of breathing the same air as the man who had befriended, betrayed and ripped her baby from her, had her curling her fists with the desire to end Aidan O’Connor’s life. If he said one word out of place, that would be the reason she left, before she acted on her feelings for the man. And she could; she felt the hum of power under her skin. The ability to end life, if she wished. He was, after all, only human.
The orchestral sounds of Holst’s The Planets escaped through the open doors that led into the enclosed greenhouse. The thin veil of sweet flowers trailed the air. The need to have this meeting over with as quick as possible drove her to walk into the hothouse teaming with colorful flowers and green plants. She had never visited this part of the estate and glanced ahead at the domed glass ceiling, gazing at the endless blue sky. Hearing a patter of footsteps, she swung around with her fists clenched, ready to defend herself, and gasped at the shriveled appearance of the professor.
“I’m glad you haven’t forgotten what I taught you, Ella, but you won’t need it with me any longer.” Aidan removed his spectacles, cleaning them with a cloth before replacing them.
Ella didn’t alter her stance, absorbing the man before her, sizing him up. He looked more gaunt than she remembered, his eyes not quite as sharp, and more lines ran over his forehead. But when he held his hand out, she backed away. A trickle of sweat ran down her spine and adrenaline pumped through her bloodstream.
“Don’t tell me you’re still afraid of me, Ella?” He lifted his leg and showed her the ankle bracelet that rested around his ankle, and he sighed, folding his arms. “If you’re not going to speak, why are you here?”
Not wanting to prove this man correct, she altered her position and shook off the fear, righting her shoulders and standing tall. “Marcus explained you have the poison ready. I
