Shatter - Sins of the Sidhe (46 page)

“Adam told me what happened,” she shot him a look of desire and irritation, “but I doubt he told me everything. Are you okay, hun?”

Was Rowan okay? She was more than okay. This was the Best. Day. Ever.

“Where were you? We went to your house and your car was there, but you were nowhere to be found.” Rowan sounded like a mother hen.

“I was in New Orleans. I had a CEU class there for a few days. I, uh, brought you back something.” Brinley walked over to her big purse and pulled out a plastic bag. “You probably could have used this about fifteen years ago, but better late than never,” Brinley shrugged and handed the package over to Rowan.

Inside the black plastic shopping bag was a voodoo doll. A very creepy looking voodoo doll at that, with a tag on it that read:
“For Protection”
and looked freaky as hell. The doll, if it could be called a doll, was made of corn husks, thistles, dried moss and other herbs. It was bound in black strips of cloth and had dried fruits and string dangling from it. The face, a term used loosely here, was made of some type of resin and it had a very tiny head with horns. If Rowan was the average woman, she might have been spooked by it, but she was far from average. And she’d seen scarier things than this.

Devlin came over to examine the souvenir, “By Danu! That is a ghastly looking figure ye have there, lass. ‘Tis for protection, eh? Who will protect us from
it
?”

That sent the men into fits of laughter.

Adam kept is glamour in check - it was easier to do after having some of Ava’s blood. He stole a glance at the sunshine in jeans and boots at the other side of the table, sending a prayer of thanks to the Gods that she was indeed safe.

Adam had gone to her house hoping to find something that would give him a clue as to where she was. He found a calendar on the kitchen fridge with New Orleans written across five days. According to her scribble, she was due back that afternoon. He went to the airport and waited for her plane to arrive. Good timing or fate- Adam wasn’t sure which it was, but didn’t care either.

He greeted her at the airport security gate and ushered her to his car that was valet parked. She was surprised to see him and quickly asked if Rowan was okay. Adam didn’t want to go into the details of the night before, so briefly (and vaguely) told the woman what had happened. Adam tried to stick to the truth but not give away the whole story, only saying that Rowan was tricked into thinking Brinley was abducted and how scared she had been for her. That Rowan had gone to a true hell and back to find her. And that the enemy was indeed gone for good.

Brinley hadn’t asked anymore questions, and Adam did not offer any more answers. Any anger or resentment Brinley had from their fight was replaced with love and relief for her friend. They rode in silence the rest of the way back to Adam’s house. He badly wanted to touch her, but didn’t want to get distracted while driving. He knew, without a doubt, one touch of her soft skin would have him mindless and reckless.

When they arrived at the house, Ava told them that the lovebirds had gone back into their bedroom and Brinley decided to help with dinner while she waited for Rowan to come out. She wanted to distract herself at the moment with Adam so close to her. She may not be upset with Rowan anymore, but she was still angry with him for having pushed her away. Her pride and heart were still bruised but she wasn’t going to dwell on that today.

Ava left the room to check on the still sleeping Ruark while everyone filled their plates. The dish smelled amazing and looked even better. Ava was a good cook. Coming back out with a look of peace on her angelic face, Devlin asked if his brother was doing okay. He feared that Ruark may be dead in the bed or awake and wanting answers, neither of which Devlin thought they were prepared for at the moment.

Ava answered him with a fake snore and a wink. “He’ll be out for quite some time. Days, I expect. His body has much healing to do.”

“Is someone hurt?” Brinley asked the question to the whole table. She didn’t realize anyone else was here.

“Yes, in the midst of everything, we found another person in need of saving…” Rowan glanced at Devlin and sent him a burst of love, “Ruark. Devlin’s brother.”

Brinley’s fork fell to the plate with a clank. She stared at Rowan with big brown mousey eyes. Rowan nodded her head to emphasize she was being serious and Brinley cleared her throat. Yup, Adam had left quite a bit of information out when telling her about this adventure. Damn him.

“I can help him. If you think he’d let me. I can help him heal.” Brinley had her own version of magic – the ancient pokey needle kind.

Ava perked up like she’d forgotten Brinley’s talent until now and said “Aye love! That would be wonderful. He’ll need every bit of help he can get. He’s strong, but needs a great deal more than strength to pull him out of the hole he is in right now.”

No one said a word. It was a fact that no one could argue with.

Brinley liked a challenge. She was good at her job and she had a true talent with her needles. Brinley gave an encouraging smile to the table, but didn’t press for further information. It was obvious that there was tension and apprehension about Ruark. Brinley knew to best leave it alone… for now.

She smiled, “Well alright then. I’ll come back with my bag tomorrow and we’ll see what can be done for him.”

Wine was poured, salutes of love and victory were made, and they dug into their dinner. Rowan was immediately making her notorious yummy sounds and Brinley was no better. The men gave each other an
oh boy here they go
look and then decided to join in.

Adam did his best impression of Rowan with a “Oh! This is so good!” and Devlin chimed in with “Aye! I agree, ‘tis the best I’ve ever had!”

The scene had them all gut-busting with laughter. Rowan threw a napkin at Devlin and he tossed her a wink.

Ava watched while everyone laughed and carried on. There was a wonderful feeling in the air as they all felt the relief and joys of their triumph. Aye, it was good to laugh- ‘tis powerful magic. It is better to love. That magic is even stronger.

Ava took a sip of her wine while she thought about their victory. They won this battle today, a feat worthy of much celebration, but Ava knew that their journey was far from over.

Want more?

Well, around here, you get what you want.
Look at what is burning to get into your hands…

SHINE

Sins of the Sidhe

Book Two

For information on this book and other future releases, please visit my website:
www.BrianaMichaels.com

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Briana Michaels grew up, and still lives, on the East Coast. When taking a break from the crazy adventures in her head, she enjoys running around with her two children. If there is time to spare, she loves to read, cook, hike, and relax with a glass of wine and a nice fire. She does all of this with the love and support of her amazing husband who always has her back, encouraging her to go for her dreams. Aye, she’s a lucky girl indeed.