Isla

Arric’s tattoos burned with such intensity, the ambient heat from his body caused my core temperature to rise.

“Stop!” I begged, and Arric froze.

Haddi’s body visibly relaxed and I wrapped my hand around Arric’s arm. That’s when everything went red.

Arric and I were suddenly psychically linked, and his rage was now my rage. I couldn’t focus on anything but the anger, inadvertently adding to his emotions.

“Shite!” Kade hissed.

My eyes flew to his and I watched in hopelessness as he jumped out of the way, turning the stone bench he’d just been sitting on into cinder.

“She’s going to burn everything to the ground,” Kade warned. “You need to get them calm.”

“How exactly am I to do that?” Haddi demanded.

My eyes darted his way and he jumped away just as I sent a ball of flame toward him.

“Arric!” Kade called. “You need to find her link and calm her. No one else can do it.”

Isla?

I can’t control it, Arric. I want to kill them all.

“Arric,” Kade pressed. “You are the only one who can calm her.”

My eyes flew to my uncle and he did his best to get out of my way. Not quite soon enough for the hem of his kilt, however.

I felt Arric’s hand go to my chest, the warmth of his palm seeping into my heart.

Breathe with me, baby.

I focused on him, meeting his eyes which were still glowing red.

I shook my head. It burns.

I feel it, baby. Need you to breathe slowly.

I took a shallow breath.

That’s it, Arric encouraged. I’m calmer. You’re calmer. It’s okay.

I stared into his eyes, now starting to return to their pretty blue and I felt my pulse slow enough to be able to take a deeper breath, then another.

“I’m okay,” I whispered, dropping my head to Arric’s chest.

His arms wrapped around me and held me for a few precious seconds before I pulled away, turning to my uncle.

“I’m so sorry.”

Kade smiled gently, giving me a quick hug. “It’s alright, lass. You’ll soon learn to control your abilities.”

“God, I hope so.”

He grinned. “Come on. I think we’ve done enough to deserve a whisky.”

He made sure all the fire was out, then we headed back to the castle as a group. Arric stuck close to my side as we walked, but we didn’t touch.

I did not like this one bit, but I had no say in it until we could be bound. He still didn’t fully understand.

Once back at the castle, my mother spirited me away, forcing me to eat, which was her way of making sure I was okay. I let her fussing wash over me, staying close to her as the night wore on.

Sometimes, you just needed your mummy.

Grace MacMillan, Max’s mate, was sitting at the island, her head bowed over her phone, showing Charlotte something that was making both of them laugh.

“Oh my god, that girl is so weird,” Charlotte said, and smiled at me. “Show Isla.”

Grace slid her phone over to me and pressed the play button. It was a GlibGlob video of Melody Morgan, arguably the most famous pop star in the world, doing some weird pole dance for charity.

“At least it’s for charity?” I said as more of a question, and chuckled.

“Sure,” Grace replied. “We’ll go with that.”

I grinned sitting on the barstool next to Charlotte. She slid my hair off my shoulder and cupped my cheek. “How ya doin’, Isla Persephone?”

“That’s a loaded question, Auntie.”

She smiled gently. “You need to be kinder to your mate.”

“He needs to be kinder to me.”

“Well, here’s the rub, baby girl. He doesn’t understand what’s going on. You’ve had twenty-five years to figure it out. Not to mention, a large family who loves you.”

I wrinkled my nose. “I know. I really do. It’s just that he gets so angry and when he lashes out, he freaks me the hell out.”

Grace reached over and squeezed my arm. “He will never hurt you, you know that, right?”

I settled my head in my palm. “How can you be sure?”

“Because even though he doesn’t know you’re mates, his heart’s already turning toward you. It would be impossible for him to do so. Not impossible for him to be an asshole, but impossible for him to hurt you.”

“She would know, honey, she’s mated to Max,” Charlotte said.

Before Grace had met Max, he’d been the biggest rock star in the world, with an ego to match. She’d come along and softened him, which everyone apparently appreciated. All of this was before my time, of course, so Max was just my dad’s best friend who I’d adored forever.

“All I’m saying is try not to let him push your buttons,” Grace continued. “He’s really not trying to... he’s just a ball of confusion and emotions right now, and you need to guide him through it.”

“Okay,” I breathed out. “I’ll try to be more patient.”

Charlotte grinned, giving me a gentle hug. “There’s my girl.”

Mum slid a sandwich toward me and smiled. “Super proud of you, baby girl.”

I waved my hand toward Charlotte and Grace. “You planned this, huh?”

She shrugged. “I plead the fifth.”

I narrowed my eyes at her.

“Eat your sandwich.”

I did as I was told, surrounded by my loving aunties, grateful for their advice. They were right. I needed to help Arric, not bust his balls.

* * *

“Isla!” Arric bellowed as he ran toward me. I turned to face him but found myself lifted off my feet and flying through the air before I could speak.

“We’re in a dre—”

“Stay down!” he growled as arrows shot over our heads.

Fear and rage poured off him reeking with the malodor of death and I knew he was dealing with a level of confusion that his brain couldn’t work out.

“Arric, breathe,” I pressed, but he covered me even more. So much so, I was having a hard time breathing myself.

“Don’t move,” he growled.

“Arric.” I slapped my hands on his cheeks and tugged on his face. “We are in a dream. None of this is real. See?” I reached my arm up, but he dragged it down.

“What the fuck are you doing, woman?” he demanded, pinning my arms to the ground.

I closed my eyes and focused, following his emotion and walking into his mind. “Arric. It’s a dream, love. Wake up.”

I was suddenly released and back in my bedroom. I sat up, rubbing my eyes as I took a few deep breaths.

Arric—

What the fuck was that?

I sighed. You were dreaming and dragged me into it.

What the fuck does that mean?

I need you to take a deep breath, then focus on me, I directed.

Isla—

Please, love. Just focus on me.

I threw back the covers and slid off the mattress, stepping over to my window and settling my forehead to the cool glass. I felt Arric breathe, and my body relaxed as he finally did.

Good, love. Keep breathing.

* * *

Arric

I’m coming to you.

As soon as I’d spoken the words in my mind, I calmed. However, it didn’t take long for me to realize I wasn’t doing shit.

Isla was.

Aye, I am.

I scowled, slipping out of the guest house at the edge of her father’s property and heading toward the main house. Get out of my mind.

And chance you raging the world down? No way. Where are you now?

Walking up your stairs.

I arrived at Isla’s door just as it opened.

“Come in quickly,” she whispered.

I didn’t hesitate, walking inside and pulling her close, drawing in her clean, fresh scent before kissing her.

“Hey,” she whispered, cupping my face. “We’re okay.”

“I am never going to be able to wrap my mind around this shit.”

Isla smiled gently. “Yes, you will. You’ll look back on all of it and laugh.”

“I highly fuckin’ doubt that.” I took her hand and pulled her over to the chair by her window, sitting and pulling her onto my lap. “This helps, though.”

She grinned, running her thumb over my lower lip. “I’ve got your back, love.”

“Yeah.”

She dropped her forehead to mine. “Yeah, yeah, or meh yeah?”

“Yeah, yeah.” I chuckled. “I just forget sometimes.”

“Why don’t we try to do that awake?” Isla suggested.

“Do what?”

“Find a place we both feel safe. A place in our minds. A place no one else can get to.”

I frowned. “And exactly how do we do that?”

She blew a breath out through her teeth. “I have no idea.”

I smiled, dropping my forehead to hers again. “Close your eyes.”

She did and I tried to reach her thoughts, but I just didn’t know how.

It’s okay, love. Let me try.

Within seconds, I stepped into a black room and let out a grunt when I could see nothing in front of me.

I’m here, Isla crooned.

Where?

Here.

She was suddenly in front of me. How did you do that?

Isla chuckled. I just found the link to your emotions.

What does that mean?

I’m not entirely sure how to explain it. Next time I’m emotional, you can practice.

So in about an hour?

She smacked my arm, and I was whooshed back into her bedroom. “Don’t undo all the gooey stuff we’re working toward.”

I grinned, kissing her gently. “I apologize.”

“Well, then you can make it up to me by walking me down to the barn.”

“Why the barn?”

“Because Hershey got out again and I need to see if I can figure out a better locking system.”

“I have other ways to make it up to you that are a hell of a lot more fun than walking you down to the barn and figuring out a better locking system... unless it’s locking you in handcuffs to the bed.”

Isla kissed me quickly, then climbed off my lap. “I have no doubt you’d like to keep me as your sex slave, but you’re going to have to wait for that until you pull your head out of your arse.”

I laughed. “Workin’ on it, baby.”

“I appreciate that.” She held her hand out to me and I rose to my feet and linked my fingers with hers.

* * *

Isla

Arric and I walked down to the barn in silence. Well, out loud silence, anyway. His brain was humming with all manner of things he was trying to keep from me.

“Stop it,” he growled.

I wrinkled my nose. “No. How else am I to get information out of you?”

“Ask me.”

“You deflect.”

He huffed.

Which is why I have to do it this way.

He let out a grunt as we walked into the barn and I heard Ahearn crooning to Hershey.

“Hi, Ahearn,” I called out.

His head popped out over Hershey’s stall and he smiled. “Highness.”

“Hershey’s abscess is back?”

“Aye,” he said, stepping out of the stall. “It’s nothing to worry about. We just need to keep him inside and dry for a few days until it resolves.”

“Except he has a problem staying inside and dry.”

“Aye,” Ahearn said with a sigh. “I’ve asked yer da to come and look at it later today.”

“Okay, thanks,” I said, and slipped into the stall as Ahearn walked away.

Arric leaned over the door as I ran my hands over my horse. I lifted his back hoof and ran my fingers over the frog.

“How do you tell if there’s an abscess?” Arric asked.

“Come in here and I’ll show you.”

“I’m good here.”

I released Hershey’s hoof and faced Arric. “Are you scared, love?”

“I won’t rise to that bait, Isla.”

I unlatched the door and slid it open. “Just come inside. You’re going to have to learn to be comfortable around horses or you’ll be miserable.”

“Why will I be miserable?”

“Because I will make you miserable.” I tugged him inside with a grin. “If you don’t love horses like I do, you’re not worth knowing.”

He rolled his eyes then closed the door behind him.

“Come stand over here,” I directed, guiding him in front of me.

“Shouldn’t I face his head? Not big on starin’ at a horse’s ass.”

“Why not?” I retorted. “I’m staring at one right now.”

He let out a sarcastic, goofy laugh. “Oh, you’re funny.”

“I know.” I smiled up at him. “Trust me?”

“I trust you, baby, but not your horse.”

“He’s never kicked anyone in his life. You’re perfectly safe.” I settled my palm on Hershey’s rump, then ran my hand down his back leg. “Watch what I’m doing, then I’m going to have you do it.”

“He’ll just pick his leg up like that? You’re not doing anything weird?”

“Like what?”

“With any horse I’ve been around, you gotta squeeze that soft spot in their ankle part.”

“The fetlock.”

“Sure,” Arric said.

“Nothing weird, love. Hershey knows what I want him to do,” I said. “You try.”

I stepped back and Arric settled his hand lightly on Hershey’s croup. Hershey threw his head up, startling Arric who sidestepped as far away as he could in the small space.

“You’re fine, love,” I said. “He’s just getting used to you. Try again.”

Arric didn’t look convinced as he walked back to Hershey’s side, settling his hand on his croup again. Hershey threw his head up again, but Arric stayed put which seemed to calm my horse.

“Okay, slide your hand down his leg,” I encouraged. “He’ll lift his foot for you without you forcing anything, so go gentle.”

Arric was halfway down Hershey’s leg when all hell broke loose, and I found myself shoved into a corner with Arric shielding me with his body while Hershey kicked out at him.

I shoved at Arric, but he pressed me further against the wall.

“I need to get to him,” I growled.

He shook his head. “I’m not letting him hurt you.”

When he shifted, I slid out from under his arm, and rushed to Hershey before Arric could pull me back.

“Hershey,” I whispered. “Come here, baby.” He snorted again, but I was able to reach him, so I laid my palm against his neck. “Shhh, you’re all right.”

He calmed immediately, shoving his muzzle into my palm.

“There you go,” I crooned, then focused on Arric. “He’s good now, love. You can move out of my way.”

He kept an arm around my waist but let me move closer to my horse. Hershey was perfectly calm now. In fact, his head was lowered, and he was putting weight on his back leg. I ran my hand down to his fetlock, no longer feeling any heat. Hershey picked his foot up and I pressed around the hoof. “The abscess is gone.”

“How can you tell?”

“Come and have a look,” I said, and showed him the newly healed hoof. I glanced up at him. “I think you did that.”

“Healed your horse?”

“Yes,” I said, dropping Hershey’s leg.

“How?”

“Not sure. But it’ll be something we’ll ask Haddi.”

“I don’t think Haddi will care two shits about whether or not I can heal a horse, Isla.”

I raised an eyebrow, squeezing his arm. “There has never been any record of one of us able to heal someone outside of our families, let alone the ability to heal an animal, love. My father’s a healer and even he can’t just lay his hands on an animal and cure it. He went to school to learn the technicalities of veterinarian medicine and uses that in concert with his healing gift. This is remarkable.”

“Well, I highly doubt I have the ability to heal a fuckin’ horse.”

I wrinkled my nose. “He’s not just a fucking horse, Arric Mann. He’s Hershey the Great.”

Arric chuckled, sliding the stall door open, and guiding me out. “Well, let’s leave Hershey the Great to rest.”

“You’re going to ride with me tomorrow, right?”

“Sure.”

I squeezed his arm. “Don’t be scared.”

“Baby, I’m not scared. I can ride. I’m just not the biggest fan of horses, and I just didn’t want him to hurt you.”

“Hm-mm,” I mused, unconvinced.

He grinned. “I’ll show you tomorrow.”

“Ooh, I can’t wait.”

He kissed me quickly then squeezed my chin gently. “I’m gonna walk you home.”

“Sounds good.”

He kissed me again, then we headed home.

My phone buzzed in my pocket as we walked, and I pulled it out to see my cousin calling. “Excuse me,” I said, and answered. “Hi, Cat.”

“Auntie Gillian is home,” she said, excitedly.

Gillian was Payton’s sister and a gifted doctor. She met her mate a few years ago and moved to Iceland to be with him, which meant she was closer to their other sister, Kenna, but too far away from Payton for her liking. Gillian hadn’t been home in ages, so I knew this was exciting for everyone.

“That’s great,” I said. “When did she get home?”

“Just now,” Cat said. “Just showed up. We’re having an impromptu dinner tonight, so you have to come.”

“Of course I’ll be there. I’m sure Mum and Dad are coming, so I’ll ride over with them.”

“Great. How’s Hershey?”

“He’s great.”

“Ride tomorrow?”

“Absolutely,” I said. “Let’s plan on after lunch.”

“Works for me.”

I grinned. “I’ll see you tonight.”

“Okay, bye.”

“Bye, love.”

We rang off and I smiled up at Arric. “Are you available to have dinner at my aunt and uncle’s tonight?”

“Am I invited?”

“Yes.”

He smiled. “Then, yes, I’m available.”

“It’ll be casual.”

“Well, that’s good, ’cause I left my tux at home.” I rolled my eyes and he laughed, taking my hand. “Come on, let’s get you home.”

Arric walked me home, leaving me to get ready with the promise to meet me at my aunt and uncle’s on time.