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Niall steered Felicity toward a table in a quiet corner where they could have some privacy. His stallion had immediately taken a protective stance when he’d sensed Felicity’s confusion and distress. His beast had become even more deeply aligned with her emotions since he’d discovered she was his true mate.
“Tell me, love, what’s wrong?”
“Not yet,” Felicity whispered as she placed a hand on his arm.
He turned in the direction she was looking. Caitlin was heading for their table.
“What can I get you?” she asked Niall.
“My lady first,” he said with a smile that’d melt anyone.
“I’ll have the fish and chips.”
Caitlin jotted down Felicity’s order before turning to Niall.
“A whiskey and a steak burger.”
“I’ll have another whiskey too,” Felicity added.
“Very well. I’ll be right back with your drinks.”
Felicity was still holding his arm. She was starting to get comfortable around him. His stallion approved.
“Now, tell me what’s bothering you.”
Felicity turned her gaze from Caitlin’s retreating back and looked down at her hand as if she’d forgotten she grabbed him. She let go of his arm. “Sorry, I don’t know what to make of her. I’m usually good at reading people, but there’s something about her that puts me on edge. I can’t put my finger on what exactly...”
“The bartender’s niece?”
“Do you know her?”
“Aye, in a manner of speaking... I know Caitlin.”
Felicity arched an eyebrow. “Never mind. I don’t want to know.”
Niall laughed. “Jealous?”
“Not bloody likely,” she snapped.
“I swear it’s not like that. At least it’s not what you’re thinking.”
“How do you know her then?”
“I’ve known her since she was a wee lass. Her aunt is the bartender here, and her family has served mine for many generations.”
Caitlin brought a whiskey back to the table. “There you are. Your food will be out in a few minutes.”
Anger and bitterness flared in her eyes but those emotions were gone almost as soon as they appeared. His stallion took notice, but Niall had no idea what was eating at Caitlin. Maybe Felicity was on to something.
“Aye, thanks,” Niall said.
Caitlin gave him a nod and headed back to the bar.
“How many generations?” Felicity asked.
“A few centuries,” Niall said, and then drank his whiskey.
“How is that even possible?”
“It’s not like the mate bond. They don’t become immortal, but their longevity increases through their servitude. They bear our mark, which links them to us, and also slows aging and helps them heal faster.”
“Caitlin said she was being groomed to take her aunt’s place. It makes sense now. She knows first-hand that the legend is real. That you’re real,” she whispered.
“Aye.”
“And she knows who’s responsible for threatening Mr. Archer and his worker.”
Niall’s eyes hardened. “That’s not possible. Caitlin would have told her aunt...who would have told me. Her aunt maintains our cottage on the island, keeps our secret, and acts as our eyes and ears. That’s why she works here.”
“Of course. What better place to pick up gossip than the island’s most popular pub,” Felicity murmured.
“Aye, now you’re catching on.”
“I went to see the priest this morning.”
Niall’s stallion reared his head. “Why didn’t you wait for me? We could have gone together.”
“I know how to handle myself, thank you very much.”
Gah. Why were all the women in his life so bloody stubborn? First his sister, now Felicity. Couldn’t they see he only wanted what was best for them? His fierce protection was for their own damn good. Anyone could be behind this, and he wasn’t entirely sure he was ready to rule out the priest. But he hadn’t told Felicity not to do anything without him, so he couldn’t be that upset at her.
“Your safety is my concern, and considering that worker who stumbled in here was bleeding from the head, I’d figure you’d at least show some caution,” Niall said, his voice softening
Felicity looked away. It seemed she was warring with her emotions. Perhaps she was trying to resist a smart-arse retort because he’d been stern. He couldn’t be sure, but he didn’t care. If anything ever happened to her...
“You’re right. Next time, I’ll come to you first.”
Niall nodded. “That’s all I ask. If we’re going to work together, then I don’t want you putting yerself at risk.”
“Well, I wanted to know about the island’s history and see if he could give me any more information. It might help us. As it turns out, there were two families whose land was bought out for that resort to be built. The McSharrys’ farm and the Tierneys’ land were sold to Archer.”
“Don’t forget the priest has to relocate his home and his church.”
Caitlin returned to the table with Felicity’s fish and chips and Niall’s steak burger. “Can I get you anything else?”
“I’m fine, thanks,” Felicity said.
“All right then. I’ll leave you to it,” she said before heading off to another table.
“At any rate, I don’t think Father Cleary is the one responsible. At least not directly,” Felicity said before shoving a bite in her mouth. She chewed and swallowed before continuing. “I’m not saying he’s innocent, since he left out an important detail that Caitlin filled me in on.”
“What did she say?”
“The priest’s brother is married to Kelly Tierney. Apparently, she inherited her family’s farm, and after they’d fixed the place up, Archer bought them out. I can’t imagine they were happy about it.”
Niall’s eyebrows rose. “I don’t understand why Caitlin’s aunt didn’t tell me. How could she not think that was relevant?”
“Hard to say, but maybe we should pay the priest’s brother a visit after lunch. He has some explaining to do.”
“Aye,” Niall said. “That he does.”
