“If you call me pretty one more time I’ll haul you over my knee and redden your backside with my belt.” He wouldn’t do such a thing, but hopefully the threat would hold.
“Liar, and I’d like to see you try with my chosen one so close.” She pranced to the window overlooking the training yard below, shoved the window open and yelled, “Alec! I need my big bear to come and tussle with my bro—”
He was at the window in a flash, shoved a hand over his sister’s mouth and muttered. “I dinnae need any bruises right now, scamp, no’ until after I’ve successfully infiltrated Carron Castle.” He truly needed to be away and not tussling with her mate yet again. Alec Matheson held one fierce ability, could battle as no other could. Still, he’d miss his sister terribly. He’d looked after her his entire life, didn’t care to leave her behind but this coming mission was one he needed to embark on alone.
“What’s your plan when you arrive at Carron?” Tavish shrugged his white coat off and hung it on a hook by the door.
“’Twill be impossible to lie to my mate. She’ll learn the truth, just as soon as I can impart it.”
“Good morn, everyone.” Cherub swished into the room in a regal crimson gown with lace-edged sleeves, Kirk one step behind her in his kilt and leather jerkin. They’d both arrived a few hours ago, and after he’d laid out his plans for the day ahead, they’d offered to scout about Carron for him then report back with any findings.
“How did your search go?” He picked up his satchel where he’d propped it against the corner chair, hoisted it over his shoulder and crossed to Cherub.
“Very good. We arrived in time to catch Duncan riding out with about half a dozen of his men. He returns to Ardan House, his keep a little farther along the loch from Carron Castle.” Cherub touched his forehead then swished under his eyes. “Incredible. You’ve no wrinkles at all.”
“You have no wrinkles yourself.”
“Aye.” A smile. “’Tis one of the benefits to being an immortal fae.”
Kirk clutched his shoulder, his usual grin in place. “Welcome to the wrinkle-free club, my friend.”
“Wrinkle-free? You say the strangest things.” He couldn’t help but chuckle at Kirk. He’d come to know the man well since he’d formed a mated bond with Cherub, respected and admired him for his dedication in joining their fae princess in her duty to her earthbound kind. “What of Kyla? Did you see her at all?”
“We did,” Kirk answered him. “She left the keep with a guard and right now swims in a pool within the forest. Her guard hunts so she’s alone. You can speak to her privately if you wish it.”
“I more than wish it.”
“Then we’ll take you directly there.” Cherub held out her arm to him. His people’s princess held the time-walker ability and commanded the very air itself, could halt the wind or send it churning if she so desired. She could also cloak her form and become unseen to others, or if she wished, so too she could become as one with the very air itself and take on a mist form. The night of his escape from Carron’s dungeons, Cherub had whipped up a mighty storm and unleashed it upon the warriors under Duncan’s command. She would go to any length to ensure her people’s survival, had certainly seen to his. “Take ahold of me and we’ll be away.”
“This I cannae wait for.” He grasped her arm.
“Remember, no letting go.” Kirk eyed him as he wrapped his arms around Cherub from behind. “If you do, you’ll experience a far rougher journey than what is necessary.”
“Thank you for the warning.” Although he recalled his initial trip here to the twenty-first century with ease, even though he’d been badly beaten and whipped to within an inch of his life at the time.
“Good luck with the chase, and should you need me then call out.” Annella blew him a kiss. “No one restrains my brother again and gets away with it.” He didn’t doubt she’d travel to him if she sensed he was in any danger at all.
“Aye, scamp, I’ll make sure to pass that threat right along.” He squeezed Cherub’s arm. “’Tis time for me to confront my chosen one, to bring her around the mated way of thinking.”
“That I wholeheartedly agree with. Let’s tarry no more.” Cherub twirled her fingers through the air and the wind rose and swirled all about.