Page 50 of A Wolf's Treasure
She was here to stop her father. And she was the only one who had the guts to stand up to him. But it would take all of her attention. She needed to stay alert, and not be distracted. As history had shown her, her very life depended on it.
Chapter 17
Duncan made a note to himself to get Cedric the hell out of his apartment as soon as he was able so he and Ryanne could get back to their conversation. She’d been about to confess something important to him, he was sure of it.
Damn Cedric and his need to know things!
She didn’t need to tell him what she was about to tell him, Duncan had already put the pieces together. But he wanted to hear it from her, to ease his mind.
Nonetheless, they all gathered around the kitchen counter again—only this time fully dressed and more presentable.
Cedric smacked Duncan on the shoulder when he passed by in the kitchen to get a beer for him and a water for Ryanne. Duncan frowned at the rowdy greeting, but his alpha only grinned at him, his words from earlier echoing in Duncan’s head.
“Did she heal ye, then, Duncan?” Cedric had sounded equal parts thrilled and disbelieving.
“Aye,” he’d told him. “Aye, I think she did.”
Cedric nodded. “So, I was right all those years ago. Twas only Faerie magic messing with ye, no’ anything physical.”
“That’s what Ryanne said. Said I only needed tae get out o’ my own head. And she…uh…she managed tae do that.”
Both of Cedric’s hands had landed heavily on his shoulders. “I’m verra happy for ye, my brother.”
Perhaps he was now, but that may change when he found out why she was here.
Duncan was pulled out of that past conversation by the one currently taking place between Cedric and Ryanne.
“I sincerely apologize, lass, for walking in on ye earlier. Ye ken I must protect my pack, and when I heard Duncan hollerin’, well, I dinna ken what was happening, but I came tae check on him.”
She took the glass of water Duncan handed her with a smile of thanks. “It’s okay,” she told Cedric. “Although I appreciate the apology.” She scrutinized him for a long moment, before seeming to come to the conclusion she could trust him. “May I speak freely?”
“O’ course.” Cedric leaned over the counter across from her with his weight on his elbows and gave her his full attention.
As Duncan took a seat on the stool next to her, she began to speak, “I know you chose to work with my father—”
“Ha! No’ my choice, believe me.” Rolling his eyes, Cedric took a deep swig of his beer.
Ryanne swallowed. “He does have a way of ingratiating himself, even places he’s not wanted. And Duncan tells me you also know my father thought I was dead, because he thinks he killed me.”
Cedric’s mouth twisted in disgust. “Aye, he did say tha’. I dinna ken who in their right mind would do such a thing tae their own bairn.”
“Well, the prince is who is, and he’s not as crazy as he tries to make everyone believe. He’s also not the Faerie you think he is, and that’s the first thing you need to know if you’re going to help me.”
Duncan turned to her in surprise as Cedric’s eyes narrowed on her face. “What do ye mean, lass? Why would I risk my pack tae take yer side in all o’ this?”
Never taking his eyes from her, Duncan told him, “She’san olc.”
“What?” Cedric bit out the word.
He turned to his alpha. “She’s a Dark Fae, Cedric. Like Bronaugh.”
“Ye ken this for sure?”
From the corner of his eye, Duncan saw her look between him and Cedric. “Uh, I’m sitting right here, you two.”
Duncan gave her a self-conscious smile. “Sorry, lass.”
She placed her hand on his knee and gave it a squeeze, sending a shot of warmth up his thigh and right into his groin. Covering her hand with his, he held it there. He rather enjoyed the sensation, and he had a feeling he was going to be walking around like an adolescent for a while, needing nothing more than a small touch or a stiff breeze to harden him.
