KADE HUNG UP and tapped his cell phone against his palm. He’d have to find a way to hold Brodie back or there could be an international incident. On the other hand, his brother could kill a man in less than five seconds, and that might come in handy.
What might come in handy?
He grimaced. Nothing, love. Are you planning?
You’ve been gone for all of five minutes.
And your point is?
Sam giggled. Mom’s on the phone with our pastor.
Ah, so the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, then.
Oh, you are soooo funny.
He grinned. I have a very important question for you.
Oh, really? Ask away, my love.
What kind of wedding band did you have in mind?
Surprise me.
He couldn’t stop a grin. That would require some privacy.
Hello, pot. I’m kettle…
Kade laughed. Point taken. Just pulled up to the plane.
Please be safe.
Always. Ég elska þig, elskan.
I love you too.
Kade climbed out of the car and boarded the plane, taking one of the seats next to the window. His heart was heavy without Samantha and if he could finish his business in a day, he would. He doubted his cousin would make it that easy for him, however.
“We’re ready to take off, my lord,” Russell announced over the loudspeaker. “Please buckle up.”
Kade adjusted his seatbelt and smiled at Maureen as she finished buckling herself into the jump seat. An hour into the flight, Kade felt a little pent up and restless. Unusual for him during flights. He relished his time alone more often than not.
Samantha?
When he didn’t hear a response, he felt bereft. Maybe their connection was broken so far from each other.
Honey, I’m here. Sorry. I was on the phone and the woman wouldn’t let me get a word in edgewise. I couldn’t pause the conversation.
He sighed in relief.
It looks like we’re still connected, huh? Are you okay?
Missing you, he said.
Me too, baby. How was take-off?
It was fine.
Why do you sound so blue?
I just wasn’t expecting to miss you so much.
Her laugh sounded in his mind. I’m not sure if I should be offended by that.
Kade grinned. Why don’t you meet me?
Pause.
Don’t tempt me, Kade, because if I had my choice, I’d get on the next plane out of Savannah.
I’m sorry, love.
Pepper’s here, so I should go. I love you.
I love you too.
Kade felt much better knowing he could “talk” to Sam anytime he wanted. He pulled out his laptop and went about finishing some of the work he’d neglected over the past few days.
* * *
Samantha hugged Pepper and pulled her farther into the house. “How are you?”
Pepper smiled. “You mean, since last night?”
“Yes, missie, since last night.” Sam frowned. “Are you ever going to tell me what the heck is going on?”
Pepper grimaced. “I can’t, Sam.”
Sam let out a deep breath. “That’s the first honest thing you’ve said since I got back.”
“I know. I’m sorry. Things are just really complicated at the moment.”
“Will you tell me soon?”
“I hope so.”
“Okay. Come into the kitchen. Mom’s been baking and you need some calories.”
“Did she make chocolate chip cookies?” Pepper asked hopefully.
“Enough to feed an army.”
Pepper clapped her hands. “Yay. Let’s go.”
Sam poured milk while Pepper put together a plate full of cookies, and they sat down at the table to go over options for dresses. Sam’s phone buzzed mid-chew. She grinned and answered the phone. “Well, hello, Payton.”
“Hullo yourself. I understand there’s to be a wedding.”
Sam grinned. “Yes. Are you going to come?”
“I haven’t officially been invited.”
“Oh, stop!” Sam admonished. “Get your butt on a plane. I’d like you to be one of my bridesmaids, if you’re open to that.”
“I’d love to, Sam. Thank you.”
“Oh! Can you do me a favor, please?”
Payton chuckled. “Pick up the ring?”
“Seriously, how do you do that?”
“It’s a gift. And yes, I’ll pick it up.”
“Thank you. Please don’t say anything to Fiona. I haven’t asked her yet, but I’d like her to be in the wedding as well.”
“I’m sure she’ll be honored.”
“Thanks. When can you get here?” Samantha asked.
“Well, the boys have both planes, so we either wait or fly commercial. I’ll talk to Fi once you’ve talked to her. Kade has asked that I book one of the local hotels. What do you think of the Gastonian?”
“Oh, it’s lovely, Payton,” Sam said. “It’s a popular place, though. It might be booked.”
Payton laughed. “A minor inconvenience. I’ll work on that and you call Fiona.”
“I’ll call her now,” Sam promised. “It would be amazing if you could get here within the week. We’ll need to fit you for dresses. Will Duncan let you come?”
“He’ll do whatever Kade tells him to.”
Sam smiled. “Well, Kade will do what I tell him to, so let Duncan know it’s decided.”
“I will. Let me know when you’ve spoken to Fi, and I’ll let you know what we’re doing about flights.”
“Perfect, thanks. See you soon.”
While Samantha called Fiona, Pepper grabbed more cookies and milk. Samantha smiled, relieved to see her friend was eating something. Once the details were given to Fiona, she hung up and lifted a cookie to her lips.
No!
Sam dropped the sweet with a squeak.
“You okay?” Pepper asked.
Almonds, love. You can’t have anything with almonds in them, Kade warned.
Right. I forgot.
“Yeah, I’m fine. Sorry. I can’t eat that.” Sam frowned and pushed the cookie away from her.
“But they’re your favorite,” Pepper pointed out.
“I know.” Sam grimaced. “I just found out that I’ve developed an allergy to almonds.”
“Seriously? That sucks.”
“I know.” Sam stood and washed her hands before returning to the table. “Such is life, I suppose.”
She took a deep breath. Honey, your heart’s racing. I’m okay. I didn’t eat it.
Yes, but you touched it. If you start to feel faint, please lie down and let me know.
Sam rolled her eyes. I feel fine.
Samantha, don’t minimize this. It could be serious. Tell me if you feel faint.
I will. But I really am fine. Sam smiled. You’re scowling, aren’t you? Don’t scowl, baby, it makes you look old.
Kade chuckled. I’ll keep that in mind.
Good. I have to get back to spending your money. I’ve asked Payton and Fi to be in the wedding. Is that okay?
Of course. I’ll let Duncan know.
Thanks. I love you.
I love you too.
Sam glanced up at Pepper, who was regarding her with confusion. “What?”
“You have a really weird look on your face,” Pepper said.
“Really? Sorry. It just sunk in that I’ll never get to eat my favorite cookie again.”
Pepper smiled sympathetically. “At least it’s not a wine allergy.”
Sam gasped. “Can you imagine?”
“No!”
Several minutes of giggling followed before the girls composed themselves and went back to the wedding planning.
* * *
Kade stepped off the plane, his concern for Samantha still heavy on his mind. He hated not being there to protect her.
“Kade!”
Kade looked up to see Connall walking toward him, Brodie not far behind.
“Did you set everything up?” Kade asked.
Connall nodded. “Aye.”
Kade nodded and followed his brothers to the car waiting on the tarmac. They climbed in and the driver set off toward their destination.
“What’s wrong?” Connall asked.
Kade sighed. “Sam nearly ate something she shouldn’t have.”
“But you stopped her,” Brodie stated.
“Aye.”
“Then why are you wound so tight?” Connall asked. “You know we’ve got this covered, right?”
“Aye.” Kade pinched the bridge of his nose. “I just don’t like leaving Sam alone.”
Brodie nodded. “I know.”
Kade smiled sympathetically. He didn’t know how his brother managed to stay sane. Ten years was a long time to wait for someone, especially if that someone was constantly dangled in front of you like a carrot to a horse.
Um… honey? I feel a little dizzy.
Lie down! Kade snapped.
I am.
Connall frowned. “Kade?”
“Sam’s dizzy,” Kade said.
“Is she lying down?”
He nodded. Do not move, Sam. You stay there until the dizziness passes. If you notice anything strange on your skin…
He couldn’t finish the sentence. If it got that far, without Cauld Ane medicine she’d be in real trouble. “I need to go back.”
No, you don’t, she countered. I’m fine. My skin looks fine. Better than it ever has, actually, and other than some mild dizziness, I’m fine. I shouldn’t have told you.
Sam.
I promise that if anything else happens, I’ll let you know. I touched the cookie for all of ten seconds and washed my hands right after. It’s nothing.
He dragged his hands down his face.
“Do we need to turn around?” Connall asked. “Because we will.”
“She doesn’t want me to.”
Kade, please. Do what you need to do. I’m fine.
“Damn it,” he snapped.
Kade, if you come back, I will not marry you.
He couldn’t stop his smile. Stubborn wench.
You’re just figuring that out?
All right, love, but you tell me if you notice any changes.
Of course.
And we’re already married, so that threat doesn’t work. But if you don’t keep me apprised, I will tell your mother we eloped.
Brat. Okay, go away, honey. Pepper went to work, so I’m going to take a nap.
Kade sat back and shook his head.
“Everything okay?” Connall asked.
“For now.”
Kade made a quick call as they drove to the center of town. The driver pulled up to Haarde Pharmaceutical, located in downtown Reykjavík. Kade wasn’t surprised that two of Ármann’s henchman stood sentry in front of the revolving doors. The driver opened Kade’s door and he slid out of the car and strode into the building, confident his brothers followed, along with the “muscle.”
Technically, Kade owned the building and the company housed inside, but had agreed to allow Ármann to run it, provided he followed the rules. Unfortunately for Ármann, he didn’t, and now Kade had to deal with his disloyalty.
Arriving at the top floor, he stepped into the lobby of the executive offices to find Angus standing with Max.
“Max?” Connall frowned. “What are you doing here?”
“Backup,” he said with a grin. “Don’t worry, Niall can deal with the horses for a few days.”
Kade shook the men’s hands. “I take it this was your doing, Angus?”
“Aye,” Angus said. “I wasn’t letting the three of you come in here alone.”
“I appreciate it… even if it’s unnecessary.” Kade turned to the receptionist, who stood with her head bowed.
“Velkomin, herra minn,” she said as she curtsied. (Welcome, my lord)
Kade nodded. “Við munum fylgja þér.” (We will follow you.)
Ice blue eyes met his and she nodded. “Já herra minn.”
The men followed her to a large door at the end of the hallway. She knocked, and pushed the door open.
“Cousin!” Ármann crooned as he moved from behind his large desk. “Come in, come in. Velkomin.”
Kade studied the man standing before him. Ármann Haarde was five years older than him, the son of his father’s brother. Tall and blond like the Gunnachs, he had deep blue eyes that many women had swooned over, particularly when they were younger. That was where the similarities ended, however. Ármann could only be described as slimy, which is why Kade kept him close in order to watch him.
“I will make this short, hmm?” Kade said and glanced behind him.
Max had already “suggested” the receptionist leave them alone and Brodie flicked his wrist, closing and locking the door. It wouldn’t keep Ármann’s goons out for long, but Kade didn’t need much time.
“No need for all of this,” Ármann said. “It’s been so long since we all visited. Let’s be cordial.”
“You attacked my mate, Ármann. We’re done with cordial.”
“I did nothing of the sort.”
Connall handed Kade the file that had the proof and he handed it to his cousin. “I will not banter with you, Ármann. You are stripped of your position here, and will be dealt with in our courts.”
Ármann hissed in disgust. “You no longer have power here, Kade.”
Before Kade could respond, the door flew open and two men pushed their way in, guns raised. Connall and Max got them under control just as Brodie “removed” the gun from Ármann’s hand… pointed at Kade’s heart. Kade sniggered and wrapped his hand around his cousin’s neck. “We are done here. If you come anywhere near my woman again, I will find you. You and your family are no longer welcome. You have forfeited your right to trial by Council. Do you understand?”
Ármann nodded, his face red from the effort to breathe.
Kade released him and stepped aside. Cauld Ane authorities were waiting in the foyer to take Ármann away, and they informed Kade that Ármann’s sister and mother had also been picked up. Once Ármann was shipped off to Pohnpei, his family would suffer the same punishment.
“Well, that went well,” Angus observed.
“Aye,” Kade said. “A little too well.”
* * *
The next day, Samantha was drinking her coffee and trying not to miss Kade when her cell phone buzzed. “Hi, Payton.”
“Hi. Are you interested in some company?”
Sam grinned. “Are you here?”
“Just pulling up to your driveway now… Fiona’s with me.”
Sam let out an excited squeal and headed to the front door. The limo pulled up and the driver helped the women out of the car. Sam rushed them and they hugged like long-lost friends. “I thought you weren’t going to make it until the end of the week?”
Payton laughed. “Kade organized everything.”
“Of course he did.”
Fiona smiled. “He’s worried about you.”
Sam nodded toward the two large Saxon-looking men who emerged from the car after the women. “Hence the muscle?”
“Ignore them.” Payton linked her arm with Sam’s. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m fine,” Sam assured her.
“Are you sure?” Fiona took her hand, using it as a chance to study Sam’s skin.
“Yep. Nothing on my arms, see?” Sam felt an unusual sensation as Fiona held her hand. A vibration of sorts. “Fi?”
“Hmm?”
“You’re bound!” Sam gasped. “How did I know that?”
“Family bond,” Payton said. “It’s in our DNA.”
“Congratulations!” Sam hugged Fiona.
“Thanks.” Fiona giggled. “I never thought it would happen.”
“Are you still going to have your big wedding?” Sam asked.
Fiona shook her head. “No.”
“Are you okay with that?”
Fiona sighed. “I am now.”
“Come inside and we can talk about it. My parents are out, so we have an hour or so before they get back.”
Payton gave instructions to the driver and the security to park on the street.
“Wait,” Sam instructed and made her way to one of the men. “Can I get you boys something to drink?”
The taller one glanced at the other and then back at her. “No, m’lady.”
“Are you sure?”
“Aye, m’lady.”
“If you need anything, just ring the doorbell, okay?”
They nodded and then headed back to the car.
“You didn’t need to do that, Sam,” Fiona said.
“Of course I did. This is the South. We have a reputation to maintain. Now, who wants coffee?” she asked as she led the women inside.
“Me, please,” Payton said.
“Do you have tea?” Fiona asked.
“We do, but it’s probably not as good as Whittard’s.”
Fiona shrugged. “I don’t mind.”
Payton and Fiona sat at the kitchen island and Sam boiled some water. As she went about preparing everything, she smiled. Checking up on me?
I take it my sister and Payton arrived safely?
No. They had a weird accident and are both irrevocably deformed.
Okay, you got me. I wanted to make sure you didn’t have any ill effects from the almonds.
Sam sighed. I would have told you.
By then it would have been too late. Fiona has the necessary counteractions to a few things with her.
And the security?
“Sam? Do you need some help?” Payton asked.
“No, I’m good,” Sam said.
The security’s not just for you, sweetheart.
Sam pulled down mugs. Okay, I’ll let that one slide.
I miss you, love.
I miss you way more. Believe me. I’m glad the girls are here. It’ll be a nice distraction. Sam tried to squelch the tears pricking her eyes. How much longer?
A few more days. Please stay close to the men. Something’s up with Ármann’s people and you need to be careful.
I will be.
Kade cut off any further communication and Sam swept aside her sadness. A gentle squeeze on her arm had her turning to face Payton.
“He’ll be fine, Sam.”
“I know that...” Sam grimaced. “… logically.”
“Brodie’s with him. No one gets past Brodie.” Payton suddenly found one of the magnets on the fridge fascinating. “And Connall, of course.”
Sam raised an eyebrow. “Do I hear a little softening towards Brodie?”
Payton shrugged. “No.”
Fiona snorted from her place at the table.
“It’s not like I hate him, Fi,” Payton insisted. “He’s just intimidating, and I don’t trust him.”
“In five months, you’ll think differently.”
Payton bit her lip. “Unless he’s wrong.”
“He’s not wrong, Payton,” Fiona insisted.
“Why don’t you trust him?” Sam asked.
Payton shrugged.
“It’s because of Heather,” Fiona offered.
“Fi!” Payton snapped.
“What? We’re all going to be related. If you can’t talk to us, who can you talk to?”
“Who’s Heather?” Sam asked.
“She’s a woman Brodie has been seeing for the past couple of years.” Fiona sipped her tea. “No one knows anything about her. Just her name.”
“He can see whoever he wants to see,” Payton said. “I’m not his keeper.”
Sam raised an eyebrow. “Why do I get the feeling that bothers you a lot more than you’re letting on?”
“Did Kade tell you about the American security Connall set up?”
“Payton!” This time it was Fiona’s turn to admonish.
Sam smiled. “Security’s security, Payton. It doesn’t matter where it came from. Now, quit changing the subject.”
Payton flopped into one of the kitchen chairs and groaned. “Brodie says he’s my mate, but he spends all his time with another woman. In five months, I’ll know in my heart if what he’s telling me is true. I don’t think I can believe him, though.”
“Why?” Sam asked.
“Because siblings don’t mate with siblings,” Fiona said.
Sam wrinkled her nose. “That sounds very wrong.”
“Not like that!” Fiona chuckled. “Because I’m bound to Angus, it would be unusual for Payton to mate with Brodie. I mean, there aren’t any references to it in our books, and those records go back over a thousand years.”
“That doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen, right?” Sam pointed out.
“I guess not,” Payton admitted. “But until I know for sure, it’s better that I keep my distance.”
Sam gave her a sympathetic smile. “We all assumed Brodie’s been going through hell all by himself. We’ve been wrong, huh?”
She shrugged. “I didn’t realize he’d been ‘going through hell.’”
Fiona snorted. “Then you’re blind. He’s been a blitherin’ idiot since the day you arrived.”
“He says two words a year,” Payton snapped. “Neither of which sound blitherin’ to me.”
Sam shook her head. “Okay, okay. I don’t think a contest on how incapacitated Brodie Gunnach has become is necessary.”
“I don’t think any of this is necessary,” Payton said. “Let’s just drop it, okay? If I’m to be bound to Brodie, I’ll know soon enough. I’d rather not think about it for now.” She stood and placed her mug in the sink. “I have too much on my plate as it is.”
Fiona’s phone rang and she grimaced. “Hi, Brodie.”