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“He wasn’t always like this,” he repeated.

She snorted. “Many people weren’t always like the beasts they turn into. But at this point in their lives, they’re fucking adults who can make their own decisions and suffer the consequences of bad decisions. Whoever this person is to you, remember you’re trying to convince youranam cara, who is carrying your son, to believe he was once a better person many years ago.” She jabbed a finger in his direction, masking the discomfort Terrek caused in her belly. “I sure hope you wouldn’t try to defend someone who causes your own family harm because you know if she somehow received that potion, the first person she’s coming after isyou.”

Shaye stormed over to her, sending her reeling back a few steps in his haste before he caught her shoulders. Heat and calm immediately flooded her body, dismantling her argument and soothing their riled son. The kicks and jabs eased, and every tense muscle in her body turned liquid and weak.

Before she could so much as open her mouth to curse him, he pulled her into his arms, his chest, and held her tight enough that this new looming threat could barely touch her. He encased her in his embrace, his strength and security. Her shoulders slumped and she sank against his chest with a shuddering breath.

Combing his fingers up into her hair, he murmured, “You can’t hide his distress from me,ghra. Nor can you hide your fear.” He pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “She will never touch you. She will never touch our family. And, as clear as my words to the Goddess above, she will never touch me again.”

Terrek swam in her belly, made content with his father’s magic, but her mind hurt trying to piece together how dangerous this new threat would be. If someone could break into a heavily warded chamber that held some of the most powerful Fae objects, little would stand in a madwoman’s way.

“What are we going to do?” she asked quietly.

“You, Moira, shall remain here under Thierry and Horano’s protection. There are wards around the castle and property to reinforce that protection. Liam will be here on themorrow to assess your progress, as well as deliver any news about Bryce’s strange reaction to my sister. He’ll have another protection amulet for you to don until this is put to rest.” A faint rumble resonated through his chest, a growl. “And itshallbe put to rest.”

Moira nodded, but her confidence in his words waned. The entire situation blazed with danger and deceit, rang with the echo of an inside job. Even if someone did keep in contact with Daeanna in the human realm, surely some lowly Fae wouldn’t be able to breach the wards.

Whoever stole the potion had to be strong. Possibly stronger than her ownanam cara,which was a terrifying thought.

She tipped her head up, catching the shift in Shaye’s jaw as he clenched his teeth. He tried to hide his own uncertainty, but they both seemed to have forgotten hiding emotions was simply not possible once blood bound.

His arms loosened and his hands came up to cup her face. He kissed her forehead, a lingering touch that made her heart flutter.

“Are you hungry?” he asked.

“After this? Not quite.”

He sighed and nodded. “Tea?”

“That’ll be nice.”

Moira took a seat on the sofa in front of the fire while Shaye fixed two cups of tea. He joined her a few minutes later. The air in the room remained thick with tumultuous emotions, but neither of them dared to recognize it for the darkness it promised.

“Do you really think the Fae you suspect is strong enough to break the wards?” Moira asked after many minutes of quietly sipping tea and staring into the fire. Shaye’s lazy strokes against her arm paused. “I mean, I can’t imagineDagda’s wards could be breached without immense power or…or…”

“Someone on the inside,” Shaye finished. He placed his cup on the table and reclined beside her once more, his face all hard angles made lethally beautiful by the glow of the flames. “I’ve considered this at great length. Unfortunately, Dagda will not take lightly to one of his Council being considered a traitor. After the dark mar Daeanna left on the Court, and his own reputation, placing trusted Council members under scrutiny will not be welcome, especially if the accusations are made by me.”

“Would Liam be willing to help?”

“Liam is a champion of loyalty and honesty. However, it would be a tricky favor to request.”

“Who is it you suspect? Who might be powerful enough to break the wards?”

Shaye’s nostrils flared. She swore bolts of magic cut through his eyes, swore she felt the residual sizzle of magic creep along her skin. She knew his power would never turn on her, but moments like these reminded her how intense a creature he truly was.

“I pray to the Goddess I’m wrong.” After a tense silence, Shaye turned away from the fire and rested his hardened gaze on her. “The man was once a gentle heart and kind spirit. He fell in with Daeanna not long after she cursed me. He had been a friend, him and his younger brother, for many years. Then, as most do, they began to distance themselves from us. Thaddeus took to Daeanna’s bed. ’Tis when things turned competitive between us. Cael”—he shrugged—“I’ve not heard of his whereabouts for centuries.”

“You think they’re both somehow involved?”

“Nay. Cael had always been rebellious. He despisedDaeanna, last I heard. ’Twas Thaddeus who fell for her allure and her charm. And he would do anything to please her.”

“Including stealing the potion.”

Shaye nodded once. “I wouldn’t put it past him.”

“Then you recognize that he’s changed from the big hearted guy in the past. That he’s very possibly capable of aiding and abetting a criminal, which means anything that happens at her hands will be the fault of his, too.”

“I know,ghra. I know. I wish my gut would lie to me, just once, because the moment I learned of the theft, I knew it was him.”