Page 3

Chapter Three

T he bell over the door chimed softly as Erin stepped intoStewart’s Books & Magic bookshop, the familiar fragrance of aged paper and vanilla-scented candles wrapping around her like a warm embrace. The shop was a charming retreat from the bustle outside, cozy and inviting, with tall, overstuffed bookshelves bowing under the weight of well-loved tomes. Tables showcased special editions, their gilded spines catching the light, and in the back, a snug sitting area with plush chairs beckoned customers to linger over a good read.

Behind the counter,John Murrayglanced up from ringing up a customer, his bespectacled face lighting up as he spotted her. He lifted a hand in greeting before turning his attention back to the transaction. John was in a couple with Liam Murray, a British man who, according to Tammie, had also been trapped in the other realm.

Despite her initial hesitation about attending, she couldn’t resist the pull of tonight’s event—an intimate reading with one of her favorite local authors,Daniella McFadden. The prospect of hearing Daniella read in person had been too tempting to pass up.

She was early—nearly half an hour ahead of schedule—which meant only a few other guests had settled into the sitting area. The reading was limited to just fifteen attendees, ensuring an intimate, personal experience.

As she approached a table displaying Daniella’s latest novel, A Matter of Truth , her gaze was immediately drawn to the mesmerizing cover. She lifted it to closer inspect the deep swirls of violet, crimson, and indigo blended together, creating a dreamlike effect, with three luminous moons suspended in the backdrop. The image made her chest tighten—an odd flutter of recognition of a place she’d been to.

The image was jarring to the point that she barely registered the book slipping from her fingers until it hit the edge of the table with a dull thud . Heart lurching, she managed to snatch it up just before it tumbled to the floor.

“You damage it, you buy it,”John’s teasing voicepulled her back to the present, his warm gaze twinkling with amusement. Of medium build, with tussled brown hair and clean-shaven face, he was the epitome of a handsome young Scot.

Erin forced a smile, her pulse still unsteady. “Guess that means I have no choice now, huh?”

John chuckled, then leaned in to press a light kiss to her cheek. “How are you, dear?”

“Good ... great.” She struggled to form the words, her attention drifting back to the book’s cover. “The cover. It’s ... interesting, isn’t it?”

John followed her gaze, nodding in appreciation. “It is, but I like it.”

“Yes ... of course. Me too.” Erin swallowed, her fingers tightening around the book. “I—I’ll take this copy. I’d love to get it signed.”

After she paid, John gestured toward the sitting room, his smile as warm as the shop itself. “Go get comfortable. I’ll fix you a cup of tea.”

Before long, people trickled in until every seat in the sitting room was taken. John was an excellent host, ensuring everyone had a beverage and a bite from the offerings of biscuits, scones, or fruit platters.

The bell over the door jingled, Tammie and her sisters, Sabrina and Gwen, appeared. Tammie had told her they were coming. Being they were considered family by John they’d purposely arrived later, so as not to take a seat from other attendees.

The sisters settled just outside the wide opening from the sitting room, Sabrina sinking into a reading chair, Gwen sat on the footstool, and Tammie dragged a tall chair from behind the counter and climbed onto it. She smiled brightly at Erin, who returned one of her own.

John stood in front of the room and held up both hands to get everyone’s attention. The murmuring instantly ceased, every eye on him.

“Welcome. I am so pleased to see everyone. Daniella insists that you feel free to help yourself to more drinks and snacks while she’s reading. This is an informal gathering.” He went on to read the author’s bio and then introduced the woman, who came down a stairwell.

Daniella McFadden was in her early forties, her dark brown hair, with a few sprinkles of premature gray, cut in a blunt long bob. Her face was devoid of any lines, a creamy complexion that most women could only dream of. Her brilliant green eyes were lined, the black liner slanting upwards on the outer corners, and her lips were painted a soft plum. Wearing a flowing dress made of different fabrics with contrasting patterns, dangling earrings and a multitude of bracelets, she was definitely boho chic.

Once the author settled, she scanned the room, hesitating on Erin for a moment, her brow lowering just a bit. The movement was so slight that Erin was sure the others in the room didn’t notice, but when she looked over toward Tammie, the woman lifted a knowing eyebrow.

When Daniella began reading, the words flowed easily. It was obvious she was comfortable with the passage by the way she continued quoting while looking up every so often to glance at those gathered. The reading pulled Erin in, the words of a woman who tried to convince others of the possibility of other worlds existing.

Once Daniella finished reading, and asked for questions, a woman lifted her hand shyly. “How did you research for this book? I’ve already read the book and love it. Since obviously there are no other worlds, you have a brilliant imagination.”

Daniella smiled at the woman. “Thank you. I spoke to multiple people who claim to have visited other realms. The description in this story is a merging of their descriptions. The interesting thing about this is that there were very few differences in the realms they described.”

There were several more questions, even Gwen and Sabrina asked about muses and what lead to the book, but Erin couldn’t keep from wanting to race out of the store to read the book. What if the world described in the book was like the one she’d experienced?

“Are you getting your book signed?” At Tammie’s question Erin noticed that people were queued up, holding their books.

“Yes, I am,” Erin stood. “I must admit to being a bit surprised at the direction of this story. I’ve read many of her books. Fantasy romance is one of my favorite genres.”

Tammie giggled. “And I can’t help but wonder if you are meant to be here.”

Letting out a sigh, Erin gave her new friend what she thought to be a wry look. “I knew you were going to say that.”

Moments later, Erin approached the author who gave her a warm look. “There is something compelling about you,” the woman said pointedly, looking into Erin’s eyes.

“In one of your interviews, you were acclaimed as a prolific medium. Is that true?” Erin asked as Tammie, Sabrina, and Gwen moved closer with curious expressions.

Daniella shrugged. “I consider myself more of a foreteller. I can sometimes see things that will affect people. I am rarely wrong.” Her lips curved as she scanned Erin’s face.

“You are keeping a secret. Very soon, you will have to face not only your fears but also an experience that will forever change the course of your life.” Daniella blinked as if coming out of a trance and busied herself opening the book.

“That sounds a bit ominous,” Erin said, her voice steady despite the thudding of her heart.

“Not at all,” Daniella responded, as she signed the book with a flourish. “Stay the course and all will be well.”

When she turned away to take one of the sisters’ books, Erin walked to the table where the food and beverages were and poured herself a glass of champagne that had been opened as soon as the reading ended. She drained the glass and refilled it.

Tammie neared and filled a flute with the bubbly liquid. “That was interesting.”

“Before you ask me. I am still not convinced, but I will consider helping you. I am in the process of moving, so next week is the soonest I can come to Dunimarle,” Erin said, referring to the castle. “I am not sure why I am doing this.”

“Oh my goodness,” Tammie whispered and put the glass down. Then with her usual exuberance, she clapped softly and bounced on her toes. “I am so happy. We have to get Padriag out.”

Not wanting to have to speak to the author again and hear another foreboding message, Erin walked to the front of the shop, said her farewells, and hurried out. The jarring difference between the interior of the bookstore and the outside was stark. The air was chilly, autumn soon turning into winter.

* * *

It was Erin’s first night in her new flat. She wandered from one room to the other, a bright smile on her face. Her new home was bright and spacious, almost double the size of her last place.

She didn’t dare question her good fortune, curious as it was that she was able to claim it before anyone else. Moving to the French doors, she longed for spring to start planting out in the small enclosed garden. Already she’d found several nurseries where she could buy indoor plants that would thrive from all the light.

Her mind went back to the day before, the words Daniella McFadden had read and how she’d somehow caused Erin to rashly agree to help Tammie. She’d gotten caught up in the moment. What Daniella had stated was vague and could have been said to anyone causing the person to interpret it in a way that was personal.

Turning away from the view, she lowered to the couch and stared blankly at her cell phone. She should cancel, make up an excuse. Letting out a sigh, she brought up Tammie’s phone number and her thumb hovered over the send button.

“Do you live here?”

The masculine voice made Erin jump to her feet and shriek at the same time. Later she’d ponder her immediate reaction of throwing her phone at the intruder leaving her without an option of calling for help.

Padriag Clarre stood in the middle of the room, looking as if he belonged there. “When did you move in?”

“Wh-what the hell are you doing in my flat?” Erin stalked to the French doors and threw them open. “Get out of my house.” She pointed to the open doors.

Instead of making to leave, he frowned at her. “Technically, this is my home.”

Dressed in a manner that could only be described as a casual mixture of medieval and modern, somehow he pulled it off. The tunic top over jeans and leather boots under a thick fur coat was definitely an interesting combination.

“This is not your home. How did you get in?” Erin glared at him, her arm still outstretched toward the open doorway.

His wide shoulders lifted and lowered, his expression bland. “Do you really need to ask? I materialized from the other realm. Where you were awed by my incredible masculinity and sword fighting.”

It was Erin’s turn to return the bland stare. “You were not that impressive.”

“Ha! So you admit it. You were in awe.”

She took a tentative step toward him, meeting the hazel gaze with her own. “Did it really happen? Are you really trapped there?”

There was a flicker of something, the carefully held mask slipping for an instant, and she recognized fear and perhaps sadness. Before she could be sure which, his expression of nonchalance returned.

“Some say trapped, others called it an adventure.”

“It is not an adventure if you can’t leave at your own will.”

Padriag walked to the French doors, his gaze on the garden. His closeness gave Erin the opportunity to study him closer. Tall, about six feet, with reddish hair that brushed his shoulders and a mustache and a closely cropped beard of the same red hue, he looked to be more Irish than Scottish. Scanning his body, hesitating on his butt, she had to admit the man was built perfectly.

When he glanced at her, she felt her cheeks warm. “So answer my questions,” she said, hoping he didn’t notice her pinkened cheeks or quickened pulse.

“It did happen, although you missed the best part. You were passed out when the dragon swept us away from Meliot’s castle.” He let out a breath and nodded. “And aye, I am not free to leave.”

“I remember parts of it.” Erin went on. “Why have the others been able to escape and not you?”

This time he seemed reluctant to answer. “Do you have any Irn-Bru? I’m thirsty,” he said, referring to the popular Scottish soft drink and obviously avoiding answering her question.

“I do,” Erin said, walking to her newly stocked refrigerator. “The only reason is because my cousin, Aubrey, loves it. I don’t drink it myself, its nothing but sugar.” She took the bottle out and held it out for Padriag. “I don’t think sweet carbonated beverages are healthy for you.”

“Being that I’m about three hundred years old, I don’t worry too much about what’s good and bad for me.”

Taking the proffered beverage, Padriag’s other hand closed over hers, his gaze locking with hers. A ripple of awareness traveled down her body.

“Do not feel obligated to help me, Erin. I understand your hesitation. If it is my fate to remain behind, there must be a reason for it.”

Erin had to drag her eyes away. Whatever she wished to believe, there was no denying the fact that she was not only compelled to save him, but damn if she wasn’t more attracted to this man than any other she’d ever met. She lifted her hand to reach out and touch his face, stopping halfway and snatching it down. What the hell was wrong with her?

“I do wish to help, it is just that, I don’t have the gift, like Tammie and the others. Honestly, I am not sure how I can possibly be of any assistance. What if ...” her voice trailed, unsure of what she wanted to say. What if she made things worse?

When his gaze fell to her lips, Erin’s breath caught. Was he going to kiss her? Why did she want him to?

“I am content to think on the ‘what ifs’ with you.” Padriag replied, his voice taking on a husky tone. “Take your time, if it is meant to happen it will. If not, then again, there is a reason for it.”

Lowering her gaze, Erin inhaled. “I ...” The hold on her hand lessened.

He was gone.

“I will help,” she said to the empty room.