Page 63 of Dark Rival

He glanced into the fortress. Ruari was engaging the giants. He hurled a blast of energy at the closest watch tower.

Nothing happened.

It should have come down.

He turned, seized an overhead branch—and failed to tear it from the pine.

He breathed hard. Although he was physically solid, with his own self there, below, on the same temporal and physical plane, he was but an ordinary man.

He had no power now.

POWER AWOKE HER.

Her sleep had been light and fitful, determined as she was to wait for Royce to return. Allie felt his male power in an oddly gentle wave and she jerked awake, curled up in one of the two large chairs before the fire. She turned, looking over the chair’s high back.

The fire still blazed, clearly fed during the night by maids. Royce stood not far from where she was seated, his face a cold, hard mask, his gray eyes so dull they were almost lifeless. His aura was split distinctly in two, one side red and gold, the other blue, a black chasm between. It did not blaze or burn. Every color was faded and muted.

Only his pain blazed.

Allie slid to her feet, trying to hide the fact that she was concerned for him. “Are you all right?” she asked softly, knowing he was not. His torment cut into her like knives, slicing her skin, flesh and tendons into ribbons.

He did not answer, and she felt the vast resolution in him. He was not going to budge. In that moment, she sensed he embraced his anguish and would keep it hidden from her at all cost. “Ye should go up to rest. T’is late an’ we leave in a few hours.”

Allie walked over to him, her heart thudding. “What happened? Where did you go?” She tried to caress his cheek.

He jerked away. “I’m tired. If ye want to stay up all night, then do so.” His mouth twisted with unhappiness, he turned and strode from the hall.

And she sensed another woman’s presence clinging to him, the way one might scent a woman’s fragrance after she had left the room. Allie didn’t have to ask to know the identity of the woman he had just been with. She hugged herself, certain he had gone to see his dead wife.

CLAD IN JEANS and a lace-trimmed cotton tank, Allie stepped somewhat cautiously into the courtyard. She was barely awake, having been roused urgently by Ceit and told that his lordship wished to depart and she must hurry. Instantly her gaze found Royce.

His aura was whole again, fiercely blazing with his warrior power and his sexual heat. He stood with a man Allie now recognized as his estate manager, not that she knew if that term was used or not. Royce was apparently giving some instructions, his face set in serious but not severe lines. His white charger was being held for him just beyond, as was a big black mare. His mood had obviously improved from the night before. He had buried his pain.

Finally finished, he turned to her.

If only he would let her help him, she thought. Allie smiled at him. “Good morning.”

His gaze swept over her tight jeans, then up her tiny, frilly top. His expression wary, he gestured and Allie came over. “Good morn,” he said quietly, not meeting her gaze. “We go to Dunroch.”

Allie knew it was a test. She had no intention of being left behind there, but she wanted to meet Royce’s nephew and his wife. She had very personal questions about Royce, and she might find the answers at Dunroch. She smiled brightly. Besides, she was not fighting with Royce, hopefully not ever again. He needed her—last night was the proof.

“That’s fine with me. I have had the urge to see the countryside since we last spoke.”

His gaze narrowed, lifting to hers.

Allie said seriously, “Did I really hear you say that Malcolm’s wife is from the future?”

“Aye.”

Allie hid a smile, turning quickly away. She needed an ally and a friend. This was an incredible stroke of luck. Then she faced Royce. “The Masters seem to go for us strong, modern women.”

“Claire is very strong,” Royce said as if discussing the weather. Then, “Yer brother married a modern lass, too.”

Allie was very surprised. “Have other Masters met their soul mates in the future?” she asked, eyes wide.

“There are only the two.” Royce was brusque. “We have a long day ahead.” He nodded at the big mare.

Allie’s heart leapt with excitement. The mare was clearly strong and athletic, and some kind of Warmblood. “She’s for me?”