Page 97 of Dark Rival

She was never going to forget the look in his eyes when they’d said goodbye, or the sound of his voice when he’d told her he cared.

“Allie?”

At the sound of Claire’s voice, Allie leapt to her feet, whirling. Her senses were still dulled, she realized with some panic. She should have sensed Claire’s power as she approached.

Claire smiled hesitantly at her. “Come on. It’s cold and it’s about to pour.”

Allie moved toward the closest building with her. “When did you arrive?”

“We just got here.” Claire stepped into the meeting house, Allie behind her. It was vacant. “I heard Royce left for Carrick.”

Allie told herself she would not grieve openly now. “MacNeil has decided he can’t protect me and that we should be apart.”

“MacNeil is usually right. How are you feeling?”

Allie started. “Do you know everything?”

Claire nodded. “I’ve been there, Allie. When I first met Malcolm, he was struggling with temptation—and we fought for his soul. I’m pretty sure Royce’s soul isn’t in danger, but we all need you with all of your power. That kind of sex is really dangerous.”

“So you’re taking their side,” Allie said, anger rising.

“No.” Claire pushed a piece of wet hair from her cheek. “I’m on your side. I’m a hopeless romantic. I can’t believe you made Royce lose control—and his head—the way you did. That says everything to me. I thought Royce was always in control!”

He hadn’t been in control last night, she thought. And then she smiled to herself, thinking of how easily he became jealous. “What does that mean to you?” Allie asked.

“I think he’s pretty smitten with you. And Royce is as cold as a man can be. Or, he was that way.”

“He cares—he told me so.” Allie went to a cane chair and sat down by the small fire, trying to warm her chilled body. It was impossible. “I feel like I am back to normal. My senses were so dull after we made love, but everything is sharp as can be now.”

“Really? Because you didn’t feel me approaching.”

Allie flushed, caught in her lie. “My senses have come back—mostly.”

Claire pulled up another chair. “I know your mother was an all-time great Healer and a Priestess. Maybe your Fate is bigger than you know. Everyone was against Malcolm and me at first. But we’re so much stronger together—and every day makes us even stronger than the day before. Maybe, in the end, it will be that way for you and Royce.”

Allie grimaced. “Royce needs to let go of his pain, his past. Until he does that, he won’t let me close enough to make him stronger.”

Claire was surprised. “Royce is hurt? Over what? What past are you talking about?”

Allie waved dismissively. “Forget it. Right now I need to get off this island. To hell with MacNeil. I have a bad feeling about Royce. He needs me. He may be in trouble.”

Claire’s eyes widened.

Allie stood, staring. “What aren’t you telling me?”

Claire flushed and stood, too. “Actually Malcolm and I don’t come to Iona without cause. We wanted to warn Royce that Joan Beaufort was on her way to Carrick.”

Allie’s heart lurched. She did not like Claire’s cautious tone or her expression. “Are you talking about the Queen of Scotland? Because MacNeil told Royce she’s on her way there.”

“Yes, I am,” Claire said very quietly.

“What’s up?” Allie demanded.

Claire bit her lip.

“What aren’t you telling me?” Allie cried.

Claire hesitated. “Allie, we came here to warn Royce. I don’t want you to even think of going up against Joan Beaufort.”