Page 58 of Wild Scottish Rose

Shona

“You’ve passed a challenge.” Agnes squealed and gave me a quick hug before lifting the walking stick to examine the agate. “Och, it’s a pretty stone. Moss agate, if I had to take a guess.”

“Ah sure, is that the lovely design then?” The stone looked like moss, now that I examined it further, a pretty green band unfurling through milky white.

“Aye, certainly we could have it tested, but I think that’s what it is.”

I’d stopped at Bonnie Books a few minutes before closing time, walking stick in hand, and was lucky to find Agnes alone in the shop. A welcoming space, with arched windows overlooking the loch, high ceilings, and low-slung chairs by a fireplace that invited cozying up, Bonnie Books was one of my favorite spots in town. Moody art hung onthe brick walls, and strategically placed shelves of books created pockets of sitting areas around the store. Celtic music lilted lightly in the background, and soft white twinkle lights added ambience.

I traced my finger over the agate. It was astonishing, really, how neatly the stone melded into the wood as though it had always been a part of the cane. It served as a stark reminder that I had a lot to learn about magick.

“What happens once I pass the challenges?”

“You’re officially a member of the Order. This is like a trial basis, I guess. Once you’re in, we continue on to find the next member. When the Order is complete, we can banish the Kelpies for good and Loren Brae will return to peace.”

“Banish the Kelpies? Cool, cool. That doesn’t sound terrifying in the slightest.” I ran my finger over the agate, the stone warming to my touch.

“It might be. Or it could be a simple ritual. Archie has his thoughts on it, but I’ve got mine. Research is showing different ways it has been handled through the centuries.” Agnes nodded to a stack of books on her table. “Has Owen been asking more questions? I heard he was down by the boat rental place today.”

“Was he?” My stomach twisted as I thought about the cute note he’d left on my windscreen earlier. “Agnes, do I really have to keep this a secret from him? Why can’t we trust him with it?”

Agnes’s head flew up from where she was adding her till for the day in a ledger. The light of battle shone in her eyes.

“Absolutelynot, Shona. You can’t be serious, can you?”

“It’s just that…” I rubbed the agate for luck. “He’s really nice. I think he’s a good guy. If we expressed our concerns, I don’t think he’d really make a movie about it.”

“Are you kidding me?” Agnes stood, throwing her hand out. “This is the exposé that documentary filmmakers wouldkillfor. To break this type of feature around the world? Can you imagine the eyewitness testimonials? Or, God forbid, he actually records one of the Kelpie’s screams in the night? Let alone does something stupid like tries to go to the island to film?”

“He wouldn’t go out there, I’m sure.”

“Are you? Because his friend seemed pretty keen on him staying here to get answers. And where did his friend get hurt? The island.”

“But—”

“No, Shona. We’re not talking to him about this. That’s mental. Do you want to put a bullseye on Loren Brae’s back?”

“No,” I said, miserable.

“This could be catastrophic for us. Youhaveto manage him.” Agnes tilted her head at me, taking in my expression. Her eyes widened. “You fancy him, don’t you?”

I gave a noncommittal shrug.

“It’s hard not to. I think he’s really great, Agnes.”

“Well shag him if you have to, Shona. Get it out of your system. You don’t have to take the whole town down with you because you fancy a lad.”

“Damn it, Agnes. This is so not like you. What’s gotten into you?” I demanded, surprised to feel tears of frustration well. Seeing my look, Agnes rounded the table and put her arms around me, patting me on the back.

“I’m sorry. I’m a bit tetchy is all. Having Owen here isstressing me out. We’re working so hard to keep these rumors under wraps, and it feels like trying to stop a burst dam with a sieve. I know I sound harsh, but this is coming from a place of caring.”

“I get it.” I did. I really did understand. Agnes wasn’t wrong, but I was hoping we could find a different way. One that didn’t force me to hide who I was from Owen.

Trust the lad.

Gnorman’s words echoed in my head, and I changed the topic of conversation.

“By the way, have I mentioned that I also have a familiar? His name is Gnorman, with a silent G, and he’s a gnome.”

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