Page 35 of Pints & Potions

He was unusually quiet through the meal, but Piper didn’t have the energy required to probe into the why of it. Either he’d work through his demons or he wouldn’t. She had her own to deal with.

“You don’t have to go with us, Cian. We can find the falls with a map.” Piper was afraid she’d already scared him off.

He put down his fork and lifted his coffee for a long sip. His brows were knitted together and it was a long time before he set aside his mug and spoke. “You’re doing this for the benefit of my entire family. The least I can do is see you to your destination and search the woods alongside you, Piper.”

She hated that he’d stopped using endearments, but she understood why. After a tight smile, she concentrated on her barely touched meal.

13

Chapter 13 has been omitted for superstitious purposes. The Unlucky O’Malleys have enough on their plate, don’t you think?

14

Cian prayed they found what they were looking for at Glencar Falls. The alternative would be a disaster of epic proportions. Their specific brand of enchanted brew was what drew people back time and time again. They’d take a major financial hit if it was no longer available.

He covertly watched Piper discussing the planned trip with her relatives. She had an easy, carefree way about her. A stillness. Although she was naturally attractive, she had no need to be showy or try to capture the attention of every man present as Moira would’ve done. Piper exuded calm and appealed to him very much. He’d noticed it at the bar last night. She was friendly and efficient, working in sync with Ruairí and Sorcha with practiced ease. If Cian were being honest with himself, he’d be content to watch her forever.

And because this was an exceedingly bad idea, he turned away to talk to Bridget. “We should be back before the evening shift at the pub. I’ll work it with Ruairí tonight if you’d prefer to have another day off.”

Bridget studied him, then blew out a breath. “No, you’ve been on every night for a month. It’s only fair you have a night off to yourself as well. I’ll make do with that fecker Ruairí.”

She’d said it as if she were walking to the gallows and Cian had to laugh. “Give over, Bridg. He’s a gift from the gods at the moment.”

“Hethinkshe’s a god’s gift,” she muttered as she scrubbed up the breakfast dishes with more force than necessary. Without glancing up, she said, “We’ve got more company coming.”

Before he could ask her how she knew, Knox and Spring teleported into the courtyard behind the B&B. He stared at his sister in shock and registered the second she realized what she’d done.

“Cian, Ifeltthem arrive.”

“I felt the air snapping around us, too. This family must be right powerful to put off magic like that.”

“I’ve been around every one of them before, and never have I experienced it.” She stared up at him with something akin to wonder. “Is our magic returning, do you think?”

He twisted to view Piper. “She mentioned something last night about my light growing stronger. Asked me if I’ve evertriedto use magic.”

“And have you?”

“No. I didn’t see the point. I had the tools given to me by the Council. No need to call on abilities that don’t exist and knock down our gaff in the process.”

“Sure, and with our shite luck you would’ve,” she agreed readily. They both knew how quickly magic could backfire in the hands of a novice. “But perhaps with the muscle in this room, we should try.”

The idea made Cian somewhat giddy and disturbed him at the same time.

Magic.

What couldn’t they do with the return of the O’Malleys’ power? Wouldn’t it be grand to have their ill luck disappear, to be replaced by good fortune? Maybe then he could trust in love again. Yeah, to be lucky in love would fill his heart.

His gaze locked on Piper, and it was as if she sensed his interest, because she glanced over her shoulder. The impact those deep-honey eyes had on his system was immediate and forceful. The desire to sweep her up into his arms and cart her right to bed grew in intensity.

With great deliberation, she turned away.

He shoved aside the sudden wretched melancholy that gripped him, and focused on Ryker, who joined him after Cian caught his eye.

“What’s up?”

“I’m no closer to finding out who sent Baran to kill me, and I’ll admit to being worried about our excursion today.”

“Just stick close to Piper. She’ll protect you.” Ryker grinned with glee and Cian never wanted to rearrange a face more.

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