Page 64 of Pints & Potions

Hoyt peeked over her shoulder and shook his head. “I don’t reckon it is. Cian?”

“Not Gaelic. Not Latin.” He scrunched up his face and scratched the back of his head. “I’m at a loss.”

“You might want to ask it to translate the passage,” Hoyt suggested mildly.

Piper and Cian shared a rueful look. It appeared he hadn’t thought of it either.

After he made his request of the book, the lines transitioned to English. A single read through showed her it was a straightforward spell, similar to the one they’d originally planned to use from their own family grimoire.

“Okay, so the next step is for us to light the candles.” She glanced around, not seeing any. “I suppose I could conjure some.”

“Everything you’ll need is in the box under the altar.” The three of them spun toward the stairwell to see the newcomer. Carrick had his hands tucked in the pockets of his jeans and his shoulders were lifted, as if uncomfortable. “My wife used this place to cast on occasion.”

“Carrick—”

He held up his hand to cut off whatever Cian was about to say. “I came over to explain what you saw earlier. I saw you’d left the bookshelf ajar and assumed you’d be in here.”

Carrick was roughly the same height and build as his brother, topping him by maybe an inch. Other than possessing the O’Malley green eyes, a resemblance to his older sibling was minor. Where Cian’s hair was sandy brown, Carrick’s was black. And though they both sported facial hair; it was easy to see Carrick spent money on professional grooming. He also chose a sports jacket and button-down shirt, where Cian favored Henleys.

Piper would be hard pressed to say who was better looking, but Cian’s rougher, down-to-earth appeal was hard to ignore. On the other hand, Carrick appeared more world-weary and sad; broken in a way that made Piper’s heart ache for him.

“We wanted to strengthen the wards for your home and the pub,” Piper explained. Her skin felt tight, like they’d been caught doing something they shouldn’t. She couldn’t explain away the sensation, but it deepened when a frustrated scowl darkened Carrick’s boyishly handsome face.

“Leave Meg out of whatever you have planned,” he growled. “It’s not for you to force her away.”

Piper was stunned by his insight. “How did you know what we intended?”

He joined them at the altar and used his thumb to indicate his brother. “Because I know how much my family likes to put their nose into my personal business.”

“You’re confusing me with Bridget,” Cian snapped tightly. “But know I’ll protect my own, and that includes your stubborn arse.”

“Meg is no longer a threat.” Turning to Piper, Carrick sent her what seemed like a beseeching look. “Don’t add her to your spell…please.”

Instinct told her to listen to Carrick, but Piper could clearly see Cian’s unhappiness with his brother’s request.

“How about we simply ward out evil and ill-intent on all your family properties? Then, if Meg truly has your best interests at heart, she’ll have no problem returning.” Her gaze darted between the brothers, and she held her breath, hoping her compromise would do the trick and lessen the tension.

Carrick relented first, and he gave her a wide, warm smile. “That works for me.” He held out a hand. “We weren’t properly introduced. I’m Carrick O’Malley.”

Piper shook his hand and returned his smile with one of her own. “Where do you fall in the order of all five siblings?”

“Middle. The twins were born a few years after I arrived to disrupt things.”

“Where do they live?” She sent a questioning glance Cian’s way. “Should we protect their homes too?”

“Thanks for thinking to include them.” He rubbed her back. “They’re in the States, love. I’ve not heard word of them for a wee bit, but if there was trouble abound, Bridget’s contacts would’ve informed us. She’s got a wide network of friends.”

“Fair enough. Carrick, do you wish to join us?”

He frowned and knelt to touch the ground. “It feels strange here. I’ve never experienced the pulse before.”

“The Thornes tell me the inn is set upon a ley line.” Cian pointed to the tapestry. “There’s a grid woven into those old threads.”

Carrick nodded thoughtfully. “Roisin once spoke about the energy of our home. I’d no real idea what she was talkin’ about, if I’m honest. But I’ve been here before and not felt what is flowing through me. I don’t know how to describe it.”

“You don’t need to. It’s happening to me as well. I think this woke when Piper arrived.” Cian showed him the grimoire. “Did you know the fecking thing lights up?”

“What?” The shock on Carrick’s face was comical, and his mouth sagged open even as he fought to close it. The result resembled a trout.

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