Page 21 of Highballs & Hexes

“O’Malley isn’t the only one missing.” Anger bubbled inside Noah. It seemed everyone was so concerned with Patrick that they’d forgotten Fi and her brother were unaccounted for. “My… uh, Fionola Bohannon disappeared with him.”

Assessing eyes watched him, and Noah struggled to keep his feelings hidden. He’d mistakenly revealed them to the O’Malley family, and although he had no reason to suspect Damian would hurt Fi, he didn’t trust him. The grapevine had produced glowing reports about the Aether and how fair he was in his dealings, but Noah knew better and wouldn’t give him the ammunition. His father had drummed into him that the Darkness lurked within their line, insisting one day Damian would accept the call of its evil, and if not him, then Noah surely would.

“Bohannon.” Damian frowned and glanced at Dubheasa. “Isn’t that one of the names on our list of Loman’s victims?”

She nodded. “It is.”

“Tadhg Bohannon is Fi’s brother,” Noah replied. “He’s not been the same since he returned from that bleeding island.”

“And he’s one of many who have up and disappeared over the last year, with no word to family or friends,” Ronan added grimly. “Seems someone’s decided to finish what my father started.”

“Have no fear, my friend. They won’t succeed,” Damian promised.

Through his gift, Noah sensed his brother’s sincerity, and it was surprising. By nature, the Aether was an unfeeling bastard, taking magic when it suited and doling out judgments as if his own actions weren’t questionable in nature.

“You’re angry with me,” Damian said to him abruptly. “Before we proceed, I’d like to know why.”

“It’s none of your feckin' business,” Noah growled. “And if all anyone here plans to do is stand around, then I’ll find them myself.”

The suddenness of Damian’s grin was disarming. “You’re in love with the girl.”

“I’m not!” he denied hotly. Onlyhehad to know it was a lie. “And I’ll have words with any who say otherwise.”

Damian’s black brows shot up.

“Fi works for me, and I’ve promised her mam and da I’d find her.”

“Then find her, we shall. I—dammit, Beastie!”

In a flash of golden light, a young girl stood in front of Noah with a wide grin on her adorable elfin face. “Hello, Uncle Noah.”

CHAPTER 10

After Patrick released her, Fi remained leaning against the wall, out of breath from the suddenness of his reaction. He’d saved her from a severe burn at the very least and possibly a heart-stopping electrical shock at the worst. His anger was born of fear, and she recognized some men reacted strongly in a situation such as theirs.

Was she afraid of him?No. To date, he’d been like a crusty old dog, all bark and no bite, but time would tell if he was as docile as he appeared. She suspected he wasn’t. When the moment came to confront their enemy, Patrick O’Malley would seek to destroy him or her. No questions asked.

A shiver of appreciation traveled Fi’s spine. Who wouldn’t prize a male like him? She certainly did. “I’m sorry, Patrick. I wasn’t thinking when I saw our captor walk by, and I was seeking answers.”

His back tensed an instant before his shoulders dropped. When he faced her, he was contrite. “I’m sorry I manhandled you, Fionola. ’Twas purely fear driven.”

“I know. I’m not angry.”

The tightness left his features, and a small smile curled his engaging mouth. “Aye, and that’s a good thing. There’s nowherefor me to run, and I’ve a mighty respect for a furious woman, I do.”

A laugh bubbled up, and she shook her head at his silliness.

“I’ve the feeling you could coax the birds from the sky, Patrick O’Malley.”

His smile didn’t falter, but an underlying sadness lingered in his eyes.

She clasped his wrist. “What did I say that was wrong?”

“Nothing.”

“You told me you wouldn’t lie when it came to Tadhg. I’m asking you now, please don’t lie to me about anything else. I can’t abide a liar.”

He gave a single sharp nod and strolled to the breakfast tray, prepared to pick through what she’d left untouched. Fi knew he’d been allowing her to have her fill of the tastiest bites, but she was also aware his body required more calories than hers. For that reason, she’d curbed her desire to stress eat, leaving him enough to maintain his strength.

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