her as more noise greeted them from across the pond.
“That’s the Gardaí; I’ll go greet them,” Dylan said.
“I’m just worried,” Kira said, still trembling from the adrenaline that coursed through her.
“I know it. We’ll get him home and you can nurse him back to health. But he really should be fine – just tired. I promise.”
“Thank you. It’s a miracle gift you have, that’s the truth of it.”
“We all have our strengths,” Gracie said, and stood. Whether she kicked the man lying on the ground as she went past was something Kira would never tell.
“Hey.” Kira smiled down at Brogan, who was blinking wearily up at her. “Let’s get you home.”
“What… how am I?”
“Gracie healed you.”
“Is that right? She’s a good woman, that one.”
“Aye, she is. Let’s get you out of here.”
“We’ll give our statement to the police first,” Brogan sat up, then stood. Though he was shaky at first, he seemed to recover quickly. Kira jumped up and threaded her arm through his, just in case, and they headed over to give the police their statements.
“I want to stay until he’s gone,” Brogan said, nodding to where the intruder had regained consciousness.
“That’s fair. But then we’re getting you home.”
“I do feel a bit tired,” Brogan admitted.
He was white as a ghost and covered with blood, but Kira refrained from pointing that out. They waited in silence until the pond area cleared.
“Good to go?”
“Just a moment.” Brogan went to the edge of the pond near what was left of Fergal’s Fortress. Seeing that the coast was clear, the otters came out of the brushes and swam to Brogan. “I’m so sorry about this. I’ll try to keep you protected, I promise.”
“Gracie is coming back to magick it.”
Brogan looked at her. “Magick what?”
“This area. A perimeter of protection. Nobody with nefarious intentions will be able to get through.”
“Did I mention she’s a good woman?”
“You did, at that.”
Friend. Take care of him.
“I will. He’s worried about you both.”
We’re worried about him.
“I’ll take him home and promise to take care of him. We’ll come back to see you when he’s rested.”
Thank you.
“I’m under strict orders from the otters and Gracie to take you home. Enough dawdling. Let’s go, my warrior.”
“Ha – I guess I did need to be a warrior today.” Brogan stood and accepted her arm, and they began the trek down to the car.
“You did. And you were magnificent.”
“I do what I can to impress the ladies.”
“Mmmhmm,” Kira said, holding him upright as he stumbled over a few rocks. No need to crush his ego now. “You’re a fierce one, you are, Brogan.”
“I’ll take it.”
Chapter 22
“I really don’t think I need to lie down,” Brogan protested as she pushed him toward the bedroom tucked in the back of his cottage.
“Doctor’s orders.”
“But…”
“Now is really not the time to push me, Brogan, or you’re going to learn about my temper really quick.”
“What if I want to see your temper?” Brogan argued.
Kira sighed, a bone-deep exhaustion coursing through her now that the danger had passed. “Please?”
“Fine. But only since you’ve asked nicely. I made you dinner, by the way. But it’s in the car. If you’re hungry. Ah, hell, I’m doing a bloody awful job of this wooing thing.” Brogan sighed and sat on the edge of the bed.
It was a cheerful room, with two wide windows that offered a pretty sea view, worn wood beams running across the ceilings, and a cheerful coverlet done up in soothing green and blue tones.
“Compromise? I’ll get the food and we can eat in here.”
“I can get –” Brogan broke off at her glare. Sighing, he bent to take his shoes off. Heading back outside, Kira retrieved the hamper, hooked it on her arm, and returned to the bedroom. As she’d anticipated, Brogan was almost asleep.
“Kira, come sit with me.”
“I… all right then. Let me just put this down.” Kira was too tired to argue. The events of the day, coupled with the lack of sleep from her last two days of manic work, came crashing into her. She set the hamper down near the bed and bent to untie her shoes. Feeling dizzy, she reached her hand out to steady herself on the bed.
“Are you hurt?”
“I think I’m just… I’m cold and wet and scared and…” Kira’s voice hitched.
“Take off your clothes. I promise not to look, if you don’t want me to. Here…” Brogan pulled the coverlet up. “Wrap yourself in this if you need to.”
Too tired to argue, her nerves frayed, Kira pulled off