Corrigan Fire Bloodfire - Helen Harper Page 0,59

her shoulder back down. He threw me a dirty look.

Two more minutes, Doc, I promise.

He sniffed and started fussing with the bedcovers.

‘My Lord, Mackenzie would never do anything to harm anyone here.’

‘I think I get that,’ I said quietly. ‘She seems fiercely loyal.’

Julia’s eyes reflected pride. ‘She is.’

‘Can you think of any reason why she’d be the target?’

She didn’t answer. As much as I didn’t want to do it, I felt I had no choice. Calling up my Voice and using it to compel her, I forced the issue, repeating my question. Can you think of any reason?

No, my Lord.

I balled up my fists. Something still didn’t fit right. Julia, however, was getting weaker by the second and desperately needed to rest. I nodded at Fenewick and the three of us left the room.

‘You know that if she’s lost the Voice, that means there’ll be another new alpha here,’ Staines commented.

‘Yes,’ I sighed, ‘as if these people hadn’t already had enough turmoil and upheaval to deal with.’

‘The wolf, Tom, has signed on with us. So has his girlfriend. There are really only two other potential candidates.’

My jaw tensed. ‘Mack and Anton.’

‘Yes. And Mack has already defeated Anton. Of the two, she is clearly the stronger.’

But she was still just a kitten. She lacked the people skills and the experience to pull it off. Becoming alpha might be the making of her though, assuming she didn’t do anything foolhardy like getting herself killed at the hands of a demi-goddess. Responsibility came with considerable challenges but those who could rise to meet them often came out changed for the better as a result.

‘I suppose we’ll just have to let nature take its course,’ I said. ‘He hates her, you know. Anton. Every time he looks at her or even speaks of her, he’s barely able to hold back his spite.’

‘I’m not surprised,’ Staines answered drily. ‘She’s a crazy woman.’

‘No, not crazy, just…complex.’

He gave me a funny look. ‘Did you just purr?’

‘What? No!’

‘Methinks the Lord Alpha doth protest too much,’ Staines harrumphed. ‘Be careful, Lord Corrigan. That way danger lies.’

I couldn’t argue with that.

***

Feeling claustrophobic within the confines of the keep, I wandered outside to check on the perimeter, mulling over which shifters to select for our imminent invasion of the demi-goddess’s plane. Once we found the second portal, we could mount a double-pronged attack. But I’d also need to leave some strong defences back here in case it all went wrong.

I gnawed on the inside of my cheek as I strode round. They’d done a damn good job of repairs. I checked for weak spots and could find none. It was satisfying to see that they’d all worked together, both Cornish shifters and Brethren. I made a mental note to take time to praise everyone involved. Unfortunately, those positive thoughts vanished when I spotted Boran bounding over to me from the direction of the keep.

What is it? Is it Julia? Has there been any indication that another attack is imminent?

No, my Lord. It’s Mack.

My eyes suddenly narrowed. What?

We’ve been keeping well back. I’m sure she’s not noticed us.

But?

But she’s just sneaked into your office. Or the alpha’s office, whichever it is. Shall we go in?

I licked my lips. No. I’ll do it. She had to be snooping around for something. Anticipation uncurled inside me. Perhaps I was just about to find out what on earth was really going on.

Chapter Nineteen

Being a panther gave me certain cat-like skills that often came in handy – not least that I was able to tread very quietly. Mack was so intent on trying to force open the magically warded drawer in her ex-alpha’s desk that she didn’t even notice me. I was half-tempted just to watch her but I was far more inclined to confront her illegal actions. Perhaps I could then punish her accordingly. I ignored the frisson that ran through me at that thought and interrupted her, keeping my voice to a low growl.

‘Just what the fuck are you doing now?’

Her eyes widened in horror, guilt written all over her lovely face. She straightened up while something oddly akin to relief flashed in her eyes. Then she gave me a tiny smile, clearly attempting to appear as innocent as possible.

‘What does it look like I’m doing, my Lord? I am trying to find a way to open this drawer.’

At least she wasn’t trying to prevaricate. ‘And why exactly would you be doing that?’

‘Well, it’s obvious, isn’t it?’ she answered. ‘The fact that we keep