even more so than did Nevan’s damn collection of teeth.
Chapter 4
Minding both the fox and the hen was never an easy task, but for Campbell it was downright dangerous. And nae simply because one was his beloved home and the other his family’s saving grace, but because said hen was nae the plain-faced wallflower he’d hoped her to be. Miss Ogilvy’s amber eyes alone, drew him in. And while any other man would think nothing of finding Sarina’s sun-kissed hair and plump lips tempting, he wasnae allowed those same freedoms. Lycansay Hall often sensed his emotions and the cursed dwelling did nae take kindly to relinquishing its position as the center of his world. In humans, jealousy presented itself as a wicked beast, but when presented in a living, breathing structure it was akin to a hell-bred spawn. Miss Ogilvy could never be his. Even if her scent revealed differently.
He entered the house and quietly patted the doorframe hoping to squash any problems before they arose.
He held his breath.
The house remained somewhat quiet, a monumental feat for two-hundred and three rooms that even on a good day tended to grumble about something. Last week’s mouse in the east wing’s parlor still weighed heavily on Campbell’s mind. As did the Botticelli he was forced to send to auction to cover the damage said mouse had caused.
A barely decipherable moan emanated from the walls.
Campbell concentrated. Shifting his effort to channeling his preternatural energies, he melded his thoughts with those of the house.
“I know the rodent was scratching at ye mortar. But still, that was nae reason for ye to crumble one of yer own walls. It was only a wee mouse, after all.”
The house went dead silent.
With a shake of his head, Campbell severed his connection with the Hall, though remained vigilant as he knew it could never be cut off completely. He turned to face Sarina. “Tell me, Miss Ogilvy, why were ye so eager to come to Dundaire? I was fully prepared to send yer father’s belongings wherever ye wished.” He released Sarina’s arm as Tipton stepped forward to remove her blue cloak, the motion setting off a hint of rose dancing across the corridor.
He ignored the scent.
Sarina stiffened. “It’s simple, my lord. Nevan and I are here out of necessity as I’m afraid my father’s research expeditions bankrupted him. I have no choice but to do my best at picking up where he left off. My brother’s future depends on it.”
So she was doing this out of duty, much like how he tended to Lycansay Hall and to all who resided on its lands. “Ye are nae what I expected, Miss Ogilvy. Ye are nothing like yer father.”
Sarina peeled off her short white gloves while sending him a rather stern stare. “Meaning what, my lord?”
He’d offended her. “Forgive me, as I didnae mean to sound harsh. But Charles was verra much a man of his own spirit. He never struck me as a soul who took responsibilities for others, like ye are doing for Nevan.”
“Well, on that we are agreed. My father was indeed a man of his own mind. But I have no intention to follow in those footsteps. I assure you; I will finish whatever research it was that my father failed to complete. You have my word.”
It was nae her word Campbell was worried about. As he digested the situation of Miss Ogilvy’s safety, he spotted Ian charging down the hall.
Bloody hell.
The stomp of the man’s bootheels, along with the steady tap of his walking stick hitting the marble floor, echoed through the corridor.
“Pray tell cousin,” Ian said with a grin nearly as wide as the Giant’s Causeway, “who is this beautiful gem?” He raised one black eyebrow.
Annoyance rose in Campbell’s veins, accelerating his preternatural abilities. He intruded into Ian’s mind. “For God’s sake, man, show some restraint.”
His cousin didn’t comment back.
Eejit. Keeping his rising anger in check, Campbell addressed Sarina. “Miss Ogilvy, may I introduce my cousin, Mr. Ian MacHendrie.”
“Delighted,” Ian said, reaching for Sarina’s hand and brushing his lips against her pale knuckles.
“You are quite the charmer, Mr. MacHendrie.” Sarina smiled. A beautiful, graceful smile that Ian in no way deserved.
Incorrigible rogue. “As we discussed earlier, Ian, Miss Ogilvy will be staying with us for the foreseeable future.”
Ian lingered, his hazel-eyed gaze appearing fixated on Sarina’s flawless face.
“Enough, Cousin.”
“Ye dunnae have claim over the woman.”
“Perhaps nae. But I do over ye.”
Still, Ian held steady.
Campbell had half a mind to kick his cousin square in