Shoulder the Skye (Skye Druids #2)(5)
Author: Donna Grant

 

“Childish?” she offered. “Aye. I’d like to say it’s not a common thing with Sarah and her followers, but it is. You’d think they would’ve outgrown it. It’s been some time since we were in school.”

 

He straightened. “I understand the type. Have a good day.”

 

“You, too.”

 

Elias walked out into the rain. Out of habit, he scanned the area, looking for anything or anyone that appeared out of place. He climbed into his rental car since his vehicle was lying at the bottom of the Minch. The Atlantic channel’s depth and rapid current had made it impossible to retrieve it. Not that he’d wanted to. The mist that had slammed into him with the intention of ending his life had ensured not much remained of his SUV.

 

Water dripped from his hair, running down his neck and beneath his clothes to his skin, sending chills racing over him. Elias shivered and cranked up the heat after starting the engine. He pulled out of the carpark and drove the winding roads to the small cottage tucked in a quiet cove. The property belonged to Edie and her husband, Trevor, who had several rental houses on the island. Thankfully, one had been available for him to use.

 

Elias didn’t see the beauty that was Skye as he drove. The island was still awe-inspiring, even with the gray clouds hanging low and the rain falling. But it had lost its luster for him a long time ago. He understood why Druids were drawn to the isle and didn’t even blame the tourists who flocked here to witness its breathtaking charm.

 

But he saw none of the appeal. He might have been born here, but Skye held nothing but bad memories. He wouldn’t be here now if it weren’t for Elodie’s return. Yet he had to admit, it was nice being with his sisters again. He hardly knew either of them anymore, and he might get the chance to rebuild the bond they’d once shared. Besides, he wanted to know his niece and nephew.

 

He carried many secrets and had no intention of telling either Elodie or Edie any of them. It was better that way. He would stay on Skye to clear his name, gather as much information as possible regarding the murdered Druids and who might be controlling the mist, and get his mother settled. Emily’s release from prison was something the two of them had planned for some time. He wouldn’t miss that.

 

It was almost impossible to believe that his family would be together once more.

 

Elias pulled off the road and drove down the narrow lane that led to the cottage. He liked its seclusion as much as the water view. Stones crunched beneath his tires as he pulled into the parking area. He grabbed the milk and climbed out of the car. The small porch offered protection from the rain as he unlocked the door. He stepped inside the cottage, greeted by warmth from the furnace. He shrugged out of his coat and hung it on the pegs before heading to the kitchen.

 

There, he came to an abrupt halt at the sight of the woman seated at the small table with two cups of tea before her. Deep blue eyes regarded him gravely. She wore a black fleece sweatshirt, dark denim jeans, and black ankle boots. Her straight, chin-length, black hair was slightly damp.

 

Elias softly set the milk on the table. “Sabryn.”

 

“Elias,” she replied, her American accent evident in that one word.

 

“What the bloody hell are you doing here?”

 

She rolled her eyes and scooted the chair beside her out with her foot. “Sit and drink your tea while it’s still hot.”

 

He ignored her and put the milk into the fridge before grabbing the chair and pulling it out farther, then sinking into it. Elias stared at Sabryn for a silent minute. “What are you doing here?” he repeated. “I told you I had things in hand.”

 

“You told me that before George named you as the killer.”

 

Elias looked at the ceiling and blew out a breath. He’d hoped to keep that bit of information to himself for a while longer. “How did you find out?”

 

“Really?” she asked with another roll of her eyes.

 

He grunted. “Sabertooth.”

 

Elias could navigate the internet better than most, but Sabertooth was what some might call a hacker. He dug up information that others would never find—or had thought to bury. While none of them had ever met Saber or even knew his real name, he was, for all intents and purposes, part of their team—just from behind a screen.

 

That group being the Knights, started by Sabryn in her journey to find her aunt’s killer. Sabertooth had been the last to join their small band, rounding them out to five. But they worked well together.

 

“Yes, Saber.” Sabryn’s blue eyes glittered with anger. “Imagine my surprise—and ire—when I discovered that one of my guys was in trouble and didn’t bother to tell any of us.”

 

“I didna want to bring you into it.”

 

“Tough shit,” she replied curtly.

 

Elias lifted the mug of tea to his lips and took a drink. He let the warmth run down his throat to pool in his belly. “There’s too much focus on me. If you and the lads are here, it willna take Rhona or Balladyn long to piece things together.”

 

“Or your family.”

 

Aye, them, too. But he didn’t want to talk about them now. “I can handle this.”

 

“I don’t doubt that for a second. But you shouldn’t have to. That’s what being a Knight means, dumbass. We look out for each other—personal or business. You know that.”

 

Elias blew out a breath. “Rhona and Balladyn are already asking questions. I might have let something slip.”

 

“Maybe we tell them.”

 

“I doona know if that’s a good idea.”

 

She quirked a brow as she slumped in the chair and stretched out her long legs. “Oh? Why’s that?” she asked as she daintily lifted the cup and drank.

 

“Skye Druids are…” He paused, searching for the right words.

 

“Arrogant? Proud? Vain? Snobbish?”

 

Elias couldn’t help the snort that followed. “Aye. All of that and more. They—”

 

“You mean we,” she corrected. “I don’t care how long you’ve been gone, Elias. You are a Skye Druid.”

 

“Fine. We have more magic than most,” he bit out.

 

Sabryn grinned, her eyes twinkling. “Most. Not all.”

 

He looked away as he fought to rein in his temper.

 

“You’re not telling me anything we’ve not already discussed about the Druids here. Every report we’ve gotten about Rhona said she’s fair. I’m not saying we tell everyone who we are, but I don’t see a reason not to tell her. She and that tall Reaper will know you’re keeping a secret. And that, my friend, makes you look guilty. Besides, there’s a bigger issue.”