Page 144 of Dark Lover

He tensed, wishing Sam had listened to him when he’d told her just how dangerous Hemmer was. He had never wanted to protect anyone as he did her. He was tempted to bargain, but evil could not be negotiated with. It could not be trusted. “This time,” he said softly, “when we destroy ye, ye’ll be going to hell—where ye’ll stay.”

“Really?” Moray laughed. “Some of us are immortal, Ian. Surely you’ve heard that?”

He refused to believe his grandfather.

“Do you remember the monk’s favorite game—the one we saved for New Year’s?”

Ian fought the power as it was hurled at him but it cloaked him. He was in a long, concrete hall, the walls lined with closed doors. The panic choked him. He backed away, shaking with fear.

“Open a door, any door,” his grandfather ordered. “Our guests are waiting, Ian.”

He started to run. Moray’s laughter followed him. A demon materialized in front of him. He turned to run the other way. More demons stood there. He ran to the closest door and flung it open. The giant seized him and he knew what would happen next. His mind started to shut down…

The pain began.

Moray’s laughter echoed.

He couldn’t stand it. He was going to die. No, she was going to die.

Sam was going to die

He wasn’t a boy. He wasn’t in the maze. This was an illusion and Sam was in jeopardy.

He had to get out. Moray had to be stopped.

“DRINKING WON’T SOLVE THIS,” Brie said softly.

“Wine will ease the pain,” Aidan snapped. Immediately, he was sorry he’d spoken so harshly to the woman he loved more than life itself.

But instead of going to her, he cradled his head on his hands, seated at the trestle table in Awe’s great hall. He desperately needed his son. Seeing him again after twenty-five years had been bittersweet. He’d wanted to embrace him as if he were still a child. He’d been so thrilled when Ian had come to him for help. But Ian’s anger and hostility had cut through him like daggers. Ian would never forgive him, he thought.

And he didn’t blame him. He had failed his own little boy. Ian was right to blame him, just as he blamed himself. He would never forgive himself, either.

He looked up at his beautiful wife. She reached for his hand. “Can ye try to see what he will do?”

“I’ve tried a dozen times, and there’s nothing but black shadows. Aidan, I’m so scared. I think my fear is preventing me from seeing.”

He went to her and pulled her close. “We triumphed once. If he is back, we’ll triumph again.”

In his arms, Brie’s eyes widened with shock.

He turned and saw his son.

Ian lay on his back, thrashing, as if in a struggle, his form vague and transparent.

Ian was in jeopardy again.

“I see him, too,” Brie whispered.

“Where is he?” Aidan cried. He could be anywhere, in any time. “Ian, where are you?”

But there was no answer.

THE FRONT DOOR WAS OPEN and the chandelier above was lit, as were several wall sconces. Outside, the sun had risen, staining the grounds with golden hues.

Sam sat up, aching, having landed in the entry hall at Loch Awe. Macleod was helping Tabby to her feet. Sam stood and his blue gaze seared hers. “He’s here.”

But Sam had already become aware of the huge weight in the house, pressing down on them, pressing in on them. It was the weight of evil, more vast than she’d ever felt before.