Page 31 of The Archer’s Wish

Beitris pushed herself upright, reaching out. “Liam, nae. Dinnae…

He spun back toward her, his emotions raw, nearly broken. “Ye should have been protected. I should have protected ye.”

Her eyes widened in confusion. “Why? Ye had no way of knowing Liam, ye are nae responsible for the actions of a drunken oaf.”

He stood abruptly, jaw set like stone. “I’ll deal with him.”

Camden stepped forward. “Then ye and I go together.”

By her wide-eyed expression, Beitris’s panic surged. “Nae! Both of ye stop this instant. Keir will take care of Cormac.”

At the mention of her brother, Liam clenched his fists. “He is nae here now.”

“I am,” Keir’s voice cut in like a blade.

He strode into the apothecary, eyes dark with fury, expression murderous. “I was just informed.”

His gaze slid to Liam. “Cormac’s days of terrorizing women end today. Let us go.”

Liam didn’t hesitate. “Aye,” he growled.

Keir turned to Camden. “Please stay here in case, for some reason, he comes here.”

A very reluctant and frowning Camden nodded.

Cormac wasn’t hard to find.

A man built like an ox, with a temper twice as dangerous, rarely went unnoticed in a village. Whispers guided Keir and Liam through the narrow lanes until they spotted him behind the alehouse, leaning against a barrel, drinking again despite the early hour.

He didn’t notice them at first.

But Liam saw him instantly. And something dark, ancient, rose in his chest.

Keir halted beside him, crossing his arms, eyes narrowed. “There he is.”

Liam’s breath came harsh and shallow. The sight of Cormac’s broad frame, his unbothered sway, the smug tilt of his jaw, made Liam’s blood turn to fire.

Keir spoke softly, quietly deadly. “Ye still want to kill him?”

Liam’s voice was a low growl. “Aye.”

Keir inclined his head slightly and stayed behind. “Good. I’ll give ye room.”

That was all the permission Liam needed.

He limped forward with a purpose so fierce even Cormac looked startled.

“Cormac!” Keir barked. His voice echoing against the stone walls. “Stand straight. Ye’ve business to answer for.”

Cormac lowered his mug and blinked slowly. “What business?”

Liam didn’t speak.

He didn’t need to.

He reached Cormac in three strides, grabbed him by the front of his tunic, and slammed him back against the wall with a force so violent even Keir flinched.

The mug clattered to the ground.