Phelan was becoming more and more confident that his sister, in fact, would be the true death of him. Finally, once and for all, all of his enemies would get what they\u2019d wanted so badly and it would be because of his sister\u2019s sudden reappearance in his life.<\/p>\n
Why, for the love of all the gods, did she have to be so bloody difficult<\/em>?<\/p>\n At least she\u2019s alive, which is more than you can say for most of the people you\u2019ve cared about in the time you\u2019ve walked the face of this world.<\/em><\/p>\n He grimaced despite himself and much to his dismay, everyone that was still clustered around the fire seemed to notice.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d Jacqueline asked him almost immediately. Seamus arched a brow, and Aoife shot him a look that was petulant and worried all at once.<\/p>\n \u201cNothing,\u201d Phelan grumbled, and actually meant it. \u201cJust thinking, that\u2019s all. Nothing\u2019s wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n Jacqueline wrapped a hand around his and squeezed. He smiled at her, leaning in to give her a quick kiss on the cheek.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you need\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t need to go anywhere,\u201d she said. \u201cThordin\u2019s fine without me hovering over him for the moment and there\u2019s no one else that really needs my attention just yet.\u201d<\/p>\n Across from them, Seamus went completely rigid.<\/p>\n That\u2019s never a good sign.<\/em> Phelan stood up from his seat across the fire from his cousin. \u201cSeamus?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTrouble,\u201d he breathed. \u201cThere\u2019s trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow do you know?\u201d Jacqueline asked, already on her feet next to Phelan.<\/p>\n A bell clanged from the direction of the forge. Phelan swore under his breath.<\/p>\n \u201cRavine side,\u201d he said. \u201cJac, get our kits and my staff.\u201d<\/p>\n She grasped him by the arm, pulling him close enough for long enough to kiss him soundly.<\/p>\n \u201cBe careful,\u201d she murmured as she pulled away.<\/p>\n He smiled weakly. \u201cIt\u2019s me.\u201d<\/p>\n She smiled back, worry and love in her eyes, then released him and dashed away.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Phelan was becoming more and more confident that his sister, in fact, would be the true death of him. Finally, once and for all, all of his enemies would get what they\u2019d wanted so badly and it would be because … Continue reading