Chapter 16

Chapter

Sixteen

FROM A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO BERSERKER BLISS

Raising the Berserker Brood: Ace Parenting Even the Littlest Warriors

From A Beginner's Guide to Berserker Bliss

Author Unknown

I spent the night tossing and turning with Thora curled close. Though I hated to admit it, I missed Callen. Eventually, I gave up and grabbed my cell. The berserker's incredible scent enveloped me as I attempted to get answers out of Isobel via text.

Me: Forget our personal war. You want money? Fine. In return, you leave my mother alone and tell me what I want to know. What is a berserker's mark?

To my surprise, she responded right away.

The Worst: Send the money, then I'll answer.

Yes, I'd titled her "the Worst" in the address book. It fit. And I would not be sending her the money. Instead, I would give her the card only after we traded places.

Me: You aren't making the rules anymore. I have what you want. Tell me about the mark or go without. What will Callen do to me? And what are you doing about my classroom, or did you finally get me fired?

No response.

Me: TELL ME!

Nothing. I should stop. My desperation was showing, stoking her power rather than my own. But…

Me: I'm not gonna stop until things are set right, so you're the one who's gotta live with whatever I let him do to this body.

Zilch.

Me: Are you being nice to the greatest mother on the planet at least? Because she'sdone nothing to hurt you.

Nada.

Me: Why can't you keep your misery to yourself ?

Nil.

Wait! Text bubbles! I held my breath, my nerves fraying.

The Worst: The job is history, okay. If you want to know anything else, pay me double, delivered in three days. Otherwise your sweet mama will rue the day she was born. Tick tock.

Guilt and anger collided. I'd known Isobel planned to demand more. But my job. My shoulders rolled in. I would've had to quit to go into hiding, but still. Who had taken charge of my precious students?

Focus on what you can change . Right. I had to do something about Isobel's threat. Today. Now. She'd finally delivered a timeline. Three days. Exactly what Callen had given me. Coincidence? Or was she in communication with someone here at the castle? The mole, perhaps?

It might be the middle of the night for me, but it wasn't for my mother.

Finally I did it. I dialed her number, determined. I would tell her the truth. Rip off the bandage and let whatever happened happen. She might not believe me at first, but maybe, just maybe, she would start.

"Hello," she said in greeting.

Her voice! Tears singed my eyes, blurring my vision. "Sorry, wrong number," I mumbled and disconnected the call. I couldn't upend her life with this mess.

Heart pounding against my ribs, I groaned, rolled to my side, and hugged a pillow. And yes, okay, I kind of wished Callen was here to hold me and make everything better.

Dang it, what did his "mark" entail? It wasn't mentioned in the book.

I whimpered as the sun rose. Even after I stretched, I wasn't ready to rise, but there was so much to do today. Namely, sussing out the mole. I wouldn't let myself worry about Callen, out there challenging a band of murdering wolf-shifters. He could handle himself. I refused to worry about Tavish, either, though he was (currently) my only ticket to Elizabeth Darcyville. I'd take this escape one step at a time.

On the plus side, I wasn't nearly as out of sorts as yesterday. The shock must have worn off.

"There's got to be a way to bring you with me," I told Thora as I stroked her soft fur. "Of course, I'll have to medicate so I won't die of anaphylactic shock."

For the first time, the fluff ball leaned into my touch, and I thrilled. Dogs were one of God's greatest gifts to the world.

She yawned, which I was fairly confident was canine speak for Yes, please and thank you . My gaze snagged on Callen's pillow. A piece of paper rested there. A note? I jolted upright and snatched it up.

Treat Mirren well, and I will reward you in kind. We'll talk when I return. C

Ugh. I balled the paper. What a jerk! Now I didn't miss him at all. As if I would ever leverage a child for personal gain. That he believed I could or would meant he knew nothing about the real me.

"Good morn, Mrs. Bruce," a cheery voice announced. An older woman I'd seen around swept into the room with a seemingly genuine smile. She opened the balcony drapes, allowing sunlight to flood inside. "I'm here to help ye prepare for the day. Ye'll be pleased to know Mr. Cromwell's gifts arrived safe and sound."

I gaped as she entered the bathroom, humming cheerfully. My ears twitched. Cabinets and drawers opened and closed. Rustling sounds joined the symphony. What the what? "Um. Hi? Where's Mackenzie? And gifts?"

"Miss Mackenzie is running late today. And Mr. Cromwell sent wedding gifts to honor your position. They've been stored in the east ballroom."

Seriously? I added ‘check out gifts' to my To-Do list. Maybe there was something I could sell for quick cash, so I wouldn't have to use any of Callen's money, after all.

"Breakfast will be served in one hour," she continued, emerging from the bathroom. Still smiling, she puttered here and there. "Our darling Mirren and Miss Gavina will meet you in the dining room. I hope you're hungry. Cook has prepared a feast."

Why was she being so nice? Because I'd supposedly kept Callen calm during his battle with Malachi? Had word spread? Or… Truth hit, and I gnashed my teeth. "I won't seduce Callen for you guys."

"Sure, sure."

So agreeable. I wasn't buying it. "I'd like to go into town later today." See how far I could get before someone freaked out. "Do I need to reserve a car or something?"

She approached the door, saying, "My apologies, Mrs. Bruce, but Mr. Bruce left orders. No one is to leave the grounds for any reason."

Well, of course he did. No matter. I would eat to fuel up before I began sleuthing out the mole, because yes, I was starved. I could get to know Callen's daughter in the process.

"Now that you're wed to Mr. Bruce, I'll be seeing to your morning routine," my guest told me, still so cheerful.

"I've been married to him for days, and this is the first time you' ve done this."

"Mmm," she uttered, totally noncommittal on her way out.

With a sigh, I threw my legs over the side of the bed, stood, and ambled to the bathroom. Oh wow. My visitor had laid out toiletries, selected an outfit from the closet and folded the garments on the vanity chair. She'd even picked good stuff. A white tank top, blue cardigan and the softest jeans of all time.

Confused all over again, I cleaned up and dressed, then checked my phone. Nothing else from Isobel. Good. I shoved her from my mind and drew in a deep breath. The three day countdown had begun.

Ready to conquer the day, I headed downstairs. Hmm. No sign of Buzz or Ponytail during this especially dangerous time. Why?

Gavina and Mirren already occupied the dining room. Mirren sat in her father's seat, adorable in a pink dress and clutching her doll, which now sported a thick white bandage around her head. Her aunt sat on her left.

I claimed the chair on Mirren's other side and smiled at both. "Morning, ladies. I hope you slept well." So badly, I wanted to ask if they'd heard anything from Callen. Risk provoking the little girl's tears, however? No way.

"Good mornin'. Elle," Gavina replied with a tilt of her head. In a form-fitting white dress, she looked pretty and professional. And maybe a little miserable? She eyed my T-shirt with envy. "On a scale from one to ten, how comfortable are you? The answer is twelve, isn't it?"

"Fifteen. And Gavina? You can toss any rules of decorum as long as I'm here. You are welcome to shop in my closet any time."

"Truly?" She beamed at me. "Thank you. "

"Skye is dying." Morose, Mirren motioned to the doll. "She probably won't survive the day."

"I thought her name was Bonnie," I said.

The girl rolled her eyes. "Skye is Bonnie's sister. Obviously."

Three maids sailed through the hidden door, each carrying a silver platter. One of the women—Mackenzie—nodded to acknowledge me. The other two flashed sunny smiles in my direction. I barely contained a rebuke as the platters were set before us. Clearly, they expected me to oversee Mr. Bruce's seduction.

As Mackenzie delivered my platter, I whispered, "I'd like to speak with you later."

She couldn't mask a slight wince before she nodded. Oh yeah. She'd lied and told everyone I agreed to their terms. At least it offered a good cover, because I planned to grill her about Tavish and potions after breakfast.

A feast lay before me. Square sausages, fried eggs, crispy bacon, a scoop of baked beans, black pudding, fried tomatoes, mushrooms, and toast.

"I want porridge," Mirren announced.

"You can have porridge tomorrow," Gavina replied, picking up a fork and knife. "Your da wanted you to enjoy your favorite breakfast today."

The two argued back and forth. Sensing Gavina was about to cave, I decided to treat the dining room as my classroom and take charge. "I'm guessing you're not going to eat this, since you want porridge and all," I interjected, reaching for Mirren's plate. If she was anything like her father, she had possessive instincts galore.

As I slid the dish my way, she jumped into action, grabbing the edge to halt my progress. "Mine!"

Ding, ding, ding. "But you want porridge," I reminded her. "And I'm extra hungry." Not an exaggeration. I was extra hungry most mornings.

"Didn't you listen? I'm getting porridge tomorrow ."

"Ah." I released her property and dug into my own. Gavina caught my gaze and I winked before refocusing on the little girl. "What time do you leave for the Academy?"

"Zero o'clock." She followed suit, shoveling food into her mouth with gusto. "We're on holiday to celebrate the marriage no one wanted."

Again such a matter-of-fact tone, repeating what she'd heard. And yeah, probably lashing out. Like before, I took no offense. Why should I?

"Mind your manners," Gavina gently admonished with a nervous laugh "No speaking insults with your mouth full. Or ever."

I waved the "insult" away. "No one wanted your dad to marry me because I used to be an awful person. The worst."

Gavina blinked at me, a bite of beans halfway to her lips.

Mirren finally glanced my way. "How awful?"

I recalled Isobel's cold confession about Roderick's death. "Worse than stepping in dog vomit with a bare foot." I wrinkled my nose with distaste, and the little girl giggled.

"You're not supposed to talk about vomit at the table," she informed me.

"No other description painted an accurate picture."

"What changed?" Gavina asked without censure. "I must admit, you are far different than advertised. Why, I haven't beheld horns, fangs or a tail even once!"

I snorted, and Mirren giggled again. But, um, how to answer Gavina's question without admitting the truth? I wracked my brain to cobble together an intelligent response, but only one word left my mouth. "Everything." To get the spotlight off me, I asked, "If it's okay with you, Mirren, I'd like to examine Skye."

"Why? You're not a doctor." Her brow wrinkled. "Are you?"

"No. But I've saved many dolls from the brink of death." I'd made all kinds of toys for my classroom. Some from scratch. Others I bought at thrifts stores and repaired. "I might as well try to save her. She's gonna die if I don't, right?"

The girl's expression turned pensive. "I guess."

"An examination will have to wait," Gavina said. "Mirren's schedule is full. She's to read a book by nine. Obligations must be met."

"Why don't we do both?" I suggested, eager to help the little girl. "Mirren can read to us while I do the doctoring." I could put my sleuthing on hold for a bit. But just a bit!

"Oh. Well." Gavina pondered for a moment. "I suppose Callen will find no fault with such a plan. If Miss Mirren agrees, of course."

"Maybe she will, maybe she won't. I'm good either way." Rather than push my offer to the little girl, I kept my focus on the aunt. A strategy I'd learned from my stepfather as he'd dealt with my hot-headed Momma. Apply no pressure. Let the feral ones set the pace. "Are you dating anyone?"

"Who? Me?" The beautiful blond pressed a hand against her chest. "N-nay. I mean, aye. I suppose. The king has approved the courtship of a chieftain."

Thanks to the book, I knew chieftains equalled generals within the berserker ranks. "A particular chieftain, or any?"

"Particular," she said, her cheeks pinkening.

"Is the interest mutual?"

"I trust my king's choice," she muttered .

So no?

"Aunt Gavina is afraid of sentinels," Mirren blurted out between bites. "She acts weird in front of them."

"I'm not afraid." Gavina gave a nervous laugh. "I'm cautious. There's a difference."

"If you don't want to date the guy, don't. Anyone who has a problem with that isn't a king worth serving." Truth was truth.

Gavina got real busy with her food real fast, but she couldn't hide her horror. What?

"People gotta do what my da says or they die," Mirren said, feeding her doll a bite of sausage. "That's a law."

"Good thing I'm queen. I have the power to change the rules." I would make this immortal world a better place for Gavina and others before I abandoned ship. "From now on, no one has to date anyone they don't want to date."

"We're done here." Gavina tapped one finger on the table, a flush brightening her cheeks. Stressed by my proposed tweaks? "Time to read."

As the servants rushed in to clear away our dishes, Mirren blurted out, "Fine. Elle can examine Skye." She stood, put her nose in the air, and marched from the dining room with the doll cradled in her arms.

Gavina hung back, saying, "I guess I understand why you'd institute such a rule about forced dating as our king wasn't your, uh, choice."

"He's not a bad guy, and feelings can change as swiftly as rules," I found myself offering in reassurance.

"Dear me. You are gonna cause so much trouble in Clan Bruce." Gavina swept around the table, only to pause beside me, chewing on her bottom lip. "Don't tell, but I think I'm a wee bit excited to see the results. "

I stood with a smile, pleased. We followed the girl side by side, down the hall, through the foyer, and up the stairs.

"Has anyone heard from Callen? If he's alright?" I asked.

Her eyes widened, the color draining from her cheeks. In a rush, she looked left, right, behind. Uh-oh. I'd made a huge blunder, hadn't I?

Seeing no one nearby, she hooked her arm through mine and whispered, "You know sentinels and their pride. We are always to assume they are winning. Anything less is an insult to their strength and skill."

Good to know.

We entered Mirren's bedroom, where I discovered a large room sectioned into two parts: the bed and everything else. A massive canopy with a lacy comforter acted as the centerpiece and set upon a dais. A doll house dominated one wall: a miniature version of the castle. A gold framed portrait of Mirren's mother hung above the mantel. Sorcha's fragile beauty mesmerized. Delicate and joyous, she perched upon a velvet settee, draped by a flowing yellow dress. The corners of her mouth were lifted in soft amusement as she peered down over a sitting area with a cozy pink couch, plush chairs with fat blue pillows, and a coffee table scattered with books.

Mirren gently laid Skye on the bed. I approached, rolling up my sleeves, and settled on the mattress. After carefully unwrapping the bandage, revealing marker scribbles and a small square hole, I pretended to check the doll's vitals.

The girl remained tense at my side. "Well?"

"Oh yes. I've seen this kind of sickness before. I just need the proper tools, and I can remove the infection."

Mirren brightened with hope for the first time in our acquaintance, making my insides tighten. " You can save her?"

"She'll have a scar, but she'll live." I spouted off a list of supplies to Gavina and sent her off to hunt everything down. Alone with Mirren, I said, "Let's allow Skye to rest up before surgery. You can read to me as payment for my amazing services."

She pursed her lips. "I donna want to, but I will. Da says we should always pay our debts."

"Your dad is right." Another reason to like him. Why, why, why did he have to belong to Isobel and kill soul switchers? "I love to read. Books let us enter whole new worlds without a spaceship."

She snorted, but I could tell she was intrigued. After we tucked Skye into bed, we settled on the couch. Mirren selected a story about a sad unicorn hunting for happiness, cracked open the spine, and tensed. She closed her eyes for a moment and drew in a deep breath. Then, she began to read, and I understood her distress. The little darling sometimes mixed up her sounds. I also noted letter inversions and word reversals. Had anyone ever tested her for dyslexia?

For an hour, I worked with her on word structure and recognition, and she improved in some ways but not others. When frustration got the better of her, I shut the book, saying, "Alright, enough sitting. Let's take a break and talk."

Relief radiated from her.

"Have you lived here all your life?"I asked.

"Nope. We used to live in Glasgow and only vacationed here. Da said we gotta stay here now so people won't come to take pictures of us."

Pictures, as in media? Was this a berserker thing to help immortals blend in for centuries to come?

We didn't get a chance to speak more. Gavina returned, Mackenzie behind her, carrying a bag filled with everything I'd requested.

Mirren rushed to the bed to check on the doll. "Oh no," she cried. "Skye is dying right now! She's not gonna live for surgery."

"Oh yes she is." I dove into the supplies and got busy, cleaning off the marker with acetone before starting on the gash.

Mirren paced like a concerned parent. Gavina tried and failed to distract her. Mackenzie took off.

I wasn't sure how much time passed as I cut, fit, cut again, glued, and painted, in a zone. At some point, Gavina ushered Mirren out of the room and into the dining room for lunch. I continued, ready to get this done and begin my sleuthing. Minutes ticked by unnoticed until aches erupted in my neck and back.

Needing to stretch, I set the unfinished Skye aside and stood. Oh wow. My entire body protested, my knees nearly buckling. And okay, yeah, I was starved.

I glanced at the clock and grimaced. Dinner had come and gone. Maybe I could sneak into the kitchen, snag a quick snack or whip one up, and return to put the finishing touches on the doll. That way, I'd be fresh and ready for sleuthing tomorrow.

If I ran into Mackenzie, even better. We could chat about the seduction thing and Tavish. Did she work with him or not?