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sweater out of a suitcase before heading out onto the deck and up the road to the Wiccan Haus for dinner. Living in the Syndicate’s capital city of Lochmage, he had little time to take in the joys of nature. Perhaps he could use this week to refresh and rejuvenate his soul. And yet, a tingle nudged at him. The island working its magic, he suspected. The island had grown since his last visit. It appeared to feed off the powers of the Rowans. Were they in turn recharging from its powers? He picked up his pace, propelled toward the Haus and its inhabitants.
     

Chapter Four
     
    Every bite of food proved better than the last. The chef needed a gigantic raise, even if, for some strange reason, they refused to serve chicken of any kind. Ashlynn savored the flavors, loving the way the tastes exploded in her mouth. She even allowed herself a second plate, enjoying the perks of no longer being a fashion model. But if her mother made one more nasty comment about the Wiccan Haus, Dana, or her second serving, she would pour the food, no matter how scrumptious, over her mother’s perfectly coifed head. So far, the staff had gone out of their way to be kind and professional. Their hospitality far exceeded any five-star hotel she’d stayed in. And her mother rewarded their efforts with rude comments and plates being sent back without having been tasted.
    Her father sat lost in thought. Perhaps he worried for Dana. His daughter being heavily pregnant with twins and far from modern conveniences of the city or one of his hospitals must weigh heavy on his mind. The echo of her sister’s name being repeated throughout the dining room preceded her arrival. As Dana’s husband guided her across the room, a gentle hush fell. Many staff members approached them, rubbing the pregnant belly with affection. Envy overcame Ashlynn. All of the island residents would come to visit her sister in her confinement, help without being asked. They loved her, and she smiled at them, returning their love. Only three people had come to see Ashlynn in the hospital, not including her parents. Her agent, her lawyer, and Dana’s best friend.
    What did that say about Ashlynn? She spent too many hours traveling on photo shoots, had been tutored rather than attending school so she had never made a true friend growing up, and the one thing she had come to rely on, long hours on runways and photo shoots, had been taken from her. But if her sister could start again and find so much happiness, Ashlynn could, too.
    Dana cast Rekkus a pleading look, and finally Rekkus inclined his head. Dana sat at the table with her family; Rekkus stood at her shoulder as if waiting to pounce. Her mother parted her lips to speak then snapped them closed under his glare. To watch Rekkus tear into her mother would be a treat. Dana greeted their father with a kiss on the cheek, but their mother ignored her presence. Ashlynn tried to make amends until a stilling hand told her Dana didn’t need them. “How is your head? I heard you had a rough afternoon.”
    She guessed privacy acts didn’t stretch to the resort, not that she cared if her sister knew she had a headache. But after weeks in the hospital where no one could tell anyone she had asked for an aspirin, it was a change to have her business known. “Surprisingly okay, now. I guess I needed a nap.”
    “I can relate. All I do is nap these days.” Dana glanced up at her husband. “Honey, if you need to be somewhere else, I’ll be fine.”
    His attention moved to Dana then to his mother-in-law and back to his wife. “I can see everyone I need to from here, and there is no way I am leaving your side.”
    “Are you saying for once everyone showed up for dinner?”
    Cyrus, who had been circling the dining room, joined them. “Oh, three didn’t show up but your mate—husband sent Kaleb after them.”
    “Rekkus!”
    A boyish smile softened the big man. “What? It was Cyrus’ idea.”
    “Might have been.” Cyrus shrugged.