Belmary House Book Three by Cassidy Cayman Read Free Book Online

that his cousin lived in such a derelict house. The windows were tightly shuttered and he swung them open to let in light and fresh air. The house felt peaceful and lived in, with a dining table and two chairs, a kettle hung over the tiny fireplace, and a large bed that took up most of the one room.
    “Are you married now, or is that wishful thinking?” Kostya asked, nodding to the second chair and large bed.
    Sorin laughed, happy to be in his own surroundings. He’d clearly worked hard to keep any outside influences out, and to give the place its inviting aura.
    “Wishful thinking for now, though I do have someone in mind.” He frowned. “You don’t know her, as she’s not strictly one of us.”
    “How did that happen?” he asked. “Imported from another coven? Widow?”
    Sorin nodded. “She was brought in for our second cousin, Octavian. Remember how he used to throw rocks at us when we went to the fields to work? He continued to be a right bastard up until he left this earth, and I don’t think she wants to remarry quite yet, though I’m fairly sure she likes me. Grandmother won’t let her stay single for much longer though, so I’m going to make my move soon. Natalia doesn’t know about our plans, but I hope she’ll be amenable.”
    “Can we speak of that?” he said, worried about his grandmother’s reach.
    He didn’t know how his cousin and his group had managed to keep their plot secret this long, and felt certain now that he was back, her all-seeing eyes would be so focused on him that it wasn’t safe to speak openly.
    “In here we can,” Sorin said. “Or at least somewhat. I hope you won’t think too ill of me when you see me around them. They never had much hope for me from the beginning but I’m afraid I’ve developed quite a reputation for myself as being completely useless.”
    Kostya wished him good luck, pleased to see his cousin had fallen in love, and assured him he couldn’t think poorly of him for doing whatever it took to survive. It was clear by the comforting and shielding wards he’d placed on his cottage that he was anything but useless.
    “I don’t want to stay here with you in the meantime, though,” he said, having grown used to the vast estate in Scotland.
    Listening to Sorin snorting and scratching all through the night was more than he thought he could endure, especially if he was about to have to put up with whatever his grandmother had in store for him.
    “Don’t worry about that,” he said, giving him a long look. “Your old house was kept available, even after your parents passed.” He laughed ruefully. “She always knew you’d be back, one way or the other.”
    “That’s much too big for just me,” Kostya said, not wanting the memories that were sure to barrage him in having to return to his childhood home. “Since you’re about to wed, you and your bride take it. I’ll move here.”
    “Never happen,” said Sorin. “You may as well reconcile yourself to it. I’ll take you there now, and then we can arrange a meeting with our group later this evening. They’ve been eager to meet you at last.”
    Kostya groaned, fearing they expected too much of him. Expecting anything at all would surely lead to disappointment. As they walked, his fears were confirmed when everyone they saw gawked at him and looked away if he tried to nod a greeting.
    “They act like they’re seeing a unicorn,” he said uncomfortably.
    “You got out, Kostya. You’re the same as a mythical creature to us.”
    His house rested at the end of an overgrown path, nestled in between two huge trees that overhung the roof and touched in the middle. Kostya had always thought of them as giants who protected his home, and now they seemed to nod at him as he picked his way through the nettles. At least he would be busy trying to get this place in order. Another flash of Serena’s smile crossed his mind and while he wouldn’t wish to damn her to this life, he wished she could be with