Bound by Blood (Cauld Ane Series) Read online

  “I’m the one ye replaced, lass.”

  Sam swallowed. “Oh. Sorry.”

  He smiled. “Don’t be.”

  “Angus?” Sam’s eyes shot to Kade, who gave Angus a warning glare as he made his way to her. “Did you need something?”

  Angus grinned. “No. I was just introducing myself to the new researcher.”

  Kade positioned himself in front of Sam. “I thought we’d agreed on an introduction at lunch.”

  “Aye,” Angus said. “But I’m here now.”

  Standing behind Kade, Sam couldn’t see what was going on, so she stepped to her right. By the expression on Angus’s face, whatever was transpiring between the two men didn’t look positive. Her heart started to race again.

  “I’d like you to give Dr. Moore some time to acclimate to the lab, Angus. You can speak to her at lunchtime,” Kade instructed. “Or tomorrow.”

  “I don’t mind, Dr. Gunnach.” Sam forced herself out from behind Kade and held her hand out to Angus. “It’s nice to meet you…I’m sorry, what should I call you?”

  He grasped her hand and smiled. “Call me Angus. We’ll be working closely together, after all.”

  Kade’s body shifted. “‘Dr. McFadden’ will suffice, I think.”

  Sam let out a snort…in her head. She’d never disrespect an employer out loud. She couldn’t understand why Kade insisted on a formality he had just said his employees didn’t observe, but as her heartbeat returned to normal and Angus left the lab, she decided to choose her battles. Arguing with Dr. Gunnach would not be a good start to her new job.

  “I apologize for Dr. McFadden, Samantha. He can be overbearing and rude,” Kade explained.

  “He was fine.” She glanced up at him. “I didn’t realize I was replacing someone.”

  “Aye. Sort of. Dr. McFadden had asked to have a go at finding a solution to our problem, but he’s not a researcher, and his specialty certainly isn’t blood. He’s engaged to my sister. I’m sorry, does he worry you?”

  “Not at all,” she lied. “I just wanted clarification.”

  “He won’t be a problem. Don’t give it another thought.”

  Sam smiled. “Where would you like me to start?”

  Kade led her to the bank of refrigeration units and explained the contents to her—blood samples, along with tried and failed test medications.

  “What am I looking for?” she asked.

  “That’s why you’re here. We’re not entirely sure. We know there’s something blood-related, but not certain what.”

  “Ah. Okay.” Sam pulled her hair into a lab net and slid her hands into latex gloves.

  Kade watched her.

  “I generally like to work alone,” she said. “Fewer distractions.”

  He smiled. “I’ll leave you to it, then.”

  She nodded and waited for him to leave. It took a minute, but he finally strode out of the lab. Sam forced herself to focus on the work at hand and not the man whose presence made her feel safe.

  * * *

  Kade kept his rage tempered until he stormed past Anna’s desk and slammed his office door. Picking up the phone, he punched in Angus’s number.

  “Angus here.”

  “Get your bloody arse to my office! Now!”

  Angus chuckled. “I knew it.”

  “Don’t. You’re on my last nerve, Angus.”

  “Aye. Shall I walk in, or would you like me to knock?”

  Kade slammed the phone back on the cradle and yanked his office door open. “What the hell were you thinking scaring her like that?”

  Angus stepped inside. “Scare her? What do you mean, scare her? I didn’t mean to scare her. I just wanted to see what all the fuss was about.”

  “Did Duncan say something?” Kade snapped. “I’m going to kill him.”

  “Of course not.” Angus held his hands up in surrender. “Fiona said you’d spent an exorbitant amount to get her here. I honestly thought she’d be some matronly woman with thick glasses and an overbite.”

  Kade swore and tried his best not to hit his soon-to-be brother-in-law. Most of the time, Angus’s digging didn’t bother him. They’d be friends even if Angus wasn’t to be bound to his sister, but today, Kade’s emotions were in a tailspin.

  “Relax, Kade.”

  “You’re to keep your distance, Angus.”

  Angus laughed, which only made Kade angrier.

  “How am I supposed to assist her if I keep my distance?”

  Kade’s emotions calmed again just as his phone rang. He picked it up, grateful for the interruption. “Kade Gunnach.”

  “Hi. It’s Sam…um…Dr. Moore. I’m sorry to interrupt.”

  “How can I help you?”

  “I’ve found something and I’m wondering—”

  “I’ll be right down.” Kade hung up and glared at Angus. “She’s found something.”

  “Already?”

  “Aye. We’ll pick this conversation up later. After I remind my sister about keeping her mouth shut.”

  Angus scowled. “Watch your tone, Kade. You may be my chieftain, but you’ll not insult my woman…even if she is your sister.”

  Kade shrugged, his earlier anger gone.

  “Would you like me to come with you?” Angus asked.

  Kade shot him a look that spoke volumes.

  Angus grinned. “Right. You need to approach your mate carefully.”

  “Ye’ll keep your thoughts to yerself, Angus McFadden. And ye’ll not repeat any of this conversation to my sister. Or my brothers.” Kade’s brogue deepened when he was upset, and there was no doubt he was on his way again.

  “They’re gonna know as soon as they see you with her,” Angus said. “I won’t have to say a word. They’ll feel it.”

  Kade’s phone rang again and he sighed as he picked it up. “Kade Gunnach.”

  “Hi again,” Sam said, her sweet voice soothing the rest of his dissipating irritation.

  “I was just leaving.”

  “No, that’s why I’m calling,” she said, her voice shaky. “You don’t need to come down here. I’ve been looking through the blood samples in the cooling unit, and I was just wondering if you might have access to fresh samples. I want to compare.”

  “I can get them.”

  “That would be great. I can’t do much more in the lab right now, so IT has agreed to get me hooked up today.”

  “Excellent,” he said, somewhat distracted by Angus grinning like an idiot.

  “Thanks,” she said. “Okay…bye.”

  The phone disconnected and Kade hung up.

  Angus laughed. “You’re done, brother.”

  Kade ignored him. “Where’s Fiona?”

  “She’s with your mother.”

  “Damn it.”

  “Why?” Angus asked.

  “I need a blood sample.” He picked up his phone. “Anna? Find Payton for me, please.”

  “Would you like her in your office?”

  “Aye,” he said and hung up.

  “What do you need Payton for?” Angus asked, his eyes narrowing.

  “I told you. I need a blood sample.”

  “So you’re going to use my sister as a bloody pin cushion? You know how she feels about needles.”

  Kade set his blood-drawing equipment on the table by the window. “Without Fiona close, I need another female, Angus. It’s either my sister or yours.”

  “You have over a hundred of our people employed in this building alone.”

  Kade crossed his arms. “Are you questioning my judgment?”

  Angus dropped his head. “No sir.”

  A knock at the door produced Payton McFadden. She didn’t hide her surprise at the sight of her brother and Kade together. “How are the bulls today?”

  “Payton,” Angus warned.

  “That good, eh? I can feel your irritation from the other side of the building, Angus. What did you do this time?”

  Angus glared at her.

  “Payton, I’m hopin
g I can take your blood,” Kade interrupted.

  “Don’t you have quite a bit of it downstairs?” she asked.

  “Aye, but Dr. Moore has asked for a fresh sample, and since Fiona’s not close by, it falls to you, I’m afraid.”

  “Will she know it’s mine?”

  Kade shook his head patiently. “No. It’ll be strictly confidential.”

  She bit her lip. “Okay.”

  Kade smiled. “I’ll be gentle, lass. I promise.”

  “I’ll just give Duncan a quick ring and let him know I’ll be here for a bit.”

  “Anna already did,” Kade said.

  “Of course she did. All right.” She took a seat and rolled up her sleeve.

  “Did you eat?” Angus asked.

  Payton rolled her eyes. “I know the rules, Angus. Of course I ate.”

  “You say that like you’re a prisoner being forced to do something you don’t want to,” Kade accused.

  Payton lowered her head in contrition. “Fyrirgefðu, höfðingi.”

  Kade lifted her chin. “No apology needed, Payton. You’re not in trouble. I just hope you know the rules are in place to protect you.”

  “Aye,” she whispered.

  Kade washed his hands, slipped on gloves, and went about preparing Payton’s arm for the needle. “Do you want to lie down?”

  She shook her head. “No. I’m fine.”

  Kade took three vials. Angus hovered, but that was to be expected. He and Angus were more similar than Kade would like to admit. Overprotective to a fault.

  Payton was a little woozy, so Kade insisted she eat something and rest until she felt better. He slid the vials into his pocket. “I have a change to Dr. Moore’s living arrangements.”

  Payton blinked up at him. “Oh?”

  “I’d like her moved to 3200.”

  Payton coughed and then swallowed quickly, her shock unmasked. “But that’s the flat across from yours.”

  “Aye.”

  She glanced at her brother and then back at Kade before lowering her head and nodding. “I’ll take care of it.”

  “Tomorrow at the latest.”

  “Já, herra minn.” (Yes, my lord.)

  “Now, I’ll let your brother take you to his office where you can recuperate.”

  She nodded and rose to her feet, a slight sway the only indication she felt additional effects from the blood donation. Angus wrapped his arm around her waist and assisted her from the office.

  Kade locked his door and made his way downstairs, his mood improving with every floor closer to Samantha. He stepped out of the elevator and toward Sam’s office. He was not prepared to see Alexander Baird leaning over Samantha, laughing at something she’d just said.

  Hann mun ekki snerta þig. (He will not touch you.)

  CHAPTER FIVE

  SAM HEARD AN angry voice in a foreign language push against her mind, and she started. She looked up to see Kade standing in her doorway and then glanced at Alex, who had literally jumped away from her.

  “Dr. Gunnach? Is everything okay?” she asked.

  “I have those samples for you,” he said as he smiled at Alex.

  Alex lowered his eyes and then his head. “Samantha…I mean, Dr. Moore’s computer is all set up and fully accessible.”

  “Excellent, Alex,” Kade said. “Is that everything?”

  “Yes.”

  “Right. I’ll come by and visit with you later.”

  Alex’s body stiffened. “Aye. Thank you.”

  Sam frowned. She’d just been joking with Alex—something she found hard to do—but he’d put her at ease immediately, and now he stood like a reprimanded child and wouldn’t even look at her. He slunk out the door and Sam stared up at Kade. “What was that all about?”

  “Hmm?”

  “You scared the poor man half to death,” she accused.

  Kade smiled, his face softening, and Sam’s insides seemed to melt. “I didn’t mean to scare him. I’ll be sure to apologize.” He held up three vials. “I have that sample for you.”

  “Excellent.” She took them from him and headed to the lab.

  Kade followed.

  “You don’t have to come with me, Dr. Gunnach. I’ll call you if I find anything.”

  “Kade.”

  “I’m sorry?”

  “I told you to call me Kade.”

  “I don’t think that would be appropriate.” Sam smiled at him over her shoulder. “Dr. Gunnach.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “It’s almost time for lunch.”

  She checked her watch. “In thirty minutes.” She waved the vials. “I need to look at these now or they’ll be useless.”

  He nodded, but his expression was one of confusion. “I’ll see you shortly, then.”

  “One more question,” she said. “Are these from a patient I already have a sample from?”

  “Aye. The number is on the vials. You can match them with the refrigerated samples.”

  “Thanks.”

  Sam stepped into the lab and heard the door close behind her. She felt Kade watching her, which just drove home how insane she felt. How could she possibly feel him watching her? She shook off her thoughts and got to work.

  * * *

  Kade left Samantha in the lab and headed toward IT. The appearance of Samantha Moore had certainly turned his world upside down. Not just because she didn’t seem to be intimidated by him, but because he’d given up any thought of finding his mate years ago. He knew Fiona was going to push this new development as far as it would go; he just hoped she wouldn’t force something before Samantha was ready.

  Kade entered the IT department and headed toward his destination. Several people appeared both surprised and a little nervous to see him. They stood and lowered their heads. Kade had only once stepped foot into their corner of the building, to physically escort someone off the property. But that was years ago, and long before he’d put Alasdair in charge of security.

  As soon as Alex saw Kade, he stood and moved from behind his desk. His eyes and head lowered as he waited for his chieftain.

  “I trust my thoughts are known,” Kade said.

  “Já, herra minn.”

  “Excellent. You’re doing a great job. Keep it up.”

  “Þakka þér herra.” (Thank you, sir.)

  Kade smiled and left the department. He checked in on Payton and found that she was already back at her desk, sorting out Samantha’s new apartment. Angus had provided her with blood-clotting medication, which worked faster than expected.

  As he made his way to his office, he was intercepted by Shannon Fraser. Anyone looking on would have thought they met accidentally, but something in Kade had shifted, and he now saw her for exactly what she was. A manipulator.

  “Shannon, how are you this fine morning?” he asked.

  “I’m doing well, Kade,” she purred. “Do you have a few minutes?”

  “I’m just on my way to my office. I have a meeting shortly.”

  “Perfect. I’ll come with you. It won’t take long.”

  He kept his irritation buried and led her to his office, passing a grinning Anna on the way. How had he not noticed his assistant’s eagerness before when it came to Shannon? She was her niece, after all. Kade sighed. He needed to make some changes.

  “That’s not a good sound,” Shannon said as he pushed open his office door. “Is everything all right?”

  “Yes, just a lot of things on my plate at the moment.”

  “Anything I can help with?”

  “No. We have it under control.”

  “Well, you be sure to let me know if I can assist.”

  Kade forced a smile. “What did you need, Shannon?”

  “It’s more about what you might need.”

  “Oh?”

  She ran a fingertip across his desk and sauntered to the windows before turning to face him. “I know you have the shareholders’ dinner at the end of the quarter, and I also know you hate to attend alone, so I’m offering my servi
ces.”

  Kade leaned back against the desk and crossed his arms. “Your services?”

  “Aye. We make a great team, Kade, and I could make you look good in front of the men who hold stake in the company.”

  “I don’t need you to make me look good, Shannon.”

  “Everyone needs an edge, Kade. Even you.”

  “I appreciate your offer,” Kade said as he pushed away from the desk. “However, I believe Con will be attending with me.”

  Her lip popped out in a mock pout. Some men might have found it sexy. Kade found it irritating.

  “If you change your mind, you will let me know, won’t you?”

  “I won’t change my mind.” He motioned to the door. “Now, I must get to my lunch meeting.”

  “Oh, are you introducing the new researcher to everyone today?”

  “Aye.”

  She closed the distance between them and reached out to squeeze his arm. “Is there room for one more? I’d love to meet her as well.”

  He disengaged from her grip. “For what purpose?”

  Shannon chuckled. “You sound suspicious. I’ve worked here as long as anyone, and I’d be happy to show her around, or just help as questions come up.”

  He paused for a few seconds. She had worked for him for a long time. In fact, from the moment the company was started. She was a wealth of knowledge and experience and would be a good resource.

  “All right, Shannon, you may join us for lunch.”

  “Excellent. I’ll see you soon.”

  She left his office and Kade checked his watch. He grinned and called Anna to let her know he’d collect Samantha and meet everyone in the executive dining room.

  Kade made his way to the elevators, passing Anna on the way, still chatting with Shannon. He waved his access card over the electronic pad and pressed the button for the basement. He and his brothers held special “keys” that meant they could bypass any stops on their way to whichever floor they chose.

  When the lift arrived at the lab level, Kade checked Sam’s office. Finding it empty, he looked in at the lab and saw Samantha’s head bent over her microscope and her mouth pressed into a thin line in obvious concentration. Kade hated to interrupt her, but missing lunch wasn’t an option here.

  “Hi.” She glanced at him and then back at the microscope. “Is it lunchtime already?”

  “Aye. Did you do your comparison?”