Free Szereto, Mellanie - Two Pirates to Treasure [Bewitching Desires 4] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) by Mellanie Szereto Page B

stable and riding areas, plantings dedicated to seasons and earthly elements, and the roped-off section at the east end of the mansion set for the building of a new wing. With every new mating came the need for more living space.
    Ranulf propped his hands on his hips and grinned. “We’ve asked to be one of the first to move in. Amalric and I will be fathers in a few months. A boy and a girl. If all goes as planned, we’ll have six children with Lu before the end of her fertility cycles.”
    The pride in his voice was unmistakable. Instead of letting the spark of jealousy ignite, Ethan turned to face the woods. “How did you come to know that Lu will bear a son and a daughter?”
    “Some of the Macskas possess the skill to know these things. Lu can tell with a single touch if a woman is with child. She’d know whether Orsolya carries your—”
    Ethan raised his hand to stop Ranulf’s tempting suggestion. “Until Orshy decides to invite us to become her mates, I prefer ignorance.”
    “As do I.” Glancing at Ethan, Grant gave an almost imperceptible nod. “A great many years have passed since I last went for a walk among the trees. Would you care to give us a more thorough tour of the grounds?”
    “’Twould be our pleasure.” Setting off across the grassy lawn, Amalric laughed. “Perhaps we can also discuss the matter of our modern women’s idea of independence—the one that makes them rebel against men expecting to tame them.”
    Ethan couldn’t have planned a more perfect opportunity to do a bit of preparatory work for his shared task and learn more about the mind workings of liberated witches. He strode after his guide, ready to accomplish both.

    * * * *

    Tromping among the newly greening trees, Grant breathed in the earthy scent of damp, decaying leaves coating the forest floor. He scanned the fence and the area on both sides as he feigned interest in Amalric’s lesson in the flora. The thick undergrowth next to the high crisscross of wires marking the boundary of the estate thinned after several long strides to the west.
    Drawing strength from the ink symbol hidden beneath the hair curling down his neck, he pictured a series of burn scars on the ground to his far right. Three symbols. A single one might be sufficient to raise awareness in the household, but the trio would induce fear and a clear warning as well as mark the spot where the confrontation would take place. The odor of smoldering leaves carried to him on the light breeze.
    Ranulf stopped a few steps ahead of Grant, turning his head toward the fence line. “I smell something burning. There! Smoke is coming from near the brush!”
    All four men rushed to the gray tendrils, Grant and Ethan’s guides stamping at the ground a couple times before they seemed to notice the black outlines beneath their boots. Both jumped back and frowned.
    Peering around Amalric, Ethan narrowed his eyes at the distinct shapes etched into the dirt. “What are those strange signs?”
    The color had drained from Ranulf’s face. He pointed to a triangle with one of its sides laying against a vertical line. “A thorn on a stem. I saw this rune once in my childhood. It is Thurisaz—an omen of bad things to come.”
    Amalric pulled a slim black box from his pocket. He held it up and tapped the flat side several times before a click sounded and a light flashed. After another quick flash of light, he gestured for everyone to follow him. “Romána will wish to see photographs to properly identify the symbols. We need to return to the mansion and alert the others. Security around the estate has likely been breached.”
    Setting off at a jog behind Ranulf and Amalric, Grant resisted the urge to ask what a foto-graf was and to give Ethan a triumphant nod. The knights had taken the bait, and they’d pass on the information to the matriarch, ensuring the last phase of the task was put into motion. The leader of the Macska witches would recognize the warning and keep all