The Parchment Scroll by C. A. Szarek Page A

woman’s dark eyes. “Well, she’s disappeared now.”
    “I doona’ believe she’ll remain so,” Alex said.
    Duncan nodded from beside his brother. Both twins had shirts on now, but their stances were the same—crossed arms over broad chests. Alex had donned a kilt, so they looked even more alike. Swords were sheathed at their waists, too.
    “Her magic isn’t that strong here, so I guess we have that going for us,” Claire whispered.
    “Time may have changed that, I’m afraid,” Alana said. “We just canna’ know.”
    Claire nodded, a frown marring her face.
    Jules sighed. Maybe she shouldn’t have readily agreed to go with Bree. Then again, she wouldn’t be sitting here, having this conversation, nor would she know Claire was okay, had she not. Or have met her adorable little nephew. She made a fist and shook her head.
    “Jules, don’t worry. You didn’t know. Besides, she brought you to me. For that, I’m grateful.” Her sister hugged her and Jules squeezed her tight.
    The twins exchanged a look over Claire’s head that Jules didn’t miss.
    What’s the real danger they’re not mentioning?
    “We must find her,” the purple-eyed guy said.
    “I agree, Xander.” The laird spoke, his mouth a hard line. He looked at his brother. “We need ta send the men out. Small groups. Scour the Isle.”
    “Jules can help!” Claire piped in.
    All the men in the room zoned in on her sister, but no one said anything.
    “Jules is a cop,” Claire continued. “You remember me explaining it to you, Duncan? It’s like…a knight.”
    Now both twins, and their father had dark brows drawn tight, but the silver-haired guy looked thoughtful.
    “I catch bad guys for a living. Criminals. Law breakers.” Jules nodded. She waited for the tell-tale but you’re a woman , which was sometimes even present in the twenty-first century.
    “Verra well.” Alex cocked his head to one side. “Do ye remember where ye saw Bridei last?”
    “Well, not specifically. I was pretty out of it when I came to on the beach, but I’d be happy to help.” Besides, it would give her something to do. Maybe even wipe Hugh MacDonald from her head.
    A giggle floated into the room, and a baby girl popped in from thin air—literally. Jules blinked to clear her vision—surely she’d just lost it—but a dark-haired child had most definitely just joined them.
    Alex lifted his arms to catch her, gathering the baby to his chest. Good thing, because she didn’t look old enough to walk. Which just made the situation even weirder.
    “Alexandria.” Alana frowned. The name was an admonition, but as beautiful as the baby.
    “Well, if the clan didna believe in Fae before, they’re certain ta now.” Duncan shook his head, but his words were wrapped in amusement.
    “Umm….” Jules rubbed her eyes.
    Nope. Kid’s still here.
    “My daughter can blink .” Alana’s voice was a breathy sigh.
    Claire giggled. “Lately she does it a lot. Lexi, come here!” Her sister opened her arms and the baby disappeared. Only to appear seconds later in Claire’s arms.
    Jules frowned. “What the hell?”
    “ Blinking is a magic ability.” Xander finally put Jules out of her misery. He pressed his very pregnant wife, Janet, into a chair and rubbed her shoulders as he spoke, even though the brunette beauty had told him not to fuss over her. “Alana and Angus can do it, too. They picture where they want to go in their minds,” he tapped his forehead, “and simply appear there.”
    “So like travel by telekinesis?”
    “Aye,” Claire answered. Everyone else looked confused by the word Jules had said.
    “Wow.”
    “Pretty much.” Her sister bounced the cute kid in her arms.
    “She’s too young to understand magic in the castle can be dangerous, despite my attempts to explain.” Alana’s fair brows drew tight.
    “It’s just natural for her.” Claire smiled at her niece.
    The baby reached for Claire’s face, patting her cheek, and giggled. She