Bound by Blood (Cauld Ane Series) Read Online Free

but none of it was related to blood. She was beginning to wonder if her decision to throw caution to the wind might have been a mistake.
    She blinked, her eyes feeling heavy as her body started to calm.
    Her last coherent thought before she faded off to sleep was how nice Cole Drake’s smile was.
    * * *
    “Ladies and gentleman, we’ll be collecting any rubbish you might have as we prepare for landing. Please let us know if you need help with your customs forms as we come around.”
    Sam yawned, even though she’d managed several hours of sleep. Her soap star neighbor had, in fact, kept his questions to himself for the most part. When they’d both been awake at the same time, he’d struck up light conversations, and Sam found him funny and sweet, not to mention interesting. He’d spent several years as a cop before being recruited into private security and now, as an expert in his field, Edinburgh University had hired him as a guest lecturer. She was surprised to find out they were staying in the same hotel in Edinburgh.
         “Dr. Moore? Do you have any rubbish?”
    Sam glanced up at the flight attendant and smiled. “No. I’m all set, thank you.”
    “Excellent. Please don’t hesitate to let me know if you need anything.”
    Sam nodded and settled further into her seat. She glanced over at Cole. His quiet snore indicated flying didn’t bother him one bit.
    “Flight attendants, prepare for landing.”
    Sam’s heart raced. This was it. No turning back now…not that she could have, midair, but still, this seemed final somehow. As the pilot gave everyone instructions and the crew took their seats, Sam gripped the armrests and waited for the plane to crash.
    Stupidly, she’d thought she could do without a valium for landing.
    She felt a warm hand cover her wrist and she glanced at Cole with what she suspected was a grimace. “You’re awake,” she said, then under her breath, “Thank God.”
    He gave her arm a gentle squeeze. “I hope you don’t mind. I know I’m a virtual stranger, but you looked like you might need a little support.”
    She bit her lip. “No, it’s okay. I’m too scared to object. Take advantage of it while you can.”
    He laughed and the sound put Sam at ease. “You’re doing great.”
    She squeezed her eyes shut and was genuinely surprised when the plane landed and came to a stop without incident.
    “See? We’re alive and the plane is intact.”
    Samantha smiled. “We’re alive, yes. Plane intact? Can’t be proven until we disembark.”
    “Don’t you mean deplane?”
    “Who are you? Tattoo?” she retorted.
    “Off you go, then.” Cole nodded toward the doors. “Enjoy your stay on Fantasy Island.”
    Samantha giggled and gathered up her carry-on bag and purse, heading down the gangway once the all-clear was given. Cole followed. Even though the day was crisp, Sam wrapped her hoodie around her waist and headed for baggage claim. She slowed her pace and was glad Cole took the hint and caught up with her. He was cute and seemed like a good guy. It might be nice to know someone on this new adventure she was on.
    “Would you like to share a cab?” he asked.
    “Thanks, but someone’s actually picking me up.”
    “Oh. No biggie. Maybe we can meet for a drink at the hotel bar sometime.”
    She smiled. “Maybe.”
    “I’ll leave a message for you at the front desk and we can plan something.”
    Sam took a deep breath. “Um…okay.”
    Arriving in the busy carousel area, she noticed a tall man holding a sign with her name on it. She approached him and hoped her smile didn’t look like a frightened grimace. “I’m Samantha Moore.”
    “Welcome, Dr. Moore. I’m Duncan MacKenzie.”
    He was tall, close to six feet, and had dark red hair, blue eyes, and looked…well…very Scottish. She stared up at him, wishing Pepper were there. Pepper would have said something witty and smart, and charmed the pants right off him.
    Okay, he’d keep his pants on, but still, she