Romancing the Novel

Book #2 left me with more questions than answers, how very frustrating! I am definitely hooked if just because I need to know everyone's secrets :) Well there is one bad guy out of the way. My question about that is why did Mac not feel the amulet when she saw it on Mallucé while in that cell? She did not realize that he had it on until she actually saw it! That was before she "ate" so I don't get that.
Well things did heat up some with Mac and Barrons. But we still don't know who he is. Mac seems to be of a mind that she can trust him, but she is still not going to tell him everything. Also wondering what is up with the cute Scottish boys. I guess I will have to read on for more answers, or more likely, more questions.