Extended Epilogues

 

One month later

It had felt torturous to wait so long, but now the time had finally come. Rae was waiting for Líadan to appear in the chapel inside his castle. Everyone was already seated and waiting, and his brother stood at his side. He was nervous, and he kept taking deep breaths. Why was he so nervous?

“It’s normal tae feel like that,” Kai said at his shoulder in a whisper. “I was bloody nervous too. It is a big step, but it is the best as well. Ye are entwinin’ yer lives.”

Rae nodded, grateful for Kai’s strong hand on his shoulder. In the past month, Líadan had stayed with her own family but they’d returned a few days before, and Kai and Torion and Kaden had kept them apart. It had been a long time since they’d been together, and he was ready to be with her yet again. When the doors opened, a hush fell over the chapel, and the flames flickered in the candles.

And there she was. Kaden at her side, Líadan stepped forward toward him in the aisle down to the front of the church. He was sure a collective gasp erupted from the crowd as she entered. Rae put a hand to his chest as their eyes met. Líadan. His Líadan, forever and ever. Yet again, he was reminded of just what a goddess she was. She wore no veil, and her silver hair was plaited behind her head, dotted with flowers and tied with the blue ribbon he had bought her what felt like another life ago to him now. Her dress was a beautiful, brilliant blue, and it brought out her eyes. In her hands was clutched a bouquet of spring flowers. She wore a tartan of McLaren colors over her shoulder, and she was smiling just at him.

When their hands were finally put together, Rae’s mouth was dry, and he could only look at her, barely listening to the sounds of the minister as he began the ceremony. She was everything he had ever wanted. They spoke the words of their vows, and Rae realized that they did not make him feel bound or trapped in the least. They set him free. He had found the other half of himself, and now he was going to spend the rest of his life with her.

He uttered the words, “I dae,” with a big smile on his face.

“I now pronounce ye husband and wife. Ye may kiss the bride, Rae,” the minister said. Rae leaned forward, his hands reaching up to clasp her cheeks, and he kissed her.

It was soft and delicate, but when he pulled away, he saw the heat and hunger in her eyes just as he felt himself. There would be time later. When they turned to face the crowd, a cheer erupted from the people, and he wrapped his arm about her waist.

Whispering in her ear, he said, “A feast awaits us, wife. Shall we?”

“Aye, husband. So we shall.”

At the feast, they had been parted once more to talk to everyone who had come for the wedding. It was not only Clan McLaren but also many of Clan Stuart. Clan MacCallum had not been invited, and Rae found himself searching for Líadan again and again once he finished one conversation and went to another.

He bumped into Kaden just as he’d found her across the way, speaking to a group of ladies. Kaden reached out and shook his hand, a big grin on his face.

“Ye did well, lad. I am happy fer ye both. Ye will take care of her?” he asked.

“Like I would meself, Kaden.” He nodded to her. “Are those villagers from Clan Stuart?”

“Aye. Ever since all came out about the curse and the upcoming marriage, things have been different at home fer Líadan. She is no longer seen as a monster, and they have embraced her openly. It feels like the dark cloud that was over Clan Stuart is now gone. And here ye are, still alive.”

He chuckled, and Rae smiled. “Aye, still alive.” He had never believed that the curse existed but there had been an ever so tiny prickle of fear whenever either of them had stopped to think about it and the distance from each other had made that little more difficult. He glanced at Líadan again. “But now, I should go and speak tae me wife. We have been apart far too long fer me likin’.”

Kaden nodded again and winked. “Aye, of course. Go on then. We’ve tortured ye long enough.”

Rae practically dashed away and pushed through the crowd to find her. He reached out for her hand, taking its smooth softness into his own.

“Will ye come with me, lass?” he asked, and she nodded, making her goodbyes to the other young ladies.

“Aye.”

He pulled her away from the crowd and whispered, “I think it has been long enough, dae ye nae?”

“Aye,” she said with a giggle. “Far too long.”

***

They did not make it to what would be their room in the castle. They found an alcove instead, and she was the one to pull him in. The sounds of the feast were faded, and everyone was there, so she knew they wouldn’t be disturbed. Once she pulled him in, he pushed her against the wall, capturing her mouth with his.

“It has been far too long, me love,” he said as he kissed her jaw, tugging desperately at the shoulders of her gown.

“Aye, too long,” she said, pleasure rippling through her.

She had been aching for him for the past month and seeing him at the end of the aisle at the church had set her heart soaring as well as her body aching yet again. He had been so handsome in his kilt and boots, a dark jacket, and longer hair, his beard cut but still there. When he kissed her, she had nearly wished to jump atop him right then in the chapel in front of everyone.

She let out a little gasp when he freed one breast and then another, leaning down to flick his tongue across both nipples before taking one into his mouth, his green eyes watching her reaction. Her breath came in little pants, and she leaned back as he pleasured her other breast, making her wet, and making her fingers reach out to pull him closer to lift him higher so that their mouths could meet again.

“It will be fast this time,” he said, reaching down to grasp her skirts. “But tonight, I will take me time.”

“Good,” she said with a little giggle as he lifted her off her feet, her legs wrapping around his waist.

He had pressed her back against the cold stone, but she thought nothing of it. The warm, hard chest pressing her to the wall was warm enough. With his eyes on her, he slid a finger inside her, and she let out a shaky sigh. So long, far too long, and now, her body was even more responsive than usual.

“Now,” she said with a fast nod.

He fumbled with this kilt and then he was there at her entrance, his eyes still boring into hers. When he thrust into her, she arched up, her breath held. And then he grinned as she slid her hands over his shoulders.

He licked his lips. “I’ve missed ye, me love.”

“And I’ve missed ye.”

He didn’t stop looking at her as he thrust deeper into her, his hands clutching at her buttocks to keep her pressed where she was, taking him inside her. As her pleasure built, far faster than she expected, she called out his name, her fingers trying to grasp onto something. She pulled at his clothing and then it came.

She closed her eyes and leaned her head back and stifled a scream as it swept through her body, filling her with love, warmth, and safety. Rae was her one true love, and there could never have been anyone else.

He thrust once more before he held her tight, trembling as he spent inside her. His kiss upon the skin of her shoulder was soft and sweet, and then he lifted his eyes to hers, kissing her once on the lips.

“God in Heaven, I missed ye. I hate me brothers fer what they did, but it did make it all the better.”

“Aye,” she said with a nod as he helped her to her feet, and she put her dress back in place. She hugged him. “I have dreamed of ye night after night and now, finally, it no longer has tae be a dream.”

“Nay,” he said, holding her tight. “Nay dream. And look at me now.”

She pulled back from him with a confused look. “I’m still alive.”

“Aye,” she said. “The curse is gone.”

He nudged a finger under her chin and kissed her again. “Ye look bonny, Ban-dia. I couldnae take me eyes of ye.”

“Well,” she said, grasping his hand. “Ye look very handsome too. Far too handsome fer yer own good.” He laughed as she pulled him out of the alcove and down the stairs.

“We need tae go back tae the feast. Yer family has been so good tae me that I dinnae want tae keep them waitin’.”

“Aye, I understand.”

He kept her close, however, as they entered. They found their whole family together, including Étaín, who seemed to be a little drunk, as well as Kaden, listening to Étaín as she giggled and sipped at her wine. Just as they arrived, Líadan overheard what Étaín was saying to him.

“The woman in the woods! Nae a spirit after all!” Étaín hiccupped, and Líadan’s eyes went wide.

“It was Líadan of course. In a cottage. With Rae.” Étaín winked, and everyone burst into laughter, and Líadan blushed so red, she could feel the heat burning her cheeks.

“Étaín!” she cried, turning to a grinning Rae, and she spotted Kaden, glancing at her with a lifted brow.

“So, I wasted bloody time searchin’ fer an injured woman when …”

“Aye, just so,” Rae said, not looking embarrassed at all. “We couldnae possibly tell ye, but it is good ye ken now.”

Étaín put a hand over her mouth. “Och, Líadan, I’m so sorry! It slipped out! Kaden mentioned it, and I—” there was another hiccup. “I shouldnae have said that!”

“Nay, so just be sure when ye have a secret of yer own, I will be tellin’ Kaden straight away.” Líadan crossed her arms, and Kaden laughed.

“Och, it is nothin’, Líadan,” Kaden said. “Ye are married now. Nothin’ can touch ye. But perhaps I had better put that cottage out there tae better use.”

“What better use than that?” Rae asked, getting an elbow in the ribs from Líadan.

Kai laughed. “Welcome tae the family, Líadan.” Pulling his wife close, he said, “it seems ye will fight right in. Too bad I dinnae have another brother fer Étaín.”

Líadan was still blushing, but her tension loosened. She turned to her sister.

“Aye, too bad.” She turned to Rae. “She would be very lucky tae have one, fer I must admit, tae have a McLaren is a gift, indeed.”

“Here, here!” Cecily cried, lifting her glass, and Adelaide did as well.

This time, it was Rae who looked surprised, but he lifted his glass as well. “Ye spoil me, Ban-dia.” He leaned down to whisper in her ear, “And I mean tae spoil ye, again and again and again and—”

Líadan pushed him away, a blush stealing over her cheeks again. But she gave him a bright smile. She was happy, safe, and free of the darkness of the past. And she had the best husband in the world. No curse could ever touch her again.

The End.

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A few weeks later

The pipers began to play, and Payton turned, with Dugald at his side, his heartbeat thrumming in his chest as he waited for Kayla to appear. The doors to the chapel were still firmly shut and he took the opportunity to look at his brother and sister.

Taveon and Arya sat in the front pew looking at him, both smiling ridiculously. He could still remember the letters he had received when he had told them he was to be married. Taveon was perhaps the most shocked, surprised he had found any one woman he wanted to commit to. Arya, on the other hand, had written in her letter about how she had always known he would marry someday, he just had to find the right one.

Arya had met Kayla the night before as well, and the two got along so well, that Arya had come to him at the end of the evening, eager to talk about her.

“She suits ye well,” she had whispered happily. “Aye, she has a good heart, yet is regal tae look at, and even has that same sense of distance ye sometimes carry. Yet when ye hear her speak of something that matters tae her, there is passion there. Aye, ye are well matched indeed.”

That we are.

Payton held onto this thought as the chapel door opened.

Laird Mackenzie strode in with Kayla on his arm, and behind them, Sofia walked in, holding onto a fresh bunch of heather from the moors.

Payton only had eyes for Kayla, however. Dressed in a dark blue tartan gown, it was draped with the shoulder strips of both of their clans that would now be united in an alliance. The clan badge also pinned these shoulder strips in place.

Her eyes found his and she smiled, so happily that all the tension and darkness that had kept them apart didn’t seem to matter anymore. Just like Jonathan was now nothing but a memory.

At the thought of Jonathan, Payton looked away briefly. On his side of the pews, he saw Robert the Bruce, his smile half hidden by a dark beard. He’d talked extensively that morning prior to the wedding of the pride he had in having such loyal men in Scotland.

I will be loyal tae ye. Always.

The fact Payton was now fighting for a cause he believed in meant everything to him. He would hold to it, no matter what challenge came his way.

As they reached him, Payton took Kayla’s hand within his own. Laird Mackenzie stepped forward, lowering his voice to be heard beneath the pipers’ music that emanated from the back of the chapel.

“Take good care of her. I say that, even as I ken ye will.” He winked, jovially. “I have seen enough of ye this last month, melaird, tae ken that I am giving her tae the most protective of men.”

“Ye have me word, melaird. I’d sooner see me blood drawn than let any harm come tae her.”

“Payton.” She squeezed his hand, in a reprimanding way. “I thought ye would have enough scars by now.”

He laughed with her, as did Laird Mackenzie, before they turned to face the priest.

“Dearly beloved,” he called as the pipers’ music faded. “We are gathered here today in the sight of God tae join together this man and this woman.”

As the priest went through the formalities, Payton could not take his eyes off Kayla. He watched her, even as she stared ahead, her expression intent. It was plain how seriously she took this commitment, mouthing some of the words along with the priest, and Payton thanked his lucky stars to have found her at all.

When it came time to say his own vows, he spoke them gladly, knowing he would keep to every single promise that he made her.

“Tae have and tae hold, from this day forward, fer better fer worse, fer richer fer poorer, fer fairer or fouler, in sickness and in health, tae love and tae cherish, till death us depart, according to God’s holy ordinance. And thereto, I plight thee me troth.”

When he was done, he raised her hand to his lips and kissed it, his eyes only focusing on her smile.

***

“What dae ye say?” Payton whispered to Kayla as they came off the dance floor. “We could begin our celebrations a little early?”

“We are already celebrating.” She pointed at the dancers around them. Nearby, Taveon was dancing with his wife Hannah, as Arya and her husband Gillebride were drinking and talking together in a corner with some other guests. Even Sofia had taken to the dance floor with Dugald, to Payton’s surprise.

“Nae that kind of celebrating, Kayla,” he whispered playfully, drawing a hand around her waist and pulling her a little to the side of the feasting room.

“Oh,” she murmured, a great smile spreading across her face as they moved.

Like him, she checked across the room, but everyone seemed too lost in their own merriment to possibly notice where they were going. It was late after all, and her father and Robert the Bruce had already retired after many a shared drink.

They left the room quickly. Rather than sneaking up to Kayla’s chamber, as Payton had done countless times these last couple of weeks, he took her to his own chamber instead. Inside, the fire was roaring, already awaiting them, and the furs from the bed had been moved. Yet the air was cold, so Payton drew Kayla toward where those furs had been laid out like rugs in front of the fire instead.

“This will be the spot where I first take ye as me wife,” he murmured hungrily in her ear, not quite kissing her as she reached for his clothes and beneath the kilt, trying to take hold of him. Her teasing touch had a guttural tone escaping his lips. “Mine at last, completely.”

“I have been that fer some time,” she reminded him with a giggle. “Even when I defied ye, pretended I didnae want ye…” She sighed, tipping her head back. “I always did.”

“Aye, but now, we are joined in law too,” he said playfully. “And ye vowed tae obey me orders.”

She tipped her head back and laughed.

“Well, we both ken I willnae always obey yer orders, but maybe here.” She stepped back from him tauntingly, gesturing to the bedchamber. “I will obey a few of them.”

Such an arousal rose within him, he wanted to take here there and then. But he would not rush it tonight. No, tonight, he would take his time.

“Take off yer gown.”

She offered a defiant smile, but all the same, lifted her hands to the laces and began to undo the dress. He removed his own clothes too.

“And the stockings.” He pointed at the stockings that rose halfway up her thighs, held in place by laces. Slowly, she pushed them down, revealing more and more of her skin. “Lie down.” He gestured to the furs, and she did so, lying on her back, writhing against the warm furs.

Oh, how he wanted her, to take her completely and entwine their bodies together, but he was determined to make her reach her climax many times that night. Slowly, he knelt before her, then took her legs and parted them, kissing his way down her body until he hovered over the damp curls between her legs. She shuddered with clear anticipation, wanting him, as he paused and looked up at her.

As he stared at those eyes in the firelight, something struck him. There had been a time where he thought this life would never be his, that he would never be loved. He was too scarred, both inside and out, and what woman would want to put up with all of that? Yet Kayla loved him as he was.

Thank God indeed I found her.

Then he lowered his lips to her center, determined to show her all night long, just how grateful he was for her love, and how much he loved her in return.

The End.

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A few weeks later

“Could ye two have made me wait any longer tae have me bride?” Torion grumbled to Kai as they stood in the front of the small chapel in the castle.

Both Kai and Rae stifled chuckles. “It was nae me idea, but Cecily’s. She wants tae keep Adelaide safe, and she feels a responsibility towards her, after all that has passed.”

“Aye, but surely she can see how much I love the woman. I’ve gone bloody mad fer her.”

“Aye, that is true,” Rae agreed, and Torion threw him a dark look, making his cheerful brother laugh all the more.

“Soon it will be yer turn, Rae,” Torion said, and this time, Kai laughed.

“Och, I think the three of us are cursed tae love strong women so much we can barely see straight.”

“Nae me, surely,” Rae complained. “As if ye think that I could settle down.”

Torion’s lips twitched as he stared out at the full chapel. His little brother didn’t know of how love could sneak up on a person. It was full of close friends and servants, even the men of the Council were there, looking pleased that yet another McLaren man was marrying an English woman.

“It will strengthen things,” one of the old men had told him, but Torion had merely scoffed at him. He would marry Adelaide no matter where she hailed from.

His hands were sweating, and he pulled on his coat, as well as the tartan over it. This was a big moment for him, a moment he had never thought possible. He stared at the chapel doors, awaiting his bride.

Kai touched his arm. “I was just as nervous as ye, when we were married again, lad. Dinnae worry, though. Ye are makin’ the right decision. She is a good woman through and through, although I did have tae question her mind seein’ as how much love comes out of her eyes when she stares at ye.”

Torion elbowed him in the chest, but his heart swelled, and his skin heated a bit. He looked at her just the same way, and he couldn’t believe just how lucky he was.

The doors opened, and then she was there, dressed in a dark, beautiful green, a McLaren tartan laid over one shoulder, clasped with a brooch, and thistles in her hand. His mouth fell open as she walked toward him, her hand in Cillian’s arm.

She was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen, her golden curls half-pinned up, the other half laying across her shoulders. She smiled more, the closer she got, her lovely green eyes looking even brighter as she finally stood in front of him, his hands reaching out for hers.

The minister began, but he could hardly hear him over the pounding of his heart in his ears. She, this woman with such a heart of compassion and kindness and love, a woman full of fire and passion, was marrying him. She loved him! He pondered that thought until the minister asked him to repeat his vows.

He watched Adelaide’s mouth as she did the same, and their hands were bound, tying them together for eternity. Then it was over. He had to be nudged by Kai, and then he realized that the minister had told him to kiss her. A little chuckle rippled over the small crowd, and he leaned forward, pressing his lips to hers. When she placed her hands on his cheeks, his whole body relaxed. This was so right, and he couldn’t wait to begin this new life.

It was time for the feast. He took her hand, and they left the chapel, people clapping and smiling at them as they went. When they reached the hall, the feast was prepared, and the room filled with eager guests and villagers. He quietly led Adelaide to a table, and when he sat down next to her, he drew her hand to his lips.

“Are ye happy, me love?” he asked.

“I do not think you know how happy I am, husband.”

He beamed. “Ye are happy tae live here in Scotland?”

“Aye,” she said with a wink, and then she leaned over to kiss his cheek. “I will live anywhere that you live. You have given me a future, my love, and you have forgiven my past.” Her eyes flicked to Cillian, who had a drink in his hand and was smiling as he spoke to a young lady. “You are everything to me.”

“Then let’s get the bloody hell out of here,” Torion said grumpily, annoyed when the music began, and the room filled even more, food started to be served.

She chuckled, waving to someone as she tapped his hand. “Good things come to those who wait. So, Cecily tells me.”

“Och, the lass who has been thwartin’ me at every turn?” he asked, and she laughed again.

“I rather enjoyed it myself.” Adelaide turned to him, stroking a finger down his cheek, making him shiver. “I liked to see you want me just as much as I want you.”

He sighed and kissed her. “Well, you will be seein’ that forever, Adelaide.”

“I hope so.”

***

Adelaide wasn’t sure if she’d ever laughed as much as she had at her wedding feast. She had met practically every villager in the nearby villages, it seemed, and she’d finally spent time with Cecily’s sister Helen and her husband, Cory, who lived not far away. Rae had danced with her time and time again until Torion grumbled with jealousy, after which he had danced with her too. They had even invited Mae and her father, and she spent time regaling them with all the tales of their adventures. Cillian seemed happy and spoke to people, but he did keep to the shadows.

He looked better every day, and she knew that he would cause quite a ruckus when he went to England to claim the title as the new, young, and very handsome Earl of Seton. The McLaren brothers had forgiven him, but she knew it would take time for all wounds to heal over.

By the end of the feast, her belly was full, her limbs were warm from perhaps too much wine, and her smile was ever-present. They were saying their goodbyes, and Torion was clasping her hand, pulling to bring her up to bed.

“Perhaps one day we will get a house near the castle, if ye like,” he told her as they walked slowly down the passageway.

“The castle is surely big enough for all of us for now,” she told him, leaning her head against his shoulder and yawning.

“Dinnae say that ye are tired, me love,” he said in a faux, warning tone.

“I am tired but in only the best way. I have never had so much… life surrounding me, Torion. My burden is lost, and I am simply me. I have so much love around me that I don’t know what to do with it.”

They entered his room, and he shut the door behind them. She stopped speaking when she saw a beautiful sight before her. The room was covered with candles from the desk to the washing table to the trunk. They were encased in glass, so they would not fall over. The bed was massive, covered in furs, and a fire was in the hearth. Someone must have put a spiced log on the fire, for the room smelled warm and happy and sweet.

“Torion, I—”

She spun around and found herself in his arms. He smiled down at her, looking so handsome, it hurt. His dark eyes flashed, full of love.

“Dae ye like it?”

“Yes. I love it.” She leaned up on her tiptoes to kiss him.

“Come with me, then,” he said, leading her to the edge of the bed where he began to unpin the tartan and untie the laces of her bodice.

She let him, using her own hands to remove his tartan and jacket. They worked in silence until they were bare before one another. With a grin, he leaned down to kiss her shoulders and then her breasts. When he pulled one taut nipple into his mouth, she gasped, her fingers curling in his hair.

“Damn it, woman, how have ye have kept such perfect breasts from me? I saw them that one day in the tub, and I have thought of little else since.”

“We were imprisoned afterward! And you had to fight a battle!”

He picked her up and laid her on the bed, his body crawling over hers. “Aye, and yet these breasts were never too far from me mind.” He lowered his head again to lay more kisses upon them before he descended further, to kiss the place that ached most for him.

“Torion,” she breathed, and she pulled on him to rise back over her. “I want you,” she whispered, and he placed his hips between her legs.

“And I ye,” he said. “I ken we have already been together a few times, but it has been some weeks since I’ve had ye last.” He winked as he held himself above her. “It will be fast, but then the next time, I want it tae take longer.”

“We have a lifetime for that, Torion,” she said, lifting her legs to wrap around his waist, making his eyes widen. “But now, I want this.”

“And here I thought ye a frightened flower, without an ounce of boldness.”

“Oh!” she gasped with fake outrage. “And I thought you cold as ice.”

When he slid inside her, they both let out a moan of pleasure, and she shuddered a little in his arms. He grinned, caging her with his arms and beginning to move his hips.

“Is that true? Did ye think me cold?”

“Yes,” she managed to stammer, the pleasure already growing inside her.

“And what dae ye think now?” he breathed, kissing her cheek, and flicking a tongue against her ear.

“That ye are the best man I know and as hot as fire.”

That spurred Torion on, and she wrapped her legs tighter as he plunged deeper and harder, getting to the heart of her. She let go then, yelling out his name as her pleasure came, and she shook beneath him. When he came with a roar, he held tight, thrusting once more into her before he relaxed, and he stayed where he was, looking down at her. He laid a soft kiss on her lips before he slid to the side.

When she was recovered, she said, “I know the nickname you have for me.”

“Och, dae ye?”

“Yes. You said it to me weeks ago, but you have not said it since. Why on earth are you calling me trouble?” she asked.

He laughed, his chest rumbling against her back as he pulled her close, kissing her shoulder. “I call ye trouble because ye came in and destroyed everythin’ I thought I had built, with one kiss.”

“But you make it sound bad.”

“Nay, love. I needed it. Ye are the best kind of trouble, and I wouldnae trade anythin’ we’ve had for the world.”

“I suppose I ought to have a nickname for you. Perhaps Smug or Brute.”

He laughed again. “Ye see? Ye’re bloody trouble.” She wriggled against him, and he groaned. “Just what I meant. Dinnae dae that, if ye daenae wish me tae take ye again soon.”

“This?” She wriggled again, and then turned in his arms. “If I am to be named thusly, then I plan on being troublesome for the rest of our lives.” She pressed a hand to his cheek.

“Good, trioblaid.” He turned to kiss her palm. “Good.”

The End.

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One month later

The wedding was a lavish affair. Lana had tried to avoid most of the unnecessary things, but Alba and Evelyn had insisted that it was, in fact necessary; all of it. After the quiet ceremony, attended only by their close family, Lana had walked into a great hall that was filled not only with clansmen and women, but also food, drink, and flowers decorating every column and every bare space on the tables.

The cooks had outdone themselves, serving enough roasted meat for an army.

I suppose there is an army in here, though.

Lana recognized a few men from her own clan there, men in high positions that held plenty of influence. Nothing had been decided yet about the future of the Hay Clan, and Lana knew it was none other than the three Murray brothers–Tate, Magnus and Scott–who had invited those men there. It would be good to have them on their side, she knew.

All that mattered to her, was that Deirdre was finally there. She had given up the habit for now, and she didn’t yet know what the future held for her.

“Ye look so bonnie, Lana,” Deirdre said, taking Tate’s seat next to as he was absorbed in a conversation with Kian and Macauley at the other end of the table. “Ye look happy.”

“Ach, Deirdre.” Lana smiled at her, taking a good look at her now that they were sitting close. Every day, she seemed to be getting more mature. She had had a lot of responsibility suddenly thrust into her hands, what with the clan being in her care now, but she was handling it beautifully. “Ye ken… the older ye get, the more ye resemble Maither.”

Deirdre only knew their mother from portraits, the few that still remained in Hay Castle. But Lana remembered her, though faintly.

“Ye think so?” Deirdre asked.

“I dae,” Lana said. “Yer husband will be very lucky.”

“I told ye, I dinnae ken if I wish tae marry,” Deirdre said. “It’s nae so bad, the life o’ a nun.”

“I ken,” Lana assured her. “But it’s nae so bad, bein’ married either, after all.”

“Ye only say that because Tate is yer husband,” Deirdre said with a short laugh. “If it had been Laird Cummings…”

“Well, then I suppose I would have done me best tae become a widow,” Lana said, surprising even herself with that confession. For a moment, Deirdre gaped at her in disbelief, before she burst out laughing.

“Are ye enjoyin’ yerselves?” Tate asked, sliding behind Lana and placing his hands on her shoulders. Lana leaned into his touch, still craving it, even though they had already had plenty of each other. It turned out that neither she nor Tate were willing to wait a month for their wedding to share a room once more. Besides, no one seemed to be batting an eyelid at them being together.

“Aye, very much,” Lana said. “But I would enjoy meself more if we danced.”

Without a word, Tate offered Lana his hand. She took it, and the two of them joined the people who were already dancing, gliding effortlessly into the crowd.

There was only so much Lana could dance, though, before she began to have other thoughts in her mind. She pulled Tate aside, to a dark corner where no one else could see or hear them, the rest of them too busy with the feast to take any notice.

“I think it’s time we go tae our chambers,” she said. “Dinnae ye think?”

It was all it took for Tate to grin and take her hand, leading Lana out of the great hall through a back door, so that no one would try and stop them. They rushed past the kitchens and around to the garden, before using another small entrance to head back inside the castle.

They ended up by the drawing room, and from there, it was only a flight of stairs to their bedroom, where Tate closed the door firmly behind them. He wasted no time before he pressed Lana against it, his mouth landing on her neck with a groan.

She had thought she was the one who was eager, but now Tate was proving her wrong.

“I’ve been waitin’ all day fer this,” he said. “I’ve been thinkin’ about bein’ inside ye ever since I woke up this morn and ye werenae there.”

Lana moaned at Tate’s words, tipping her head back to bare her neck to him. She, too, had been thinking about him all day, eager for the moment they would be able to slip out of the feast so that they could finally be alone.

Hasty hands all but tore Lana’s clothes off her body, much to her chagrin. Under any other circumstances, she would have chastised him for it, but she was too aroused now, unable to think about the state her clothes. Tate quickly peeled back layer after layer, until she stood there in front of him, fully nude and dripping with want.

Tate fell to his knees in front of Lana and her hands found their way to his blonde hair, tugging gently at the strands. She pulled him closer to her, until his lips pressed against her most sensitive spot, making her arch her back in pleasure.

She would never get tired of this, and it seemed like Tate would neither . He loved pleasuring her, enthusiastically bringing her to the edge time after time, and this time, it wasn’t any different. His tongue dipped inside her, making Lana’s head fill up with nothing but cotton and her ears buzz with the rush of blood. Tate’s hands curled around her rear, pulling her even closer, forcing her firmly onto his mouth.

Lana canted her hips forward, selfishly taking her pleasure. Warmth built quickly deep within her, and she knew she wouldn’t last long, but she also knew her climax would be only one of many that night. She could tell by now when Tate was insatiable, and so she knew they had a long night—and perhaps an even longer day—ahead of them.

Her pleasure crashed over her like a wave only moments later, and she held tightly onto Tate’s hair as she moaned his name. She was glad that everyone else was in the great hall and that the sounds of the feast would drown out the ones she was making, as there was no way she could stop them now.

“Inside me,” she commanded, panting as she pulled Tate up to his feet. “Let me feel ye, Tate, please.”

Never one to disappoint or leave her waiting, Tate tore off his own clothes without any regard for them. Lana could have sworn that she even heard some of the fabric rip, but she didn’t care, not when those strong hands grabbed her hips and spun her around.

“Brace yerself,” Tate said, and as Lana arched her back, she also braced her forearms against the door for leverage.

Tate’s hands travelled down the expanse of her back slowly, his fingers following the curve of her spine. Then he moved them back up, circling her body to cup her breasts and squeeze as he pressed his manhood against her, rubbing the length of it on her folds. It was a terrible tease, and no matter how much Lana tried to get him to slip inside her, she couldn’t maneuver her hips the right way.

“Tate,” she said, her voice a high-pitched whine that brought a furious blush to her cheeks. She didn’t know she could even sound so needy, and she didn’t particularly like it, but Tate seemed to. A growl erupted from his chest, and he finally pushed himself inside her, filling her.

It was a relief and a joy at the same time. It was as though she had been deprived of water and had just found a cooling stream, comfort washing over her. Tate didn’t try to tease her anymore. His thrusts were as demanding as they were satisfying, hitting a spot deep inside her that drew moan after moan from her lips.

“So bonnie, Lana,” Tate whispered in her ear, lips brushing against the sensitive skin of her neck. His teeth grazed over it, and Lana gasped, shaking from head to toe as Tate picked up his pace, pushing deep into her as his fingers dug into the flesh of her hips, leaving small marks.

Lana wished she could see Tate, because she was certain that he, too, looked mesmerizing. He always did when they made love, strands of his hair falling to his eyes, that icy blue of them boring into her when their gazes met. She had never seen a man as handsome as him, and she couldn’t get enough of him.

But she didn’t want to move from the position in which he had put her. His length hit all the right spots like that, curving just slightly against her walls in a way that made her gasp with pleasure. She didn’t know why they hadn’t tried it before, but what she did know was that it would be far from the last time they ever coupled like this.

Her climax came once more just as Tate spilled into her with a shout of her name, the telltale warmth spreading inside her. He gave her a few more, short thrusts that only intensified her pleasure, and then his head fell against her back, strands of his hair sticking to her sweaty skin.

“We should get married more often,” Tate said, and Lana couldn’t help but laugh, the movement making him slip out of her. Lana didn’t want to move, but the position was getting uncomfortable, and there was a chill in the room she hadn’t felt before, for obvious reasons, so she reluctantly made her way to the bed, away from Tate.

Naturally, he joined her within moments. Curling around her back, Tate pulled the covers over the two of them and held Lana tightly in his arms, his hand coming to rest low on her stomach. “Ye wanted a bairn, did ye nae?” he asked. “I think it’s time we dae anythin’ in our power tae have one.”

“Or a few,” said Lana, smiling to herself. She would be more than happy to try, but for the moment, she was content to rest in Tate’s arms, to be surrounded by him, his warmth, his scent, leather and ink and the wine he had had at the feast.

“Lana,” Tate said after a few moments of silence.

“Hm?”

“I love ye.”

He said it so softly, so quietly, that a few tears prickled at the corners of Lana’s eyes. There was so much behind those three simple words, and nothing she had ever heard had sounded as sincere.

“I love ye, too, Tate,” she said. “I’ll love ye always.”

The End.

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Two months later

After all the weeks they’d been away, savoring each other’s company, travelling together, their homecoming was bittersweet.

Now she’d have to share Gillebride with his duties, while she would be forever under the watchful eyes of her family. All the same, Arya’s heart lifted at the distant sight of the castle tower as they approached through the glen.

It had been an exciting time.

After their wedding they’d travelled to Badenoch so Gilly could discuss the estate with his cousin Angus, who was now the Laird of the MacThomas Clan in Gillebride’s late father’s place.

While he bore Angus no ill will and was content to leave him in charge of the clan, Angus was stiff and suspicious in his company and they’d spent as little time there as possible.

Gillebride mused on his father’s fate. “I dinnae mourn him, Arya,” he’d confided, “but the hatred I bore him all those years is gone. His death from a flaming arrow has brought some justice tae the death of me wife and daughter by fire.”

Arya tightened her grip on his hand and reached to kiss him.

When they at last turned their backs on Castle MacThomas and rode away, there was a sense between them that some score had been settled and they could now look to the future and move beyond the past.

Gillebride was keen to return to Castle Ardtun to settle matters with the MacKinnons. As he would not be returning, he wished them to be aware of his newfound happiness with Arya, and to thank them for all the courtesies of their home and clan they’d showered him with over the years.

They were welcomed by Blaine, Ivy and the twins, and Errol, Edina and her sisters, and spent a happy time there. They left bearing good wishes and messages of love for Hannah.

For the rest of the time, they meandered. Taking their time to sit by the shores of Loch Linnhe and catch a fish or two, finding inns with comfortable beds where they could rest and make love all night.

Finally, before setting off on the final leg of their journey home, they stayed two nights with the Camerons, supping on delicious French dishes, Arya taking note of all the pretty French touches Adèle had wrought, in the hope that she could do the same in the castle they were planning in which she and Gillebride would make their home.

As they finally approached the portcullis of Castle MacDonell, Arya breathed a deep, happy sigh.

“Home at last,” she said, smiling at Gilly. They urged their horses to a canter and waited impatiently while the gate was slowly raised.

A cheer broke out as they rode into the keep. There, on the castle steps were all the servants, and a beaming Nicol, the seneschal. Hurrying across the cobblestones were Payton, Taveon and Hannah, their faces wreathed in smiles.

“It’s good tae see ye,” Payton said, lifting Arya off her feet for a hug while Taveon seized Gillebride in a bear hug.

Hannah, her eyes alight with excitement, gave Arya kisses on both cheeks and then wove her arms around Gillebride as soon as Taveon released him.

“Our scouts rode in a while ago with the news they’d spotted yer party along the glen. We’ve a fine feast awaiting ye once ye’ve cleared the dust of travel from yer faces,” Payton said.

They retreated to their bedchamber where Arya changed from the britches she’d been wearing for riding into a freshly laundered blouse and kirtle.

She was seated in front of her mirror undoing her braids when Gillebride approached. After planting soft kisses at her nape, he finished unravelling the last of the braids, easing her tangles through his fingers. He took the brush from her table and set about gently brushing her hair.

Holding the shining tresses in his hands, he breathed in deeply. “How I love the sweet scent of roses in yer hair,” he muttered, bending to kiss her lips.

Lost in a long, luxurious kiss, they missed the sound of a gentle tap on their door and the creak as the door swung open.

It was Taveon, who cleared his throat as they pulled apart, laughing at the sight of him looking so flustered.

“Sorry tae disturb ye,” he said, “but Payton is waiting impatiently in the great hall fer ye tae dine with us. He’s eager tae hear of yer travels and tae give ye our news.”

Hand in hand they followed Taveon down the stairs. Since the happy day of their wedding, it was such joy to openly walk hand in hand in front of all the castle.

The cooks had done a fine job of preparing roast venison and wildfowl, rabbit stew, carrots, nips, and a heap of wild greens foraged from the woods. The dessert was a delicious custard swirled with whipped cream, raspberries, blackcurrants and strawberries.

“Has aught been heard from the MacQuarries?” Gillebride asked.

Beside him, Arya caught her breath, a tiny chill running through her.

Payton smiled and shook his head. “I believe the new laird has his hands full dealing with the ruffians that surrounded his father. But he’s a strong-willed lad and I daresay we’ll have nae more trouble with his clan.”

Taveon shook his head. “There’ll be nae more talk of vengeance or bloodshed. The MacQuarries will change their ways soon enough.”

While they dined, Hannah sat quietly. “Once the men have taken tae the study I wish tae show ye how yer roses are blooming in the garden. I’ve tended them in yer absence and they give me great pleasure. But I’m so happy ye’re here again. I’ve been longing fer me sister’s return.”

Replete after the dining that went on, even after they’d eaten and drunk their fill, Arya looked forward to a stroll in the garden. She and Arya got to their feet from the long timber table and headed for the rose arbor.

Gillebride joined the others in Payton’s study, no doubt to quaff a few drams of whisky and regale them with stories of their travels. In particular, he would pass on the plans for the coming wars he’d learned from Blaine and Errol at Ardtun.

The breeze in the garden was fresh and cool and Arya drew her shawl over her shoulders as they strolled in the perfumed air to the arbor to take a seat there.

Remembering the time she’d sat here with Gillebride and the kisses they’d shared brought a smile to her lips.

Hannah sat, patting the space next to her.

“Sit down dear Arya, I have much tae tell ye.”

Arya looked up at the sound of a loud “Meow,” and a large furry form emerged from a shady spot.

“Grimalkin,” she cried, lifting the purring moggie into her arms. “Ye’re here at last.”

Hannah chuckled. “Aye, all our baggage arrived last week. Yer wee pots of herbs are doing well. I’ve put them near the infirmary where Sister Margaret is watering them and keeping an eye on them.”

“Ah,” Arya said leaning back, cradling the bundle of fur in her arms. “I am so happy.”

Hannah clapped. “And I am so happy fer both of us.”

Arya looked at her friend. Hannah’s eyes were shining and her cheeks, so thin and pale when she and Gillebride had left a little more than a month ago, were plump and flushed with pink.

“Ye look well, Hannah.”

“And so I am.” She took Arya’s hand. “I have such wonderful news.”

Arya caught a breath. “Ye’re nae…?”

Hannah nodded excitedly. “Aye. I’m tae have a bairn of me own before long.”

Now it was Arya’s turn to clap. She leaned over to give Hannah a kiss, dislodging Grimalkin, who meowed in protest as he slid to the grass at Arya’s feet and commenced to wash.

“I had hardly dared tae hope when ye were so sick before our wedding. I prayed it was merely the sickness of childbearing that caused ye tae hate yer food.”

Hannah laughed. “Merely the sickness of childbearing. Ye wait, Arya MacThomas, when it’s yer turn ye’ll nae use the word merely.”

Arya took her in her arms. “I’m so happy fer ye. When dae ye think the wean will make his entrance intae the world?”

“I’ve consulted with Sister Margaret and Peg the midwife, and they’re both of the view that it will be around four months from now.”

“Oh. So soon. I shall have tae spin some wool and start knitting a wee blanket fer the wean. He’ll be here fer the winter so he’ll be in need of something warm and cozy.”

“And I’ve already started knitting, Arya, and so has dear Maggie. The wee soul will never feel the cold blast of winter.”

***

When at last Arya and Gillebride were cuddled together in bed, warm and snug under their fur coverlet, she turned to him, smoothing the long dark hair behind his ears, resting her head on his chest, reveling in the feel of his strong arm around her and the steady beat of his heart against her ear.

“So, Hannah and Taveon are expecting a bairn around November,” she whispered, running a finger across the thicket of black hairs on his chest.

He toyed with her long tresses, winding a curl around his finger.

“Is a bairn something ye wish fer lass? I’ve never spoken of it. After the loss of me wee Claray I’d never dared hope that one day I could be blessed with another bairn.”

“Oh, Gilly,” she said, smiling, “I wish nothing more now that we are wed, than tae fill our new castle with the laughter of children. I want tae see them climb on yer lap and laugh at the stories ye’ll have tae tell them.”

He lay still a moment and she fancied he was thinking about the picture she painted.

Then he seized her and pulled her to sit atop him, so that her legs were straddling his giant frame.

She bent and took his lips in hers and they kissed. It started long and dreame, but as their tongues found each other and his hands came up to fondle her breasts, their passion grew and the kiss grew heated, deeper, until they could no longer contain the wild desire that was overtaking them.

Gilly moaned as she stroked the hard length of him.

“I wish that part of ye tae be inside me, MacThomas.”

“Aye, lass, I’ll dae as ye demand,” he said, raising her with his two hands at her waist and lowering her, so that her slick, sensitive folds opened over him. He slid his hard member inside her slowly, inch by inch, taking his time and making her moan. Until impatient she cried out and lowered herself, taking him to the hilt.

“Let’s see if we can start making a bairn right here and now,” he managed before he was lost and quite beyond speech.

“Gilly, aye,” she said, moaning as he thrust harder. “I dae adore ye so, love of me life.”

The End.

If you want to know what lies ahead in our story, you may want to get the sequel…

The Laird's Stolen Bride

Kayla Mackenzie, scarred by her fiancé’s sudden death, has vowed to avoid love. Yet, forced into another betrothal, she seeks solace in a forbidden kiss at her own engagement celebration. Little does she know, the mysterious stranger she kisses is her fiancé’s enemy, Payton MacDonell. And while Kayla despises Payton for blackmailing her to spy on her own husband-to-be, she cannot fight her growing feelings for him. Yet, as their passion grows, it is revealed that her first fiancé’s death was intentional. And the next target is Payton.