Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 90574 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 453(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90574 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 453(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
“You ran away,” Aliss said, laughing.
Raynor grabbed her hand. “I had to, please forgive me. Fiona told me you wanted no visits for a while but it has been so long, and I was so desperate. Don’t make me go back, I beg you.”
Aliss laughed at her brother’s pleading. “They do not know you came here?”
“Tarr and Father do and they wished, nay they prayed, I would take them with me.”
“Just wait until you return,” she said, her laughter bubbling over.
“I was hoping I could stay a while, quite a while, perhaps until Fiona delivers the baby?”
“I will be going to deliver her babe.”
Raynor nodded. “And if I return with you, she will ignore me—”
“And the fact that you ran away?”
“Exactly.”
“You are welcome to stay,” she said. She noticed that Raynor looked past her, glaring. She turned to see Rogan watching them from only a few feet away. He looked ever the wolf warrior, his own hair a mane of light and dark, his eyes blazing, his lips more of a snarl than a smile and his stance territorial.
She looked from one man to the other. “Is there a problem between the two of you?” Though a good four feet separated them, she moved to stand between them, prepared for a confrontation.
“Ask your brother,” Rogan nearly growled.
“I make no bones about my anger at you for abducting my sister and the consequences that followed. But like Tarr, I respect my sister’s decision regarding your bargain, and I will be respectful of her husband—since he will not be around long.”
“A matter that does not concern you,” Rogan informed him, stepping closer.
“If it concerns my sister it concerns me.” Raynor also advanced, his hands fisting at his sides.
Aliss stretched out her arms. “Enough.” She turned to Raynor. “This matter is between Rogan and me. I will tolerate no interference. Is that clear enough for you?”
He nodded reluctantly.
She then turned to Rogan. “I expect my brother to be welcomed in our home.”
Rogan answered with a sharp nod.
“Good, it is settled,” she said, though she doubted her own words. The two men obviously were far from being friendly. It didn’t seem likely now that she would be able to enjoy her brother’s visit.
“Our home,” Raynor whispered to her as they walked toward the village. “I thought you planned on ridding yourself of him. Chase him off and claim this land as your own.”
“Fiona’s words?” she questioned.
“I should have known.” Raynor shook his head. “You are twins. You’re as stubborn as Fiona.”
She hooked her arm in his. “Visit with me and forget about what Fiona has told you. See for yourself and tell me your opinion on the matter. I welcome your opinion. It would mean much to me.”
“Maybe you’re not as stubborn as Fiona,” he said. “I surely have missed you and have thought often of the great lengths you went to, to save my life. You have no idea how you made a very difficult time bearable for me. I want to be there for you as you once were for me. Anything you need, Aliss, just ask.”
A table was set outside, the weather far too beautiful for them to stay indoors. Platters and tankards filled with drink and food were placed before the three.
“This land is bountiful and more beautiful than I recall,” Raynor said, glancing around with curiosity and awe.
“If I remember correctly, you and Tarr had a dispute over this land,” Aliss said, hoping to discover as much as she could about the isle.
“We did.”
“Who actually owned the land?” she asked, eager to continue her investigation.
“That is debatable,” Raynor said.
“Not really,” Rogan corrected. “The land rightfully belongs to me, inherited from my parents.”
Aliss almost choked on her wine. Rogan had told her of his father bringing him here as a young lad, but never had he said it was an inheritance. Why had he not confided in her?
“Tarr would object to your claim since the isle belonged to his mother’s family,” Raynor informed him.
“Then why did you lay claim to it?” Rogan challenged.
“I was told that the land would unite two important clans and bring peace to the area for years to come. I hoped to be one of those clans.”
“Who told you that?” Aliss asked, more curious than ever.
Raynor shrugged. “I don’t recall.”
He obviously lied and Aliss wondered why. Didn’t he want Rogan to know? And if so, why not? She would find out when she had the chance to speak with him alone.
“Then peace should reign now, since two important clans, Hellewyk and Wolf, have united,” she said, hoping to avert a clash between the two obviously tense men.
“For now,” Raynor reminded.
“Forever,” Rogan corrected.
“From what Tarr tells me, you two have a bargain, and in six months you will be gone, out of my sister’s life.”
“But still her husband.”