Total pages in book: 108
Estimated words: 100029 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 500(@200wpm)___ 400(@250wpm)___ 333(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 100029 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 500(@200wpm)___ 400(@250wpm)___ 333(@300wpm)
She smiled. “Something I can count on—for you to catch me when I faint.”
He kissed her gently. “Always.”
Later that night they lay in bed, Brogan nibbling teasingly at her neck as his hand stroked her naked body.
“So, Rudd will ask your father if there has been any news of mercenaries in the area?” she asked, trying to concentrate on what he had told her about his earlier conversation with Rudd. “And he will return with more warriors, and you think your father may return with him to see things for himself and speak with you.”
“Aye, that is all, so let’s not waste any more time on it. There are more important matters on hand,” he said, teasing her nipple hard with his fingers.
Her sigh was more a moan as she relaxed against him.
“Finally, you have no choice but to surrender,” Brogan said playfully and was about to kiss her when she sprang up in bed.
“Of course, why did not I see it?” she said, shaking her head.
Brogan groaned, his stiff shaft not happy about the sudden interruption. “See what?”
Annis turned a beaming smile on him. “I know where Gunna hides.”
That caught Brogan’s curiosity and he sat up beside her. “How do you know?”
“You just said no choice and Seward said earlier that when a person is left no choice they turn to—” She clapped her hands. “The mercenaries. Gunna hides among the mercenaries.”
25
Annis did her best to hide her annoyance the next morning. She had wanted to visit with the witch again and speak with her about Gunna, but Brogan’s father arrived with the extra warriors, delaying, and possibly, preventing her from talking with the witch today.
“You and your wife must return home with me,” Lord Balloch said, after dismounting his horse and striding over to his son, a stern look sharpening his features. Brogan went to speak, and his father raised not only his voice but his hand to ward off any protest. “I command it!”
“You can command all you want, Father, I will do as I please,” Brogan said with a chuckle that was more sinister than funny. This time Brogan’s hand shot up when his father went to argue. “If you have not noticed, my wife and I are building a fine home here.”
With a dismissive wave of his hand, Lord Balloch brushed aside his son’s remark. “Your home is at the keep where you will one day rule. Clan MacRae is your legacy and those who come after you. You have a responsibility and with the news I just received, you have no choice but to do as I command.”
“What news?” Brogan asked.
“Lord Odran and his wife were nearly killed, and Lord Fergus recovers from wounds meant for his son,” Lord Balloch announced.
Annis stepped forward, fear racing through her. “Was my sister harmed?”
“Nay, she and the bairn do well,” Brogan’s father said.
“Bairn?” Annis asked, her eyes turning wide.
Lord Balloch was about to shake his head, then stopped. “You were not to be made aware of it yet, but since I had a slip of the tongue you might as well know. Lady Elysia is with child.”
Annis took another step toward Lord Balloch. “How did Lord Odran take that news?”
“With joy and worry from what I have been told.” He turned his attention to his son. “Lord Odran now rules Clan MacBridan, Lord Fergus having handed the reins over to his son.”
Annis could care less about that. All she was concerned about was her sister. “Was the culprit caught?”
“He is dead. A brave, young lad named Dugan helped save your sister.” Lord Balloch shook his head. “I still cannot believe Cadell betrayed us as he did and all for the sake of some coins.”
Annis sent a silent prayer to the heavens that Dugan had not only gotten her message to Elysia but that he had been there to help save her life. She was about to ask about Cadell, but her husband spoke first.
“Are you saying Cadell tried to kill Odran and Elysia?”
“Aye, it was Cadell which is why you and your wife need to return home immediately where I can make sure you are both kept safe from the mystery group that seeks to see you, Odran, and Rannick dead and your wives as well.”
“Then why didn’t the man who attempted to abduct my wife simply kill her. He made it known that his purpose was to capture her unharmed.”
“I do not know, and I do not want to find out. I want you both safe. I will send warriors to comb the land to see what they can find out,” Brogan’s father said.
Annis stepped away from Lord Balloch. “I am not going with you. I have a quest to finish, and I intend to finish it.”
Lord Balloch turned to his son. “She is your wife, see that she obeys.”