Papa, in a forest-green tunic and leather pants, aided Mama out of the vessel, her golden-red hair now holding the odd strand of gray but her face as youthful as ever.
With a squeal, Mama cried out, her teal gown with its long lace tapered sleeves flapping as she rushed along the landing toward her.
“Mama, Papa!” She ran right into Mama’s open arms and another flood of tears streaked down her cheeks, Mama’s too as they mashed their wet cheeks together. “I’m so glad you’re both here.”
“We’ve been waiting for what feels like forever to see you, my sweet. You look so well.”
“And tall.” Papa chuckled and wrapped his arms around them both. “You’ve grown somewhat. A wee lass you are no more.”
“Tell me how your new husband is treating you.” Mama dotted her forehead with kisses, each one making her heart swell fuller with love.
“Extremely well.” She smiled mischievously over her shoulder at Ronan, who stood with his chest pumped out and his grin wide. “Come here, my mate.”
“Welcome to Carron Castle, Grace, Isaiah.” He joined them, gripped Papa’s hand and hugged Mama. “Thank you both for giving me your daughter. I consider myself the most fortunate man alive.”
“’Tis truly a miracle our Christina—I mean Kyla has now been found and most grateful I am you’ve brought her safely back to us.” Mama squeezed Ronan tight then cupped her face, peered into her eyes. “Since I never saw your death, I always held the hope that you lived. I certainly wish I’d heard that the Chief of MacKenzie had taken in a lost child and claimed her as his foster daughter. That news never reached us.”
“He kept it very quiet, only those within his keep ever aware. Have you explained all to Papa?”
“I have now, and we’ll both keep Coll and Duncan’s secret safe. One day they will be ready to share the truth with one and all, but until that day arrives, neither of us shall whisper a word.”
“Then come. ’Tis time for you to see Carron Castle.” She looped her arm through Mama’s and led her along the landing and up the stone stairs, her heart overflowing with happiness, Papa and Ronan one step behind them.
Aye, this day marked a new beginning, one in which she now had her parents back.
No more lost kin. Never again.
’Twas time for the fae to live.
Chapter 10
Sprawled naked across Ronan’s chest within their golden canopied bed at Carron Castle, the warmth from the crackling fireplace washing over her, Kyla had never felt so blissfully at rest, no matter the late hour of the night.
“I’m surprised Isaiah and Grace finally allowed us to leave the great hall.” Ronan played his fingers through her hair, his muscled body rippling with strength underneath hers.
“You tossed me over your shoulder and carted me upstairs so fast you didnae even give them a chance to wrestle you to the ground as they did last eve.” A week her parents had been here and during that time they’d all become so much closer.
“I’m getting faster, wiser, and more devious.” He caught her hand and threaded their fingers together before running one thumb over her sparkling sapphire and diamond ring, the gold band having been adjusted by the armorer and its fit now perfect.
“Speaking of being devious.” She wriggled up, hooked one leg over his hips and straddled him. Such intense emotions swamped her, the most wondrous of all being love. It filled her heart and overflowed it. “I’m expecting.”
“Pardon?”
“We’re going to have a family of our own.”
“Are you certain?” He stared at her flat belly then with slightly shaky hands, rested his palms gently upon her, his touch so reverent. “I see naught.”
“I’m very certain since I’ve no’ had my courses since you returned to claim me. We will be parents ourselves afore too long.”
“Incredible.” A smile lifted his lips as he traced around her breasts then lifted up, his elbows pressed into the mattress as he swept his tongue over one nipple and then the other. “Your breasts are fuller. That I most definitely noticed.”
“They are?”
“Deliciously so.” He sucked her nipple deep inside his mouth and flicked the tip with his tongue before toppling her onto her back and thrusting inside of her so fast, she almost came from his fiercely powerful stroke alone. She certainly fought to hold onto her control, her body tingling the entire length where they touched.
Gasping for breath, she arched her back, tried to speak only he moved so deeply inside her that she hadn’t a chance of forming a word. With no other choice, she gave herself fully over to their love, held onto him in every way, with both her body and her mind.
Aye, since the day of her birth, she’d been bound to him and would be until the very end of time. Her mate, her chosen one, the man who’d made her his bride.
Chapter 11