Duncan cleared his throat then cast his gaze from Mama to her grandparents then Ethan. “Then I would ask something most important of you all, right this moment. If you choose to live here, I’ll ensure your protection, as well as give you my undying gratitude. Be my kin, just as I wish to be yours.”
Smiling, Grandpa lifted his tankard and took a hearty swig of ale. “We’ve already made ourselves at home, Duncan, and we have no need to return to Skye where the MacDonald can rule over us. Here, he can hold no control, so aye, we accept your offer, all of us.”
“I’m asking a great deal.” Duncan tightened his hold on her. “There’s a war raging and I’ve no idea when it will ever end. If you need more time to consider my request, you have it.”
“The war rages no matter where we live.” Ethan rose and extended his hand to Duncan. “You have my agreement in remaining too, provided you allow me to train amongst your men and they can accept my presence.”
“Without question. I look forward to training with you too.”
“I accept your offer as well.” Mama hugged Duncan, her giddiness shining through. “There is no other place for me, other than right here with my most beloved kin.”
“And I go wherever my loved ones go.” Grandma clapped and beamed. “Although we must return home for long enough to collect our animals and belongings.”
“I cannae believe you’ve all said aye.” Pure joy lit Duncan’s face.
“They’ve truly agreed.” Joy infused her as well and kissing her mate, her heart overflowed with love. “I didnae even need to compel them either,” she whispered against his lips, “and I was fully prepared to do so in case you’re wondering.”
“I’d hoped you would should the need arise.” He grinned and she clung to him.
Aye, this day marked the beginning of the rest of their lives together, and a most wondrous life she intended for it to be. Giggling, she kissed her chosen one again and tasted sheer pleasure and all the delights it could bring.
Never would she live apart from him again.
He was her life, her love, the other half of her very soul.
Chapter 12
Cloaked and unseen at the far end of the great hall of Ardan House, Cherub snagged Kirk’s hand and drew him outside into the stony courtyard. A sliver of moonlight shimmered through the wispy cloud drifting over it while the air swirled and whispered across her skin, bringing to her all the secrets it held.
“What do you sense now, my elusive imp?” Kirk wrapped her up in his arms and smothered her in his delicious and heady scent.
“This is what I live for, to see each mated pair join together as one. I’m so excited for Ella and her kin, that Duncan has asked them to remain here. This is where they all belong, and what I sense now is that a new clan MacKenzie rises, one beyond the devious and dominating hand of Colin MacKenzie.”
“As do I. Where are we off to next?”
“’Tis time for us to track down Coll as he searches MacKenzie land in his quest to gather more warriors to his and Duncan’s cause. He needs to come home, where he might finally be reunited with his chosen one.”
“Reunited?” Kirk frowned and she grinned.
“Aye. It appears Coll and his mate have ignored the call within their fae blood to accept each other, but no more will I allow that. We’ll guide Coll in the right direction now his chosen one is no longer beyond his reach.”
This coming chase for Coll would be one of the most intriguing she’d ever set in motion, a journey of discovery for two soul bound mates who no longer had to deny either each other or their bond.
“Then lead the way.” Kirk twirled her around, captured her mouth with his and kissed her, his passion flaring hot and strong, the same as hers always did for him. None could ever deny the mated bond, and she’d certainly ensure each mated pair amongst her people had the chance to find each other.
With a giggle against Kirk’s lips, she sent them both soaring high into the skies and amongst the brilliance of the radiant stars above. This was life, to have the one who held the other half of their soul always at their side.
With her own heart and soul soaring at the incredible beauty surrounding her, she gave into her need to join with her chosen one, right within the vivid heights of the night sky.
Love. It was now Duncan and Ella’s too, would hopefully soon come for Coll and his mate. Aye, so many adventures still awaited them all.