The moon, golden and so very full, hung low over the loch and sent its blaze of warmth across the castle and forest beyond. Sorcha tucked her hand inside Gilleoin’s as Kenneth and Ivan stood strong beside them. This night she’d lose one son even as she gained a daughter and so many emotions warred within her. Loss, sadness, yet also wonder and hope. ’Twas time for her sons to seek out their mates and claim them, to live the lives they were born for.
“All will be well, my love.” Gilleoin kissed the top of her head. “This is a night of celebration, and we will no’ consider it otherwise.” He clasped his youngest son’s shoulder. “Ivan, do you sense your mate?”
“Aye, I’m driven toward the east. She is far away, so distant ’twill take some time to reach her and with only this night of the full moon to guide me in the right direction.”
“Nessa warned you that ’twould be so. This night though will set you on the right course.”
“I will find her. Our souls are bound and I willnae be able to rest until I am with her.”
Sorcha stepped forward. “Ivan, dinnae forget what your grandmother has also asked of you.”
“To never disclose the location of this keep. I gave her my word I wouldnae. My descendants willnae merge again with my brother’s line until the time for the prophecy to unveil arrives.” He seized his father’s forearms in a firm hold. “An adventure awaits.” He released Gilleoin and hauled her into his arms. “Mother, there is naught I can say that will ever express what is in my heart. It overflows with love for you and I pray my wife shall be as you are, most wondrous and loving.”
“As my heart overflows with love for you too.” Tears welled in her eyes and slipped free, tears she hadn’t a chance of holding back.
Ivan moved toward his brother and gripped Kenneth’s shoulder. “May you too find your mate and bear many cubs.”
“Aye, as I wish the same for you.” Kenneth clasped Ivan to him. They spoke to each other, in such a low tone she hadn’t a chance of hearing it.
Ivan grinned, released Kenneth and strode to his destrier tethered to a post at the stables. He tightened his saddlebag into place and mounted his steed. With one last wave, he galloped through the fallen leaves lining the forest trail, his padded leather war coat donned and claymore holstered to his back. All too soon, he disappeared into the dark, taking a piece of her heart with him.
Kenneth wrapped his arms around her. “All will be well, Mother.”
“Aye, it shall. Do you too sense your mate? I wish for a new daughter this night.”
“She’s very close, and I shall do all I can to give you what you seek.” He motioned toward the village along the loch where the land curved to a tip. Smoke curled from several of the thatch-roofed houses high into the night sky. “I shall find her this night and bring her home.”
“Then journey safely, and we shall see you on your return.”
“You shall.” He strode down to the sea-gate and bounded onto one of the moored skiffs.
Aye, this was a night of celebration. The coming days would mark the beginning of a new age, one filled with so many new promises for them all.
Chapter 3
A trickle of sunshine slithered between the gap in Iain’s navy curtains where they hadn’t quite been drawn and played over his closed eyelids. Curled in front of him, her back to his chest, Isla stirred and wriggled her pert backside into his groin. Holding and talking to her throughout the night had brought such peace to his soul.
Under his fur bedcovers, he ran one hand down her arm, her skin deliciously warm to the touch. For now he had this, her close, and it would be enough until they completed the bond.
“Iain?” Mumbling, she stretched and rolled toward him.
“Go back to sleep.”
“Is it morning already?” She opened one eye and peered toward the window. “It is. Daniel will be calling soon.” She sat up and the covers slithered down and pooled at her waist. “Would it be possible for me to take a shower before breakfast? And beg you for a change of clothes?”
“Of course, and no begging needed. I’ll find my mother and ask her to secure what you’ll need.” He eased out of the bed, helped her to her feet and led her into his bathroom with its sandy-colored stone floor tiles, charcoal vanity and fluffy cream towels. “Any other requests?”
“Coffee. A big cup, black, no sugar. I’ll need that if you want to get anything sensible out of me this morning.”