“If you remained at my side, neither my bear or I would have an issue.” Tavish swept in beside her, pushed open the door and motioned for her to move ahead of him into the great hall.
A good hundred of his clansmen sat eating at trestle tables, their boisterous chatter lightening her heart. “Now, this is wonderful to see. There are so many shifters. In my time, there is only Gilleoin and his two sons, my cousins, Kenneth and Ivan.”
“Ivan’s line alone lives here at Ivanson, while in this time Kenneth’s firstborn line continues to hold Matheson Castle, your home.” He captured her hand and slipped it through his crooked arm. “We have around two-hundred clansmen in all, although not all are present here today.”
“Where are the others?”
“Many are out and about seeing to their duties. We have specialist teams who work high level government cases. Even though we keep our shifter status to ourselves, there are a few trusted people outside of our clan who are aware of what we can do and keep our secret.” He leaned closer. “Our numbers are slowly dwindling though. Unfortunately it’s been over five years since our last clan birth.”
“Isla is expecting twins with Iain, so your clan shall have two new births in a few short months.” She slid her fingers down to his wrist and tangled them with his. She shouldn’t touch him so, except she just couldn’t help herself and his aura calmed when she did. Easing his frustration seemed to ease hers. “Iain and Isla are currently in Stirling with Gilleoin and Kenneth, as well as with Nessa. Iain and Isla were so eager to see all that they could while the chance presented itself.”
“What took them all to Stirling?”
“Gilleoin was summoned by William, the King of Scots, and had no choice but to go and attend him. He left Finlay and Kirk in charge of his castle and lands until he returns. They are doing a most admirable job. One can tell they are your chief’s sons.”
“All three of Michael’s sons are born leaders.” He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her fingertips. “I still want to kiss you.”
“I’m sure the urge will abate.” It had better, otherwise she might very well begin giving into him since she liked his touch so much. She turned her attention back on those within the great hall. Ahead at the dais, Michael Matheson, the Chief of Clan Matheson, sat dressed in a tan leather vest over a collared shirt, his sword gleaming at his side. Megan sat next to him in a cherry-colored ankle-length skirt and blouse. Kirk sat near his father, his plate brimming with slices of cooked meat and bread and he cut a sliver of meat and fed it to Cherub.
“Come and choose what you’d like to eat then we’ll sit with Kirk and Cherub.” Tavish steered her toward a side table filled with an array of steaming foods. He picked up two plates and passed her one then loaded his plate with crispy bacon, hot scrambled eggs and cooked tomato slices. She selected the same, although a much smaller portion. With her plate filled, Tavish set a hand at her back and guided her across the room to the dais and pulled out a chair for her next to Cherub. She set her plate down while Tavish sat next to her and Tor sat on his other side.
Cherub smiled and squeezed her hand, the sleeves of her regal plum gown accented with gold satin fluttering over her wrists. “How do you fare this morn?”
“I’m very well. Tavish stitched my wound and I felt not a pinch of pain as he did.” She leaned closer, lowered her tone. “Although I’m afraid Tavish seems to be under the impression that we’re mated, even though his aura tells me otherwise.”
“His aura does no’ tug toward yours or vice versa?” she whispered back.
“Aye, that is exactly what I’m saying.”
“How strange.” Cherub appeared confused. “Do you feel aught toward him? I ask that because the air itself brings me the secrets it holds, including the call of those who are soul bound. A few days past I actually caught Tavish’s soul’s need for yours, and I’ve yet to be led astray.”
“You did?” She snuck a look at Tavish. He and Tor spoke to each other and she breathed out then leaned back toward Cherub. “Well, I must admit I do feel desire for him, but I cannae tell him that. ’Twould only raise his hopes. One’s aura does no’ lie, or at least not an honorable man’s aura. Tavish is clearly honorable.”
“Hmm.” Cherub patted her hand. “Let me think on this new development a little and I’ll see what I can uncover.” She straightened then motioned toward Kirk’s parents. “You’ve met Michael and Megan afore.”
“Of course.” She smiled at them. “Thank you for the clothes, Megan, but with Cherub’s return for me, I shall no’ be needing them. Michael, I would love to see your home but I fear I willnae be here long enough to do so.”
Highlander's Kiss (Clan Matheson #1)
Joanne Wadsworth's books
- Highlander's Desire (The Matheson Brothers #1)
- Highlander's Caress (The Fae #2)
- Highlander's Touch: Medieval Romance (The Fae Book 3)
- Bodyguard Pursuit (Bodyguards #2)
- Enchanter (Princesses of Myth #3)
- Highlander's Passion (The Matheson Brothers #2)
- Highlander's Bride (The Fae #1)
- Highlander's Castle (Highlander Heat #1)
- Highlander's Charm (Highlander Heat #3)
- Highlander's Faerie (Highlander Heat #5)
- Highlander's Guardian (Highlander Heat #4)
- Highlander's Heart (Clan Matheson #2)