Total pages in book: 55
Estimated words: 50898 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 254(@200wpm)___ 204(@250wpm)___ 170(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 50898 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 254(@200wpm)___ 204(@250wpm)___ 170(@300wpm)
“Fawn!” Two voices rose in unison, and in a heartbeat her sisters were rushing across the hall to throw their arms around her.
Fawn hugged them tightly, her heart swelling with joy, happy they had shared the past week together. For a moment, the hall, the noise, the eyes watching all faded away and it was just them, three sisters reuniting, sharing laughter and talk once again.
“This has been wonderful,” Ingrid said, smiling broadly.
“Aye,” Aura agreed, happily, and we will do it often. She rested her hand on her stomach that had yet to round. “I want you both there when I give birth.”
“Aye, me as well,” Ingrid said with a chuckle, her hand going to pat her slightly rounded stomach.
Aura smiled at Rhodes. “Get her with child, so our children can grow together like sisters and brothers.”
“He is doing his best, believe me,” Fawn said, her cheeks blossoming pink, not from embarrassment but the secret she had yet to share with her husband.
Two tall warriors, one with exceptionally fine features, moved in behind them.
Raff clapped Rhodes on the shoulder with a grin. “Whoever thought wishes could turn out so wonderful in the end.”
Declan chuckled. “Except for the mother-in-law part. She’ll turn you into a frog if you’re not careful.”
Rhodes’s mouth curved and looking as if he was ready to boast about his skills, Fawn poked him in the back with her finger.
He caught himself and said, “I’ve faced worse.”
The men laughed, shaking their heads, unaware of the truth that lingered unspoken. The power at Rhodes’s command, his witch’s blood that ran through him, the secret that bound Fawn and him tighter than any vow.
But Fawn felt the weight of it, even as she smiled at her sisters, her heart soaring at the sight of them all safe, happy, and together. Tonight was not for fear. Tonight was for joy.
Theodora swept toward them, Artemis at her side, both attired in garments that had the clan whispering of possible royalty.
“Mum, are you enjoying the celebration?” Fawn asked and waited for her to complain.
“It is quite pleasant, Fawn, and the food quite tasty.”
Her daughters stared in shock as her sons-in-law did, all except Rhodes.
“I told you that the Clan MacBrair knew how to throw an excellent celebration,” Rhodes said.
“And you were right,” Theodora acknowledged with a brief nod.
“Are you feeling all right?” Artemis was quick to ask.
“Aye, Mum, is something wrong?” Ingrid asked, Aura looking as puzzled as Ingrid sounded.
Fawn remained speechless that her mum admitted Rhodes was right, which made her wrong and she was never wrong about anything, so she claimed.
When Theodora didn’t respond, Artemis said with a grin, “So, you were wrong.”
His three daughters shook their heads at their da in warning.
Theodora turned a raised brow on her husband. “I don’t recall hearing Rhodes tell me I was wrong.”
A soft chuckle came from behind them. Elune approached, Sprig nestled comfortably in her arms. “My grandson is far too much of a gentleman and far too wise to embarrass his mother-in-law.”
Artemis rolled his eyes and Raff and Declan hurried their wives away before things turned ugly.
Fawn hurried to save the moment. “I see Sprig has chosen a new favorite.”
Elune smiled faintly, stroking the kitten’s fur. “He knows wisdom when he sees it. A good sign.”
Theodora arched a brow. “He is too young to know any better.”
“Or he is wise beyond his years,” Elune said smoothly, with a glimmer in her eyes. “I hear talk you mean to remain here.”
“And why should I not?” Theodora countered, her chin tilting upward.
“Your other two daughters are with child, I would think you would spend your time between them both since Fawn has me,” Elune replied, her voice calm but firm. “I am here to guide her and my grandson, to teach what must be taught, to help when help is needed. That should ease your mind.”
Theodora bristled, color rising in her cheeks. “Ease my mind? You dare—”
“Theodora,” Artemis said, interrupting her as he gave a nod to Rhodes. “You are needed at home. The forest waits for you, as do those who rely upon you.” His sternness softened as he added, “And you promised Fawn that Ash would come home with us. He’ll be safe in our woods, and I am sure you already have a mate in mind for him. You cannot go back on your word.”
“Aye, a witch’s word must be kept,” Elune said and walked away smiling.
Theodora scowled and went to follow the old woman, but Artemis took hold of her arm, stopping her.
“Enough, wife, it is time we enjoy our daughter’s wedding celebration.” Artemis stepped closer to her and whispered, “And it is time you let our daughters go and live their lives. While I hate to admit it, you chose good husbands for them.”
Theodora smiled, casting glances at the three men she had come across that fateful night. “I knew there was good in them as soon as I heard them talking. And I would never choose husbands for our daughters. I simply sent good men their way… love did the rest. Just as it did for you and me.” She smiled sweetly. “Come, let us enjoy the delicious feast.”