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)
Artemis’s brow wrinkled. “What do you mean, just as it did for you and me? Did you cast magic on me, Theodora?”
She hugged his arm and chuckled softly. “If you call love magic than, aye, I did, for the moment I laid eyes on you, I knew I loved you.”
Artemis kept his laugh low. “Good, then my magic worked.”
Theodora smiled. “Your magic always works on me… when I let it.”
Artemis shook his head. “You are a handful, wife, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Rhodes was leading Fawn to the dais, taking advantage of the opportunity his father-in-law had provided to step away, his hand firm at her back. The hum of voices swelled again as they mounted the dais, all eyes on their laird and his bride.
Not far from the raised platform, two wolfhounds lay sprawled, their golden eyes half-lidded but ever watchful. They had welcomed Fawn’s tender command the very day she insisted on keeping them, and the clan still marveled at how obedient they were under her gentle hand. Overhead, a sweep of wings stirred the rafters—Rook had claimed his perch. He kept near Rhodes, sharp eyes tracking the room as though daring anyone to threaten his master.
The sight brought a murmur of wonder through the hall, as if even beasts now knew where their loyalty lay. Fawn’s heart warmed at it, and when Rhodes’s fingers brushed hers, she caught a wicked smile on his lips and a spark of passion in his eyes that stirred her own desire.
“Your sisters have good men. I have battled by their sides numerous times. They will keep your sisters safe.” Rhodes covered his hand with hers. “I have come to know your sisters this past week, and I see that neither of them are as bold or stubborn as you.”
She elbowed him lightly, though her smile betrayed her pleasure. “Stubborn? A wife with her own mind is a blessing, my lord. Or so you told me the other night when I mounted you.”
He chuckled, the deep sound vibrating through her. “Aye, and I’ll keep saying it… though you test me every day.”
“To our laird,” Boyce shouted, raising a tankard high, Sara at his side with her hand resting on her sizeable belly, the bairn due soon. “To our laird, who slew the warlock and brought peace to Clan MacBrair!”
The hall erupted in cheers, voices booming and feet stamping until the rafters shook.
Fawn leaned close to Rhodes, whispering as the noise rang out, “They’ll make you into a legend before long.”
“Let them,” he murmured, brushing his lips over her temple. “So long as you remain my truth.”
Later, when the pipes played and couples spun across the hall, Rhodes stood and scooped Fawn off her chair and into his arms.
She gasped, laughing as she clutched his neck. “Rhodes! What are you doing? People are watching!”
“Let them,” he said again, his dark eyes blazing with warmth. “They’ve had their celebration. Now I’ll have mine.”
The hall rang with cheers and laughter as he carried her out, his stride determined, her laughter trailing with them.
Up the winding steps he went, ignoring her mock protests, until he shouldered open the chamber door. The fire within already glowed, their bed piled with furs, the scent of pine and spice filling the air.
He cradled her close, brushing his cheek against hers. “You’re my wealth, Fawn. My strength. My stubborn, beautiful witch of a wife.”
Her smile softened, her hand slipping inside his shirt to rest against his chest. “And you’re mine, Rhodes. Always.”
His mouth claimed hers, the sound of music and merriment fading below as the world narrowed to the two of them.
He carried her toward the bed. “We need to get busy on Aura’s request about getting you with child.”
She smiled softly, placing her hand on her stomach. “You’ve already seen to that.”
He stopped abruptly, his eyes searching her face. “Are you telling me that—”
“Aye, your seed took root. I carry your bairn,” she said with pride.
He pressed his brow to hers. “I love you, wife, now and always.”
He kissed her, sealing a future where love—stubborn, fierce, and solid—would always win.
The End