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 herand 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.”
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.”
