She’d arrived home on that day months ago to find her family gathered outside her brother’s house. Horses had been called for, and they were just about to start looking for her.
The heightened senses her family had made them aware when one of them was in danger, and with this, and marriage to anyone carrying Raven blood, they had grown stronger. The awareness when one of them was in need came fast and hard.
She’d told them what had happened. Dorrie tried not to lie unless it was one that caused no one harm and got her out of trouble. This had not been one of those times. Dev had demanded the truth, and his worry had her blurting it out.
The fact she did not know the man’s name meant Dev could not track him down. So they did not know if he had any lasting effects or had died from his injury.
For some reason, she didn’t believe he had. One thing she had not told her family was that she’d felt the desperate need to save the man, or how her body had reacted before she’d realized something was wrong.
She’d also not mentioned that kiss. She’d thought about it though, when she lay in her bed. Thought about how his mouth had felt pressed to hers. The desperation to get closer to him.
Who was he?
“I will ask one further promise from you, Dorset.” Dev’s vivid green eyes met hers. Eyes that saw more than most. Dev had the heightened gift of sight. He could see great distances and if a person was unwell. It had been both a trial and a blessing to him and his family over the years.
She nodded.
“Never put yourself in danger again.”
“I promise.”
He sighed. “I want to believe that.”
“I promise to try to not put myself in danger again.”
He barked out a laugh but did not speak again, just continued reading, which she was very happy about.
…
Dark had fallen as they arrived in Crunston Cliff, the small town on the edge of the cliffs that held a soft spot in her heart. Most would stay at Raven Castle and others at Oaks Knoll, the Sinclair family home. Dorrie would stay at the castle. She loved it there.
“We have only a few days to prepare for the wedding.” Lilly yawned. “I fear I could sleep for a week.”
Dev wrapped an arm around her and pulled her to his side. Merry slumbered against his chest.
“James sent ahead with detailed instructions on what is to be done. The handful of guests that are coming will arrive to fresh sheets and clean hearths. Fret not, my love. It’s my hope he also has every fire in this pile of old stones lit and blazing. It is frigid out there.”
“I want the best for Somer.”
“As do we all.” Dorrie took her sister-in-law’s hand as she held it out. “It will be special, Lilly.”
“And you will be sad, as you’ve lost your best friend,” Dev said.
“No. I still have her,” Dorrie lied. “And everyone else in this large family of ours.”
“I have known you from the day you two were born. You have been inseparable ever since. You don’t fool me, little sister.”
“I will adjust” was all she said. Looking out the window, she watched the huge castle come into sight.
“I’m proud of you, you know.”
She returned her eyes to her brother’s.
“For being happy for her. For being there for her, even knowing how hard this is on you.”
“I’m all right, Dev.” Her throat felt thick with tears.
“I know the façade you show us will say that. Yet I also know that inside you are hurting,” he said softly.
