“Ye’re welcome to take the ore with ye today, return it to Callor.”
But the lad was already shaking his head.
“My men and I traveled lightly, without a wagon. We couldnae possibly take on such a burden.”
Meaning he was expectingmywarriors to be the ones to travel to the Highlands and back, taking time away from obligations and family in order to deliver the ore.
I couldn’t help the way I growled.
“Then ye will take a sample with ye, as a sign of the loyalty of Battleborn of Islay.”
Just saying that word—loyalty—made myKteergrowl and my stomach heave.
I gestured to Maardok.
“My lieutenant will show ye where the ore is being stored.”
My brother glared at me, likely because he was irritated at such a lowly chore—or mayhap at having to spend time in Dallin’s company. But hewasmy lieutenant, and I owed him for pointing out my weakness to our liege’s man. So, I merely raised a brow and tipped my head, and he huffed and gestured to the delegation for the mainland, leading them toward the barns where we’d stored the ore.
Fook.
I waited until Dallin and his men had left and my clan began to dissipate before allowing myself to sigh. The tension was still there, however, as my sister moved to my side, watching them go.
And then Rowena was there at my other side, and myKteerpurred silently at her presence. Ifelther there, felt stronger because of her—and because of the way she was glaring after Dallin. I couldn’t help but consider Jean’s certainty.
Mate.
I stared down at my fierce wildcat, thinking of the way my body, my heart, myKteerhad responded to her, even as my sister spoke.
“What are ye going to do? Can we afford to send a delegation right now?”
How could I not? I was pledged to the mainland Battleborn, and our liege had demanded the tribute now. I was an honorable male, even if my clan struggled.
Rowena finally turned her gaze up at me, and when I inhaled her scent, I felt the band around my chest ease. Just having her looking up at me, silently asking how she could help, made me stronger.
Mate.
Aye, ‘twas the truth. I saw it now.
Could I convince Rowena?
Would she accept it, or did she still think of me as her enemy? Did she still yearn to return to her world in a few weeks? I wouldn’t be able to escort herandthe ore. If she still wanted to go home, could I—in good conscience—object? Could I tell her that she was my Mate, or would that be manipulative and selfish?
If she didn’t accept my world, how could she accept me?
I needed to explain it to her—explaineverything—and ask her intentions.
Now, myKteerseemed to whisper to me.
“Vrogul?” Issa prompted. “What are ye going to do?”
I slung my arm around Rowena’s shoulders, tugging her up against my side. Where she belonged.
“I’m going to take a bath.”
I winked down at the woman in my arms.
“And I’m going to bring my wee wildcat to scrub my back.”
One of Rowena’s brows twitched teasingly. “I could plant a blade in it instead.”
“Aye, that ye could,” I drawled, squeezing her. “But ye willnae. Ye like my back.”
She huffed, but didn’t object when I turned us toward home to pick up soap and a clean plaid.
I needed to hear Rowena’s thoughts, and the hot springs was the perfect place.
