Page 213 of Moon Craving

Guaire nodded in approval. "Of course not. You are our lady."

"And you are mated," Talorc said.

The brush of pink turned into a full blush that spread right down Guaire's neck. "We

are."

"All this time, he has not been afraid of me," Niall said, directing his words to

Talorc.

Talorc's brows drew together in confusion. "His actions . . ."

"He wanted me." Oh, Niall looked proud. "So much so that he trembled in my

presence. He always avoided being too near because he feared I would realize his secret

desire."

"Secrets keep mates apart," Talorc said with certainty.

Niall nodded, something passing between the two of them that said their

communication went deeper than the mere words.

Niall came to kneel in front of Abigail. "I owe you a sincere apology, my own dear

lady and friend."

"I am still your friend?"

"Yes. If you will have me." He looked down as if ashamed and then lifted his head

so she could read his lips again. "I was jealous."

"Of the time Guaire spent with me," she guessed, finally understanding.

"Yes. I thought he had fallen for you, and though I knew he would never betray his

laird, I was furious with envy that he seemed to find in you what he could not see in

me--the Chrechte ordained by God to be his mate."

"His love for you never wavered."

"Secrets," Niall said with a poignant expression.

She leaned down and kissed the scarred cheek of her first friend among the

Chrechte. "I forgive you and I hope you will forgive me for hiding my own secrets."

"Always."

"Friends?"

"Until death."

They took two days to return to the fortress, Talorc and Niall insisting on hunting to