Page 80 of In Bed with her Highland Foe

“Good day, Warren,” he nodded at the man on the door.

“Michael.” Warren inclined his head, the same lingering suspicion in his gaze.

“I would like tae speak with me brothers,” Gilchrist said, thankful when Kyven’s hand snaked into his own, her warm fingers offering comfort.

Warren’s lips parted, and he looked inclined to defy him.

“Aye, a man can always speak with his brothers,” another voice said, one that did not belong to Gilchrist.

Sharply, Gilchrist jerked his head around.

The crowd parted a little and a face that he knew very well indeed appeared.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Laird Brayden Gregor, Gilchrist’s eldest brother, marched forward, clothed in his usual soldier’s garb, his weapons at his hips. His dark fair hair was cropped short these days, his eyes the same blue hue as Gilchrist’s own. They even bore similarly sharp features in their faces.

Gilchrist’s stomach clenched tight at the sight of his eldest brother. Brayden always had a habit of bearing stern features. They had always joked when they were young it was why he was born to be laird and neither he nor Tynan were, for he could draw the power toward him in any room.

“Brayden,” Gilchrist’s voice was soft, tentative, even fearful.

Then something happened he hadn’t expected. Brayden laughed.

Gilchrist jerked in surprise, then Brayden walked forward.

“Thank the name of the wee man,” his brother called loudly, continuing to laugh warmly. When he reached Gilchrist’s side, he wrapped him warmly in a hug. “Where the hell have ye been, brother? Ye dinnae ken how we have missed ye.”

Gilchrist held his brother tightly, not wanting to release him. Brayden pulled back, the same smile still resting on his features. The crowd cheered.

“Ye are nae angry at me?” Gilchrist asked, for he had been so certain Brayden would be.

“Ha! Is that what ye feared?” Brayden shook his head. “I am nae a fool, brother. I may have been blind fer a while, nae realizing why ye picked a fight with us, but it did nae take me long tae realize what had happened. I sent scouts out in search of ye, but I never found a trace.”

“Ye did?” Gilchrist couldn’t believe it. He and Brayden were still holding onto one another’s arms as Gilchrist suddenly grew aware that all around them, the crowds were smiling, happy to see the brothers’ reunion.

“It seems ye have many secrets tae tell,” Brayden smiled at Kyven at his side.

“Aye, I dae. I have much tae tell ye. First, let me introduce Lady Kyven,” Gilchrist released his brother and turned to wrap his arm around Kyven’s waist, steering her forward. “This is the love of me life, brother.”

Brayden’s smile grew impossibly wider still as he bowed his head to Kyven in greeting.

“She is Lady Kyven, of the McDowell clan.”

“Oh.” Brayden’s eyes flicked up straight away. He took another step toward Kyven, whose hands tightened around Gilchrist’s arm.

“Dinnae be afraid,” Gilchrist pleaded with Kyven. She was chewing her lip. Despite her trust in him, he knew it must have been terrifying to be in the castle of the clan that had killed her father. “Me brother is one of the best men ye will ever meet.”

“Lady Kyven.” Brayden bowed to her once again, but closer still. “I am glad tae meet ye fer two reasons. Ye dinnae ken how many times I have appealed tae yer council tae see ye and apologize fer me father’s sins.”

“Ye have?” she spluttered, her lips parting.

“Aye, I have, but I am even more glad tae meet ye now I ken what ye are tae me brother.” He offered his hand to her, a peace offering. “Welcome tae the Gregor clan, me lady.”

Slowly, Kyven extended her hand toward him. When they touched, Gilchrist could have laughed with joy.

“I dinnae believe it!” another voice abruptly cried. “Ha! I was sure they must have been in jest when I suddenly heard the soldiers crying out that the long-lost brother had returned. Look at yer ugly mutt,” the jesting voice laughed even more, the nearer it got.

Gilchrist looked back and forth, desperately searching now for the face of the man who had spoken.