Page 35 of The Laird’s Sinful Obsession

The words came out before she could stop them, and she felt her face flame. But Lachlann's expression softened, and for a moment, the morning's awkwardness seemed very far away.

"I can show ye the falcon," he said quietly. "Since ye're here."

He moved to the wooden stand where the bird perched. "This is Morrigan. She's a peregrine, and she's faster than anythin' ye've ever seen."

Alba stood, the dogs trailing after her as she approached. The falcon watched her with those sharp golden eyes, head tilting slightly.

"Can I touch her?" Alba asked.

"Nae directly. She daesnae ken ye yet, and peregrines can be... temperamental." Lachlann ran a finger gently down the bird's chest feathers. "But ye can stand close. Let her get used tae ye."

Alba moved to his side, close enough that their shoulders nearly touched. The falcon studied her intently, then made a soft clicking sound.

"She likes ye," Lachlann said. "That's her curious noise. If she didnae like ye, ye'd ken it."

"How?"

"She'd scream. Loud enough tae wake the dead."

Alba laughed again, and Lachlann's smile widened. It was... nice. Easy. Like the awkwardness of the morning had been washed away by dog slobber and falcon approval.

"I'm sorry," Alba said suddenly. "About breakfast. About how I reacted. I shouldnae have been so⁠—"

"Ye had every right tae be upset," Lachlann interrupted gently. "The situation was uncomfortable, and I should have been more careful about appearances. Ye were right tae speak up."

"But I was harsh about it."

"Ye were honest about it." He looked down at her, and the understanding in his grey eyes made her throat tight. "And I'd rather have yer honesty than yer polite silence. Always."

Captain chose that moment to push between them, demanding more attention. Lachlann laughed and bent to scratch behind his ears.

"Jealous beast," he said fondly. "Ye've already claimed her. Let me at least speak tae her."

But Captain had other ideas. He sat at Alba's feet and stared up at Lachlann, then deliberately offered his paw to Alba.

"He's showin' off fer ye," Lachlann said, shaking his head. "Look at him. He kens every trick I've taught him, and now he's performin' like a trained mummer."

Alba took the offered paw, charmed despite herself. "Good boy, Captain."

The dog's tail wagged harder, and he immediately offered the other paw.

"Both paws?" Lachlann's eyebrows rose. "I've been workin' on that fer weeks, and he acts like she daesnae ken how. But one smile from ye and suddenly he's a perfect gentleman."

"Maybe he just needed the right motivation." Alba scratched behind Captain's ears, earning a contented groan from the dog.

"Apparently." Lachlann glanced toward the sun, measuring the time. "I need tae prepare fer me rounds in the village tomorrow. There's a dispute over some grazing rights that needs settling before it turns intae a feud."

"Oh." Alba tried to hide her disappointment. "Of course. Ye have duties."

"Will ye be all right here? The dogs can stay with ye if ye like. Captain clearly has nay intention of leavin' yer side anyway."

"I'll be fine. I just needed some air."

Lachlann hesitated, like he wanted to say something more. But then he just nodded. "I'll see ye at dinner, then. Though perhaps nae at the high table."

"Perhaps nae," Alba agreed, managing a small smile.

He called the other two dogs and left, Storm and Bracken trotting at his heels. But Captain remained firmly planted at Alba's feet, looking up at her with adoration.