Chapter 25
“I did not think you a coward,” Raven said to her husband when he entered the common room the next morning. He smiled, which annoyed her even more.
Wolf leaned down and kissed his wife’s cheek. “And good morning to you, wife.”
“You purposely left our bed this morning before I woke to avoid making love with me,” she accused.
He took firm hold of her chin. “You had a restless night last night, waking on and off. I left because you finally fell into a much needed sound sleep.” He leaned close, her lips not far from his. “And I will see you fully healed before we make love since you can be quite demanding.” He kissed her quick before she could protest. Not that it mattered since he knew as soon as her lips were free of his, she would protest. And she did, though not the way he expected.
“Of course I’m demanding. I love you and when we join, I feel that love more intensely and simply can’t get enough of it.”
He kissed her again, purposely lingering and stirring their passions, which were already too close to the surface.
“You kiss when a monster is close to your doorstep?”
The familiar voice echoed in Raven’s head.
Wolf shook his head. “I forgot to tell you that your brother Arran arrived a short time ago.”
“Alone?’ Raven asked as Arran approached them, wishing he had brought Purity with him but knowing he wouldn’t dare chance her safety.
“You don’t think I’d be foolish enough to bring Purity with me, do you?” Arran asked as he swung his leg over the bench to join them at the table.
Raven grinned. “You snuck away from her, didn’t you?”
“She gave me no choice,” Arran confessed, his fine features growing taut with anger. “I need to see this done. I need to see Brynjar dead.”
“Royden watches over Purity and Oria?” Raven asked, concern for her friends fading her grin.
“He was eager to join me, but one of us had to remain and see our wives and clans kept safe.” Arran turned to Wolf. “The warriors you keep at mine and Royden’s home are much appreciated. Our clans feel safer with their presence.”
“We are family, are we not? And family protects family,” Wolf said.
“Never would I have thought us family, but it cannot be denied. We are family and we fight as one,” Arran said. “I did bring one family member with me.” A slight smile lightened his solemn expression.
Raven eagerly asked, “Who?”
“Clive.”
Raven jumped up off the bench. “Where is he?”
“I left him with your men,” Arran said. “Brod waits outside for you.”
Raven shot narrowed eyes at her husband.
“You’re not going anywhere alone until this matter is settled to my satisfaction,” Wolf reminded.
“I never thought I would take your husband’s side, but I agree with him. I was told about what happened to you yesterday. Someone continues to see you harmed and your husband takes precautions to protect you as he should. Don’t make it more difficult for him,” Arran scolded.
Raven normally would have retaliated with a sharp remark, reminding her brother she was no longer a young lass he could dictate to, but that he took an allied stand with Wolf had her holding her tongue—more like biting it. Wolf was right. They were all family now and that was more important than anything.
Arran laughed. “It’s killing you to hold your tongue, isn’t it?”
“You’re an arse,” Raven said and swiped a fur cloak off the pile by the door and didn’t bother to look back at either her husband or her brother before walking out the door.
“You know she’s going to make you pay for that, don’t you?” Wolf said, smiling.
Arran laughed. “She can try.”
Wolf rested his arms on the table, leaning forward. “Tell me how many times did she outwit you when she was young?”
Arran scowled. “More times than I care to remember.”
Raven hugged Clive tight and whispered, “Tell me you’re not here to stay.”
Clive grinned as he stepped back. “Bethany and I plan to wed.”
Raven hugged him again. “I’m so happy for you.”
He gave a nod toward Fyn, holding Tait in his arms as he talked with Greta. “I predict another one of us will wed soon as well.”
“Tait loves Fyn. He follows him around everywhere, and it’s easy to see that Greta loves Fyn as well. They make a fine family and I’m happy for them.”
Clive gave another nod, toward George this time. “And George? How does it go for him with Eria?”
“She’s much like him, interested in everything, wanting to learn everything she can. They make a fine pair.” Raven looked to Brod talking with Iver. “Brod talks often with Ida and I see interest in her eyes for him as well.”
“Iver?” Clive asked in a worrisome tone.
“He misses the adventures we had. He was happy to go on a mission for me and Wolf. He returned with Brother Noble.”