Free Legacy of the Mist Clans Box Set by Kathryn Loch Page B

alone.”
    De Courcy laughed. “He wouldn’t have even known about the place if it had not been for me.”
    “You wouldn’t have known about it if my father had not told you. Either way, does that change the truth of its title?”
    De Courcy scowled.
    “Then we shall reside with Branan at Thistlewood, until the time Catriona becomes your wife. Only then will you have claim to her.”
    “I don’t believe this! You need me to—”
    “So do you now plan to renege on your pact with Branan?” Gavin asked. “That would be interesting since it is a key point in the betrothal agreement.” He almost wished de Courcy would default. Without financing, Branan’s cause was lost, but Gavin knew Branan would rather see Catriona safe.
    De Courcy muttered a curse, dragging his hand through his hair. “All right,” he said through clenched teeth. “But the date has been set, I expect my bride to be delivered to her wedding on May Day.” He paused, his gaze deadly. “And I expect her to be the virginal bride promised to me.”
    Hatred shot through Gavin. This was all because de Courcy doubted Catriona’s honor? Then Gavin remembered how de Courcy watched Branan and Catriona closely. Did he believe Branan would usurp his marriage rights?
    “Of course,” Gavin said through clenched teeth, forcing down his anger. He looked at Duguald. “Let us see how my sister and Branan fare and prepare them to leave.”
    Duguald inclined his head and gestured for Gavin to lead the way.
    HHH
    Catriona managed to grab two cloaks for her and Branan before they left the keep. Branan wore his leather trews and cross-quartered boots with his snug-fitting inar. But he did not wear the sleeves; the ties dangled around his bare shoulders. The powerful muscles in his arms flexed as he walked with his fists clenched.
    Catriona guided him into the gardens. Snow piled thick on the ground, but the sky remained clear and the sun bright, casting a beautiful wintry glow. The air was crisp and fresh. She heard Branan inhale deeply as she wiped the snow from a bench and they sat.
    His body still shook violently and his breathing remained harsh. Catriona knew only when these signs faded would Branan be truly free of the rage that gripped him. She feared the consequences Branan might suffer for his actions. But in that instant she’d realized Richard was going to strike her, seeing Branan so quickly place himself in front of her and send Richard flying warmed a secret place in her heart. He had always been her defender.
    Branan sat with his elbows on his knees, his shoulders bowed and his head lowered. He squeezed his eyes shut, his long black hair streaming around his face. She placed the cloak over his shoulders, then gently stroked her fingers through his hair, tucking a few of the cascading locks behind his ear.
    Branan still fought to catch his breath.
    She remained silent, knowing from experience her touch would help pull him out of the pit he had fallen into. She turned her hand and lightly caressed his cheek with the back of her fingers.
    He made a soft sound, a choking gasp, then suddenly wrapped his arms around her, pulling her tight against his chest. He pressed his lips against the top of her head, stroking her hair with one hand, the other firmly gripping her waist.
    Catriona also wrapped her arms tightly around him. The reality of the changes in him assailed her. No longer was he a lanky lad, but a giant of a man. She felt the hard mass of muscle which now comprised his body. His broad shoulders seemed to surround her, his heavily sinewed arms engulfed her. She could not stop her hand as it traveled lightly over his chest down to his flat stomach and narrow waist.
    Branan didn’t move, he only clung to her.
    Her other hand moved up his back and she marveled at the power she felt there too. Long muscles, corded tight, stretched upward and outward across his shoulders. Never had she imagined the scrawny, wounded youth she had found in the woods