Free Claiming the Highlander by Mageela Troche

knot in his back of his mouth.
    “You are the future of this clan. Be the man I know you are and lead.” He dragged out a thin-boned hand from beneath the covers. He struggled to lift a finger. Caelen grasped his hand. The bones jutted against his palm. He couldn’t feel his skin. Gone were the callouses and the muscles that thickened his large hand.
    “I will do whatever needs to be done. The clan is safe with me and shall rise to dominance. I vow to you.”
    One corner of his mouth lifted as his eyes drifted close. Caelen sat there, holding his father’s hand. His father would soon be gone. While his father rested, Caelen stood and watched for death.
     
    * * * *
     
    Manus hovered by the hearth. He stared down at the beautiful lass at his side. He even had a soft grin upon his face. Brenna had never seen such an expression on his face. She stared and that was why he caught her. It was then she saw the old man. He had his head bow, not seeing Brenna, but the lass’s eyes landed on Brenna. Her eyes widened as Brenna neared.
    Manus presented them to her, filling in details about their lives. Poor lass, she didn’t seem to know what to do with her hands, folding them before her, and then letting them drop to her side and burying her hands in the folds of her plaid. She darted glances at Brenna, and then grinned when Brenna looked at her. She pressed her lips together, but that did nothing to help. Manus presented the nervous lass and her father. Brenna grasped Alastronia’s hand to easy her nerves. “I have visited there recently.”
    “Aye, my lady. The men who traveled wit’ ye are near us. I ha’e met one man—Oran.”
    “I know him. He is a good man.”
    Manus clutched his jaw. “How?”
    Alastronia blinked at his curt tone. “I found his horse eatin’ its fill frae my garden. He was verra nice.”
    “How nice?”
    Her father aimed his gaze on his daughter. Any comment was cut short by Caelen’s arrival. Caelen cupped Brenna’s elbow. His face wore no expression. She was awed that one could show no expression when every emotion shined on her own face.
    “Ah, brother, how goes the training?” Manus didn’t wait for a reply. He turned to his guest. “My brother has taken it upon himself to train five men. A friendly wager between him and my father’s commander. Your cousin, Reamon, is the leader of his group.”
    “He must be honored to ha’e the opportunity,” Alastronia said, her voice stiff.
    Caelen locked his gaze on her. Unlike Manus, Caelen didn’t wear a besotted look upon his face. Alastronia squirmed, avoiding his sharp regard. Caelen ambled away.
    “I have never fished.” Brenna drew in Alastronia’s father to change the conversation. The topic turned to fishing and the sea. Brenna listened as he spoke of the water and listed the type of fish swimming in the lochs. With each detailed description of rolling waves, her stomach turned and flew into her throat. A fine sheen of sweat coated her forehead.
    Tavish slid up to them. Brenna smiled, happy to see his hostile face. This time, he wore a smile. He was quite handsome, with his sun-kissed skin and sparkling, amber eyes.
    “Donald has a great understanding wit’ the sea. He always has the greatest catches.”
    “Tonight’s night meal is not fish,” Brenna said.
    “Thank da Lord, I’m tired of fish,” Donald said.
    Tavish drew Alastronia and her father into a conversation. Manus sidled up to Brenna. “Donald and Tavish have a history. During a battle, Donald saved Tavish’s life. Men had surrounded Tavish. He was drenched in blood, most of it his own. Well, Donald swooped in and together they fought. Tavish collapsed and Donald dragged him back though men chased after them.”
    “Aye, the council cares much for Alastronia and her father. A marriage between us will bring peace between them and my brother. You must help me. Get Caelen to understand that and get the Grants away from her. We don’t need more trouble