Page 99 of My Shadow Warrior
“It is. It’s perfect.”
He laughed without humor. “If you think he hates me now, just wait and see how he reacts to discovering we’re brothers—if he even believes me.” He shook his head firmly. “Nay.Thatis not the answer.”
“It is. How can he condemn you when he shares your blood?”
He shook his head again, grim. “That won’t matter to him.”
“It would if he, too, was a witch.”
William narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. “I don’t know for certain that he is.”
“You said he never sickens and healed miraculously from a serious wound. I didn’t knowIcould heal until you showed me. Mayhap he doesn’t either. Wouldn’t it be better to make an enemy into an ally? To at least try?”
He raised a shoulder, still dubious. “It’s a good thought, but I doubt he’ll volunteer for lessons.”
Rose arched a brow at him. “Make him. Hold him prisoner.” When he opened his mouth incredulously, she placed a finger against it. “It will keep him out of trouble, aye?”
He gazed down at her for a long moment, sapphire eyes slowly turning molten. Rose recognized the look, and her body answered eagerly, a melting warmth spreading through her limbs. He pushed her back against the wall, insinuating his knee between her thighs. “Perhaps. What if he still refuses?”
Rose smiled up at him, sliding her hands over the hard muscles of his chest. “I’ll make sure he doesn’t. Recall you that we have Betty? His wife. Methinks that’s what the fuss is really about.”
He looked at her in astonishment and pleasure. “God’s bones, but you’re a schemer. How did I ever manage without you?”
“I know not,” she murmured, pulling his mouth to hers and making it clear he would never be forced to blunder along without her again.
Epilogue
To my loving father, Alan MacDonell,
It is with great regret that I write to inform you we are unable to join you in the festivities at Lochlaire this Christmas. As you know I am expecting a child in the spring, and this prohibits travel. William wishes me to inform you that all is well with the child, so you have naught to fash on. Deidra sends her love and informs me that Conan does as well. He understands your sudden aversion to dogs. He wishes you to know he has found a comfortable home with new friends. I have some happy news and an exciting tale to share when we are finally together again. But for now I will say Drake has finally married! It was a surprise to us as well, but the lady took his heart by storm. It was a rather troublesome affair, as she was betrothed to someone else, and it involved kidnapping—but rest assured, all is well now! Her name is Ceara, and we are indeed blessed to have her join our family.
Your last letter brought such welcome tidings! Isobel and Sir Philip have been blessed with a son, and Lord Kincreag was successful in his petition to the king. No news is more welcome in Strathwick than this! Let us hope this is cause for Mr. Forsyth to retire from the witchpricking business! We are well pleased to hear Liam is already walking. He is surelyagift to be praised and a most amazing lad. Methinks he is a MacDonell indeed.
Please accept our humble thanks for your generous gifts. We pray God gives you health and preserves you many more Christmases and that soon we will all be together again. Please accept the gift we send with goodwill. You know we at Strathwick are not as wealthy, but William thought it meet to ask his brother, Allister, to make you this chair. His skill in woodworking is exceptional, I’m sure you’ll agree, and with the pillow Betty (Allister’s wife) and I embroidered, it will be a splendid place to take your rest before the fire in the evenings.
With the remembrance of my humble duty unto you, I humbly take my leave and rest,
Your dutiful and obedient daughter,
Rose MacDonell, Lady Strathwick
From the House of Strathwick xx December
The year of our Lord 1597
