Page 11 of The Wolf Laird's Obsession
Daenae falter now. Nae in front of them. Nae in front of Rowan.
Her pulse quickened as she approached him, his presence somehow growing larger, the air feeling heavier around him.
She felt Callan glance at her as her arm tensed. To her surprise, he gave it a light squeeze. But he offered no other comfort, much to her disappointment. He moved to the side as she took her place beside Rowan.
A priest approached, carrying a length of ribbon neatly wound around his hands. Sorcha held out her wrist, and Rowan closed his hand around it before she could brace herself.
Daenae pull away.
Her arm tensed as she fought the urge to draw back. His grip was firm, the calluses on his hand setting her nerves on fire. The elder began speaking, but his words became distant as Rowan’s warmth seeped through the fabric of her sleeve.
“Lady Sorcha, will ye keep faith with this man, through the bitter cold and the gentle spring?” the elder asked, wrapping the ribbon around their hands.
Sorcha had heard these vows before. Everyone in the Highlands had. Yet hearing them now felt entirely different.
Keep faith.How does one keep faith with a stranger? A man meant for me sister.
She forced her gaze upward, determined not to look at their joined hands like some nervous girl. Rowan’s eyes were already on her, steady and unreadable beneath his lashes.
“I will,” she finally said, steadier than she had expected. She refused to look away.
“Laird MacLaren, will ye stand as her strength and shield, honor bound tae her side?”
Her breath caught at the sound of his voice speaking without hesitation, binding her tighter than the ribbon itself. “I will.”
“I now pronounce ye man and wife.”
The final knot was tightened, holding them together, the weight of its meaning nearly pulling her through the floor.
The elder stepped back. The tension of unsure glances scattered across the silence. But then voices began to rise, and the guests began to clap in celebration.
A flicker of excitement stirred in her heart. But it vanished as soon as she saw Rowan’s cold expression.
This isnae me celebration. He hadnae come for me. I mustnae forget that again.
Suddenly, he leaned close, his breath tickling her cheek. “Say goodbye, lass. Let the carriages and yer maids follow as they please.”
She wanted to take a step back, but between the ribbon and his grip, she didn’t know which was stronger.
“When it’s done, ye ride with me.”
He pulled away, but his gaze stayed on hers.
She swallowed.
I hope he doesnae eat me alive.
CHAPTER FOUR
The necessary arrangements were made quickly, and before Sorcha knew it, she was standing outside with her brother and Rowan, her final moments at Sinclair Castle coming to an end.
She pulled the hood of her cloak up as the sun drew low, bringing with it a brisk wind.
Callan’s expression remained cool as he placed her hand in Rowan’s. His fingers lingered on hers for the smallest moment before he released her, but they exchanged no words of goodbye.
Rowan’s expression mirrored his. Sorcha didn’t expect any less, but still, it stung.One man did not care that she was leaving, while the other did not care that she was going.
Nay one cares.
