He supposed some things never changed.
Callie’s heart pounded as she headed down the stairs. A powerful clan, the MacAllisters had once been an ally to her own. But over the last decade, their ties had dwindled. Still, it would be good for her clan to renew the alliance and since the MacAllister was on such good terms with the English king, mayhap it would help quell the rebels as well.
She reached the hall at the same time Aster was showing the men inside.
Callie paused as she straightened her dress. They were giants all! Standing head and shoulders above her uncle and brother, the MacAllisters made her feel very petite. Only Sin could compete with their height.
“My niece, Caledonia,” Aster said, directing their attention to her.
Callie swallowed nervously. The combined effect of the MacAllister brothers on a woman’s senses was earth-shattering and quite disconcerting.
The blond man stepped forward. He was devastatingly handsome with stern blue eyes. “Lochlan MacAllister, my lady, ‘tis a pleasure to meet you.” His deep voice sent a shiver over her.
“My brother Ewan.”
She looked to the giant on his left. He was like a large, black bear. His hair long and in need of a trim.
“And Braden.”
Callie nodded, hiding a smile. More handsome than a man had a right to be, she knew the reputation of this particular MacAllister brother who was said to be able to slay a man with a single blow and a fell a woman with a single kiss.
She smiled at the three of them. “‘Tis a pleasure to meet all of you. Please, come and be seated.”
As she led them toward the laird’s table, Aster fell in by their sides.
“I’m sorry to have you waste your trip, lads. I had no idea the English intended to send my kin home to me.”
“I’m surprised as well,” Braden said. “It’s not like Henry to give up hostages voluntarily.”
“He didn’t,” Dermot sneered as he walked behind them. “He sent her home with a Sassenach husband.”
“Is it anyone we know?” Braden asked.
Aster shook his head. “Doubtful. I’ve never heard of him. Callie, isn’t he an earl?”
“Aye, uncle.”
Lochlan raised a brow. “Earl of what?”
Callie paused as she realized she didn’t know. No one had ever mentioned his properties to her. “I’m not really sure. But I was told he has vast holdings.” She stood to the side of the table, ready to see to the men’s needs.
The servants entered with ale and platters of meat and bread at the same time Simon joined them. He approached the table with his kind, open honesty that she found so very charming.
The MacAllister brothers watched him suspiciously as he neared her.
“The MacAllisters?” Simon asked.
Callie nodded.
Simon approached them. His smile widened and his eyes gleamed in instant friendship. He looked like a man greeting old friends he hadn’t seen in a long time. “I feel as if I already know the three of you.”
Braden stared at him with a stern frown. “You are?”
“Simon of Ravenswood. And you would have to be Braden.”
“Aye. How did you know?”
“Youngest and full of mischief.” He turned to Lochlan. “You would be Lochlan who never met a rule he didn’t love. Always steadfast and ready to lay your life down for any member of your family or clan.” Then he looked at Ewan. “And you are the quiet one. Serious and short-tempered, ever ready to battle. Oh, the stories I’ve heard about the three of you.”
