"Release?" Gegrim lifted his brows.
"Aye, you're to let them go tomorrow night just after dark. Tell them to stay hidden and then notify them when the fighting starts. Make certain they're well fed and armed so they'll be able to fight."
The guard nodded. "Very well. And I will be rewarded?"
"Aye, of course. You'll be named head of the guard for my son, Hamish, when he takes over as chief." Whether this statement was actually true or not remained to be seen. Hamish might make a different decision. But for now, he would tell the guard anything he wanted to hear.
Gegrim held out his hand and Sleat shook it firmly. Then Gegrim passed a key to him.
"This is for the postern gate?"
"Aye."
Sleat cradled the piece of metal in his hand. This was the precious object which would secure his younger son's future as a chief.
***
Neacal watched Anna sleep in the firelight. Such a golden angel, she was. He wanted to do naught but stroke her silken hair but he dared not, for he might wake her. Their earlier lovemaking had worn her out.
He was sleepy but he wanted to take in every detail of her lovely face. What they shared seemed more like a fanciful daydream than real life. And he'd not conjured any sort of daydreams prior to her arrival. Before he'd talked to her, he'd been lucky to get through each day. But now, she gave him so much to look forward to. Simple things… meeting her gaze, seeing her smiles, listening to her voice.
Making love to her was the best experience of his life, hands down.
There was no way in hades he was giving her up now. Never had anything in his life held this much importance.
Trying not to disturb her sleep, he drew her closer into his arms and laid his head on the pillow beside hers.
He slept and when next he became aware, she was snuggling tight against his chest in the pale dawn light, her head tucked under his chin, her arms around him.
Thank the saints, this was no dream. She was his. The best gift, the only gift he ever wanted.
He wrapped his arm tighter around her and kissed the top of her head. "Are you cold, lass?" he whispered.
"Aye."
"I could build up the fire again."
"Nay. You are so warm."
He stroked the satiny skin of her back, well aware she hadn't put on any clothes last night and neither had he. But a plaid covered them both.
She shivered.
When his hand reached her derriere, he tugged her toward him, wanting her to feel how aroused he was. Her flat belly pressing against his erection set his nerves on fire.
Anna could not believe how hot-blooded Neacal was this morn, so early.
He slid down and brushed his lips across her breasts, his short whiskers stimulating her, making her arch toward him.
"Mmm." He drew her nipple into his mouth, suckled at it enthusiastically, then moved to the other. She buried her hands in his hair, urging him closer. Pleasure and sharp arousal surged through her body.
He growled and rolled onto his back, bringing her to lie on him. Then he drew her legs forward so she was straddling him.
"What are you doing?" she whispered.
He gave her a half devilish grin. "I want you to ride me."
"What?" she gasped.
