Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 101336 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 507(@200wpm)___ 405(@250wpm)___ 338(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 101336 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 507(@200wpm)___ 405(@250wpm)___ 338(@300wpm)
“I heard him admit he was responsible for my brother and father’s death, though I did not understand what he said about my mom.”
“Take me home, husband, and I will explain everything to you.”
“There is something you should know before we arrive home,” Slayer said, his brow narrowing.
Sky grew anxious. “What is wrong? Did the clan lose many in the attack?”
“None in the clan was lost. I suspected what Halfdan might have planned, and I had troops waiting. They never reached the clan. I had the attack horn sounded, knowing he would have men nearby and once they heard it, they would run and tell Halfdan.”
“Then what must you tell me?”
“Something much worse,” he said with a scowl. “Your sister Leora is at the keep.”
CHAPTER 27
Slayer entered his bedchamber with Noble not far behind him. “You have had enough time together. I want time alone with my wife.”
“I have not seen her in—”
Slayer did not let Leora finish. “I do not care. I allowed you—”
“Allowed me?” Leora glared at him.
Fane sat up from where he was resting by the hearth, his lips going up ready to snarl. Angel joined, hissing from where she sat between his front legs. Both stopped and laid back down when Sky shook her head at him, Angel returning to snuggle against Fane.
“Aye. I allowed you to tend to your sister’s care when we arrived home to give you time to talk as I knew my wife would want to do. Now you will leave us be for the night.”
Leora went to argue.
“We will talk all day tomorrow, Leora,” Sky said, grateful to her husband for giving her and her sister time alone. She had been amazed at learning about Leora’s true parents and Elsie’s as well. She looked forward to the three of then reuniting soon so they could share their stories. “Now, I would like time with my husband.”
Leora looked at her sister while she pointed to Slayer. “I do not know how you ever managed to fall in love with that heathen.”
Slayer turned to Noble. “I regret condemning you to marriage with this woman.”
Sky placed her hand in front of her mouth, attempting to hide her laughter.
Noble stifled his laughter as he approached his wife so he could say, “Would you not want time with me if it was you in that bed?”
Leora looked ready to argue and stopped, and rested herself against her husband when he slipped his arm around her waist to pull her close.
“I look forward to talking with you tomorrow,” Sky said, seeing that her sister had reluctantly capitulated.
“We have plenty of time to talk since Noble and I will be staying here for a while. I sent word to Elsie for her and Cavell to travel here. I have missed my sisters, and it is time we got together again.”
Slayer appeared ready to command otherwise and Sky sent him a silent plea, her two different colored eyes saying it all for her.
“You and Noble and Elsie and Cavell are welcome to visit, but don’t forget, I command here,” Slayer reminded.
“How could I possibly forget that when you endlessly remind me?” Leora said, her glare returning.
Slayer returned her glare. “And yet somehow you keep forgetting.”
Noble looked at Sky and smiled as he shook his head, and Sky chuckled.
“Let’s go, wife,” Noble said and with his arm firm around her waist and with a firm nudge he got her moving toward the door.
“Sky needs rest, not a demanding husband tonight,” Leora called out.
Noble’s hand rushed to cover his wife’s mouth as he forced her out the door, and he called out, “Sleep well.”
“Please don’t,” Sky said and stretched her hand out to her husband when he looked ready to go after them.
Slayer blew out a frustrated breath before he walked around to the side of the bed, took her hand, and sat. “Your sister is exasperating.”
Sky’s smile bloomed softly. “You two have quite a bit in common.”
“Bite your tongue, woman.”
Sky grinned. “You both protect me.” She chuckled. “And you both can be overbearing.” Her laughter faded and she squeezed his hand. “And you both love me.”
“I suppose she has some good points,” he said. “So, I will learn to tolerate her. Please tell me Elsie is different.”
“You will get along with Elsie. She is reasonable.”
“Thank the heavens for that,” he said, knitting his fingers with hers. “Before you grow too tired, tell me about what Halfdan had to say to you.”
This time Sky’s smile consumed her face. “I was shocked to learn that your mum helped deliver me.”
Slayer could not hide his surprise. “My mum?”
“I believe there was more to your mum than anyone knew. Euniss once told me how your mum would retreat to Whitehall Abbey now and again. I imagine it was not a retreat for herself but to help other women since Leora told me that women in need often sought help at the abbey.”