Read Online Claiming the Highlander by Mageela Troche - Free Book Online

thickness of a cow’s hide, sun brown with patches of white, and cracked. His hair had lost the luster that his daughter still possessed, and had faded to a washed out copper. His lips smacked, resembling the fish he snared in his net daily. He was missing teeth. He wiped his hands on his trews.
    Manus clapped him on the shoulder. He repeated his invite.
    “We are honored.” Her father pushed between Oran and Alastronia and put his arm around her.
    Manus failed to see Alastronia’s dull eyes. He wiped his hand on his plaid as he angled his chin. Oran wanted to punch him right on its center.
    “Alastronia has wished fae naething else. She is most curious aboot the countess an’ ye ha’e granted her a great gift.” Her father squeezed her tight.
    Oran stood outside. He permitted himself a look at Alastronia, and then walked away. Not that he gave up on winning her. Every path had a few rocks. He had to figure out how to clear it.
     

 
     
     
    Chapter Four
     
     
    Brenna had no other choice. To prevent her marriage from being dissolved, she had to make Caelen the man he needed to become. She saw greatness in him. His skill with a sword added to his power but now, it required more than brute force and a perfect swing. It required the one thing only a woman could give a man; power. Then she’d get her father the sherriffdom and spend the rest of her life at Caelen’s side.
    That chore didn’t seem too overwhelming.
    Fate favored her.
    Rowen hurried down the stairs followed by two men bearing baggage. “Brenna, I’m glad you are here. I have been called to my aunt’s. I shall be gone for about a fortnight. You have to handle the castle chores and care for those three old men.”
    “I shall oversee everything. Do not fret.”
    Rowen raised one brow. “I am sure you will. Please try to seem as though you shall miss me.”
    She chuckled. “I will miss you, but I cannot deny this is my chance.”
    “Then I wish you the best.”
    Caelen swaggered in, bringing in the scent of coming rain, and aimed his lowered brows at his sister. “You are departing.”
    Rowen nodded. “Aye, though you do not have to sound accusatory. I am off to our aunt’s. She is in need of my assistance. I shall return.”
    “You will be near MacLean and Lachlan.” The skin between his brows pleated. Brenna understood how men cowered at a glance of him. She trembled a little.
    Rowen appeared bored. “That I will. Do you wish me to send a message on the chance I visit?”
    “Aye, tell Lachlan to stay the hell away from you.”
    She gave a tight smile. “Aye but what if I don’t stay away from him?”
    “He is not the man for you.”
    “Brenna, did you hear that? I believe he has respect for Lachlan.” She grinned.
    “That he does. This Lachlan must be a good man.”
    Caelen shook his head. “He is, but he cannot care for my sister properly.”
    “Are you planning a marriage for me like Manus?” Rowen cocked her ear, waiting for him to speak.
    Brenna squeezed her lips together to stop her from saying the wrong words. Rowen might have been acting playful but underneath, there was sadness.
    “When I do, you shall do as ordered.” Caelen slammed his fisted hands on his slim hips.
    “We shall see.” Rowen departed with a hug.
    Caelen lowered his brows. “You appear pleased Rowen departed.”
    “I am not pleased because of that, but this is our chance. I will be handling all the domestic duties.”
    He inclined his head to appease her.
    “That is where a woman shines. We will get what we need. The council will cease disturbing your father and my father can cease with his threats.”
    Caelen cupped her face. His thumb stroked over her cheek. “Good. I know you shall prevail.”
    She melted, luxuriating in the tenderness she yearned for. He bent his head and planted a kiss on her. She puckered her lips but he had pulled away. Her lips tingled from the supple feel of his mouth. Caelen was halfway out the door. He halted and sent