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over her skin, reaching out to every nerve ending. Snapping stars burst behind her closed lids. She bit back a whimper, clung to his neck and prayed his seed took root this time.
    Magnus held her while the deluge of their release doused the inferno inside them, then kissed her with a gentleness that brought tears to her eyes. Her breathing had no chance to regulate as emotions burned beneath her breast. She wanted to tell him how deeply she cared for him, but ’twas too soon for such words.
    Silence echoed between them for long moments before his head fell into the curve of her neck. He drew an audible breath of air. “Would ye think me a coward if I said I wanted no part in Ian’s war?”
    “Nay.” Effie kissed the side of his head and stroked his hair. She didn’t want him going to war, not even to avenge her sire.
    “My reasons are selfish.” He lowered her to the floor and righted her garments while he gathered his words. “A month past I would have proudly sacrificed my life to protect my clan like my father and my brothers. But I’ve come to realize I have a reason to live.”
    “And what reason is that?”
    “Ye.” He held the side of her neck and caressed her skittering pulse with his thumb. “Ye make me want to live. Ye make me want to be a better man. Ye’ve bewitched me body and soul, and I fear I’m more than half in—”
    “Where the hell is he?” Lady Katherine’s shrill voice cut off his words, but Effie knew what he intended to say.
    He was in love with her. Her heart sang. Her toes curled. Her spirit rejoiced while Lady Katherine continued to rant outside the curtain.
    “Bluidy faugh!” Magnus cursed beneath his breath and battled his plaide .
    “He was here only moments ago, m’lady.” A maid’s footsteps whispered through the rushes outside the antechamber.
    “I swear the man behaves like a child. He is…” Lady Katherine’s grumbling became inaudible as she stomped in the direction of the Great Hall.
    Magnus let his forehead fall against Effie’s. “My mam can be…”
    “Overzealous,” Effie supplied. Not even Lady Katherine could sour Effie’s mood. Her giddiness made her feel intoxicated, which is most likely the reason she didn’t protest when Magnus pulled her into the corridor.
    “Come. I’m eager to announce our union.”
    Effie’s lips quivered trying to contain her smile as she walked beside him. When they entered the Great Hall, a swarm of his kin separated them, each eager to welcome him home.
    Sylvie pulled up beside Effie. “Ye look like a woman with a secret.”
    “Aye, but ’twill not be a secret for much longer.” Effie squeezed Sylvie’s hand, grateful to have a confidant among Magnus’ people. “Will ye stay beside me until Laird Sutherland makes his announcement?”
    “Of course.” Sylvie folded Effie’s hand over her forearm as they watched Magnus work his way through the masses. He stepped onto a raised platform and raised his hands to quiet his kin just as Ian approached the dais.
    “Laird Sutherland, welcome back.” Ian pulled Vanna to his side. “Ye cannae begin to know how worried we all were for your well-being, especially Vanna.”
    Effie’s sister poised herself in front of the dais and looked up at Magnus, but he paid her no attention. His eyes were on Effie, making the flutter in her belly feel like the eye of a hurricane. She held fast to Sylvie’s arm as Magnus explained his absence.
    “I went to fetch a priest for my wedding.” Magnus’ lips lifted slightly at the corners. His eyes sparkled like blue gemstones. “Father O’Rourke will administer the ceremony.”
    Effie returned his smile and nibbled on her bottom lip, waiting.
    “Splendid,” Ian replied. “Then ye will be thrilled when ye hear Vanna’s news.”
    “What news?” Magnus’ gaze lowered to Vanna. His smile fell when she flattened her hand over her belly.
    She angled her chin over her shoulder and smirked at Effie, then announced, “I am with