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turned her gaze to the scenery. The fishnets stretched through the loch, running parallel to the shore where some clan folk gathered kelp. Some straightened and turned to watch Caelen and her ride by. Brenna had been among the clan, yet on this day, she felt on display, playing the lady of the castle. She grasped his wrist to focus on anything but the looks.
    “Tell me about these men.”
    “I know Oran. He’s the one the others look to.”
    “Oran,” he repeated.
    “His mother died in childbirth, and then his father died when he was five, so he came to live in the castle. He worked in the kitchen when I wasn’t stealing him away. The laird trained him and he’s skilled. I think he’s a farmer at heart.”
    “Why did he leave Grant lands?”
    “He wanted to wed Cait. He went to set up his household, but he didn’t receive enough. So she denied him. When I was summoned, he begged to come along. He wants a new life.”
    “He’d fit into the clan?”
    “I believe he shall.”
    “The others?”
    She lifted a shoulder. “I don’t know much about the men. I didn’t have many dealings with them.”
    “You were reared among them.”
    “We, women spend most of our time in the home. I knew all who lived and worked in the castle. I always believed my father did it so when I came to you I would not miss anyone.”
    “How would you then champion the clan’s needs with me?”
    Her scalp prickled. She knew his gaze bore into her. The heat spread to her face. She removed her touch, not wanting him to feel her shake.
    “No need to answer, Brenna. I understand his reasoning.”
    Brenna did as well. She hated her father for it. He had deepened the bond between her and Caelen, and now threatened to tear it asunder.
    “The council sent them to the north of Mackenzie lands,” She said. “Far enough so they can be forgotten.”
    “The council is full of fools.”
    “I agree, even though our reasons are different. I know mine, what are yours?”
    “Tell me yours.”
    She let out a heavy sigh. “These men should be among the clan so they can be brought in to the fold. The only ones about here are Alastronia and her family and a few others.”
    “This Alastronia?”
    “According to Rowen, she is the most desirable of all the clan’s women. Your brother, Manus, is here each day. I think he desires her.”
     
    * * * *
     
    Caelen understood about wanting a woman. There had been women he felt a stirring of desire but he had never acted upon them, leaving the lasses to fall under Lachlan’s spell. Once he turned his attention to other things, he had forgotten his desire. With his wife, he couldn’t. She fit against his body. With each sway of the horse, her backside stroked his manhood. Her breast brushed his bare forearm. Her head tucked under his chin. A swirl of rosewater wafted around him and teased him with its erotic scent. He loved the way Brenna smelled—feminine, wild, and desirable so all he wanted to do was bury his nose in her neck and breathe her in.
    He gave a slight shake of his head. When that didn’t work, he started reciting his Latin grammar to get the blood back in his head. He had more pressing matters, and branding her with his touch had to wait.
    He’d have to solve this without both Manus and the council scurrying over to his father.
    A group of five men milled about, and further behind them a small cluster of men gathered. They meandered into a line to watch Caelen and Brenna approach.
    “There is Oran.” She sat straight and released her grip. She teetered, though he still held her, and dug her nails in his arms.
    With one arm, he set her on her feet. She sighed her relief. So pleased to be off his mount, she patted his leg.
    “My lady.” Oran fell quiet when Caelen dismounted. He squinted up to Caelen, the sun in his eyes. He bowed.
    “It has been a fortnight since your arrival, so show me what you have accomplished.” The other men gathered behind Oran and looked to him. They seemed