Claiming the Highlander by Mageela Troche Read Free Book Online Page A

broke the seal.
    At the bottom, written with flourish, was her father’s signature. She started at the beginning.
     
Brenna,
Word from you has not reached us. I require you to implore the laird to use his influence with the king. The sherriffdom is required for us. Your marriage was meant to help secure our standing; however, nothing has come of it. The land and titles you brought to the marriage provided us with no benefit but in a marriage connection. I, as your father, demand you use it. If the marriage has not been consummated, there is a possibility of dissolving this union.
     
    She buried her face in the bed coverings. How was she supposed to press the laird to take up her father’s cause when he was dying? To go to Caelen at such a time would only pit him against the council and his father and most importantly, he would look at her differently. She must wait. Still something must be done. Brenna didn’t know what exactly. She couldn’t lose the one constant in her life—being Caelen’s wife.
     
    * * * *
     
    Caelen slipped into the chamber. Brenna knelt before her chest. Her arm buried deep within, concealing the missive. Whatever the reason for her to hide the letter, it must have been something he had to learn of and before it caused more trouble. Brenna climbed to her feet at the thud of the door shutting. She slammed down the top.
    “Your behavior with the council”—Caelen crossed to her—“made me proud. Every inch the countess.”
    Her mouth spread in to a broad grin. Her plump top lip curled, revealing her teeth and a sliver of her gums. She raised her hand to cover her mouth. She was beautiful. Hell, he wanted to take her in his arms and kiss her.
    “They are the most frustrating men.” She gritted her teeth. “How can they go against the laird’s orders yet speak how they are protecting the clan? They treat these men as enemies because MacKenzie blood does not course through them. Do they see me in the same way? I will not allow it.”
    Her righteous anger flushed her cheeks. His heart hitched as his mind ordered him to grab her. “I agree and will not allow them to forget themselves with you. You are a MacKenzie.”
    She plucked at his plaid. “I am a Grant as well.” Her brows pinched. She looked so troubled. He ran his finger just on the edge of her hairline to her ear. He traced over its delicate shell and along her soft jawline. Her gaze darted to the side, trying to see what he was doing. The brown of her eyes were as dark as the bramble spreading across Scotland and reflected his own face. Tucking his fingers under her chin, he lifted her face. She licked her lips.
    “You are a beautiful woman, Brenna,” he said on a rush of breath.
    He lowered his head and brushed his lips against her pliant flesh. She grasped his forearms and rose to the tips of her toes, pressing her puckered mouth to his. He curled an arm around her waist. With the tip of his tongue, he traced the seam of her lips and then slipped his tongue inside her moist mouth. Um…she tasted good. A fresh taste, like water, set off his senses. The same ones that overloaded so that he couldn’t tell if the warm feel and sweet scent were the real essences of her or something his firing body imagined.
    Her tongue curled around his own. Her nails brushed across the nape of his neck. He groaned. Needing to breathe and some distance before he moved this kiss in to something more intimate, he ripped his lips away.
    Brenna popped her forehead against his ragged chest. As the red heat cooled and his ability to think returned, he knew he had the right to claim her. He wouldn’t. She was his and when he laid with her, it would be for them and not to beget an heir. There wasn’t much he could control in his life but for that.
    “Prepare for mealtime, Brenna.” He placed a quick peck on her lips again and then left.
    Though he hated to bring stress to his father, he had to speak to him. He headed to the laird’s chamber, hoping