The Illegitimate Claim by Lorie O'Clare Read Free Book Online Page B

your lady, my lord?” Beel strolled up to the two of them as
    they entered into the light flowing out of the large garage. He took the large jug from
    Ana’s hands, and poured some of the blood-red fluid into a wide mug with a large
    handle. He poured wine into several other men’s mugs as Gilroy held Ana to him
    protectively.
     
    Andru sauntered up and focused his gaze on Ana’s before he reached her. It was as
    if his hands were on her too, the way he looked at her. She couldn’t help but wonder if
     
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    The Illegitimate Claim
     
    he really was acting. Her mind was fogging from the wine and she couldn’t think
    clearly.
     
    “To the most beautiful woman in all of Gothman,” Andru said when he stood in
    front of her. He spoke quietly as if his attempt was discretion, and at that moment Ana
    wasn’t able to tell whether he wanted anyone to overhear him.
     
    They began to wander through the large group of soldiers, all loud and boastful of
    their warrior skills. Ana began to feel like a rag doll as she was passed in between
    Gilroy and Andru. She was consistently in one or the other man’s arms. Although
    Andru held her affectionately, he never let his hands stray across her body. On more
    than one occasion however, Ana had to stop Gilroy’s wandering hands, and whisper to
    him that there would be time for that later.
     
    Darius and Tara were part of the large group of warriors who filled the back- and
    side-yard, of the large Bryon house. They stood off to the side of the garage, where a
    large bonfire and quite a few torches provided ample light under the star-filled sky. The
    townspeople and hundreds of Runners from the Blood Circle clan had congested the
    streets of Bryton. But up at the Bryon house, the guards on duty ensured that only top-
    ranking warriors would be allowed to drink with the lord in his yards.
     
    Darius saw his children the second they came around the side of the garage. They
    were easy to spot as the warriors parted to allow them to walk by, and sang their
    praises to the heir of Gothman with raised mugs of ale. The whoops and hollers grew
    louder as his son, daughter, and his first commander approached the middle of the
    crowd. Tara walked up to Darius’ side as he watched.
     
    One of Darius’ high-ranking warriors and loyal member of his personal guard told
    a handful around him of a brave feat Gilroy performed while in battle. Gilroy stood to
    the side of the man, with his arms wrapped around Ana. The warrior finished his tale
    and mugs of ale went up in tribute. A mug was handed to Gilroy and he passed Ana to
    Andru in order to take the mug.
     
    While Gilroy participated in the toast, Andru and Ana stood off to the side. He
    could see his son clearly. Darius felt his heartbeat increase as Andru pulled Ana into his
    arms with her back firmly pressed against his chest. Ana twisted in Andru’s arms and
    Tara’s hand went to Darius’ arm. Their daughter turned around so she faced her
    brother, wrapped her arms around his neck, reached up and kissed him on the neck
    before resting her head against his chest.
     
    “She’s drunk,” Tara whispered to him.
     
    Darius looked down into his claim’s concerned eyes. He knew his son would be in
    control of the situation. Regardless of how much wine his twin sister drank, Andru
    wouldn’t let her do anything he didn’t want her to do. Darius’ blood boiled. He looked
    back toward his son and saw Andru bury his face in his sister’s hair then slowly look up
    and meet Darius’ gaze. The challenging look Andru gave him was undeniable.
     
    Darius felt no inhibition as he studied his son’s face in the ample light from the
    fires. He’d admit to himself that Andru was at least as powerful as he was. The young
     
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    Lorie O’Clare
     
    man worked hard to enforce unending loyalty among his men. His son would respect
    him, though. He was Lord of Gothman and that was his one ultimate gain over his son.
    He had