Tamhas likewise retired to the chamber.
Blair checked out Hamish’s cuts and tended to them. “They should be well healed in a few days.”
That was the thing about wolves. They healed so well in half the time that humans did and never wore scars.
She checked on the other men and then, lastly, saw to Coinneach. Aisling was glad he hadn’t sustained any further injuries or pulled any stitches loose.
To Aisling’s surprise and annoyance, he lifted Blair off her feet and swung her around, then set her on her feet. “I’m so lucky to have a woman who is such a great healer take care of me night and day.” He kissed her cheek, and her mother’s cheeks blossomed with color.
“You’re bound to tear your stitches loose, doing such a thing.”
“It was well worth it.” He smiled at Blair as if he truly loved her.
She finally gave him just a wee bit of a smile, then shook her head. “Off to bed with ye.”
Hamish said, “No more murder attempts on your life.”
Aisling and Coinneach agreed. Then everyone slowly left the area, and she and her mate returned to bed. Niven settled downoutside their door to alert Blair if Coinneach became feverish again.
“I wasna expecting that,” Coinneach said to Aisling as they wrapped each other up together.
“Nay, me either. Niven is a clever lad.”
“Aye, that he is, though at first, I was angry that he had slipped into our chamber.”
“My mother was glad that you hugged her.”
“I was afraid to before this, but I wanted to show how much I care about her. She is as much family to me as you and my own are.”
“Well, she was thrilled. But she already knew how much you care about her.”
They settled in bed, hoping the rest of the night would be uneventful, as he wrapped his arms around Aisling in a loving embrace.
EPILOGUE
Coinneach still planned to have the wedding ceremony with Aisling in the meadow to honor his parents, who had raised them all those years. But Hamish wouldn’t hear of it. He told Cook to make the most lavish meal for the feast, and they would celebrate for days.
Aisling wore the most beautiful kirtle of pale blue that set off her red hair. Elspeth and Blair both wore green gowns, as the women who sewed clothes at the castle honored them with kirtles as well. Even Nelly, who was so much like a sister, wore one too.
Then the procession got on the way, with Coinneach wedding Aisling in the inner bailey. They promised to run as wolves after the feast in the meadows. Once they were wed, though the mating had made it official, he kissed her like there was no tomorrow. She was just as exuberantly kissing him back, and everyone laughed and cheered at the union of Hamish’s true son and Aisling.
This time, Blair, Tamhas, Magnus, Elspeth, and Nelly sat at the head table along with Aisling and Coinneach. He thought about how much his life had changed with Aisling in it as severalpack members toasted to the happy couple. She made him complete.
Hamish leaned over and said to Aisling, “Here, I planned to add you to my company of archers. But Coinneach wouldn’t hear of it.”
She smiled at Hamish. “If we are in a battle, I can help your archers fight the enemy.”
Coinneach reached over and took Aisling’s hand in his. “Unless you are with child.”
Hamish laughed. “You better work on that faster.”
Coinneach looked at Aisling and said, “Do you have anything to share?”
“I was going to wait until after the wedding.” She sighed, sounding exasperated with him.
“Your mother said…”
“Aye, she said we will have twins in the spring.” Then she patted Hamish’s hand. “And you will have grandbabies.”
