Page 25 of The Best of Brenna Grant

Torrian

Book 2

Torrian and Loki became close, being a bit older than many in the second generation.

Chapter Twenty-One

Loki meets his sister, Heather.

Two days later, they had not gotten much further in their planning and they slept apart, though Torrian loved to sneak kisses from her. He’d told her they would marry when he’d return, but each time she’d mentioned their wedding, he’d changed the subject. She did not understand why, but she believed the wedding had taken on some form of secrecy. Her only concern was marrying in front of a crowd. She was definitely more comfortable around his family, but would she be able to marry him in front of his entire clan?

Some of the Grants arrived that day, though she was unsure if it was expected or not, but she was too busy trying to sew herself a new gown for her wedding to pay much attention. The garment was a pale green color similar to the buds on the trees in early spring. Nellie was off with her new friends. A knock sounded at her door, and she beckoned the caller inside.

Brenna stood in her doorway. “If you are not too busy, lass, we’d like to invite you to a special gathering.”

Heather had no idea what Brenna was about, but she adored her mother-to-be and would never turn her down. Having never had a mother or father, she treasured Torrian’s parents and hoped to have a strong relationship with them. So far, they had been wonderful. “Of course,” she said.

Though she followed Brenna down the passageway without question, she could not imagine where she was being led or why. There were many Grants chatting in the great hall, but Brenna led her past them, to where Torrian was standing beside the door to his sire’s solar. He held his hand out to her, and she gladly took it. She wished to ask him what to expect, but she found she could not.

Brenna kissed her on the cheek and walked away, which puzzled her even more. “I know this will be a shock to you,” Torrian said, reaching up to stroke her face, “but I think you’ll be pleased.”

He must have seen the confusion on her face because he kissed her cheek and said, “Trust me, lass. I have chosen to do this in this manner because I love you so.”

With a sudden whoosh inside her belly, her fear took over.

She clutched his hand with a death grip, and she could feel her heartbeat speed up. Glancing at him, she tried to speak but naught came out. The laughter of the group echoed behind her, reminding her how many were now in the hall. Could she handle this?

Torrian stopped, placed his finger under her chin, and locked his gaze on hers. “Sweeting, ‘twill be all right. I’m with you. Trust in me.”

The entire hall seemed to close in on her as her breathing increased. How would she ever learn to get past her fears? She closed her eyes for a moment to breathe in Torrian’s scent in an attempt to relax her body.

“Aye, take another deep breath. I’ll not leave your side. Do you trust me?”

She nodded, opening her eyes again slowly, focusing on him.

“Follow me. There are not many inside.”

Heather stepped cautiously inside the solar. Father Rab was facing her, talking with another priest who had his back to her. Wee Kenzie was there too, along with another lad speaking to Quade and Brodie.

She took another deep breath and was pleased to feel her insides calm.

Kenzie ran to her side and tugged on her arm. “Please come closer.”

He pulled her over to the lad with the tousled, sun-colored hair, and the lad turned to her. At the same time, the priest who was with Father Rab gave her his full attention.

“Heather, this is my adopted cousin, Loki,” Torrian said, “and this is his sire, Father Francis Prestwick.”

“Greetings,” Heather did a small curtsy, but she froze the instant she lifted her gaze to the two in front of her.

Looking at the lad called Loki was like seeing her reflection in the loch, only he was male. She stood a distance away yet, but the pressure of a small pair of hands against her back propelled her forward until she stood almost nose-to-nose with Loki.

A giggle erupted behind her and Kenzie said, “Look closer, lass.” Kenzie moved to her side and held his head tilted as if waiting for something.

Then she understood. She stared into Loki’s one blue eye and one green eye, and her heart burst open. Then she glanced at his sire, only to gasp again and take a step back.

Torrian squeezed her hand and pulled her to a nearby chair. “I think we should all sit.”

Loki took the chair opposite Heather and his sire—could he be their sire?—sat next to him. She heard Quade leave the room, and Brodie followed, tugging wee Kenzie by the hand. “You’ve seen your favorite part, Kenzie.”