Page 19 of Wolf Heir (Highland Wolves of Old #3)

Aisling knew he was putting on a show in case anyone else was watching the lad. He was her best little spy, taking messages to whomever needed them with pride.

He darted past the blacksmith’s stoop, past the pens where the pigs snuffled old straw, past two bickering maids who were fighting over who had done more washing than the other, and arrived at Blair’s side. His breathing was quick as though he ran everywhere, and indeed, perhaps he did.

“I wish to tell you that I heard Morag questioning Hamish to learn who told him there was trouble at one of the crofts, Blair,” Niven said.

Even though Aisling was the one who needed the news, she suspected Niven was trying to pretend he was speaking with Blair to ensure Morag or her friends wouldn’t think anything of it if they saw them conversing.

“What did the chief say?” Aisling asked.

“He said he knows all that goes on in his pack, and didna say anything further.”

Aisling sighed with relief.

“But there is other news,” Niven continued, his brow furrowed. “I overheard Gormelia say she will get you back because Cook favored her by giving her the champion’s table to serve.”

“Even after she had to know Aisling used her bow on two Vikings?” Blair asked.

“Aye. Gormelia knows Aisling canna use them on her.”

“What does she plan to do?” Aisling worried Gormelia would try something underhanded so that she wouldn’t get into trouble for it.

“She stopped talking, and they headed to the keep. They didna see me.”

“Good, thanks be to thee for telling us,” Aisling said.

“Aye. She doesna like me. Morag told me to tell Gormelia she was the worst server she had ever seen, when Gormelia finally had a chance to serve the head table. I was happy to relay the information to Gormelia,” Niven said.

Aisling smiled. “I know what you mean. I can imagine her vying for a bachelor’s interest when she was serving the head table and ignoring Morag’s commands.

Then Aisling and her mother headed for the keep, but once they bedded down for the night, Aisling couldn’t quit worrying about Coinneach. What if he grew sicker in the night? Everyone would be sound asleep and wouldn’t wake up in time to learn of it.

The more she thought of it, the more she couldn’t sleep. Once her mother was fast asleep, Aisling slipped off her pallet, left the chamber, and headed for the doors that led to the inner bailey.

“Where are you off to?” one of the guards at the door asked.

“To check on Coinneach to ensure he has no fever.”

The guard opened the door for her. “I thought that was your mother’s duty.”

“Aye, but she’s tired and bade me to see him.” A little lie. “Then I will return for her if she is needed.” Aisling hurried out of the keep before the guard decided to check on her story.

Tristan approached her as she crossed the inner bailey to reach the barracks. Hopefully, he wouldn’t stop her from her mission. “How now, lass. What are you doing out at this hour of the night?”

“I’m seeing Coinneach and making sure he doesna have a fever.”

“Do you want me to check on him?”

“Nay, my mother bade me do it.”

Looking like he suspected there was more to it, Tristan nodded.

When Aisling entered the barracks, she was glad Coinneach slept on a bed near the entrance. Testosterone and snores filled the air.

She had to pass Aodhan’s bed first, though. He was sound asleep. So was Coinneach, until she approached his bed. He must have smelled her, and he opened his eyes and smiled.

She was glad to see his smile, hoping it meant he wasn’t in too much pain. She didn’t speak, just leaned over to touch his forehead. He wasn’t feverish, thank the gods. But before she could remove her hand from his forehead, he took hold of her wrist and pulled her onto his bed against his chest.

She stifled a squeal, not expecting his action. “You will reinjure yourself.” She kissed his forehead.

“Stay with me and make sure I dinna become feverish.”

“Aye. But I must leave before the other men wake.”

“‘Til then. I will heal better knowing you are safe with me.”

She tried not to laugh. Anytime she lay with him, he became aroused. It was only a matter of time before they mated.

Then she snuggled against him, listening to his steady heartbeat, and didn’t remember anything else until she heard a few male chuckles around the pallets behind them.

Och, she and Coinneach had slept through the night. She hadn’t awakened early enough to leave before some men were dressing to break their fast before they started their workday. The naked and half-naked men were casting her small smiles.

Coinneach stirred.

“I must go.” Aisling kissed Coinneach’s cheek, but he tightened his hold on her when she tried to extricate herself from him.

She sighed. “My mother must no’ find me with you.”

Coinneach kissed her mouth. “Go then. I will see you in the great hall.”

“Are you feeling better?”

“Aye, because you were keeping an eye on me.”

She scoffed. “I was as sound asleep as you.” Then she gave him one last hug and left the bed, not looking back to see if anyone else was watching her, though Aodhan gave her a wink as she hurried past him and out of the barracks.

Once she returned to the women’s chamber, her mother plaited her hair and shook her head at Aisling.

“I went to check on Coinneach.” Aisling figured that would be a good explanation.

“All night long?”

Aisling couldn’t put anything past her mother. “He isna feverish and feels better this morn.”

“But he hasna been up and about yet, so we will have to see how he does today.”

“Will you tell Drustan that Coinneach canna serve on the wall walk?”

“I will see to Coinneach first. If he says he feels well enough, and he doesna fight with anyone for a few days, then he can serve his duty.”

Aisling hugged her mother and hoped Coinneach would recover quickly. “I told him you were agreeable to our mating.”

“No’ agreeable but resigned to it. It has naught to do with Coinneach. He was brought up well. It has all to do with the other matters.” Her mother glanced in the direction where Gormelia was getting up and speaking low to her friends. They all looked over at Aisling.

Aisling knew she’d have more trouble with Gormelia before long.