Page 44 of Wolf Heir

“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 whereGormelia 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.

10