Page 5 of Forbidden Desire

“Aye, Maighstir,” Jeemie concurred. “If it is necessary.”

“Go with our blessings, brother.” I patted his back approvingly. “I know the gods shall smile on your endeavors, and your prized stag awaits.”

Jeemie smiled, reminding me of our mother. His dark blond tresses were reminiscent of her long sandy locks, though we all shared our father’s deep blue eyes.

“Thank you, and I bid you both farewell. I might ask, in my absence, you work together rather than pull apart?” He hesitated, perhaps unsure if his tone had offended me, but I agreed with him. Alban and I had always butted heads, but we had reasons to be united. We only had to remember them.

I watched as Jeemie strode away, turning to my youngest brother.

“It is just you and I, Alban.”

“Aye.” His lips twitched. “You can rely on me, Maighstir.”

“I hope so.” I sensed his tone was sardonic, but he had at least addressed me correctly. “I have two brothers, and I need to depend on them both.”

“Depend on me for what?” Alban’s eyebrow arched.

“To come on board and help unite the village.” I motioned behind him to the frenzy of village life. “Our people look to our family for leadership, and that includes you.”

“Is this about taking a wife again?” His voice dripped with cynicism.

“In part,” I admitted. “A wife would be good for you, just as a wedding is always good for the community, but it is more than that, Alban. I need to know if push comes to shove, if I really need you, you will be there.”

He eyed me suspiciously. “You are asking for my loyalty?”

“In all things,” I agreed. “Without hesitation.”

“You know I’m not good at this sort of thing, Rasmie.” Alban tipped his head back as if asking the gods for help. “I prefer independence to subjection.”

“And you have always had it,” I reminded him. “But the season of change approaches. I am finally married again, and soon, my wife will be with child. I need reliable men at my side, and there are few I trust more than you and Jeemie.”

“You have my loyalty.” His voice was solemn. “But I would ask one thing from you.”

“Name it.”

“I want a say in the woman I take as mine.” His gaze drilled into me. “I understand why you want to control those alliances, but I cannot wed unless I feel a certain way for the bride.”

“You mean, she has to make you hard?” I chuckled at his request.

“Aye.” He joined me in laughter. “And what is wrong with that, brother? You have enjoyed the blessing of two attractive wives. Let me choose one.”

“Okay.” My will was slipping. “We shall convene on the subject and discuss it when there is a suitor, but remember, I am your chief and shall have the final say.”

Glancing away, his jaw stiffened. “A compromise then?”

“Aye, Alban, a compromise.”

It was as good as either of us was going to get.

“So be it.” His eyes met mine. “I agree with this cooperation.”

“I am happy you do.” My attention returned to my chamber and the woman still tethered to my bed.

“You wish to return to your wife?” Alban’s brow rose, suppressing the grin I could tell wanted to surface. “You are missing her?”

“I am missing the things I do to her,” I clarified, determined not to rise to his bait.

“You should go then.” He signaled to my private chamber.

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