Bound by Secrets--Sweet Edition by Piper Davenport

Author:Piper Davenport
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Trixie Publishing
Published: 2022-07-07T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

TWO DAYS LATER, on the morning of Kinnon MacMillan’s funeral, a somber Payton sat next to Brodie in the large SUV. Kade, Sam, Connall, and Pepper were with Alasdair in the car in front of them, and Payton was relieved to be alone with her mate. She took the comfort Brodie offered, his fingers linked with hers, as Karl drove them to the site. Brodie gave her hand a gentle squeeze and she smiled grimly.

“Are you sure you want to be there?” he asked. “We don’t have to go. Niall gave you the option to stay away.”

“I know.” Payton nodded. “But he’s as close as a brother... closer, really. I don’t mind being there, I’m just sad for him.”

“I understand.” Brodie kissed her palm. She leaned her cheek against his shoulder and sighed. “Thanks.”

As they approached the parking lot, Payton saw Niall talking on the phone, rubbing the bridge of his nose, indicating he wasn’t happy about whatever was being said. “That’s not a good look,” she murmured.

Niall glanced up and then slipped his phone into his pocket.

Payton didn’t have time to appreciate the view as she climbed out of the car and wrapped her arms around Niall’s waist, hugging him tightly. “I’m so sorry, Nye,” Payton whispered.

“Thank you for coming.” Niall released Payton and gave Brodie a quick man-hug. “All of you.”

Brodie nodded. “Of course.”

“Where’s Max?” Connall asked.

“He’s already down by the water,” Niall said, and greeted the rest of the family before leading everyone to where Max waited. Max nodded in greeting, his hands clasped so tightly in front of him, they were almost white. Pepper slid her hand into his arm, but didn’t attempt any other contact.

Kinnon MacMillan would be given a traditional Viking funeral. The group headed somberly toward the bank of the Loch. Kinnon had been laid out on a wooden raft, dressed in ornamental Icelandic clothing, his hands folded over his chest. After a few words, Max and Niall pushed the glorified casket away from the bank and waited until it was further out before the men shot lit arrows out to it. If this had been a happier occasion, Payton might have commented on how incredibly good they all were with a bow and arrow.

Niall grasped Payton’s hand, but stood stoically as tears slipped down his cheeks. Max’s expression was blank as the raft burst into flames and Kinnon’s body was devoured by the fire, finding his final resting place in the water.

When there was nothing left to see, Payton hugged Niall, but kept a safe distance from Max, who appeared to want no one near him. Connall, however, slipped an arm around his shoulders and gave him a quick hug. Max nodded, his expression unchanging as he followed the group back to the cars.

“You’re both welcome to come back to the house,” Kade said. “You can stay with Sam and me until you have to go back out on the road... or longer if you need to.”

Max shook his head.

“We’re back on the road in a few days, so I think we’ll hang out at Max’s place until then,” Niall said.

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