Out of Smoke and Ashes by Bree Wolf

Author:Bree Wolf [Wolf, Bree]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Wolf Publishing
Published: 2023-04-12T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Five

BROTHERS

A strong breeze blew in from the sea, ruffling Keir’s hair as he walked along the coastline to the south with his father and Duncan. Seagulls circled overhead, and waves rolled onto the beach, the sound of their movement soothing to Keir’s ears. It had been a long time since he had heard it, and only now did he realize how much he had missed the sounds of his home, as well as the smells and sights. There was the touch of salt in the air and the coolness of the breeze upon his skin. He had missed the way the sun peeked over the horizon every morning, that soft orange glow growing as it rose, warm and comforting. And then when night fell, the streaks of violet upon the sky shimmered almost magically, and Keir was certain that many storytellers had been inspired by it.

“What do ye know of Sarah’s fiancé?” his father inquired, scratching his chin as they walked. “What sort of man is he?”

Keir’s jaw tightened briefly. “Her former fiancé,” he pointed out, unable to stop himself.

Duncan grinned widely. “He might disagree,” he teased, slapping Keir’s shoulder good-naturedly.

Ignoring both his sons, their father went on. “And Katherine’s husband? After what ye’ve told us, he will undoubtedly be most determined to retrieve his wife. I dunna wish to alarm the ladies, but I needa know what sort of men they are, what to expect.”

Keir nodded, and although he knew he had done the right thing, he disliked the burden his choice had placed upon his father’s shoulders. “Katherine’s husband has a temper, and he has made it clear upon numerous occasions that he doesna care for his wife’s well-being. Still, truth be told, I suspect that ’tis the dowager, Lord Birchwell’s mother, who is the true threat. Her son seems like a puppet and she his master.” Keir paused in his steps and lifted his head, gazing out across the sea toward the mainland. “But ye’re right,” he continued, turning to meet his father’s steady gaze. “Without his wife, Lord Birchwell will never have an heir to his title. He canna afford to let her slip through his fingers.” An icy shiver crawled down his back. “He will have no choice but to try to get her back.”

While his father looked contemplative, clearly considering every word Keir had said, the expression upon Duncan’s face darkened with emotion. Keir almost smiled at the anger he saw flash in his brother’s eyes. Clearly, the MacKinnears now considered Katherine theirs to protect.

“And what about Sarah?” his father inquired as they once again fell into step side by side, continuing their way down the beach. “What about her former fiancé?” The ghost of a smirk played across his father’s face as he glanced over to him.

Keir willed himself not to react but to consider his father’s question most carefully. “Truth be told, I’ve never met the man,” he admitted, wondering now if that had been a mistake. “I only ever saw

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