WolfeStrike (De Wolfe Pack Generations #2) - Kathryn Le Veque Page 0,93

really wanted someone to abduct her, then perhaps they did not have to look any further than the man they were about to help. It was true that Lady Isalyn was his beloved’s sister, but Steffan had never spoken fondly of her or of his father, so there did not seem to be any love lost between them. In fact, Joah couldn’t remember Steffan ever speaking kindly of his sister.

Therefore, Joah had no sense of hesitation when it came to an abduction.

Perhaps this was the best way to avenge Steffan, not only against the House of de Wolfe, but against the family who never really cared for him.

That’s what Joah was.

An avenging angel.

And the time for retribution had come.

“You have agreed?”

Gilbert had to sit down. He was feeling lightheaded. He’d just been informed that Isalyn had agreed to the betrothal between her and Tor de Wolfe, and Gilbert was having trouble breathing. As he sat heavily, he could hear his daughter snort.

“Father, this is what you wanted, is it not?” she asked, amused. “Why are you taking it so hard?”

They were in the chamber Isalyn was sharing with Isabella. Tor had just returned from the task Isabella had summoned him for and he had then sent Isabella to find Gilbert, but the man had only been lingering in another chamber nearby. He’d never left the building, fearful of his daughter’s behavior. In case she decided to attack Tor in a betrothal-induced rage, Gilbert wanted to be there to stop it.

Now, Gilbert had entered the chamber to find Isalyn smiling, Tor smiling, and a pleasant atmosphere all around.

He was stunned.

“I am not taking it hard,” he said after a moment. “I am simply surprised.”

Isalyn glanced at Tor before replying. “But this is what you wanted, isn’t it?” she said. “I thought you would be going mad with celebration.”

Gilbert cast her a long look. “Daughter, where you are involved, nothing is for certain,” he said. Then, he gestured at the corridor outside. “Why do you think I was in the other chamber? I was certain a fight was going to break out and, suddenly, we were going to find ourselves permanent residents of the Blackpool vault.”

Isalyn started laughing, looking at Tor, who was also chuckling. “It is not like that at all, my lord, I assure you,” he said. “Your daughter and I have come to a fine understanding. I feel confident to say that this betrothal is sealed.”

Gilbert stared at him as if still in disbelief. This is exactly what he’d hoped for, what he’d planned for, and now it was happening. His daughter was going to marry Tor de Wolfe. As the realization sank in, he broke down into a grin.

“Bloody hell,” he muttered. “She did agree, didn’t she? Now all we need is the wedding and a feast to end all feasts. It shall be the greatest feast the north has ever seen and we shall have it in Carlisle, at my manse of Etterby House. Men will speak of this feast for years to come!”

He was becoming terribly excited for a man who, moments earlier, barely registered emotion.

“As the father of the bride, that is your right, of course,” Tor said. “But as a de Wolfe groom, my family is quite large. Unless your manse can hold hundreds, then mayhap we should reconsider and have it at Castle Questing. I know my father would be grateful. When my brother and I married the first time, it was very far away and he was unable to attend. Would you give my father the privilege of hosting the feast?”

Gilbert thought on that a moment before nodding. “Of course,” he said. “Etterby’s hall can hold about one hundred men, mayhap less, so it might be better to have it at one of your larger fortresses.”

“It will still be a feast that men will speak of for years to come.”

Gilbert was clearly very excited about the prospect. He stood up, rubbing his hands together with glee.

“When shall we have this marriage?” he asked. “Have either of you discussed the time and day?”

Tor and Isalyn looked at each other. “Nay, Father,” Isalyn said. “We have not gotten that far, to be truthful. I suppose there is no reason to wait except I am sure we would like guests to have time to travel to the feast.”

Gilbert waved her off. “You are thinking of your aunt and friends in London,” he said. “You can get married now and have the wedding feast at a