after Brandon carried me off, to make sure I was well. Then I saw him when we were taken by Nola. He was furious at finding us snatched. He hid us out of the way knowing the other clans were coming to war with them. He ordered Nola’s death.”
“I thought you loved Brandon,” she says. Her face softens as she looks at me. “Aye, you love them both. They have been at loggerheads long before you entered the picture. And both are aware of your dual interest if Brandon’s reaction to Gage bringing you back that day is any indication.”
She huffs out a laugh. “My love, if the Goddess should venture to heal a man through you, I have every faith in Her divine wisdom to see the matter resolved. One way or another.”
“They hate each other,” I point out sadly, hardly daring to hope.
“But they love you,” my mother counters. “Their actions speak as much. Have faith, Jessa, for a little longer. You will find your place and the joy you deserve. I have long understood you were different. Even when you were a child.”
Her smile grows, and tears shine in her eyes. “My sweet, firstborn is an Omega no less.”
She seems so sure. I am yet to feel the same.
“What should I do?” I ask. “Should I… should I talk to Brandon about it?”
“Aye,” she agrees. “Find a time when you are both clear of head and talk to him. He will be shocked, I’m sure. But he loves you so very deeply that I’m sure Brandon and Gage will find a way. There will be bumps in your path. Of that, I have no doubt. Now, since you denied your mother a wedding, the least you can do is enjoy tonight to the fullest. The Goddess will be close, and She will be listening. Do not waste such an opportunity on tears. This is your first festival as a woman. Embrace it, my love.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Brandon
“WHAT THE FUCK is he doing here?” I say, nudging my head at Gage, the former second-born son who is now the king of the Lyon clan. The big bastard is on the other side of the village square talking to Jack. Between us is the industry as Ralston prepares for the coming feast. It will start this afternoon, allowing the children and older clansfolks to enjoy the fun. As the sun sets fully and darkness falls, the children will be sent home under the watch of older siblings and those not inclined toward the carnal side of Goddess worshipping.
“We are building alliances,” Fen says, scratching his short beard and frowning like this should be obvious.
I want to say something snarky, but it is not my fucking place. Winter is approaching, and everyone is talking about raiding. I am thankful that we are not at war with the Lyon clan anymore, but that doesn’t mean we need to invite them to our festivals.
A man hastens past, straining under the weight of lanterns. Another follows, carrying the poles.
“We don’t have to be friends to make alliances,” Fen says, tone serious.
I turn toward him. He has changed since he acquired a sweet mate, and more so since Hazel has gotten with child. He is also right. We do not need to be friends. We also don’t need to invite former enemies to our festival like they are our best fucking friends.
“Cart coming through!”
We both shift to the side as old Mike drives a laden cart full of wood for the bonfire toward the shore of the loch.
“I know it is difficult for you,” Fen continues. “With Gage because of Jessa.”
It is like twisting the blade she brought back in my gut. She keeps the bastard thing tucked in the lower dresser drawer. A reminder, as if I need one, that it was Gage who saved her that night and put her somewhere safe. I am even grateful that he did and that he is not the monster I accused him of being. But none of this makes her interest in him any easier to bear.
Now we are making alliances with his clan.
He is no longer the enemy.
It would even be acceptable for us to bond in the eyes of the clan, even if it would be a shock at first. Yet the sharp pain in my chest wants nothing to do with it.
Other men share lasses. Fen and Jack share a mate, and I have never seen them happier. I tell myself if I loved