had Purity, he would see you dead and your clan would suffer unspeakable suffering and pain. He would move more of his warriors here to make it appear as if he intended to eventually conquer the area. He’d cause enough unrest and demand coin from the King for him to abandon his objective and return home, since his homeland is where he has all intentions of returning with wealth. By then he would have no use for Purity and he would see her dead along with any child she might bear him.” His chest tightened with the horrible thought.
Galvin snorted. “What makes you think you know this to be true?”
“I was a prisoner of Brynjar’s and I saw the evil he’s capable of and it is beyond anything you can imagine. He cares only about wealth and power. He is a depraved, reprehensible man.”
“Then it is good you married, Purity. The Clan Macara will live on.” Galvin turned a stern eye on him. “Remember, I’m still chieftain. You don’t get to lead this clan until I die. My word counts around here, not yours.”
“From the look of you, I don’t have to wait long, though I could hasten your demise.” Arran didn’t care if he insulted or threatened the man, not after he showed not an ounce of remorse or worry for what he’d done to his daughter.
“You say nothing in my defense, daughter?” Galvin demanded, turning a stern eye on her.
“You made it clear to me ever since I was young that a woman never questions her husband, that she obeys him in all things. I finally do as you say, Father.” She smiled. “I don’t question my husband.”
Galvin collapsed back in the chair. “You have changed, daughter. You’ve gained courage. And you, Arran, your tongue cuts sharp, a far cry from the way it once charmed. That’s good. You need a sharp tongue to be chieftain and rule men.” He cringed, his hand going to his stomach.
Purity didn’t understand why it hurt her to see her father suffer, but then he was her father, all she had left of her family.
“I had hoped to see a grandson born, but the pain worsens in me every day and I can eat little. It does help knowing that Arran will make a fine chieftain of the Clan Macara.”
“Then make him chieftain now,” Purity said, surprising both men.
Galvin glared at her, ready to argue, but the flare in his eyes faded quickly.
“You know the wisdom of my words, Father. With Arran appointed chieftain, it strengthens his foothold here and—”
“Gives him complete authority,” Galvin said with less anger than Purity expected.
“It also allows you to see how deeply he plants roots here and lets you watch your clan grow ever stronger and see me round with a future Macara.”
Galvin’s eyes brightened. “You’re with child?”
“I will know soon enough,” she said and she would since tonight they had no choice but to couple and make it a possibility.
“When you are with child, I will make Arran chieftain, and on that you have my word,” Galvin said.
Arran’s arm supported Purity as they made their way upstairs, her limp troubling him.
“You should have stayed off your feet,” he said, scooping her up in his arms.
“I had to talk with my father. I had to know,” she said.
Her eyes filled with tears again and he so badly wanted to deposit his wife in their bedchamber, then go give her father a good beating. But it would solve nothing.
Instead, he asked, “Know what?”
She shook her head. “I’m a glutton for heartache. I’ve known since I was young that my father cared not an ounce for me, though he’d never said it. I had to know for sure this time. I wanted to hear it from him. I just wish I knew why he’s always hated me.”
The man deserved to suffer and then some for all the pain he had inflicted on his daughter.
“He’s a selfish man. He cares more about leaving a legacy than what he has right in front of him… a beautiful, kind daughter who will see his bloodline carried on.”
She turned her face away from him as they entered the room.
“Purity,” he said softly, keeping her in his arms.
She turned her face back around. “You didn’t have to say you loved me.” She finished the rest of what she wanted to say in her head. Not until you’re ready to.
He’d surprised himself when he’d said it. What was even more surprising was that he