Page 45 of Wolf Pack

Conall smiled. “He is much impressed with your prowess with a sword. Now, he was concerned, and rightfully so, when you fought his sister and the midwife. He had started to fight Erik, but then both stopped to watch you fight Bessetta.”

“And you?”

Conall laughed. “I was fighting to prove my worth. I know how you fight and how gentle you can be since you practice with Elene and my siblings. But Alasdair wasn’t sure how well Elene could fight against you either. When it comes to women who are your enemies, that’s another story.”

“Mayhap, but they are part of the pack and probably have families here also. So how did you do against the Scottish lads?”

“After besting three of them, Lorne said it was time for me to fight the men.”

Proud of Conall, Isobel laughed. “I can imagine. I wish I had been watching you. How did you do against the men?”

“Let’s just say I was…challenged. They certainly didna hold back, wanting to prove a lad couldna bestthem.”

She smiled. “I’m glad. Back home, your da certainly wouldna let you shirk your duty at learning to better yourself at fighting.”

“No’ me. Some of the lads wanted to see you fight some of the men.”

“I bet they did.”

When they finally arrived back at the croft, they saw the twins sitting in a boat fishing with Dawy on the mirror-like loch.

“Now that’s what I like to see.” Isobel loved that Dawy was treating the twins like he was their da.

“Yeah, hopefully, they catch some fish, though you willna be eating any of it.”

“Nay, I’m staying here with you and the family in case something goes wrong with Cleary and Baine.”

They waved at Dawy and the kids.

“We’re fishing!” Drummond shouted as if they couldn’t see that.

“I hope you’re catching some!” Conall shouted back.

“We are!”

“Good.”

Then Isobel and Conall dismounted, and Conall took hold of their horses’ reins.

“Thanks, Conall.”

“You know he means to mate you. Just giving us the horses shows how much he cares for you.”

“Ja.Aye.” The horses were a godsend. She had hidden her excitement in front of Alasdair, grateful that he had given them to them. She didn't quite know how to express her gratitude without seeming too overjoyed, as though she believed he truly wanted to mate her. She could see making a fool of herself in front of him.

Agnes left the croft and greeted them. “Are you staying with us for the evening meal?”

“If Dawy and the twins catch enough fish.” Isobel smiled.

“Alasdair wanted her to eat with him,” Conall said after leading the horses to the water.

“Oooh,” Agnes said. “I knew that would happen.”

Isobel loved her for being caring and joyful like her mother had been. “But I’m staying here with all of you. Have the twins behaved all day?”

“They have. They are so helpful, learning how to cook, fishing with Dawy, and swimming with me. They’ve been great. And Conall has been, too.”

“I’m glad they’re being good.”

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