Page 61 of Claimed By the Fae Lord

The duo approached and stopped a few feet away, not giving Liam the usual greeting reserved for their kin. They didn’t even offer a warrior’s greeting.

Unease slithered up my spine.

“Son,” the thickset male greeted coolly.

“Father,” Liam acknowledged with a nod, his face an unreadable mask. “Brother.”

Gunnar inclined his head, gaze flickering over his brother before settling on me with something akin to disdain.

"Raina," Brahm grunted, not bothering to hide his disapproval.

I swallowed hard. It wasn't surprising, but it smarted the same as a slap across the face.

"Drótinn Brahm, Hilmr Gunnar," I said, bowing respectfully.

"Allow me to present Lady Mirrelle Gilroy," Liam gestured toward our silent companion. “She is here at Lady Aeryn’s request, one made as we were about to depart so I was not able to notify you ahead of time.”

Her eyes met mine briefly, warning me to stay strong. I nodded in appreciation of that small gesture.

Gunnar inhaled. “Blood fae,” he murmured, inappropriately checking her out from head to toe.

The shapely female often received such attention, though she typically ignored it. Gunnar’s blatant appraisal must have struck a nerve because her fangs suddenly extended in response.

Brahm barely glanced at Mirrelle before turning his attention back to Liam. "I received your missive and replied.”

“Thank you for accepting—” I halted when Brahm lifted his palm in front of my face, attention remaining on Liam.

“I will hear from my son.”

The clan leader was often terse, but I’d never heard him interact with Liam like this. It wasn’t fair of him, especially since the blame, both past and present, should be placed upon me and my family. At least, as far as the nullified contract and my parents’ political scheming.

"We thank you for your offer of protection," Liam replied, his voice firm.

"Offer?" Brahm mused.

"Your reply clearly stated we were to arrive here at this time," Liam challenged, his jaw set. “Have you changed your mind?”

"I intend to assist, but our protection must be earned," Brahm explained. "You know our ways, son.”

I’d assumed something like this was what awaited our arrival, only I imagined it would be directed at me and me alone. Liam should have expected no less.

This, however? This was clearly a surprise. It took Liam a moment to accept there was no advantage here to carrying the Duersi name.

"Let me take them to my place and get them settled in," Liam offered. "Then we can figure out our next steps once they've had a chance to rest and I’ve recovered from the mines."

My head whipped to the male beside me. The mines? Surely not.

"Your gear will be taken to theguesthouse," Brahm answered curtly, gesturing to an underling hovering nearby. "Gunnar, you will be the escort into the mines."

"Raina, you and Mirrelle follow him to the guest house and stay there," Liam ordered, his voice strained.

Before I could respond, Brahm's deep voice interrupted.

"No," he declared firmly. "If you want the protection of this clan, Liam, you must return to the ways of our ancestors."

The Drótinn looked at me and then at Mirrelle, eyes hardening. "You two will do the same as my son to gain our safeguarding or you can return to Thornewood."

My muscles tightened. Liam wasn’t the outsider here. I was, along with Mirrelle. But I reminded myself that the Duersian Clan had always clung to their barbaric traditions.

---