Page 203 of Moon Craving

predicted when they came upon the water.

Abigail stopped and stared, awe superseding the ache of her heart for a magical

moment. "It is so vast. And beautiful."

"Aye. During the day, you can see Balmoral Island off in the distance."

"Emily is petrified of water, or at least she used to be. Before her husband taught

her to swim. I wonder how she made the crossing the first time?"

"You are not frightened of water?"

"No. Though I used to be terrified of wild beasts."

"Learning your husband is also a wolf changed your heart?"

"Meeting his wolf, if I had but known it at the time." She wrapped her arms around

herself, but the chill from her heart would not be warmed. "He came to me while I walked

in the forest near the hot springs. It scared me spit-less, to tell you the truth, but was

amazing all the same. Niall promised me the wolf would not hurt me."

Guaire flinched at the mention of the man he loved.

She laid her hand on his shoulder. "I am sorry."

"Your pain is greater than mine."

"I don't believe that."

Guaire rubbed at his cheeks and Abigail pretended not to notice. "Nothing good

could ever come of my love, but so long as he did not find someone else, I let my stupid

heart hope."

"Dashed hopes hurt most of all, I think." Hers had left her bleeding still.

"Because they are born of your heart's desires."

She nodded, too choked all at once to speak. Talorc had fulfilled the deepest

desires of her heart, or at least she thought he had.

"Will your sister's husband allow me to remain among the Balmoral, do you think?"

"Of course, you would be an asset to any clan."

Guaire smiled sadly. "Thank you."

"You are not going to Balmoral Island. I threatened war on my own king to keep

you with me. I'll not let another laird, Chrechte pack leader or not, take you from me."

At the sound of her husband's voice in her head, Abigail spun around. Two huge