CHAPTER 78

Alan sucked in air through his nostrils. “He is mine to kill.”

Caleb sank onto the bed next to his brother. “Aye, when we’ve extracted the necessary information from him, he is yours to kill. No one would deny you that right.”

“She saved me again,” Alan said bleakly. “The arrow was meant for me. She stepped in front of it and gave her life for mine.”

“She is a fierce lass. She loves you.”

That Caleb spoke of love without derision in his voice was surprising. But there was only grudging admiration and truth in his tone.

Alan buried his head in his hands. “I’ve made such a mess of things.”

“Don’t torture yourself, Alan. You were in an impossible situation. You and Keeley handled it as best you could. Much was riding on your marriage to Rachael.”

“I’m married to Keeley,” Alan said quietly.

“Aye, I heard it. I bore witness to the handfast.”

“It brings me no comfort when she lies dying down the hall.”

Caleb glanced at Gannon and then back to Alan. “You sell the lass short, Alan. She’s toug