When Reif saw Kieran pointing to the cluster of fires in the distance, he realized it was where Angus and the rest of the Scottish Wolves were. Flapping his wings faster, he gained altitude, which gave him a better view of the area and how isolated and peaceful the settlement was.Kieran is right—it’s a perfect place for the nessies to hide if they’re ever threatenedwith harm. He only hoped Angus would agree to take them if that situation arose.
Descending slowly, Reif noticed a large group of people standing around the biggest bonfire he’d ever seen. Sparks danced in the air and rose into the night sky before they faded into the darkness. Looking around, he saw old cottages scattered among the green grass and boulders, smoke rising from their chimneys. Other than soft murmurs drifting up to him, nothing else disturbed the quiet of the night.
After Logan landed, Kieran—the bag with the nessies on his back—slid off his mate’s back, then turned and helped Brian off. Smiling at him, Kieran said, “Wasn’t it incredible? Flying onmacushlais my second favorite way to travel, well, it used to be my first, but when Remy used his magic, that became my favoritest. Have you ever traveled by magic? It’s like being inside a whirlwind…and it happens so fast. Did you enjoy flying this time?Macushlaflew slower so squirt and the nessies wouldn’t be afraid. Was it better for you this time? You didn’t feel sick or anything, did you?”
“Naw,” Brian muttered, taking the bag from Kieran and unlatching the clasp.
Shifting, Logan hugged Kieran and whispered, “How’s squirt? Did he enjoy the flight?”
Grinning sassily, Kieran stood on his tiptoes and murmured into his mate’s ear, “Yup, and wants to know when he can do it again.”
“Soon,” Logan replied, chuckling. Then, turning to Angus and smiling, he said, “Good to see you again. Quite a welcoming committee.”
“Och, it’s fur the wee baby nessies,” Angus said, beaming.
Gliding on the currents, Reif waited until Logan gave him the signal to land. When his claws touched the ground behind an enormous boulder, he quickly shifted and dressed before walking over to Brian, wrapping his arms around his mate and tugging him tight to his side. “Are you okay?” he growled softly.
The worry and concern in Reif’s voice filled Brian with warmth, as it always did, and he sent up a silent thanks to the Fates and gods for giving him the perfect mate after waiting so many years. “Ay, love. C’mon, ah want ye tae meet Angus,” Brian murmured, grasping his mate’s hand. Turning to a large, bare-chested man in a kilt peering into the bag of nessies, he introduced Reif to Angus.
Grinning, Reif extended his hand, saying, “It’s a pleasure to meet you…and thanks for helping rescue me from those blood-sucking vampires and keeping me and the eggs safe. I owe you a lot, as do my people, so anything you need from us, let me know.”
“Ahh…the sea dragon. Nice to meet ye, finally,” Angus said loudly, grabbing Reif’s outstretched hand and pulling him in for a hug along with a hearty slap on the back. “Hope ye are up for some Scottish Wolf whiskey…if ye dinna have hair on yer chest, ye will after tonight.”
Before Reif could respond, a pretty lass handed him a large tankard. Looking around, he noticed everyone had received one, including his mate. Turning his attention back to his mug, he sniffed an almost ethereal aroma coming from the liquid. Unable to resist it, he lifted it up to his lips, but before he could taste it, Brian shook his head. Reif rolled his eyes and lowered the drink.
Angus smirked at Reif before checking to make sure everyone had a full mug. Once he was satisfied, he raised his own and proposed a toast:
“Here’s tae the king o’ the Highland howl,
Wi’ eyes like fire and heart nae foul
May his claws stay sharp, his kin run free,
And the moon aye shines on his majesty.
Wi’ winds that sing o’ his ancient name,
Let every glen ken his fearsome fame.
Raise yer horn, let the whisky pour—
To the wolf-king’s reign, and evermore!”
Then he roared, “Tae King Ian, lang may he reign!” Then he took a long drink of the potent liquid as everyone’s voices echoed the sentiment.
Joining in on the toast, Reif raised his to his lips and followed suit, gasping as the liquid fire flowed down his throat. That it had become considerably colder since they’d landed didn’t matter—he was sweating profusely from the fire the drink had ignited in his body. He’d heard about Scottish whiskey, but since his people drank nothing but Ouzo, it was a new experience for him. “Holy hell!” he muttered to himself. Now he understood Angus’ comment about putting hair on his chest. In fact, he was sure that by the time he finished the rest of it, he’d be one hairy beast.
Brian smirked at his mate. “Guid, ay?”
“Now I know why no one is ever sick here,” Reif mumbled. “There isn’t a germ in the world that can survive in a body filled with this stuff.”
Chuckling, Brian said, “Ay, nae doubt aboot it. Best medicine in the world.”
“I don’t know about that, but I’m gonna enjoy seeing my fathers’ reaction to it when they visit here next month,” Reif sputtered, his mouth still burning.
Before he could say anything else, Angus walked over and stood before him. “Ye make a fine mate for me friend.” Then shifting his gaze to Brian, he winked and added, “If he misbehaves, ye let me know.” Then he stepped back, turned around and raised his tankard to everyone, shouting:
“Here’s tae the beasts beneath the brine,