I came here with a betrayal behind me that I do not discuss. They took me in and made me the seal on their alliance.
I know what happens to a seal once the document is signed.

Upton speaks for the others. He does not ask them and he does not ask me.
Three nights ago a boundary ride came in late and more than one of them claimed me in the map chamber. They held me between them until I stopped pretending.
I told myself it was survival. I have stopped believing that.

That is the shame of it. Not the men. That I listen for the gate at dusk and count the horses in.
Upton sets a hand at the back of my neck and every clever thought I own goes out.

Spring brought the rival clans to our borders, so tonight that heavy door shuts with all of us inside.
Held. Shared. Claimed by each of them in turn. Kept there until the holding feels safe again.
The alliance is the only reason I have a bed here, rivals count our men from the ridge, and I walk to that chamber on my own feet.
What am I the day they no longer need a bride? What am I if I never belong to anyone but them?

A full-length Highland reverse harem menage erotic novel featuring a shared bride and the warriors who claim her together.