Highland Stone

by Sloan McBride

  Katherine crossed to where Kara sat and gently touched her shoulder. "Then stay with us as long as you need. There is water on the stand so you can refresh yourself before changing. You have some time before the meal." Katherine left.

  Kara hobbled to the basin of water and teetered a little. Her emotions were just as wobbly. One will come to do the right thing. The right thing. And what the hell was that? How would she know? She thrust her hands into the chilly water, splashed her face, and ran wet fingers through tangles in her strawberry-blond hair to comb out the mess.

  Throbbing pains shot up her leg as she stepped into the muslin skirt, which hung to her ankles. The blouse, which looked more like a nightshirt, was lightweight and tucked in nicely. "Not a bad fit." Since the skirt had no pockets and she couldn't risk carrying the stone in her bra, Kara lodged it under the mattress in one of the slats on the bed. With linen cloths she found folded amongst the clothes, she immobilized her ankle.

  Her stomach gurgled. She needed food. When she opened the door, the guard frowned at her. She'd gone only a few steps when she saw Iain MacLeod approaching.

  "Hello," she said. Heat filled her cheeks and she clasped her hands in front of her. Surrounded by tall, gorgeous men had her feeling like a teenager. Well, if she had to go insane, she might as well enjoy the view.

  Iain waved off the guard. "Me máthair sent me with stern orders." His eyes twinkled.

  "And what might those orders be?" Kara asked, tilting her head to study Iain's devilish expression. She yelped when for the second time that day she was lifted into strong male arms.

  "To carry ye to the hall."

  He trotted down the steps. She held tight to his shirt but didn't struggle. Being treated like a helpless female ruffled her independent nature, but that was nothing compared to the sinking in her stomach when they entered the great hall and there sat Alaxandar MacLeod at the head table with an older version she assumed to be his father. Their gazes met and held as he stood, motioning Iain to bring her to him.

  Thoughts of female virgins offered in sacrifice skimmed her mind. The feral look on Alaxandar's face as they approached definitely brought visions of being fed to the lions. She wished she hadn't left the stone in her room. She could use its protection about now. Iain deposited her in a chair beside his brother.

  "Feeling better?" Alaxandar's warm breath caressed her earlobe.

  She shivered. "I was."

  He chuckled before turning to continue the conversation with his father.

  Everyone started eating when trenchers of food were placed in the center of the table. Those who served took cautious steps around her. Alaxandar slapped some kind of meat on the small disk that resembled a plate, and handed her a large oatcake before loading his own with tons of food and digging in.

  At least the meat looked cooked. It smelled heavenly to her empty stomach, so she broke a small piece off. It was tough to chew, too gamey tasting, and very salty. Not the cuisine she'd grown up with. Alaxandar poured some warm-spiced wine.

  "Thank you."

  His sexy, arrogant mouth curved in a smile. Her stomach flip-flopped again. Even now she had to look up to meet his eyes, which were incredible. Her heart paused in awe of him before beating erratically.

  The volume of noise in the large hall escalated with every new group of people who entered. Kara found it difficult to concentrate on any one discussion. She heard bits of stories about recent battles and sneak attacks on villages. Occasionally, she'd see someone glance in her direction followed by excited hand gestures. Obviously, they were discussing her sudden appearance. She would have been happier eating in the room.

  An angry stare met hers when she locked gazes with Jamie MacLeod. He sneered. He looked as if he'd be happy to launch daggers at her. Kara didn't understand the hostility. She'd done nothing. Okay, appeared out of nowhere, falling in front of Alaxandar's horse and getting invited to stay at the castle, but that's it. Nothing else.

  So far.

  Uneasiness gripped her, causing the earlier ravenous hunger to dissipate.

  "Ye be a skurvish piece, Patrick. I beat that bastard with both me eyes closed. He was but a bit o' nothing."

  Alaxandar's voice dragged Kara's gaze away from Jamie and back to the head table.

  "If Iain hadna distracted the lad, ye would have been on your arse."

  Several men laughed. This conversation piqued Kara's curiosity.

  "I dinna distract him on purpose," Iain assured. "Me horse stumbled."

  More laughed this time, the most boisterous coming from the leader of the clan. Although she hadn't officially been introduced, Kara knew he had to be Alaxandar's father.

  A thick auburn beard and moustache covered his face. She couldn't tell if his eyes were brown or black. A heavy Scottish burr laced his speech but he spoke with all the authority his position held and they listened. The sons were like the father in many ways. Their strong chiseled features, angled chins and long noses were similar. She smiled when Alaxandar shoved Iain after his last comment.

  The rest of suppertime left Kara edgy. Whispers and stares followed her every movement. When she finished eating she rose to stretch. A slick steely voice whispered at her. "I know what ye be and ye willna get away with it." She swung around in time to see Jamie MacLeod walking away.

  Later that evening, after being carted yet again by Alaxandar to a smaller room and set in a wooden chair by the blazing fire, several people Kara hadn't seen before entered. She could not hear the feverish discussion with her hostess, but it led her to believe something was amiss. After a few moments, Katherine walked toward her.

  "Kara, I'd like you to meet Drummond MacLeod, Chief of the clan and my husband."

  Kara started to rise and, like an unwanted headache, Alaxandar appeared. He placed his arm around her waist to steady her. She frowned and nudged him with her elbow before saying, "I'm pleased to meet you." She smiled at Katherine. "You wife has been very kind."

  A large smile broke across Drummond's face and he looked at Katherine with adoring eyes. "She does me proud."

  Katherine ducked her head slightly. She went on to introduce the others. "This is my other son, Cuilén."

  He bowed and took Kara's hand. "Welcome."

  Cuilén stood at equal height with his father. His soft blue eyes were kind.

  Suddenly, the door burst open and running steps approached. "And," Katherine went on. "This is my youngest daughter, Eleyne."

  The chief tugged on Eleyne's arm to pull her before him. She curtsied.

  "A pleasure," Kara said.

  The young woman scurried to stand beside Iain, who yanked gently on her braid. Eleyne punched him in the gut. Iain grunted, stirring laughter from the others.

  Eleyne looked to be about sixteen. A determined jut to her chin hinted at an independent nature and mutinous eyes spoke of a feisty temper. Her stance said she'd buck the system given the opportunity. Kara took an immediate liking to the girl.

  Alaxandar helped Kara sit then went to get ale and speak with Cuilén. She sank into the chair, weariness suddenly hitting her hard. Her life had taken a drastic turn and she had neither the knowledge nor energy for dealing with it tonight. Things would be better tomorrow. Optimist.

  Kara rose and tapped Katherine on the shoulder. "I'm sorry I've not been the best company. I'm afraid my long journey has taken a lot out of me. I'd like to retire if you don't mind."

  "Of course, dear." She turned to her son. "Alaxandar, please help Kara to her room."

  Kara lifted a finger in protest. "No, I—"

  He swept Kara high into his arms and with a smile painted on his face, ambled out of the room. Kara sat rigid against him, refusing to struggle yet again. Under different circumstances, she probably would've enjoyed his touch.

  "You're amused by this, aren't you?" she hissed.

  "Aye."

  His arrogance fueled her temper. Just her luck. She got zapped to another century, found the man of her dreams, and he turns out to be
irritating. Kara wound her arms around Alaxandar's neck, nuzzled under his hair and up close to his ear. His momentum slowed and he turned his face slightly into her mouth. She couldn't deny that he smelled good—all male and sexy, but she owed him for dumping her on the bed earlier. He took too much pleasure in her discomfort, so with a small lick of her tongue up his neck to his earlobe, she sank her teeth into his flesh.

  He yelped and misstepped, almost causing both of them to go over the edge of the stairway. "Ye bit me."

  "You deserved it," Kara replied, although at home she never would have behaved in such a way well, at least she hadn't in some time.

  Alaxandar scowled. "I should drop ye on your arse."

  "Go ahead. I'll walk on my own with no help from an egotistical male."

  "Dunna argue, woman, lest ye'll be thrown over me shoulder."

  "Then I'll bite you in the ass—" Kara's face reddened when she realized what she'd just said to him.

  "Now for that I be willing."

  "What?" She pushed against his massive chest and wiggled in his arms.

  A laugh rumbled deep in his chest. His steps carried them swiftly into the chamber. He breached the entrance and tossed Kara on the bed. She bounced and had to put her hands out to steady herself. She glared in his direction. Insufferable.

  "Until the morrow."

  Kara batted her eyelashes at him in a sarcastic gesture. She prayed he'd come closer so she could slap that smirk off his face. His grin returned as he stepped toward her then changed his mind. He laughed and strutted out the door. The whoosh of the closing door caused the flames on the tapers to dance. Kara fell back on the bed and winced at the pain in her ankle. "How am I going to get through this?"

  CHAPTER THREE

  At the crack of dawn, streams of sunlight peeked through the sliver of window in Kara's room. "You've got to be kidding. What is it, like, five a.m.?" She groaned and rolled to her side, pulling the blanket over her head. Normally, she woke up early but it had been a rough night. Yesterday, a part of her prayed that on the new day, this would have turned out to be just an unbelievable dream. The other part laughed.

  That was the fanciful part.

  A commotion outside drew her to the window. A semi-circle of savory-looking men and horses stood in the yard. One large burly Scot spoke, his brusque voice muffled. Another man led two more horses from the stables. They all mounted. Just before they galloped away, Kara spied Alaxandar astride his massive steed toward the front of the band. His strong thighs clasped the sides of the animal. Goose bumps popped out on her arms.

  Limping over to the north corner of the room where the wash basin sat on a small round table, her thoughts strayed to Alaxandar riding her. Her nipples perked. "Stop it. You don't have time for that."

  Splashing cold water on her face didn't thrill her, especially since her skin held a chill but it might help her think straight. She sighed. Alone and desperate were not ideal choices. It generally made people do stupid things.

  Kara adjusted her blouse, shifted the skirt, and fluffed her hair, doing her best to look fresh and self-assured. She wished she felt that way. Resting her hand against her rumbling stomach, she decided she needed two things immediately—food and a bathroom, and a jumbo-sized bowl of peanut butter and chocolate ice cream. Okay, three things. Ice cream was a staple in time of crisis, a comfort food.

  Yanking open the door, she ran into a brick wall, at least that's what it felt like before she fell on her ass. "Ow!" she said rubbing her butt.

  Jamie MacLeod leaned against the doorjamb with arms crossed. This is just great. What is he doing here? A bead of sweat rolled down Kara's back. The sentry wasn't outside the door any longer. That meant Jamie had dismissed him. "You could help me up."

  He looked down at her with a smirk. "Aye, I could." He didn't move.

  Kara struggled to stand without putting too much pressure on her injured ankle. She'd almost made it when rough hands clasped her around the waist and set her on her feet.

  She frowned. "Thanks."

  He bowed his head slightly.

  She hated thanking him. "Did you need something?" she asked, brushing off her clothes.

  "I have been sent to fetch ye down to the hall."

  Oh no, not again with the helpless female routine. "I was just heading that way."

  Jamie swept his arm toward the door.

  She limped out the doorway and down the stairs. She didn't turn around for fear she'd see him scowling again. Kara didn't trust this one. His constant scrutiny gave her the willies.

  Jamie lagged about a meter away as she descended slowly. Halfway down, tantalizing aromas greeted her and her mouth watered. "Thank you, Lord," she said, entering the hall and finding a large gathering of people. He grunted and passed her to go take his place at the head table where steaming bowls of food sat waiting to be eaten. Being alone with Jamie MacLeod had set off bells and whistles in her head. His large form, his gray accusing eyes, and creepy sneer frightened her. She'd avoid him in the future as much as possible.

  Katherine walked up. "Your ankle is better?"

  "It's a little easier to walk today."

  "'Tis good, but you should not walk much."

  Kara smiled placidly in response. She'd scream her head off if one more huge man picked her up.

  "Come, sit, break fast with us."

  They drifted to the head table. "Thank you," Kara said, taking her seat. "Katherine, I need to use the…um…" Her cheeks pinkened. How the hell do you ask about the bathroom with all these men sitting around?

  "Use what?"

  "The bathroom," she whispered.

  The perplexed look on Katherine's face told her she'd used the wrong word. What did her grandmother used to say? "I have to relieve myself."

  "Ah, the privy."

  Kara nodded thankfully. "I shall have Leelah show you where 'tis after the meal."

  "Thank you."

  The privy. She'd have to remember that. Breaking apart the oatcake with her fingers, she ate as quickly as politeness would allow. The almonds and figs tasted wonderful and she spread some sort of plum preserve on the next oatcake. It was some time before she'd sated the nauseous feeling in her stomach.

  Not too long after, Alaxandar and the men who'd ridden out earlier arrived. The chief and Jamie joined them across the large room. Alaxandar held conference with the men, but his eyes locked on Kara several times during the intense conversation. She tried not to notice him, impossible though it was. Heat swept through her body, originating between her legs. She squirmed in the chair. Concentrating on her plate was a better alternative to staring at the handsome version of her dream.

  "Good morning," Alaxandar crooned.

  Kara jumped, not having noticed him come up beside her. She gritted her teeth as he chuckled. The man had a way of getting to her. He took his place beside his father. His bare leg brushed against her thigh, sending a jolt of desire barreling across her already jangled nerves. Nervously, she picked at her food. Her appetite had slipped away again. "Damn."

  "Something wrong with the food?" Alaxandar inquired.

  "Uh—no—nothing." Kara fidgeted with a raspberry then tossed it in her mouth.

  Alaxandar studied her juicy lips. Her cheeks warmed. The slightest contact with the warrior caused sensual chills. Was there no end to her wicked thoughts? Thankfully, thick tendrils of her hair slid down to cover her eyes and hopefully hide the obvious attraction she felt.

  He was real, not a figment of her under sexed, love-starved mind.

  He was here.

  Alaxandar reached out and cautiously rubbed a lock of her hair between his fingers before saying, "How be your ankle today?"

  "Better. Thanks," she murmured without looking up. She fought the urge to grab her hair from his hand.

  "I be glad to hear it."

  Alaxandar twisted her hair a moment longer. Out of the corner of her eye, Kara noticed Cuilén watching Alaxandar. He released the strand and frowned at his brother.
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  Her throat tightened and her stomach lurched, but she forced down as many bites of food as she could manage. The servers remained cautious around her. Their halting behavior had nothing to do with her injury.

  "Are ye finished, miss?" a young girl asked.

  "Yes. Thank you," Kara replied and handed her the plate. The girl smiled, accepting the dish. She made sure not to touch Kara in any way.

  The men were heavy in conversation. Thankful, Kara rose with the intention of sneaking out unnoticed. She'd not gone far when Iain stormed into the hall, angry and agitated. He went immediately to his father and the others.

  "Some cattle's been stolen. Clan members slain, a máthair and babes," Iain announced.

  Other clansmen circled the table, enraged and calling for retaliation. "Ye know it was the cursed Sutherlands. We should strike back swiftly and make 'em pay," cried Patrick MacLeod, slamming his fist on the oak table.

  Kara made it to the foot of the stairway where she perched on one of the steps to listen. The heated debate drew her interest. She knew some of the names of those arguing, having heard them referred to during the meal.

  "Aye, MacLeod, we canna let 'em get away with it," fumed Archibald.

  "Father, now that the snow be gone, ye know the raiding will start," Alaxandar stated. "Patrick 'tis right. We must strike back."

  "Aye, Father," Iain bellowed. "This feuding with the Sutherlands has gone on for years, but never has one of our own been lost so needlessly."

  "What will we do, MacLeod? What do ye decree?" demanded Murdo as the others yelled in agreement.

  Accusations flew, hollering and threats were made with no voice of reason. Kara witnessed the fire in the human spirit, which had long since been made passive by the society she lived in.

  "Bring some ale," the chief ordered. "I need to think on it." Getting up from his chair, he stalked away from the crowd. His sons followed.

  Jamie MacLeod gathered by the hearth with several clansmen. "The MacLeods and Sutherlands have been at odds for years, but never with unprovoked violence. 'Tis started since that woman showed up." Several glanced in the direction of the seat she'd vacated. Heads nodded in silent agreement. Without another word, Jamie left the group amongst murmurs. Kara watched a malignant grin cross his features. She swallowed hard, her throat dry. That wine sounded awful good at the moment.