by Jenna Stone
Collin rang the bell on the edge of his desk, prompting Milly to peek her head timidly inside the library.
“Find Kate immediately and deliver her at once here to the library. I’d like tae have a word with her,” he barked, his voice vindictive.
“Yes, of course, Laird. I’ll find her right away,” Milly said obediently, startled by the strange tone in the Laird’s voice.
***
I brushed the dirt from my hands on the apron of my dress, wondering what could possibly be so urgent that Collin would need to speak to me right now, while I was in the middle of collecting root vegetables for dinner. Devon’s warning to take care in dealings with his brother stuck in the back of my mind as I entered the keep and climbed the stairs towards Collin’s library.
Strangely, as I climbed the stone steps, I knew that this was the moment that I had been dreading. I was not as afraid as I had thought that I would be and it was surreal now that the moment had finally come. Although I was nervous, I was almost relieved that I would no longer have to live under the veil of my lies.
I rapped quietly on the door and peeked inside to see Collin working on some figures, seated in concentration behind his desk.
“Hello, Kate. Come in. Close the door if ye would,” he stood from behind the desk, and walked around as if to greet me. Instead, he continued past me to the door, and as he clicked the bolt into place. There was a sickening feeling in the pit of my stomach. My intuition had been right. Collin now knew my secret.
“What do you want,” I challenged, engaging him with a direct stare. I hoped that I was showing him that I was not intimidated by his action, although on the inside, fear was building, beginning to course through my veins.
“Take a look at this,” he insisted, tossing a letter at me. I grabbed the paper and scanned its contents, feeling sicker the farther I read down the page.
I had been discovered.
This poor father was desperate for news of his daughter, his daughter that I knew had been murdered on the roadside and lie buried next to where she had fought for her life. As I read his description of Cate, “light brown hair,” “rather plain,” I immediately knew that the young lady with the slashed throat had been his daughter. She was the one whose identity I had assumed and this moment of confrontation was the consequence to my hasty actions.
I finished reading the letter and handed it back to Collin. His eyes searched my face for an answer.
“Who are ye?” he asked, looking directly into my eyes, defying me to lie to him.
“I’m Kate,” I said, meeting his eyes, my hand trembling as I held the paper.
“Not good enough,” he said, taking a step towards me. “Who are ye?” he repeated, this time his voice was angry, livid. “I ken that ye are not Ms. Berkshire. I’ve already questioned them men who discovered the travelers alongside the road. I ken that one of the dead women matched the description of Ms. Berkshire. I’ll caution ye not to press me. Let me repeat. Who are ye?”
I inhaled sharply and responded, “I am Kate, Kate McClain.” Bringing our shared last name into the conversation was a vain grasp at protection from Devon. The protection that I knew my husband would give me, had he been here to protect me.
“Ye bitch!” he shouted. “Tell me the truth. Tell me who ye are!” he yelled as he closed the gap between us and slapped me across the face.
That, I had not been expecting. The force of the blow left my face numb. My façade of strength vanished and I felt the tears welling in my eyes, hot and stinging.
My voice came as a whisper, “I don’t know who I am.” I suddenly became emboldened and speaking with more confidence I said firmly, “I told you already that I remember nothing of the attack on the coach. My memory of the incident begins when Nathan caught me in the forest and he asked my name. All I know is that my name is Kate. When I told him my name, he hugged me and told me that he was glad that I was safe.” Collin appeared to believe my story, so I continued. “Being that I couldn’t remember anything and Nathan seemed to know who I was, I assumed that I was Ms. Berkshire. Maybe I am not.” The words hung in the air between us.
“Liar,” he raged, smacking me again across the face. “I plan tae make ye pay for this, bitch! he seethed, eyes wild with rage. “I’ve already spent the money that I was expecting from Ms. Berkshire’s dowry and thanks to what ye’ve done tae her, ye murderess, the Clan will no be receiving her dowry,” his accusing stare made my stomach roll and my knees feel as if they would no longer support me.
“I didn’t murder them!” I shouted, defending myself, terror now coursing through my body as I weighed the consequences of his accusations.
“Ye may no have been the actual murderer, I’m sure ye had some help with that part, but I ken that ye were in on it.”
“No, I told you, I don’t remember what happened. I just remember Nathan, and,” I stammered.
“Are ye a spy for the Camerons?” he demanded, glaring at me and trying to read my response.
“No, I’m not a spy!” I exclaimed, desperate now to defend myself against Collin’s wild, rage filled accusations.
“I’ve had enough of yer lies,” he said, dismissing me with a flick of his hand as he turned quickly and strode towards the bolted door. He lifted the bolt, actions ringing with rage. “Arthur!” he bellowed, swinging the heavy door open. The guard appeared, head bowed to avoid consequences associated with the Laird’s rage. “Take her to her rooms and collect a change of clothes. Bring her to the stables. The horses will be ready and waiting.”
“Where are we going?” I demanded, scowling at my brother-in-law. “I’m not going anywhere with you,” I challenged before he had a chance to reply to my first question.
Ignoring my opposition towards the idea of going with him, he answered tersely, “We are going to settle this matter once and for all. When the Berkshires confirm that ye are an imposturous spy, ye’ll hang for this.” The anger in his voice was palpable.
Collin dismissed me with a shove in Arthur’s direction, and closed the door with a slam behind us. Arthur’s grip on my upper arm hurt, but I refused to let him know that I was in pain.
My thoughts were on Devon and how angry he would be when he returned to the keep to find me missing. I realized that I would probably never see him again. My heart broke when I thought of how my lies would affect him. He would be so hurt, so angry, so broken when he found out.
My departure from the keep was hurried and hasty, more of a whirlwind than anything. I was loaded unceremoniously onto a horse whose reins were tethered to the back of Collin’s horse for good measure. I found this extra measure of caution ridiculous being that I could barely stay astride a horse on my own, let alone stage an escape on horseback from my much more experienced captors.
We rode at a break neck pace and although I was tired, I refused to let my guard down, fearing that I would fall from my horse. At dusk, Collin whistled loudly to the two men that accompanied us and we made camp for the night. I was given a horse blanket to cover myself with and although it reeked of sweaty animal, I was thankful for its warmth.
I slept restlessly on the hard, cold ground with the blanket pulled up over my head, thinking of Devon, hoping that he would find me. I knew that Nathan would get word would get to him that I had been taken from the castle, but I didn’t know if he would find out soon enough to make any difference. If we made it to the Berkshire’s before Devon intercepted us, I would be killed for being an imposter for sure.
I awoke to a harsh kick in my ribs accompanied by a gruff; “Get up,” from Collin. I threw back the horse blanket, surprised that I had actually gone to sleep and I stood up to stretch, all the while thinking hateful thoughts towards Collin. I wanted to kill him.
After a meager breakfast, our rudimentary camp was loaded up and we were back on the horses. The weather was turning much colder now. I noticed that autumn had slyly turned into winter. The air had the crisp feeling of imminent snow. I pulled my cloak closer around me to
shelter myself from the cold, but it did nothing to keep my blistered lips and wind burnt face from further exposure to the elements. I longed to feel Devon’s warm arms surrounding me again.
We traveled all day, stopping only once so that we could relieve ourselves and have some food. The second night on the road was much worse. The weather had turned colder and I was unable to find solace in sleep due to the uncontrollable shivering of my body. I tried to get as close to the fire as possible, but I was unable to quell the shaking of my body or force warmth back into my limbs. It was a miserable, sleepless night.
***
Midway through the third day of travel, I heard horse hooves thudding against the ground behind us, and my heart skipped a beat.
He came for me! He’s found me!
I knew it was him before I even turned around. I held tight to the pommel of the saddle and turned around to look at him, heart soaring as I saw that it was indeed my husband behind us. He must have ridden day and night to get here. Then I realized that he was outnumbered three to one, and my heart sank.
“I knew you would come,” I whispered, wondering guiltily how much of the truth he had discovered.
I could tell that he was exhausted. His face was unshaven and concern weighed heavily on his face. His eyes met with mine for a fleeting second before looking away. They were cold and expressionless. He was angry with me and his jaw was clenched tightly. I wanted to throw myself towards him and hug him. I was so happy to see him.
Devon dismounted his horse, dropping his sword and walking towards his brother with arms outstretched, making it clear to Collin that he did not wish to fight.
“Give her tae me, brother. She’s done nothing wrong,” he coaxed, hoping in vain to end this without a fight.
“Done nothing wrong, ye say? She’s a murderer, likely working for the Cameron bastards, murdering innocents and playing to role of imposter, a spy, weaseling her way into our clan. Ye make quite the pair, Devon.”
“I’ve done nae wrong to ye, brother. Followed yer orders and been a loyal servant. I’ve done ye nae wrong,” Devon spoke calmly and coolly, seeking to diffuse his brother’s anger.
He still refused to look at me and focused intently on his brother.
Just knowing that Devon had found me caused a small fire of hope kindle within me. He had promised to protect me and I was emboldened because I believed his vow. I knew that he would protect me with his life, I just hoped that he didn’t have to make good on that promise.
“Done me nae wrong? Ye’ve been a thorn in my side since birth! Always father’s favorite. Ready and waiting to take my place if given half a chance.” Collin’s rage was palpable as he confronted his brother. “Secure him!” he barked the order at his guards, who dismounted their horses and walked to Devon’s side. Each man grabbed one of Devon’s arms, and he made no attempt to resist their restraint.
“I’ve a mind to make ye pay for this, for all of this, brother,” Collin shouted, as his hand clasped around my wrist. He slid smoothly off of his horse and then jerked me down from my horse to join him on the ground.
Devon jerked noticeable as his brother touched me so roughly. He was fighting for control to remain passive.
“Doona touch her,” he threatened, the words spilling forth as a growl. “This is between you and me. Leave the lass out of it,” the tone of Devon’s voice heavy with warning, the hatred for his brother palpable in the air.
“You’re right. This is between you and I, and that is precisely why I will involve the lass in it. When I forced ye tae wed her, I’d not intended for ye tae take tae her sae quickly. I’d hoped at the worst that she would be a burden tae ye, but it worked out better than I had imagined. Now, I intend to use her tae my advantage. It will be her life or yours. I’m hoping that at the end of this, ye will be begging me tae kill ye. I intend tae put an end tae my problems with ye once and for all.” Collin’s eyes were crazy, glossed over with the clouds of madness as he taunted Devon. Years of pent up rage and jealousy spilled forth, his hatred culminating for his younger half-brother in this moment.
“Kill me, then. End it now,” Devon leaned forward against the restraint of his captors, exposing the flesh of his neck. “One quick slice, and it will be over. Do it, Collin!” he demanded, eyes intense with invitation as he challenged his brother.
“No!” I screamed, terror resonating in my voice. I couldn’t let Devon go through with this. Collin jerked my wrist forcefully, causing pain to reverberate through my arm. His grip on my wrist was excruciating. “He won’t let me go, even if he kills you, Devon! Fight him!” I screamed.
Both men ignored my feeble protests, so intent they were upon each other.
“Not sae easy, brother,” Collin said as he turned his attention back to me. “I’ve a mind to draw this out, as I’ve been dreaming about just how I would kill ye for years. I’m planning tae enjoy this. Planning tae enjoy this very much,” he crooned as he slid a finger beneath the neckline of my dress, caressing the smooth skin of my breasts. “As I said, I never thought that ye would take to marriage sae quickly. I see the way that ye look at her, even now. I see that she means much more tae ye than ye let on. I’ll not be fooled, Devon.”
“Yer wrong, brother.” Devon laughed. “I was angry when ye forced me to wed her, still am in fact. I partook gladly in the joys of her flesh, but care for her? No. She’s just another woman, I’ve had plenty,” Devon challenged his brother.
I knew that these were lies, but his statements rocked me all the same. Hot tears began streaming down my cheeks.
“Well, alright then. Ye won’t mind if I sample her wares while I try to get some information out of her,” Collin looked directly at his brother as he pulled the rope that had tied my horse to his free and slipped it over my neck.
I felt my eyes bulge with fear as the scratchy rope settled against my sensitive skin. Catching me off guard, Collin tugged ruthlessly at the rope that was around my neck, choking me. I panicked, clawing desperately at the rope and wheezed, gasping for air. He let up on the rope and I sucked in air greedily, feeding my stinging lungs.
“By now, I suppose ye’ve heard of the letter from Berkshire? Ye ken that the she is a fraud?” Collin chided as he again pulled the rope tight and yelled, just inches from my face as I struggled for oxygen.
“Who are ye, I ask?” he screamed, holding the rope taught as I struggled against him. He let go of the rope, and I doubled over, gasping for air. My head was spinning from the lack of oxygen. “Do ye work for the Camerons?” Collin screamed directly into my face, his spittle spraying all over me.
I clutched at the rope around my neck, clawing at it with my now bloodied fingers, wheezing hungrily at the air that I knew he would soon take from me again. I had no response to his questions. What could I possibly tell him? I looked directly into his eyes, challenging him, refusing to let him break me. Again, Collin yanked the rope tight around my neck in answer to the silence that I had given him.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw that Devon was losing his composure. His captors had to work harder to restrain him as he watched Collin abuse me.
Collin released the rope again and oxygen flooded my lungs. My neck burned from the rope, my fingers quickly tried to grasp the rope, to find a meager defense against his choking off my air supply.
“Ready tae talk?” Collin probed, fingers tightening on the rope again.
I returned to my full height and starting directly at Collin, I spat in his face.
“Bitch!” he yelled as he slapped me across my face.
I thought that I saw Devon smile out of the corner of my eye. He had always appreciated my feisty side.
Collin threw me down on the ground and struggled to get my skirt up and out of his way. He fell to his knees and fumbled with his kilt as he held me down. If he meant to rape me, I wasn’t planning to make this easy for him. He knelt on my chest, making my already burning lungs struggle for air. “Turn him, Matthew. I want him tae watch this. I want him
tae watch me take his wife right in front of him. We’ll see how much he doesna care about her!”
I turned my head, feeling that I was outside of my body. I focused on Devon, looked deep into his eyes and stopped struggling against Collin. I wondered if this was how it would end for us.
Devon held my gaze and mouthed “Fight.” This one word brought me back to reality.
Collin was still struggling to get both his kilt and my voluminous skirts out of the way while using his other hand to encourage his manhood to rise to the occasion of raping me.
I looked at Collin and laughed in his face. At the same time, I swiftly drew up my knee and settled a glancing blow right to his crotch. It would be a few minutes before he would be up to trying to rape me again.
Collin doubled over in pain and a groan escaped his lips as he held his wounded manhood cupped in his hands. He leapt on me again, hands around my neck, choking the life out of me. I began to see stars, which were soon overtaken by blackness as I lost consciousness.
I came back to consciousness as Collin slapped my face. “Wake up, bitch, and fight me. It will make this more fun,” he said as he glanced over his shoulder at his brother.
Devon was seething with anger. Every muscle in his body was tense as he fought the grasp of his captors.
“This is why I haven’t yet bred a son my own wife lies there just like this, stiff as a board when I take her. Fight me!” he roared, eyes bloodshot and raging.
I slipped into the comfort of darkness again, my mind unwilling to deal with Collin’s torment.
My eyes fluttered and I noticed that Collin’s weight was no longer atop me. He must have decided that it wouldn’t be much fun to rape an unconscious victim. I took new stock of our situation. Collin had moved on to inflicting pain upon his restrained brother. My eyes struggled to focus, and I watched helplessly as Collin dealt Devon a glancing blow to the jaw.
