by B. J. Scott
He couldn’t believe what he heard. “I made it clear how I felt about you and thought it was mutual. I believed we had a future as man and wife.” He tried to pull her close, but she planted her hands on his chest and shoved him away.
“I would love to run away with you and live happily ever after. I wish we could just forget the past, pretend the war never happened, and we had more land, food, and coin than we could ever use. I want to go home and find my mother hale and hardy. But none of that is going to happen.” She wrapped her arms around her middle, then stiffened her spine. “Dinna fash, Garrett. You will find a woman to grow old with, someone to bear your babes, and tend to your needs.” She backed away.
“I dinna want another woman. I want you. We might never achieve all of those things, Arya, but we can aim for some of them. If you would just meet me half way.” He held out his hand. Why wouldn’t she listen? “I dinna take our joining lightly.”
“Nor do I. But I am a wanted woman, and there is no telling how long I’ll have before the Campbell catches up with me and has me executed. I willna put you through that grief. Last night was wonderful and I will cherish it always.”
“There can be many such nights. We’ll get through this together, Arya. I dinna understand why you wish to cast me aside and I refuse to accept we are meant to be together.”
“I wished to experience the thrill of making love at least once before I die,” she blurted out. “And I wanted my first time to be with someone I care about. Not with a disgusting Campbell guard who rapes me on the floor of some filthy dungeon, then hands me over to his friends to abuse before I am dragging off and executed. Call it selfish if you wish, but I decided who I would give myself to and when. I refused to have that right taken away from me, like every other precious thing in my life has been.” She dragged the heel of her hand across her cheek. “I appreciate all you have done for my mother and me, but it must end here. We have no future.”
He caught the slight waver in her voice as she spoke, and a glimmer of hope stirred within him. He wanted to protest further, to hold her in his arms, and never let go. But he knew if he pushed too hard, she’d get her back up, and he’d lose her forever.
Arya grabbed her reins, then pulled herself into the saddle. “I’m leaving. If you wish to come with me, I’d suggest you get dressed and make haste. If you’re quick about it, you’ll be able to catch up.” She nudged her mare forward, then ducked her head to clear the overhanging rocks as they exited the cave.
“Thrawn woman!” he called after her. But her tenacity was only one of the many things he loved about her.
He loved her spirit and that she fearlessly spoke up for what she believed in, even when it got her into trouble. He loved that she could take care of herself and didn’t need a man in her life, which made doing things for her and being accepted as her equal all the sweeter.
There was no denying she was an attractive woman, but it was her inner strength and beauty that he adored. The way she cared for everyone around her, and always put her own needs last. When he heard about what she did for Bryce’s daughter, he was filled with pride. But expected no less of the woman he wished to make his wife.
And if that wasn’t enough, whenever she was near him his mind and body reacted to her presence in a way that nearly drove him insane with lust and desire. Arya was like no lass he’d ever known and was certain would never meet again. And she was worth every bloody agonizing minute of torture she put him through.
He dressed quickly, kicked some dirt on the fire, and then mounted his horse. He’d catch up. She could wager on it. He’d see her safely home, then do everything in his power to convince her they belong together. He’d never give up trying—even if it took the rest of his life. Which at this rate, it could.
Arya leaped from the saddle and raced toward her mother’s croft. Her legs could not carry her fast enough. As she pressed her palm to the door, she hesitated, her heart hammering, suddenly unable to catch her breath. What if her mother had already passed? Tears welled in her eyes, but she scrubbed them away. She crossed herself, muttered a quick prayer, then entered the hut.
Isla looked up from her seat at Scotia’s bedside. “Praise the Lord, you are home. I am so glad to see you.” She rose and faced Arya.
“And I you, Isla.” Arya stood in the center of the room as if frozen in place. Scotia lay beneath a length of MacEachan plaid, so still, it was impossible to tell if she was still breathing. Arya willed her legs to move, then finally managed to take a step, then another. “Is she . . .?” Arya began to ask the question that burned on her lips, but she could not say the words.
Isla reached for her arm, cupping her elbow. “Your mam is very weak, but she still alive. I’d swear she knew you were coming and waited for you to arrive before crossing over.”
Arya dropped to her knees beside the bed, lifted her mother’s hand, then brought it to her lips. “I’m here, Mam,” she muttered against her knuckles.
Scotia’s eyelids fluttered, then opened. She peered at her daughter. “Arya? Is it you, or my imagination playing me for a fool?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Arya leaned in and kissed her mother’s cheek. “I am here and very real. But dinna talk, you need to save your strength.”
“It is a miracle to be sure. She hasna opened her eyes in days.” Isla crossed herself. “Praise the Lord.”
“Where is Garrett? Is he not with you?” Scotia asked.
“I’m right here,” Garrett announced as he entered the croft. “I was seeing to the horses.”
Scotia smiled. “Since Arya is home, am I to assume she is no longer a wanted woman? That she is safe?”
“Please dinna talk, Mam. You need to rest,” Arya pleaded.
Garrett stepped forward. “Aye. The Bruce granted her a pardon and the Campbell can no longer harm her. In fact, we plan to wed as soon as you are well and able to attend the ceremony.”
Arya glared up at Garrett. How dare he lie about these things? Especially about their betrothal. She hoped Connor would be successful in acquiring the pardon, but there was no guarantee, and she was not going to marry Garrett.
“Is it true, Arya?” Scotia asked, the strain in her voice lifted with optimism.
She couldn’t bring herself to break her mother’s heart. She heard the death rattle in her chest and saw the way Scotia struggled for each breath. It would not be long before her mother joined her da on the other side.
“Aye, Mam. We plan to wed in the spring. When the heather is blooming, and you are well again. I know it is your favorite season.” She lowered her gaze, unable to look her mother in the eye.
Scotia blew out a shuddered breath. “Aye, everything starts anew in the spring. But if I dinna make it, I will die a happy woman. Knowing you are loved and safe is all I need to rest easy.”
“Dinna say that. You will be there, Mam.” She fought the tears stinging her eyes, but could no longer hold them at bay.
Garrett placed his hand on Arya’s shoulder and gave it a squeeze, but she shrugged away from his touch. It was bad enough he’d lied, regardless of his reason, but she wanted to be alone with her mother.
Isla approached the bed with a cup of ale, and offered it to Scotia, but she waved her friend’s hand away. “Thank you, but I dinna wish to drink. I just want to look at my beautiful daughter one more time before I leave this earth. I thank the Lord for bringing her home to me.” She touched Arya’s cheek, then closed her eyes, her arm dropping to the bed.
“Mam!” Arya clutched her mother’s limp hand. “Please dinna go. There is so much we have yet to share,” she sobbed. Tears streamed down her cheeks, and she prayed the Almighty would grant them more time, but it was no use.
“I’m afraid she has passed over, dear. She has gone to be with Ronald. They are both in a better place.” Isla placed her
hand on Arya’s back.
Arya rose, then spun around. “Why does everyone say the person who dies has gone to a better place? True our life hasna been easy since the war ended, but I dinna want her to go. Her place is here, with me.” Arya thumped her chest. “I need her.”
Garrett looped he arms around her shoulders and kissed the top of her head. “I know how much it hurts to lose your mother, but at least you made it home in time to say goodbye. She died a happy woman.”
“She died believing a lie.” She shoved Garrett with all her might, almost knocking him off his feet. “You dinna understand how I feel. Neither of you do.” She suddenly felt like the walls of the croft were closing in on her, her chest tightened, and she couldn’t breathe. “I need some air.” Arya scrambled toward the door.
“Arya, please wait,” he called out. He tried to follow, but Isla blocked his path. “Leave her be. Give her some time to grieve. She’ll let you know when she is ready to talk to you.”
“But it isna safe for her to go out there alone,” Garrett argued. “I need to keep an eye on her.”
“Give her a bit of time to come to terms with her mother’s death,” Isla said. “She willna go far, and I am sure she will be fine. I remember her mother telling me that from the time she was a wee bairn, Arya always went to the stream, her secret place when upset. She needs that solace now.”
“She is in no state of mind to be left alone. I’m going with her.” Garrett gently moved Isla out of the way.
Arya fumbled with the latch, then finally managed to open the door. “Isla is right. I need some time to myself. Dinna follow me, Garrett,” she said, then left the croft.
She staggered aimlessly down the path, not sure where she was going. But as if drawn to the place by some divine power, she came to the stream. She plunked herself down on a large boulder, then kicked off her boots. She dipped her toes into the cool rushing water, then released a torrent of tears. Both her parents were now gone. She was alone.
Minutes passed, or was it hours? Arya lost track of time. When she heard a branch crack behind her, she rose, then spun around. “Did I not tell you I wished to be alone, Garrett,” she snapped. But she wasn’t expecting to find two of the Laird Campbell’s men standing behind her.
“We heard rumors the old woman was on her deathbed and the Campbell figured you might be back. How fortuitous we came along when we did.” One of the men took a menacing step in her direction. “Now, be a good lassie, come along quietly, and there’ll be no need to get rough. Shout for help, and I will gut you where you stand. Anyone foolish enough to come to your aide will receive the same.”
Panic squeezed Arya’s chest as she scanned the area, looking for a means of escape. But with her back to the stream and the Campbell’s men in front of her, there was nowhere to run.
The second man moved forward and grabbed her elbow.
“You best check her for weapons,” the first man cautioned. “I wouldna trust her if I was you. Niall said she was a tricky witch.”
“My pleasure,” the second man said as his hands roamed over her body, groping her in intimate places she would never hide a weapon. “All she has is this dirk,,” he said, then tossed the weapon to his friend. “She has nothing else that I could find. Not ever a decent pair of breasts.”
“Swine.” Arya spat in his face, gaining her a quick backhanded slap across the face and sending her careening to the ground.
The second man reached down and grabbed a fistful of her hair. “Get up, bitch, and mind what you do next. The Campbell will reward us well when we bring you to him, alive or dead.”
Arya dragged her hand across her cheek, then peered up at him. “If you kill me, the Lord of Argyll will not have the pleasure of doing it himself. I dinna think he will be happy if he canna make my demise a public display,” she said, then climbed to her feet.
“Tie her up and lets go,” the first man said.
“My mother has just died, Could you not find the decency to let me bury her before you drag me off?”
“Let what’s left of your pathetic clan take care of it. You have kept the Campbell waiting long enough.” The second man wasted no time binding her hands behind her back, then threw her on his horse. He mounted behind her, his legs straddling her hips, then grasped the reins and kneed the beast, sending them racing down the path.
The door of the croft flew open, slamming against the wall with a thud. Garrett rose quickly and drew his sword, coming face to face with Bryce. He sheathed his weapon. “What took you so long?” he asked coyly, then sat back down.
“You son-of-a-whore, I should never have trusted you. I have a good mind to flay you here and now.” Bryce grabbed Garrett by the neck of his tunic and raised his balled fist. “Where is Arya?”
Garrett glanced over his shoulder at the bed. “Have you no respect, man?”
Bryce released Garrett’s tunic and took a step forward. “I’m very sorry to learn of Scotia’s passing.” He bowed his head and crossed himself. “But that is no excuse for taking Arya and leaving before I said you could do so.”
“She wanted to leave and I was honoring her wishes. I dinna answer to you, Fraser.”
“That may be, but you were in my castle and Arya is my sister. You not only put her health at risk, but her safety as well. What if the Campbell’s men find her?” He searched the room again. “Where is she?”
“Dinna fash, Bryce, she hasna gone far. There are two things you need to know about Arya. One is that when she makes up her mind to do something, no one changes it. Had I refused to help her leave Fraser Castle, she’d have found a way to do it on her own,” Garrett said. “The second thing you need to learn, is when she is angry or upset, she needs her space and wishes to be alone.”
“So you let her walk out of here unescorted? Have you lost your mind?” Bryce shouted.
“Had I followed her, she have done her utmost to avoid me. She might have run off, which would put her in greater peril. I told my cousin to keep an eye on her and have men watching the trails leading into the area.”
“That is not good enough. I canna believe you let her go, and dinna follow her yourself.” Bryce began to pace. “We need to find her. Now.”
“Arya was very distraught after her mother passed. She raced out of here before anyone could stop her. So I asked Logan to watch her while I saw to Scotia. I’d trust no other with my life or hers. I suspect she’ll be back any minute,” Garrett explained. “Once she has accepted the fact her mother is gone, she will want to see she has a proper burial.”
“There willna be time for that. You will have to take care of it for her. Now that her mother has died, and nothing is holding her here, I will take her back to Fraser Castle and wait for Connor.”
“That will be easier said than done,” Garrett said. “You’ll have to drag her away.”
“If I must. But right now, I am going to find her,” Bryce snapped. “If the Campbell captures her before my brother can present him with the king’s decree, Roderick could still have her executed.”
The door opened, and Logan staggered into the croft. “They took her. I couldna stop them.” He stumbled to the chair and sat, pressing his hand to a large lump on the back of his head.
Garrett sprang to his feet and clasped his cousin by the shoulders. “What are you saying? Where is Arya? I told you not to let her know you were there, but also not to let her out of your sight.”
“I did as you asked,” Logan said. “But they snuck up behind me and knocked me out. When I awakened, they had her and were racing off down the path.”
“How many men?” Garrett asked.
“I saw two.”
“I thought Seamus was guarding the entrance into camp?” Garrett retrieved his sword and fastened it to his side.
“He’s dead. They must have caught
him off guard too, then ran him through. I’m sorry, I let you down.” Logan hung his head.
“What will you do?” Isla wrung her hands. “You must help her, Garrett.”
“I intend to go after them. Perhaps I can stop them and get her back before they reach the castle.” Garrett scrambled toward the door.
“I’m coming with you,” Bryce called after him.
“Then best you hurry. Every minute is precious if we hope to rescue her.” Garrett ran outside with Bryce on his heels, but stopped in his tracks, shocked to see an entire garrison of Fraser warriors mounted and ready to ride.
Bryce trotted around him, then climbed onto his horse. “Are you going to stand there gawking, or are you coming with us?” He turned to Ian. “As I feared, Arya has been taken by the Campbell’s men. They have a bit of a head start, but hopefully not too much that we canna catch them before they reach the castle. If not, we may need to take her by force.”
Ian nodded. “The men are ready to ride when you give the order.”
“You certainly came prepared,” Garrett said as he mounted his destrier.
“The last time we rescued her, Campbell wasna expecting us. This time, it willna be as easy. And when we arrive at his castle, I want to make sure we have a fighting chance.” Bryce raised his arm and waved to Ian. “Let’s ride.”
They traveled quickly over the rough terrain, but there was no sight of the Campbell’s men or Arya. Garrett’s stomach twisted, fearing they might not get to her in time.
They rounded a bend in the road, and Bryce signaled for his men to stop. He reined in his mount, then listened intently.
“What is it?” Garrett asked.
“Riders coming from the north.” Bryce pointed in the direction from which he heard the sound.
