Lass' Valor (The Pith Trilogy)

by Griffin, Kara

  “Aye, Mama.” Bonnie left and they knew where she was going—to sit in her father’s chair.

  “How is it she speaks English so well, Julianna?” Kate asked.

  “I often spoke to her in English, because it was a habit. When she learned to talk, she didn’t stop. She babbled morn, noon, and night in Gaelic and English. I thought Colin would leave our keep to reside in the barracks. He asked me if all children spoke incessantly.” She laughed.

  “She’s just like me, when I was a child.” Kate smiled then sighed. “I used to get into all kinds of mischief.”

  “God help us all,” Julianna retorted.

  Laila giggled at her sister’s tone. “Why do ye say that?”

  “Because now we have two hellions in our clan, one was enough.”

  *****

  Brendan MacKinnon was at his wits end. He sat in the meeting, half-listening to what his brother was saying. When Bonnie entered the hall, and went directly to Colin, she sat on his brother’s lap. Brendan knew the lass had done something wrong, and could tell she was troubled by her severe expression.

  “Hello, Button. What are you doing here?”

  “Mama said I have to sit in the chair.” Bonnie touched her father’s face, and Brendan knew it was a ploy to distract him. Hell, she’d used the same tactics on him time and again.

  “I suppose ye want to let your mother tell me what you did?” Colin grinned at him, hugging his daughter close.

  “Aye, Mama will tell you.”

  Colin nodded, and then resumed his discussion. “Kate’s a stubborn lass to be sure.”

  “Don’t I know it, Colin. I’ve tried to get the blasted man’s name, but she’ll not say. She won’t speak to me now, and hardly says a word to anyone. I’ve ruined it, mucked it beyond repair, Colin. How am I supposed to fix this when she won’t even look at me?”

  “I feel for you, Brendan, and wish I had some useful advice. I received a missive from Henry, and he’s coming for a visit. We’ll find out the damned guardian’s name soon enough. Let us enjoy Laila’s wedding. Henry should arrive soon after. It won’t be long now.”

  Bonnie shifted her father’s face to look at her. “Honey’s coming?”

  “Aye, he misses ye. Shhh, lass, I’m talking to Brendan.”

  Brendan almost laughed. He hoped his own daughter wasn’t such a hellion as Bonnie was. The thought of having his own child made him smile. “I’m going to try and reason with her. I’ll see you later.”

  He went to their cottage, but Kate wasn’t there. She must have had company, because cups sat on the table. Brendan took a seat and lifted the medallion. This piece of gold was causing many problems for him and Kate. He felt reassured, knowing Henry would soon give the name and he could enact his revenge on the churlish-dog. His hand tightened around the object.

  Brendan decided to do some training to take his mind off his wife. He spent the rest of the day, trying his sword and working on his maneuvers. That night, after he returned from his training sessions, he reassured himself that she hadn’t left. He entered quietly, moving like the wind—unseen and unfelt. When he saw Kate sleeping peacefully in their bed, the tension eased from his body. He quickly shed his clothing and lay next to her.

  During the long night, he watched her and contemplated their issues. The lass was riddled with flaws. Aye, she was stubborn, obstinate, and adorable. She cried all the time, and couldn’t remember a person’s name if she’d etched it on her arm. Damn it all, he was in love with his wife. It struck him like a boulder hitting his hard head, and though he’d denied it, he couldn’t fight it any longer. He promised himself there and then that she wouldn’t weaken him then contradicted his thought. If anything happened to her, he’d hold himself culpable. He must protect her at all costs.

  His whole life was of warring. All he did each day since he’d turned five was train for war. He wasn’t one to dally over enjoyments such as women or ponder a family. Why did he feel so damn bleak then? He had nothing to offer the beautiful woman lying in the bed. He wasn’t a laird—just a soldier. Why would she love him? Somehow, he would convince her that she belonged to him. He was nothing without her, nothing but a soldier. There were plenty of them to go around, though he was a superb warrior. Nay, he was nothing without this woman. Brendan rose, kissed her lightly on her head, then left the cottage, just as sun streaked the gray sky with its morning light.

  Chapter Eighteen

  The day of Laila and Garrick’s wedding arrived with sunshine as the clans of the KirkConnell and the MacKinnon joined through marriage. The clans’ people were in good cheer and Kate was glad she’d joined the celebration. They arrived at the KirkConnell keep, early enough that they could assist Sarah in the wedding preparations. Sarah greeted her, and she watched Bonnie run through the hall in glee to play with Sara’s son, Jamie. Kate sat at the opposite end of the table, watching the bride and groom. Their touching display of love made her envy them. Garrick obviously didn’t have reservations about showing his affection. Would that Brendan be so loving, but since he kept his distance, she didn’t expect a show of tenderness.

  Brendan sat on the opposite side of the room with several KirkConnell soldiers, he all but ignored her. She became dispirited and homesick, and missed Lolly, Madam Serena, and being needed. The longer she sat by herself, the lonelier she felt, and the angrier she became with Brendan. He was turning out to be a retched husband, just as she’d predicted he would be. How she wished King Henry had sent her to her betrothed instead of her guardian. Her betrothed was likely someone more like Gil, which would have been preferable. She noticed Gil dancing with a lady, his manner was sweet-natured and his charm flocked the ladies to his side. None of the ladies looked at Brendan, except of course for her. Why couldn’t she have fallen in love with someone like Gil?

  “Pardon, my lady, may I join you?”

  She looked up to see Walt standing beside her. “Certainly, Walt. May I pour you some ale?” He nodded. She handed him the cup and smiled.

  “I wanted to tell you that I’m really glad you married Brendan, lass. He’s done well. You are a blessing to him.”

  His sweet words made Kate blush. “You are very kind to say that, Walt. I haven’t had a chance to talk to you yet, and I wondered …” She felt awkward speaking so forward to the man, but she couldn’t help but wonder how he was related to Brendan. They looked too much alike for them not to be related.

  Walt placed his cup on the table. “Aye, you can speak freely, lass.”

  “I noticed the resemblance between you and Brendan. How are you related to him?”

  Walt laughed. “Aye, we’re related by very close lines.”

  “How is he not as chivalrous as you then?” She smiled, when his eyes crinkled blithely.

  “Give him time, lass. Brendan may be rough around the edges, but I know he has feelings for you. I can read him better than anyone, and know you have set my lad on a jagged path. I have not seen him so beguiled before. He’ll come around.”

  “Lady Kate, I’m in need of a dance partner. Would you do me the honor?” Gil placed his cup on the table, and helped to pull her chair out when she stood.

  “Will you excuse me, Walt?”

  “Aye, lass, go.” His laughter followed her as she walked to the center of the room.

  Gil smiled at her and led her around the dance floor. They moved in line with the dancers and ended up in front of Brendan, who looked unaffected by her dancing with Gil. She smiled at him, and continued on with the dance.

  The dance ended and Gil bowed to her. “You’re a bonny lass to have danced with me. You look so beautiful tonight.”

  Kate giggled. “Thank you, Gil, you’re kind to say that.”

  Gil gasped. “Did I actually hear you aright? You called me by my given name.” He placed his hand over his heart and pretended to be chagrined.

  “I’m sorry about my travesty, but I had to put some effort into my plan to get out of telling you the man’s name. Do you forgive
me?”

  “So you’re telling me it was all a ruse?” He burst with laughter.

  Gil took her hand and kissed it. She pulled her hand back, and saw Brendan approaching them. Daggers shot from his eyes. Gil turned his best grin, and was about to say something when she spoke.

  “Gil, I am a married—”

  “I cannot deny my attraction for ye.”

  “Oh, I do thank you for the compliment, Gil, but—”

  “Lass, I’ll make you howl your pleasure to the sky.”

  “Take your hand off my wife. No one is going to make Katie howl her pleasure to the sky but me.” Brendan’s voice rose well above those in the hall. Everyone stopped, the music ceased, the children stilled, all eyes fastened on them. Kate was mortified.

  “Brendan, what goes?”

  His answer was a sock to Gil’s nose. Gil grunted at the blow, and his nose began bleeding from the impact. Brendan placed his arm in front of Kate and moved her back.

  “Damn, Brendan, I think you broke my nose.” Gil was handed a cloth for his bleeding nose by Walt, who stood by, smiling.

  “It goes well with your black eye.” Brendan shrugged, then grabbed Kate by the hand, and pulled her through the hall.

  Kate’s mouth hung open in shock that he would strike his friend. She frowned at him and jerked his hand, getting him to stop. “Why did you hit Gil? You hurt that boy.”

  He didn’t answer. She heard Gil’s laughter as Brendan pulled her out the doorway. She ran to keep up with him, he practically sprinted, and she dug her heels into the grass, slowing him. She tried to pull her hand free, but he wouldn’t let her go.

  “Release me this instant.” Kate pulled her hand from his and shoved him. Brendan stood anchored to the ground. His face showed no emotion, but his eyes glowered his anger. “What do you think you’re doing?”

  “What I’m doing? You practically threw yourself at Gil, woman.”

  “I did not, all I did was dance with him. You had no right to hit him like that.”

  “No man will touch you, but me.”

  “Touch me? You haven’t even spoken to me in days. I realize you’re not interested in pursing our marriage, Brendan, and believe me I agree. I don’t answer to you, and if you—”

  Before Kate could finish, Brendan yanked her off her feet, and carried her to the loch. She shrieked at his audacity. He set her feet on the grass. As soon as he released her, she shoved his shoulder, but didn’t move him at all. She fisted her hands at her sides, and resisted the urge to strike him as he’d done to Gil. He motioned for her to sit, but she shook her head.

  Brendan forced her to sit by pressing on her shoulders, and then he sat behind her, with his arms around her waist. She sat between his straddled legs, the length of his legs touched hers practically to her feet.

  “What the hell do you mean, I’m not interested?” Brendan pulled her against him.

  Kate watched the water, hoping to distract her mind from his touches. “Why are you doing this? You’re turning out to be a retched husband, Brendan.”

  “Lass, I want ye.” His whispered words made her shiver, and she felt his breath next to her ear. She turned and looked into his eyes.

  “You don’t mean that, Brendan.”

  His voice became low and roughly arousing. “Aye, I do, you make me hard.” To emphasize his statement, he placed her hand beneath his tartan. He wasn’t wearing anything under it. He took advantage of their position, adjusting his hands to hold each of her breasts.

  Kate’s stomach did several flips, and the muscles in her waist tightened in anticipation of his touch. She closed her eyes, against the passion flowing through her body.

  “You make me want to ram—”

  “Brendan, pray don’t say such things.”

  “I want to take you, and to hell with everything else.” Brendan began edging her bodice lower, uncovering her breasts, his hand moved gently over the scar above her breast. He groaned softly, kissing her shoulder, trailing his lips to her neck. “I’ve missed ye,” he said hoarsely.

  She moaned, relaxing her back against him, leaning against his hard body. His hands cupped her, and all she could do was feel the pleasure of it. He turned her in his arms, and her body stretched over his. She tried to move off him, but he wouldn’t let her. He moved her back and took her nipple in his mouth. Kate moaned and threw her head back. With his hand supporting her back, he shifted her legs to his sides. She felt the hardness of him through the fabric of her gown. An exquisite yearning overtook her. She wanted him too.

  He kept his mouth joined to hers, while he shifted her garments. She abandoned all thoughts, reveling in the sensual touches of his hand moving over her skin. He lifted her, set her atop his erection, and lowered her onto him. Kate gasped when she felt him slipping inside her. A sense of power came to her, because she knew he had given up his control, something she didn’t believe he normally would do. He let her move against his body, and she lifted herself, taking her own pleasure.

  Brendan watched her with such affection that she couldn’t control her emotions. She cried as their bodies joined.

  “I love you.” The words came so easily to her. She held onto his firm shoulders, and felt his hands holding her back. Kate groaned his name and found herself entwined in erotic pleasure.

  Brendan took control from there. He made her ride him fast and steady, supporting her body, lifting her with little effort. Her cries of lustful torment fueled his need to drive into her, knowing the climax only she could evoke would engulf him in a blaze of triumph. He grunted his manly response at his own release, and didn’t stop moving until every ounce of his strength was depleted, so it seemed to her.

  She fell against his chest, waiting for her breath to come under control, and placed her face in the crook of his neck. His vein pulsed against her bottom lip. He held her tightly against him.

  “I want to stay like this for the rest of the night. Hell, for the rest of my life. I should have known I couldn’t stay away from you, you’re just too tempting.”

  “Brendan.”

  “Aye, love?”

  “I don’t know how you do it.”

  “Do what?”

  “Make me want you so badly.”

  He kissed the side of her neck, and let his mouth linger for a moment, smelling the sweet fragrance of her skin. “We better dress before someone comes along.”

  Kate fixed her gown, and watched him fold his tartan around his waist. His body looked magnificent in the moonlight, highlighting his smooth chest. She went to him, and moved her hand down his chest, but he stopped her hand with his.

  “If you don’t stop that, I’ll …”

  “You’ll what?”

  He grinned. “Do you want to do it again?”

  Kate laughed a girlish giggle, which made him smile. He pulled her back against his chest, and she faced the loch. With his hands wrapped around her waist, he leaned his head against hers.

  “When this is over … after we dispatch that beastie dog, you’ll be my wife in every way. Won’t you, Katie?”

  Kate noticed the anguish in his voice. She didn’t want to love him, didn’t want to deceive him, and most of all didn’t want to get hurt. Once she returned to England, she wouldn’t return. Her duty would cause her to leave her husband. He squeezed her arm to get her answer.

  “I must gain justice in my father’s name and give the medallion to King Henry. I will return to my people.” She’d spoken softly, and tried not to anger him.

  “I will gain justice for your father. You’re my wife, and you should leave it up to your husband, me.”

  “I will not. This began with my father and it will end with me,” she said emphatically.

  Brendan ran his hand through his hair in agitation, and started to say something. He closed his mouth, turned, and left her standing by the loch.

  She stayed at the loch for an hour, watching the moon rise higher. He knew the verity of it, that she would leave him, yet he made no offe
r to go with her.

  Kate spent a restless night feeling a surfeit of emotions. Brokenhearted at the prospect of leaving Brendan, she should never have given herself to him again. Each time they were together made it harder for her accept her fate that she would leave the man she loved.

  She was relieved they would leave for the MacKinnon holding in the morning. After breakfast, they readied to leave and she said her goodbyes to Laila, who would now live with Garrick. Kate walked to her horse, and mounted it. Bonnie was allowed to ride with her, and she was thankful for the distraction. Once again, Brendan took to his cold demeanor and gave her that stone-faced look.

  As they rode along, they came across a group of soldiers. Kate listened to Bonnie’s chatter, and shushed her when she saw them. Two soldiers held flags bearing the king’s insignia. The Highlanders immediately stopped and waited for them. Kate tilted her head to get a better look, and saw King Henry ride up to Colin.

  “Colin, Julianna, I have arrived.”

  Colin laughed and bowed his head to the king. “So we see, Henry. Did you have to bring so many men? My soldiers won’t take it well that Englishmen are here on our land.”

  Henry grinned. “You know I always travel with many. Keep your warriors in line, Colin, because my men have been trained to deal with your sort.”

  “My sort? What exactly are you saying, Henry, that I’m—”

  “Cease bunching your plaid up your arse, Colin. I’m jesting. Where is my favorite girl?” He looked around and spotted Bonnie sitting on Kate’s mount. With a tug on the reins, he turned his horse and approached them. “My sweet little minx, I see you’re well. Come to Henry.” He put out his hands and Bonnie threw herself at him. Henry caught and hugged her.

  “Honey, I’m happy you’re here. Now Papa won’t make me sit in his chair.”

  “What could you have done for your father to make you sit in his chair? Nay, don’t tell me. You look well, sweeten.” He kissed her forehead and rode back to Colin. “I’m so relieved she was returned unharmed. I had to come and see for myself.”