Branded by a Warrior

by Andrea Thorne

  Watching Broderick open the large wooden doors before her the morning sun hit her face as the cool winter air greeted her. Shutting her eyes and sighing with pleasure as the cool air swept over her face. She basked in the rare winter morning sunshine. It felt incredible to breathe in fresh air. Standing in the doorway she opened her eyes and saw Conn and Isla dash into the snow-covered bailey, happily barking at each other.

  Beside her she felt his great presence, turning her head; she looked up at the handsome laird at her side. He was unlike any man she had ever met; his dark features and green eyes had enchanted her as no one ever had. He had been kind and humble, he demanded little and treated her with respect. His smile could make her weak in the knees. She craved his closeness; he had been the only non-family member whose presence calmed her.

  Hearing a youthful laugh, she turned her eyes from the Broderick out to the bailey to see Conn and Isla playing with a wee blonde lass who didn’t even reach their haunches. Her sweet little laugh had both Broderick and Elisabeth watching the wee girl intently, she was giggling and playing with his wolfhounds in the fresh snow.

  Watching the blonde lass play with Broderick’s wolfhounds made her heart grow warm, she watched in amusement as the hounds playfully nudged into the little girl.

  Releasing Broderick’s strong arm without a word, Elisabeth lifted her skirts and gracefully walked down the stone stairs out into the yards where the wolfhounds were playing with the wee lass.

  Broderick watched as Elisabeth walked down his castle stairs straight for Isobel and gracefully sank down on her knees in the cold snow next to the child. Smiling brightly as she too pet his giant wolfhounds, she spoke quietly to the child. Far enough away he couldn’t hear her words, he saw his niece smile at Elisabeth and crawl onto her lap as the hounds ran around the bailey. Elisabeth wrapped her arms around his niece and continued talking like it was normal to chat with younglings in the snow like they knew each other all their lives. His little niece looked pleased as a plum, she happily chatted back.

  Seeing her uncle in the doorway, Isobel waved as she called out to him, “Uncle Broderick, good morrow!” as she sat upon Elisabeth’s lap in the rare morning sun.

  Raising a hand to acknowledge his sweet niece, he walked down the stone steps to join them, “Good morrow Isobel, I see you’ve met Elisabeth.”

  Her bright blue eyes glittered as she nodded happily, “I like her Uncle, may we keep her?” she asked innocently, gazing back at the lovely lady whose lap she sat upon.

  Chuckling, he knelt beside them and ran his hand over his niece’s shiny blonde hair, “We simply dinnae keep people Isobel, it will be Lady Elisabeth’s choice if she chooses to make Castle MacMillan her new home my love,” answering his bonny niece truthfully. He had yet to bring up the discussion with Elisabeth, casting his eyes over to the stunning woman who gently held his niece in her lap he tried to gauge her reaction.

  Isobel’s face lit up as she looked back at her new friend and threw her arms around Elisabeth’s neck, “Oh please stay, you will love it here! Uncle Broderick has the finest horses; the castle is always warm, even in winter!”

  Vibrant pain shot through her as the wee lass held onto her neck. Closing her eyes, she gently wrapped her arms around Broderick’s niece and ignored the pain. The simple embrace of an innocent child damn near brought her to tears, not the pain. She thought over the innocent lives of the Drummond clan children that had been lost weeks ago. She had always loved the little children of the village, she had long ago accepted the fact she would never be a mother.

  “Easy Isobel, Lady Elisabeth is injured my dear,” Broderick whispered as he watched tears form in Elisabeth’s closed eyes. Hearing his wolfhounds bark he looked up to see his brother Kendrix walking towards them from the stables.

  Scrambling off of Elisabeth’s lap, “I’m sorry me lady,” apologizing quickly as her father approached.

  Smiling at the lass, Elisabeth ran her hand over the wee lass’s freckled face, “I am fine Isobel, thank you for the hug. I needed it.”

  Broderick’s heart warmed at how kind she was to his niece, even after Isobel clearly had hurt her wounded shoulder. He grew new respect for the woman; she had the cunning mind of a warrior but the heart of a queen. He felt guilty when she admitted to needing a hug; he had been trying to distance himself from her side as each day passed. She obviously had noticed his distance. He had missed lying next to her; he had slept little these past nights. Having her so close was so tempting, yet he slept in his chair each night.

  Standing up he offered his hand to Elisabeth as his brother approached, pulling her up gently to her feet. Kendrix walked up and scooped up his beautiful daughter and tossed her in the air, catching her as she giggled.

  Cradling the lass in his arms, Kendrix looked over at her, “Pleased to see ye on yer feet again Elisabeth, I hope Isobel wasn’t bothering you. She’ll talk your ears off if ye let her! I am Kendrix, father to this wee lass and the better looking brother,” he joked as he hugged his daughter and placed a kiss on Isobel’s forehead before setting her back down to chase after the dogs.

  Elisabeth was astounded at how alike the brothers looked; Kendrix had the same dark hair and green eyes as his brother. He was a little shorter and not quite as muscular as his older brother, but still devilishly handsome.

  “She is precious, I could have used her company this past week,” she admitted to Kendrix, smiling as the three watched Isobel chase after the wolfhounds, her sweet laughter filling the bailey.

  Smiling at Elisabeth, Kendrix admitted, “Trust me, she’ll become your shadow if ye let her, she’s a handful, watch what you wish for! Her mother died after she was born, Isobel has been raised by myself, Broderick and Rhona, she could use a lovely woman’s guidance now and then, especially when she learns you are The Warrior Queen of Scotland, you’ll never get her to leave ye alone!”

  Grinning at the younger charmer, “You appear to have done a wonderful job with her already, I’m sure there are a few things I can teach her while I am here.” She offered, thinking about where she would go after she was fully healed.

  “Welcome to Castle MacMillan Elisabeth, I hope you enjoy your stay.” Kendrix smiled back, bowing to her slightly before turning to Broderick, “Night watch had nothing to report Brother, all is well. I’ve got to go check on the cellar supplies with Rhona later today.”

  “I’m going to give Elisabeth a tour of the castle before the busy morning is upon us, I’ll join you later.”

  Kendrix smiled as he bowed to both Broderick and Elisabeth, “I bid you both a good day, I shall see you tonight at the banquet,” waving goodbye, he called back over his shoulder, “make sure he tells you about the banquet Elisabeth, I’ll save a dance for you!” Collecting Isobel, Kendrix lifted his daughter up and headed back towards the keep, leaving them alone in the courtyard.

  “Banquet?” she asked, looking up at Broderick.

  “My cousin weds tonight, there is to be a celebration tonight in our keep. The entire clan is invited to join, there will be a feast and dancing,” he explained as he started to walk towards the stables, her hand still on his arm, “that is, if ye feel up to joining us tonight?”

  Walking with the handsome laird she saw clan folk wave as they started to appear out of their homes and shops as they walked by. Smiling kindly upon each one she waved back as they explored around the castle grounds.

  “I would very much enjoy that Broderick, thank you for making me feel welcome in your home and on your lands. Until sweet Isobel mentioned it, I hadn’t thought much of my future home,” the last words brought fresh tears to her eyes.

  Seeing her upset, he pulled her back behind the stable wall where no one could see them. Pulling her before him, he placed his hands on her shoulders he looked down into her tearful eyes, “Your home is here now Elisabeth, you do not have to worry about how long your stay is. You are welcome to live the rest of your life here; I want my home to be your home if you so choose.”r />
  If on queue, Conn and Isla leaned up against her as if showing their support.

  His words made her heart ache; she was homesick, seeing him with his family made her heartbroken. In a moment of weakness, she threw away the idea that she didn’t need his comfort. She missed his closeness; stepping closer she wrapped her arms around his waist and buried her head into his chest. He hadn’t slept next to her in a very long time, ever since she had woken up from her injury he had taken to sleeping on the chair instead of beside her. She missed home; she missed her family and friends. She missed the way Broderick would hold her in her sleep; she missed his presence next to her at night. She missed his warmth and his smell; she missed hearing him breathe as he slept. Feeling his hand wrap around her shoulders she felt his warmth surround her as he simply held her.

  For days Broderick had been resisting the urge to be next to her at all times. He had forced himself to sleep on the chair instead of by her side these past nights out of fear he couldn’t keep his hands off her much longer. Having her in his arms brought back the nights of lying next to her nearly naked. Giving up the fight in his heart and head, he reached down and tipped up her jaw and kissed her sweet lips. Sliding his hand along her jaw he tilted her head up as he claimed her mouth. Running his other hand over her hip, he pulled her close to his body as he kissed the woman in his arms into oblivion.

  The moment he kissed her, he felt her run her hands up his chest as a moan escaped her sweet lips, his name. A sweeter sound he had never heard, desire shot through him as he reached down and squeezed her sweet ass, lifting her up to his height. His tongue penetrated her mouth as he claimed her mouth with ravenous need. He needed her now.

  Hearing the dogs growl, he snapped out of the sensual haze that had claimed them both. Slowly releasing his hold on Elisabeth, he looked around to see who was approaching as he sat her down upon her own feet. Seeing Conn and Isla looking around the corner he knew something was going on in the bailey.

  Noticing the unusual behavior of the hounds, it took a moment for her to regain her composure. Jesu the man could kiss, she thought to herself. Elisabeth searched Broderick’s eyes as she asked, “What is wrong?”

  “Come with me,” linking hands with her he led her around the stable to the main gate where there was a commotion ensuing. Broderick saw his brother Kendrix handling it from a distance. He walked hand in hand with Elisabeth towards the main gate he kept his eye upon his brother.

  It took her a moment to realize why all the eyes were upon her, she had just came out of a fortnight stay in their Laird’s bedroom, and she was holding hands with him as if they were lovers. Did his people think she was his woman now? Growing increasingly embarrassed as the knowing eyes that smiled at them, she wondered what people were assuming.

  She saw Kendrix had notice right away, just as all the guards and MacMillan clan folk that were out this early had. Trying to pull her hand away, she tugged with no avail; Broderick simply looked down at her with a puzzled look and gave her hand a slight squeeze. He refused to let go of her.

  Elisabeth looked back at Kendrix as he approached; she saw his face turn from surprised to a welcome smile, “News from our south guards, Douglas warriors were found on the borders of Drummond and MacMillan land.”

  Feeling Elisabeth tense, Broderick turned so the three of them could walk back up to the castle as they spoke; he needed to get her back inside soon, “What were they looking for Brother?”

  Kendrix looked directly at Elisabeth, then his brother, “They are looking for Laird Douglas’s betrothed, by name of Elisabeth Drummond.”

  Dropping her hand like he had touched fire, Broderick swung his icy cold eyes down to her, “Betrothed?” he asked slowly, his tenor was menacing.

  Only moments ago the man was kissing her into oblivion, shocked at his quick change in demeanor she stared at the brothers. Far enough away from any clan members she unleashed her pent up temper, eyeing Broderick, “I would rather die a million deaths than marry that man. I have never or will ever be betrothed to that sadistic bastard! The only thing that man will feel of mine will be my sword in his black heart.”

  Reaching up she ran a hand over her injured shoulder and delivered the brothers a look that would probably make the King of England fall to his knees. Clenching her jaw she turned on her heel and marched back towards the castle, his wolfhounds following at her side. She was on fire, how dare Broderick treat her like that! How dare Kincaid announce he was betrothed to her, an outlandish lie, and one she would deal with in the near future. Storming across the bailey she kept her chin up and shoulders back and smiled at no one. Inside her, a storm raged. Kincaid knew she was alive, and Broderick so easily believed Kincaid’s lies. His reaction broke her tender heart.

  Broderick felt his brother smack him on the shoulder as they watched the fierce lady gracefully walk away like a queen, “God she’s stunning when she’s mad! Did ye really think she’d be betrothed to the man who murdered her entire clan Brother? Honestly, your distrust in women is concerning. Just because Fiona was an evil bitch doesn’t mean they all are Brother. Good luck winning her back after that,” Kendrix teased as they watched the redhead walk away from them, head held high.

  Crossing his arms, Broderick watched her climb the castle stairs into the keep, disappearing into the darkness of the hall, “and if I say I care naught about winning her back?” Broderick asked in irritation.

  Laughing, Kendrix offered sage advice to his elder, “Then I ask you, when was the last time you held a lady’s hand in public my Laird, if ever? She needs to marry Brother, if Kincaid is announcing they are betrothed, it’ll only be a matter of time till he finds her here. If you do not want to marry her, I wager there would be a line of fine men all around the highlands lining up to capture her, and some not so fine,” seeing Broderick scowl at the mention of other men marrying her, “There is a reason she’s here with us Broderick, do not let the past dictate the future, life is far too short to stay jaded forever Brother,”

  Broderick cast his gaze at his brother, “Aye, she needs to marry,” nodding to Kendrix. He nodded to his younger brother and made his way back to the castle to find the heated Elisabeth. In the time they had spent together, he had never seen her so angry. She had finally showed her the side of her he hadn’t seen, the warrior. He could easily see how she could command hundreds of warriors and ride into battle. She was magnificent when riled; she commanded attention with a simple look. He was very glad he hadn’t given her a blade yet, the look on her face made no mistake, she wanted to do him harm for the way he treated her.

  Broderick swiftly walked through the empty bailey and into the keep and up the winding stone stairs to his room. Running his hand through his long hair, he knew his reaction earlier had hurt her. He had just had her in his arms, kissing her senseless and then treated her cruelly moments later. Angry with himself for such a foolish response, he opened the door to his room to see her figure upon the bed, his two wolfhounds lying next to her on the covers. Her back was facing him, as she lay upon his massive bed.

  Walking into the room he shut the solid wooden door behind him, “So easily I’ve been replaced by my dogs,” he said with a low velvet tone as he walked up to the enormous bed where she and his dogs laid.

  Not even bothering to look at him she continued to run her hand over dogs’ long backs, alternating which dog she pet, “At least they trust me… and will lay next to me,” she said with boldness, her anger still vibrant and raw.

  Shooting up his eyebrows at her words, he motioned for his dogs to move off the bed. Watching the large dogs jump off his bed he unsheathed his broadsword and removed his dirk and sat them on the table before sliding next to her upon his massive bed.

  Pulling her back against his chest, he whispered into the lass’s ear, “I trust you Elisabeth, and I want to do more than just lay next to you my love. That is why I’ve kept my distance, not because I don’t want to be by you.”

  Lying in his arms, she let
the realization of his words wash over her. He wanted her? He had chosen his words carefully, what more did he want to do to her? That thought sent shivers of desire down her spine. The kiss today brought her back to years ago that stolen night in his tent. Just eighteen she melted under his touch when he kissed her in the dark of night. Today, those same sparks came alive once again. She had a connection with Broderick that she had never felt before. His touch, his presence around her soothed her. His kiss made her fall apart, the world simply stopped.

  At three and twenty she had spent her entire life pushing men away, refusing to take a husband, refusing to allow any man control over her life. She had never depended on any man as she did Broderick, and she was honest enough to admit it had nothing to do with her injury. Her heart sang when he was around. She loved the feel of him next to her today as they walked together, he made her feel invincible, and most importantly, he made her feel like a woman.

  The realization that Kincaid knew she was alive and claimed her as his betrothed infuriated her. He could claim the betrothal contract burned with her castle, it would be his word against hers. She lay in Broderick’s arms, thinking over the realization of what Kincaid’s claim would mean. If she did not get married, or get to the King before Kincaid found her, he could easily find a priest to marry them, willing or not.

  Turning so she could face him, the sunlight poured into the room illuminating the room so she could see him clearly, sighing deeply she whispered, “I need to marry before Kincaid finds me. I was not lying earlier; I would rather die than become his bride.”

  Pulling her close, he kissed the top of her hair and agreed, “I’ll never let him touch you Elisabeth, rest easy love. You’ll never marry him.”