“Gavin-”
“I’m fine. Ready the horses. We’re leaving now. With luck, we’ll reach the castle in two days’ time,” Gavin said tightly, then addressed all of them. “I hope this serves to mend the ties between ye two. End this now, like men.”
The two lairds nodded at one another and agreed to end the bloody battle that had waged too long, one that had cost the lives of many men.
“McKendrick,” Gavin said and the man turned to him. “I will be returning home with my men and I suppose ye’ll do the same.” At McKendrick’s nod, Gavin continued. “I’ll send Charlie to ye, when we’re ready to retake the McBrides.”
“Charlie?”
“Aye, Charles of McBride.” At McKendrick’s shake of his head, he said, “The mon who saw ye shortly after ye saw Bryce.”
“I am familiar with Bryce. He was Andrew’s closest mon. I doona know Charlie.”
Gavin became edgy. “He has red hair, green eyes. He said he went to ye and ye wouldna confirm whether Bryce or Andie had been there before him.”
“Maitland, I tell ye, no. Charlie, Charles, never came to me. The only one I saw that day from McBride was Bryce. He looked furious when I informed him Andie wasna with my clan.”
Gavin exhaled. “I knew it!” he said, clenching his teeth.
“Knew what?” Gabriel asked.
“No time to discuss this. We ride. Now,” Gavin said, stalking out of the castle. The burning in his stomach lingered, but it was just as well because it matched the ache in his heart.
She’d waited one more day. Andie hadn’t moved from her spot on the bed that gave her a view outside. As the sun rose and set again, still the night showed no outline of Gavin and his men. No word had reached them about Alistair. Had Gavin already killed him?
It didn’t matter now, though. She had set her plan into motion. Earlier today she’d approached Greida. She’d told the woman that she didn’t know how to suggest to Riley that perhaps he should sleep elsewhere.
“But why, sweeting? Are ye nay feeling well? That’s it, right?”
Andie smiled and nodded. “Aye, Greida. He sleeps with me every night since Gavin left. He says it’s to protect me but I know he worries over Gavin’s absence. I feel as if the time grows near,” she said, rubbing her belly. “I fear that the pain I shall suffer and the other womanly issues would traumatize him,” Andie said, meaning her water breaking.
“Say no more, dear. I shall ask that he stay with me at night. He’s often curious about my plants so I’ll keep him occupied. By tomorrow eve, the laird should have returned.”
Andie smiled, hoping for the same. “Thank ye Greida,” she’d said and slowly climbed the stairs to the chamber.
Gavin hadn’t returned, though, and she couldn’t wait anymore. By now, Meghan would be well on her way here, in the cold, falling snow.
With layers of clothing on, she tightened the cloak around her. Andie rubbed her belly as the active baby kicked and rolled.
“Stay warm, little one.”
She stepped out into the cold night. The coldness of the snow immediately caused her to catch her breath. She shivered despite the layers of clothing. The snow fluttered around her and landed on her head and nose. God-willing, she’d catch Meghan and bring her back before Gavin found out.
Her husband wouldn’t be pleased.
“Gavin, just come in and rest for a moment. ‘Tis been a day and a half of hard riding in the snow.”
Gabriel looked at Gavin. Determination was present in every line of worry on his face.
“We should have been there already.”
“The snow doesna stop. ‘Twill take ye at the verra least two days to get home.”
“I doona have that luxury, damn it Gabriel. Can ye nay understand? What if it were Meghan here with a traitor?” he asked almost frantically.
“I would move mountains to get to her.” At Gavin’s smug look, Gabriel said, “But we doona know if Charlie is a traitor.”
“Traitor?” Bryce asked from the threshold, Meghan next to him. The look on her face irritated Gabriel. He walked over to his upset wife.
“Is Andie in danger?” she asked.
“Nay, sweeting,” Gabriel said, hugging her.
“Doona lie, Gabriel.” She turned worried eyes onto an even more worried Gavin. “Is she, Gavin?”
Gavin looked at Bryce. “I believe so.”
“Gavin!” Gabriel roared.
“Doona be angered with him, husband,” she said angrily. “I knew anyway, I just wanted confirmation. Yer face told me there was a need to worry.”
“Charlie a traitor?” Bryce asked, unable to process that.
Gavin inhaled, accepting that it would take a little longer before he would make his way to Andie. His men, with the exception of a dozen, kept on their journey to the castle.
“Charlie never saw McKendrick the day he came to me,” Gavin explained.
“So how did he know Andie was with ye rather than McKendrick?” Bryce asked.
“That is the precise question I raised, Bryce. The only answer I was able to conclude was that he knew that Riley was taken captive and kept at McBride’s. He must have known Andie found him when Riley was not in the trunk,” he said bitterly, “and knew she would come here instead.”
“I canna believe this,” Bryce said, sitting in a nearby seat. “Charlie?”
“Yes, Bryce. I’ve had a peculiar feeling about him. Something’s nay right. The conversation with McKendrick confirmed it. I need to return home. Now.”
“I will go also,” Bryce said, standing. Gavin shook his head. “I must. He and I, and Andrew…” Bryce said, his voice fading, “…were verra good friends. Dear Lord,” Bryce said, his eyes growing wide. “D’ye think he helped Alistair take control over the McBrides?” Bryce could not look at anyone. His head was reeling, his face was a mask of horror and sadness.
“He had to. How else would ye explain him knowing Andie was with me rather than the McKendrick? He had to have known about Riley, and thus, had a part in his abduction.”
“But why would Charlie…” Bryce stopped, shaking his head.
“I must leave now. My wife is there with him. I told her nay to follow orders from anyone save those that came from ye, Gabriel, or me. I must reach her. Once there, I shall send word here.”
“Gavin, I insist on going with ye. If he did anything to Andie… she’s like a daughter to me.” He stopped and looked at Gavin. “I must go. I must know why.”
Gavin sighed and nodded his head. He understood Bryce’s sense of betrayal. Hadn’t he felt the same about Sarah? “Hurry, then, Bryce. Ye must be prepared for the cold.”
Bryce left and came back immediately.
“Ye’ll be careful and send word?”
“Aye, Gabriel. Stay here and take care of yer wife. Andie will have my hide if she heard that I upset her best friend and sister,” he said, and gave Meghan a wan smile. She smiled sadly in return.
Walking to the door, Gavin stumbled.
“Gavin?” Gabriel asked, setting Meghan aside carefully.
Gavin’s growl stunned them. He staggered forth and heaved over in pain. Unable to stand, he fell onto his knees, wrapping his arms awkwardly over his abdomen as if he’d been stabbed.
“Gavin?” Gabriel asked, alarmed.
Gavin’s shoulders began shaking. His body was assailed by what seemed like spasms.
He looked up suddenly and they all took a collective step back, gasping.
The veins were visible in his forehead and neck, and he appeared to be straining.
But his eyes.
They were literally glowing light to dark, in a frantic pattern of silver and black.
“NOOOO!” he roared, tears falling from his eyes.
Their connection was established.
Gavin knew with dreadful certainty that his beloved was in labor.
And he knew, because he felt it.
Chapter Nineteen
“Andie!” the voice taunt
ed. “I saw ye, Andie. Come now. Ye’re afraid of yer own cousin? Yer soon to be husband.” Alistair stopped and listened.
Silence.
“Andie, ye’re a widow now. I killed Maitland. He tried to usurp my power, but I proved to be superior.” He continued to cajole her but silence was his only reward.
The snow fell fiercely. It did not relent its cold assault. The sky was dark, without stars, but the moon illuminated the snow. Alistair squinted in the darkness, trying to see better- trying to see an outline of a woman. He jutted his chin out in an effort to hear better, but not a whisper of breath, not a movement upon the light snow, was heard.
“Alistair, she’s nay here,” his man said. “She’s nearing her time of birth. There’s nay way she can be walking about on solid ground, much less on soft snow. She wouldna be able to withstand this cold.”
“She’s here, damn it.”
“Nay, I doona beleieve so. She may have snuck passed us, and is probably nearer to Gabriel Maitland’s holding.”
Alistair sighed loudly and groaned. “Damn this whore. Fine. Let us go there towards the outskirts of the land.”
The scrunching of the snow disturbed the night’s peacefulness as the men departed.
Andie exhaled. Her brow was covered in sweat and her breathing was labored. She indulged in releasing a moan as another massive cramp swamped her. She grabbed handfuls of snow as an outlet for her pain. She was lying on the cold, wet snow and there was a mound behind her, making it easier to proper herself up.
She began to cry.
What would she do?
She’d heard them and their stupid futile attempts to find her. And he’d killed Gavin!
She turned dull hazel eyes to the sky in pain and in a silent plea.
Gavin!
Sobs shook her. What would she do?
She shook her head. That she didn’t know. What she knew she couldn’t do, though, was allow that bastard to touch her baby.
He would kill the baby.
She exhaled again and greedily breathed in. She was at least a day’s walk away from home, which made her wonder why Alistair was here? McBride land wasn’t been far from Maitland land, but why would Alistair venture here? With Gavin dead, the men under Gavin wouldn’t allow Alistair to get close to her. Moreover, they’d seek vengeance.
She wondered about Gavin’s men. Would they notice her missing? Riley. Aye, Riley would notice, and then Charlie and Shaun would send men to look for her.
But when? Would it be too late?
Another cramp overpowered her and then she felt wetter. Looking down, she saw her water being soaked up by the snow. Trying to tamper the hysteria wanting to overtake her, she took a couple of calming breaths, trying to think.
She knew it was a bad idea to lie on the snow, but she had no choice. The pains had become so horrible that she could no longer stand.
She was so foolish! How could she leave the protection of the castle? How could she think she’d be able to walk to Meghan’s home when she could barely walk twenty paces without having to rest? Now the bairn was coming and she was alone. She could verra well die and so could the bairn.
She felt defeated.
“No, Andie. I’ll nay let you give up.” Her voice shook with conviction.
Determinedly, she slowly got up with the help of a tree. On wobbly legs she stood. Then a painful cramp gripped her and she fell down again. The fall wasn’t too harsh, for the snow was still soft.
Still, she felt optimistic. She would try and try again. She would crawl and crawl until she reached home.
That was the plan until she saw the blood on the snow.
“Andie!” he bellowed immediately as he came in through the doors. Damn, his middle section felt as if he’d taken a beating.
“Andie!” he roared again, his heart thumping faster each second she delayed. Bryce stood behind, waiting for Andie to come.
Shaun came in along with Greida. One look at them and Gavin knew something was wrong.
“Where is she? Are ye helping with the bairn?” Gavin asked. Good Lord, something happened to her! He was too late. He’d felt the connection and she’d had a boy.
No!
“Damn it, where is my wife!” he yelled.
Snapping out of her stupor, Greida croaked, “She’s nay here. She’s been gone for nearly two days.”
“Gone? Two days!”
Shaun looked at his laird and said, “From one day to the next, she wasna here.”
Gavin felt his world spin. He heard Greida and tried to focus on what she was saying.
“…wanted Riley to sleep with me. She feared he’d be traumatized if she began the birthing…”
“How could my wife heavy with child leave the protection of this damn castle with men on post?” he roared. “Did no one see anything? Were the men drinking?” Fury made his eyes glow.
“Papa!” Riley came running in after overhearing them. He yanked on Gavin’s cold, wet plaid. “Papa,” he said frantically.
Gavin looked down at his son and the fright in his eyes. Commanding himself to focus, he said, “Riley, what is it?”
“I know ‘twill get me into trouble but I know where Mama was going!”
Gavin looked closely at his son’s face. It was red, flushed, and worried. “Mama?”, he repeated hollowly. Gavin felt his heart squeeze.
“Yes Papa, Mama!”
“What? How do ye know, Riley?”
“I eavesdropped, Papa,” he said, looking down.
“I willna punish ye, Riley. Tell me what ye heard,” he said urgently.
“Charlie was speaking to her. He told her that Aunt Meghan was leaving Uncle Gabriel. Aunt Meghan sent a messenger but he’d left. Mama wanted to speak to him.”
“What else, Riley?” Gavin said, kneeling down in front of his son.
“Charlie told Mama nay to leave and nay to meet Aunt Meghan half way. He said that he’d spoken to Shaun and that he and Shaun believed that allowing men to find Aunt Meghan would be a strain.”
“I didna speak to Charlie, Gavin,” Shaun said, outraged. “I never knew a messenger came here.”
Gavin stood, his heart in his throat. His wife was ready to give birth, was outside the protection of his castle walls more than likely lost, and was in danger in a snowstorm.
Snow.
His blood ran cold. He pushed aside the memory of his dream.
“I want every man looking for her! Shaun, send word to Gabriel about this. Riley,” he said, taking a moment with his son. “Ye must stay here.”
“But I wanna look for Mama,” he whined.
Gavin had to swallow twice to lessen the lump in his throat. “It is a verra important duty. Who will protect her when she returns? Everyone will be looking for her and she’ll need ye if she comes back.”
Riley was not fully convinced but nodded his head. “Aye, Papa. I’ll stay,” he said sadly.
Gavin ruffled his hair and nodded. He looked to all of them who were in the room. Some of his men had run inside when they heard he’d returned.
“Listen to me,” he said in a calm, lethal voice. “No one is to trust Charlie. If you see him, seize him immediately.” He waited for all of them to calm down. “He is a traitor and the reason why my wife is out in this harsh snow,” he said, his voice hoarse. He cleared his throat. “I want everyone out there, finding my wife.”
The men eagerly shouted. Gavin raised his hand. “She may be ready to have the bairn. Ye must be careful.”
The men were surprised. “How do ye know that, Laird?” a man yelled out.
“I doona,” Gavin said, heading for the door. “The Dark Wolf does.
It had been quiet for some time now. It seemed as if everything had frozen. She heard no birds or crickets. Nothing. Not the rustling of leaves, not the snow dropping its incessant load. She heard only her own breathing, which she kept as quiet as possible.
The struggle to remain silent was agonizing and nearly impossible. The pains were coming quicker
and harsher. She felt as if she was being heaved in two. Sweat fell down her face as if it were raining. Her hair was drenched, plastered against her face.
And the snow was red.
She’d been bleeding for a while now. She thought perhaps the snow slowed her bleeding a little but she didn’t know how much longer she would last.
Andie was going to die here, trying to birth her baby. Though she’d sat with Greida a couple of times during births so that she would know what would happen when her time came, she felt no where near ready to deliver her own bairn.
Desperation filled her. She’d had a good cry for a long while and now wasn’t the time to give into tears again. She had to think.
She grimaced as another pain rocked her. Light was beginning to kiss the sky as dawn was rising from its sleep. She hoped along with the dawn, Gavin’s men would rise from their sleep and search for her.
“Andie!” Gavin bellowed. The sun was rising and it made visibility better. Though his eyesight was powerful at night, daylight was helpful.
His voice was hoarse, no longer sounding like his own. He was frantic at the thought that he was too late. How many days had she been out here?
He felt a pull, so strong he was powerless to do anything but walk in that direction. He felt foreign to himself. On rare occasions he’d felt this, but now, it was different. It was a strong and overwhelming pull. He shook his head, feeling an electric buzz flow through him.
The Dark Wolf had taken over.
Gavin felt his body hum. His eyes were glowing, his eyesight superb. Sharp. His hearing was so acute he heard the snow fall on the ground. The stealthness with which he proceeded was quiet, calm, and determined.
The murderous glint in his luminescent eyes would have made the devil run the other way.
He smelled the air. A scent teased his nose. Andie’s?
“Andie!” he called out again.
And then he heard it. The slightest exhale of pain.
His heart beat faster. He let the invisible tether guide him forward. Carefully but quickly, he made his way into an area shielded by brush.
To Have and to Trust (Heart of a Highlander Collection Book 1) Page 29
