Himself included. As laird, there were always people who wished him dead.
“Who were they?”
“Sutherlands.”
“Why would the Sutherland attack?”
“His son has taken the role of laird,” Naill replied.
It made sense. The younger Sutherland was a weakling who tried to prove himself in the wrong way. “My brothers?”
“They are well. Tristan returns in a few days.”
“Kieran?”
Naill shrugged. Aware of the animosity between Naill and Kieran, Malcolm didn’t ask more.
“I’m off to see my wife,” Naill said, grabbing himself between the legs.
Malcolm gave him a flat look. “I will speak to the men.” Stable lads had neared with his horse and he mounted. Once within hearing distance of the men who’d remained mounted and in lines, he held up a hand to get their attentions.
“Ye have proven yer loyalty to our clan and its people. I offer my gratitude. It will be known that we are not a weak clan and our borders are strong.”
The warriors cheered and began dispersing. Some of the men went to the villages where they lived and the bachelors continued into the keep to their quarters.
Chapter Twenty-One
A week later.
The gates opened and upon entering the keep courtyard, Tristan could only think of finding Merida. She was not outdoors that he could see, neither for that matter was any member of his family. He’d thought that upon it being announced that he had arrived, someone would come out to greet him.
Not thinking much about it, he guided Duin to the stables, where lads met him and attempted to take the horse. Immediately, Duin reared up on two legs, his giant front hooves in the air.
The lads scrambled back in fear.
“I will take him to the stable,” Tristan grumbled and continued as he guided the unmanageable beast away. “Something has to be done about ye, horse. Ye must learn to allow someone other than me and Merida…”
Ruari chuckled. “Talking to yerself, Cousin?”
“This horse will not allow anyone near it. Tis only Merida and me that he doesn’t attempt to kill.”
“Let me see.” Ruari neared, his hand out, palm down. He ran his hand down the animal’s nose. “Quite contrary, are ye?” he asked the horse in a soft voice. “Come along now or else ye will not be fed.” His cousin lifted a wooden bucket of oats. “There may be a carrot in here.”
Duin’s nostrils flared and he sniffed the bucket.
When Ruari led the horse away, Tristan shook his head. Perhaps there was hope for the unruly animal.
At a rain barrel, Tristan took a pot that hung from a rope next to it. He dipped the wooden bowl into the water and poured it over his head and neck. Next, he washed his lower arms and hands. More than anything, he wanted to go for a swim. But at the moment, it was best to speak to Malcolm and see what had happened in the household while he was away.
There was the matter of Kieran, who’d not spoken to him again about his marriage. Neither did his younger brother reply to Tristan’s questions of whether or not he’d remain away from the McLeods for now.
Chickens scrambled out of the way as he made his way to the entrance. Once he was inside the entryway, he hesitated to allow his eyes to adjust to the dimness of the interior.
Although his father had ordered large windows on both sides of the great room, it was still a bit dim compared to outdoors.
Malcolm held court, two farmers arguing before him. Another set of villagers’ voices rose while in a rather heated discussion about whatever they came to see his brother about.
At a table, a woman held a screaming child while her husband stood by, pretending not to hear.
Two young men were tugging at a rope that was tied to a goat, each attempting to take ownership. Meanwhile, a young village girl stood between her parents, crying and seeming to plead about something. By the looks of a terrified young man who stood by her burly father, he was the cause of whatever consternation was at hand.
At once, Tristan understood why no one had come outside to greet him. In one corner of the room, Elspeth and Merida were tending to a man who bled from his forehead. The entire time, the man pointed and cussed at another who stood by with a snarl and fists on his hips.
His mother and Verity were also present. They took turns glaring at him, as they seemed to be waiting to speak to Malcolm who was doing his best to ignore them.
Tristan walked down the center of the room, held both hands up and shouted, “Shut up!”
Everyone, including the wailing baby, went silent.
“Now, that’s better.” He pointed at the boys with the goat. “Come here.”
The boys neared and the closer they got, the more timid they became. It was almost comical when both dropped the rope. Tristan crossed his arms, knowing it would make his muscles bunch. “Whose goat is it?”
“Mine,” the freckle-faced boy of the duo said. “He gave it to me.”
Tristan looked to the other and frowned. “Did ye?”
“Aye, but he doesn’t care for it properly. Tis skinny now.” The boy pointed at the goat, which in Tristan’s estimation looked to be in good shape. “Ye can see its ribs. Look.”
“I feed him daily, sir,” the freckle-faced boy said. The goat ambled away as if without a care in the world.
Tristan pointed at the freckle-faced boy. “See that he’s fed properly.” He then looked to the other. “If he doesn’t, come back and tell me.”
The boys nodded and rushed off. The freckle-faced one tugged the goat away from a table. The animal grabbed a chunk of bread and swallowed it.
Ignoring his mother stalking toward him, Tristan went next to the parents, the crying girl and the frightened boy. “What is happening here?”
It was hours later that the room finally emptied. Only a few people, who lived too far to return home before dark, remained. They would partake in last meal and spend the night there.
“Ye came back just in time,” Malcolm said, sitting back. His brother blew out a breath and eyed his tankard. But he seemed to decide it took too much energy to actually drink it. “How did Da do this for so many years?”
“Not all days are like this.”
“Aye, true.”
Malcolm chuckled. “Did ye really order that boy to marry the crying girl?”
“Aye,” Tristan laughed. “Neither her father nor the lad wished it, but it was obvious the girl is with bairn.”
“Ah.”
Their mother rose and stalked over. “Will ye make time for yer mother now?”
“What is it, Mother?” Malcolm said in a patient voice.
“That woman. She cannot be out and about as if she belongs here.”
Tristan was aware that she spoke of Merida. He looked about the room. He’d been so busy with everything, he’d yet to greet her. “My wife…”
“She can do as she wishes. I have told ye this, Mother,” Malcolm interrupted.
That his brother had stood up for Merida in his absence touched him and Tristan had to swallow past the lump forming in his throat. No matter how unyielding his brother had always been, there seemed to be a soft spot in his heart since marrying Elspeth.
“Then Verity and I will leave.”
“Where will ye go, Mother?” Tristan asked. “This is yer home.”
“I offered them the smaller house here in the keep,” Malcolm said. “They can remain under our protection. Once Verity marries, Mother can decide to remain or go with her to the Munro keep.”
Their mother placed both hands to her chest. “If yer father was here, he would never allow me to be displaced.”
“Ye are correct, Mother,” Tristan admitted. “Merida and I will go live in the smaller house. That way, we will not have to worry about ye and Verity feeling at odds with us.”
Lady Ross’ eyebrows lifted in surprise. “Ye would leave yer own home for that woman?”
“Mother,” Malcolm started, but Tri
stan interrupted.
“She is my wife. I vowed to stand by her.” In that moment, he became aware he did not plan to let his wife leave. Ever. Malcolm must have realized it, too, because he gave Tristan a knowing look.
“It seems fair to me.” Malcolm let out a breath. “Mother, he remains within the keep. Our home.”
Without any other thing to argue about, their mother looked to one and then the other. “Where is Kieran?”
“He remains at the northern border. He should return in a fortnight if not sooner,” Tristan said.
She huffed. “He knows about her?”
“Aye.” Tristan ensured to keep a neutral tone. “He is aware.”
When she turned away, Verity glared at Tristan. “If Mother falls ill, it will be yer fault.”
“I must see about Merida and tell her we are moving.”
“Ye know Mother will leave with Verity. She will marry in but a few weeks,” Malcolm added.
“Aye, but it is best to keep the peace for now.”
Malcolm looked around the room and seeming to deem it safe, he spoke. “Why do ye think the Sutherland attacked?”
“The son has taken over as laird. The idiot is trying to prove himself.”
“That is what I supposed. Will he try again?”
Tristan shook his head. “I do not think he will. Not for a long time. Especially after trespassing through Munro lands. A messenger was sent to the Munro asking that he, too, send a message to the Sutherland that they are not allowed to trespass.”
“Good use of our new marriage alignment,” Malcolm said. “What of Kieran?”
“He remains the same. I fear he may attack any McLeod he runs across and our truce will end.”
Malcolm’s gaze moved over the room to the windows. “The truce will not end. Kieran will not settle until he gets his revenge. In a way, I understand him. Fury remains within me as well.”
*
As hard as she tried, Merida could not help the tightening in her chest. Tristan had returned hours earlier and had yet to greet her. A part of her wondered if it was because his mother had returned.
She dipped a cloth into a basin and washed dried blood from one of Gregor Ross’ wounds. He was a kind man, who she remembered from the times he’d come to meet with her father. Both he and the late laird had often hunted with her father when she was young.
The water was becoming bloody and she decided to pour it out and get more.
“Ye are recovering well,” she told the older man. He did look much better.
“I am considering not traveling any more. Both times lately, I was attacked by yer clan.” Although he didn’t sound cross, she wasn’t sure if he was or not.
“Was the other time when Tristan was injured?”
“Aye,” he replied. “That time, it was my son’s fault. He is a traitor.”
“Where is he?”
Gregor shrugged. “Probably hiding away, never returning as he will be jailed or worse.”
Wrapping his midsection, Merida helped the man settle into a chair. Although he was well enough to leave his chambers, he seemed to prefer to remain there. She didn’t blame him. There was a wide balcony that overlooked the flower fields where she and Elspeth had gone just the day before. It was a beautiful day, the sun’s rays bathing the area with warmth.
“Ye have the most perfect chamber, I think.”
Gregor chuckled. “Do not tell anyone,” he replied in a mirth-filled whisper.
“I will keep it to myself,” Merida said with a smile. “Ye are very important to my husband. He was very worried about ye.”
“He is special to me as well.” The man looked around as if to make sure no one overheard. “He is my favorite nephew.”
Merida neared and sat opposite Gregor. “I hope to get to know him better. He seems to be a kind and fair man.”
“He is,” Gregor replied with a nod. “An honorable young man. Ye could not wish for a better husband. I sense he has done well for a wife as well.”
Her breath hitched. “Thank ye for saying that.”
She looked at Gregor for a moment before continuing. “And yet, I told Tristan I wished to return to my clan. It would be for the best. Ye understand that it is very possible our clans will always be at war.”
The man met her gaze with assurance. “What I know is that our clans had a strong alliance until the rash actions of yer brother. Time will heal the divide between the clans. Yer marriage will help it happen.”
“Then I should remain? What about my brother?”
“That is yer decision. I do believe ye know that yer brother will meet his end, if not by one of my nephew’s hands, then by another person he wrongs.”
Merida nodded.
“I see ye fare better, Uncle.” Tristan stood in the doorway and Merida whirled toward him, her heart pitching at the sight of the huge warrior filling the doorway.
Chapter Twenty-Two
“I will carry that.” Tristan took the large bowl of bloody water from her arms. “Ye should not be carrying it, but order a servant to assist ye.”
She didn’t look at him. “I do what I can to keep busy.”
“What of yer ankle?” He met her gaze and quickly looked away as the water sloshed, coming close to over spilling.
“It is much better.” In truth, it was a bit painful, as she’d overdone it twice already. First with the walk outdoors and now carrying water back and forth.
When they came to a doorway at the end of the corridor, Merida opened it so Tristan could toss the water outdoors. He put the bowl down. When his gaze met hers, it was as if he had so much to say. But instead, he pulled her close, his mouth instantly covering hers.
The feel of his hard body against hers filled Merida with need. She clung to him as his mouth moved across her, a combination of caresses and demand. Merida lifted her arms and wrapped them around his neck, enjoying the feel of her breasts pressed against the rough fabric of his tunic.
“I need ye, Wife,” Tristan mumbled against her ear. Immediately, her body reacted, heat pooling in the most uncomfortable way for one outdoors.
“Come.” He pulled her further out from the doorway and held her against the exterior wall.
Cupping her bottom, Tristan lifted her so their sexes were aligned. Her skirts lifted up to her thighs when she wrapped her legs around his midsection. Already too impassioned, she couldn’t care less if an entire army happened upon them.
Tristan’s fast breaths blew past her ear as he held her in place, his body moving in a most pleasurable way.
“I cannot keep from taking ye right here,” he said, moving a hand between them and freeing himself from the confines of his breeches.
“Yes,” Merida said, barely able to catch her breath, only to gasp when his rod pressed against her entrance.
“Relax for me beauty,” Tristan instructed, working his hardness up and down her core in an effort to arouse her more.
Merida took his mouth with hers, raking her fingers through his hair, needing to be closer to have more of him. When he entered her, the intrusion sent a pulse of heat up her torso, forming a cry from deep in her throat.
She bit into the fabric of his tunic in an effort to keep quiet. He slid out and thrust back into her over and over, the entire time keeping one hand on the small of her back to keep the rock wall from hurting her.
Wonderful sensations traveled through every inch of her body and yet she wanted more. As he continued the now frantic movements, Merida fought to remain coherent while at the same time barely able to keep a straight thought.
He was so powerful, so strong, each movement emphasizing his strength. Every muscle on his body bunched and loosened.
“Oh. Oh.” Merida repeated as her hold on reality evaporated. Tristan continued the steady thrusts, seeming to gain more energy with each passing moment.
Finally, Merida could not stop from losing all control, her body going rigid in its release, her sex constricting around his. The sensations of
her reaction affected Tristan because he let out a hoarse groan and shuddered.
Merida continued to cling to him, unable to trust that she could stand unaided. “I don’t think I can walk.”
“It would be noticeable if we went inside like this,” he replied with a light chuckle.
“I cannot believe we are outside in broad daylight. We cannot be seen like this.”
Once again, he covered her mouth with his while separating their bodies in the sweetest of ways.
He helped her to stand, but they did not move apart. Tristan pulled her against him, kissing the top of her head.
For an inexplicable reason, Merida’s eyes filled with tears. Perhaps it was because he was such a comforting presence in her new life. Tristan was one person she felt fully at ease with. It was strange, as they’d not known each other long. Perhaps it was the vows, or the intimacy that made things so.
“Are ye crying?” Tristan lifted her chin and peered at her. “Did I hurt ye?”
“No, tis not that.” She sniffed. “Ye did not greet me upon arriving.” Now, she felt like a ninny for bringing up something so superficial. After all she had witnessed, how he’d helped his brother bring order to an otherwise chaotic situation, she decided that she was being foolish.
Merida scrambled to take back her words. “Ignore me. It is silly to bring that up. Ye had more important matters at hand.”
When he kissed her again, his tongue slipped between her lips and she fell against him, enjoying the tenderness of the moment. His mouth traveled to her jawline where he continued to press kisses until reaching her ear.
Then he straightened and ensured she met his gaze. “Nothing should be more important than greeting ye upon my return from battle. Forgive me.”
Merida was astonished at his apology. The more she got to know Tristan Ross, the more fortunate she felt about being forced to marry him.
He guided her back inside and through the great room. “We must speak,” he said, ignoring his mother and sister who glared at Merida. She looked up at him, wondering if perhaps something had happened, but decided to wait until they were alone to ask.
A Hardened Warrior Page 18
