Fractured Love... Broken Promises

by Coulter, J. Lee

  Taking the stairs two at a time, he soon stood outside his bedchamber. He knocked once, then entered.

  Ina and Nessa had just gotten her covered in bed. The priest materialized out of nowhere and waited for Blane to strip down and join her before blessing the bed. With that done, they departed and he quickly bolted the door so no one could enter.

  Heather averted her eyes as thoughts raced around her brain of what the matrons had imparted to her about the sex act. She was excited but, also...a bit fearful. Not quite understanding how it all worked, she trembled as he drew back the covers to gaze upon her nakedness.

  “Ye are more beautiful than I imagined, wife.” His burr was more pronounced as his desire stirred his member to life. Heather stared at it, fascinated, as it swelled in size and stiffened. She gulped.

  Blane lay down beside her, gathering her into his arms.

  “Do nae fear. I will be as gentle as possible, lass.”

  She did not speak as he ran his huge hands over her body in feathery strokes. Pleasant tingles erupted wherever his touch traveled. Heather moaned as he captured her lips with his own.

  Her mind floated away as sensations seized her every thought...her actions...as she responded to his skillful hands and lips. There was a roaring in her ears as her body writhed reaching for an unknown entity.

  Blane grit his teeth as he held himself in rigid control. He knew he was big and would need to go slowly the first time...but it was difficult. He wanted her from the moment he had set eyes on her.

  Heather’s passion grew until, finally, he knew she was ready for him. Pulling her beneath him, he covered her, growling in her ear.

  “Open ta me, lass.”

  She spread her thighs and he entered her slowly, allowing her to adjust to him. When he reached the barrier, her eyes widened and she began to struggle to escape him as she panicked.

  “Shhh, nay Heather. Do nae fear. Tis allowed when ye be wed.” Blane held still as he kissed her and stroked her with his fingers, rebuilding her mindless craving. When she returned to that passion-filled level, he thrust deeply into her in one swift stroke...claiming her as his. She cried out once but was soon meeting him thrust for thrust. He roared in pleasure as her body milked him dry with her climax.

  Rolling off of her, he rose to retrieve a damp cloth to cleanse them.

  “Will it hurt every time?”

  He turned startled eyes on his wife. “Did I pain ye overmuch?”

  She shook her head. “Nae overmuch. Twas abating almost the moment it happened.”

  Satisfied...he nodded. “Nae, Heather. There only be pain the first time...nae after. Did nae Ina and your maither tell ye?”

  Shaking her head, she replied, “Nae about the pain.” She sighed. “I did enjoy the rest of it though! When may we do it again?” Innocent aqua eyes stared at him expectantly as he cleaned between her thighs.

  Blane chuckled to himself. It was good that he had an enthusiastic wife. They may get on well.

  “Since it be your first time, twould be a good idea ta wait a day or two ta get beyond the soreness. After that,” he shrugged, “as often as ye like so long as I get a rest period in between times.” Blane leaned over and kissed her softly. “Come...time ta sleep.”

  She nestled in the warmth of his arms and felt her heart thawing just a wee bit as she fell into a sated sleep.

  Chapter Five

  Fingal, Ina and their entourage left a few days after the nuptials. Winter was nearing. There was a nip in the air the day they left and dark storm clouds blowing in from the sea.

  Heather was sad to see them go. She had enjoyed their company but understood the desire not to be caught in the open when the storm opened up.

  Glancing at her husband across the bailey, she pulled her cloak tighter about herself to block the stiff, cold breeze. He worked together with the masons to shore up the wall that had been deteriorating over the past few years. A bolt of desire shot through her as she observed his muscles flexing with each stone that he hefted.

  Tis cold. He should be wearing more than a kilt ta chase away the chill. She shook her head. He is nae a bairn! I doubt he would care for me ta point that out ta him. If he wishes ta be ill...tis nae concern of mine.

  Heather peeked at the horizon. If she hurried, she should have time to gather the last of the herbs and, perhaps, forage for a few nuts...if the squirrels have not taken them all. She made a beeline to the stables and collected her mare. She knew that riding out alone had been forbidden by Blane but there was no one to escort her. Everyone was busy preparing for the coming storm.

  Mounting her steed, she rode out to the freedom beyond the gates, unseen by all. Reaching the forest, she dismounted and set about her task of collecting moss, wild garlic and whatever else she could find.

  She was gathering willow branches for a medicinal tea when she happened upon a small glen that was peppered with walnuts. Grabbing her basket, she swiftly bustled about collecting the treasure. Engrossed with her task, she lost track of the time.

  It was near gloaming when Blane decided to call an end to their labours. The men were exhausted and they had made a lot of progress. One more day should see that section finished, he thought, pleased.

  After bathing in the loch, he entered the great hall, scanning it quickly for his bride. Not locating her, he stopped a maid that was rushing past with a pitcher of ale.

  “Where be your mistress?”

  Wide eyes stared back at him.

  “I do nae ken, m’laird. I have nae seen her since this morn...when she went ta the bailey.”

  A tiny alarm gathered at his nape.

  “Ask about, then let me ken what ye find, lass.” The maid nodded and hurried away.

  Blane gave a quick glance out the window as white flakes began to swirl past the opening. He frowned. A couple of the men he had worked beside earlier approached him and began discussing the next section that needed repair. Keeping one eye on the entrance, he spent the next couple of hours discussing a myriad of cares.

  The maid sought him out just as he finished with the men.

  “M’laird!” She rushed over. “Nae one has seen her all day...nae even her maither!”

  “Ye be certain, lass?” A niggling of fear crept into his spine. He had grown quite fond of his wife over the past sennight.

  “M’laird!” A guard rushed into the hall. “M’lady’s mare just returned...alone!”

  His eyes shot to the window in alarm! It had been snowing for hours! Hard!

  “Saddle me horse and call out the guard! Bring torches, as well! We ride straightaway!”

  Dressing as warmly as possible, they left ten minutes later. They backtracked the mare’s path but it was soon lost amidst the swirling snow. After several hours of searching aimlessly, Seamus, his lieutenant, sidled his mount up to him.

  “M’laird, tis hopeless! We will never find her in this storm. Ye can barely see the horse in front of ye!”

  He received an icy glare for his trouble. Blane was not about to give up the search until he found her. He refused to relinquish his new bride. He snarled at Seamus.

  “If ye wish ta return then ye are welcome ta it. As for me, I will return when I have me bride back!”

  “Tis a fool’s errand!”

  “Then I be a fool! But me word stands!”

  Blane pulled his snow-covered mantle closer about him pushing onward through the drifts. Where was she? She could nae have gone far kenning the storm coming. Heather would have sought shelter from the winds.

  He glanced at the tree line. His eyes piercing the blinding snow, searching her out. There! Did that mound of snow move or are me eyes deceiving me? His heart raced as he caught movement again! Leaping from his stallion, he struggled through the storm to reach the drift. Frantically hurling the white powder aside, his hand brushed cold fingers.

  Heather! His mind screamed silently as he brushed away the snow. Ye can nae be dead! I will nae allow it! He began breathing once again when he fe
lt a shiver rack her body.

  “Blankets!” he roared. “Bring me blankets and uisge beatha! Hurry man!”

  Blane soon had her swaddled in several tartans and had managed to pour some of the whisky down her gullet. His throat constricted at the thought of how close he had come to losing her. As color began returning to her cheeks, he had Seamus hand her up to him once he was mounted, and they headed back.

  The huge warrior cocooned her inside his mantle to warm her with his body heat. Jesu! She is nearly frozen solid! He held her closer as he sent one of the guard ahead to prepare for their arrival.

  He gazed upon her tenderly. “Mo cridhe, can ye hear me, love?” But there was no response.

  Half frozen and bone-weary, Blane and the guard straggled into the keep. He went straight to their chambers, never once releasing her into anyone else’s care. He sat as close to the hearth as he dared while he removed her frozen clothing, then settled her into the warm bath that awaited them. Quickly removing his own damp garments, Blane climbed in and settled her betwixt his legs.

  Before long he heard a welcome moan escape her lips. He kissed the top of her head as he sent up a silent prayer in thanks. Meticulously checking for signs of frostbite, Blane was relieved to find none.

  Heather shivered violently, starting to waken as the water began to cool. Her teeth chattered as she spoke.

  “T-tis t-too c-cold t-ta ta b-bathe, Husband.”

  Grinning with relief, he hugged her tightly before answering.

  “Mayhap, wife, tis your punishment for disobeying me. Whatever were ye thinking? Ye saw the storm coming.”

  She remained silent as Blane exited the tub then lifted her out as well. He is angry with me...as he should be. But I had good intentions.

  Setting her before the blazing hearth, he briskly dried her skin and helped her into her night rail. He glanced up at her continued silence, arching a questioning brow, as he placed wool stockings on her icy feet.

  “Hungry?”

  She nodded. Blane stuck his head out the door for a moment, then returned, wrapping a dry tartan about her.

  “Will ye answer me question, wife?”

  Her lip trembled. He would probably think it foolish.

  “I...I wanted ta gather what herbs that I could before they were destroyed by the snow. I found moss, garlic and willow! But I forgot about the storm when I found a whole glen covered in walnuts.” Her eyes widened in dismay. “And I lost it all when me horse bolted! It was all for naught! I have angered ye with nae fruits for the effort.”

  “Ye have nae angered me, lass. Ye frightened me half ta death! I thought I had lost ye!”

  Surprise flooded her face. Did he have feelings for her? It was not expected in a marriage such as theirs. How was she supposed to dislike him if he cared for her?

  A knock came at the door then a maid entered with a tray laden with steaming hot stew, black bread and honeyed mead. On her heels was Nessa with a dark scowl on her face.

  “Ye thoughtless bairn! Ye should be beaten for disobeying the laird...nae coddled! How dare ye worry us all like that! If it had been me...I would have left ye ta your fate!”

  Heather gasped at her mother’s cold-heartedness! How could she say such a thing?

  Fire shot from Blane’s eyes as he turned on his mother-by-marriage! Clenching his fists, he struggled with the desire to strike her down. In a barely audible voice he commanded her to leave. She either ignored him or did not hear him as her tirade continued.

  “Ye always was a willful, ungrateful child...doing whatever ye pleased whenever ye wanted!”

  Heather’s eyes brimmed with tears as she stared at her mother with loathing. There was no love lost between them. Nessa had always been jealous of her ever since her father began doting over her.

  Blane exploded! This woman was no mother!

  “Enough, woman! Ye will hold your tongue or I will cut it out meself!” He was seething with anger. How dare she speak to his wife so discourteously!

  Stunned...the women looked up at him. Nessa sputtered, not sure if he had meant it, as her face reddened.

  “She is me daughter and I will speak ta her as I always do.” Her pointy chin rose in a challenge. He shook his head in disbelief.

  “Nay, ye will nae! Heather be me wife...the laird’s wife...and ye will show her the respect of her station...or ye will leave!.”

  A flash of fear crossed her eyes. He meant it. She could not leave. She had nowhere to go. Her sister would not welcome her into her home. Glancing at her daughter, she spun around in a huff and left.

  Another section of Heather’s heart thawed as her husband championed her against her mother’s vile tongue. No one had ever stood up for her like that before...not even her father.

  Hesitantly, she reached up to stroke his stubbly jaw in a caress as she searched his emerald eyes for the sincerity of his words. She found no deceit in them.

  “I thank ye for your words, Husband.”

  Chapter Six

  Coll pulled the cloak closer about him to cut the chilled air that swirled about. He did not like traveling this time of year. It was not fit for man or beast.

  He glanced across at Ailsa. She should nae have come! There is nae good reason for it...unless she does nae trust me. I should have told her the whole truth...that Heather is me sister. Maither had me swear I would nae speak of it ta anyone though.

  He sighed. This would be a difficult visit but it was necessary. He needed Blane’s aide with a band of reivers that continuously attacked across the Macleod’s border. They grew bolder with each assault. He clenched the reins as he envisioned the crippled wean from the last raid. Her trampled leg twisted horribly.

  Nay! It had ta stop! Regardless of Heather’s feelings. He shook his head. Coll had come to terms with having her as a sister but she did not have the benefit of that knowledge to help ease her along. Nevertheless, he would face her...and confess the truth if it were necessary.

  Ailsa glanced sideways at her husband of three moons. Was he thinking of her? Does his heart still yearn for Heather? He refuses ta speak of her ta me. Did she reject his suit? I must ken what it is that split them apart.

  Her heart clenched at the thought of losing him to another. She had loved Coll from the moment she saw him. Knowing that she risked heartbreak at this visit, she had to discover if his former love was still a threat. It was better to know the truth.

  “We are here, wife.”

  Heather burst out laughing as her husband’s feet flew out from beneath him landing him on his arse in a mud puddle, she could not help it. It was hilarious!

  His head jerked about in her direction, flush with irritation. So me bride thinks this be humorous, eh? We shall see how she feels when it be her arse in the mud! He grinned at her as he slowly rose, mud running down his legs, and stalked her.

  Alarmed...she took a wee step back...then another...and another before turning to flee. She read the intent in his eye. He will have ta catch me first! Her feet flew over the cobblestone in the bailey as she attempted to elude her husband.

  “Halt wench!” he bellowed as he gave chase. It did not take him long to capture her in his arms. “So ye think it funny that I be covered with muck?”

  She squealed in laughter as she squirmed in his sturdy arms.

  “Nay, husband...twas watching ye fall, like a great mountain crashing ta the earth, that appeared so amusing!”

  Blane’s eyes twinkled with mirth as he gave her a sly look. Grasping her jaw with his mud-covered hand, he molded his lips to hers.

  All humor left her as passion flared. Her arms wound about his neck as she melted into him. He stroked her throat tenderly, as he proceeded to smear mud over her.

  I am content. He gladdens me heart like nae other. They exchanged smiles as she pulled out of the kiss. There was a softness in his emerald eyes when he gazed upon his wife. Their hearts thrummed in unison as they recognized their shared feelings.

  “M’laird! Riders approach!” />
  Blane spun around with Heather still in his arms as Coll came to a halt before them. His heart dropped to his feet as he dared a glance at his wife.

  Her aqua eyes were riveted on him. Pain-filled eyes at first...then anger! How dare he show his face around here! And what be so humorous? Does he think it amusing that me husband holds me? And he dared bring his bride? Sparks flew from her eyes as she spotted Ailsa.

  Coll chuckled at the sight before him. There stood the king’s Butcher covered in mud, holding his sister in his arms, who sported mud from her cheeks to her collarbone.

  Blane’s gaze narrowed for a moment in warning before he addressed him.

  “Hale, Brother! What brings ye here on such a cold day? Ye should be before your hearth awaiting the spring.”

  “Aye. That is where I would prefer ta be but bad tidings draws me out. I have a need ta speak with ye.”

  “Well ye had better wipe that smirk from your face if ye wish entrance ta me home!” Heather glared at him.

  “Twould be easier done if ye wipe the mud from your face!”

  Shocked, her hand flew up and felt the caking mud.

  “Blane!” she shrieked in outrage. “How could ye?” She smacked him on the shoulder as he and Coll burst out laughing. “Put me down ye beast! I am nae presentable.”

  He shook his head. “Nay wife. I like ye just where ye be.”

  Embarrassed, she buried her face in his shoulder. Seeing her distress, he relented and she scurried off to their chambers. Glancing down at the state he was in, he apologized to his brother.

  “Ye caught us at a bad moment, Coll.”

  “It looks like it was a good moment ta me.” He grinned.

  Sheepishly, Blane had to agree. “Aye, it was.” He glanced at the keep. “Why nae take your lady inside and warm yourselves while I return this muddy coat ta where it belongs. I will return directly.”

  Coll retrieved his wife and they settled inside. Food and drink was delivered while they warmed themselves.

  Ailsa peered at her husband’s face.