Highland Warrior

by Connie Mason

  Seana set the tray on the small table, and when she didn’t leave, Gillian asked, “Have you come to gloat?”

  “It does my heart good to see you thus. It wouldna have come to this if you hadna wed Ross. I should be the mistress of Ravenscraig.”

  “Why rehash the past? You are handfasted to Niall. Niall is a good man; you should have been the kind of wife he deserves.”

  Seana lowered her voice so that the guard could not hear. “Niall isna Ross.” She shrugged.“ ’Tis too late now. I can never return to Ravenscraig after what I did.”

  Gillian went still. “What did you do?”

  “It scarcely matters, since naught came of it. Suffice it to say I am no longer welcome there.” She circled Gillian slowly, her face mottled with envy. “And now Angus has his sights set on you. But doona mistake his motives. He cares naught for you.”

  “If that’s what you came to tell me, you are wasting your time. I already figured that out. I canna believe my family didna ken Angus’s evil nature long ago.”

  Seana leaned in close. “Mayhap I can help you.”

  “You wish to help me?” Gillian asked incredulously. “Why?”

  A guard, standing near the door, cleared his throat. “Time to leave, mistress.”

  Without a word of explanation, Seana spun on her heel and exited behind the guard. Gillian sat down hard on the stool. What did Seana mean? Did she really want to help her? It seemed unlikely. Gillian knew Seana too well. The other woman did naught unless it served her own purpose.

  Gillian sighed wearily. This was all her fault. She had acted impulsively. Instead of thinking things through after being forced to leave Ravenscraig, she had rushed forth to avenge Ross, and look where it had gotten her.

  In more trouble than she had ever faced before.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Ross’s recuperation was nothing less than a miracle. Gizela’s salves and herbal concoctions had given energy to Ross’s body at the same time they healed his wound. Three days later, though lacking his full strength, Ross pronounced himself ready to confront Sinclair and bring his wife back to Ravenscraig. He needed to tell Gillian that, had he known what his kinsmen intended, she would have never been sent away.

  As Ross pulled on his padded leather vest and armed himself, he worried constantly about Gillian. If she had succeeded in killing Angus Sinclair, why hadn’t anyone carried the message to Ravenscraig? If Gillian had failed, wouldn’t she have fled to Braeburn? He clenched his fists. If Sinclair had hurt Gillian, he was a dead man. His face set in harsh lines, Ross strapped on his claymore and dirk, flung his plaid over his shoulders for warmth, and strode into the hall to join his clansmen.

  Ross nodded in satisfaction when he was greeted by twenty armed men, all of whom had vowed to right the wrong they had done Gillian by accusing her unjustly. Dawn was just breaking when Ross led his clansmen out the door into the cold, crisp air. Their horses pawed the snow-covered ground; gusts of warm air turned frosty as they exhaled. A glance at the bruised, sullen sky convinced Ross that the sun would not make an appearance on this raw winter day.

  They rode without stopping until the modest towers of Sinclair Keep came into view. Ross halted his clansmen well out of arrow range, but close enough to be seen and heard by the men patrolling the wall walk.

  Cupping his hands around his mouth, Ross shouted, “Inform Sinclair, if he is still alive, that Ross MacKenna is here, and that I’ve come for my wife.”

  Ross saw men scurrying atop the wall walk and wondered whether Sinclair would show himself. He didn’t have long to wait. Ross spat out a curse when he noted that Sinclair seemed in good health.

  “Where is my wife?” Ross shouted.

  “What makes you think she is here?”

  “Doona take me for a fool, Sinclair. know what you and Seana did, how you gulled McHamish into believing his daughter was being mistreated. I also know Gillian came here after she left McHamish Keep. Where is she? What have you done to her?”

  “Gillian is in good health, MacKenna. You have the right of it—she did come here. But not for the reason you seem to think. She came here for comfort and succor after your kinsmen forced her to leave Ravenscraig.”

  “That wasna my doing, and well you know it.”

  “Gillian doesna want you, MacKenna. She came to me. I welcomed her in my home and in my bed.”

  Ross felt his heart thud painfully against his chest. “I doona believe you. What have you done to her?”

  “I did naught but show her kindness. Unlike your kinsmen, mine welcomed her.”

  Ross dismounted and approached the wall. “I will believe that when I hear it from Gillian’s own lips. She kens the consequences should she leave me, and I doona believe she wants war.”

  “Verra well, MacKenna, have it your way. I’ll fetch Gillian so she can tell you in person how she feels.”

  Niall and Gordo dismounted and joined Ross. “Doona trust him,” Gordo warned. “Gillian’s own father believed she intended to kill Sinclair. Why would she fall into his arms and his bed? Unless, of course,” Gordo mused, “McHamish lied to MacKay.”

  Ross wouldn’t know what to believe until he spoke with Gillian.

  Gillian looked expectantly toward the door when she heard the key turning in the lock. She reared back when the door banged open and Angus appeared in the opening.

  “He’s here,” Angus snarled. “The man has amazing recuperative powers.”

  Gillian’s heart soared. Ross was alive and well. Thank God for Gizela and her healing powers. Her hopes quickly deflated, however, when she realized that Ross was in grave danger.

  “The time has come to express your love for me, and to let your husband know you doona wish to be with him.”

  “Angus,” Gillian pleaded, “doona do this. Death and destruction are sure to follow.”

  Aye, I’m counting on it. Your brothers will return to Braeburn, and the feud will resume. You’ve already lost two brothers—onty three more to go.”

  Gillian sucked in her breath. “You’re mad!”

  Angus smirked. “Ambitious is a more fitting word.” He grasped her wrist. “Come, ’tis time to declare your love for me to your husband.”

  Gillian raised her chin to a defiant angle.“You canna make me do it.”

  Angus shrugged. “It wouldna be difficult to order my archers to put an end to his life. I have but to give the signal to my kinsmen. One way or another, the feud will resume. It makes no difference to me whether or not Ross MacKenna leads his clansmen into battle.”

  Fear thudded through Gillian. What choice did she have? She would say anything to save Ross’s life. Once Ross was out of danger, she would figure out a way to thwart Angus and his nefarious plans.

  “Verra well, I will lie to save Ross’s life. But I doubt he will believe me.”

  “For his sake, you had best make him believe whatever you tell him. Enough talk—MacKenna awaits you.”

  Gillian preceded Angus down three flights of stairs to the hall and out the front door. But instead of leading her to the wall walk, he guided her to the portcullis. Her heart nearly burst with love when she heard Ross call her name. How could she do what Angus demanded of her? She answered her own question: She had to if she wished Ross to live.

  “Are you all right, lass?” Ross called.

  Fearing that he was too close to Angus’s archers, Gillian warned, “Stay where you are, Ross.”

  “Is Sinclair holding you prisoner?”

  “Nay, I am here of my own free will. Your kinsmen sent me away. There was nowhere else I wished to be.”

  “ ’That was not my doing, Gillian. I was unconscious and couldna stop them. They realize their mistake now and wish to apologize.”

  When Gillian couldn’t find the words to answer, Angus hissed, “Speak up. Convince him.”

  “I doona want you, Ross. I never wanted you. I was forced to wed you against my wishes. ‘Tis Angus I want. ’Tis Angus I’ve always wanted and should ha
ve wed.”

  “I could have sworn Gillian cared for you, lad,” Gordo said, “but I was wrong. You heard her. Let us go. You doona need the lass.”

  “I doona trust Sinclair. Look at Gillian, Gordo. She looks ... Her expression isna natural.”

  “Ross, did you hear me?” Gillian shouted. “I wish to stay with the man I love.”

  Ross winced. Her repudiation of their fledging relationship hurt more than he cared to admit. “Didna McHamish explain that Sinclair goaded him into attacking me?”

  Gillian swallowed hard. “I didna believe McHamish. Angus wouldna encourage an unprovoked attack. McHamish lies.”

  “Not bloody likely,” Ross said darkly. He tried again. “You know what will happen if you refuse to return to Ravenscraig with me, do you nae?”

  Now it was Gillian’s turn to wince. “Aye, I know the consequences, but I must follow my heart.”

  Angus’s arm snaked around Gillian’s waist as he whispered in her ear, “Nice touch. If I didna know the truth, I would believe you myself.”

  “Our clans will fight until no one is left standing. Is that what you want?” Ross challenged. “Your brothers and father could die.”

  “Nay, I ...” Gillian stifled a cry when Angus’s hand tightened painfully on her arm. “Just go away and leave us in peace, Ross.”

  Determination hardened Ross’s features. “I refuse to allow your selfish disregard for your family to end the hard-won truce that both clans sought.” He started forward. “You are coming home with me.”

  Angus gave a barely discernible signal to his archers, who immediately readied their bows. Nearly frantic with fear, Gillian cried, “Doona come any closer, Ross.” Then she flung herself into Angus’s arms and kissed him.

  “Well-done,” Angus murmured against her lips. Then he kissed her back, nearly gagging her with his tongue as he thrust it into her mouth.

  Gillian wanted to spit out his taste, to wash out her mouth, but she forced herself to accept his kiss as well as his hand on her breast. Whatever it took to save Ross’s life, she would do. But once Ross left, she would kill Angus if he ever touched her in that way again.

  Angus broke off the kiss. “Listen to the lass, MacKenna. Accept that we are lovers and let the feud resume. My kinsmen and I will fight beside the MacKays, just as we always have.”

  As if he hadn’t heard, Ross drew his claymore and continued walking toward the gate. Angus nodded to one of his archers, who immediately raised his bow and pulled back the string. Gordo, who had been watching the wall walk closely, yelled a warning and pushed Ross aside. The arrow missed Ross by scant inches. Gordo pulled Ross back toward the main body of his men.

  “She’s not worth it, lad. ’Tis obvious you misjudged the MacKay lass. She was just waiting for the chance to betray you. Come away. Send for MacKay and discuss this latest development with him. The peace terms were agreed upon by both clans. If you decide they have been broken and the feud should resume, then so be it. We will answer the call to arms.”

  When Ross had seen Sinclair place his hands on Gillian, he wanted to howl in outrage. And when Gillian kissed the other man, he had been ready to scale the wall and kill Sinclair first and then his faithless wife. The arrow that narrowly missed him drove home what Ross had known for some time: Sinclair wanted him dead. Had his kinsmen been right all along? Had Gillian helped Sinclair plan his death?

  Reluctantly Ross turned away and mounted his horse. He would waste no more time on the woman who had betrayed him. He never wanted to see the flame-haired witch again.

  Gillian felt Angus’s fingers tighten on her arm as Ross turned and rode away. She wanted to call him back, to beg him not to leave her, but she couldn’t live with being responsible for Ross’s death.

  But Angus hadn’t won yet. She would find a way to foil his plans and return to Ravenscraig, to the man she loved.

  “You were wise to send MacKenna away,” Angus sneered as he caressed her arms.

  Gillian pulled herself free from his loathsome embrace. “Never touch me again!” she spat. Her fierceness must have startled him, for he removed his hand. “I canna bear your hands on me.”

  “Get used to it,” Angus snarled. “When we wed, you will give me an heir.”

  A hint of malice tinged Gillian’s chilling words. “Mayhap you willna live to touch me again.”

  Angus seemed taken aback by her venom. “Gillian,” he cajoled, “we were betrothed; at one time you were eager to wed me.”

  “I am wed to Ross, Angus. There is no way those bonds can be broken short of—”

  “... death,” Angus finished. “Exactly. I am a patient man. I can wait.” He grinned. “I doona think it will be too long a wait.”

  He grasped her arm and began pulling her back toward the keep. Gillian’s teeth were chattering in the cold air, and she didn’t resist. Her day would come, and when it did, she would be ready.

  Seana met them at the door. “That went well,” she gloated. “Ross’s expression when you caressed his wife was priceless. He deserved that and more for abandoning me and wedding MacKay’s daughter.”

  Angus pushed Seana aside. “Move, woman; make room for my future wife.”

  Seana followed them into the hall. “I doona ken why you still want the MacKay wench after MacKenna used her.”

  “I intend to wed Gillian after her husband’s demise.”

  Seana sidled up to him. “Why do you want an unwilling woman when you can have me? We both know Niall willna want me back in his life. You and I are two of a kind. Your keep would be well managed if you wed me.”

  Angus let his gaze rove over her. “You are good between the sheets, Seana, but you would bring naught to me in marriage. ’Tis likely your father has already disowned you. But mayhap I will keep you as my leman.”

  Gillian watched Seana’s face closely. Her sour expression told Gillian that Angus’s words did not sit well with her. Did Seana now hope to wed a chieftain, since she’d failed to find a laird for herself?

  “You are welcome to Angus,” Gillian said, sniffing in disdain. “I already have a husband; I doona need another.”

  Seana stared at Gillian, her eyes narrowed. Tossing a glance at Sinclair, she turned and left in a fury.

  “You and Seana are perfect for each other, Angus,” Gillian ventured. “You are wasting your time on me. I loathe you.”

  Angus gave her a violent shove. “We’ll see about that. Up the stairs with you. You will reside in the tower until my plans come to fruition. Meanwhile, prepare yourself for a visit from me tonight. ’Tis time I availed myself of your charms.”

  Gillian rounded on him. “Over my dead body”

  Angus sent her a disparaging look. “You are unarmed and at my mercy. You will submit to my will, for you have no other choice. Besides,” he gloated, “your husband already thinks we are lovers.”

  He gave her another shove toward the stairs. Since Gillian had no choice but to obey, she started up the winding staircase, her thoughts spinning wildly out of control. In a moment of desperation she considered turning abruptly and plowing into Angus, sending him hurtling down the stairs. She almost put that thought into action, until she considered that Angus might pull her down with him. She flattened her hand over her stomach. She had missed her woman’s time and had begun to suspect that she was carrying Ross’s heir. She could not dare risk harming her bairn.

  When she aimed a sidelong glance at Angus over her shoulder, he growled, “Doona even think it.”

  Sighing, Gillian continued up the stairs. When they reached the tower, Angus opened the door, shoved her inside the chamber, and slammed the door behind her. She heard the key turn in the lock and Angus say, “Mayhap going without your supper will make you more amenable to my advances.”

  “Not bloody likely,” Gillian muttered beneath her breath.

  Gillian stared at the closed door, wishing she were a wisp of smoke that could slide under the door to freedom. She sat down on the narrow bed, rested her elbow
s on her knees, and cupped her chin with her hands.

  Try though she might, she failed to understand the logic behind Angus’s actions. She knew he wanted Ross dead, but why did he want the feud to resume? None of it made sense. Even if Ross died, she still had a father and three brothers to defend her honor. Surely not all of them would die in battle. What made Angus so certain her entire family would perish?

  The supper hour came and went. Gillian began seriously to consider ways to thwart Angus’s unwanted attention. Without a weapon, she had no hope. But as long as she possessed determination and will, she would defend herself as best she could. She would make sure Angus understood that bedding her would be akin to bedding a wildcat.

  The cruel reality of darkness followed close on the heels of twilight. Gillian stared at the door, inwardly preparing for Angus’s entrance. Though she nearly went mad waiting, the delay gave her an opportunity to form a plan of sorts. She wouldn’t submit easily. Mayhap Angus would lose interest and seek Seana’s bed instead.

  Refusing to let sleep claim her, Gillian remained awake and alert. The candle had burned down to a stub when she heard the door latch rattle. She stiffened and rose to meet Angus, determined to stand on her own two feet instead of cowering like a weakling.

  The door opened, but the figure that slipped inside was not Angus.

  “Seana! I thought you were Angus. What are you doing here?”

  Seana smiled thinly. “Angus is dicing, drinking, and bragging to his kinsmen about bedding Laird Ross’s wife. We doona have much time.”

  “Time for what?”

  “I’ve come to set you free.”

  Stunned, Gillian stared at Seana as if she had just grown horns. “Liar. You doona like me. Did Angus send you to torment me?”

  “Forget Angus. You are a distraction to him. I want Angus for myself, and that willna happen as long as you remain here. I am no longer welcome at Ravenscraig after what I did. I have no home, for my father willna allow me to return.”

  “What did you do?”