by Johanna Maas
She was taken aback and held a fear within her heart for she had come to know how this man felt about her. She had clearly understood of his strong disapproval. Lizbeth would have assumed this would be the last man upon this earth who would seek her out at this very moment.
Lizbeth knew he did not want her to be in his son's life and if she were to be completely honest with herself, she had to admit she understood his reasoning. While she knew this man was a hard one, he was not unreasonable nor any different from her own father. As chieftains of their clans, they had the weight of the world upon their shoulders and the lives of several hundred people and those in the generations to come all depending upon the decisions they made every day. It was such a massive responsibility and such an enormous burden for anyone to bear.
Lizbeth said in a lowly voice before he had a chance to speak, "Please, my laird, take your son home and allow him to be the man he was born to be. He will soon forget about me and be able to move on with his life in his own time. For I know he was born to be great and he was born to be noble. His heart and his devotion are second to none. And the duty he feels within his heart is strong and it is good. He will be saddened and most likely angry in the beginning, but he will survive. If you would most kindly go and collect him now and take him from me this very moment it will be best for everyone. I do not think I can see him again and you may tell him that is my wish. I realize now I cannot take him from you nor his clan, nor his rightful place in this world. As much as it weighs heavily upon my heart to do so…"
The great chieftain looked at her, his eyes hardened and his face immobile with no signs or sense of his thoughts or his feelings. He simply asked one question of her.
"You would do this for him?"
"As I would also do this for you." Lizbeth looked up and deeply into his eyes as she attempted to make him understand while continuing with a firmness in her voice, "For no father should ever be taken from his child."
The great laird looked at her deeply and while his face did not show it, a great respect for her wisdom and her words flooded through his once hardened heart. He closed his eyes as it dawned upon him and he began to understand the strength of this small and petite woman.
For all of his time upon this earth he had only understood women were but pawns in life. They were the ones who had needed protection, needed their men to be strong and to council them. But not this one. She was truly special and he realized for the first time she had more wisdom than most, including himself. And now he understood why his son was drawn to her, why he loved and needed her by his side. It was clear as to why his son and heir was willing to renounce his family and his clan and give everything up for her. And he now believed she was willing to forsake it all for him.
There was nothing the Laird Campbell could say for during this moment of dawning no words would form within his mouth. He knew they were all instilled upon his heart. They would lie within him and remain unspoken, at least for this moment.
But with his actions he was hoping to convey his meaning and perhaps one day be forgiven for what he had done and for what he nearly done to all those who where his own. So instead as he stood before Lizbeth, he simply offered to her his arm.
She looked up at him tentatively and while Lizbeth did not understand his motives nor his actions, it was clear he offered up a piece of himself. As the great laird stared down at her, she clearly saw for the first time a wave of softening move across his face. Though subtle, she understood this great chieftain who had been hardened by years of loneliness and fear for his clan, was perhaps finally seeing the importance and need for his family.
Without understanding completely of his intentions, she stood tall and placed a warm smile upon her lips as she wiped away her tears. Proudly, she reached forward and took his proffered arm. Silently, the Laird Campbell turned and moved with Lizbeth out of the stables and across the courtyard. He had one destination on his mind.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Blake stood before the hearth with his back to the room that was still full of people. There was an ominous silence throughout and hanging heavily over him. He rested his hand upon the great mantle as a pain compressed within his chest. With saddened eyes, he stared down at the small blaze before him. He was too stunned to move and too dismayed to speak and having a difficult time simply breathing.
Macay moved to his side and placed a firm hand upon his shoulder. He knew he could not lessen his pain but wanted to show his support. Blake moved his head slightly so he could gaze into his knowing eyes.
Macay spoke quietly, "Go after her."
Blake moved his eyes from Macay and returned them once again to stare at the heightened flames. He watched contently as they slowly consumed the wood as the heat began to burn at his exposed skin.
"But I cannot force her to love me nor will I attempt to sway her to become my wife."
Macay simply sighed and replied, "She loves you. There is no doubt in my mind of it."
The two men who were now sworn to be brothers stood together at the head of the room as an awkward silence fell between them. Neither moved nor knew what they should do, how they were to proceed and if this day could ever be saved.
The silence was broken as they heard the opening of the great doors above and felt the coolness of the air as it quickly descended upon the room's occupants. Together the men turned and watched in open mouthed silence as the great Laird Campbell regally moved through the opening with Lizbeth upon his arm.
Blake watched for long moments the two as they stood looking over the room from upon the landing as a further hush fell over the crowd. All eyes within the massive hall were drawn upon them, waiting and wondering their intent.
Blake looked up as his father gazed across the room and locked eyes with him. Slowly, the great laird began to move forward and drew Lizbeth down the stairs along with him as he held her closely to his side. With dignity and grace, they slowly moved together through the chamber. It had always been his father who had exhumed a regal dignity and the beauty upon his arm was ever so graceful. They continued to move forward across the floor with clearly one objective in mind.
Blake moved a few paces from the hearth and over to Lucas' side and stood before the preacher as he had previously been. Together the brothers could only stare as their father continued to move towards them. Blake looked in confusion from his father and then over to Lizbeth who had obvious tears in her eyes.
The Laird Campbell moved to Blake's side and stopped while still holding Lizbeth's arm as no emotion showed upon his hardened face. With a sigh upon his breath and a heaviness upon his heart, he looked at his first born son and spoke quietly.
"She was truly going to walk away from you. Leave you because of some old fool."
Blake's eyes widened as he first looked down at Lizbeth for he did not understand his father's words. As he gazed at her, he caught the look of confusion upon her brow for so little had been spoken. He then moved his gaze from her and looked deeply onto his father's face.
The laird continued, "This woman is wise beyond her years and has a better understanding than either you or I do. Even of ourselves. She has seen things in you and in me we have failed to see in each other."
Blake's father breathed deeply as a wan smile crossed his features as he continued, "There was a wise woman who reminded me I have a first born son who was born to be great. He was born to be noble, has a sense of duty like no other and who above all else is worthy. So very worthy. And a clan without a worthy leader is useless."
The laird gazed deeply into his son's eyes, hoping within his heart it was not too late.
"Her father was willing to give this special gift to you. And now, so shall I."
Blake and Lizbeth looked at each other with true surprise upon their faces and hopeful they were understanding his words correctly. Together they looked back into the great laird's eyes as he continued.
"My dear son, Blake. You were sired and you were raised to become a strong leade
r and eventually the chieftain of the Campbell clan. I can take responsibility for being your father and the one who helped to guide you but can take no responsibility for the man you have become."
He moved his gaze over to Lizbeth as he continued, "I also had to be reminded of that fact, for I had quite forgotten."
He looked from Lizbeth and then back again to his son as he continued to speak.
"As much as you were meant to lead, the two of you were meant to be together. And far be it from me to tear you apart. My son, if you will forgive an old man his stubbornness and pride, I would like you to move on with the ceremony. Then if you will have me, I would like for you and your wife to come home. To your rightful home where you can live out the remainder of your days leading and doing your duty as you were meant to the Campbell clan."
Blake looked down upon Lizbeth whose happiness was clearly etched upon her face. He then looked over to his father and in one quick movement forward, he grasped the man heartily within his arms. Words would not come for the emotion was now strangling him. But he knew his father had an understanding of the gift he had just given to him. As much as Blake now understood the most precious gift his bride had unknowingly just bestowed upon him. Lizbeth had given his father back to him.
The two men parted and while they never spoke, they both silently acknowledged their bond. As father and son took one final look at each other, the great laird reached over and took Lizbeth's hand within his and placed it within his son's grasp. He then placed his own hand over theirs and squeezed firmly. He melded their hands and their lives together as one. He then released the two and stepped back as he took his rightful place on the other side of Lucas. He now stood proudly before all as he showed his full support for his son and his support for the union that was to be theirs.
Lizbeth looked up into the eyes of Blake with a full smile upon her face and a complete love within her heart. She broke from his gaze just long enough to turn to the clergyman as she gently said, "We are now quite ready to begin."
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
Lizbeth stood in the center of the great hall with her husband of only a short while by her side. She was speaking to Cait while he was engaged in conversation with his own brother Lucas. Her heart was so full of love and happiness for the way this day had come to pass. An excitement flowed through her body as a smile was present upon her face and a warmth surrounding her heart.
As she spoke, she felt her hand come into accidental contact with Blake's. It was a slight touch of their fingertips and a brushing by chance. Immediately, she felt the sudden heat of his touch and a warmth spread through her for the want and the need of her new husband. She knew she should be patient and wait for the evening to be upon them, but the images of his hard body continued to flash through her mind. She heated most intimately as her anxiousness consumed her and her pulse began to quicken.
Very gently and unbeknownst to any around them, she moved her hand closer to his at his side. She reached over and lightly fluttered her fingernails over his palm as he had done to her as she lay within her bed recovering from her injuries not so very long ago. Lizbeth continued to tenderly stroke his palm as she enticingly sent him a subtle message to let him know she was ever so near.
Blake immediately felt her slight touch and his heart began to race for the thought of what was to come. When she began her lazy ministrations upon his hand, he knew he was being tormented by this lovely new wife of his and smiled hungrily inside. Visions came to his mind of Lizbeth lying within his arms as a warmth spread through him. He thought eagerly how she was now truly his.
Blake looked around the room that was still filled with wedding guests knowing what was proper. But he also knew his limitations. Without preamble, he turned to his family before him and stated loudly for those in close proximity to hear.
"I truly apologize for this interruption. But I am afraid there is something needing my immediate attention."
Lizbeth looked at him in surprise with a sadness for the loss of his presence. She could only assume he would be leaving her and be off to do his duty to a needy clansmen. While saddened, she did understand. She was quite stunned when he instead leaned over and lifted her from the floor and into his arms.
Without warning, Blake then captured her lips with his. It was a tender and yet yearning kiss placed upon her right there and in the hall before all of their clansmen. He pulled his head back from hers and without another word, he turned from the great chamber and carried her up the stairs to their room. He cared little for the shocked yet smiling guests staring after them in their wake.
Blake placed her gently in the center of the bed, laying her tenderly upon the pillows. He stood back slightly to gaze down over her body. Her beautiful eyes and her precious blush were forever endearing for her cheeks were now showing a slight shade of pink for the unexpected exit from the hall. He smiled at Lizbeth as he slowly sat down beside her on the bed as he caressed her body with his eyes.
Lizbeth lay back upon the pillows before him as her breath quickened for the thought of what was to come. She looked longingly at her Scottish warrior, her new husband, gazing at his handsome features. She stared at his powerful arms as the warmth and excitement began to spread within her. She watched intently as he sat upon the bed next to her, looking deeply at her and loving her only with his eyes. Slowly he reached up and with the back of his hand, he gently touched her cheek and tenderly caressed her skin. He moved his fingers unhurriedly and softly across her lips while he sent splendid little tremors everywhere he touched.
With leisurely movements, he drew his fingers downwards and lazily over her neck as her breathing continued to quicken in anticipation of his movements. Her eyes were locked with his as he continued the descent downwards as his hand lazily crossed her throat and moved down towards her breast. As he lovingly encircled it and captured it with his hand, a sigh came from the back of her throat as its peak instantly hardened with his touch. She closed her eyes and arched her back as the pleasure consumed her and spread a great warmth deep within.
For long moments, Blake watched her intently as he pleasured her with only the slight touch of his hands. She felt so incredible beneath his touch. Her skin was heated and her desire very obvious causing the beat of his heart to quicken.
When she felt the passions rising within her, she reached up only wanting to pleasure him as he was her. Slowly and tentatively she placed her hand upon his chest and felt his powerful muscles beneath her fingertips. She thought she could simply lay her hands upon him and lazily move them across his body as he was to her, but her passions and her needs were now coursing through her wildly and she found she desperately needed more.
Lizbeth boldly began pushing his clothes from his body while urgently needing to feel him next to her. As she did so, she sat up and took his strong chin within her hands and hungrily pressed her lips to his, drawing heavily from him until their tongues danced together. She pulled back slightly as she broke their kiss for just a moment while gazing deeply into his eyes.
Hungrily she said, "I need you my warrior, now…"
She watched as his blue eyes turned a shade darker and a small smile crossed his face as no more prompting was needed. He quickly undressed and instantly began adeptly working at the lacings upon her gown. Within moments, they lay together upon the bed, feeling the full length of each other as they were skin to skin, their bodies now heating together.
Lizbeth moved her hands over his back and felt the hardness of each of his muscles while the power of his arms surrounded her. His hands were moving over her body as one kneaded her bare breast. Her skin was on fire and she ever so ready. She circled her arms around him and pulled at him anxiously, silently willing him to move over her and claim her fully for the heat building within her was overwhelming.
When he felt her eager movements below him and his own readiness was upon him, he did not argue. He was so impassioned and he found immense pleasure in her obvious excitement and her gentle proddi
ng. With his own pleasure quite mounting, he knelt between her thighs as she moved her legs to circle his waist and linked her slight ankles together behind him.
He reached down to touch her womanhood, gently caressing her as he felt her move with him below his touch as a moan of passion came from her lips. As his fingertips felt of her sweetness, he could sense her hips moving in rhythm as he continued gently onwards until he felt her body tense beneath him. His own excitement soured as she cried out his name and began to spiral, her own impassioned release upon her.
Lizbeth moved her body below his, now greedily seeking his manhood and wanting so desperately to become one as the passions continued to flow heavily within her. Within moments he was there, perched and ready to fulfill. She pressed herself forward and in one swift motion he was within her and claiming her as his own. Together they eagerly became one and moved most hungrily as they joined for all of eternity. As their passions grew, she grasped his powerful arms as their frenzied bodies converged while the waves of delight consumed her. In the pinnacle of her intense passions Blake tensed as his seed spilled forth as his own release was astoundingly upon him.
Their lovemaking was heated and all consuming, fulfilling them both thoroughly as the waves of pleasure flooded through them. A new and lasting contentment was now theirs as their lives became complete and their love was confirmed. For long moments in the aftermath of their passions, they held each other tightly as they both reeled from the fiery emotions they had just shared.
When their breathing began to return to normal, he moved from on top of her. He never released her but pulled her instead within his arms. As she laid her head upon his chest, he reached over and pulled his plaid over them as he covered their bodies from the cool autumn air. Once again, he was offering to her the symbol that represented his commitment and his love.
