My Steadfast Love (Highland Loves Book 2)

by Melissa Limoges

  Hell, no wonder the beast had thrown its master.

  Beneath the underside of the padding, four large burs tangled in the fabric. No doubt, the prickly seeds had pressed into the horse’s flesh, paining the animal.

  “Saints,” John breathed out.

  Calum understood the sentiment. He aimed a sideways stare at Colin. The man’s eyes rounded with shock.

  The groom’s startled gaze darted from the coverlet to Calum. “My lord, I vow to you, ’twas naught beneath that coverlet when I saddled the horse. I take special care and attention with every animal housed within these stables.”

  “I’m well aware, Colin. I did not mean to suggest otherwise,” he assured the groom. “What I need to know is if you noticed anyone lingering around the gelding’s stall after you saddled the beast.”

  Colin expelled a shaky breath. “’Tis truth, I cannot say, Laird. There were several of the men readying their mounts for the hunt this morn.”

  As Calum suspected, ’twas too simple for someone to slip into the gelding’s stall with Colin distracted in another. Hoping to appease the groom, he cuffed the man’s shoulder. “’Tis no fault of yours, Colin. Thank you for your aid. Please see that the animal gets a good brush down and a slather of salve to prevent infection.”

  Determined to speak with Nora, Calum gripped the padding and rolled the material, tucking it beneath his arm. He gestured for John to follow as he strode from the stables for the keep. For his cousin’s sake, he hoped the lass had naught to do with Liam’s mishap, but she knew something.

  He bounded up the steps, two at a time, until he reached his cousin’s chamber. Halting outside the door, he faced John.

  “No one but my kin enters this chamber without my say, understood?”

  John did not falter. “Aye, Laird.”

  He nodded at the Fraser warrior, pleased with the man’s diligence. Not bothering to rap on the door, he stepped inside the chamber and his gaze sought out Nora. She was huddled in a chair along his cousin’s bedside, watching Liam sleep. When he entered, she jerked upright in the seat, her spine as straight as an arrow. Her wide, dark eyes shifted to him, easily conveying her troubled thoughts to Calum.

  “Did you find it?”

  The soft-spoken query hung in the room between them, raising his alarm. With careful, measured steps, he moved across the chamber. He eased down on the edge of the bed, careful not to disturb his slumbering cousin. Reaching for the padding beneath his arm, he dropped the rolled horse pad on the bed.

  Nora stared at the item as though he’d placed an angered adder in front of her.

  Despite Liam’s feelings for the woman, if the lass was embroiled in some grand scheme to do harm to his cousin and Fraser, then Calum would make certain she regretted her involvement.

  “I’m not a prying man, Nora, but twice now, my kin have barely escaped the clutches of death. If you know something, then you’d better say so.”

  Her worried gaze shifted to Liam, who lay in a deep slumber.

  “If you’re concerned he shall hear, fret not. He’ll sleep for a while,” he assured her.

  The breath pushed out of her and her shoulders slumped. She twined her hands together in her lap in a nervous action. Her pale features creased with a bone-deep weariness he’d failed to notice before.

  “I’ve had my suspicions since the poisoning, but I was uncertain until now.” She wrung her hands, the knuckles white from the pressure of her grasp. “My name’s Venora MacNab, not Fraser.”

  Calum blinked at her admission. MacNab. He’d not heard the name in a while. He searched his memory, seeking to remember what he recalled of the small clan located to the east. One matter dangled in his mind, a few years ago…

  “Your parents—”

  “Are dead,” she finished.

  He lifted a brow at her low, flat tone.

  “Five years past.” She remained unmoved, her expression void of emotion. “My father’s younger brother sought to challenge my father’s claim to the clan. Fortunate for my father, our clan adored and respected him as laird. However, ’twas not acceptable to my uncle. He believed my father too soft and unable to properly manage the clan, so he set about hatching a plan with his son, Fergus, to do away with my father.”

  Alas, Calum guessed the rest of the tale. Too often, men sought power at the expense of others, destroying anything and everything in their accursed paths. The greed and wretchedness of man had affected his life, hurling him on much different paths than he’d anticipated. His own father’s death at the hands of a rival clan sprang to mind, then his lady wife’s chilling brush with death the prior autumn.

  “One night after the evening meal, my mother and father complained of a stomachache and retired to their chamber. When I checked on them much later that eve, the pair barely clung to life. I regret not checking sooner. Mayhap, the healer might’ve saved them if I had, as your aunt did with Fraser.”

  Calum hissed out a breath at the mention of poison. He frowned at her. “Surely, you cannot blame yourself?”

  Studying her clasped hands, she shrugged. “At times, but I think my uncle would’ve found a way despite my best efforts. Though, I should’ve heeded the warnings. Especially after the incident with Will.”

  “What happened to your brother?”

  Her unnerved gaze lifted to his. “’Tis how I knew of Liam’s horse. Before our parents’ deaths, my uncle invited Will for a ride. Alas, my brother was thrown from his mount. ’Twas fortunate he’d only suffered a broken leg which I’m sure displeased our Uncle Tavish. I’d witnessed too many arguments between my father and uncle, heard of the foul tales he’d spread of my father to the clan. After my brother’s fall, I snuck into the stables and searched the mare he’d ridden—”

  “And discovered this?” Calum lifted the coverlet, unrolling the thick material for her view. The sharp burs lay nestled in the padding, a damning confirmation of her suspicions.

  “Aye.”

  The strained affirmation sounded choked to his own ears. Transfixed by the sight, her gaze grew distant, as if lost in the thoughts of her past. He folded the coverlet to draw her into the present.

  “Did you speak to you father afterward? Show him the proof?” he prompted her to continue.

  Swallowing hard, she shook her head. “I tried to warn our father, but he could not fathom his brother could be so abominable as to make an attempt on his own nephew’s life. Saints, why had I not simply shown him the burs?” She lifted a hand, resting her elbow on the chair arm, and dropped her forehead in her palm. “So many things I should’ve done differently. If I had, then I might’ve spared my family.”

  The tale reminded him much of his wife and the misplaced guilt she’d claimed as her burden to carry. Struck with sympathy for the lass, he reached toward her lap, giving her free hand a quick, light squeeze.

  “Nora, you are in no way responsible for the actions of your uncle.”

  She lifted her gaze, a keen awareness lit in her eyes. “I understand that now, Laird. For a while, I struggled with my guilt, but no longer. In truth, I was too young to fathom such danger resided within my family’s walls. After my parents’ deaths, I had no doubt my uncle would plot to end my brother’s life once more, but I refused to allow that to pass. I approached one of my father’s most trusted vassals and told him of the dire situation. Geordie did not hesitate to accompany me and Will as we fled for my father’s ally, Laird Fraser.

  “Once I informed Hammish of what transpired with my uncle and spoke of my concerns for Will’s safety, the laird resolved to offer the three of us refuge. He introduced Geordie as a distant relation and Will and I as Geordie’s kin. Tavish knew not where we’d fled. For five long years, Laird Fraser has protected us from my uncle’s quest to destroy the true heir of the MacNabs.”

  The fact Fraser had never muttered a peep of the situation utterly astounded Calum. The blasted old man scarcely kept his gob shut about anything. For once, it would seem Fraser managed to maintain
his silence.

  Calum added, “You fear your uncle has found Will.”

  Nora scowled at the horse padding. “How else do you explain that and the poisoning? After the first incident, my brother swore it was naught but sheer coincidence. I did not believe so then, nor do I now. What you must understand, Laird MacGregor, our uncle cares only for himself and his wretched son. If he’s of the mind Will’s gained a few years and desires to claim what’s rightfully his, then Tavish will do everything in his power to ensure that never occurs.”

  The cogs spinning in his head, he mulled over her tale and arrived at the same conclusion as the lass. ’Twas obvious someone from within the clan aided Nora’s uncle with his scheme. His cousin’s suspicions of Fraser’s commander circled in his head. But why would Kenneth betray Fraser in such a manner?

  “Have you spoken of any of this to Liam?”

  A pained expression crumpled her pale features. “Nay.”

  “I understand your hesitation, but he needs to know, Nora.”

  Her gaze flitted to Liam’s still form. “I’ll speak to him.”

  He lifted a dubious brow.

  “I vow I will,” she asserted with a frown.

  Accepting her at her word, he nodded. “And what of Fraser?”

  She shook her head, hesitating a moment. “I thought, mayhap, you would.”

  He aimed a dry stare at the woman. Of course she wished him to speak to Fraser so that he’d receive the brunt of the man’s anger. Her dark, pleading gaze met his and he puffed out an exasperated sigh. By the Saints, females and their damned looks.

  “Fine,” he barked out. “If I speak to Fraser, then you must speak to my cousin. And soon. Agreed?” He extended his hand for a shake.

  She slipped her small hand in his. “Agreed.”

  He offered the lass an encouraging grin. “Everything shall be fine, Nora. Between Liam, Fraser and me, you do not have to fret over Will.”

  The strained smile she proffered spoke of her misgivings.

  It made little difference to him. Once his cousin heard her tale, the lass would soon learn the power of MacGregor determination.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Excruciating pain radiated from the back of Liam’s skull, dragging him into awareness. The last thing he remembered was the toss from his gelding, then the stiff landing on the stable’s dirt floor. Hell, his poor head could not bear much more abuse. At this rate, another hard knock just might addle his damned mind for good.

  He opened his eyes to focus on the sturdy crossbeams and rafters overhead. Slowly turning his head to the side, he blinked at the tray of fare on the table beside the bed. His gaze shifted to the lass curled up in the chair a few feet away.

  With her hand tucked beneath her chin and her knees raised to her chest, Nora had fallen into a sound slumber. The sight of her frowning face, even in the peace of sleep, warmed his insides and brought a smile to his lips. Anxious to touch her soft skin, he attempted to sit upright but his back protested with a sharp jab of pain down the length of his spine. The discomfort tugged a deep, guttural groan from him which roused Nora.

  Dropping her feet to the floorboards, she stretched her arms while her sleepy gaze spanned a quick glance over him from head to toe. “Are you all right? Do you need anything?”

  Despite the smarting ache in his head and back, he smiled at the huskiness in her voice. Aye, he needed plenty. The lass beside him in bed would suffice. If for naught else than to feel the warm press of her soft body next to his.

  Though, he chose a tamer response. “No worries. I’m fine. Just a twinge in my back.”

  With concern creasing her features, she sat forward on the edge of the seat and motioned to the tray. “Your mother thought you might wish a bite to eat when you awoke.”

  “Tempting, but nay. Thank you.” Wincing from the throbbing pain in his back, he eased down onto the mattress with a grunt.

  “Are you certain you are all right, Liam? Is there naught I can do?”

  “Nay, lass, but I think I shall lie here a bit longer.”

  Nora gripped the chair arms to rise but hesitated. “I should leave so that you might rest. If you wish…”

  “Nay,” he blurted in a near shout before softening his tone. The last thing he wished was for her to leave him. “Will you not stay a bit longer?”

  Biting her lip, she glanced over her shoulder to the window where the midafternoon sun streamed inside, warming the chamber. Sitting taller, she exclaimed, “Saints, I’ve lingered here far longer than I intended. There’s much I must do for the feast on the morrow.”

  Liam studied her as she floundered with uncertainty. Mayhap, ’twas amiss of him to guilt the lass into staying at his side, but he suffered no such compunction. “You would leave me alone in such a condition?”

  Her worried gaze passed another thorough sweep over him from head to toe. “Of course I would not.”

  “You’re welcome to conduct a closer examination,” he teased, hoping to ease her concern. He lifted the furs, though he still wore the clothes he’d donned that morn, no doubt to his lass’ relief.

  Nora emitted a faint snort. “Do you have to be a lecher all the time?”

  He’d admit to the offense before Nora, a fact he was not proud of. But now… “Only with you, lass.”

  In truth, he meant the words wholeheartedly.

  ’Twas strange but he’d spent most of his days uncertain of love; sure he’d never find a woman to suit him. And yet, there every comely, frowning inch of her sat, fingering a loose thread along her sleeve. The pair of them shared little in common, their personalities different in every way, but none of that mattered in the slightest. Naught could diminish the feelings his lass awakened in him. For once, he’d never been more confident of anything in his life.

  Gingerly, he shifted onto his side to face her. “So, is my gelding safe and sound?”

  Her mouth parted in surprise. She peered at him as if he were truly addled in the head. “You might’ve died, but you’re more worried about a horse?”

  “Because he’s an excellent beast,” he defended. “Docile and sweet, most times. ’Tis why I knew something was amiss with him.”

  She glanced away, her creased brow deepening. “Your cousin found burs beneath the saddle cover.”

  “What?” He bolted upright, bellowing at the jagged pain that ripped through his back.

  Nora sprang to her feet, gripping his shoulder to help him lie flat on his sore back. “Saints, Liam, what are you doing? Have a care, would you? You might harm yourself more.”

  In spite of his discomfort, he offered a shaky smile to ease her alarm. “See, you do care.”

  Tucking the furs around him, she glanced at him from the corners of her eyes. “I think you’ve taken one too many knocks to the head.”

  “You wound me, lass.”

  “You know I care for you.” She heaved a sigh and settled on the edge of the chair once more. Her knee shook in a nervous motion which drew his full attention. “Liam…”

  Concern weighed heavy on her features. Swallowing hard, she hesitated long enough that sweat broke across his brow.

  “There are things I must tell you, things you should know. Details of my and Will’s past.”

  Her unsettled demeanor set him on edge. A sick sense of foreboding overshadowed the pain in his head and back. His heart thumped a pace swifter. Would she speak of the information Will refused to relinquish?

  Liam breeched the strained quiet in the chamber. “You can tell me anything, Nora. You must know that by now.”

  “I suspected the burs,” she admitted in a hushed tone.

  His mouth flapped opened and closed twice before he sputtered out, “What? How?”

  “’Tis how Will’s leg was injured. Burs were placed beneath his saddle causing the horse to unseat him.”

  For a long moment, Liam remained speechless while he attempted to absorb her words. Mayhap, the latest knock to his head had, in fact, slowed his mind becaus
e he struggled to understand precisely what Nora was telling him. Was she suggesting the two incidents were related?

  “Who would do such a thing?”

  Peering into her expressive eyes, he watched her battle with indecision. He held his tongue and silently urged the lass to trust him. Silence spanned between them, but he held fast, willing her to open her appealing mouth.

  At last, Nora’s lips parted and he almost shouted with glee. That is, until a rap at the door rang out in the still chamber. Glancing from his lass to the door, he considered ignoring it altogether, but then another, louder knock followed.

  “Damn it,” he muttered, vexed by the wretched timing.

  Before he called out enter, the door opened, and his mother poked her head inside.

  “Ah, you’re awake.” She beamed at him and strode inside with Fraser and Calum funneling in after her.

  His mother marched straight to his bedside, grasped his face between her hands, and tilted his head toward the splinters of daylight spilling through the window. “Move your eyes from side to side, lad.”

  Irritated, he tried to jerk his pounding head free, but she squished his cheeks together and raised her blonde brows in warning. Anxious for her to leave him be, he peered left then right merely to appease the blasted woman.

  “There’s a good lad.” She eased her grip and patted his jaw to his ever-loving mercy.

  Embarrassed by his mother’s ministrations, he peeked at Nora who’d ducked her head and pressed her lips together in a firm line to stifle her grin.

  “Just wait till you’re feeling sickly,” he muttered to her.

  Not that he wished her ill, but let the woman develop a sniffle or faint cough, and his mother would have the lass slathered in salve, buried beneath a pile of furs, and stuffing her foul-smelling vegetable broth down Nora’s throat.

  Nora gained her legs and headed toward the entrance. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll take my leave so that you all might spend time with Liam.”