by Denise Carbo
“Aaron is in line to rule the clan.”
“But he’s a dick, and not exactly leadership material. What about this Gregor guy? What’s his story?”
Bethany opened her mouth but changed her mind. She couldn’t refute his statement. Aaron had never demonstrated any of the qualities needed to run the clan. He was indecisive, impulsive, intolerant, entitled, and oft-times cruel. He was her cousin, but she wasn’t blind to his faults. There was always the possibility the role of ruler could prompt him to become the leader the clan needed, but in her heart, she had doubts.
“I don’t really know much about Advisor Heyes beyond he’s the spiritual advisor for the clan. I would describe him as a quiet man. I would never have guessed he would challenge someone for ruler. He may be better suited, but I don’t know him well enough to say.”
His hazel gaze swept her from head to toe. “Sometimes it’s the quiet ones you need to watch out for. They surprise you in the least expected ways.”
For some unknown reason, heat stole over her skin. The more she thought about his words and the look in his eyes, the more her skin burned.
“I think I’ll find some water. It seems I’m thirsty after all. The dry air on a plane makes it inevitable, I suppose.” Bethany jumped to her feet and strode to the galley located toward the front of the plane. “Would you like me to get you something?”
Hearing nothing, she glanced over her shoulder.
He stood behind her.
She halted abruptly. “Oh, um.”
“Decided I was hungry after all.”
For a moment, all she could do was blink at him. “Oh, of course, I could bring you something.”
A slight smile quirked at the corner of his mouth. Bethany couldn’t stop staring.
“I’m already up.”
Swinging back around, she marched into the galley and opened the refrigerator tucked under the counter. Filled to capacity with various drinks and food, she bent to grab a bottle of chilled water. Glancing at the bottle before she opened it, she contemplated holding it against her heated cheeks. Not wanting to draw further attention, she took a deep drink of the chilly water and wandered over to lean against the smooth wall separating the kitchen from the pilots flying the plane. Davis searched the small kitchen, opening cabinets and peering into the fridge.
“Decided on a sandwich, want one?”
Bethany glanced at the growing stack of ingredients piled on the counter and shook her head. The smell of meat and yeasty bread permeated the air. “No thank you.”
The moments ticked by while he made a sandwich large enough to sustain her for days. She took the opportunity to study him, as she’d always been a bit too preoccupied the past few times she had encountered him. Being on death’s door after your brother almost murdered you could do that. And being suspected of killing Donald, finding out Bryant’s full treachery, and losing her uncle, she hadn’t thought of Davis as anything other than someone who, perhaps rightfully so, blamed her for his friend's death.
He was tall. She had noticed his height before, when he loomed over the cot she had huddled on—terrified and sick. Although most people were taller than her, he topped her by at least a foot. His hands captured her gaze. His movements were quick and efficient, smooth, no hesitation.
Her gaze travelled up to his profile. He was an extraordinarily attractive man, in a disheveled sort of way. Not polished like the men she was accustomed to. Of course, she had recognized his handsomeness before, but in a distracted manner at the back of her mind. Now, it was just the two of them standing here without all of the other distractions. She glanced down at the borrowed clothes she wore. A black silk blouse and linen skirt, both high quality, but a couple of sizes too large for her frame, made her feel like a little girl playing dress up with her mother’s clothes. Something she'd never had the opportunity to do.
A pain in her chest, and a sting at the back of her eyes made her take another sip of water as she bent slightly to stare out the window of the plane. Pillows of white, painted on a light blue background as far as the eye could see. So many times as a child she would lie on the grass and stare at the sky picturing the clouds as fanciful shapes and creatures. Such a different view from above than below.
The metallic opening of a can and the fizzing of a carbonated drink jerked her gaze back to Davis. He leaned against the counter, the remains of his sandwich in one hand and a soda in the other. He glanced at her over the top of the can as he took a sip.
“Worried about your reception?”
Her brow wrinkled. She hadn’t really considered her clan’s reaction. There were probably those who would blame her for her brother’s actions, and probably some would consider her disloyal for condemning his deeds and telling Malcolm of his crimes. A traditional mindset pervaded her clan. Her uncle had held the firm belief, his word and only his was the final say. He had skirted the rules with the council, only sharing what he deemed necessary. Perhaps with new leadership they would begin to accept change more readily while still respecting their customs. Sadness had gripped her at the news of her uncle’s death, but true grieving had remained elusive. Maybe the tragic events of late had provided a buffer, or maybe it was because they had never been close. She was a female, and therefore beneath his notice. She sighed. Perhaps she was being too harsh. Her feelings toward her family members were conflicted lately.
She slightly shook her head. “No. People will believe and think what they want. I can’t worry about their opinions.”
Davis raised his can in the air. “Exactly.”
As she stepped forward to put her empty bottle in the recycling bin, the plane hit a spot of turbulence. Her shoes, being one size too large, didn’t provide the stability she needed to keep her balance. Stumbling, she threw an arm out to grasp the counter.
Instead of the sharp, cool, metal counter she had anticipated, her hand encountered a solid warmth of solid muscle.
Davis wrapped an arm around her waist and held her steady against his body.
Bethany grasped his hard bicep with one hand and clutched the water bottle between them with the other. The crackling of hollow plastic and the quiet hum of the plane engines were the only sounds she heard, as she stared straight ahead at his chest.
The light blue fabric of his shirt had been washed many times. The soft, thin material stretched across the muscles of his upper body. A slight woodsy scent emanated from his skin. A fluttering of awareness invaded her abdomen.
She peeked upward. Her gaze encountered his tan throat, stubborn chin, full lips, strong nose, and collided with his piercing eyes.
Abruptly, he dropped his arm and stepped away. “The turbulence seems to have passed.”
She grabbed the counter and gripped the edge, but her gaze stayed riveted on him as Davis sauntered away.
Had it stopped? Then why did the world feel so off kilter?
Chapter Three
Stepping off the plane onto the hard tarmac, a calm washed over Bethany. She raised her face to the familiar gray-blue sky and took a deep breath. Despite the cacophony of sounds from planes and other vehicles arriving and departing and people milling about, she easily tuned it all out, so it sounded like a distant, low hum. She experienced the connection every time she returned from a trip. She was home.
She’d always enjoyed travelling, experiencing new sights and people, but her heart resided here in Scotland. Her spirit lighter, she crossed to Davis standing several feet away.
Bethany smiled and held out her hand. “Thank you very much for escorting me home.”
He glanced at her hand briefly but didn’t take it. “You’re not home yet.” He gestured to a dark sedan pulling up. “Here’s our ride.”
Trailing after him as fast as her borrowed shoes would allow as he stalked toward the car, she raised her voice to be heard. “I’m sure Mr. Donovan didn’t intend for you to take me all the way to my door. I assure you, your duty is complete.”
Ignoring her, he took possession of the car, tossed h
is duffel bag into the back, and climbed into the driver’s seat.
Bethany hesitated only for a moment before getting in the passenger seat and buckling her seatbelt. She hadn’t been worried before about her arrival home, but now tension tightened her shoulders. How would they react to her companion? Permission to enter the compound was not granted lightly. They could refuse him entry. “If you insist on going, I should drive. I’m more familiar with the area, and most importantly, accustomed to driving on the correct side of the road.”
Davis barely spared her a glance before stepping on the gas, sending her back against her seat. She gripped the armrest as her foot pressed on the nonexistent brake on her side of the car.
After exiting the airport and surviving, her clenched muscles relaxed. Although he drove much faster than she preferred, he drove competently and thankfully on the correct side of the road.
Historic buildings juxtaposed with modern sculptures and structures sped by her window. Cranes were hard at work in the ever-expanding city. The green hills surrounding the urban area were drenched in clouds. The teeming streets were filled with traffic and people bustling along the busy pavements. A street performer stood on a corner playing the bagpipes for wandering tourists. Pigeons combed the plaza searching for crumbs. Happiness bloomed inside her at the familiar views. There had been moments recently when she thought she would never see them again.
As he proceeded down the street to the main entrance of her clan’s compound, he slowed the car and glanced her way. “Remember, you don’t know what you’re arriving home to. Be alert.”
“Mr. Davis, I appreciate your concern, but I will be fine.”
“My last name is Campbell. Davis is my first name.”
“Oh, Mr. Campbell then.”
“Just call me Davis.”
“Thank you, and of course, call me Bethany.”
“Great, now that the pleasantries are out of the way, would you please focus on the matter at hand. Your clan is in the middle of a coup. Your brother almost started a war with my clan, and he’s probably the one presumed responsible for murdering your uncle, and oh yeah, he embezzled from the company. You don’t know what kind of greeting we’ll get.”
Straightening her shoulders and pursing her lips, she angled her head to glance at him. “If you’re concerned about your safety, you can simply let me out here. I can walk the block to the entrance.”
Davis briefly glared at her and continued down the street. The towering brownish gray stone wall surrounding her compound loomed ahead. It spanned the size of several city blocks, all enclosed within the wall. It bordered the River Clyde on one side, which helped to facilitate their shipping business.
A guard stepped out of the guard shack next to the closed metal gate as they pulled up. There were two guards positioned inside the gate facing the entrance. The compound's wall made it difficult to see much beyond the gate.
Bethany ducked her head and leaned toward Davis. She needed to speak to the guard approaching the driver’s side. Davis lowered the window, keeping his gaze on the advancing guard and the two beyond the gate.
“Hi Walter, it’s nice to see you. How is Colleen?”
The guard stared at Davis before glancing at Bethany and giving her a small smile and a nod. “She’s doing well, Lady Bethany. She claims our wee one is doing somersaults in her womb. It’s an immense pleasure to see you come home safe and sound.”
Clearly hesitant to grant Davis entrance to the compound, Walter glanced at him again. Had he been ordered to forbid anyone from entering?
She smiled widely and tried to ease the way. “I have Malcolm Donovan and his clan to thank for that. Mr. Campbell has very kindly escorted me home to see I arrive safely.”
Walter nodded. “Welcome home, Lady Bethany.” He stepped back to wave a hand at the other guards to open the gate.
As the gate slid open and the guards stepped out of the way, she smiled and nodded at them one by one as Davis maneuvered past. “I’d like to go to my flat. It’s at the far end of the compound, past the square and company headquarters.” Changing into her own clothes and taking a few moments to herself was foremost on her mind.
A wide cobblestone street ran down the center of the compound with smaller roads branching off to separate the rows of buildings. It was one of the few remaining cobblestone streets that remained intact in the city. A large, square plaza occupied the center of the compound. In the warmer months they sometimes held clan gatherings there. Tall ash trees full of leaves shielded the pink, white, and blue flowers circling their trunks and anchored the four corners of the square. Stone benches dotted the perimeter of the common area.
Passing the square, she looked ahead to the tallest building on the compound. A tower of metal and glass housed the company headquarters and clan offices.
Aaron, surrounded by six guards, stood on the street, in front of the building.
“Looks like your cousin has other ideas. Do you want me to stop or go around them?”
She focused her gaze and studied her cousin. Her eyesight was one of her strongest senses, along with her hearing. A tailored gray suit with a black striped tie garbed his tall, thin frame. She could not recall a time when she had seen him wear anything but a suit. His dark hair was slicked back, and his chin was raised toward the sky. A familiar scowl sharpened his angular features. Bethany sighed. “Stop, please. Aaron becomes unpleasant if his wishes are ignored.”
“Are you afraid of him?” The question surprised her, and for a split second she hesitated.
Davis stared at her expression intently, waiting for her response. He didn’t slow the car. If she gave the slightest indication she feared him, then he was swinging the car around and heading straight back to the airport. He saw no reason to continue this charade and endanger her any more. Her family had harmed her enough.
“No, of course not. Please stop.”
He braked abruptly, tightening the seatbelt against his chest, and the car stopped within inches of the front guards. Bethany gasped and gripped her seat with both hands. Davis didn’t take his eyes off the guards or Aaron. Their widened eyes and Aaron’s small jump backward did little to assuage the feelings churning in his gut.
Bethany unbuckled her seatbelt and grasped the door handle. “That was completely unnecessary.”
“Not to me.”
Davis exited the car and strode around the back to hold her door as she stood up. She frowned at him and walked toward the guards, pasting a smile on her face which didn’t reach her eyes.
“Hello, everyone. I’m so happy to be home. It’s kind of you to come welcome me home, Aaron.” She peeked to the side to meet the gaze of a guard standing in the back. “Ned, I didn’t see you there. How is your mother?”
The red-headed guard smiled, but before he could reply Aaron made a slicing motion with his hand. “Do you have any idea the problems you have caused with your disappearing act?” He took a step toward her. “Do you know what your brother has done to this clan?”
Davis positioned himself to stand in front of her rather than at her side. His fists clenched. If the bastard made one move toward her, he would take him out, guards or not.
Bethany leaned around Davis and peered up at him. As soon as he glanced down to meet her gaze, she frowned at him, and then fixed her gaze on Aaron. “Unfortunately, I’m well aware of my brother’s crimes, Aaron. He was also responsible for my prolonged absence. Now, why don’t we have this discussion inside, in private?”
Aaron stiffened. “We will have this discussion where and when I say. I am the ruler of this clan, and you will do as you are instructed.”
“Way I heard it, rule over this clan was still undecided, Aaron.” Davis smirked as Aaron’s face turned a mottled red.
Bethany tapped his arm and moved to step around him. He shifted and kept her behind him. There wasn’t a chance he was putting her in harm’s way. Her cousin was a powder keg just waiting to go off. Bethany’s petite stature was probably just
the right size for him to vent his rage on, too.
“Lord Aaron, and I am the rightful heir to the clan.” He somehow managed to puff himself up even more while he spouted the dictate.
Barely resisting the urge to outright laugh in his face, Davis snorted. “Yeah, you’re not my Lord anything, and as far as the council knows your claim to the clan has been challenged.”
Bethany yanked on his arm.
Davis glanced down first at her hand and then at her face. He cocked one eyebrow. Did she really think he would bow down to her cousin?
“I’m sure Mr. Campbell didn’t mean any disrespect.” She ignored Davis’ grunt and plowed on. “He and the North American clan have been extremely helpful to me. They saved my life and kept me safe from Bryant. He was kind enough to accompany me home. Now that I am here, I’m sure he’s in a hurry to be on his way back to his clan. So why don’t you and I go inside, and Mr. Campbell can leave?”
Davis glared down at the top of her head. He had no intention of going anywhere. He wasn’t leaving her alone in this pit of vipers.
Aaron gave a sharp, single nod and glared at the both of them.
Wanted to get rid of him, did he? Too bad. Davis folded his arms over his chest and didn’t move. Bethany faced him with a brittle smile on her face. “Davis, thank you very much for everything. I’m delivered, safe and sound, and it’s time for you to return to your clan. Please convey my sincere gratitude once again to Malcolm Donovan and the rest of your clan. I’m forever in their debt.”
“Laying it on a bit thick, aren’t you? I’m not ready to go yet. Malcolm wanted me to make sure you got home safely, and from your dear cousin’s reception, I’m hardly getting any warm and fuzzies to reassure me.”
The cloying scent of cologne assaulted his sinuses before he heard the approaching tread of footsteps.
“Lady Bethany, I was delighted to hear of your safe return.”
They all turned to the new arrival. A tall, thin man with white hair and a goatee approached them. He wore a full-length purple robe in the tradition of Risharden spiritual leaders. This must be Gregor, the challenger to the clan.
