The Highland Dynasty: The Complete Series

by Amy Jarecki

  The contenders faced each other, bleeding and haggard, each one barely able to lift his weapon. Aleck sneered with blood staining his teeth. He dropped his sword and staggered forward while shaking his left arm at his side—the one he’d broken.

  A dagger dropped from Aleck’s sleeve into the blighter’s palm. “You will never attempt to take my lands again,” he growled, slashing the knife across Alexander’s throat.

  Eoin clenched his fists.

  The MacDonald Chieftain, descended from the Lord of the Isles, stood for a moment. A stunned look stilled his features as blood flowed down his iron breastplate. Without uttering a word, he crumpled to the sand in a heap.

  Aleck swayed on his feet and smirked at Eoin.

  Behind them, Duncan and the king strode up the beach.

  Aleck raised his dagger in the air. “The usurper has been vanquished by my hand.”

  Eoin gaped at the bastard in disbelief.

  With a hearty laugh, the king marched straight to MacIain and placed a hand on his shoulder. “You have done Scotland a great service.” King James raised his palms in triumph and walked in a circle. “This day, we have quashed the rebellion against Scotland and I am very pleased.”

  Aleck slid his dagger back into his shirtsleeve and grinned.

  The young king faced the miserable blackguard. “Sir Aleck, I bequeath to you lands on the former MacDonald Islands of Jura and Islay, for you are the true hero of this battle.”

  Aleck puffed out his chest like a strutting peacock, then bowed deeply. “I am forever in your debt, your Grace.”

  The king slapped his shoulder. “You are and I caution you to nay forget it.”

  Eoin could have taken his dirk and stabbed himself. No doubt the land on Islay included one of the MacDonald castles.

  Duncan stepped beside him. “What really happened here?”

  Eoin pulled his friend aside. “MacIain had a feud to solve with the MacDonald, so I allowed him to fight.” Eoin thumbed his finger at the MacIain men who were still watching from the safety of their galley. “Half the MacIain cowards are trembling in their boat, while my men have battle wounds to tend. What do you think happened?”

  Duncan shrugged. “No matter. The lands will all remain in the family.”

  “Your family, aye.”

  “Of which your clan is a part.”

  Eoin bristled. He dearly loved Duncan Campbell, but the man had no idea what it was like to be a Clan Chieftain and owe fealty to another. The Lord of Glenorchy owned lands and castles far greater than anything Eoin could ever hope for.

  He summoned his men and headed for his galley. He’d endured just about enough of battles for one season and there was another place he’d much rather be.

  25

  “This cider is delicious,” Helen said, taking another heavenly sip while balancing Maggie on her lap.

  “I knew you would enjoy it.” Gyllis sat across the table, enjoying a cup as well. “And I filled two satchels with apples.”

  “Thank you so much. I love the harvest. Everything is so fresh.” Helen glanced at the book on the table and chuckled. “I’m ever so grateful that you brought a book as well. I’ve missed reading.”

  Gyllis smoothed her hand over the worn leather volume. “The Wedding of Sir Gawain and Dame Ragnelle & other Romantic Tales,” she recited. “Do you remember when Mother sent this to me at Ardchattan Priory?”

  “Aye, I’m the one who picked it out, lest you would have ended up with a copy of The Holy Bible for your entertainment.”

  Gyllis chuckled. “I’d always thought it was awfully bold of Mother to send a romantic book. I must thank you. Enduring the monks day and night whilst I suffered with paralysis was penance enough.”

  Helen hated to think of all the pain and suffering her sister had borne. “I knew it at the time. I worried about you ever so much.”

  Gyllis sat quietly for a moment, as if recalling something sad. “And then you paid a far greater penance than I, suffering the ire of Aleck MacIain for so many years.”

  Helen gulped. “Let us pray those years are now behind me.” She lowered the cup to Maggie and the bairn helped guide it to her mouth with her tiny hands.

  Gyllis watched them while a smile spread across her lips. “Every time I visit, she’s doing something new.”

  Helen looked up. “Was it that way with your two?”

  “Aye, the first year always has the most changes. And then they start thinking about walking. That’s when things really become interesting.”

  “I’ll be happy when she can talk and tell me what’s wrong.”

  “I agree with you there. Why God saw fit for us to bring helpless bairns into the world, I’ll never understand. Wee chicks can walk and eat, even puppies are up and around in a few days.”

  Helen gave Maggie a squeeze. “I don’t think I’d have it any other way. This little miss is ever so interesting to watch. I wouldn’t want her to forgo a moment of her childhood.”

  “No parent would care to miss it.” Gyllis looked away, biting her lower lip. “’Tis unfortunate some do not see it that way.”

  Helen took a sip of cider and thoughtfully swirled the tart liquid around her mouth. She knew exactly what Gyllis implied. “I only hope I’m doing right for her.”

  “Of course you are. In my opinion, Aleck MacIain has no honor.”

  “I daresay I agree.” Helen stood and held Maggie out to Gyllis. “Would you hold her for a moment? I’d like to take a cup of cider out to Mr. Keith.”

  “Och aye, you should. He’s been ever so kind. Why not invite him in as well? ’Tis chilly outside.”

  “Very well.” Helen pattered across the floor and opened the door.

  She jolted so violently, cider splashed over her hand.

  Eoin’s knuckles were raised as if he were about to knock. “You look surprised to see me.” His deep voice flowed like thick treacle.

  “Thrilled is more like it.” She offered her hand, inclining her head toward Gyllis.

  Eoin nodded his understanding and graciously accepted her offering, bent over her hand, and plied it with a kiss.

  “Shut the door you two, you’re letting all the heat escape,” Gyllis complained from the table.

  Helen beckoned Mr. Keith. “Won’t you come in and join us in a cup of cider? I’m afraid the one I poured for you has sloshed all over my sleeve.”

  The guard blew on his hands and rubbed them. “Thank you, m’lady.”

  Eoin stepped inside and removed his cloak while Mr. Keith did the same.

  Helen gestured to the table. “Please sit.”

  Gyllis greeted Eoin with a smile. “How goes the battle?”

  “Alexander MacDonald was killed by Sir Aleck at Oronsay.”

  “Honestly?” Helen kept her surprise hidden as she poured for the men. “Does that mean the rebellion is quashed?”

  “Aye.” Eoin raised his cup. “It also means everyone’s headed home for St. Crispin’s Day. I’ve sent my men to their wives in Glen Strae as well.”

  Gyllis clapped a hand over her mouth. “Sean might already be at Dunollie?”

  Eoin picked up his cup and gave her a nod. “If he’s not there now, he will be. I left him and Lord Duncan standing on the shores of Oronsay with King James.”

  “You left them?” Helen asked, worried that he might have been remiss.

  Eoin shrugged. “I figured they no longer needed my services—at least not in the next sennight anyway, given the holiday and the fact we’d finally stopped Clan Donald from razing half of Scotland.” He looked to Helen and waggled his brows. “I’ve some good news to share.”

  Could she allow herself to hope? “Aye?”

  Eoin looked to Gyllis and Mr. Keith. “I’d wager you both can keep a secret.”

  The elderly guardsman placed his hand over his heart. “You ken I’d protect her ladyship with my life.”

  Helen inched to the edge of the bench. “We’ve nary a secret amongst ourselves.”

&
nbsp; “Very well, then.” Eoin removed a missive from inside his quilted doublet, his big grin stretching his features made Helen’s insides swarm with butterflies. “After we stopped Alexander MacDonald, I sailed to Iona on my way back here. Your brother had returned from Rome only two days prior.”

  Gyllis cleared her throat.

  Eoin’s gaze darted to Mr. Keith. “M’lady,” he added hastily. After all, certain formalities could not be cast aside when in the presence of others.

  Helen’s fingers trembled. “Is that missive for me?”

  Eoin nodded and held it out.

  After she took it, Helen could scarcely hold the velum steady enough to run her finger under the wax seal.

  “What does it say?” Gyllis asked before Helen even had the missive opened.

  “A moment.” Helen took in a calming breath and read. A tear spilled from her eye and streamed down her cheek. “Praise the heavens.”

  “The Pope approved?” Gyllis snatched the parchment from Helen’s hands.

  “Aye. My marriage has been annulled.” She stared at Eoin in disbelief. Though her toes touched the floorboards, she felt light enough to float up to the rafters.

  Eoin reached out as if to give her a squeeze, but that wouldn’t appear proper in front of Mr. Keith and he drew his hand away. “The bishop advised we…uh…you should continue to remain hidden. He’s dispatched a messenger to Mingary and it would be best if Aleck didn’t know your whereabouts until he’s had time to adjust to the idea.”

  “Do you think he’ll try to lash out?” Gyllis asked.

  Mr. Keith held up his cup of cider. “If I know Sir Aleck MacIain, he’ll be in a rage for a month or more.”

  Helen couldn’t have put a damper on her giddiness if the sky had fallen. “I don’t mind staying here all winter if that’s what it takes.”

  “You shouldn’t need to hide that long.” Eoin moved his palm over her hand—a simple enough gesture. “Also, John intends on visiting Duncan after St. Crispin’s Day to personally explain.”

  “Bless him. Bless both of my brothers.” Helen stared at Eoin, wishing they were alone. Oh, how much she wanted him to pull her into his arms and never let go.

  “My, look how low the sun is in the western sky. I do believe the day has drawn away from us.” Gyllis, ever so good at taking her cue, stood and placed Maggie on the sheepskin rug. “We’d best be heading back, Mr. Keith. And pray Sir Sean hasn’t yet arrived home. I’ll want to be on the shore watching his galley sail to the embankment.”

  Mr. Keith gulped down his cider. “Thank you for the tot, Lady Helen. ’Twas good to see you as always.”

  Helen’s insides still quavered with the news, but she managed to bow her head to the guard. “Thank you for your service, Mr. Keith. I shall never forget your selfless kindness.”

  “Nor shall I.” Eoin held out his hand.

  Mr. Keith glanced at Helen before he shook the MacGregor Chieftain’s hand. Though they already considered each other man and wife, the rest of the world had yet to be advised, including Mr. Keith and the clergy.

  Eoin bowed his head respectfully. “I hope to have the pleasure of meeting you again soon.”

  Helen and Eoin stood together and watched as Gyllis and Mr. Keith rode into the woods, until they disappeared into the foliage. Eoin placed his arm around her shoulder. “I believe I gave the guard a bit of a surprise.”

  “I daresay you did—though he does know you are the one who appealed to John on my behalf. I hope he doesn’t think badly of us.”

  Eoin shrugged. “It is not his place to have an opinion. Besides, he’s sworn fealty to you, and should want for your happiness.” He pulled her into the cottage and shut the door, grinning with feral desire. Before she could say a word, he wrapped her in his embrace. “I’ve missed you ever so much.”

  Helen rose up on her toes and met his lips with a kiss. “I’m ever so glad you’re here.”

  “And how is Miss Maggie? Well, I pray?”

  “Aye, she’s sitting up now.”

  Eoin grinned and looked at the bairn who was indeed sitting on the sheepskin. “Och, the lassie is growing stronger by the day.” He crossed the floor in four easy strides and pulled Maggie into his arms. She squealed as he spun her in a circle. “You are growing as bonny as your mother.”

  Helen set to preparing the evening meal while Eoin told of the events of Alexander MacDonald’s end. She ground her teeth when Eoin described how he’d held the men back and allowed Aleck to fight, and then detailed his bravado afterward.

  “You mean the king granted Sir Aleck lands without asking for the full story? And half the MacIain men watched the fighting from the safety of their galley?”

  “My men had the skirmish in hand.” Eoin’s shoulder ticked up. “And as for the king, Sir Aleck was standing over MacDonald’s body with a bloody dagger in his hand. ’Twas obvious he’d done the killing.”

  “But you and your men made it possible.”

  “Duncan knows that.”

  “Aye, but does the king?”

  Eoin slid his hand across her waist and nuzzled into her ear. “Does it matter?”

  Helen sighed. “I suppose not. You’ve land a plenty and are aligned with one of the strongest clans in Scotland.”

  Eoin’s gaze narrowed and he stepped away. A sudden coolness coursed over Helen’s skin. Had she misspoken?

  He heaved a troubled sigh. “I’ve no castle to give you, Lady Helen.”

  “Riches, a grand keep?” She drew her brows together. “After all this time we’ve spent together, you think I want a castle?”

  Taking another step back, he spread his hands to his sides. “But you have lived in opulence all your life.”

  She gestured to the walls of the meager hunting cottage. “Aside from the past three months. And to be perfectly honest, I’ve been happier here than any place I’ve ever lived.”

  His chin ticked up as he took a step closer this time. “Clan Gregor is a proud people. Our blood runs thick. Honor runs deep with us.”

  “As it does throughout the Highlands.” Helen stepped within inches of Eoin and grasped his hand. “Are you worried I’ll be unhappy if I haven’t dozens of servants to direct?”

  That twitch returned to his jaw. “Helen, I look at you standing over the cooking fire and I ken you were bred for a better life.”

  “But I enjoy cooking. I enjoy staying busy.”

  “Then as we’ve discussed, you will consider becoming Lady MacGregor?” The tension in his jaw eased.

  “Given our…” She glanced toward the bedchamber. “Interludes, I assumed it would go without saying.”

  Eoin grinned and tugged her into his arms. “I give you my solemn vow you will never go without. And you will have servants to cook and clean.”

  “As long as I am by your side, I should want for nothing.”

  He captured her lips with a kiss. Slowly plying her mouth with languid strokes of his tongue, Helen melted like butter in the sun.

  Maggie squealed.

  Helen forced herself to pull away and hold Eoin at arm’s length. “She’s hungry.”

  He licked his lips. “As am I.”

  With his belly full and his mind eased with the effects of Helen’s fruity wine, Eoin watched as she put Maggie down for the night. Helen wore a white linen apron atop her woolen kirtle. Though a simple ensemble, she still looked like a queen. Eoin grinned at the way her bottom curved against the skirts when she bent forward.

  He had a notion to cross the floor and sink his fingers into those womanly hips. Helen bent further and kissed the bairn’s forehead.

  Eoin growled. It would be so easy to lift her skirts and slide into her from behind. But Lady Helen would be mortified. He swiped a hand across his eyes to change his train of thought. He would never do anything that would make her uncomfortable. She’d endured far too much.

  Now that Eoin had earned her love, he would do nothing to jeopardize it. But before his mind caught up with his body, he
’d crossed the floor and placed his hands on those irresistible hips.

  Helen glanced back and smiled, touching her finger to her lips.

  He looked around her. The bairn’s eyes were already closed.

  After one last tuck of the bedclothes, Helen straightened and took a step back, pressing her alluring buttocks against him. Aye, this must be heaven. He rubbed his cock between the crease of her bottom. “I’ve missed you,” he whispered in a low growl.

  She turned and grasped his hand. “Come.”

  All too willingly, Eoin followed her into the bedchamber.

  Helen smoothed her palms over his chest. “I know not what’s come over me. Every day I think about doing this.” She ran her finger over the hard ridge of his manhood. Her hands trembled as she unfastened his belt. They worked quickly to untie laces, with clothes cascading to the floor until they both stood completely naked.

  The image of her hips as she bent over consumed his mind. He dared ask, “Do you trust me?”

  “Aye. I trust you with my life.”

  He placed his hands on her shoulders and turned her back to him. Then he reached around and slid his hand down between her breasts, over her abdomen and stopped at the apex of her sex.

  She released a gasp.

  Ever so gently, he pushed his finger between her folds and caressed her. Oh, how much he loved being completely naked with this woman.

  Helen rested her head against him. “You ken how to make me ravenous with need.”

  “No more than you do to me.” He worked more of his hand between her thighs. “Open for me.”

  Her head shot up. “Here? N-not on the bed?”

  He chuckled. “I think you’ll enjoy what I have in mind.” Maintaining a steady motion, he caressed her inner thighs. “We’ll only proceed as long as you’re comfortable,” he whispered in her ear. “I’ll not encourage you to do anything that doesn’t feel right.”

  She gave him a shy grin and parted her legs. How she could bring him to his knees with her demure mien. He made love to her with the fingers of his right hand, while swirling his thumb around her nipple with his left. Helen responded to his advances with seductive churning of her hips.