Jamie shifted his feet, starting to believe her. “And the second thing you wanted to tell me?”
“Eager to depart? Good.”
“Aye.”
“The woman who will claim you, her name will remind you of Hana. Let that serve as my mark of the truth I speak. You will have a long and meaningful life.”
Without another word, the woman disappeared into the crowd, leaving Jamie with an uneasy feeling in his gut. What had she meant by saying he’d be the father of a new land, a new people? He served at the pleasure of his cousin, the MacKay. To rise against him would be considered treasonous.
“Jamie?” His friend and interpreter, Kuresh, called.
Relieved to hear a familiar voice, Jamie said, “Is the ship ready?”
“Yes. What did the old witch tell you?”
“Witch?”
“Nudar. She is famous.”
Jamie slapped his friend on the back and started for the ship. “Nothing of importance.”
Within the hour, Jamie ordered his men to set sail, the desire to breathe Highland air again, stronger than ever.
Chapter One
Clan MacKay lands
Northern shore of the Scottish Highlands, 1465
Helen Sutherland remembered the day her dear friend had shown up at Dunrobin Castle. Keely MacKay tried to be gracious, but she was desperate and hungry, her beautiful black hair a tangled mess, and her gown soaked from the rain. Whatever or whoever the lady was running from had brought her to Helen, who wouldna turn away a stray dog, much less a woman. With a whispered word in her father’s ear, the earl granted Keely safe haven. And in the five years Keely had stayed with her, Helen had gained a sister.
All of Helen’s hope hung on those fond memories. If Laird MacKay or Keely turned her away, she’d have no choice but to return home to a father she dinna trust. She dismounted and walked the short distance to the closed gates of the MacKay keep. A dozen torches were lit along the wall, casting shadows on the freshly fallen snow. Helen looked about as a deep chill made her teeth chatter. Though she was wearing fur-lined boots and a fur cloak, the cold deprived her of all warmth. She’d been riding for days on little sleep and even less food.
“Who is there?” A man called to her.
“I am a friend of Lady Keely and have traveled a long way to see her.”
“In the middle of the night?”
“Please, sir,” Helen pleaded. “Tell the laird I am here.”
There was movement behind the gate and it opened part way. “Who is here?” the guard asked.
She lowered her hood. “Helen.”
The man looked her up and down, not hiding his admiration. “If it’s a warm bed ye seek, we need not bother the laird.”
Helen chewed on her bottom lip, afraid if she offended the guard that he’d never let her inside the bailey. Which made her wonder why he wouldna open the gate to a lone woman. He must be drunk. “I thank ye for yer generous offer, but the laird must know I am here.”
The guard grunted. “As ye wish, Helen.” He said her name as if she was beneath him.
She must make it clear who she was, that she expected to be treated with respect and dignity. Though she preferred not using her sire’s name to gain favor, she’d do it to ensure her safety. “Helen Sutherland,” she clarified.
The guard’s shoulders stiffened. “The earl’s daughter?”
“Aye.”
The man scratched his head, then turned back from the gate. “Stay with Lady Sutherland while I get Laird Alex.”
“Aye,” a male voice said as the gate opened wider, revealing a younger man with red hair. “Ye are a long way from home.”
“Aye.” And the farther she got, the better her chances for happiness.
“Here.” The soldier flung a wineskin at her. “Take a drink, it will warm ye from the inside out.”
Helen dinna care what was in the skin. She drank greedily, choking down the foul-tasting liquid. The guard chuckled as she handed the skin back. “Thank ye.”
He nodded and took a swig. “Makes a man unafraid of anything. Not sure what it will do to a woman.”
Helen could only guess as the warmth the strong spirits caused in her belly slowly spread to her arms and legs.
“The laird is coming,” the lad said, straightening as he hid the wineskin under his cloak.
Helen prepared herself for what she’d say to the man she’d never met but had heard so much about. Her sire hated Alexander MacKay and everything he represented. But her eldest brother respected the laird—he has bollocks of steel—that’s what Gawain had said after Alex had sent home her bastard brother, Struan, trussed up like a wild beast with a missive stuck in his mouth.
“Helen Sutherland?” The gates opened all the way.
“Aye.” Helen immediately felt at ease. Alex MacKay was fair-haired and tall. He possessed the noble features of a Highland laird, yet there was a savage air about him, like a crouching beast waiting to strike.
“I am Alex MacKay, Keely’s husband.”
Helen curtsied. “I know it is late, and I am sorry to disturb the peace in yer home. But my father is unreliable, and I had to get away before he married me off to a decrepit and cruel laird from the isles. This is the only place I thought of—Keely is my only friend. There is nowhere else for me to go.”
Would he accept her? She’d risked everything to get away from Dunrobin, and had done it with such ease because no one would ever suspect her of doing anything wrong. Helen had been the perfect daughter until her father announced her betrothal to Laird Munroe—a man fifteen years her senior with a violent reputation, six illegitimate daughters, and two dead wives. The man needed an heir.
“Ye are welcome here,” Alex said.
It took her a moment to understand what he meant. “I am?”
“Aye.” He offered his arm and she took it, her leather boots crunching through the snow as they walked together.
“Where is yer escort?” Alex asked, obviously surprised she would be travelling by herself.
“Escort?” she repeated as they stepped inside the great hall.
Alex ushered her to the hearth and into a chair. Helen removed her wet gloves and leaned close to the fire, rubbing her hands together.
“Not one man in service to my sire would dare help me. I am chattel, Laird MacKay, meant for one purpose.”
“And what is that?”
“To increase my father’s wealth through a strategic marriage. My heart and happiness have no value in my sire’s eyes.”
“What man did he choose for ye?”
“Laird Baran Munroe.”
Alex’s expression darkened. “No friend of the MacKays.”
“No friend to anyone from what I hear,” she added morosely. “Quick tempered, and a murderer if the rumors are true.”
“Aye,” Alex said. “His second wife gave birth to a stillborn lass, and he starved her to death soon after. I am sorry for yer misfortune.”
“As am I.”
“Surely yer father knows the man’s history.”
“Aye. That dinna stop him from signing the tochar. Though in my sire’s defense, he made sure to include conditions for my protection—that Laird Munroe would never deprive me of food or beat me to death if I gave him daughters.”
Alex scratched his chin. “A generous concession on both men’s parts, I am sure. And a good enough reason to beat some sense into the earl for choosing such a man for his only daughter to marry.”
Helen laughed, something she hadna done in quite a while. “My father isna a bad man, Laird Alex. He’s simply unfit to be my sire. I am to blame, too. For I have been too quiet and far too obedient all these years, leading my sire to think that I would do anything he asked of me.”
Alex’s sly smile reached his green eyes. “Keely wouldna love a lass so much who dinna have spirit.”
The praise pleased Helen. “How is my friend?”
“Yer timing is of interest,” he admitted. “Keely ha
s just given birth to twins, my son and daughter.”
Helen jumped up. “Is she…”
“Resting comfortably and happy, thank God.”
“S-she suffered?” It had been so long since she’d heard anything from Keely. Communication between them had been cut off after Struan failed to bring Keely home as his bride. “May I see her?”
“I doona know who suffered more. She screamed out in pain so many times. I wanted to go to her, but her stubborn sire kept me out of the birthing room. I wanted to kill him—and maybe I should have for keeping me from her.” His expression turned stone cold. “Ye may see her in the morn, after she has rested a spell.”
“I understand, milord.”
“Tis nothing against ye, Lady Helen.”
She smiled softly. Their reunion was long overdue.
“Do ye like children?”
“I adore bairns,” she said sincerely—hoping to have her own someday. “New life is the promise of a new tomorrow.”
“I couldna agree more. Are ye hungry?”
Just the mention of food made Helen’s stomach rumble. “Very.”
“If ye wait here, I will arrange for one of the maids to prepare a meal and yer bedchamber.”
“Thank ye.”
She watched Laird Alex leave the great hall. Her hope had not been wasted on the MacKays. Keely had chosen well, which made Helen exceedingly happy. Just then, something or someone moved. The hall was otherwise quiet, not another person within. Sure to make it look like she hadna noticed, she shifted in the chair, turning just enough to take a casual look to the left of where she sat.
A tall, muscular man with red hair caught her attention. Their gazes met, and Helen was sure she had never seen a more handsome man. He nodded at her, and she turned back to the fire. Maybe the shadows were playing games with her mind. After all, she was exhausted and hungry, cold and perhaps even a little drunk from the spirits she’d drunk with the guard outside. No man should look that dangerous—that tempting—that unreal.
Aye, she’d blame her interest in the stranger on anything but natural attraction. Helen closed her eyes and forced the man’s face from her mind. She hadna come here to find a husband; she’d come to the MacKays in search of sanctuary, in search of a new life away from her father. And if she intended to stay, she must guard herself against anyone who could take it away from her.
Which included all men, especially the redheaded one in the great hall.
Chapter Two
Jamie drained his tankard and set the vessel aside, the need to get drunk suddenly replaced by curiosity for the well-dressed woman sitting in front of the main hearth in the great hall. He’d seen his share of regal beauties, especially during his travels to the east, having spent a year in Constantinople to settle his cousin, Laird MacKay’s affairs. And since his return, everyone of consequence had made it their personal goal to find him a wife.
Wife… The word dinna feel natural coming out of his mouth. As he further scrutinized the lady sitting alone, admiring the long golden braid hanging down her back, he imagined what it would feel like to slowly release her silky hair.
He intended to find out her name and perhaps what she was doing in the MacKay hall alone.
As he started to head in her direction, Alex appeared, blocking his path.
“And where are ye going, Cousin?”
“To greet our guest,” Jamie said.
Alex shook his head. “When I last checked, ye dinna live here. Remember the manor house ye demanded as payment for yer service in Constantinople?”
And a fine home it was, complete with a small tower and respectable wall around it, a grand hall fit for a minor laird, and servants who Jamie had handpicked. “Aye. But I keep a room here. After all, I am yer closest kinsman and still on the council.”
Alex rubbed his chin. “Yer service is ever appreciated. And my keep is always yer home, Jamie. But that particular lady is of no importance to ye.”
“Nay?” Jamie gazed past his cousin. “Ye couldna be more wrong. She’s of great interest, for I’m a lonely man in need of the kind of company only a beautiful lass of good breeding could give.”
Alex chuckled. “Since when has good breeding mattered to ye?”
Jamie rubbed the back of his neck, thinking. “Since tonight.”
This time Alex threw his head back and laughed so loud it echoed throughout the great hall. Even the lady looked at them.
“What are ye laughing at?” Jamie asked.
“Ye,” Alex said. “I never considered employing a fool until now. For ye are making me laugh so hard it hurts.”
Jamie frowned. “Ye doona have the right to tell me where I can or canna find companionship.”
“Ye are sorely mistaken, Cousin. The lady is no common lass.”
“Who is she?”
“Lady Helen Sutherland.”
The name made Jamie take a step back. “Sutherland?”
“Aye.”
“Keely’s friend?”
“The very one.”
“Why is she here?” The idea of a Sutherland darkening his clan’s ancestral home, whether a helpless lass or a hardened warrior ready to kill, enraged Jamie.
Alex’s expression sobered. “Aye—the name alone boils yer blood.”
“Not with lust.”
“Nay—with hatred.”
“Tis only right.”
“Aye, under normal circumstances, I’d throw any Sutherland in the dungeon and leave him to rot. But Lady Helen isna just a Sutherland. She’s Keely’s closest friend and treated my wife with respect, as if she was her own sister.”
Jamie couldna imagine being in Alex’s position—having to choose between placating his clan by imprisoning the daughter of their sworn enemy or welcoming Lady Helen as an honored guest. “What does she want?”
“Sanctuary.”
“From whom?”
“Her sire.”
“The earl beat her?”
“Nay. Signed a betrothal with a disreputable laird from the isles.”
“Most of the lairds from the isles are contemptible, no?”
Amusement reached his cousin’s eyes again. “Only when they’re attacking us from the sea.”
Jamie knew many of the isle warriors, men of honor who did as any Highlander would do when they grew restless, pick a neighborly fight with a worthy adversary for entertainment. “Which laird?”
“Baran Munroe.”
“Damn,” Jamie breathed. “Imagine wasting such a lovely lassie on a black-hearted devil like him.”
Alex’s eyebrows jutted upward. “But she’s a bloody Sutherland, remember?”
Jamie shrugged. “A matter of unfortunate birth—not the lady’s fault.”
“Nay, it isna.”
“How can I help?” Jamie asked, sounding too eager for his own comfort.
“Stay away from her.”
“W-what?”
“Clean yer ears,” Alex commanded. “I want ye to stay away from Helen Sutherland.”
Though he’d sworn allegiance to his beloved cousin as laird of the MacKays—by possessing lands, Jamie had the right to act in his own best interest, too, even if it went against Alex’s wishes.
“Ye doona trust me?”
“I remember the man who judged me before I married Keely—disapproved of my relations with foreign women, told me my Christian soul was in jeopardy if I dinna change.”
“Father Michael had much to say to ye, I am sure.”
Alex gaped at him. “I’m not talking about the priest, Jamie.”
“Och, aye. I remember now.”
“Do ye?” Alex slapped his back affectionately.
“How is Keely? The babes?”
“Resting.”
“Why are ye down here still?”
“Making arrangements for the lady.”
“I can oversee the accommodations,” Jamie jested.
But Alex dinna appreciate his humor. “If I must assign a guard to ye, too, I will.�
�
“A prisoner?”
“If that’s how ye wish to take it.”
Both of them watched as a maid came into the hall and invited Lady Helen to follow her abovestairs.
“It seems our problem has been solved,” Alex said. “I’ve instructed Miran to sleep in Helen’s chamber with her. Two guards will be posted in the corridor to assure her safety.”
“Have ye sent anyone to ride out and see if she was followed?”
“Are ye volunteering?”
The bitter night air would surely kill Jamie’s desire. For some reason, he dinna care if Lady Helen was a Sutherland. Something about the way she carried herself, perhaps her quiet dignity and startling blue eyes, poked at the sleeping beast inside him. He’d overindulged in pleasure while in Constantinople, and returned to Scotland a changed man. Whether for better or worse, he dinna know. But Jamie understood how five years of living in the exotic east had changed Alex. Temptation had a way of following a man through the open markets in the city and into the desert.
“What are ye thinking about, Cousin?” Alex interrupted his thoughts.
“Nothing of importance,” Jamie lied.
“If ye wish to ride out, choose some men to accompany ye.”
“I’ll do it.”
“Thank ye.”
“If a Sutherland pig has followed the lass into MacKay territory, I’ll kill him.”
Alex nodded. “Do as ye wish. I’m returning to my wife’s chamber to watch over her and the bairns.”
“I’m proud of ye, Alex,” Jamie said.
“Aye?”
“Ye saved our clan. Breathed faith back into the hearts of our people by marrying Keely and giving us an heir.”
“Doona forget about wee Rebecca.”
Jamie winked. “A born princess.”
Jamie grasped his cousin’s forearm. Alex, Keely, and their new babes meant everything to him. Aye, he had his own needs and plans for his property. But he’d nearly become the next MacKay laird before Alex accepted his birthright. There wasn’t anything he wouldna do to keep his kinsmen safe from Sutherlands or any other enemies. And if Alex wanted to accept Lady Helen and protect her, then Jamie would do the same. Though he must find a way to meet her. He wanted to hear the beautiful woman whisper his name—if only once.
Highlands Forever (Books 1–3) Page 21