The Beast

by McQueen, Hildie

  As they walked back toward the house, his wife listed everything he should have brought as he replied, “aye” and nodded. It was a normal moment in a marriage that Duncan treasured. When she frowned up at him, he smiled.

  “Duncan, I am serious. Ye must see about getting yer haircut. Just a bit, not too much. I prefer it long.”

  “I will see to it now. Greer cuts it for me.”

  “Very well,” she eyed him critically. “Oh, and ye should see about yer beard as well.”

  He nodded enjoying her fussing over him and his appearance. When she took his hand and inspected his fingernails, he wanted to laugh. “I doubt guests will be examining my hands.”

  “Hmm,” Beatrice replied seeming satisfied as she didn’t instruct him to cut or clean them.

  Before they entered the house, he took her arm and pulled her to a stop.

  “What is it?” She looked up at him with wide eyes.

  “I care for ye very much and am glad to be here.”

  Beatrice’s face softened, her lips curved, and her beautiful clear blue eyes glistened with happy tears. “Thank ye, I needed to hear that.”

  Night came and Beatrice paced the room she and Duncan were to share. It would be the first time they would spend the night together. Well, the first night that he would be aware of, since she’d been sneaking into his room and sleeping beside him on the nights, he had nightmares.

  Although exhausted, she was nervous at his lack of appearance. She’d gone to the door several times to search for him but decided it was best to allow Duncan the time he needed.

  Finally, Duncan entered; his gaze meeting hers before going to the bed. “I thought ye’d be asleep by now.”

  A retort was on the tip of her tongue. Instead, she removed her robe, went to the bed, and slipped between the blankets. “I am very tired, but I wished to tell ye about the discussion with Mother and Evander.”

  After removing his boots and breeches, Duncan went to the washstand and washed his face, hands, and between his legs. Once that was completed, he came to the bed wearing a soft tunic that he often wore when coming to her bedchamber. He never removed it unless there was no light in the room.

  As Beatrice spoke, he listened intently, lying on his back looking up at the ceiling. He acknowledged what she said and agreed when she was indignant. When Beatrice looked at him, he was having a hard time keeping his eyes open.

  She pressed a kiss to his jaw. “Sleep well.”

  A sound awakened her, and Beatrice reached for Duncan’s side of the bed. He had his back to her and was murmuring in his sleep. It pained her that he seemed to have such vivid, disturbing dreams every night.

  Ever so slowly, she reached for him and ran her hand down his arm. When he quieted, she snuggled against his back and he let out a soft sigh. Through the thin fabric Beatrice could feel the raised scarring, the ridges and bumps resulting from his torture. They were a part of her husband and she embraced their existence.

  Dawn came too soon. Beatrice woke to find herself still against Duncan, seeking warmth from the chilly room.

  He slept soundly and she took advantage and snuggled closer letting out a content sigh. She knew immediately when he woke because his body tensed.

  Beatrice pretended to sleep to see what he would do. At first, he attempted to slip away, but with her arm around his waist he couldn’t move. Then he lifted her arm, but she mumbled sleepily and snuggled even closer.

  Finally, he gave up, surrendering to the fact it would be impossible to get out of her embrace unless he slipped out of the bed.

  “Ye are funny,” Beatrice murmured with a soft chuckle. “I wondered if ye would figure out how to escape or give up.”

  He grunted and rolled to his back, pulling her against his side. Emboldened by him not moving away, Beatrice reached between his legs and was pleasantly surprised to find him fully aroused.

  His breath caught and he let out a sharp hiss. “Men wake up hard,” he grunted out by way of explanation.

  “It is not a bad thing.” Beatrice slid her hand up and down the hardened shaft. “Is it?”

  “I suppose not,” he rolled over her. “Ye want me?”

  “Very much so.”

  Beatrice tugged at his tunic, but he pulled her hands up above her head. When she squirmed, he took her mouth, kissing her breathless, the entire time his sex sliding between hers, but not entering her.

  The friction of what he did made her need even greater, and she pulled away from his kisses. “Duncan, please. Take me.”

  Still holding her hands, but now in just one of his, he reached between them and guided himself. With one thrust, he filled her completely and both cried out at the wonderful overwhelming of the senses.

  Pulling out and driving back into her, Duncan set a controlled pace. Needing him deeper, Beatrice wrapped her legs around his waist.

  To her delight, he released her hands to slip his under her bottom, lifting it off the bed as he continued to plunge, faster and faster, sending them spiraling out of control.

  Beatrice cried out blindly as she clutched his shoulders, her fingernails digging through the fabric into his flesh, not wishing to lose herself totally. But it did little to stifle the passion that overtook.

  “Oh. Oh. Oh,” she said over and over, needing to verbalize but at the same time unable to form coherent words.

  Duncan’s intense expression was a beautiful sight. The cords of his neck protruding as he strained to maintain the pace. His gaze met hers for a moment, and she became lost in his eyes, but soon lost focus when he rolled over so that she straddled him.

  For a moment, she was unsure what to do, but instinct took over and she pressed her palms on his chest and allowed him to guide her.

  It was a delightful change that brought different sensations. Beatrice used her thighs, riding her husband steadily, reveling in having control of their lovemaking.

  His gaze trailed down the length of her body and he touched a spot that brought sharp sensations with each caress. Beatrice lost the rhythm of her movements, her eyes widening when he rubbed the nub at the top of her sex between his fingers.

  She shook with a release so hard, a loud cry erupted.

  As she trembled from the aftereffects, Duncan took her by the hips and used her body to bring himself to release. His entire large body shook so hard, Beatrice climaxed once again.

  “Do ye think someone overheard us?” Beatrice whispered when she finally could.

  “If they did not, they are deaf,” Duncan replied as if discussing the weather.

  Beatrice sat up alarmed. “Oh, goodness. This is mortifying.”

  “We are newly married. It is expected that we enjoy bedsport.” His matter-of-fact tone earned him a smack on the chest from her.

  “It may be something to boast about for men. But it is believed women should not enjoy it.”

  “Ye can pretend to be offended,” he replied. From the curve to his lips, her husband was quite proud of his accomplishment.

  Beatrice slipped from the bed and poured water into the basin to wash up. “We should dress. First meal must already be started. Hopefully, they had all gone downstairs and were not about to overhear.”

  By the way everyone in the dining room avoided looking directly at her and the discreet glances between the men, most at the table had indeed either overheard them or those that did not had been informed of it.

  “Ye are late to rise this morning,” her oblivious mother stated.

  There were grunts and clearing of throats around the table as Duncan’s brothers attempted to keep from laughing. Beatrice glared at Gideon, who sat across from her. It had little effect.

  Isobel nudged Beatrice with her leg. “There is much to do today to prepare for the celebration.”

  “Some celebrating has already begun,” Ella said with a wide grin. Lady Mariel shook her head giving Ella a warning look.

  “Other than some decorating, there is little left to be done. The clan’s people who co
me to seek counsel from Darach will be sent to the parlor so we can keep the great hall empty until it is time.”

  “I cannot wait for ye to see the dress I brought,” her mother exclaimed, and Beatrice clapped. “I just know it will be beautiful. Thank ye, Mother.”

  “It is a special day and I want ye to enjoy it thoroughly.”

  When Duncan and Stuart exchanged a look, Beatrice pinched Duncan’s leg under the table.

  He gave her a surprised look and whispered in her ear, “That hurt.”

  “Ye will live,” she replied dryly.

  Evander glared at them.

  Chapter Sixteen

  The celebration was wonderful. Lavender sprays had been layered with greenery down the center of the long tables in the great hall. Candlelight from every space gave a magical appearance and the lively music made for a most wonderfully perfect gathering.

  Her gown was a beautiful creation of cream and soft green that flowed with every movement.

  When a familiar song played, everyone began singing. Some looking to her and Duncan as it was customary for the bride and groom to dance.

  To her surprise, Duncan stood and took her hand. He led her down from the sideboard to the open area for dancing. His left arm circled her waist and with his right, he took her hand. Then they danced, circling the entire area. Although it was obvious he was not used to dancing and their movements were not perfect, it was like a wonderful dream to her.

  When she stole a glance to where her mother sat, Lady Macdonald was wiping tears of joy. Beatrice smiled in her direction and her mother gave her a warm look.

  At the next song, others joined them as they danced to a second song. However, when the tempo of the music changed to a much livelier tune, Duncan released Beatrice to join the other women who’d joined hands and danced in a circle.

  It was one of the most enjoyable days of her life and Beatrice wanted the day to never end.

  The room silenced when Darach stood and held up his cup. He turned first to those gathered and then to Beatrice and Duncan.

  “I welcome ye, Beatrice Macdonald Ross, to our clan and family. May God grant ye and my brother happiness and long lives. That ye have healthy crops, healthy livestock, and many bairns.” The room erupted in cheers and Beatrice laughed.

  The next in line by birth order was Caelan, who lifted his cup and met Duncan’s gaze. “I wish ye, my brother and closest friend, much happiness with yer beautiful bride. To ye Beatrice, we welcome ye with open arms and open hearts.”

  As the rest of the brothers spoke, Beatrice had to wipe tears from her eyes. Duncan squeezed her hand when Evander stood.

  “I am here as a representative of Clan Macdonald. My father sends his blessings to Beatrice and to ye, Duncan. Our clans are bound by marriage now twice and for that we are thankful; especially since the bond between our mothers has always been strong. We welcome ye, Duncan Ross, to our clan. I wish ye and my sister much happiness. Beatrice, do yer best to stay out of trouble.”

  Everyone laughed at the last words.

  Finally, the night was over, and Duncan carried a sleepy, happy Beatrice up the stairs to their bedchamber.

  As they prepared for bed, he once again headed to the bed with his tunic on.

  When he reached for a lantern to blow it out, Beatrice stopped him. “Please leave it on. I want to see ye fully bereft of clothing. I so enjoyed seeing yer face this morning when we made love.

  He froze, as if unsure how to proceed. Beatrice walked to him as he considered the options.

  “I must confess something to ye,” Beatrice said quietly. “By now, as ye are aware, I quite often do things without thinking them through. I did something before we married ye should know about.”

  His gaze bore into hers. “What did ye do?”

  “Well,” Beatrice bit her bottom lip. “Promise not to be angry”

  “Beatrice. I cannot promise without knowing what ye are about to tell me.”

  “Will ye at least sit then?”

  When he sat down, she was surprised that he pulled her onto his lap, his arms loosely around her. “Tell me.”

  “After Darach demanded we marry, I did not wish for ye to be forced into a marriage against yer will. After coming up with a plan, Ella and I decided to return to North Uist, so I could avoid us being married. Late that night, I snuck down the corridor to come speak to ye. Afraid of being overheard, I did not knock. Instead, I opened the door and came inside while ye slept.”

  His brow furrowed as he listened. “I did not know. What is so wrong that ye confess to doing it? Obviously, ye did not wake me.”

  “I did not. But ye were fully naked and had pushed the blankets down to just above yer bum.

  Duncan’s eyes widened. “Did ye see me?”

  “It was a full moon, and as ye know I am very curious,” Beatrice smiled at him. “Ye have a beautiful body Duncan, I quite enjoyed the view of it.”

  He visibly swallowed. “Did ye see my front or the back?”

  Once again, she bit her lip. “Are ye angry?”

  “No.” The word however was curt and harsh.

  “Ye are angry. I will not continue unless ye admit to it.”

  “I am not angry. I am troubled.”

  “Troubled. Very well then, it is not too bad.” Beatrice had to admit it all to him. “I had never seen a naked man before, other than catching a glimpse of Padraig once when he bathed in the loch and that was not enjoyable.”

  Duncan remained tense, his entire attention on her. “Beatrice. Answer me.”

  Beatrice let out a breath. “I circled yer bed. I am very aware that it is horrible to look upon a sleeping person who is not aware. Even worse, a man I was not married to. And although it makes me sound like a horrible person, I must admit to admiring what I saw that night. Yer back though scarred is so broad and yer bottom, it is perfectly formed. Yer chest and legs…”

  To her astonishment, Duncan didn’t seem angry. Instead, his eyebrows lifted in surprise. “Ye sound like a man speaking about a woman’s body. I have never expected that ye would ogle a man.”

  “Not just a man. Ye. My husband. I suspect ye tried to hide the scars from me and that is why ye insist on making love in the dark and not allow me to touch ye. Which is why I am telling ye this. I very much want to touch every inch of ye.”

  “This is the wrong time to be telling me this,” he said looking to the doorway. “I am going to kidnap ye and take ye to our house where ye can make all the noise ye wish.”

  “Tomorrow?” Beatrice teased, pressing a kiss to the side of his mouth. “That is a long time to wait.”

  The light of the one lantern was enough for her to see clearly as Duncan undressed. His gaze locked with hers for a moment and then he pulled the tunic over his head.

  Her breath caught. The man was perfectly made, with a strong sculpted body and long muscled legs.

  There was a light sprinkling of hair down the center of his chest that went past his stomach to just above the patch of dark hair over his sex.

  At her perusal, his manhood moved, and a shiver went through her.

  “Have ye had yer fill of ogling?” Duncan asked with obvious pride in knowing she found him desirable.

  “I am not sure I ever will,” Beatrice replied. “Ye are beautiful.”

  “Men are not beautiful,” he scoffed nearing the bed. “Can ye not think of another way to describe me?”

  “Hmm,” she teased pressing a kiss to his shoulder, then trailing her mouth across to press a second one between the mounds of his chest. “Bonnie?”

  He pulled her against his chest, his breathing already labored. “I do not wish to continue talking.”

  When he kissed her, it was as if he’d been waiting for years. His mouth took hers with desperation and want.

  Beatrice wrapped her arms around his shoulders and made circular patterns on the back of them. She wanted to explore his entire body, but it would take time. Duncan had undressed before her and that was the
first monumental step of many to come.

  The feel of his strong body against hers made her shiver with anticipation. “Take me, husband. I need ye desperately.”

  “Will ye be quiet?” he asked in a soft tone.

  “I very much doubt it,” Beatrice admitted.

  The next few days were like a whirlwind. Her mother insisted on traveling to the village and upon spotting the peddler, spent an exorbitant amount of money purchasing trinkets. After spending three days at Keep Ross, Lady Macdonald was prepared to go to Beatrice and Duncan’s home.

  Beatrice, her mother, and Orla climbed into the carriage. Lady Mariel, Isobel, and Ella would be visiting the next day. Once they spent a week at their home, they would all prepare to travel to North Uist.

  “We cannot delay our return too long,” her mother said looking out the window. “Already the weather is turning colder, and very soon it will be impossible to travel.”

  Beatrice followed her line of sight. “A season will be a long time to remain away from the keep. I am surprised Darach is considering going.”

  “He has brothers to take his place. What of yer husband? He avoids talk of it.”

  She’d yet to talk to Duncan about it. “I am sure he is going. Duncan is a private person, who prefers to be away from too many people.”

  “It is expected that the man who marries a laird’s daughter would first seek permission. That did not happen, obviously. Therefore, it is imperative he meets with yer father to discuss expectations.”

  “I understand, Mother. As son and brother to lairds, I am sure he is aware of the obligations.”

  Her mother gave her a dubious look. “How do ye feel about him? Ye seem to enjoy each other’s company. I must admit to finding him unapproachable, intimidating even.”

  “We are getting to know one another, and he is kind and patient with me.” Beatrice’s lips curved at how hard it had been for them to keep from making noises during sex the night before.

  “From the dreamy look on yer face, I ascertained as much and I am glad for it,” Her mother smiled. “It settles my mind to know both ye and Isobel have husbands that treat ye well.”