The Imposter

by Jenna Stone

  Brennan knew that Collin would not bother Kate because her dowry had not yet been received. Stupidly, he had figured that he could be of more help to the Clan by joining in the battle, loathing the idea of sitting idly around the keep protecting women. If he didn’t die now trying to save Devon, Leti would kill him for sure, he gulped, fearing Leti’s wrath.

  Brennan arrived at the castle in the middle of the night, thundering into the stables, rousing Jaime from his slumber. Breathing raggedly, he tossed the reins of his stallion at a dreamy eyed Jaime and walked towards the keep without a word of explanation. He stalked quietly up the stairs so as not to wake other Clansmen, wishing to keep this incident as quiet as he could.

  He knocked quietly on Nathan’s door and heard a muffled grumble from within followed by the sound of feet padding across the flagstones as Nathan unbolted the door.

  “I need yer help,” Brennan said briskly, not asking permission to enter Nathan’s chamber, but brushing quickly past the sleepy eyed giant and closing the chamber door behind him.

  “Now?” Nathan asked sleepily, rubbing his eyes, causing his already bushy eyebrows to look even more out of control.

  “I’ve done something stupid,” Brennan confessed, the words felt tight, constricting with guilt in his throat. “I went after the war party, thought I might be able to help, thought I was strong enough. I didn’t want tae be left behind.”

  “What happened?” Nathan asked, already alert, alarmed by the tone in Brennan’s voice.

  “I got into trouble, wasn’t as strong as I thought. Devon had to come and save me, and they captured him, took him prisoner. The Camerons have him.” Brennan admitted guilt and embarrassment heavy in his voice as he looked up at Nathan.

  “Do ye ken where he is being kept?” Nathan asked, already spinning his wheels, formulating a plan of rescue.

  “No, but Cameron has asked for Kate. He wants Kate in exchange for Devon’s life.”

  “Devon would rather die,” Nathan said firmly, an air of protection in his voice. Nathan had seen how Devon looked at Kate, how he had kissed her so openly, expressing his feelings for her openly before the clan.

  “It’s our only hope of getting him back alive. We can make a plan to rescue her after Devon has been released,” Brennan said, having come up with this as the only option of getting Devon away from the Cameron keep alive.

  “Yer a dead man,” Nathan said coolly. “I’ll help ye, but ken that Devon will kill ye himself if Kate is put in jeopardy. Hell, I might have tae kill ye if the lass gets hurt,” Nathan warned, his affections for the lass were worn on his sleeve. He felt a connection with the girl having been the one who found her in the forest and had more than once wished that he had been the one who had been lucky enough to claim her hand in marriage.

  “My life is the least of my worries at this point,” Brennan confessed.

  “Go wake the lass, and I’ll grab a few things before we leave. I need to think of a plan,” Nathan said, already walking away from Brennan to get himself ready to leave. “And be honest telling her that ye were the one who fucked this all up,” Nathan demanded, dismissing Brennan as he prepared for the task at hand.

  ***

  Brennan swallowed hard as he stood outside of the chamber that Kate shared with Devon. He had stood outside this door so many times before; the memories of the times that he had shared with Devon were painful. He rapped on the door quietly, clearing his throat and squaring his shoulders, willing himself to be strong for the news that he must bear to Kate. He knew that she cared about Devon, had seen it on her face both before and after her unexpected marriage to his best friend.

  Moments later, Kate answered the door hesitantly, only opening it a crack and peering out into the corridor. When she saw Brennan, her eyes widened in fear. It was evident that she expected the worst kind of news from him.

  “What happened?” her voice was pleading, scared as she opened the door to allow Brennan into the room.

  “I’ve done something foolish, Kate. I’m so sorry,” Brennan said guilt heavy in the pit of his stomach.

  “What!” she exclaimed, questioning. “Is it Devon?” her eyes were riddled with fear. “Is he alright?”

  “He’s been captured by the Camerons. It was my fault. I followed after the war party and I wasn’t as strong as I thought I was, and Devon was captured because he tried to save me,” Brennan confessed, eyes pleading with Kate.

  “You did what?” she exclaimed, anger heavy in her voice. “With your injury, you did what?” she yelled.

  “Shhhh! I know it was stupid,” he admitted. “But I think that we can get him back,” Brennan continued hesitantly, eyes holding Kate’s. “Cameron will release him for a price.”

  “What price? I’ll talk to Collin immediately and see what we can come up with,” Kate said, desperation in her voice.

  “The price is you, Kate. Cameron wants you.” The words hung in the air, heavy and putrid between them.

  Chapter Fourteen

  “I’ve got a plan, lass. I canna promise ye that it will work, but at least I’ve got a plan,” Nathan said gruffly against my ear, his bristly beard tickling my skin. “It will require a bit of work on yer part, but I think that ye can handle it. I ken that yer a braw, feisty lass and I have faith that ye can pull this off,” he said encouragingly.

  “Tell me. I’m ready,” I said, straightening my spine as I rested my back against Nathan.

  “Poison,” he whispered. “This is our chance to rid ourselves of the Cameron bastard once and for all,” he said confidently.

  I was ready and willing to do anything that would secure Devon’s release. I was even ready to kill a man.

  “Tell me exactly what I need to do,” I said, again feeling the sinking in my stomach. I was terrified of what I would need to do, but the prospect of losing Devon was unimaginable. I would do anything to get him back.

  Nathan quickly filled me in on the rough details of his rudimentary plan, then questioned me relentlessly over each small detail. His drilling committed the plan to my memory, and provoked a shaking in my hands that no matter how hard I tried, I could not quell.

  I turned Nathan’s instructions over in my mind as we rode through the dark chilly night, memorizing what I needed to do in order to free Devon. I resolved not to fail, even if it meant that I was killed in the act of trying to secure Devon’s freedom.

  ***

  We arrived at the Cameron keep in the early light of morning, my limbs were stiff as Nathan settled me to the ground and then dismounted behind me, placing a protective hand on my shoulder. Brennan walked behind us. He had spoken little on the journey through the night, and was only given the details of Nathan’s plan that were crucial.

  I walked into the Cameron keep with my head held high. I hoped to see Devon and I prayed that I could retain my composure. I longed to see him and to ensure that he was still alive.

  Cameron guards met me at the entrance of the keep, and escorted me to the great hall. The room was massive, and cold, devoid of any décor. At the head of the room, next to the hearth was a massive chair reminiscent of a throne. The man seated in the chair rose and bowed slightly as I was led forward by the guards, knees trembling, to approach the master of the keep.

  “Miss Berkshire,” he greeted me with a low bow, eyes hungrily appraising me as he returned to his full height.

  I knew at once that he was the Cameron Laird, both from his seat on the throne and the commanding presence that he emanated. The laird was an older man with silver hair. His features were rounded by lack of exercise or overeating. He was repulsive.

  “Laird Cameron,” I returned his greeting, trying my best to hide my immediate aversion to the man. I hated him and I worked hard to fight the urge to throw myself at him, claw his eyes out and demand that he give me back my husband.

  “And sae ye come, milady.” He said, appraising me. “Do ye come in an effort tae save yer husband, or do ye come to save yerself from the barbaric McClains?
”

  He continued before I could answer, “Or, better yet, have ye been sent by the McClains as a sacrifice to save the second in line for their Lairdship?”

  “I come of my own free will,” I said firmly, looking straight into the eyes of the vile Laird. Adrenaline thrummed through my veins, quickening my pulse as I implemented the first stages of our plan.

  “And why would ye do this?” the Cameron questioned skeptically.

  “I do this because I wish to change the course of my life. I have not been happy with the match made by my father with the McClain Clan and I seek an alternative,” I lied coolly.

  Please let him take the bait. Let this work!

  “And what exactly were ye unsatisfied with during yer time with the McClains?” the Cameron questioned, eyes piercing me like daggers as he regarded me skeptically.

  “My husband was unable to consummate our marriage,” I said matter-of-factly, feeling the rush of blood that would color my face. The lie was a bold one. It was not that Devon had been unable to consummate our marriage; the truth was that he had chosen not to. He had chosen not to consummate our marriage despite the fact that I had nearly begged him to make love to me.

  “Sae yer marriage could be annulled?” he asked, eyes driving to my very core. “I will find ye to be a virgin still?” he asked, eyes alight with excitement.

  “Yes,” I admitted truthfully, shuddering about the idea of giving myself to this repulsive man.

  “I’ll warn ye not tae toy with me lass. If I find ye damaged in anyway, rest assured that the McClain will be killed immediately and consequences would befall ye as well,” he hissed in response to my claim.

  “I am untouched,” I volunteered the half-truth, knees quaking.

  “Take the lass to my chambers and have her prepared. If I find her to my satisfaction, I shall wed her at daybreak tomorrow. Make the appropriate preparations for the annulment,” he barked. Servants immediately began to spring into action, and a guard grabbed my elbow from behind.

  He’s bought my story. This could work!

  “I’ll have a bath first!” I demanded, catching the Laird off guard. “And a proper gown.” I looked at him intensely, daring him to deny my request. I knew that these requests would buy the McClain men time. They needed time to figure out where Devon was being held and get into position to secure his release. “And wine,” I added, needing to make sure that the most important part of our plan was carefully put into place. “I would like to have some good quality wine,” I said, meeting Cameron’s beady eyes.

  “I see that ye are a demanding woman already,” he nodded in apparent approval. “I like a woman who kens what she wants,” he said, motioning to his servants to get started meeting my list of requests.

  I was motioned to follow a large man with red hair and a matching red beard by Cameron, and I followed rigidly, resisting the urge to look back and try to find Nathan. I clasped my hands firmly together in front of me as I walked after the man, concentrating on the way his kilt swished from side to side as I trailed behind him. My palms were sweaty and I felt like I was going to throw up from nervous anticipation. I turned my mind inward, trying to focus on Devon, trying to feel his presence, seeking his comfort in this God forsaken place. I was terrified as the red haired man stopped in front of me an opened the large wooden door to a massive chamber, extended his hand and motioned for me to enter.

  “The things that ye requested will be here shortly,” he said dismissively, closing the door immediately after I entered the vast room.

  I looked around the room, stunned by the riches that surrounded me. There was a massive four poster bed, draped in a thick fur coverlet. I looked away from the bed, gulping audibly as I swallowed.

  What if Nathan’s plan doesn’t work?

  Within minutes, the bath that I had demanded arrived, as did the wine. I poured myself a glass of the ruby liquid, swallowing each sip slowly as I watched the maids fill the tub. I sat on a heavily upholstered bench looking blankly into the fire, completely consumed by my thoughts and fears. The maids finished filling the tub with hot water and I heard the thud of the heavy door as it was closed behind the last maid as she left the room.

  I knew that I would not risk being caught naked in the bath, unsure of when the Cameron Laird would choose to enter his chambers. I set my glass of wine down and changed quickly into the new gown that had been hung on the armoire. It was a beautiful dress, but it did nothing to make me feel attractive. I felt dirty, sick with fear, and I again picked up my glass of wine, drinking deeply to calm my nerves. This was the only glass of wine that I would allow myself. I needed to think clearly if there was any chance that I might actually be able to pull off Nathan’s scheme.

  I surveyed the dress, reviewing Nathan’s instructions. Cameron could not have provided a more perfect dress. The sleeves were full and ended at my wrists in slight bells. Perfect for concealing the poison that I intended to put into Cameron’s wine. I reached into the pocket of my discarded dress and pulled out the small satchel that Nathan had given me earlier. I poured the powder into the bell of the right sleeve of my dress, happy with how easily it was concealed in the fabric and how well it was contained by the embroidery around the cuff of the dress. It would be easy to sprinkle the powder into Cameron’s drink or directly into his mouth if need be. Nathan had assured me that the poison would take effect almost immediately, a fact that my life would be dependant on.

  I paced in the firelight, back and forth, back and forth. I had tried in vain to settle myself, but my nerves wouldn’t allow it. I worried about Devon’s safety. I didn’t even know if he was still alive. Thinking of his steady strength calmed me, settled me, and gave me focus.

  He’s alive. I can feel his presence here.

  The door opened loudly and my eyes flew open. I was startled to see Cameron walking into the room. He closed the door behind him and walked briskly towards me.

  “I trust that ye found everything tae yer satisfaction,” he said, glancing to the bath that admittedly looked untouched.

  “Yes, it was fine, thank you,” I said, finding manners to be rather painful at the moment. I detested Cameron for what he was doing to Devon and found it challenging to remain civil with him.

  “Let’s get on with it then. Tae the bed with ye,” he commanded head motioning to the great fur covered bed looming in the center of the room.

  This man had no shame. He thought that I was going to jump willingly up onto his bed?

  “Excuse me, but consummated or not, I am a married woman. It would be a sin to lie with another man before my marriage with the McClain is annulled,” I said firmly, standing and crossing my arms in refusal.

  The Cameron Laird sputtered, taken aback by my bold refusal. He was clearly not a man who was accustomed to being refused. “I doona intend to take ye until yer marriage is annulled and we are properly marrit,” he said, trying to cover his blunder. “I do however intend to check tae see if ye remain a virgin as ye say that ye are,” he said challengingly, beady eyes starting at me in a way that made me want to die of embarrassment.

  “And how do you plan to find out if I am a virgin still?” I questioned boldly, holding the gaze of his beady, hungry eyes.

  A smile spread over his lips, which he licked in anticipation. The man was foul, and the thought of being any closer than I already was to him made the bile rise in the back of my throat. He raised his right hand into a fist and then extended his middle finger. “I plan tae check ye,” he continued to smile, driving his fist and extended finger up in demonstration of what he planned to do.

  I swallowed hard, repulsed by the thought of this man touching me. My mind flashed back to Devon and to what his fingers had done to me the night before he left for battle. I needed to use the poison and use it quick. My mind raced, seeking to find a way to kill him before he had a chance to touch me.

  I laughed nervously, catching him off guard. “I am a lady, Cameron!” I exclaimed. “Do you really think that I
will hop up on your bed and spread my legs so that you can check to see if my virginity remains intact?”

  “If ye seek tae marry me, tae escape from the bastard McClains, then check ye I will. I’ll not marry a whore.”

  “We had better start drinking then, because there is no way that I can allow you to do that while I am sober,” I said, pouring myself a full glass of wine, then filling another glass to offer to McClain. “Maybe we can use this unique opportunity to begin to get to know each other,” I said, raising my eyebrow at him in invitation, gauging to see if he was going for my plan.

  “If that’s what it will take tae dull yer senses, tae make ye more willing, let’s get on with it,” he said, nodding in approval.

  I knew that it was now or never, and I spun around the table, turning my back to him, looking like I was setting the bottle of wine down and picking up the glass to serve him his wine. With my back turned to him, I tapped the bell of my sleeve, sprinkling the white powder into his wineglass. I quickly swirled my finger in the red liquid, ensuring that the powder was completely dissolved before I spun and handed the glass to Cameron, taking my own glass of wine in my other hand. My heart thundered in my chest, fear and anticipation consumed me and I hoped that my hands were not shaking too noticeably.

  “To a new start,” I offered, clinking my glass against his, then hastily bringing my glass towards my lips and taking a deep drink of the wine. I inhaled sharply through my nose and swirled the wine on my palette before swallowing in a big unladylike gulp.

  I watched Cameron nervously as his gray eyes surveyed me, I didn’t see any sense of suspicion. The bastard was probably so consumed with the idea of checking my virginity that he could think of nothing else. I watched as he took a deep swallow of the wine, and closed his eyes, savoring what I hope would be his last drink.