by Gwyn Brodie
He had come across them both late one night while pilfering the lady's bedchamber. Mungan might have missed them altogether, save for his candle casting its light across a blue jewel sticking from beneath the edge of the bed. Selling them would buy him everything he needed. And he would need many things—especially men to do his bidding—once he became laird.
The people at Teineaer knew naught of his deceit, and he had told Hugh before he left for Kilchurn, he was going to stay with his mother's clan for a time but would be returning soon. They would be glad to see him, along with the men he was going to hire in pretense of protecting Teineaer, as they were in need of all the able-bodied men they could find. But in order for him to become laird, he needed someone to kill Ceana, and Mungan knew just where to find the man to do his bidding.
AT BLACKSTONE CASTLE, Alex stood in the doorway of the library, sipping on a dram of whisky, watching Ceana. She was playing with five of the younger castle children, who giggled and dashed about, while she chased after them, just outside the entrance to the great hall. He smiled, remembering how bonnie she had looked with Bridget's wee bairn, Mora, in her arms. Perhaps soon, it would be their own she held.
The two of them had grown closer in the two weeks since Lyall Campbell had captured Ceana, and he thanked God every day that she had been safely returned to him. Yule was little more than a fortnight away—the day of their handfasting ceremony—and Alex could hardly wait.
Ceana stopped to catch her breath, and their gazes locked. Alex's breath quickened, as his body heated with desire. Such was the effect she had on him. He wanted her so badly he ached, but he meant to wait until she was truly his—if it did not kill him first. Perhaps he might steal a kiss if she was finished with the young ones. And apparently, she was, for she shooed them off in the direction of the great hall, where their mothers were preparing for the midday meal.
She tucked a wayward curl behind her ear, as she walked over to where he stood.
After making certain no one was watching, Alex took her hand and drew her into the library, closing the door behind them.
"What is it you're about, Alex MacPherson?" she teased, raising a brow.
"Come here, and I'll show you," he said, with a roguish grin, pulling Ceana against him, and sending shivers of delight dancing over her skin.
He covered her mouth with his, kissing her with his more than usual eagerness.
She took pleasure in knowing how much he wanted her and returned his kisses with much enthusiasm.
After a few moments he raised his head and gazed down at her, his dark eyes filled with passion. "Being near you makes me daft with need, lass, but I cannae keep away from you," he said, brushing his thumb across her lower lip.
She well understood what Alex meant, for she felt the same. "I suppose we'd best go have our meal, afore the tongues start wagging."
"And you think they dinnae already wag, where you and I are concerned?" he whispered against the corner of her mouth. "Do you think they dinnae see the way I look at you, like a starving wolf, ready to pounce at any moment and devour you." He emitted a low growl against her throat while stroking his tongue over her skin.
"Oh, my!" she said breathlessly, as her body heated from the tip of her toes to the top of her head. The man was positively wicked!
A knock sounded at the door, sending them apart.
Alex grinned at her, and winked, making Ceana feel even more wanton than she already did—if such a thing was even possible. Then he went to see who waited outside.
When Alex opened the door, Leith's gaze fell upon Ceana. "Forgive me, laird."
"'Tis quite all right. What is you wish to see me about?"
"Conn and the others have returned from Teineaer Castle."
Alex nodded. "Good. I'm glad they made it there and back safely, though 'tis sooner than I expected them to return. Once the meal is over, have Conn come see me in here. Lady Ceana and I were just about to head to the great hall ourselves."
"Aye," Leith said, then left.
NIGH ON AN HOUR LATER, Alex was just about to enter the library, from having seen Ceana back to her bedchamber, and after having promised to tell her all that Conn had to say when he spotted him coming toward him.
"Ye wished to see me, laird?"
"Aye, I wanted to hear how the people of Teineaer are faring."
The guard frowned and his gaze dropped to the floor.
"Is something amiss?" Alex asked.
"Might we speak inside?"
Alex nodded, then waved Conn into the library and closed the door. "Now, tell me what's going on."
"'Tis Mungan MacDougal. He's all of a sudden acting as if he's in charge of the place. He insisted we leave as soon as we finished unloading the supplies. Hugh stood up to him, saying it only fitting we be allowed to stay the night after showing them such kindness. Mungan backhanded the old man across the mouth for his boldness."
Alex's hands clenched into fists, and rage heated his blood, at the thought of the younger man striking the elderly steward. "Why would they allow one man to run roughshod over them in such a manner?"
Hugh shook his head. "'Tisn't only one man, laird. He's hired men to do his bidding, and they're not good men. The women and wee bairn's are terrified of them. When we arrived, we found Ewin MacDougal in a fight with two of them for putting their hands on his wife, and him having but recently recovered from his injuries."
Damnation! "How many would you say there were?"
"Perhaps twenty, and a more nasty-looking lot I've never seen. We didnae wish to leave the people unprotected, but there was only the ten of us and we were forced out by MacDougal's ruffians."
He grasped Conn's shoulder. "You did right. I'll think of something, and let you ken what I come up with."
Conn nodded, then left the library.
Alex walked to the window and looked out over the loch. He was at a loss as to what to do about the problem at Teineaer, but it was clear something had to be done—and soon. After all they had been through, why would Mungan force such cruelty upon his kin? Perhaps, Drostan could be of some help. Surely, between the two of them, they could come up some idea, or else, there was no telling what might happen to the good people who lived there, but at the moment, it seemed they were left to the paltry mercy of Mungan MacDougal.
SQUINTING AGAINST THE snow flurries, Mungan watched his cousin Ewin MacDougal rush across the wind-whipped bailey toward the byre. Just the man he was waiting for. Now was the perfect time to make him an offer he could not refuse. "Keep out of sight until I signal you," he told the two guards, then hurried to catch up with his cousin. "Morn."
"Morn," Ewin mumbled, not looking Mungan's way.
"I've something to speak to you about."
Ewin stopped, and looked at him, scowling. "What is it?" he snapped, smoothing his long fair curls away from his forehead.
Mungan had always envied his cousin's attractiveness. His hair and finely-honed features were two of the reasons he had caught the eye of the bonnie Millie, as well as a great many other lasses.
"I want you to do me a favor."
He snorted. "Why would I want to do you any favors?"
Mungan smiled. "Depends on how much you care for that bonnie wife of yours, and the two wee bairns."
Ewin's face reddened with rage, and at his side, his hands clenched into fists. "You harm my family and I'll send you to your grave."
With a nod from Mungan, a guard appeared to the left and right of the angry man.
"'Tis up to you, whether or not you find your precious family murdered in their own beds, just as they found old Angus MacDougal."
Ewin growled through clenched teeth and took a step toward Mungan, but the guards grabbed his arms and held him.
"Show my cousin what happens to those who defy me, but keep away from his face."
While one guard held Ewin, the other punched him repeatedly in the stomach and ribs, before switching places. He never cried out, but once they were finished beat
ing him, he sank to his knees on the frozen ground, clenching his teeth and holding his ribs.
"Perhaps the thought of something similar happening to your youngest daughter has changed your mind." Mungan flicked a piece of dried grass from his new belted plaid.
Ewin hung his head, and his shoulders slumped in defeat. "What is it you wish me to do?"
"Murder Ceana."
His eyes widened. "What? Why would you wish to do such a thing?" he asked, then stopped, as understanding dawned. "'Tis the will. With Ceana dead and unwed, Teineaer will return to the next male heir, which just so happens to be you, devious cur," he spat.
Mungan chuckled. "Your much smarter than you look, cousin."
"I cannae harm Ceana. She's as a sister to me."
"Which is exactly the reason I chose you. She'll suspect naught, and allow you to get close enough to complete the task."
"For what reason do I give for traveling to Blackstone to see her? She's a quick-witted lass. She'll expect a reason for my coming."
"I've something that belonged to her mother, she'll be most pleased to get. You leave for Blackstone tomorrow. 'Tis no concern to me how you do it, but if you care anything about your family, you'll make absolutely certain Ceana's dead before you return here, or else, one-by-one you'll lose them all."
Chapter Fourteen
"Rider approaching," Lem shouted from the ramparts of Blackstone Castle, as Alex was returning from the stables with Drostan.
"Who might that be?" he wondered aloud, as they made their way to the portcullis in the fading light of gloaming.
The man brought his horse to a halt a few feet away from the gate, and Alex immediately recognized him. "You're Ewin, Lady Ceana's good friend, and cousin, from Teineaer."
The man smiled. "Aye, and I've something of much importance to give her."
Alex nodded. "Of course. Raise the portcullis," he ordered and stepped out of the way as Ewin rode into the bailey and dismounted. "Give your reins to the lad, there. He'll see to your horse. Come, and we'll find Ceana. She should be on her way down for supper. It seems you've arrived just in time. I'm sure you're hungry after your journey."
"Aye, and I thank you, Laird MacPherson," he said, as he followed Alex into the great hall, where Ceana already sat at the high table.
When she saw Ewin, a smile spread across her face, then she rose from the table and met him midway across the room. "My dear Ewin, I was so happy to learn from Laird MacPherson that you had lived, and your family was well," she said, pressing her cheek against his.
Tears welled up in the man's eyes. "I fashed greatly, Ceana, wondering what had happened to you."
"Well, as you can see, I'm very well indeed," she said, smiling at Alex, whose heart stumbled in his chest.
She took Ewin's hand and led him to a table, where she took a seat across from him.
Alex slipped in beside her.
Ceana looked at Ewin. "Now, I wish to hear all about Millie, Jennie, and Heather. And Hugh? How is he? Does his back bother him greatly? How is your leg? Is it healing well?"
Ewin answered her questions between bites, nodding or shaking his head when his mouth was too full to speak.
Alex stifled a grin as he listened to the love of his life chatter on nonstop, like a wee magpie.
Ceana turned to Alex. "Ewin and I were inseparable as children. When I first arrived at Teineaer, I felt so frightened and alone, but my dear cousin here quickly made me feel right at home."
Alex smiled. "He's made the journey to give you something."
Her eyes widened. "What is it, Ewin?"
Her cousin reached into his sporran and carefully pulled out a small blue fabric pouch, and handed it to her. "The Campbells must have dropped it, for 'twas found beneath a chair after they left."
She carefully untied it and poured its contents into her hand, then gasped. "'Tis Mother's brooch. Father gave it to her on the day of their wedding, and she cherished it greatly. I thank you, Ewin." Tears slipped down her cheeks, as she gently traced each jewel with the tip of her finger, before clutching it to her chest. "Alex and I are to be married soon, and now, I'll have the honor of wearing the brooch on my wedding day, just as my mother did."
Alex squeezed her hand, feeling as if his heart might burst with happiness.
"Congratulations," her cousin said, with a sense of deep sadness lurking just behind his smile.
Alex frowned.
ALEX OPENED HER EYES and blinked into the darkness of the bedchamber, lit only by the dying fire. Something had awakened him. A gust of wind slammed against the window. Apparently, the storm that had been brewing all day had finally arrived. Another blast rattled the glass. He settled deeper beneath the covers and closed his eyes.
A thud resounded against the floor in Ceana's bedchamber, followed by a mournful wail that could have awakened the dead. She screamed at the top of her lungs.
Alex bolted upright. With his heart drumming against his chest, he leapt out of bed, grabbing his shirt and dirk, as he yanked open the door to Ceana's bedchamber. He stopped when he saw Ewin on his knees beside the bed, his face buried in his hands. "What the hell is going on?" he demanded, his gaze landing on the sgian dubh lying on the floor beside the distraught man.
Ceana looked over at Alex, then her eyes widened and she quickly looked away.
Saints above! In all the madness, Alex had forgotten he was as bare as a newborn bairn. He pulled the knee-length shirt over his head, just as Drostan and Leith rushed into the room, by way of his bedchamber.
"What's happened?" Drostan asked, frowning, his broadsword drawn.
Alex shook his head. "I dinnae ken, but I'm about to find out. Help me get him into a chair."
When they pulled Ewin up from the floor, he cried out.
"Are you injured?" Alex inquired.
He nodded, clenching his teeth and holding his sides, as he sat down. "I'll be fine in a moment," he said, struggling to catch his breath.
"Leith, fetch him a dram of whisky from my bedchamber."
A few minutes later, Ewin's hand shook, as he grabbed the cup from Leith, and drained it of every last drop of whisky before taking it from his lips.
Sitting down on the bed beside Ceana, Alex frowned. "Tell me what you were doing in Ceana's bedchamber."
He shook his head and closed his eyes. "I'm sore ashamed, for I could no more harm a hair on her head than that of one of my own daughters."
"What is it you mean?" She slid her arm through Alex's, and he covered her cold trembling hand with his.
"That no account cousin of ours, Mungan MacDougal, forced me to come to Blackstone to murder you."
She gasped, and her face drained white. "But why would you agree to do such a thing?"
"Ceana, I love you as a sister, and you ken that I do. 'Tis why you're alive now. I couldnae hurt ye. But Mungan has promised that if I return to Teineaer and you're still alive, he'll have Millie, Jenny, and my wee Heather murdered." He carefully eased his shirt out of his belted plaid, exposing a multitude of black and blue bruises across his stomach, ribs, and chest.
Ceana's eyes filled with tears. "Did Mungan do this to you?"
"Nay, he ordered two of his hired men to do it, saying if I didnae wish to see my wee Heather treated much the same, I'd do as he said. Because of my love for you, Ceana, I've sealed the fate of my family." He again buried his face in his hands and quietly sobbed.
Alex looked down at Ceana, and frowned. "Why would Mungan want you dead?"
She thought for a moment, but it was Ewin who answered. "'Tis the will. He was angry when the laird willed Teineaer to Lady MacGregor instead of allowing it to go in succession to the next male heir, which fell to Mungan, after the death of his brother, Brian, a few months ago. The laird thought him unworthy of the title and left it to his daughter and her husband, after which it would be inherited by Ceana, and whomever she weds. But if Ceana is out of the way, and unwed, Mungan becomes the Laird of Teineaer, for it would then fall back in success
ion to the next male heir. I'm certain he killed your grandfather, lass, for he said as much."
She shook her head in disbelief. "I never suspected Mungan of such brutality."
"I did, which is the reason I fear for the lives of those I care about." He looked at Alex. "Laird, do with me what you will, for I'll soon have naught left to live for."
Alex raised a brow. "You've done no wrong. You but showed your strong devotion to Ceana, which I much admire. Dinnae fash about your family. I believe I've a way to ensure their safety. Get yourself some sleep, and we'll talk about it more in the morn."
Ewin rose to his feet, then turned back to Ceana. "Please, forgive me."
She smiled. "There's naught to forgive. You've but proven yourself to be the friend I always thought you to be."
He nodded, then left the bedchamber, closing the door behind him.
Drostan blew out a breath. "Poor devil. The bastard had him up against a wall when he threatened his family."
Alex nodded. "Aye. But thankfully, Mungan chose the wrong man to do his dirty work."
Ceana's gaze met his. "Do you have a plan?"
Drostan chuckled. "He does. As we speak, his mind is grinding away, like a millstone."
Alex grinned. "I do. But you'll both have to wait until the morrow to hear it. I've a bit more planning to do."
THE NEXT DAY, AFTER breaking their fast, Alex escorted Ceana to the solar, and they were soon joined by Drostan, Leith, and Ewin.
He knew Ceana was worried, for her eyes were swollen from lack of sleep, and she had hardly touched her porridge, which she generally consumed wholeheartedly.