by Ceri Bladen
With the darkness surrounding her, she didn’t have the strength to fend off her tears. She sank down against a tree and pulled her knees closer to her body. Somehow, she slipped off into sleep, her mind full of dreams of Kameron MacMahon. She awoke a couple of times, more tired than when she’d fallen asleep. She glanced at the guards, but with the fire dead, they had now wrapped their kilts around themselves, and were asleep. She forced her eyes closed. They burned too much to stay open. She needed to sleep to ignore the stiffness in her body from her harsh treatment and sitting on the hard, cold ground.
Aileana’s eyes flew open when she felt a gloved hand over her mouth. She couldn’t see the man’s face as he whispered into her ear, but she froze at the voice.
“Hello, sweet Aileana.”
It was Kameron. She tried to move, but he’d used her kilt and his large thighs, either side of her legs, to pin her down. She wanted to squirm—his body was too near for comfort. Why had he come for her? Her eyes grew wide.
“I’m going tae take you back tae MacMahon lands,” he whispered before he nodded to someone to the side of him. “But, as I’m unsure whether ye want to go with me, I have to assume ye are going tae protest. Please forgive me.” One of his men handed him a cloth.
Aileana tried to shake her head. She didn’t want to be gagged again—but even she didn’t know if instinct would make her make too much noise.
“I’m going tae help ye up,” said Kameron before he narrowed his eyes, “Play nice.” A grin split his lips as he grabbed her arm to pull her upwards. “He’s nae dead. Only sleeping.” Kameron said when he noticed her startled gaze look at the unconscious look-out. Luckily, the man had consumed too much whisky, while the others had slept, so knocking him out had been easy. “I nae want tae dae this, lassie, but I don’t want ye taking that gag out tae wake yer men. Until I ken ye are willing tae come with me, I have tae be cautious,” he said quietly as he tied her hands in front of her. “Come on, let’s go.” Kameron kept his grip on her arm, carefully but firmly, until they reached the horses.
Once he arrived at his stallion, he nodded at Fergus, who grabbed both her arms when he let her go. When he’d arrived at Calder Castle after Auld Reekie, he’d been greeted with tales of deceit. Fergus had come forward, his head hanging in shame, and informed him that Aileana had been taken. Kameron had been livid—and terrified for her safety—and made sure Fergus knew his displeasure. He had been tasked with looking after Aileana but had failed due to his head being turned by Wynda.
When he arrived home, Kameron would deal with the ones involved, even Fergus, but for now, getting Aileana back, unharmed, was his prerogative. Within seconds, Kameron mounted. “All right.”
Fergus gave Aileana a push forward before grabbing her around the waist and lifting her up. Within seconds, she was pulled on top of Kameron’s horse, head, legs and plait dangling. What is it with these men? she thought before she heard a whistle and the horse beneath her moved. She tried to pick up her head, but it only served to tighten the muscles on her neck increasing her headache. She wriggled and kicked when she heard Kameron’s amusement.
“Keep still, lassie. You’ll only be like that until we’re away from screaming distance from ye clansmen—and nearer my home.”
When she felt his hand run up and down on her back to soothe her, she stilled. It wasn’t calming her, it was making her body react in ways she didn’t feel comfortable with. She quietened, hoping he would remove his hand—it was burning her. He didn’t. She tried to ignore it and watched the ground disappear beneath the hooves. She felt nauseas and lightheaded when his voice cut through her thoughts.
“Dinnae give me grief, lassie. Yer clan aren’t far behind, and we need haste. Lying over my stead will make ye sick so I’m going tae sit ye up.” His arm pushed between the saddle and her body before she was quickly hauled upwards. “Place yer leg on the other side of m’horse. ‘twill be safer for ye.” His arm tightened around her waist and she growled at him. She felt his chest grumble with laughter.
“Grasp the horse with yer thighs, lassie, and hold on to his mane. It’ll stop you bouncing around and nae being able to walk for a week.”
Aileana raised her bound hands. Kameron pulled a dirk from his boot and cut the straps off her wrists. She reached for the gag.
“Och, lassie, let me help ye with that.”
She jerked her head away from his hand and narrowed her eyes at him. She saw his fine teeth as his face broke into a smile.
“Only trying tae help, lassie.”
Once Aileana discarded the gag, she rubbed her wrists, being careful to hold on to the horse with her thighs. They hadn’t been tied for long, so they were not too sore, but she wasn’t going to tell him that.
Kameron pulled her back into the saddle with his arm, moulding her into his hard frame. He laughed when she vainly tried to scoot forward. She had nowhere to go. He ordered his horse into a gallop, never easing his pace. He needed her safe inside his home.
Aileana leaned forward on the horse, the cold spring air slapping at her cheeks. Her kilt had fallen from her head long ago, but Kameron’s body, which lay over her, and the horse, gave her enough heat. They covered ground fast, evident the men and the horses knew their way, even in the darkness. As she concentrated on holding onto the neck of the horse and the ground rushing by—changing from forest floor to glen—she tried to push thoughts of what was going to come away from her mind. She was afraid—but not for her safety, she knew by now Kameron would not harm her; but for the carnal temptations that lay ahead.
Kameron raised his hand, just after daybreak, and his men pulled up beside him. “We’ll rest here, briefly. Take the horses for a drink and answer your own calls of nature.” He lifted his arm, which was still tight around her middle, and lowered her to the grown. “There is a bush over there ye can attend tae yourself.” He smiled. “No one will disturb ye.”
Aileana’s feet were numb and her legs wobbly from holding on tightly. She turned and headed to the area he’d nodded to refusing to say thanks. She hadn’t said much to him since he’d taken off the gag. She didn’t want to go back to her brothers, but she was unsure if she wanted him to take her back to Calder Castle—she didn’t trust herself to be strong this time. She wanted to be with him. She liked his attention, and that was not godly. Feeling tears threaten—for as a woman, no path came without consequences—she turned towards where he had pointed, needing to get away from temptation.
After she relieved herself, Aileana briefly wondered whether to escape or not. She didn’t want to but her emotions towards Kameron made her scared. Even a small delay would help her brothers’ men find her—if they were bothered in getting her back. She glanced around, the place was unfamiliar. The area around was full of the sounds of the new day breaking. Patches of snow-covered areas where shadows formed under the trees. She could run, but where would she go? Not only that, if Kameron had come all this way to get her from her own clan, he wasn’t going to let go of her that easily. But why?
“Aileana?”
She stiffened when she heard Kameron’s voice. It was near. She turned. he was right there. “Why are ye here?”
“Tae see if ye needed any help, lassie.”
“I can take care of myself.”
Kameron shrugged his large shoulders. “Ye’ll learn to accept help from my hands, sweet Aileana.” He stepped closer. “In fact, ye will look forward tae it when we are courting.” He stretched forward, his hand brushing her cheekbone. “Especially when yer in my bed.”
Shocked at the surge of heat and desire that flamed through her, she stepped back. “What? I’m not bedding with ye! I’ve told ye before.”
He laughed, his chest vibrating. “Ye want be saying that when we are wed.”
“I’m not wedding you either!” She didn’t see him move before it was too late. His arms wrapped around her waist and a kiss landed on her cheek.
“We do nae seem tae be making any progress with our words, lass
ie, mayhap we can try this instead.” He leaned forward and gently kissed her neck as she strained her face away. “Dae ye remember our last kiss, lassie? I dae, I remember it every moment.”
Her heart hammered against her rib cage as a wild fluttering attacked her stomach. What was he saying to her? Bending her with his declarations? She pushed against his chest when his warm breath registered in her mind and she felt a flush rise up her neck.
Kameron pulled his head back. “See now, sweet Aileana. Ye nae unaffected, either.” His lips returned to her neck, and he kissed it gently before giving it a little nip. He pulled his head back and stepped away from her. “Unfortunately, lassie, we do nae have the time tae explore ye feelings. We must get back tae the safety of Calder castle.” He held out his hand and chuckled when she grabbed her woollen skirts and barged past him.
She was unsure why she was so angry with him—he’d rescued her from those men, and she had enjoyed his kiss before, but angry she was. Was it because he constantly made her feel off-balance, was it because her body responded to him in a way unfamiliar to her, was it because she wanted to surrender to her desires? She puffed out air. She was a woman—unable to follow her desires. There were too many consequences for the woman—and that put her in a fouler mood. By the time she reached his horse, she couldn’t look at him, let alone talk to him. His obvious amusement by her temper didn’t make her feel any better. She looked at his outstretched hand, debating whether to take it.
“Am I giving ye a hand up, lassie, or dae ye want Angus tae give ye a lift?”
Not wanting anyone to touch her behind, she growled before she grabbed his hand and settled in front of him, finding it difficult not to be aware of his body so close behind her.
“Home, we go!” shouted Kameron as he kicked his horse forward.
Chapter 10
Calder Castle
Eachann sidestepped nervously on the bridge, tossing his head, as the drawbridge lowered, its chains creaking loudly. Kameron held firmly on his reins not wanting the beast to topple his precious cargo. As the bell rang to alert the folk inside of the laird’s return, the warriors, high in the towers and along the walls, lowered their weapons. Pride filled Kameron. Calder castle had been in his family since 1380 and he had returned home with the woman he loved. Now he had to tell her—once he made sure she was safe.
Comforted by Kameron’s arm around her waist, Aileana watched the wooden door open. When she saw the faces inside, looking out, her pulse sped up, unsure of the welcome she might receive from within—especially as she sat on top of the Laird’s horse. Mayhap most would have hoped her kidnapping was a success, and they didn’t have to have a MacAlpin amongst them. She jumped when Kameron’s hot breath hit her numb ear. “Welcome home, mo ghradh.”
“Yer home,” she hissed, not sure why her nervousness turned into a foul mood. He’d called her my love—mo ghradh—and all she could do was spit and be nasty. It made no sense, but she couldn’t control it. She felt the rumble in his chest.
“Yers tae,” he said as he urged Eachann on through the gates, nodding to the guards and the people who gathered to welcome him back—once again.
As they crossed the courtyard, with the weak spring sun attempting to defrost the snow it could reach, Aileana ignored the looks, points and whispers from the folk gathered. She chose to listen to the children singing instead. They were running in a circle, cheeks ruddy from the cold. "Oats, Bean and barley grow... dae ye or I or anyone ken where oats, peas and barley grow?" She smiled at their innocence—oh, to be a child once more.
“Aileana?”
She jumped guiltily and turned her head to bring him into her focus.
“Listen, mo ghradh, I have things I need tae attend ‘fore I can speak with ye. I have only just arrived back from Auld Reekie and there are a list of problems tae sort out.” He watched his men dismount and walk their horses to cool them after the hard ride. Kameron lamented the fact that when he did, he would lose the closeness with Aileana. When Eachann started to snort, unsure why his riders were still aloft, Kameron pulled on its reins to settle it—it wanted to go into the warm stables to eat its oats—but he wasn’t ready. “Go tae me chamber, mo ghradh. I’ll find Morag and ask her to bring ye food. Ye will be safe there until I work out what happened in my absence.”
“I didnae need tae hide there,” she said, panicking at her memory of the large bed which occupied her chamber. “I’ll find Morag.”
“Don’t argue with me, mo ghradh, otherwise I will forget my duties and carry ye up there myself.” He chuckled at the shock on her face.
“Ye wouldnae,” she hissed.
“Try me,” he chuckled. He lifted his gaze from her reddening cheeks and glanced at the folk watching them. He didn’t care, but he had a feeling Aileana would, and now he knew her station, he had to treat her accordingly—in front of people, anyway. He looked back at her. “We have an audience.” He felt her tense. “So, if ye don’t want me kissing ye until ye can’t see straight, and carrying ye over my shoulder to my chamber, will ye agree tae go tae me room?”
Aileana agreed through gritted teeth. “Aye, I will—” she looked at the gathering crowd under her lashes, “—but only not tae give these something to chinwag about.”
He laughed as he grabbed her waist to help her off his horse.
Once dismounted, and her legs steadied after the long ride, Aileana watched Kameron take his horse away, after ignoring the smouldering look he had given her before his departure. Although it had heated her to her toes, her reaction had terrified her. She looked around, unsure what to do, noticing the village folk who were pretending not to look at her. she sighed. They would talk regardless—she’d just arrived sitting with their Laird on his stead. She decided to find Morag—so he didn’t have to—not go to his chamber. She was safe enough with Morag, doing chores. It was spring time and every extra hand to help with the spring clean would be welcome. On that, she turned towards the kitchens, suddenly feeling the chill through her clothes now Kameron wasn’t warming her.
Wynda walked from the casemate, where she had delivered stock, towards the court yard. She smoothed her hair and righted her earasaid. A smile touched her lips. Laird Kameron MacMahon was back, and she had him all to herself—now she had rid herself of the MacAlpin woman. The bell ringing had indicated his arrival, so she needed to hurry to catch him before he retired to his solar. She’d thought she had heard the bell ringing, very late last night, indicating his return. But she must have been mistaken as no one had seen him.
During the day, she’d checked his bedchamber, creeping up to surprise him, but his bed was not slept in. But now he was back, she smiled and moved across the busy courtyard towards the main hall to find him.
As she entered, she looked around checking to see if Kameron was warming himself by the fire or getting food with his other men after their arrival. He wasn’t. chewing her lip, she wondered where he was until she saw Thomasina carrying ale. She hurried to catch her, putting her hand on Thomasina’s arm to stop her. “Where are ye off tae, Thomasina?”
Thomasina jumped, almost dropping the jugs of ales. “Mo chreach—good heavens—Wynda, ye scared the living daylights out of me.”
Wynda glanced towards the shut, wooden door of Kameron’s private study. “Are ye taking those in there?” It wasn’t ideal if Kameron was in his study, as others would be to, but it hadn’t been unknown for him to kick the men out if she went in to serve him.
Thomasina nodded before stepping back when Wynda tried to take the jugs. “Hey, I’m supposed tae take them in. Morag gave me strict instructions.”
“Remember who will be giving the instructions when I am the lady of Calder.” Wynda put her hands on her hips and pursed her lips at the young girl.
Thomasina lowered her gaze to the floor. She didn’t have a choice. “All right, but if there is trouble with Morag, ye can sort it out.”
Wynda smirked. “No problem. I’ll sort the auld battle axe out.”
> Kameron raised his gaze when the door opened. He noticed Wynda walk in. His gut tensed, but his face remained impassive, even when he heard Fergus mutter, ‘Speak o’ the Devil’. “Put them over there.” He pointed towards a small wooden table, away from the delicate map of Calder Castle spread on the table in front of him.
“So, ye say that the…”
Kameron held his hand up to stop Angus talking. He noticed Wynda had not left. “Ye can leave now.”
Her face fell. He wasn’t going to dismiss his men. She would catch up with him, later. “Sorry, Laird,” she gave a short curtsy and slowly closed the door, trying to listen to the rest of the conversation.
“So, ye say the MacAlpins might come back tae rescue their sister now she is here again?”
“Aye, we’ll have tae work out how those men got in so easily tae kidnap her.” Kameron heard the door latch close. His forehead puckered briefly before he continued his conversation.
Wynda grabbed her tunic as rage filled her. Lady Aileana MacAlpin! Her knuckles turned white. She is back! By rights, Wynda should have been afraid her part in Aileana’s disappearance would be found out, but she was sure Fergus was too fond of his own life to go blathering to the Laird. Lady Aileana MacAlpin! If she got her claws into the Laird, there would be no chance with him. Anger filled her so rapidly, she couldn’t think straight. She didn’t know what she would do—but do something, she would.
When Kameron and the men left the study, he was conflicted, bothered he didn’t know how the MacAlpin warriors got in—although he knew why. It unsettled him that he had a traitor amongst them. There were many secret passages in the castle, but as far as Kameron knew, these were known to only a few privileged folk, and certainly not common knowledge to the outside clans. He let out a large huff. The only thing that was a fact was Fergus had been with messing around with Wynda, at a gathering in the barn—with his ale—when he should have been watching Aileana. For that he would lose his privileges of being one of his right-hand men. It was a shame, but Kameron couldn’t lament over that fact—he had to have men he truly trusted by his side.