Laird of the Game

by Leigh, Lori

  Robert’s long straight dark hair made him look wild and wicked. They were all lean and powerfully built, and the Constable had dreaded this visit. But he had a duty to perform, and his superiors expected a report.

  “I’d like tae speak tae Alexander MacKenna,” he said with authority. “The United States Embassy is looking for Melissa Johnson. Her hotel said you picked up her things, and no one has heard from her since.”

  Robert knocked on the door to the cottage. The brothers heard Melissa scream and giggle amidst the sound of splashing water. Robert knocked again, much louder. Alex answered the door with a yellow bath sheet wrapped around his hips.

  “This better be damned important,” he growled, his hair dripping.

  The Constable pushed him inside. “I am here on behalf of the United States Embassy. We are searching for Melissa Johnson.”

  Alex could feel his heart lurch inside his chest. In that split second of time, he watched his world fall apart. The Constable was not something they had considered. “Aye, she’s here.”

  Melissa called out from the bath. “Get back in here, Alex. The water is getting cold.”

  He smiled innocently and shrugged.

  The Constable wouldn’t be deterred. “I need tae know the lady is no’ bein’ held against her will.”

  Alex walked over to the open door that led to the roman bath. “Melissa, sweetheart. There’s a mon out here who wants tae know if ye are all right?”

  “Tell him to get lost. I plan on getting you in bed for the afternoon,” was her reply, certain it was Gideon, and he would order her back to bed for the day.

  Robert choked. Gideon had to leave the doorway before he burst out laughing. Leave it to Melissa to always say the right thing.

  “Excuse us, gentlemen.” Alex firmly pushed them out of the cottage and locked the door. He braced himself against the door and had to catch his breath. His heart was beating like a jackhammer on a New York City street. “That was close,” he said softly and went back to the bath. His knees were still trembling.

  The Constable was clearly disconcerted. “I would say that it seems she is a willing partner.”

  “She certainly has been an enchanting guest,” Gideon said, now that he had regained his ability to speak. “As ye have witnessed, she’s a little demanding of our Laird.”

  “I’d say your Laird is being very accommodating, considering.” The Constable snorted, satisfied he had a reasonable answer for the Embassy.

  The United States Embassy reported that Melissa Johnson had been found, and it was ascertained that she was not being held captive. The report did go on to tell them the Constable had spoken with Ms. Johnson and was told to “get lost”. The local authorities are certain Laird MacKenna has been very accommodating to the young lady and suggested this was a private matter.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Ye can run, but ye canna’ hide Laird MacKenna. The Prince has ye on the run.

  On the Streets, with Rosabel

  Daniel laughed for hours when Gideon and Robert relayed the events of the afternoon to him. He received a copy of the report from the Constable and was going to have it framed for his office.

  He walked out to the stables toward his brothers. “I have tae see the Stewart Laird. It seems our Iain has another paternity suit pending.”

  “Not again,” Robert groaned. “Isn’t that the third or fourth one for this year?”

  “Aye.” Daniel found a sturdy horse to take him to their neighbors. “It’s always the quiet ones who get into trouble. Keep him out of sight until I get things calmed down with the Stewarts.”

  He rode off at a gallop, eager to get out for some exercise. He needed some time alone to think about Rebecca. She hadn’t said a word when he brought her back to the stables and had taken her own Friesian mare to return to the city. She needed time, he thought again.

  Gideon and Robert exchanged a frown. “We need tae teach Iain how tae play and not get caught,” Robert said. “Or rent him out for stud.”

  Gideon agreed. “Tis a good thing one of the previous blood tests came back negative, or he’d be in trouble.”

  “Alex will be furious anyway. He told me he saw John Stewart riding back from the cottage and wanted tae know what he was doing here.”

  “Aye,” Gideon agreed. “Alex will kill Iain this time. Daniel is already working on the other law suits and has promised tae have Iain castrated if he isn’t more careful.”

  “From the look on Daniel’s face, he didn’t tell Rebecca he was in love with her.” Robert changed the subject.

  Gideon raised an eyebrow. Daniel’s secret love affair with the red-haired horse trainer was obvious to everyone, except Rebecca. She didn’t notice the longing in Daniel’s eyes or the tenderness in his voice when he spoke to her.

  The brothers knew she was in love with Alex, but Alex had enough on his mind during the past few years not to notice her love for him.

  ***

  Alex knew his time was running short. The game was about to come to an end, and with it, his lovely lady would find out the truth and leave him. He couldn’t bear the thought of the days in his life without her. She had such a sweet innocence about her that filled his heart with hope. He loved her and hoped he could get through the next few days without losing her precious love.

  While the warriors were all out fighting battles, Alex was raging a battle of his own with his soul. He couldn’t give her up, not now that he held her trusting heart in his hands. He hoped she would understand and forgive him. Her scent wafted lazily over him, reminding him she was still with him, loving him tenderly.

  Melissa saw the sadness in his eyes and fear clenched her stomach. Something haunted him, and she feared losing his love. Her hand caressed his powerful chest. They had bathed and made love, but she could tell there was something distracting him. He seemed so far away.

  The ache in her heart nearly choked her. What could she say to him to get him past that pain? She had shown him in every way she knew that she loved him, but her own fear of losing him kept her thoughts and fears secret. His eyes closed, and he wrapped his arms tightly around her. Her cheek rested against his warm chest, and she fell asleep in his arms.

  It was much later that afternoon when Alex and Melissa walked out of the cottage and made their way through the army so Alex could check on how the battle went that day with William in command.

  Melissa noticed that Alex’s brothers were all in a very good mood this evening and kept breaking out in laughter. It was good to see them happy. Daniel had private news to tell Alex that also had him laughing. She guessed the news had to be about the battle and that Alex was pleased with the results.

  She wore her tartan tunic over the wool dress and had brushed her hair until it shimmered in the setting sun. They had supper under the stars that night next to a campfire with an army beside them. Since she had been so ill, they treated her gently. Curse words were muffled, and more than one warrior got reminded to mind their manners.

  William made a rare appearance at dinner and was called up to honor them with a song for their entertainment that evening.

  Melissa was delighted. She leaned into Alex’s possessive arms. The warmth he radiated every night was enough to keep her cozy in the embrace. She smiled at him for reassurance and noticed he didn’t tense up and look threateningly at William. They had passed that jealousy, she reasoned.

  “What song would ye like to hear?” William asked of the army that surrounded them.

  Several titles were yelled out, but William had something different in mind. He selected one of his favorites and brought out a stringed instrument.

  Melissa was content yet, she felt the sadness in the hauntingly soft tune. Her mind wandered with the image of misty mountains in the distance. The music reminded her of an ancient Gaelic song of lost battles and fallen warriors.

  She thought about Scotland while he played and the weeks she had spent with Alex. She looked up at the stars and couldn’t believe th
ey were the same stars from her sky on the other side of the planet and from a different time.

  Her world had changed drastically during the past several weeks, and she was deeply in love with a magnificent warrior.

  Robert and Iain were noticeably missing from the evening festivities. Daniel mentioned that Robert had to pick up supplies, and Iain had agreed to help. He didn’t mention that picking up the supplies would only take about an hour. Both Robert and Iain had other plans for the evening and would be delayed, depending on how drunk they got.

  She leaned her cheek against Alex’s warm chest. Tomorrow, she would do a painting of William and his fellow warriors. The bonfire cast a warm glow on his profile. There were other instruments brought out to the clearing, and they soon had three guitars, a violin, and a keg of ale to limber up their voices.

  Their festive mood was contagious, and they soon had the camp up and dancing to a wild Highland jig. Alex pulled her into the dance with him and showed her the steps. They laughed and danced to a spirited song before applauding the musicians and catching their breaths.

  William was in a good mood, smiling as he played. He had won several important battles that week, and the warriors all made comments about their pup that had grown up right before their eyes—now had the roar and teeth of a lion. When he finished his song, he bowed to Alex and took a seat with the warriors.

  Suddenly, the patrols came back into camp and brought news the Prince was secretly planning to raid their camp in the morning. Their cousins had overheard the plan while they lifted some supplies from the Prince’s camp.

  Alex held Melissa firmly at his side. “Call the commanders for an emergency war council,” he said to William. His orders were carried out quickly.

  “Melissa, I don’t want tae keep ye up all night. Why don’t ye go tae bed and wait for me?” He added the last part softly in her ear.

  She shivered against him. “No Alex, I want to stay with you.”

  He looked down at her blue eyes and couldn’t think about anything else. She looked so innocent and trusting. Alex didn’t want to leave her alone again, but he knew he must. “If ye get some rest now love, I’ll wake ye up when I get tae bed.”

  “Tease,” she answered softly. “I’m taking my responsibilities seriously, Alex. I will waive them on to victory.” She collected her coffee cup and sat down at the table so Alex could concentrate on his upcoming battle.

  She didn’t want him to see the tears that glistened in her eyes. She couldn’t bear the thought of any of them going into battle again. Lately, everything seemed to upset her, and she longed for the day when the war with the Prince was over.

  Alex and his brothers had come to mean more to her than life itself, and she just couldn’t think about any one of them going into battle nor the possibility that one of them might not ever come back again. The thoughts burned in a painful lump in her throat.

  The commanders assembled at the table outside the cottage, bringing in torches to review the map on the table. The warriors were deadly serious and focused their attention on Alex. They would follow his command and waited anxiously for his orders.

  Alex paced, considering the information the scouts brought back to camp. Robert and Iain were still in London and wouldn’t be back until the morning. So that only left him Gideon, Daniel, Evan, and William to lead an attack since he’d decided he wouldn’t lead a battle unless he absolutely had to.

  His brothers were already assembled. Daniel was his first choice but not his best choice. “All right, gentlemen. Are there any suggestions?” He always invited the commanders into the discussions.

  William suggested, “I say we execute an overnight raid on the Prince’s camp in a first attack and then a second attack when they start pursuit. Don’t give the Prince the advantage of meeting us in our camp.”

  Daniel nodded approval.

  Alex issued his orders. “William will command the overnight raid. Take a hundred warriors with you. Daniel and Evan will be prepared with the second strike of seventy-five warriors and disable the Prince’s warriors as they start pursuit. A third phase attack led by Gideon with a small group of twenty-five warriors will guard Daniel and Evan’s retreat. William, once you have completed your raid, retreat, and attack again as Gideon’s warriors make their exit from the glen.”

  William boldly challenged Alex and issued another order in Gaelic. “Daniel and Evan—on your retreat, split your forces into two groups. Take one group east into the glen and the other along the ridge. On my retreat, Gideon can rejoin my warriors, and we will split. Daniel and Evan can turn back, and we will have them caught between us. Once we split their forces, we get double points because we will fight with two different commanders and then a triple point advantage when Gideon rejoins us at the glen.”

  Melissa followed the discussion by watching the drawing that William did in the dirt. It seemed they were discussing attacking and counter-attacking.

  Alex raised an eyebrow as he considered the tactic. “I like it. Tomorrow morning I will lead a small group of warriors to guard your retreat, gentlemen. Prepare for battle.”

  The camp that had just a little while ago been light-hearted with musicians and dancing became serious with men shouting orders to their commanders and horses being saddled. Overnight provisions were prepared and wrapped for their saddlebags.

  William had ascended to a commander position during the past week, and his warriors waited for his word to depart. The camp was buzzing with excitement. The current plan would be a decisive victory for the Laird, even if he didn’t personally command the attack.

  The warriors who had just returned from patrol would have a chance to rest before they joined Alex to guard the final retreat in the morning.

  William was ready to depart. The white Andalusian stallion Alex had given him for his birthday pranced sideways with excitement. William had grown up on horseback and could outride them all. He was young and agile with a streak of recklessness that often got him into trouble. The stallion had taken to him right away and William had complete control of the fearless horse.

  Alex was proud of him. Iain, Evan, and William were more like sons to him than brothers. In truth, Alex thought, it was like seeing your son become a man.

  William had grown up this summer and accepted responsibility. Alex had to wonder if William’s affection for Melissa had caused the radical change. William had become a warrior who could challenge the Prince.

  Alex and William were so much alike it was frightening at times. Alex could see himself in his brother’s strengths and abilities but also his weaknesses. His reverie was disturbed by the gentle love of his lady putting her arm around him.

  Melissa’s love had allowed him to see the world in a very different way. Alex also had a summer he would never forget. William nodded to Alex and departed the camp. The warriors moved into position behind him. Alex and Melissa waved them on to victory. From the camp, they heard the argument begin.

  “That kiss was meant for me…”

  “Och! Ye’re as ugly as a horse’s arse…”

  Melissa waited until they were out of hearing range. “Alex, I can’t believe you’re not going with them. This is an important battle.”

  Alex felt a slight twinge of regret. He hadn’t missed a battle in thirty-five years, but then he looked down and her beautiful smile touched his heart with her magic. He let out a long sigh.

  Alex kissed her temple and smiled. He had made his choice and would never regret the decision. He loved her more than he wanted to play in the game. His brothers had all expressed concern that Alex’s heart wasn’t in the game this year, and they were correct in their assumption that he would rather be in bed with Melissa than on a horse in the rain with them.

  For Alex, the game had always been a responsibility and not the excitement they found. The mantle of command weighed heavily at times, and he rarely got to have fun.

  Alex and Melissa walked slowly back to the cottage. “I know tha’ kiss was mea
nt for me.” He ginned smugly and took her to bed.

  ***

  Alex had the few remaining warriors up before dawn and ready to ride out. He was anxious about the battle. If everything went as planned, William would take the lead for points, and he wanted his youngest brother to win the game.

  He had done everything in his power to put William in the winner’s saddle and was certain he would be a strong leader. Now, everything Alex had worked for was about to come together. He hadn’t been able to sleep during the night. So much depended on what happened today that he found himself getting nervous. Alex had never been worried about a battle and paced the cottage through the night while Melissa slept.

  The warriors had come in to speak to him during the night, and Alex hadn’t worried about waking her. Once she was asleep, she didn’t flutter an eyelash as the thundering warriors stomped through the cottage and gave their reports during the night. Alex was informed that William’s raid was executed without a flaw, Daniel and Evan were also in position, and Gideon and his men were making their way to guard the retreat.

  Laird MacKenna and his warriors departed before the first light of day had reached the crest of Loch Voil. They moved quietly and rode quickly up the side of the hills. It was a path they had taken often.

  The ancient sword at his side was about to be handed over to his youngest brother, he thought wistfully. Alex had always cherished the ancient sword of Baron Jolbert and the heritage that went with it. He knew William would be a Laird they would all be proud of and would lead them on to victory.

  It would be his final battle as their Laird, he thought with mixed emotions. His life would be very different with his lady at his side, but he was more than ready to retire his leadership to his brother.

  ***

  William moved silently on foot to the edge of the Prince’s camp. It was shortly before dawn, and he knew it wouldn’t be much longer before the warriors woke and went about their duties. His scouts had told him the Prince was asleep in the cottage. They had been steadily watching the camp for the past few days, certain the Prince had some new plan up his sleeve. So far, he hadn’t noticed anything different.