by Leigh, Lori
Amber and the MacKennas’ grandfather were in a heated debate about international politics at the punch bowl, and for a brief moment, Melissa worried if Sean could withstand Amber’s fierce temper.
Sarah was busy getting the entire day on film and being introduced to so many warriors she couldn’t keep track.
Alexander was called to the judge’s table and given the envelope to announce the winners.
The party hushed as hundreds of warriors waited for the announcement.
“Alex has won eighteen years in a row. The winner accepts the responsibility of Laird of the Game,” Gideon explained.
Alex swaggered across the stage, comfortable in his role as Laird for so many years. “We do have some verra important business before the winners are announced. Where is VixenBlade?” he asked the crowd.
“Where’s Robert?” One warrior called out from the crowd, and Alex smiled. It was obvious they were a hot item. They couldn’t keep their hands off each other.
Cynthia ran up to the stage and handed a microphone to Alex so every one of the twenty-five hundred guests would hear him.
Agotha walked on the stage, and Alex took her hand. “May I introduce the lovely VixenBlade. Agotha trains the warriors’ Florentine style fighting with scimitar swords. She is ruthless, relentless, and will kick your arse if ye don’t defend yourself.”
There was a lot of whistling and cheering as Agotha walked across the stage. She looked beautiful in a long black silk evening gown with spaghetti straps across her back and a deep plunging vee neckline that was held in place by a crisscross row of rubies on her chest. No one would ever guess they had seen her sweaty and dirty from fighting and her hair in a ponytail instead of the delicate coiffure.
Agotha was asked to say a few words to the warriors, and she walked to the edge of the stage. “Next year,” she began in earnest. “I won’t be so nice tae ye. I’m going tae kick your arse, ye miserable excuses for warriors. Don’t think for a minute ye get tae rest on your bums. We will work even harder!”
Robert walked on stage with them. He had already warned Alex about his plans, so Alex stepped back.
Robert took her hand in his. “Marry me.”
Agotha looked at him in shock. “Are ye out of yer blithering mind, Robert? We’re in front of a crowd!”
He ignored the comment. “Marry me, my sweet Agotha.”
“Och,” she said and pushed him back hard. “Ye’ve been out in the sun too long.”
“I’m crazy about ye, luv, and I’m not giving up till ye say yes.”
“Robert ye’ve gone daft,” she proclaimed.
“I am, lass, crazy in love with ye. Marry me and put me out of my misery.”
“All right!” she yelled the words, and Robert stood to kiss her soundly on her ruby lips.
Agotha handed the microphone back to Alex. She said quietly so that only he could hear her. “Next year I will be in the battle, or ye can find a new trainer.” She walked off the stage with Robert, and they got a rousing cheer from the warriors.
“We have another person tae thank for our success,” Alex continued. “Where is Rebel?”
Daniel and Rebecca were walking toward the stage when Alex made the announcement.
Rebecca wore a beautiful evening gown of long blue silk that had a lace overlay that touched the tops of her high heels. With a shawl over her arms and her red hair in long ringlets, she was a stunning sight to behold and received lots of whistles and cheers from the warriors.
Alex handed her the microphone, and she turned to address the warriors. “Next year, ye will beg for mercy,” she said with conviction, “because I will be here tae kick your arse every day.” She handed the microphone back to Alex and glared at him.
“Weel then, we have a change in the program for next year. It seems our most beautiful and prominent trainers will be joining us for the game.”
The reactions ranged from stunned to cheers. Eventually the cheers overwhelmed the groans. Agotha and Rebecca had earned the right to fight in the game.
“Are they going tae strip nekked and jump into the Lock with us?” One warrior yelled.
“We can only pray,” William yelled back.
“At least we’ll know where tae find Robert,” another warrior shouted.
“Yeah, in the hospital after Agotha gets through with him,” another responded, and whoops of laughter echoed through the crowd.
The winners were announced starting with third place. Evan and Iain jointly won that award for outstanding battle tactics, and together swaggered forward to claim the statue of a bronze warrior.
George and his brother, Richard, moved to the side of the stage in preparation for the announcement of George’s retirement and replacement.
“Ye canna be serious!” Rebecca whispered to Cheri, but the anger in her voice was unmistakable. “Richard is a Sassenach! He is the enemy. Ye canna do this tae me, Cheri. You’re my best friend in the world!”
Cheri was determined to meet the new Prince. “He is absolutely beautiful,” she whispered back to Rebecca. “Why would I care if he’s English? I’m from New York, and it doesn’t matter to me where he comes from.”
“How can ye say ye’re my friend and then run off with—him?”
“You are holding an ancient grudge,” Cheri said, and rolled her eyes. “This is the twenty-first century not ancient Scotland. He’s tall and handsome.”
“He’s blonde and English!” Rebecca felt the sting of betrayal. “How could ye not honor my wishes?”
Cheri had already decided she was going to meet Richard after the introduction. Rebecca wouldn’t understand her interest in Richard, but no matter what it took, she was going to meet him.
“Second place goes to Prince George for extraordinary battle tactics,” Alex announced.
George accepted the award and bowed. Alex handed him the microphone, and George made his announcement.
“This is the last year I will be Prince of the Game. I have many fond memories over the past twenty years to take with me into retirement. My lovely, Niki, and I thank you for the years of loyalty and support. My brother, Richard, will now take my place.”
Richard waved from the crowd in response.
Alex put his arms behind his back and stood with his feet braced apart. They waited for the final envelope to announce the winner of the game. He winked at Melissa. The judges brought him the envelope, and Alex tore it open. The astonishment on his face was evident to the crowd.
“The winner and Laird of the Game—is William MacKenna! The Laird’s team wins again this year!”
William accepted his award and the responsibility. There was a great deal of cheers as Alex stepped aside, and William stepped forward.
Alex bounded off the stage and wrapped Melissa in his arms! “You did it, lass! I didn’t fight—but you did!”
“What are you talking about, Alex?” Melissa was equally astonished. “I didn’t fight.”
“Yes, you did,” Evan and Gideon corrected her. “That night when you and Iain went frolicking around the countryside, you held a sword in your own hand, and you landed the blow that saved Iain from capture. The score was tied between the Laird’s warriors and the Prince’s army. Since you were listed as a warrior, you claimed the winning fifty points for the team! William had the highest-ranking points and won the Lairdship, but it’s the Clan that wins the money! You just won £10,000 pounds for every member of the Clan!”
The warriors went mad with excitement and cheered their Angel! She had brought them to victory after all.
Alex took Melissa in his arms and leaned down to whisper in her ear. “I love you.”
They were first in line to swear their fealty to their new Laird of the Game. Alex explained the custom, and she was enchanted. Alex told William he was proud of him, and Melissa kissed his cheek with tears in her eyes as she congratulated him.
William strolled through the crowd with his arms clasped behind his back. The swagger was every bit a MacKenn
a, Melissa thought.
The ceremony concluded, and the dance began. There were so many people packed into the area that Melissa hadn’t seen her sisters for an hour.
Alex took Melissa outside to the garden. “Now I have all the time in the world.” He captured her small hand and kissed her fingers. The ring slipped on her finger and fit perfectly. “There.” He said. “You are properly engaged.”
The diamond was stunning. She looked at the ring and gasped, “Alex! We could buy an entire house with that ring. Might I remind you that you that we are both unemployed at the moment.”
He smiled. “Don’t worry, love. We can afford it. I wanted tae give ye that ring last night but ye fell asleep on me.”
“Oh Alex, I’m so happy.” She kissed him soundly.
The warriors were all in high spirits. It was hysterical to see them get down and funky to sing about William’s first defeat.
“He was in the right place, must have been the wrong time.” William took the jest with a good-natured shrug.
Alex and Melissa found Amber and Sean, drinking tequila shots at the bar. Because the night was cool, Alex retrieved Melissa’s shawl from the house to keep her warm. She was shivering in the short skirt and pearl beaded tank top.
Alex left Melissa’s side for a few moments and met up with Iain at the bar.
“Are ye happy, Alex?” Iain asked the question but already knew the answer.
“Iain, I am ecstatic.” Alex smiled again. “And ye look happy too, little brother. Where’s Evan?” He leaned against the bar.
Iain pointed him out. Evan was having an argument with Beth, his girlfriend, and they saw her slap him.
“Ewww, that had tae hurt.” Alex chuckled.
“I am happy, by the way,” Iain responded. “Bonnie wants me tae finish school. We want tae build a home in Scotland.”
“It’s a good thing I bought that piece of property several years ago,” Alex agreed. “We can build an entire village where the river runs under the trees and still have room for our children tae grow up.”
Alex looked for Melissa. He found her leaning up against Daniel who had an arm around her and Rebecca. They laughed and hugged each other while Daniel introduced Rebecca.
Melissa hadn’t stopped smiling for hours and was delighted to meet the woman she had heard so much about. “I am so delighted to meet you, Rebecca. I have heard so many wonderful tales about your training. Please consider training me to properly ride. I tried it once, and they laughed themselves sick.”
“I thought ye did verra well,” Daniel argued. “Ye saved Iain’s life!”
“I don’t know how to ride, Daniel. Not like you all do. Rebecca, I understand you are a graphic artist, too! I can’t wait to get some time to talk to you.”
Rebecca couldn’t help but like Melissa a little. “I am an artist and would be happy tae teach ye how tae ride.”
Melissa went in search of another glass of champagne and found Cynthia, the woman who planned the party and the banquet. Melissa congratulated her on the party. It was a smashing success and Cynthia was delighted to meet Alex’s new wife.
Melissa reached out and took Cynthia’s hand. “Please tell me that dinner won’t include mutton.”
Cynthia laughed. “I think every one of the MacKenna boys have warned me that if there is one ounce of mutton, you will be quite ill.”
“Oh, thank you.” Just the thought was enough to make Melissa queasy.
They also got a chance to cut their wedding cake, and Alex nibbled the icing from her lips. He was soon pulled away to settle an argument but he sent William to take care of the incident.
Alex found Melissa on her way to the bar and danced her out to the middle of the floor. There was a loving glow in his eyes. They played a slow song, and she wrapped her arms around his neck. He bent and lifted her up against him, nearly crushing her to him while her feet dangled a foot off the floor.
William took his position seriously, they all noted, when he asked for the music to stop and commanded their attention.
“As my first official announcement, I would like tae congratulate my brother, Iain, and the lovely Bonnie on their wedding day.” There were lots of cheers for the groom and his lovely bride.
“And my second official announcement is to congratulate my brother, Alex, and the lovely Melissa on their wedding day.” There were several groans from those who had hoped until the bitter end that she would become available. “There are hearts breaking all over the Balquhidder tonight,” William said fondly.
Agotha appeared at Robert’s side, and they intercepted Bridget at the champagne fountain.
“It’s Bobby MacKenna!” Bridget was staggering.
“Ye’ve had enough tae drink, Bridget.” Robert was amused. “Time tae call it a night, lass, and sleep it off.”
William walked by and noticed Bridget was drunk. Melissa caught up to her sisters, and they headed for the house to find a bathroom.
“Nooooo!” Bridget held a glass of champagne in one hand and a bottle in the other. “Oh, please, Billy. Let me dunk Melissa’s head in the champagne fountain just once? It will make me feel better,” she pleaded with a smile. The beautiful blonde was broken-hearted.
Robert looked at William. “She’s your Personal Assistant now William. Perhaps ye should put her tae sleep on the couch in the study? I canna hit a woman.”
William shrugged “I canna do it either.”
Bridget had other plans. She stumbled forward and tried to dump the glass of champagne down the front of Melissa’s top. “He was mine!”
Melissa gasped and stepped back a pace. The champagne missed her by inches. “Not any more and I’m not a sharing type of lady. He’s mine, ye ken?”
Robert and William were clearly impressed.
Amber punched Bridget on the chin, and she fell into William’s arms.
“Ye go’ a hell-of-a punch there, Amber darlin’. I’m verra impressed,” Robert said casually, as if they had to knock out drunk and disorderly women every day.
William draped Bridget over his shoulder and addressed Robert. “She’s going back tae London on the next chopper.”
“Smart mon,” Robert said. He wanted to get Agotha alone for a few minutes and remind her how much she loved him.
Grandfather dropped by to find out what the ruckus was about but only nodded as Bridget was hauled away.
He offered Amber the crook of his arm. “’Tis a pity we canna put ye into the game, lass. Tha’ was a good punch! Ah well, it’s time for champagne.”
“I’m going with you,” Amber insisted.
Melissa and Sarah picked their way through the crowd. There were well over two thousand people in the area. Torches were lit on the hills, and smaller groups were cloistered into family bands. Children ran through the crowd and played mock warrior games like their powerful fathers.
It was mayhem! There were warriors dancing to a wild Highland gig, and encampments sharing kegs of beer! Melissa and her sisters were introduced to groups as they made their way across the field.
Alex was getting worried that she had been gone too long. He found her talking to the wives and mothers of the warriors and reassuring them the warriors were absolute gentlemen during the game.
“Excuse me, ladies,” Alex bowed low. “I’d like tae dance with my beautiful wife.”
Melissa laughed. He could be so bloody charming when he wanted something.
Daniel and Amber made a special announcement. “We have a song just for Alex and Melissa.”
Alex dipped her down and kissed the base of Melissa’s throat. That got cheers from the party. The music was Carlos Santana and the song, The Game of Love. Melissa got her third thrill of the evening. Alex dipped her, spun her, and held her so close she could feel the muscles in his thighs against her legs. He could dance in the same powerful, seductive way he made love to her, and it was playing havoc on her senses.
“I want you to promise me something, Alex.”
“Anythin
g, A Grá.” He caressed her back.
“Promise me that beautiful, wonderful things happen now. This is only the beginning and what happens next is truly amazing.”
Alex could feel his throat tighten, and his eyes stung in unexpected emotion. She had repeated back to him what he had said to her their first night together. “I promise.” He thought about trying to soothe her fears, but his voice was gone. He loved her more than he could ever comprehend.
Somewhere out beyond the fairy mounds, a bagpipe played a haunting melody; and on the ridge stood a loving couple that watched only a moment longer, and then disappeared into the magical mist of Scotland.
For a sneak preview of Laird of the Night, the sequel to Laird of the Game, please visit Lori’s website at www.lorileigh.com.
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