by Maya Banks
She nodded, only too happy to comply with his dictate.
The fire warming her skin, she sucked the broth from her spoon and savored the trail of warmth down her throat. It soothed the rawness and moistened the ravaged flesh.
She ate until exhaustion claimed her and she could barely hold her head up any longer. Reaction set in and to her disgust she began to shake violently.
It was stupid. She was safe. She was miles away from Ian McHugh, and he was dead anyway. And yet she couldn’t stop trembling. She couldn’t stop the horrific realization that she could still be in that dark dungeon manacled to the wall.
Graeme swept her into his arms and carried her back to the bed. He tossed aside the linen he’d wrapped her in and pulled the wool gown back over her head. Taking only enough time to remove his boots, he tucked her beneath the furs and crawled in beside her, pulling her to his body so that his warmth seeped into hers.
He rubbed his hands up and down her back until finally some of her panic faded and she went limp against him. He kissed her temple, her still damp hair, and the shell of her ear. His breath blew warm over her cheek and she snuggled deeper into his embrace, her eyes closing.
She would face her family when she awakened. Maybe by then, her voice would have returned and she would be able to give them the words to explain what she’d done.
CHAPTER 47
Graeme sat propped in bed, Eveline perched on his lap, his arms wrapped around her in support as she faced her brothers and her parents with something she’d long withheld from them. The truth.
He sat quietly, merely holding her while she swallowed her courage and plunged ahead with the entire story, ending with her capture by Ian McHugh and the terror she felt that he’d follow through with all the promises he’d made when she was much younger.
Rage mottled the faces of Brodie and Aiden. Tears glistened in her father’s eyes and he wouldn’t even meet Eveline’s gaze. Shame crowded his features and it hurt Eveline to see the pain on his face. Her mother was weeping softly, but there was also joy in her eyes, which heartened Eveline.
They weren’t angry. Their emotions seemed to run from gladness to sorrow. And anger at Ian McHugh. But not at her.
She sagged against Graeme, taking comfort in his embrace. She’d gratefully seized on his strength, needing every ounce she could muster to brave her family.
“Why did you not tell me?” Brodie asked, sadness in his gaze as he stared at Eveline. “You have to know I would have championed you.”
“You could not have changed Papa’s mind,” she said.
“ ’Tis I who must shoulder the blame for all that you felt forced to do,” her father said, his expression strained.
“Nay!” Eveline denied. “Please, I cannot bear to see you all so sad. It was a stupid thing to do. I accept that. I don’t regret my actions, because perhaps things would not be as they are now. But it was not a good thing nor was it your fault. I lied. I deceived you. I became ensnared in a web I couldn’t escape. I only wanted you to know the truth now and for you also to know that I do not blame you. I am not angry. I love you.”
Her mother rose from her seat next to Eveline’s father and came forward to where Eveline sat across Graeme’s lap. She held out her arms and Eveline went willingly, hugging her mother as fiercely as her mother hugged her.
It had been so long since she’d had such contact with her mother and she savored the warmth and love of something as wondrous as a mother’s hug. Even though she was no longer a child, she was not so old that she had no need of her mother’s comfort. There was not a better feeling in the world.
Her mother drew away, framing Eveline’s face. Tears slid down her mother’s face, but then she smiled, her eyes shining with love and forgiveness.
“ ’Tis true then, you can read all that I say from merely watching my lips?”
Eveline nodded. “Aye.”
“Clever lass,” her mother said, patting her cheek.
Her father also rose and stood a short distance away, his eyes haunted. No longer able to bear the sadness on his face, Eveline pushed away from Graeme. Sensing her intention, Graeme helped her to her feet.
Eveline walked to where her father stood and wrapped her arms around his waist, rested her cheek on his burly chest, and squeezed with all her strength.
His arms immediately came around her, holding her as tightly as she held him. His body shook against her and he kissed the top of her head.
When he pulled away, there were visible tear tracks on his cheeks and grief was heavy in his gaze.
“I’m sorry, my baby,” he said.
She shook her head. “Nay, ’tis all forgiven. And ’twas I who should have begged your forgiveness. All is well now. ’Tis all that matters.”
Her father nodded. “Aye, what’s important is if you’re happy and well cared for.”
She smiled and then glanced back to where Graeme was now standing by the bed. His gaze never left her and she was struck by the depth of emotion in his eyes.
Without looking back at her father, she said, “Oh aye, I am well cared for, Papa.”
Brodie and Aiden came to hug her. Brodie was fierce in his embrace, and he touched a gentle finger to the bruise so close to her mouth.
“I love you, little sister. Never forget your home here and the people who love you.”
She smiled. “Nay, I’ll not forget ever.”
She returned to Graeme and he once more sat on the bed, pulling her into his lap. She felt safe and sheltered there, his warmth and strength aiding her own.
“There is more we must know, Eveline,” Graeme said. “Ian McHugh took you, but when we rode to McHugh Keep, Patrick McHugh claimed he had no knowledge of his son’s actions. We left the holding quickly because we feared that you were sorely injured. Can you tell us all that occurred, if ’tis not too painful for you to relate?”
Eveline stared at her husband in shock. “Not know of it? Graeme, he was there, in the dungeon when Ian struck me. I saw him and he backed into the shadows as if he didn’t want me to see, but he was there. He knew of it all.”
Graeme went rigid and he stared at the others in the room, his features locked in fury. She touched his cheek so he’d look at her once more.
“He acted afraid of his son. It made no sense to me. Ian was so much smaller than I remembered him to be. Much smaller than even his father. When I was younger, he seemed so huge, like a monster of myth. When I saw him again, I could scarcely believe that this was a man who’d fueled my nightmares for so long.”
“He dies,” Graeme said, his expression ice cold.
Eveline glanced worriedly at the others who wore similar expressions of fury. Her father’s cheeks were red with rage.
Bowen stepped forward. “I know you are angry, Graeme. No one blames you. But Eveline needs you right now. You should not leave her side even to avenge her. You exacted punishment on the one who was most responsible for her torment. Let me take our men and ride to McHugh Keep to take care of the matter.”
Graeme started to shake his head, but Eveline’s father held up his hand. “Your brother is right, Graeme. ’Tis not a matter for you to take up. Your place is with your wife. I will lend troops. ’Tis likely they’ll give up without a fight. They know they cannot win.”
“I’ll go with him,” Aiden said, a scowl on his face.
“And I,” Teague said.
Eveline’s head swam from moving from face to face in order to see all that was said.
Tavis smiled as Brodie also took up the cause. Then he glanced at Graeme. “What say you, Graeme? Can two chieftains stand aside and allow their most loyal men to rid the highlands of a viper?”
“I lay claim to the holding,” Graeme said. “It will be granted to Eveline and our daughter, no matter when she is born, be it first or last in line. Any son she bears me will eventually take over the role of chieftain to our clan. But I would have our daughter provided for so she never feels as Eveline did when she sought to escap
e marriage to a brutal monster.”
Eveline’s eyes filled with tears and she threw her arms around her husband’s neck, holding him tightly as hot trails tracked down her cheeks.
When she finally pulled away, she kissed him full on the lips, uncaring of who witnessed the intimacy. He cradled her once more against him and she glanced at the assembled group of men who were steadily making plans for the Montgomerys and Armstrongs to go forth in their first joint task as newly formed allies.
Her brothers and Graeme’s were already arguing over who was granted the task of executing Patrick McHugh for his lies and treachery. She forced her glance away, not wanting to dwell on death.
Graeme tipped her chin in his direction and stroked his hand over her cheek.
“Your mother wants to have some time with you. I’ll go below stairs with the others while they discuss the planning. I’ll come back up to check on you later.”
He gently set her aside so she sat on the bed, and then he rose, gesturing to the others to exit the chamber.
When they were gone, Eveline turned her gaze to her mother, suddenly nervous now that they were alone.
Robina sat on the bed facing Eveline and took her hands in hers.
“You love him,” her mother said, her expression soft.
“Oh aye,” Eveline breathed. “So very much. He has been so wonderful to me.”
Her mother smiled and squeezed her hands. She leaned forward and kissed Eveline’s cheek and then pulled away, joy still shining on her face.
“ ’Tis obvious he loves you.”
Eveline didn’t immediately respond, but then she looked directly at her mother, her heart pounding all the while. “Aye, I believe he does. He has not said so, but I believe it to be with all my heart.”
Her mother nodded. “Aye, I believe it too. He’s so protective and tender with you, Eveline. ’Tis a glorious sight to behold.”
Eveline sighed. “ ’Tis the one time I truly resent my inability to hear.”
Her mother frowned. “Why so?”
“Because more than anything, I wish I could hear him say the words. ’Tis all I would ever ask again.”
Graeme stood quietly outside the door, listening as the wistful tone came through in Eveline’s words. It hurt him that she longed for the impossible, that she needed to hear those words so badly.
He considered the situation for a long moment as she and her mother continued to converse inside the chamber. Nay, she could not hear him through normal means. But somehow, he would find a way to make her hear him. He wanted there to be no doubt in her mind that he loved her more than it was possible to love any other.
He placed his hand on the closed chamber door and whispered softly, “I love you, Eveline. I’ll make you hear me if ’tis the last thing I do.”
CHAPTER 48
“I’d like this to be a new beginning between our clans,” Tavis Armstrong said as goblets of ale were placed in front of Graeme, Bowen, and Teague as well as Brodie, Aiden, and Tavis.
“I’m listening,” Graeme said.
His brothers exchanged glances, and then they both looked to Graeme. Graeme recognized the enormity of this moment. The unthinkable was occurring thanks to a blue-eyed, golden-haired lass who’d stormed into his life and made him think of other things than revenge and hatred.
She’d taught him to love.
“Together we are a force like no other,” Tavis said.
Aiden nodded his agreement. Brodie was obviously in support of his father as well. He sat to the side without rancor or derision. He looked … eager … to make peace.
“No one, not even the crown, would have the power to defeat our combined forces,” Tavis continued. “ ’Tis not that I’m suggesting any such insurrection. I’m merely pointing out the benefits of a true alliance between us. Not one forced upon us.”
Graeme took in a deep breath, glanced toward his brothers one last time. They met his gaze and nodded almost imperceptibly. Then Graeme looked back at the Armstrong chieftain.
“I’m willing.”
There was such gladness and relief in Tavis’s eyes that Graeme was taken aback.
“ ’Tis good that we can put decades of feuding behind us, not only for the sake of my daughter, but for your children and my sons’ children. Instead, we can build an unbreakable alliance that will ensure the future of both of our clans.”
Graeme nodded, peace settling deep into his heart. ’Twas the right decision. It was not one he could have made before Eveline. But he wanted his and Eveline’s children to grow up surrounded by the protection of both clans. He never wanted the likes of Ian McHugh to threaten all he held dear.
Tavis held out his hand to Graeme. “A new oath, one that is not blood sworn, but instead is given freely and without coercion.”
Graeme reached across the table to grasp the older man’s hand. Tavis held on, surprising strength in his grip.
“I want to be a part of my daughter’s life and to see the children of her womb. My grandchildren.”
Graeme didn’t misunderstand what Eveline’s father was truly asking. He was asking that he be allowed on Montgomery land. Freely. At will. He was asking that Graeme open his gates to the Armstrongs and that goodwill be forged from this point forward.
He was asking that they act as a … family.
I’m sorry, Da. I cannot continue in the path I have followed for the last years. I love Eveline. She means everything to me. More than revenge. More than punishing those I hold accountable for your death. Forgive me, please.
He met Tavis’s gaze. “You will always be welcome on Montgomery land. Eveline will be happy to see the family she loves, and ’tis my hope to provide the grandchildren you so hope to enjoy.”
“You are a good man,” Tavis said hoarsely. “I would have never imagined that we would be sitting here speaking of visitations and grandchildren. You’ve taught an old man much about being the better man. It would have been easy to resent and punish Eveline for a marriage forced upon you and alliance with a man you hate. And yet you treated her kindly.”
Graeme withdrew his hand. Dread had left his heart. No longer did he feel the weight of hatred or the thirst for revenge. When he looked at Tavis Armstrong, he didn’t see a man he’d hated for the better part of his life. He saw a man who loved his daughter and who wanted to forge a better future for her and her children.
“Tonight we celebrate the safe return of my daughter,” Tavis announced. “We’ll have a feast prepared and rejoice in a new alliance. ’Tis a new dawn in our clans’ history. In the morning, my sons and your brothers will ride to avenge the wrong done to both our clans by the McHughs.”
“Do you feel well enough to come down for the evening’s celebration?” Robina Armstrong asked Eveline.
Eveline smiled and nodded. “Aye. I want to be with my husband and my family. ’Tis a joyous occasion. I’ll not allow Ian McHugh to frighten me any longer.”
Her mother smiled and hugged Eveline to her bosom. “Come, then, let’s find you something stunning to wear. I have something that should suit you.”
An hour later, Eveline’s hair was partially upswept in a jeweled comb, while the rest was left to flow down her back. She wore a gown the colors of an autumn sunset. Russet, amber, and golden hues were woven into the fine material. Each stitch was intricately set. Eveline shone like a thousand suns. Not even the bruises on her face could disguise her beauty.
“The men await,” Robina said. “Let us go before they grow impatient. They wait on us to begin the festivities.”
Eveline descended the stairs behind her mother and when they entered the hall, she looked upon her husband standing by the hearth and was taken back to the time when she’d first laid eyes on Graeme Montgomery.
He’d been standing, just as he was standing now, and she’d felt the vibrations in her ears from his low, rumbling voice. She’d been fascinated by him from the very start.
He turned, his gaze settling on her as she stood across the
room. There was deep satisfaction in his eyes, and then he started across the hall in her direction.
Her mother smiled and left her side to go to her husband. Graeme stopped a foot in front of her and held out his hand.
“You look beautiful, Eveline,” Graeme said.
She slid her hand into his and let him lead her to stand before the fire while they waited for her father to begin the seating.
Teague and Bowen were a short distance away, conversing with Brodie and Aiden. When they saw her, however, they broke away and came to stand with her and Graeme.
Bowen leaned in and kissed her cheek. “ ’Tis wonderful to see you looking so lovely, little sister.”
Eveline’s face warmed and she returned his affectionate gesture with a kiss to his cheek. “Thank you.”
Teague then leaned in and kissed her other cheek. “You’re a fierce lass, Eveline. I’m glad you’re on our side.”
She laughed as joy and happiness filled her soul.
Graeme glanced around the rapidly filling room, and then he looked up at Tavis. Tavis made a nodding motion with his head and Graeme led Eveline to the raised high table. He seated her at the head of the table, where by all rights her father should have sat. She frowned when he turned her sideways in the chair so she faced the rest of the room.
Then to her utter amazement, he knelt before her, drawing her hands into his.
“Close your eyes, Eveline,” he said, softness in his eyes.
She obeyed without question, closing her eyes and turning the room to darkness. It was an unsettling sensation, not being able to see or hear, but Graeme’s hands were tightly around hers, and she knew she’d never come to harm when he was near.
Then she felt an intense vibration blow through her ears. She knew he’d spoken, nay—he must have thundered it for her to feel it so keenly.
He lifted her hands and pressed them to his chest and then the words rumbled out of his chest again, fluttering through her ears until it caused an itching sensation deep within. It was almost musical, though she hadn’t heard him exactly. But it was soft and soothing, the closest she’d come to actually hearing in three long years.