“Ah, Lass I am glad to know you worked up a hearty appetite. I am starving as well.” He winked and chuckled at her pink cheeks before he led her to her seat beside him.
“When will ye marry me Cara? I admit we have been a bit hasty in our endeavors, but now we should be married.”
Cara beamed. “As soon as possible.”
“Aye. A week then? Will that be enough time?”
Cara looked wide eyed. “I don’t know. I need a gown and, well, I don’t know?’
Liam motioned for a wench and sent for Mili. “Mili knows everything about what goes on here. She’ll help ye and I suspect she’ll be glad to hand over the household duties to ye. She’s been after me for year to find a wife so she could take it a bit more easy.”
Mili arrived and approached them. “Ye sent for me Laird?”
“Aye, that I did Mili. This is Cara. She’s to be Lady here and is in need of yer assistance.”
The old woman eyed Cara for a moment and then nodded.
“Good. Now we need a wedding gown made and preparations for a wedding. How long will it all take?”
“Well,” Mili rubbed her jaw, “I’d say two months.”
Liam groaned and shook his head>
Mili laughed loudly. “I thought as much. Well how about one month then?”
Liam smiled. “That’s more like it! I confess that I had hoped for sooner though.”
“Why the rush? Yer already enjoying married life are ye not?”
Cara’s cheeks burned so she changed the topic. “Do we have a gown?” Cara enquired.
“Aye. If ye don’t mind wearin’ Liam’s mama’s gown. We’ll need to shorten it a bit and take it in a few places, but I think it will be lovely on ye. We’ll have a look at it after yer finished here.”
Cara beamed and looked to Liam. “Is it alright if I wear it Liam?”
Liam swallowed hard. His mother had shown him that dress once. She’d told him how pretty she’d felt in it and how she hoped to see his mate wear it some day. Liam felt a lump in his throat and tried to swallow it. His eyes burned so he closed them.
Cara thought he was rejecting the idea until he nodded and met her eyes again.
“Cara that would be a beautiful thing. My mother wanted that. I wish she could be here to help you with it.”
Cara nodded. “I wish that too. I wish my own were here too.”
Liam gently wiped a tear from her cheek. We will have to make a life they would be proud of. I know we will be happy because I love you too much to allow it any other way.”
She smiled through her tears. “Bossy man.”
He tweaked her pert little nose and then kissed it.
Cara spent the next month in a daze. She learned how to run the castle and learned who did what. She also had to prepare for her wedding. The dress had to be taken apart and practically remade to fit her. It was beautiful.
All the while she was plagued with morning sickness. At first she was embarrassed to run to the pot and lose the contents of her stomach in front of Liam, but by the end of the first week she no longer cared. She was becoming weak and unable to keep up with the chores of the household. Mili continued to help her, but Car felt that she was letting everyone down. She continued to push herself until she was all but exhausted. The wedding came though and there was no time to rest.
They were married one month after her arrival. The wedding was a simple affair even though many had traveled to celebrate with them. Cara was beautiful in her satin gown with a lace overskirt. Her veil was of the same lace and flowed down her back and covered her long red hair. Liam stood stoically in full Scottish regalia. He looked imposing and important in his formal garb and Cara paused for a moment just to look at him. He caught her eye and the twinkle showed his mischievous nature. She smiled and moved to him.
When the ceremony was over they made their way to the great hall and the banquet that had been laid out for the celebration.
Her eyes wondered over the room seeking familiar faces. Evan and Euan were surrounded by young ladies and they were having a wonderful time. Balor sat with several other men and laughed merrily as usual. Deaglan sat to her left and scowled darkly. Darren was nowhere in sight.
“Where is Darren?” She asked Liam, disappointed that he would miss this time of joy.
“He has gone in search of his mate, my sister Eva. James McKenzie provided information that we hope will lead us to her recovery.”
Cara’s eyes widened. Would this somehow be the choice Darren would make? Would he have to choose between her and his own mate? She closed her eyes praying that it would not be. Then she looked to Deaglan.
“Why are you not with the others making merry?”
He turned tortured eyes to her. “I cannot,” was all he said before he turned from her. Cara looked to Liam, but he shook his head so she didn’t question him. Later she thought. Later she would get to the bottom of this.
Deaglan sat beside Cara and cursed his temper. He hadn’t meant to be short with her, but he couldn’t understand what was happening to him. He would normally enjoy the comforts of a woman, there were a few human women who worked in the castle and didn’t mind sharing their favors with the men. He’d tried. A lass that had stirred his blood on many other evenings had offered him her company, but when his lips met hers his stomach had rolled and threatened to give up its contents. She’d then decided to get to the root of the issue, so to speak, but when her hands had found him, no amount of effort could bring him to life. He’s stood and stared at the limp member and finally sent the wench on her way. How could he be reacting this way? He’d found no mate. He must be ill, but he felt fine. The overwhelming desire to remain close to Cara was odd too though. He watched her from the corner of his eye. What was happening to him? He found Liam looking at him and he met his eyes. He saw understanding there and frowned. How could Liam possibly understand? Unless…He breathed deep. Once, twice, three times and then he smelled it. It was Cara, but slightly different. She was with child, and he feared she carried his mate.
Deaglan’s eyes widened as he realized what that meant to him. He quickly looked to Liam again and he nodded. Liam knew.
Deaglan sighed. A mate. He wouldn’t spend his life alone. He could watch her grow and he could love and care for her all of her life. He felt the warmth of joy flow in his veins for the first time in years and then he blanched. What would have happened if Ramsey had taken her? Would they ever be able to protect her from a monster like Ramsey. They had used her as bait knowing she carried a child, his mate. Fury boiled inside him until he felt Liam’s calming voice in his mind. “She was protected. I would never risk them. They were safe.”
Deaglan scowled and looked at Liam again. “Never again. They will never again be put at risk. Do you hear me?”
“Calm yerself Deaglan. They will be kept safe.”
Cara looked from one man to the other. “Who?”
“You and the bairn.”
“My mate.” Deaglan pointed out pleased.
“WHAT?! She is barely alive and you have claimed her?”
“Nay, Cara…”but Cara broke in.
“I won’t have her taken from me before she is even born. She is my child and you can’t have her yet!”
“This is a blessing Cara,” Liam spoke quietly.
“Why can’t she be free to make her own choice?”
“I think she has. This was not something Deaglan chose, but something that chose him. He has been bewildered not knowing why his feelings are so conflicted. He only just figured it out. It is a blessing to have our daughter mated with a friend who is honorable and well loved and trusted by us both. He will not take her from us, but aid us in her upbringing and her protection.”
“It seems dreadful for her though.”
“You think I will not suit her?” Deaglan enquired.
“I have no idea. I have yet to meet her myself. Oh, this is ridiculous! What if she isn’t pleasing to look at? What if she is malformed in som
e way? What if she is spoiled and has a bad nature?”
Deaglan laughed softly. “Cara. You do not understand our ways. I will be unaware of her faults. I will love her. I will not be able to help myself. Just as you love Liam.” He raised his brow. “Do you not find him too big? His hair is rather wild you ken. He scowls more than he smiles and he demands that his way is the only way and he is never wrong. How then can you love him as you do?”
Cara blushed as she understood his point. “I just think it is a bit like arranging a marriage before the child has been born. I want her to be happy.”
Deaglan took her small hand in his larger one. “Cara, I will spend my life making sure that she is nothing but happy.”
Cara smiled sheepishly at him. She knew he was a man of honor and if anyone could be trusted with her child he could. She nodded and began to eat again. Cara’s stomach began to roll and she rushed from the room. She ran to the back entrance and emptied her stomach. She turned to find Liam behind her. He gently lifted her in his arms and carried her to their chamber.
He helped her undress and laid her in their bed. He kissed her tenderly and began to move away.
“Liam?”
He shook his head. “Cara love, yer not well. If ye think I’ll be forcing’ myself upon ye tonight yer wrong. Ye need to rest more’n I need to love ye, which is a lot.” He smiled and sat on the bed beside her. “I want ye well. I know the bairn is givin’ ye trouble. I want ye to let Mili take things in hand for a while.”
“Nay Liam. I am the Lady here and I should do my duty.”
“Not if it means yer health.”
“I’ll be fine Liam. Women have bairns all the time and ye ken it well. I can’t be lazing about when I have a duty to you and the people here.”
Liam sighed. “I will be watchin’ ye. If I think yer doin’ too much then I’ll put an end to it.”
Cara nodded her agreement and opened her arms to him.
He sat still for a moment.
“I have a duty to you to husband, and it is one I enjoy a great deal. Won’t you let me love you now as yer wife?”
Liam groaned and reached for her.
12
Deaglan watched Cara rush through the hall. She seemed to never slow down. She was pale and thin. Her eyes had dark smudges under them. He was worried. He stalked to where Liam stood, also watching Cara.
“She overdoes Liam.”
“Aye, I ken it.”
“Why do you let it go on then?”
“She wants to prove herself. I don’t have the heart to make her stop.”
“You’ll either make her stop or watch her kill herself.”
“I fear it as well. I will take care of it tonight.”
Deaglan scowled as Liam turned and made his way out of the hall. He stayed in the hall and continues to watch Cara. When she slowly made her way up the stairs he stood and followed her. He was thankful he had been so diligent when her steps faltered and she stumbled. He caught hr before she fell and carried her to her chamber. Mili met them before they reached the door.
“Get Liam.”
She nodded and hurried to find the Laird.
“Nay Deaglan, don’t bother Liam with this. It was a spell. I am sure it is normal. I’m fine now. I have too much to do to lie in bed.”
“Nay. You’ll lie there or I’ll tie you to it! If you don’t have the brains to take care of yerself then I will do it for ye!”
“How dare you speak to me that way! I am not a child to be scolded!”
“Then don’t act like one. Yer carryin’ a child. Ye have to take care of yerself or ye’ll not be any good to anyone.”
“I’m not as it is! I ran my father’s house. How can things be so different here? I can’t do a thing right. I try so hard, but I can’t seem to do anything right.” A sob escaped her throat and Deaglan gathered her in his arms.
An enraged snarl erupted from the door way as Liam stalked in. He ripped Cara from Deaglan’s arms and hissed at him. Deaglan rolled his eyes and shook his head.
“Liam, I don’t want yer mate. She almost fell down the stairs. She needs to rest and she was upset. I comforted her. That is all.”
Liam narrowed his eyes and ran his eyes over Cara. Her pain and weakness called to his protective nature. He took a deep breath knowing Deaglan spoke the truth.
“Enough Cara. You are doing too much.”
“Oh Liam, if I stop now I will lose the respect of the servants.”
“I would rather lose every servant than you and the bairn. You risk too much.”
Cara was too tired to fight them. She slumped weakly against the pillows. Mili brought in a steaming bowl of soup and handed it over to Liam.
“Make her eat the soup and keep her in that bed! She looks like the walking dead and I’m afraid she’ll drop at any minute. If ye can’t see that this is all too much for the wee lass then yer as blind as ye are big! Yer expectin’ too much of the poor thing and I have had my fill of it. I am taking back over until she is well again.”
With that she left the room. Liam stood frowning at her back. Did everyone think he was forcing the responsibilities upon Cara? He looked down at her tiny frame. Maybe he had made her believe it too.
“Cara. Lass, I don’t expect ye to take everything on yer wee shoulders. Mili is here to help ye. You are to oversee it all, not work yerself sick. Now I want ye to let Mili handle things for a while. Then you are to oversee things without over doing. Now eat this or she’ll have both our hides.”
Cara pushed herself up and took a bite of the warm soup. It soothed her quickly and she was soon too drowsy to stay awake. She curled up beneath the blankets and went to sleep.
Deaglan stood; arms crossed and watched Cara sleep.
“I can’t lock her away.” Liam said quietly.
“Aye, I ken it, but it would be easier than watching her struggle.”
Liam nodded. Then he smiled. “We will go for a hunt. Her change should bring her strength and the freedom will rejuvenate her.”
Deaglan grinned. “Who should I gather to go along?”
Just the six of us since Darren is still away.”
Deaglan nodded and left the room
When Cara awoke Liam encouraged her to change. She hadn’t done so in a week or more and it felt wonderful. She ran for miles with the men at her back. She felt the strength of her cat infusing her body with renewed energy. A scent floated to her on the breeze and she stopped abruptly. Wolf. She smelled wolf. Terror engulfed her as she began to turn, but then a small sound caught her ear. She cautiously made her way toward the sound, aware all the time of the men fanning out around her. She heard it again closer and continued. When Cara found what she hunted she was utterly confused.
She nudged the tiny creature with her nose and was delighted to hear it growl at her. She felt joy flow through her. She looked up to find Liam staring at her.
“We have to save her.” She implored.
She felt desperation clawing at her as she stared at the huge tigers surrounding the tiny wolf female.
“You agreed to a truce! We must save her.”
Liam changed and spoke quietly. “Cara, we can’t take her back with us.”
“I can or I don’t go either.”
At that moment Darren burst through the bushes. “Run!” He shouted to their minds.
Liam changed and began to run with the others, but noticed Cara was not with him. He turned and found her standing gloriously naked holding the squirming baby in her arms. A pack of wolves ran through the trees on Darren’s heels. Liam knew he would never reach her in time. She would be killed and all because she wouldn’t leave that worthless pup.
He watched in horror as Darren passed her and stopped. They all turned and ran to her knowing it would be too late.
Darren saw Cara standing in the glade holding the tiny wolf child. He’d saved the child from Ramsey’s band of perverted men. Ramsey had recruited a small force and was roaming the highlands spreading his pois
on. Darren had saved this child, but had to leave her in order to draw the men away, now Cara was in danger too. Was this his choice? No there could be no choice here. He sent Cara his thoughts and she refused.
“Leave her Cara. Your life is more important!”
“Nay, I cannot!”
Darren didn’t wait for her to argue further. He sent the only alternative he could think of and she nodded vigorously. She climbed onto his back and held on to his thick fur. Darren ran as fast as he could, but he could feel the wolves gaining ground behind him. Just when he knew they would overtake him Liam, Deaglan, Balor, Euan, and Evan met him and faced the wolves as he and Cara escaped. They made it to the castle and Cara quickly made her way inside. She still didn’t feel comfortable in only her skin.
It didn’t take long for the others to enter the gates. Liam’s dark moon was apparent from a distance and Darren felt pity for Cara.
“Where the hell is she?” He demanded.
“Inside.”
Liam looked to his friend. “Ye have my thanks. Ye saved her and me.”
“Aye. I ken it well, but I also put the bairn in her path.”
Liam scowled. “What do ye mean?”
Highland Tigress (Tiger Series) Page 9