Highland Vengeance

by Saydee Bennett

  Malcolm had been gazing at the English beauty while moving his hand to his erection and preparing for the ultimate prize. The wind howled around him and he could see his enchanting beauty by the faint moonlight in the sky. The snowflakes softly fell on her and they melted as they touched Olivia’s fevered face. Malcolm thought she glistened in the light and wished he could look into her eyes while he sought ecstasy with her body. He moved closer to her and began grasping at her breasts. Malcolm almost lost control as he heard a moan escape from her lips, knowing that she too enjoyed his touch.

  Most men would have had their way with her and be gone by now but Malcolm was different and he wanted this moment to linger. He would be careful to tease himself just enough and then pull back to make sure it would last a while. The evil man moved his hard erection against her legs while he slowly let his tongue taste the skin on her neck. Olivia was intoxicating to him and could not wait to experience more of her flavor. Before Malcolm could get his hand up her dress, he heard the high-pitched sound of horses cry out in the night.

  “Damn it!” Malcolm cursed.

  They were close and Laird MacKay knew he would have to leave his treasure behind. Malcolm bolted into the dark hills surrounding his land. He would be able to escape far enough to hide from the men for now but Malcolm knew he would need a horse to get further away. This was his land and he knew it well. Malcolm followed a frozen river deep into brush and disappeared into a dark cave. He would be safe there and the new snow would cover any tracks he had already made. The MacKay man would vanish and be gone like a thief in the night.

  The men covered the forest looking for Camden’s wife knowing she had to be close by. The new fallen snow had covered Malcolm tracks on the ground but Laird Sinclair looked for other signs that showed which way the man went. He could see that some of the small branches on the trees were bent back and he knew someone had to do that. Liam circled left, Broderick to the right and Camden moved forward slowly, each anticipating to catch their prey. As Liam called out to alert Laird Sinclair, Camden had a flood of emotions race through his body. He hoped Olivia had been found but he feared the condition they would find her in.

  “M’laird, she is here,” Liam continued to yell.

  Dozens of warriors raced to where Liam was and Camden was the first to see his wife’s pale body on the ground. Rage filled him as he flew from his horse and screamed out into the night. When Laird Sinclair touched Olivia’s fiery hot skin, he knew she was still alive. Broderick knelt next to Camden and he instantly realized his biggest fear had come true. The bloody mess at her side was proof that Olivia had not healed from her earlier injury and he was sure it was bursting with infection.

  “Damn her,” Broderick swore.

  “What Broderick? Tell me,” Camden snapped.

  “She said she was fine but look,” Broderick pointed to her bloody gash, “her wound has not healed. It must be infected, that is why she burning up.”

  Camden pulled the torn dress that stuck to the bleeding wound and he was furious that his wife was gravely injured.

  “When the hell did this happen?”

  “It has been almost four days. She was stabbed just before we left the Kincaid land,” Broderick said sadly.

  “Who did this?” Camden growled.

  “I did not know about it m’laird,” Liam muttered.

  “I am sorry, I did not know either,” Calum answered.

  Stephan and Keith both nodded their heads to agree that they didn’t know about Olivia’s wound.

  “I am afraid only I knew Camden, it was Ian. When he attacked Lady Sinclair, Ian got his blade into her side. She stitched it herself before leaving for your land. She told me it was only a flesh wound. I did not know it was this bad, honest. Your wife has not complained one time,” Broderick explained.

  “We have to get her out of here and clean this injury or she will not survive.”

  Laird Sinclair cradled his wife’s head and softly kissed her lips. If her skin had not been burning hot, Camden would have sworn she was dead. My God, he thought to himself, she has to live. He let Broderick pick Olivia up and the warrior handed her to Camden who was already mounted on his horse. Never had the men held something so delicate and fragile. Camden kept her tucked in his plaid against his chest and guided his beast back to the Sinclair holding.

  They would have to ride through the night but the laird was determined to bring Olivia to where she was safe and could be treated. Camden’s guards followed silently behind their laird and each one of the men said his own prayer silently to God for the healing of Lady Sinclair. The warriors cared greatly for this woman, for she was truly one of them. Olivia was part of Camden’s elite guard with a bond unlike any other and for a time, she was their laird.

  Broderick took his clan and the others back to the MacKay holding to make sure the situation had been handled properly. For the rest of the night, the warriors that fought for Camden and Olivia got rid of the dead MacKay soldiers. Only a few men from each of the other clans had been killed or wounded. Broderick was sad to see that Laird Macleod did not live through his injuries. The bodies of these brave men were loaded onto wagons to be brought back to their homes.

  As the early morning hours came, Broderick was one of the last men to leave the MacKay holding. He thought it was fitting that the building was in ruins and not a soul was around to bring it to life. The MacKay clan had done enough damage to the Sinclair clan and to Camden. Broderick now prayed to his Maker that Camden’s wife would live. He had been her protector from the moment the two had met and Broderick felt helpless now with no way to save her. Olivia had become his friend and he hoped for Camden’s sake, that the woman would live.

  He took the last of the remaining soldiers with him and headed for the Sinclair Castle. Broderick hoped to find peace and order restored there after all that had happened to the clan. Laird Kincaid set a rapid pace to the Sinclair land and with each step, he wondered where Malcolm had fled to. None of the warriors had found the MacKay laird and it was likely that he had escaped deep into the forest. Broderick knew that this battle would not be finished until Camden made sure that the evil man was dead. Once Olivia was healed, they would find Malcolm and make the man pay for the cruel transgressions he had caused the Sinclairs.

  Chapter Eleven

  Everyone was there with Olivia, her brother Garrison and his wife Ella, her young niece and nephew, the Sinclair warriors and of course, Camden. She was sure it had to be a dream having all of the people she loved together with her. Olivia was watching the children play in the beautiful garden at Garrison’s castle in England and she had never been happier. The laird’s wife held back her laughter when she saw the giant men in Camden’s guard awkwardly trying to sit in the petite English chairs. Certainly, the men stood out with their Highland attire and massively sculpted bodies. Olivia loved every moment of the dream world she lived in, in truth, feeling Camden’s strong arms wrapped around her made Olivia think this was more like heaven than a dream. Whatever this place was, the beautiful countess never wanted to leave.

  Standing on the terrace of the Lansington Castle, Camden continued to hold Olivia tightly while he nuzzled her neck. She wondered why he clung to her so tightly, almost too tight, it felt like he was squeezing the life out of her. Olivia tried to make Camden let go so she could breathe easier but his grip on her grew stronger and her side was starting to hurt.

  “Please, Camden you are hurting me,” she said, trying to free herself from his grip.

  “My love, I am sorry it hurts but I must do this,” Camden whispered.

  Olivia wondered if her husband knew his own strength for now tears had formed in her eyes and crying was something she did not want to do. The pain in her side was excruciating and Olivia could not understand why Camden was trying to hurt her. Suddenly this dream was turning into a nightmare and she cried out to everyone around her for help. The beautiful English castle became dark and dreary and the colorful garden had only wilted dri
ed blooms. The sky was gray and all those she loved were standing by, watching her being tormented from Camden’s hold on her.

  As the pain became too much to tolerate, the feisty woman began to hit her husband to make him release his hold. Olivia twisted to see her husband and when she caught a glimpse of his face, it was Malcolm causing her this anguish. The villain was laughing while he attacked her and now she was alone with no one there to help her. Olivia cried out to God to save her and then her dismal world started fading out to black.

  Camden held his wife’s fevered body and continued to drizzle cool water onto her forehead while he kissed her rosy cheeks. By the time he had gotten her back to the Sinclair castle, Olivia had lost a great deal of blood. The laird had ridden with her lifeless body against his and when he handed her down to Liam, Camden’s own plaid was soaked through with his wife’s blood. The Sinclair women had cleaned Olivia thoroughly, including the wound in her side. Camden was strong as he watched the two elderly women use clean linens to wipe the infection away from the large gash. The mood in the Sinclair holding was somber and silent. The Sinclair laird heard a soft knock at the door and turned to see Broderick enter the chamber. It was useless for Broderick to try to hide his reaction to the sight of Olivia’s pale body and no one blamed the gentle giant for his misty eyes.

  “Come Broderick, I could use some support before they dress the wound.”

  The new Kincaid laird was astonished to hear those words come from Camden’s mouth. This was one of the most feared warriors in all the Highlands and he had just asked for support from his friend. Whatever was happening with Lady Sinclair, Broderick knew that is must have been serious. He saw a priest praying over Olivia and the protective warrior hoped he was not too late.

  “They have cleaned the infection and poured a hot brew of medical herbs over the wound. I am grateful that my wife stills sleeps for I doubt anyone could bear the pain of this treatment,” Camden said with a hoarse whisper.

  “Then she has not woken up yet?” Broderick asked.

  “She has tossed and turned a bit and mumbled things that I do not understand but I have yet to see her emerald eyes.”

  “Your wife will live Camden. If there is one thing I know about Lady Sinclair, it is that she is the most stubborn person in all of Scotland and probably England too. She will fight this battle and be the victor. Have faith my brother. Remember that Olivia’s will to live is strong but her desire to win is even greater.”

  Camden smiled at Broderick and he knew the man was right. His wife was a fighter and they had done all they possibly could to heal her. Olivia was being held in the hands of God and Camden prayed to have her sent back to his arms. An elderly woman began to wrap Olivia’s waist with fresh linen strips and Camden helped her by lifting his wife’s body gently so that she was sitting.

  “The winter chill has proven a blessing for her illness, m’laird. The infection has not spread and it prevented the fever from taking her life. Lady Sinclair is through the worst of it now,” the woman said.

  The laird tenderly laid his wife’s body back against the bed and then leaned close to kiss her forehead. Camden was stroking her hair when he heard another knock at his chamber door. Stephan opened the door slightly and then came into the room with his laird’s permission.

  “Forgive me laird but your sister wishes to see you and I am trying to keep her from getting out of bed. She is still weak and insists on coming to see you and your wife,” Stephan said.

  “Maggie! Of course, I must go see her.”

  “Go, I will stay with Lady Sinclair,” Broderick said.

  “Come get me at once if there are any changes.”

  “Of course, Camden.”

  Laird Sinclair hurried to follow Stephan to Maggie’s chamber and the instant he saw his sister, Camden felt a glimmer of joy again. Never had his soul been tested like this before, having the two women he loved balancing on the edge of death and it was almost too much for the massive warrior to bear.

  “Camden, I have missed you. Is Olivia going to be alright?” Maggie asked frantically.

  “I pray to God she will but look at you Maggie, you are back from the dead,” Camden smiled.

  “I am sorry for all the troubles Ian has caused you,” she whispered.

  “You have no reason to be sorry Maggie, for none of this was your fault. I am the one who should be asking you for forgiveness. As your laird and brother, I should have known he was hurting you. It was my duty to protect you Maggie and I failed in doing so. I am sorry for all you have been through.”

  “It is over now.”

  “Ian has paid for his transgressions with his life and he will continue to give penance while his soul rots in hell,” Camden said bitterly.

  “I have already thanked your wife for getting rid of him.”

  Camden smiled at his sister. “So you know that it was Olivia that killed him. It seems my wife is a warrior of great measure.”

  “She is truly unique and I look forward to getting to know her better. In fact, she promised to show me some ways to protect myself from a man,” Maggie grinned.

  “Ah, always the defender.”

  The tired woman could easily see the change in her brother and she knew for certain that Camden’s heart had been forever captured by the English woman.

  “You love her,” Maggie said quietly.

  “More than I ever thought possible. I wish for her to wake so that I can tell her how I feel.”

  “Patience,” she smiled.

  Laird Sinclair continued to hold Maggie’s hand and the brother and sister looked deep into each other’s eyes, both hoping that Camden’s wish would come true. The laird left his sister to rest and went back to his chamber to be with Olivia. He had not been gone long but Camden missed her and needed to be with his wife. As Camden entered his room, he found Broderick adding more wood to the hearth to help warm the chilly room. The two lairds began discussing their plans to find Malcolm. They both knew he had to be found before the vile man hurt anyone else. Camden wanted revenge on the man and only Malcolm’s death would satisfy Laird Sinclair’s desire for punishment. The warrior’s conversation was interrupted by a sound that almost made Camden cry out with joy.

  “You damn well better include me on hunting down the bastard,” Olivia insisted.

  The two warriors turned to see Olivia awake and smiling at them. Camden rushed to her side and began kissing her mouth as if his own survival depended on it. She raised her hand and Olivia ran her fingers through her husband’s golden hair, knowing she had finally come back to reality. Feeling Camden’s lips against hers, Olivia knew she was safe and home where she belonged. The countess could not help but remember that Broderick stood close by and she pulled away from her husband’s kiss.

  “M’laird, we are not alone,” she reminded him.

  “Olivia, I almost lost you. Do you think I give a damn about who sees me kissing you? If you are embarrassed by my actions, then you will need to quickly get over it because I will be kissing you like this every time I get the opportunity,” Camden said passionately.

  Olivia smiled and then turned her head to address Broderick. “I am sorry for my husband’s bawdy display of love Broderick. You may turn away if it makes you uncomfortable because I am afraid he is not going to stop,” Olivia smiled.

  “M’lady, I am grateful you are well. Once you are healed completely though you had better prepare yourself for a beating from me,” Broderick stated seriously.

  Camden and Olivia both stared at the giant man for an answer to his comment.

  “You are in serious trouble for not telling me how badly you were injured. You let me believe your wound was nothing and if you would not have survived, I am sure Laird Sinclair would have held me responsible. For that, I am going to have to punish you so hurry and recover m’lady,” Broderick smiled.

  “I feel perhaps I am back in a dream world again. I have my husband’s kisses and a waiting battle, what more could a woman want,”
Olivia laughed.

  Camden watched his wife as her quiet laughter changed the entire mood of the room. Moments ago, he felt as though death were creeping around trying to steal away his most prized possession and now there was a joyous light surrounding her countenance.

  “I am grateful you are well m’lady. I will let the others know, they are waiting anxiously.”

  “Thank you for everything Broderick, you are going to be an amazing laird over your clan,” Olivia praised.

  The giant warrior nodded slightly to Lady Sinclair and then turned to leave giving the newly reunited couple privacy. As the door closed behind Broderick, Olivia began questioning Camden about all that had happened.

  “Where are Liam, Calum, Stephan and Keith? Are they safe? What about the other clans? Did we lose many men in the battle? Please tell me all that happened, I am afraid I do not remember much except that I saw the MacKay holding come under attack and after that I am not sure what all took place. How is your sister Maggie?” She asked worriedly.

  “Olivia, all is well. Moments ago, you said my kisses were a display of love and you were right. I love you. With all my heart and soul, I will love you until the very last breath leaves my body. The winds of change have blown wild through my life and the dark storms have clouded my hope but you Olivia, have been the only ray of light that has guided me through this time. My love will surround you always, like a warm embrace and I promise to never do you wrong. I would do anything to make you feel the love I have for you. My heart is yours, do with it what you will,” Camden said trembling.

  He began kissing the tips of her fingers and she quickly pulled her hands away from him. Olivia could not think when he touched her with his lips and she needed to tell him every feeling that had been trapped inside for so long.