Beautiful Darkness: Masie (Daughters of Highland Darkness Book 1)

by Victoria Zak

  Kerr studied her for a moment, longer than she felt comfortable with. She cleared her throat. “I demand to speak to the laird.”

  “Aye, Kerr, why have ye kept me from my angel of mercy?”

  “Bhaltair,” Kerr said, surprised to see his brother out of bed. “Ye should be resting.”

  “Brother, I feel well, there’s no need for me to stay cooped up.”

  “Laird Gunn, yer brother is right, ye should rest. Ye’ve suffered a great injury,” Masie added.

  “Och, lass, ’tis ye I want to see.” He pulled his fur-lined coat up on his shoulders. “I hope my brother has been hospitable and welcomed ye to our clan.”

  Masie paused. He clearly had no idea what Kerr had done.

  “Bhaltair, she’s a Keith. We found her and her sisters on the battlefield. They could be spies.”

  Masie planted her hands on her hips. “I’m no spy.”

  “Spies?” Bhaltair exclaimed. “Why were ye on the battlefield, lass, if yer no’ a spy?”

  Masie had to decide how much to tell him. She couldn’t reveal she’d fled home because her sister murdered two men, nor that they were feeding on human blood. “I can no’ say, but I can assure ye, I’m no’ a spy.”

  “I can no’ let ye leave without knowing why. Surely ye must understand my concerns,” Bhaltair said.

  Masie stood in front of the laird and took his hand, looking deep into his eyes, honing in on his vulnerability, which was saying no to a beautiful lass. “If I were a spy, would I have healed ye?” Influencing a human’s mind was something she did sparingly.

  “Nay,” Bhaltair replied, as if he were in a trance.

  “It would be in your best interest to let us go.”

  “Aye.”

  She had him right where she wanted him. Her sisters would be on horseback by nightfall.

  “By the gods, Bhaltair!” Kerr interrupted, pulling his brother from the daze. “Yer inability to tame yer cock around a beautiful woman is a disgrace.”

  Masie’s heart dove into her stomach in defeat.

  Bhaltair shook his head. “What?”

  “Ye’re no’ going to let them go without further investigation, are ye?” Kerr exclaimed.

  “Nay,” Bhaltair cleared his throat. “Of course not.”

  “Brother?” Kerr eyed him with concern. “Are ye well? I think ye should rest.”

  “Aye,” Masie intervened. “I’ll take ye back to yer bedchamber. I should take a look at yer bandage.”

  “Dinnae fash yerself. I feel well,” the laird grumbled.

  “Dinnae be stubborn. I’m worried about infection.” She batted her eyelashes a few times to drive the stake right through his heart. Bhaltair seemed to be the reasonable one. Mayhap if she were alone with him she could convince him she wasn’t a spy.

  “Och, Miss—”

  “Masie,” she replied.

  “Miss Masie, if it will appease ye, then I will allow it.” Bhaltair offered his arm and she accepted, wrapping her hand around his bicep. They made their way to the castle.

  He leaned in and whispered in her ear. “Lass, ye’re quite charming.”

  Masie giggled. Aye, she was.

  “Masie, I hope ye find our clan is hospitable.”

  “Actually…” She glared back at Kerr who looked dumfound that a lass had bested him. “If yer idea of hospitable is keeping me locked up in a small room without my sisters and treating us as servants, than nay, I find yer ways distasteful.”

  “Where is Kerr keeping ye? Better no’ be in the dungeons.”

  “In a tower.” Masie pointed to the north tower.

  “The north tower!” Bhaltair shoved his hand through his curly hair. He looked at Masie. “I be verra sorry for my brother’s behavior.”

  They reached the great hall and walked upstairs to Bhaltair’s bedchamber. “Here.” She pointed to the bed. “Sit down and take off yer tunic.”

  Bhaltair’s sly grin didn’t go unnoticed. Masie took his cloak and tunic and laid them next to him. She went to look at the bandage and her heart stopped. On no! The laird was lying back, resting on his elbows with a sly grin on his face.

  “No’ too many lasses make it up to my bedchamber.” He looked up at her and winked.

  She was afraid this would happen. Her blood had the power to heal but it also enhanced sexual desires. Bhaltair was experiencing intense infatuation which in time would go away, however, she had given him a lot of blood. Maiden, Mother, Crone. What was she going to do? She had already tried using her charm, which only made it worse. And she was not giving up her virginity that easily. Bedding the laird to make a deal—nay, that was a bold move she’d never make.

  “Come.” He patted the bed. “Sit wit’ me.” “I’m no’ a lass wishing to bed the laird. I’m only here to tend to yer wound.” She began removing the bandage.

  “I would like a chance to repay my debt to ye for saving me,” he said, as he threaded a strand of her hair through his fingers.

  “I think I’ve been verra clear, my laird, yer debt will be paid if ye let us go.”

  “Aye, ye have, but ye must understand my position. Until I know why ye were on the battlefield, I forbid ye to leave. Until then, ye are guests and I will see to it personally ye’re moved to the main tower. Ye’re welcome in my bedchamber. In fact, I encourage it.” He flashed her a smile.

  Not accustomed to such advances, she sensed she needed to get out before Bhaltair did something horrible.

  “Laird—”

  “Bhaltair.”

  “Bhaltair, ye too think I’m a spy?”

  “I must know the facts, lass. My clan’s safety comes first.” He sat up and looked down at his stomach. “God’s teeth, ’tis healed completely.” He looked at Masie, bewildered. “Ye gift of healing is unlike any I’ve ever seen.”

  “Aye. Using the proper herbs makes all the difference,” Masie lied, hoping he would believe her.

  Bhaltair stood and took Masie’s hands, examining them like they were jewels. Unlike his brother, he had a gentler nature. “These hands are magic.”

  “Bhaltair, I must go.” He dipped his head—goddess, he was going to kiss her. “The herbs are clouding yer judgment.” She could barely get the words out. Panicked, she tried to pull away, but he tightened his grip.

  “Lass.” He tipped her chin up so she had to look at him. “Who are ye?” His lips brushed over hers.

  “Pardon me.” A familiar voice she’d grown to know came from the door. Kerr.

  Guilt consumed her. Why was she feeling this way? He had no claim on her, yet the heat of Kerr’s gaze told her differently, like she’d been caught doing something wrong. She stepped back, breaking Bhaltair’s hold. “Excuse me, I was just leaving.” She began to walk away.

  “Nay.” Bhaltair grabbed her arm, stopping her. “Kerr, see to it that Masie and her sisters are moved from the north tower to guest quarters.”

  “Guests?” Kerr exclaimed.

  “Aye, until we settle our differences, the Keith girls are welcome in our clan.”

  Kerr scowled. “Ye’re making a big mistake.”

  “So be it.”

  Chapter Six

  After hours of walking off his anger, Kerr found himself in the solar, deep in ale, and hopefully soon to pass out. How could his brother chastise him in front of Masie? Moreover, the laird wasn’t using good judgment. He was thinking with his cock.

  Kerr didn’t regret locking the girls in the tower. He’d done what he thought was right by protecting his brother and their land. After hundreds of years of feuding, the hatred toward the Keiths flowed through his blood like a river. It ran soul-deep. How could Bhaltair be so quick to dismiss the Keith girls? They could very well be spies. In fact, given the chance, Masie didn’t explain herself. Wasn’t that a sign of guilt?

  Kerr poured himself more ale and sat heavily in a chair in front of the hearth. He glowered into the flames as he took a long pull from his tankard.

  Masie. Aye, he’d never
seen beauty quite like hers before. Her creamy skin was flawless. She had high cheek bones, pert nose, and her voice as sweet as a bird’s song. But what made his cock hard was the way she showed no fear. She had a stubborn streak he could relate to.

  Sweet wee lass, move along, ye will no’ affect me.

  Kerr threw his empty tankard into the fire as he succumbed to the ale. He wasn’t the kind to take a wife. His demons were his only friends and, of late, even they were turning on him. The battlefield was the only place for him, and all he had room for in his heart. Long ago his father had warned him that a man had to pay for the wickedness he’d done. Aye, he’d pay.

  He would not allow a lass to plague his thoughts like his father had done. A broken heart was the death of a man. It showed weakness and he was far from it. A warrior, he’d die before allowing anything to harm his clan or the ones he loved. Because he was Bhaltair’s closest adviser, it was his responsibility to protect the laird from outside influences; especially from a beautiful lass.

  Kerr’s mind swam in a drunken fog. Feeling the warmth from the ale and fire, he needed some cool air. He stood and staggered to the arched window next to the hearth overlooking the main tower where their guests stayed. He breathed in the cold winter air, feeling the chill all over his body.

  Aye, he could see it on Bhaltair’s face, he’d been bewitched.

  Something moved in the window across from his. He squinted—was it a person? Aye. A female. The moonlight illumined the silhouette giving him a glorious view, for she was naked. He leaned back and enjoyed as the woman swayed seductively, brushing her hair. His gaze roamed her body, from her flared hips up to her full breasts. He had to see who this mysterious lass was. As he looked up at her face, he was left speechless.

  Masie? Naked?

  He straightened. He should turn away and give her privacy. But he couldn’t tear his eyes off her. Her creamy flesh beckoned him, made him want to do things to her that would make the devil blush.

  Brushing her hair in long stokes, it fell attractively over her breasts. What he’d give to shove his hands through those silken strands while he kissed her red lips until he left her breathless. As if he needed more reasons to want her, she gathered her hair, draping it over one shoulder, revealing full round breasts. Kerr licked his lips. He should close the fur over the window but he was in too deep.

  His eyes roamed further down her flat stomach. Her skin was white and smooth. Sucking in a shaky breath, his gaze settled betwixt her legs where a patch of blonde curls hid her womanhood. He adjusted himself as his cock strained against his trews.

  A growl escaped his lips. He’d never wanted a woman like he wanted Masie right now. She’d cast a powerful spell on him and he couldn’t fight the attraction.

  Swallowing hard, he followed her hand as she caressed between her breasts and up her neck. By the saints, this lass set him on fire. Their eyes met and he watched her red lips spread into a wicked grin. She knew he was watching and didn’t once try to stop it. Should he go to her?

  “Shite.” He dragged himself away from the window. The urge to go to Masie pulled him toward the solar door. He paused before he opened it. What are ye doing? She’s the enemy.

  *

  As soon as Masie felt his smoldering gaze upon her body, she couldn’t resist the urge to stand in the moonlight, allowing Kerr to watch her. She should have pulled the furs over the window, but this was too much fun. He intrigued her. She liked the excitement, knowing he could look but not touch. Mayhap she should use it to her advantage to escape.

  Unfortunately, her heart told her differently.

  When Kerr didn’t return to the window, Masie couldn’t help but think about him coming to her door. She hadn’t been with a man before. Kerr brought all her lustful thoughts to the surface. It made no sense. He hated her and, quite frankly, the feelings were mutual.

  A knock at the door startled her. Was it Kerr? Quickly, she donned her shift and robe. She cracked open the door and peeked out.

  “Masie, ’tis me, Adaira. Let me in.”

  Relieved and perhaps a wee bit disappointed, she let her sister in.

  “Where’s Leana?” Masie asked.

  “Asleep.” Adaira looked around the bedchamber. “Och, ye have yer own room?”

  Masie’s brows creased together. “I thought we all had separate rooms.”

  “Nay. Are ye going to tell me what’s going on?” Adaira planted her hands on her hips. “Ye never came back to the kitchen, then Leana and I were escorted to a beautiful bedchamber with clean clothes and a warm bath waiting for us.”

  Masie sat down on the edge of the bed. “Dinnae be angry wit’ me.” Masie looked down into her lap. “I saved the laird.”

  Adaira stood astounded. “Ye did what?”

  “I could no’ let him die. Laird Gunn has promised to see to our every need.”

  “Did he promise to let us go?”

  Masie sat quietly, still avoiding eye contact.

  “Masie.”

  “He will no’ let us go until he’s convinced we’re no’ spies.”

  “What did ye tell him?”

  “Adaira, I swear on Mum’s grave, I didnae tell him anything. Bhaltair and his brother Kerr know nothing about who we are or why we were on the battlefield. That’s why we’re still here.”

  Adaira sat down next Masie and put her arm around her. “Since we are free to walk about the clan, tomorrow I’ll find a way to escape.”

  “Mayhap we should stay,” Masie said nervously.

  “Are ye daft?”

  “Nay, Cormag wouldn’t think to search for us here. And if he did, why would he care if we’re in the enemy’s hands?”

  “Masie, Cormag will no’ stop hunting us until justice is served. The longer we stay, we become a threat to these people. We must leave.”

  “Aye, I understand,” Masie agreed and hugged her sister tightly. “Can I sleep wit’ Leana and ye tonight?”

  Adaira smiled. “Of course.”

  “I’ll be right over. I need to grab a few things,” Masie said.

  “Fine. The door will be open.” Adaira quit the bedchamber.

  Masie sighed. She knew her sister was right. Cormag would destroy Wickshire looking for them. She couldn’t allow harm to fall on these innocent people, enemy or naught. They couldn’t stay.

  But still, she couldn’t shake the disappointment forming in her heart. She’d never know what it would feel like to be loved by Kerr. She grabbed her cloak. This was absurd, lusting over a man who had the grace of a barbarian, a said enemy. Leaving as soon as possible was best before she wound up knee-deep in trouble. And Kerr was definitely trouble.

  Chapter Seven

  “Kerr, wake up ye lout.” Bhaltair shoved his brother who was slouched over in the chair. “Ye missed breaking yer fast.”

  Bhaltair walked over to the small table in front of the hearth and placed a few hunks of bread wrapped in a cloth down. He picked up the empty pitcher of ale lying on its side. “I see ye had company last night.”

  Kerr groaned. His head pounded.

  “I met the rest of the Keith girls this morn while breaking my fast with Masie. Verra lovely lasses.”

  An image of Masie’s naked body flashed through Kerr’s foggy mind. Did he actually go to her? Aye, he remembered, but she didn’t come to the door. And by the way his ballocks were still throbbing, nothing had happened between them. He must have returned to the solar and passed out. “Ye saw Masie this morn?” Kerr sat up slowly.

  “Aye. I’m escorting her to the village square. I’m hopeful to gain her trust and find out her wee secret. Do ye want to join us?”

  Nay! His first response failed his lips. “Aye.”

  Bhaltair smiled. “Good. May the best man win her affection.”

  “And what is that supposed to mean?” Kerr rubbed his temples.

  If he wanted to challenge him, there were many other reasons than over a woman. Growing up, Bhaltair never wavered in his attempt to best
him every chance he got. When Kerr was finally old enough and strong enough, he’d put up a good fight, showing he wasn’t scared of Bhaltair.

  “I see the way ye look at her.” Bhaltair wiggled his brows. “She’s a fine lass.”

  “Brother, I dinnae want a lass. I dinnae want forever,” Kerr grumbled.

  “It wouldn’t hurt ye to open yer heart.”

  Kerr stood. “I dinna remember asking ye for advice about women. Furthermore, if ye like her so much, then take her for a wife. Nothing is standing in yer way. Except she’s a Keith. Now, if ye’ll excuse me, I need to wash before we leave.”

  Bhaltair shook his head. “Yer as stubborn as Da.”

  Kerr waved Bhaltair off as he left the solar.

  *

  Masie blushed as soon as Kerr strode into the stables. Her heart was beating so fast it was going to leap from her chest. As soon as their eyes met, Masie could feel her temperature rise.

  He nodded with a knowing smirk. “Masie.”

  She rubbed the back of her neck. “Kerr,” she replied.

  The stable lad brought out two horses. Masie welcomed the distraction. “I thought all three of us were going,” Masie said.

  “Aye,” Bhaltair answered. “Ye ride wit’ one of us.”

  “Ye dinnae trust me no’ to flee, do ye?” Masie asked Bhaltair.

  “I’m taking precautions, ’tis all.”

  “Brother, that’s the wisest thing ye’ve said all day.” Kerr checked his saddle.

  It hadn’t gone unnoticed; the grin the brothers shared. Both were strikingly handsome in their own way. Both had dark hair. Bhaltair’s hair was curly, while Kerr’s hair was longer and shoulder-length. Bhaltair was gentle with boyish charm. Kerr was every bit a vigorous warrior. She bet if Kerr smiled more often, the brothers shared the same dimpled cheeks. However, out of the two, there was only one who made her heart quicken. But he saw her as the enemy.

  Not wanting to be close to Kerr unnecessarily, Masie walked over to Bhaltair. “I’ll ride with ye.”