“Ye will be my wife. I give ye no choice in the matter.” Ian lay on his back with her splayed over him. “I mean it, Ceilidh. Do not argue with me.”
She’d repeatedly told him she did not expect anything from him, but her protests had been weak. In truth, the fact he wanted to marry her was thrilling.
“One day, ye will speak in anger and say I trapped ye,” she said, pushing her finger into his chest. “And I will remind ye, I did not wish ye to feel forced to marry me.”
His gaze met hers and her heart skipped. “There is nothing I wish for more than ye to be mine forever. Tis something I could not dare dream.”
“Truly?” Ceilidh believed him. By the way he looked at her, as if nothing more precious ever existed, she knew he loved her.
“Aye.”
“Very well,” she replied and pressed a kiss to his lips. “I will marry ye, Ian.”
He let out a satisfied grunt and chuckled. “Now, I have to figure out how to leave and go to my chamber without being seen.”
“Tis better ye remain here tonight.” Ceilidh lifted up and straddled him. “Ye said there was more ye could show me.”
“True.”
*
“No!” Elspeth’s rounded eyes met Ceilidh’s. “Ye and Ian…”
“Shhh,” Ceilidh whispered and tugged her friend out of the gate toward the flower field where they often walked. “If someone hears, it may go badly for him.”
Her friend gave her a flat look. “Nothing will happen, other than perhaps Malcolm demanding he marry ye.”
Laughter erupted. She was happy and could barely feel the ground beneath her feet. “Yer husband cares not about what happens between his guard and a simple village girl like me.”
“Ye are my friend and companion. Anyone important to me is to him as well.”
Considering the laird, Ceilidh shivered. He was a frightening man, who only showed a soft side when alone with her friend. Although she’d seen him do some things that could be considered nice, it was never enough to make her comfortable around him.
“When is the wedding?” Elspeth asked, her face bright. “It will be a great celebration. I will ask Moira to make a grand feast.”
“Nay. Ian and I will marry in Kildonan. His mother will be an honored guest, not a servant.”
Instantly, Elspeth realized her gaff. “I am so sorry. I forgot and did not think. Of course.”
“Do not be upset,” Ceilidh replied. “That ye want to do something special means a great deal to me. Of course, ye and the laird are to be there.”
“Of course,” Elspeth said with a wide smile. “But please allow us to help make it extra special. Ye are my closest friend, like a sister to me.”
Ceilidh considered it. “Very well, but do not overdo it. Ian would not like it.” She hesitated, her lips curving. “I suppose, first, I should ensure he has not changed his mind.” Her stomach dipped at noticing the warrior headed toward them.
“Here comes the soon-to-be groom.”
“Hush,” Ceilidh said, her chest tightening.
Ian approached and nodded to Elspeth. “My lady.”
“Ian,” Elspeth said with a grin. “Ye make my sister very happy.”
His gaze moved to Ceilidh. “I am undeserving of such a treasure.”
“In that, we agree,” Elspeth replied with a mischievous purse to her lips. “I do not think there is a man alive worthy of her. However, ye are who I would choose for her.”
His expression softened at the compliment. “Thank ye, my lady.”
“Now, I best head back and allow ye to speak about what hap…”
“I will be there shortly,” Ceilidh interrupted and gave her friend a warning look.
Both watched as Elspeth walked away, humming.
“Ye have not changed yer mind about me then?” Ian asked, taking her hand. “I was afraid ye’d come to yer senses today and realize what a burden…”
“Stop.” Ceilidh held her hand up to his mouth. “If anything, I would be the burden to ye. What happens to a guard who is forced to remain in his wife’s bed too often and is late to report?”
Ian shook his head, the corners of his lips lifting. “I would not care.” He leaned forward and kissed her. “I wish to marry ye as soon as possible and find out.”
Ceilidh jumped up and down tugging at his right arm. “It should be in Kildonan, do ye not agree? The village women, my mother and aunts will wish to cook. Yer mother would be an honored guest. Elspeth and Malcolm…er our laird and lady will be there as well. They will insist on contributing and we will agree, but they will not be allowed to overdo it.”
“I see ye have not given it much thought yet,” Ian said, taking her around the waist and pulling her against him as he took her mouth. This time with a bit too much passion as they were within sight of the keep guards.
Ceilidh wrapped her arms around his neck, not caring one bit.
Chapter Eleven
Kieran left last meal as soon as he finished eating and headed outdoors. First thing in the morning, he would continue his quest to find Ethan McLeod. There had been too many delays and, admittedly, he’d allowed himself to be distracted by not just his family but also Gisela. What the lass did or didn’t do had little to do with him. Other than the effect she had on him, there was nothing to tie him to remain there any longer.
In truth, he’d grown fond of her and was genuinely intrigued, but she was a distraction he could not allow. There were too many risks to becoming involved, the timing was wrong.
As it stood, what happened after he got his revenge was not clear. It could be it would be a match to the death for both of them. He was prepared and didn’t care if death claimed him, as long as he killed Ethan first.
Kieran marched through the courtyard toward the stables. Once the saddle packs were filled with what he needed, it would make leaving at dawn easier.
There were still many people about, the wedding festivities continuing. His sister seemed happy and he was glad for it.
“It will be good to return home,” his cousin, Ruari, said upon seeing him. “Too many McLeods in the last days for my tastes.”
“Aye, tis true. I seek only one, not to be surrounded by them.”
Ruari studied him for a moment. “He has avoided being caught for months now, leading ye in circles. I fear avenging yer father’s death will not bring ye the satisfaction ye think it will.”
“What would ye know of that?” Kieran snapped and then realized that Ruari had lost his father when he was very young. The one responsible had been caught and executed by the clan.
His cousin shook his head. “I replay that day when my father’s killer died. I have felt many things, but never satisfaction. I wanted nothing more than for my da to return to me.”
“Forgive me. I didn’t think,” Kieran said, not wishing to continue the conversation. There was no reasoning that would stop him from pursuing the need for vengeance, nor anyone that could stop him.
Ruari met his gaze and Kieran could see understanding in his cousin’s eyes. “Ye should go and do what ye have to do, but know it will only be a salve. Tis only time that will soothe the pain and only the passing of years that will bring ye to one day wake without the burden of guilt weighing ye down.”
His stomach clenched as if Ruari had punched him and Kieran physically flinched. The yoke of guilt and resentment did, indeed, weigh heavy and it was through sheer willpower that he got out of bed every morning. His only motivations were rage, anger and the need to see life ebb from Ethan McLeod.
“I will leave at dawn. Be with care, Cousin,” Kieran spoke as he finished stashing the last of the items into the bags and then walked back out of the stables.
Ruari had remained quiet, for there was nothing to be said. Nothing that would make Kieran change his mind and stay there with the family. Both men knew this.
The activity in the courtyard had lessened as people began seeking a place to sleep. Kieran considered staying in the stables,
but he had to speak to his sister and mother and inform them of his departure.
In the great room, he found both of them. Verity waved her hands in the air as she spoke. It had been a long time since he’d seen both his sister and mother so animated and happy. A part of him resented how easy the transition of losing his father seemed to be for them.
“I leave at dawn,” he interrupted without preamble. “I will ensure to stop by here upon my return.”
His mother’s eyes narrowed. “Who goes with ye?”
“I am going north. Alone.”
“That will not do at all. That madman is out there, he could ambush ye.” His mother turned and waved Tristan over.
Kieran wanted to roll his eyes but refrained. “I would welcome that he do it. It would make it easier for me to kill him.”
“Ye have no idea how many men travel with him. What if he has a small army? Ye could be killed and I would not be informed.”
“Ye would know eventually,” Kieran replied and let out a long breath when Tristan and another guard neared. “I do not need anyone to go with me.”
Tristan frowned, his expression dark. “Ye are scaring our mother with yer intent to go on a fool’s quest if ye go alone.”
He’d made a mistake. He should have kept silent.
“We must talk.” Tristan pulled him aside and spoke in a lowered voice. “What if ye are walking into a trap? Have ye stopped and wondered why it is so easy to know where he is at times? He is toying with ye.”
“I do not care. There is nothing ye can do to stop me.”
Tristan looked over his shoulder and four guards arrived. Not touching any part of Kieran’s body, they surrounded him and walked as a group through the great room.
Once they reached the top of the stairs, Kieran decided he’d had enough. He whirled around. “Do ye plan to place guards outside my bedchamber?”
“Nay,” Tristan said, “but they will be at the stables to keep ye from leaving.”
His teeth set, Kieran stared at the men’s retreating backs as they went back down the stairs. Being the youngest brother his entire life, Kieran had become adept at stealing away and doing things prohibited by his parents. This would be an ultimate test of his abilities.
“Rest, Brother. We will travel north to hunt down Ethan McLeod. But ye will not go alone. I will see to it. Nothing good can come from it.”
His brother followed after the guards and Kieran could barely keep from driving his fist against the nearest wall.
Nothing about what happened changed his plans. In the morning, he would mount his horse and leave. Guards or no guards, they would not stop him.
“Ye cannot go into yer chamber.” A familiar voice made him swing around to see Gisela looking up at him, a furrow between her brows.
He’d hoped to avoid seeing her that evening and it had been relatively easy until then.
Kieran scowled down at her. “Move aside, Gisela. I am in no mood to speak to anyone right now.”
“I require yer help with…”
“No.”
“If ye would just listen to me…”
“I said no.”
Her gaze moved from him to the doorway. “Very well, I will tell ye what is about to happen…”
He took her arm and moved her aside. “Whatever foolishness ye have to spout, say it to someone else.”
The shocked expression made him want to take the words back, but he couldn’t bring himself to do so. It was for the best that she be angry with him. If she was hurt, perhaps she would not want anything to do with him again.
The night had grown progressively worse, he considered, as he walked into the dark chamber. Without lighting a candle, he yanked his tunic off and then kicked off his boots. He went to the bed and fell upon it.
There was a sound like that of a soft gasp. He listened. It probably came from the open window, perhaps someone spending time with a woman.
In this moment, he had to keep his mind on the goal. His goal was to get away at first light and head north.
Upon arriving at the northern post, he would begin tracking his prey. He could almost smell the bastard. Ethan McLeod was not far.
His lips curved at considering that soon he would kill the man and his thirst would be quenched.
Just as his eyes fell closed, there was movement. “Make love to me,” the voice quivered and he pushed away.
“Get out of my bed,” he growled out, “or else I will toss ye into the corridor.”
The woman began to cry and he sat up in the bed. Reaching for the woman, he took her by the arm. But just as he was about to climb out of the bed dragging her with him, someone called out from the doorway.
“What is the meaning of this?” A woman stood just inside his chamber and held up a lantern. “How dare ye take advantage of my daughter in such a manner?”
Kieran growled in annoyance. This was not the first time someone had tried this particular trick to force him into marriage.
The woman at the doorway cried out theatrically. “Ye have my daughter in yer bed.” Turning to the hallway, she continued. “Oh, no, what shall we do.” With each word, the lantern swung in her hand, sending light in all directions.
“Get out of my bed,” Kieran growled to the younger woman who remained next to him, looking at the older woman with terror-filled eyes. He got out of the bed and pulled on his tunic. “Now!”
“I am sorry,” she whispered. “I do not wish…”
The older woman stomped closer and let out a blood-curdling scream. “This is most upsetting. My daughter is ruined,” she cried out.
“Both of ye, leave my chamber at once,” Kieran said, furious now. The scheme would not work and even if he had to, he’d drag both out and toss them into the corridor.
“What is happening?” His mother of all people hurried in, her eyes widening at the young woman in his bed. “Son? Who is this?”
“I do not know. I’ve never seen her before,” he replied in a bored tone. Although he’d been through this before, his mother had never been involved.
His mother’s eyes narrowed at the woman holding the lantern. “Why are ye and yer daughter in my son’s chamber?”
The older woman huffed. “I heard my daughter cry out. Yer son was forcing himself upon her.”
Kieran rolled his eyes and prepared to leave the room. He’d find another place to sleep. It was almost comical that the young woman remained in his bed, seeming confused as to what to do next.
“I did not force myself on her and neither will I marry her. I walked in just a moment ago, alone. Right before this woman.” He motioned to the woman who continued to hold up the lantern. “My brother and guards will attest to it.”
The older woman didn’t seem at all deterred by his statement. Although she cowered next to his mother, she tried to put up a brave front. “Ye shall make this right, Kieran Ross.”
He crossed both arms over his chest. “Tis not the first time someone has tried to trap me in this manner.” Kieran looked to the girl who looked back at him with hopeful eyes. She did not wish to marry him either.
“Tis not a bad idea that ye marry. This would be a good thing for ye. Settle ye down. I am sure this girl comes from a good family.” His mother finally decided to speak and he rewarded her with a glower.
He turned to the woman in the bed who silently urged him to fight what was happening and then once again faced her mother. “Ye are a foolish woman.” He grabbed his sword, bow and quiver, and his boots from the floor and slid one last glance to the women who watched in silence.
“Get out of my way.”
The women scrambled sideways when he stormed past. It had been a long time since he’d been so annoyed.
In stockinged feet, he hurried down a stairwell.
“This is not the last of it,” the woman with the lantern followed, her shrill voice making him cringe.
There were a few people in the great room, mostly men sleeping on the floor. When he turned a corner, Gisel
a walked toward him carrying folded linens. She’d obviously been helping settle guests.
“I hope to receive an invitation to yer wedding.” She brushed past him, her shoulder bumping his arm.
She’d known about the plan to trap him and had tried to stop him. Kieran considered chasing after her, but then realized it would be foolish. Being caught in a room with one woman this night was more than enough. Besides, the screeching woman remained at the top of the stairs.
The night air cooled his face as Kieran headed to the stables. He’d find a cot or a free space on the floor there and sleep until he could get away.
It was still dark when Kieran rode away from Munro Keep. He’d had enough of being around people and being deterred from his goal.
After knocking out one guard and sneaking past a sleeping one, his escape had been relatively easy.
Content to be away from being stabled, his mount didn’t need much encouragement to gallop and soon they were well away from Munro lands.
Once again, his body hummed with the need for revenge. The blood in his veins coursed through him so hard that his heart thundered in his ears. Every sense on high alert, he studied the surroundings. There wasn’t anything that would ever stop him from killing Ethan McLeod. Except maybe his own death.
Hours later, at a slower pace, Kieran made his way through the outskirts of Ross lands that bordered on the Mackenzie’s and guided his mount to a creek and dismounted.
The surroundings seemed undisturbed by humans and not traveled through recently.
Once he relieved himself and washed his hands and face in the cool water, he fed his horse and looked about for a good place to settle for the night. The moon was bright in the darkened sky, giving him enough light to see clearly.
There was no need to hurry as he’d lost his prey by remaining at Munro Keep for so many days. He’d go to the northern post that was guarded by Ross guards and get a report of any sightings and then continue from there.
Moments later, Kieran lay on a roll of blankets, his gaze traveling past the treetops to the sky. Where was the bastard? If Ethan hunted him, he had to be near. After all, news of Verity’s wedding was known to the McLeods.
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