Highland Escape

by Cathy MacRae

  “Ye mean to keep him, then?” Duncan arched a brow.

  “Let us see if he survives, but yes, I think so.” She glanced at the ball of fur huddled in her arms and smiled.

  Duncan frowned. “I admire yer charity, but how can we keep a wolf around our horses and livestock?”

  “If he grows up in the stables with the other dogs, why would he become a problem? I shall train him and he can hunt with me.”

  He looked at her skeptically. Anna tilted her head in challenge.

  “I have trained dogs before to track and hunt. Why should he be any different?”

  “Ye think ye can train away his wolf instincts?”

  She wasn’t sure, but relished the challenge. “If his nature wins over training and causes harm, I will kill him myself. Agreed?”

  Duncan’s lips quirked. “I have seen the effect ye have on me, horses and others. I look forward to seeing if ye can charm the wolf as easily.”

  As they returned to the fire, curiosity rose among the men regarding the newest member of the party.

  “Lady Anna, what have ye found?” Liam asked.

  “We found a wolf’s den. The litter had been deserted. ’Tis the only survivor. I thought some goat’s milk butter would be a good start.”

  Rory, Liam’s younger brother, hopped up and searched for it in the cart.

  “Aye, ’tis a good idea. We might see if he’ll take a wee bit o’ meat also, though he may be too young.”

  Scooping some of the butter into a bowl, Anna put it and the pup on the ground and sat next to him. He sniffed the bowl once, then lapped at the butter hungrily. He licked the bowl clean, then stumbled back to her and curled up on her lap.

  “He is smart for such a wee one. He already kens who his mistress is.” Liam smiled and winked at her. “Have ye thought of a name fer him?”

  “Trean, since he was the strongest of his litter.”

  “Aye, strong. ’Tis a good name,” Liam replied. “Let us see if he is strong enough to last the next couple o’ days.”

  Anna stroked the pup’s ears and back as he dozed. He rolled over in her lap, offering his bulging tummy for petting. She glanced at Duncan and smiled as she obliged Trean’s silent request. The pup gave a whimper of pleasure at her touch. Duncan rolled his eyes.

  “Seems the charming has begun.” Anna grinned broadly.

  Duncan chuckled and shook his head.

  Malcolm and Iain, two of the warriors who rode with them, dressed and skewered the game on a spit. When it was ready, she roused Trean and offered him some of the bird. He ate a small amount, then licked the grease off her fingers.

  The men took turns on watch in two-hour shifts. Duncan took the first shift. Anna lay awake watching the stars, Trean cuddled next to her, waiting until he returned. Though his bedroll lay a few feet from hers, she felt his presence like the heat rolling from an oven.

  She marveled at the changes he’d inspired in her. Never before had she dreamed of anything like this. The approval in his eyes when he saw her wrapped in the plaide he’d given her warmed her more than the blanket ever would. Sleeping only a short distance from him under the stars made her want to close the space, to lie in his arms. Only the presence of his men kept her from doing so. The look on his face in the glow of the fire told her he desired the same and more.

  They broke camp before dawn. Trean rode with Anna, perched on the front of her saddle, content to ride. He was more active when they stopped, and his increase in appetite gave her hope he would survive.

  By the end of the second day, they stopped on the edge of Graham lands to camp. Sitting with the men gave her the opportunity to ask questions about their families and backgrounds. Liam told stories of Duncan as a boy, and the trouble he caused, along with Malcolm, Iain, Donnan and others. There were more than a few tales of Duncan and a lad called Colin MacKay who had fostered with the MacGregors for a few years. It sounded like Colin did his best to get Duncan into trouble, while Duncan attempted to keep Colin reined in.

  Liam belched and leaned forward, gaining attention. “I remember when Callum…”

  The mood changed immediately. He cleared his throat, shot an uncomfortable look at Duncan, then swiftly moved on to other stories. Though puzzled with the reaction to Callum’s name, Anna enjoyed hearing them laughing so easily once the awkward moment passed.

  Anna observed how they treated Duncan with respect, even in the stories they told. It was obvious they recognized him as their captain and future laird. The history and loyalty they shared brought a sting of envy. Anna missed the deep connection of family. Though she laughed along with them at the more outrageous exploits, laughter did not stave off the acute feeling of loss. Though they accepted her, Anna’s own history now lay buried in ruins many days’ ride away.

  Duncan bumped his shoulder against hers. “Anna, ye have heard some of our most embarrassing moments growing up. ’Tis only fair ye tell a few tales of yer childhood.”

  Smiling, she thought of the myriad ways she’d caused mischief while growing up. She recounted how many nursemaids she’d gone through, and the terrible tricks she played on them to escape outside so she could watch the men training.

  She pointed out several scars on her arms, head, and one in particular on her neck, describing the circumstances behind them. Most were earned training in combat, sparring with both Edrick and Master Zhang. Or gained from headstrong behavior typically involving a horse, weapons and youthful foolishness.

  Anna noticed the mood around the fire changed. Instead of enjoying the escapades of a reckless youth, the men now stared at her with grim expressions. Self-conscious, she fell silent.

  Iain recovered first. “Forgive us, milady, we are not used to a lass being treated thus. ’Tis more than a little unsettling to hear of ye being wounded so and seeing the scars.”

  Nodding her understanding, she forced a smile of reassurance. What little camaraderie she’d felt earlier evaporated. Silence and discomfort wove together, creating a tension demanding resolution. The bitterness of loneliness formed in her mouth that neither wine nor ale could wash away.

  Taking Trean with her, Anna rose to take the first watch. The new moon offered very little light. Putting aside the mixed emotions of the evening, she slipped into the role of sentry. Opening her senses, she relished hearing and quickly assessing every noise, every movement in the woods around her. The aroma of moist earth and heather rode on the slight breeze. With a clear sky, the stars shone so bright they seemed almost close enough to grasp.

  Rory came by for his watch, surprising her at how quickly the two hours passed. Not yet sleepy, she chose instead to quietly walk the perimeter of camp, Trean at her heels.

  Halting beneath a broad-branched tree, she slid her back down the trunk to sit on the ground. Anna hugged her knees, laying her head on an arm. Alone with her thoughts, Trean curled at her feet, she considered the night’s events. She had been lulled into thinking she belonged with the MacGregors, but she didn’t. Thoughts and feelings from yesterday, of wondering what it would be like to belong with Duncan, seemed far away. A few scraps of plaide wouldn’t change reality.

  She felt her time with him was fleeting. Tonight served as a painful reminder. Through his loving words and amorous encounters, Duncan had awakened a woman in her she’d never suspected existed. His recognition and nurturing of this part served to make her care for him even more. This caring was too potent to be anything else but love. It was, wasn’t it? Their time together daily had steadily allowed it to grow.

  Sadly, Anna found his loving words could not erase her lingering doubts. Too long had she been the subject of ridicule and scorn. Part of her believed it to be only a matter of time before Duncan truly saw her for what she was—a destitute hoyden of noble blood. On that day, he would turn away and break her heart. Was risking the pain of a broken heart worth experiencing the passion and tenderness he offered now? When it came to an end, she would at least have memories of this time to cherish. It would
have to be enough.

  When the time came, she would accept the laird’s offer of escort elsewhere. She might be familiar with pain, but she knew she couldn’t bear to stay and watch Duncan marry another. Perhaps she could fulfill the role of healer with one of the neighboring clans, giving her the ability to visit Nessa and Mairi from time to time. She pushed those thoughts aside, fearing they would demand her attention soon enough.

  Deciding not to give into despair, she crossed her legs and settled into meditation. She heard Duncan’s step before he arrived.

  He sat next to her and scratched Trean’s ears. “Yer watch finished a half hour ago.” His voice was calm, but laced with concern.

  “I am not sleepy.”

  Silence. A small nocturnal animal rustled nearby in the leaves.

  “Do ye want to talk about tonight?”

  Did she? What was there to say?

  “I saw the faraway look in yer eyes when we talked of our youth. Then I saw the despair. Sometimes I forget how much ye have lost.”

  More silence. Exhaling her lingering self-pity, she finally said, “There is nothing to be done about it.”

  Duncan cupped her cheek with his palm. “Nae, we cannae change the past, but we can do something about the future. Ye think ye have no place in this world, but I would make a place for ye, if ye would allow it.”

  Anna closed her eyes and leaned into his hand. His words soothed her ragged sense of sorrow like a balm.

  “I know ye are not ready, but when ye are, I will be here. Know I willnae be able to sleep until ye return to the fire.”

  As he walked away, her thoughts wove into a tangled mess once again. The old doubts crept in, but she refused to allow them sway. His presence, no matter how brief, proved her undoing. She felt safer, at peace by his side. She did not know what the future held for them, but right now she longed to be near Duncan. Gathering Trean, she made her way back to the fire.

  Anna caught the relief on his face as he watched her approach.

  Returning his smile, she grabbed the edge of her pallet and dragged it next to his. The surprise on his face became something else. Anna lay down next to him, pulling the plaide over her. She shifted her back toward him until flush against him. Trean curled against her stomach with a sigh.

  “That was bold,” Duncan whispered into her neck.

  “Am I to belong with you, Duncan MacGregor?” she whispered in return.

  He stiffened slightly. “Aye. There is naught in this life I want more.” He lightly kissed her cheek, put an arm around her waist and drew her tighter. She responded with a contented sigh and gave in to sleep.

  She woke the next morning before dawn. Duncan lay on his back with an arm around her. She curled into his side, her cheek on his chest and an arm across his middle, Trean at her feet. She didn’t want to move and disrupt the warm serenity, but thought to rouse before the men noticed them. Smiling, she realized she didn’t care if they saw.

  She watched Duncan as he slept. The brooding look he often wore had fled, making him look much younger, almost boyish. Anna leaned up and placed light kisses along the stubble of his chin. His breathing hitched and he squeezed her shoulders as he woke.

  “Is this what you had in mind when you said you would make a place for me?” she whispered, her voice raspy with sleep and passion. She gazed at him with teasing eyes. He rewarded her with a look of raw desire.

  “Aye, though what I had in mind included fewer clothes and a softer bed.”

  The image made her involuntarily clutch his chest, causing her to move closer. Her breathing accelerated. Only the thought of the men across the fire from them kept her from demanding the kiss she longed for. She had to settle for the knowledge he twisted as much with longing as she.

  Chapter 15

  Anna rose from Duncan’s side. After adding more wood to the banked fire, she boiled water for a quick breakfast of chamomile tea and oatcakes, passing out the simple breakfast as the men finished their morning tasks.

  “Many thanks, milady.” Iain said.

  Malcolm’s brow bunched after his first bite.

  “What’s the matter, Malcolm? Does it not suit your taste?” Anna asked playfully. She had eaten enough of their bland version to expect a reaction to her variation.

  He glanced at her as if caught stealing sweets from the kitchen. “Not at all, Lady Anna, ’tis just I have never eaten bannocks like this before. They are usually less…tasty.”

  She smiled and kicked at the apple cores on the ground. “I added apple and a bit of the honey we carry to market. I did not think they would be missed.”

  Hearty agreements came from bannock-filled mouths, along with muffled suggestions she make breakfast each day. Listening to the men’s comments, she thought to address something on her mind.

  “Gentlemen, as much as I appreciate the respect, I would request you not address me as Lady Anna, but merely Anna. I am not a titled noblewoman here. Doing so brings attention I would rather not have.”

  By the shocked looks on their faces, one would have thought the oatcakes they ate suddenly turned sour. To a man, they all looked at Duncan for confirmation.

  He shrugged his shoulders. “As she wishes. I can see her point.”

  Uneasily, the men returned to their food, finishing quickly.

  By midday, they arrived at Graham village. The Graham keep was a third again larger than the MacGregor stronghold. The market stood in the center of town, more than a furlong away from the walls of the large castle. The lanes were crowded with tents of every color and many permanent stalls with people barking out their goods.

  Within a few hours, Duncan had a price on the horses, secured more wool than anticipated and sold or traded everything else. The barrels of wine requested by his father replaced the barrels of whisky and mead. New fabrics and spices, along with grains and other produce not grown by the MacGregors, were added to the wagons.

  The village was much larger than the MacGregor village, but then the Lowlands were more populous. It made Anna wonder if an alliance with the Grahams involving Nessa was truly being considered. She recognized creating a bond was a good idea, if for no other reason than to bolster the border between the Lowlands and Highlands, and securing future trade. It also made sense from a strategic viewpoint.

  Anna decided to hold her judgment until she got to know the Grahams better. The thought of Nessa marrying into a clan where she was treated less than she should raised her ire. She chuckled at her strong feelings of protectiveness. After a little more than a month, they truly were sisters.

  After watching Duncan barter and trade goods, she was ready to explore. Handing Trean and Orion to Rory to be taken to the stable, she presented Duncan with her intent. He reached into his sporran.

  “Here, take these coins. Find my mother and sister something ye think they would favor. I will be flayed alive if we dinnae come back with gifts for them.” The twinkle in his eyes hinted he only partially jested. “And if you see something ye fancy, buy it.”

  She immediately frowned at his offer of money and opened her mouth to argue. He put a finger to her lips.

  “Consider it payment for providing guard duty. I will be paying the others, so anything ye like, consider it payment, aye?” With a slight nod, he motioned Iain to accompany her.

  Irritation immediately flared within. “Iain, you know I do not need tending like some child.”

  “Aye, lass ye dinnae, but the laird’s orders are we never travel alone on another’s lands. ’Tis the same for any of us. The fact the laird calls ye daughter doubles the order. Plus, there’s the wee bit o’ value Duncan places on ye.” He gave her a teasing wink.

  Knowing none were allowed to venture alone pacified her. Since they were stuck together, Anna enlisted Iain’s help securing gifts.

  “Iain, does a lady wait for you back home?” she teased.

  “Aye, there is a bonny lass I have spent time with the past couple o’ months,” he replied cautiously.

 
“And does this bonny lass have a name?”

  Quirking an eyebrow, he answered, “Her name is Colina.”

  Anna smiled sweetly. “Duncan has charged me with finding gifts for Nessa and Lady MacGregor. Perhaps we could find something for Colina while we are about. Unless you do not wish her to think more of your affections than she should.”

  Anna knew she was terrible at such flirting, but it was fun watching Iain squirm. She would know soon enough if Colina was important to him or not. She recalled Nessa and Isla discussing them and knew Colina’s heart was engaged. She could at least investigate Iain’s intentions. She would thrill the girls if she contributed to their gossip. The smile creeping across his face suggested he held more than a passing fancy for the woman.

  “Tis a good suggestion, Lady…er, Anna, but I am at a loss what to seek.”

  She considered for a moment what Nessa enjoyed. “What do you like most about her, Iain?”

  He looked slightly away before answering, a witless smile on his face.

  “I like the way her soft body feels in my hands.” His hands came up to chest level, as if she was there to embrace. He immediately stopped himself, a look of embarrassment on his face. “My apologies, lass. Duncan would have my head if he knew I spoke to ye thus.”

  Anna laughed and replied, “Not to worry, Iain, it will stay between us. Think about what else you appreciate about her, besides her…physical charms.” Anna couldn’t keep the grin off her face. Reassured, Iain considered her question for a moment.

  “Her smell. I love the way she smells.”

  “Now we are getting somewhere. Let us seek fragrant soaps and bath oils. No doubt she would use them if she knew she would see you afterward.”

  “Aye, ’tis just the thing. Do ye think Nessa and Lady MacGregor would appreciate such gifts?”

  “I doubt very many ladies would think poorly about such thoughtfulness. The trick will be to try to closely match fragrances they already use.”