Rescued by Valan (The Pirates of Barra: Highland Raiders)

by Jennifer Siddoway

  “They have tae unload any treasure from their raid before coming tae the village,” Ailsa explained. “It should nae take them long.”

  She turned to her hostess in shock. “That’s what ye meant about ‘an unusual line of work’. They’re pirates.”

  The woman pursed her lips and nodded. “Aye. They raid from nearby merchants, and many times from the English or Spanish, only those who are in a position of privilege and can afford tae lose some cargo.”

  When Bridget did not respond, Ailsa glanced over curiously. “Come on, let’s go find Mollie.”

  By the time they made it to the docks, the crew had unloaded their cargo at the castle and shoved off to complete the journey across the bay. Mollie pawed excitedly at the edge of the pier, yipping at the ship as they drew closer. As the ship pulled up alongside the pier, the men jumped out to tie it off and go mingle with their families. Bridget glanced back and forth between them, wondering which one could be her mysterious rescuer, but it didn’t take long before it became clear which one was Valan.

  Her eyes rested on the man petting Mollie behind the ears as she jumped up to place her paws against his chest. Her eyes widened as she took in the handsome seaman. He was young and attractive with shaggy brown hair that fell down across his forehead. His skin was tan from the years at sea, and his chin held a bit of stubble.

  This was Valan? she thought. It couldn’t be.

  He was far too handsome to be a pirate. Pirates were supposed to be large, smelly men with no sense of dignity or manners. How could such a thing possible? This was the man who rescued her, the one who controlled her fate? He was not at all what she expected; he was…perfect. He stood almost a foot taller than her, with broad shoulders that Bridget found wonderfully pleasing to the eye.

  Nae, I should nae be thinking like that, she told herself. I’m engaged.

  Ailsa walked right up to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. They exchanged a few words Bridget didn’t hear but noticed Ailsa gesture to where she stood.

  Valan glanced up in surprise and met her gaze from across the pier with deep, brown eyes. He patted Mollie a few more times along her neck to get her off him, and then ordered the beast to go back home. After the dog ran off, Valan approached Bridget with a grin, his brown eyes never leaving hers.

  “Ye must be Captain Valan,” she addressed him nervously. “I’m told that ye’re the one who rescued me. I wanted tae thank ye fer that kindness.”

  The edge of his mouth curled up into a smile. “I only wish I could dae more. Perhaps ye could repay me by telling me yer name.”

  Her blush deepened. “Bridget.”

  Valan smiled, taking her hand and bringing it to his lips. “Bridget,” he repeated. “’Tis a pleasure tae meet yer acquaintance. I almost dinnae recognize ye at first! Welcome tae Castlebay.”

  She chuckled, glancing around at the bustling crowd and said, “Perhaps we could talk somewhere in private?”

  Valan nodded, calling back to Ailsa, saying, “We’ll meet ye at the cottage.”

  He gestured for Bridget to follow and led her down the path back toward the cottage. She followed beside him, taking large steps to keep up with his stride, until they reached the outskirts of the village.

  “What is on yer mind?” he asked.

  She looked away from him, embarrassed. “Ye’ve done so much fer me already, which I am eternally grateful. But I’m afraid there is still one more thing that I was ask.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “And what is that?”

  “Before those men abducted me, I was on a journey tae Castle Strome. There are people expecting me and I need safe passage across the sea tae let them ken what happened.”

  Valan crossed his arms in front of his chest. “Strome? Isn’t that on the coast of Loch Carron? What were ye travelling there fer?”

  “’Tis nae important.”

  Valan’s expression became serious and he told her, “I make a point of nae doing business with people I cannae trust. If ye’re keeping something from me, and it ends up putting my men in danger, then it will put a damper on our friendship. I suggest ye tell me what it is yer so ashamed of.”

  “I nae ashamed,” she quipped. “I…I dinnae want tae talk about it. All that matters is that I get there as soon as possible.”

  “And why should I help ye if yer nae even willing tae tell me what’s going on?”

  She breathed in slowly through her nose before responding. “I cannae tell ye. Only that I am supposed tae be getting married. My ship was attacked before we got there.”

  Valan stiffened slightly. “I see. Very well, I’ll dae everything I can tae help, but travel of any kind will have tae wait a few more weeks. My men are tired from their journey, and they’ve just returned. I cannae ask them tae leave their families again and pick up oars until they’ve had the chance tae rest.”

  Bridget blanched and her mouth fell open in shock. “Weeks? Captain, I cannae wait that long.”

  “That’s the best that I can dae. In the meantime, I suggest ye make yerself comfortable.”

  “Forgive me, but I dinnae think that such a thing is possible.”

  He turned to her in amusement when they reached the cottage steps. “Ye’re welcome tae swim, if that would suit ye better. However, my men will nae be sailing again until they’re rested.”

  “I’ve gone from being kidnapped by one group of pirates tae another. What makes one group of men who earn their coin through violence any different than another?”

  “That may be true,” he allowed, “but I can promise ye the living situation here is far superior than being tied up below decks. Suggesting otherwise is an insult tae myself and my crew—who have done nothing more than treat ye with respect.”

  Bridget scowled at him. “How dare ye speak tae me like that! Ye have nae idea who ye’re speaking tae.”

  He looked her over from head to foot and shrugged. “Whoever ye were before is of nae consequence. Ye’re in the Barra now—here, we do things differently.”

  Valan went to go inside and then stumbled to a halt when he reached the doorway. Ailsa was sitting ashen faced at the table with a bit of paper in her hand.

  “Mam, what’s the matter?” he asked her.

  She swallowed hard and edged the paper toward him silently. Bridget watched the two of them, confused, and came inside the cottage also while shutting the door behind her. “What is it?”

  Ailsa cleared her throat and told her, “A letter from the MacLeod.”

  Valan appeared to tense as he read the sheet of parchment, his face growing darker with every line. “Damn…” he muttered.

  L ady Claire MacNeil walked down the dirt path outside the village on her way to Ailsa’s cottage. Gregor, one of the castle guard, walked along beside her and slowly they ascended the hill together. Her long, black cloak was lined with rabbit’s fur, the same color of her raven hair. Underneath, she wore a wine-red gown that laced up the sides and billowed out around her waist. She picked up the front of her skirts to keep them out of the mud and continued on toward the cottage.

  It had been a long time since Lady Claire had visited the humble dwelling, the memories it held too painful after Ewan left.

  Ewan…

  She exhaled heavily through her nose as they arrived at the wooden door. Her father was not fond of having outsiders in their village, and he sent her on a mission to find out what happened to the woman Valan brought back with him from the raid. By all accounts the lass was rumored to be on the verge of death

  Personally, Claire was hoping the woman made it through, but she needed to see it with her own two eyes.

  When they arrived at the cottage, Claire raised her hand and knocked on the wooden door. Gregor cast her a sideways glance as they waited and shifted his weight uncomfortably.

  A moment later, the door swung open, and Ailsa stared back at her surprised.

  “Lady Claire,” she addressed her with a curtsey. “What a pleasant surprise.”

 
Claire smiled at her. “Hello, Ailsa. I heard ye and Valan have a guest. My father sent me tae come welcome them and see if there’s anything ye need.”

  Behind Ailsa, in the living space inside, Valan stood up and came to speak with her. “Ye’re correct. How very kind of the laird tae think of us. Please, come inside.”

  Claire smiled tensely, stepping through the threshold, Gregor right behind her. She glanced around the cottage, taking in the pallet bed which had been brought into the living area. “Well? Where is she?”

  Just then, the floorboards creaked, and a door popped open to one of the bedrooms. Claire turned curiously at the sound of it and saw a woman standing in the doorway. She had pale skin, and long, brown hair that came halfway down her back.

  Lady Claire smiled at her and said, “Hello there, lass. Please, come out and join us. Ye dinnae have tae be afraid.”

  “Forgive me, but I would nae,” the woman told her. “My curse has come on me, and I must retire tae the bedchambers until it’s passed.”

  “I see. Well, then I suppose I’ll have tae talk tae ye from here.”

  Valan cleared his throat uncomfortably. “Bridget, allow me tae introduce her ladyship, Claire MacNeil.”

  She gave the woman a subtle nod. “Hello. It’s a pleasure tae meet ye, Bridget. Welcome tae the Barra.”

  “Claire, this is our guest, Bridget.”

  The girl’s cheeks turned a shade of pink and she curtsied awkwardly. “The honor is all mine, Lady MacNeil.”

  As she examined her more closely, Claire realized that the girl’s skin was unusually clear, and her complexion without blemish. Whoever the girl was, she had been well cared for. The fairness of her skin and her slight frame suggested little experience with manual labor. There was also something in her mannerisms and the way she moved that gave Claire pause. It reminded her of herself. She found her interest piqued and decided to question the woman further. “I understand yer ship was attacked. How terrifying that must have been!”

  “’Twas,” Bridget agreed. “But thankfully, Valan rescued me.”

  Claire glanced over in his direction and said, “And ye’re recovering well?”

  “Aye. Ailsa has been taking care of me. I dinnae ken what I would have ever done without them.”

  “Wonderful. I’m so glad that things have turned out fer the best. I can see ye’re healing well and appear tae be well looked after. Is there anything I can dae tae help?”

  Bridget shook her head. “Nae. Please, thank yer father fer his kindness.”

  “I will,” she told them happily. “How long dae ye plan on staying within our shores?”

  The woman appeared like she was about to respond when Valan cut her off, casting Claire a warning glance. “I’ve already agreed tae escort Bridget tae Castle Strome once my men have had time tae rest.”

  Castle Strome?

  Claire wondered if there could be more to her than met the eye. Everything about the way she carried herself reflected a noble upbringing, yet they were not addressing her by a title.

  Could she be of noble birth?

  It was a distinct possibility, yet Claire chose not to mention it. There was always the chance that she was wrong, and if the lass hadn’t told Valan the truth then she was clearly trying to keep her identity secret. Claire respected that. It showed she not only had good breeding, but forethought and cleverness as well. Furthermore, Claire didn’t think it was prudent to tell her father.

  Claire noticed Valan glance over to Bridget also, and the hint of a smile curl up around his lips.

  All at once, recognition struck her.

  Is he in love with her? Claire observed them carefully, and her eyes flitted back and forth between them. For as long as she’d known him, Valan had always sworn himself to be a bachelor. Yet, to her delight and surprise, what Claire saw in the way he looked at her was deep and unbridled affection.

  It couldn’t be…this is the lass he chose tae fall in love with?

  Claire felt a smile edging up on her own lips as well and she glanced away from them discretely. “Well, Bridget, I can see ye’re in good hands. Gregor and I will excuse ourselves. If there is anything ye need, please dinnae hesitate tae ask.”

  Bridget nodded in confusion.

  Claire picked up her skirts and headed toward the door. Ailsa curtsied to her again as the lady went outside, and Valan followed after her.

  He caught up to them on the path and called after her. “Claire!”

  She turned back to him.

  “What’s going on? Why are ye so interested in my affairs?”

  Claire raised an eyebrow with amusement. “I have nae concern in yer affairs whatsoever. My father sent me tae access the welfare of yer guest, nothing more.”

  He relaxed slightly. “And what will ye tell him?”

  The lady’s smile widened. “What dae ye want me tae tell him?”

  “Claire, I dinnae feel like playing games with ye.”

  She sighed. “I will tell him that yer guest is recovered and doing well.”

  “Nothing more?”

  Claire stared back at him for a moment. “Is there something else ye’d like me tae add?”

  Valan stuttered. “Nae…”

  “Then go and see tae her.”

  He turned to go, and she grinned, calling after him, “Valan!”

  “Aye?”

  “I’m happy fer ye.”

  Valan stared at her curiously for a moment, then smiled and made his way back into the house.

  Claire’s grin widened as he retreated and thought to herself, I hope she’s worth it.

  CHAPTER NINE

  Castle Strome, Coast of Loch Carron

  O n the coast of Loch Carron, Laird Rodrick MacDonnell gazed out at the advancing ship, wincing from the sun in his eyes. It bore the colors of Clan MacKay along its sails—the last thing he expected to see. After sending Marc and his men to intercept them on the journey southward, Rodrick did not think he’d ever see or hear from that clan again.

  His advisor, Harold, asked, “Is that what I think it is?”

  Laird MacDonnell nodded, his eyes never leaving the windswept sails. “Aye.”

  “But how is it possible? Marc had been given clear instruction that none of them were tae survive.”

  Rodrick sighed. “I dinnae ken. Marc and his crew ne’er made it back. Something must have gone wrong, or the bitch managed tae escape. I’ve heard nothing since he and the other left.” He scowled at the approaching vessel. “Now, a ship from Clan MacKay arrives. Someone is testing me.”

  “Dae ye think they ken?”

  “Nae idea, but if they dae it could mean trouble. Unfortunately, the only way tae get some answers is by talking tae them. Go and issue a formal welcoming party, but make sure there are plenty of guards in case the meeting goes sour. I’ll be down tae greet them presently.”

  Harold bowed and walked back toward the castle with two of the guards.

  What in blazes is going on? Rodrick wondered. How did they escape? Did Marc’s ship ne’er catch up with them?

  He supposed it were possible the ships could have missed each other, though it seemed unlikely. The other possibility, one Laird MacDonnell didn’t want to think about: the ships had intercepted, but somehow the MacKays managed to survive with full knowledge of his plan. That would be a disaster.

  Rodrick frowned.

  It was clear that something happened to spoil his plan, but he didn’t know what. That made the ship’s arrival that much more upsetting. It was a delicate situation.

  If the MacKays found out he was behind an attack on Bridget’s ship it would mean war. He had no intention of marrying Lady Bridget in the first place but agreeing to their betrothal was the only way to get her dowry.

  He wanted the gold.

  No one knew about his plot except for Harold and the men he sent. Lady Bridget MacKay was the most dangerous person in the Scottish Isles as far as he was concerned. Even so, there’s no way she could have survived his
men if their ship crossed paths.

  That gave him hope the encounter with her ship could still be salvaged.

  That stupid bitch, he thought. Why couldnae she just die?

  He huffed in frustration and turned toward the overgrown path. As he walked down the hill, the leaves crunched beneath his feet and his cloak swayed behind in the underbrush. His guard followed close behind. They travelled past the castle to the village docks below and greeted the MacKay seamen warmly.

  “Welcome tae Castle Strome,” he told them. “’Tis a pleasure tae see ye gentlemen.”

  The men all bowed to him respectfully and said, “Greetings, Laird MacDonnell.”

  He nodded in acknowledgement, though his entire body tensed.

  One of the seamen, who appeared to be the captain, stood up and smiled at him. “And we are pleased tae be here.”

  The man cleared his throat and glanced over to Rodrick’s guard. “Forgive me, yer lairdship, but the men and I are a bit confused. Where is the other ship that came before? And why is Laird MacKay nae here with ye tae greet us? We expected tae see them at the dock on our arrival.”

  Realization struck Laird MacDonnell instantly, and then it all made sense. There was a second ship! That changed everything. Maybe Bridget and her father were done away with after all and he had nothing to be concerned about. Rodrick relaxed as he understood they had no idea about what happened, and a new plan began to form.

  Rodrick composed himself with a sympathetic expression and said, “Oh, ye haven’t heard then?”

  “Heard what, yer lairdship?”

  “I just received word their ship was attacked by pirates—men of the most barbaric sort. Neither the laird, nor my intended, survived.”

  The MacKays all looked at him in horror, their jaws agape as they took in the awful news.