Highland Shadows (Beautiful Darkness Series Book 1) (13 page)

“Ye’re goodness,” he whispered.

Tears suddenly burned her eyes. His sorrow filled him soul-deep. He jerked back, and mimicking his older brother’s habit, he raked his hand through his long black hair, turning his broad back to her. The strength of his body made her shiver. As strong as she was, she knew Murdock was stronger. She searched her mind for something to say, but her lips were dry. Fear of his unthinkable power kept escalating in her mind. Unable to read him like she could normal men, she could not tell whether his heart was good.

Free of his grasp, she took a step back toward the door. But he flashed past her, blocking the doorway with his large frame.

He scowled down at her. “Alex doesn’t know.”

She couldn’t breathe. Her heart pounded in her ears. If only she could grab hold of his shoulders and toss him away like she could any other man. Once more, he raked his hand through his hair. He looked down at her. Now, only worry clouded his eyes. “I don’t want Alex to know.”

His anxiety softened her heart. What he wanted from her was clear—her silence.

“I am your sister now.” She squared her shoulders, trying to appear in command. “Your secret is safe.”

She turned away. He was too much for her, too intense. She pushed through the doorway, mounting the stairs. But then curiosity got the better of her. She turned back and peered out the door spying a massive, black wolf where the man had stood, a bunched plaid discarded at his paws.

“Ye should tell him,” she said, catching his luminescent gaze just before he launched forward off his hind legs. Seconds later, he stood at the outskirts of Daonnan Forest. He turned back and looked at her once more before he disappeared into darkness.

She climbed back into bed beside Alex and held him close. He stirred in his sleep, wrapping his arms around her.

“Are ye alright?” he whispered.

“Aye,” she said, relieved his human senses could not detect the lie on her lips.

She laid awake all night thinking about Alex and Murdock and how she wished Murdock had the courage to face his brother. Eventually, she must have fallen asleep because she awoke to an empty bed. Judging by the sun it was time for the morning meal.

Her glance shifted to the window. Draped across the chair was her sapphire tunic. She rose and grazed her fingertips over the deep blue wool while she breathed deeply Alex’s scent.

“Hypocrite,” she said out loud. Alex had asked for her trust and still, like a coward, she hid, locked away from the world, no different than Murdock. She took a deep breath. Love was stronger than fear. She tore her worn kirtle over her head and pulled on the fresh clothing. Smoothing the folds into place, she found the belt he had left for her embossed with the MacKenzie coat of arms.

Throwing her shoulders back, she took a deep breath and opened the door, striding out into the hallway. She would be caged no longer—this time she would choose life.

CHAPTER 14

Jamie raced up the stairs to the high dais and took his seat beside Alex. “I’ve just come from the stables. The dam from Ross is pregnant.”

Alex’s heart started to drum in his chest. He moved to the edge of his chair. “That’s impossible. She won’t be in heat again until spring?”

Jamie laughed and leapt to his feet. “Her stomach is starting to round out. ‘Tis only a matter of a few months and we’ll have a new foal.”

Pure joy jolted Alex’s body. “She must have come to us already pregnant.”

“Indeed,” Jamie said. “An occasion worthy of a toast.” He grabbed his cup and raised it high. “To...Sweet Jesus.”

Alex frowned. “That’s uncharacteristically religious of ye. Don’t tell me? You’ve grown tired of the fairer sex throwing themselves at your pretty face. Ye wish to join the priesthood.”

Jamie reached down and placed his hand on Alex’s head, turning it in the direction of the stairs. Cora stood on the last step. Her golden braid rested over one shoulder and a hesitant smile curved her lips. The sight of her pushed all other thoughts from his mind. His chair scraped the floor in his haste to stand. Then he ran around the high dais and across the great hall.

“My lady.” He offered her his arm. She burned hot but smiled with ease. He kissed her cheek. “Come what may, I’ll stand by ye.”

Together, they made their way back to where Jaime stood waiting behind the lady’s chair.

He bowed as they approached. “’Tis wonderful to see ye up and about, Lady Cora.” Then with a wink he whispered, “I beg your pardon for that little incident with the sliver of wood and my attempt to kill ye.” Alex worried Cora might not appreciate Jamie’s particular taste in humor, but she only smiled and said, “Likewise, I should apologize for nearly ripping out your throat.”

Jamie threw his head back and laughed. “She’s a spitfire for sure,” he said, slapping Alex on the back.

The hall was abuzz with chatter. Many were seeing their new lady for the first time. Alex turned and addressed the eager room. “We’ll not ask ye to wait another moment. Come forward and meet your lady.”

Alex stood by her side, his hand locked on her lower back while his kinfolk stood and formed a line. One by one, they came forward and knelt before Cora. She shone with warmth and returned each greeting with kindness and gratitude, except when she was introduced to Edmund.

“Edmund keeps our books,” Alex said.

Cora smiled politely but Alex noticed her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes.

Edmund nervously bent over her hand with a kiss. Then he stood straight, releasing what sounded to Alex strangely like a sigh of relief. “Welcome to Sonas, my lady. This calls for a celebration. There shall be a gathering here in the hall tomorrow evening.”

Alex’s brows came together. “That’s an oddly festive suggestion for ye to make, Edmund.”

“I can think of no finer reason for a gathering and high time, too,” Fergus said, shouldering his way in front of the bookkeeper. “’Tis a great pleasure to meet ye, my lady.”

Fergus’s voice boomed out over the din of the hall. Curly, red hair grazed his massive shoulders, and his warm brown eyes twinkled when he smiled. Cora laughed, clearly appreciative of Fergus’s candor.

When it was Margaret’s turn, she wept and pulled Cora into her arms.

“Och, but ye’re a trifle warm,” she said, touching Cora’s forehead.

Cora pressed a kiss to her cheek. “’Tis just the excitement. Ye’ve no cause to worry.” The maid blushed having received special affection from the lady of the keep.

After the procession finished, Alex escorted her back to her chair.

“What do ye think?” he asked, leaning close.

She smiled. “I like Fergus.”

“I thought as much.”

But then she cast her eyes at Edmund who was sitting alone in the rear of the keep. His thin shoulders were stoop over a ledger. “But I will tell ye, that man is hiding something.”

Jamie looked over her head at Alex and raised his brow in question.

Alex shook his head. “I’ll explain why later, but I want ye to question Edmund. Go to his room this evening and bring Fergus. Find out what he’s hiding.”

Alex turned back to Cora and watched her taste the stew. “This is our first meal together.”

She placed her hand over his and smiled. “So it is.” She brought another spoonful to her lips but paused, her eyes trained on the narrow stairwell that led to the kitchens. A moment later, Aggie’s soft, red waves came into view as she climbed to the top and stepped into the great hall with eyes downcast.

Brows drawn, Cora set her spoon down. “Who is that?”

Alex leaned close. “’Tis Aggie,” he whispered.

Tears flooded Cora's eyes as her gaze followed Aggie across the room. “She struggles to contain her grief. She can hardly breathe beneath the weight of it.” Her head jerked around and she looked up at him. “Why?”

“Her husband, Kendrick, is missing.” An ache formed in the pit of his stomach. “Weeks have now passed.” He swallowed hard. “We’ve lost hope of his return.”

Cora’s hand rushed to her heart, her gaze turning back to Aggie who had just slumped onto an empty bench. “I will go to her.”

The chair scrapped the floor when she stood, drawing the eyes of everyone in the hall, but she seemed impervious to the stares as she rushed to aid his kinswoman. Her body curled around Aggie, when she sat down, immediately pulling her into her arms. He could not see her face, nor could he hear what she said. But he watched a wave of emotions cross Aggie’s face. She seemed alarmed at first but only for moment, and then she crumpled and hid her face against Cora’s chest. Cora rocked her gently. Alex found himself moving to the same soothing rhythm as he watched.

After a few minutes, she stood with a firm hand at Aggie’s waist and escorted her up the stairs to their room. Once there, he knew Cora would sit with her and let her cry out her sorrow. His heart filled with pride as they left together. In that moment, she had truly become the clan’s lady. His gaze swept the hall, noting the many appreciative gazes that also followed his wife from the room. Hope continued to grow in his heart when next his eyes settled on sunlight streaming through the arrow loops. He shook his head in disbelief. Another sunny day?

“About that toast,” Jamie said, standing. “To miracles.”

Alex turned and looked up at his friend. Grasping his cup, he stood and raised it high. “Nay,” he said. “To the compassion and strength of a great woman.”

CHAPTER 15

Alex pressed a kiss to Cora’s full lips. Sweat from their lovemaking glistened in beads across her hot skin. He dug his fingers through waves of golden hair intent on making her sweat even more when suddenly she became very still. “Are ye expecting company?” she asked.

He raised a questioning brow at her, and was about to ask what she meant when someone rapped on the door.

“Damnation,” Alex cursed, sitting up with a jerk. “Who could that be?”

“’Tis Jamie, Fergus, and that old, little man I disliked at dinner.”

His eyes widened.

“I can smell them and hear their hearts beat,” she explained.

He kissed her hard on the lips. “I’m a lucky man.”

“Don’t speak so soon,” she warned. “Jamie brings ill news.”

He swung his legs over the side of the bed, and without bothering to cover his nakedness, he crossed the room and flung the door wide. Fergus’s broad frame filled the doorway.

“Can this not wait until morning?” he said.

In answer, Fergus dragged Edmund into view. The old man’s shoulder’s quaked, and his eyes fixed on the floor.

Wrapped in a blanket, Cora opened the door fully and motioned for the men to come in.

“I’m certain this can wait,” Alex whispered as he belted his plaid around his hips.

But she shook her head. “Jamie’s worried.”

Alex stepped back, glowering at his men, but Jamie ignored his displeasure. “We did as ye said and went down to this snake’s room after everyone was asleep. He was packing a satchel, and in it we found this.” He produced a bag of coin from beneath his cloak. “’Tis gold,” he said. “’Tis a small fortune in gold.” He seized Edmund and threw him at Alex’s feet.

“Tell your laird what ye told me,” he snarled.

Edmund bolted across the room, curling up into a ball beneath the open window.

“Do ye need me to persuade ye?” Fergus growled.

“Have mercy on me,” he begged, covering his head with his arms.

Jamie lunged forward, grabbed Edmund from behind, and pressed the tip of his dirk against his throat. “Tell him!”

“’Twas the Munro. I was approached by a man of the Munro. He...he led me to where Hamish Munro had made camp not far from here.”

Jamie released him and looked at Alex. “What do ye make of that?”

Alex shook his head not believing a word Edmund had said. “Clan Munro is leagues away. What would they be doing on Mackenzie land?”

“I tell ye ‘twas the Munro,” Edmund cried. “On your lands. He gave me the coin.”

“In exchange for what?”

Edmund shrank back against the wall. “For arranging a gathering in Lady Cora’s honor tomorrow night.”

Alex grabbed him off the floor, bringing his face a breath away from his own. “What happens tomorrow night?” he growled.

“Please don’t hurt me,” Edmund cried.

“Don’t force my hand. Tell me!”

Edmund shook his head. “I...I do not ken.”

“He’s lying,” Cora said quietly.

Alex shook him. “Ye’re lying. Ye know his plan.”

“Nay,” Cora said, coming to stand at Alex’s side. He glanced down at her. She was staring hard at Edmund. “He’s not lying about that. He really doesn’t know. He’s lying about the Munro. ‘Twas not Hamish Munro who gave him the coin. There’s someone else.” She glanced up at Alex. “Put him on his feet.”

Upon release, Edmund’s legs gave way. He collapsed into a trembling heap.

Cora tilted her head to the side as she slowly circled him. “There’s someone else, someone who terrifies him far more than anyone in this room.”

“Who is it?” Jamie demanded. Alex’s arm shot out, holding Jamie back from seizing Edmund again.