Highland Sons: The Mackay Saga (2 page)

Kenzie slipped her hand from his grasp, then shook her head. Exasperation tinged her response. “Mama, ‘tis not your fault.”

Bane reached out to pat the horse’s flanks, and to his surprise, the mare shied away from his touch. If the horse was naturally skittish, then why had it allowed him to come so close? “I’ve never seen a horse behave like that when it’s in pain.”

“My daughter has a way with animals.” Kenzie’s mother shoved the crudely glazed container with its mashed green contents under the horse’s nose.

“What’s in the crock?”

“Oats and herbs that will give strength to her milk.” The old woman tugged the McLeod plaid closer about her body and turned. A slight frown drew down the corners of her mouth and there were lines etched between her brows as her gaze went from him to her daughter. “Now, come inside, and I’ll make us some tea. It’s the least we can do for your help.”

“We canna accept your offer.” Kenzie spoke quietly, as her mother had fallen asleep on the pallet by the fire. She would like nothing better than to get her mother away from the hardships of this place, but a castle held its own dangers. She set the last of their scones on the table with the clotted cream. “We prefer to keep to ourselves.”

“Mayhap, but as laird I canna allow you to live here until repairs are made.” He gestured to the right of the fireplace toward the ragged hole in the roof. “It would be for a short time. You’d be welcome at the castle.”

Kenzie’s stomach tightened. He could not know what he was saying. “Would we? You canna know what it’s like. My appearance brings out the worst in people.” Now that she thought of it, he did not react as most men did to her appearance. Did he not find her attractive? Perhaps that was why he didn’t realize the problem.

Bane covered his scone in clotted cream. “I think you fash yourself overmuch. Your beauty is of no consequence. My people will obey me. I’ll not allow them to do otherwise.”

Male arrogance never failed to amuse her. He honestly believed he could control his people’s jealousies and lusts. If only . . . “If we moved to the castle, how would we care for our livestock and gardens?”

“One of my men will make sure they are tended. If you’ll pack your things, we can make it back to the castle afore the sun sets. I’d not want to be near the peat bogs in the dark.”

She gazed over at where her mother lay sleeping. “We’ll not leave this night.”

“But you will leave.” He rose, adjusting the Mackay plaid over his shoulder. “On the morrow then. I’ll have your word.”

It seemed the man was used to getting his way. “As you wish. I’d have but one request.”

“Name it.”

“If you’re wrong, if your people do not accept us, you’ll allow us to gather our things and depart with your blessing.”

“Done.” His face wore a satisfied expression, his chiseled mouth turned up ever so slightly as he left the cottage.

With a sigh, Kenzie cleared the rough wooden table. At least at the castle there would be food aplenty, and her mother would not have to wear herself out trying to provide for them.

The castle may also be the perfect place to avoid the witch pricker, if he had indeed remained in the area. It wouldn’t do to have him discover her mother’s abilities. How could anyone find evil in growing plants? To her mother, nurturing plants came as naturally as Kenzie’s way with animals.

She stirred the vegetable stew hanging over the fire. They’d left every village that made it apparent they weren’t welcome, but she’d never been afraid—until today. At the thought of the lust in McGowan’s unholy eyes, she shivered. It wasn’t her abilities that interested him. If they crossed paths again, she may not be as lucky as today.

“I’ll not be shut in the Solar like a wee bairn.” With her arms crossed and a stubborn tilt to her chin, his mother looked formidable, in spite of her fifty years.

Bane peered heavenward, though with their family history, he had no clue what help he expected from that quarter. “Mother. It will be but a short time. Just ‘til our guest has decided to continue his journey.”

“Oh haver! I’ve naught to fear from a witch pricker. I’m no’ a witch.” The wrinkles near her eyes became more pronounced when she smiled. “But, I’m thinking he’ll have many tales of the witches he’s met. Can you imagine?”

“Nay. And I’ll not have to worry, as witches donna exist.”

“You’re a Mackay and you say such things. Remember our history. ‘Tis sorry I am that I’ve seen naught that struck me as magic. Mayhap before I die.”

“You’ll not be dying anytime soon, nor will you leave this solar ‘til the morrow.”

“Will you be setting guards outside the door then?”

“If I have to.” He sighed. “This clan is my responsibility. Your interest in witches is too sharp. This McGowan might mistake it for more than a passing fancy.”

“Mayhap, but ‘tis not witches, but the prophecy, that concerns me. You realize you must marry?”

“Aye. As you did not see fit to have but one child, then I must make sure our line continues. ‘Tis my duty.” He couldn’t quite keep the bitterness out of his voice.

His mother took the seat in front of her loom, and the familiar sound of rubbing wool filled the room as she tightened the shuttled yarn into place. “Maggie McDelavin is a strong, comely woman who’s waited for you. Yet you discourage her interest.”

“Her beauty hides a cutting tongue. Were I to wed her, she’d spread discord amongst the clan.”

“As you will, but you know all the eligible lasses and you’ve not found any of them to your liking. Just where do you think you’ll find a wife?”

Kenzie’s face, as she’d looked in the stable, popped into his head. Why did she fascinate him? Granted, the lass’s beauty caused a stir wherever she went, but that wasn’t what caught his interest. “I’ve time yet.”

His mother studied him for a moment, then smiled. “You’ve met someone.” She held up her hand. “‘Twill do no good to deny the obvious. Perhaps the prophecy has found its own way to tempt you?”

‘Twas but a guess on his mother’s part, for she couldn’t know about Kenzie. Still, the lass wasn’t for him. There was a strangeness to her and her mother. It wouldn’t do to take a wife that fueled his people’s superstition. “I hold no store in a prophecy. My main concern is the clan. With the Earl of Sutherland as an enemy we need to watch our borders.”

“Do you think there will be peace?”

“Not if that black-hearted earl refuses to cease raiding our stores. ‘Tis hard enough to survive the winter.” How had the castle and lands fallen into disrepair in such a short time? He’d aided the MacKay’s army but six months. Now he had yet another worry—McGowan. He gave his mother the stare he’d used to intimidate many a man. “I mean what I say. You’ll stay away from our guest.”

She nodded, and returned to her weaving. “As you will; I’ll avoid our witch pricker this eve.”

Bane tugged open the heavy wooden door and closed it behind him before he realized she’d promised to stay away from McGowan tonight, but had made no such oath for the future.

Kenzie mounted her mare amidst stares from Bane’s men. She fought the urge to raise the hood on her cloak. Instead, she sat forward in her saddle and gazed at the ramshackle cottage. Bane helped her mother into the small wooden cart they’d provided for their belongings, then swung up onto his stallion.

“You’ll keep your promise? The animals and garden will be cared for?” Kenzie held his gaze. She’d thought him to be a man of honor, but had she judged him rightly?

“Aye.” He raised his brows, then gave her a slow nod.

Kenzie had the uncomfortable feeling that he knew she didn’t trust him. Let him think what he chose, as long as he kept his word.

She tugged on the reins, turning her horse away from her temporary home. It never became easier. By now, she should be used to moving on, but a small part of her refused to accept that she would never have a home.

This rugged countryside matched her spirit. She’d felt a connection to the wildness of its creatures and people. But the feeling of belonging was strongest when the laird was present.

She glanced at Bane. He sat his horse with an air of command, but his angular features were set so that no one could guess what he was thinking. Guarded. Closed off. Alone. Her lips tightened, and she blinked several times. He reminded her of a beast, trapped in a cage. Where was the man who had smiled at her over the birth of a foal?

They’d gone only a few miles when the mournful howl of a wolf pierced the early morning mist, cut off by a sudden yelp. Kenzie glanced at her mother, her heart pounding. She could almost feel the animal’s distress. Only one thing could cause that sudden pain . . .

A trap
.

Anger vied with uncertainty. She couldn’t leave the animal to suffer, but Bane was sure to accompany her.

She reined in her skittish horse, laying a hand on the animal’s lathered neck to calm him. “I need to use the shelter of those rocks.” The boulders would hide her descent into the ravine. Frantic whimpers and growls echoed off the stones.

“Now?” Bane’s eyebrows rose. “Can you not hear the animal cries? It’s not safe. At least travel over the next rise.”

“Nay. I canna wait. I’ll not be gone long.”

“You’ll not go at all, without me.”

“As you wish.” She slipped from her horse, then handed the reins to one of the men. Surely the laird wouldn’t watch her every minute?

Bane dismounted, nodded to his men, then drew his short sword from the leather sheath at his waist. He matched her every move, searching the area as they went.

Why wouldn’t he leave her alone? “I’m going behind this boulder. You dinna have to follow me.”

“Nay. The wolf’s too close. I’ll not have—” As they rounded one of the larger boulders, they came within several feet of the injured animal. In spite of its captivity, the wolf lunged at them, its yellowed fangs snapping. Bane shoved Kenzie behind him and raised his sword for a death blow. Before he could attack, Kenzie circled him, then threw herself between man and animal.

“No!”

Her shout halted his downward stroke or she would have been his unintended victim. Was the woman daft?

Kenzie faced him, her face drawn. “I’ll not let you kill him. ‘Tis but his injury that makes him crazed.”

He glanced at the animal, which, thank God, couldn’t reach Kenzie. Didn’t she understand the danger? “Do you think it kinder to let him suffer?”

“He won’t.” She worried at her bottom lip, then her face cleared as if she’d come to a decision. “I can help. But not while you’re standing so close.”

“And what might you do?”

“What I can.” Her eyes widened as she studied his face. “Please.”

This was ludicrous. He should just finish the animal off and be done with it. But her expression told him that if he did, she’d never forgive him. And for some reason he cared what she thought of him. He backed up, slowly so as not to startle the animal.

Kenzie turned to face the mangy grey-brown beast, whose hair stood up along its back. Bane could see the crazed expression in the animal’s eyes. Every muscle in his body tightened as Kenzie moved forward. What did she think she was doing? If she got any closer, he’d never get to her in time.

Kenzie didn’t walk directly at the beast, nor did she look him in the eye. She angled toward the animal with her hand extended ‘til she closed the gap and gently touched the animal between the ears. A soft whimper filled the air. The wolf sat back on its haunches with difficulty. A sturdy metal trap encased its front right paw, hindering its movement.

Bane couldn’t grasp what he was seeing. Why wasn’t the wolf attacking? Obviously the animal was in pain. Could it have been raised by humans? He’d heard that was possible, but until today he hadn’t given the tales much credence.

Kenzie’s smooth, deliberate movements appeared to mesmerize the wolf. She still didn’t challenge the predator in any way as she gracefully knelt in front of the injured animal, then reached for the trap. With her hands wrapped around the wicked device, she strained until she managed to pry the jaws apart enough for the wolf to withdraw its paw.

Released, the animal scooted back, favoring its bloody leg. Only then did Bane notice the grey shadows standing guard amongst the stones. As if they’d spoken, the injured wolf turned with his pack and melted back into the uneven terrain.

With a sound of disgust, Kenzie tossed the sprung trap off the path into a pile of stones and wooly moss. She wiped her hands on her dress, turned, and caught his gaze.

What had he just witnessed? “How did you do that”?”

Commotion behind them drew Bane’s attention. One of his men scrambled over the rocks, his sword drawn. Damn, he’d not be able to question her now.

As the injured wolf ran with a pack, it couldn’t have been raised by humans. But there must be a reasonable explanation. No one cavorted with wild beasts. A little voice whispered in his head.

Witch
.

He’d been afraid McGowan would find his mother’s stories an invitation to cause trouble. But if the witch pricker had witnessed Kenize’s exchange with the wolf, he’d be burning the lass at the stake before the next sunrise.

-He might at least pretend an interest. Kenzie clasped her hands in her lap, then inclined her head toward Bane and repeated the question. “I asked if you’d been with the Earl of Caithness at the last battle with the Sutherlands.”

“What? Oh, aye.” Bane stopped contemplating the ring on his finger, but he barely glanced at her. Instead, he stretched his muscular legs, crossed his ankles, and stared at the solar’s hearth. She would have understood his fascination if there’d been a fire, but it was late summer.

“Well?” She raised her eyebrows. His men watched her every movement, fawning over her smallest request, but their laird acted as if he’d like to forget she existed.

He’d been this way since they’d returned from freeing the wolf. She shouldn’t have interfered, but she couldn’t let Bane kill the animal. At least he was the only one to witness her indiscretion.

“You’ll have to forgive my son. The presence of a comely lass seems to have stolen his tongue.” She gave Bane a reproving glance, then turned back to Kenzie’s mother. “So you’re of clan McLeod?”

Her mother’s face drew inward, the lines in her flesh deepening. “Aye, I was handfasted to Laird McLeod, but that was long ago. The laird had wanted sons—not a daughter.”

It almost sounded as if her mother believed the lie. After so many years of the telling, perhaps she did. But it wasn’t the lack of a son that had set them adrift. Kenzie shivered, drawing her plaid closer.

Lady Mackay gave a strained laugh. “I’ve but one son, and he reminds me oft enough that I should have borne more bairns, but we must be content with the good Lord’s wisdom. Why did you not return to your people?”

“My father thought my union with the McCleod would heal an old wound between the clans.” Her gnarled fingers stretched and tightened against her gown, as if energy poured from her fingertips. “But my family blamed me for being cast out. ‘Tis no matter, Kenzie and I do well enough.”

Her mother’s stalwart expression never wavered in the face of Lady Mackay’s sympathetic frown. Pride was one of the few things that hadn’t deserted her mother. Kenzie hoped she would show half as much fortitude under the same circumstances.

“My son said you have created an admirable garden at the cottage. Perhaps during your stay at the castle, you might instruct me? I’m afraid our plantings have been woefully neglected this year.”

Her mother’s face brightened, becoming softer. “Aye, I’d be pleased to help. I’d noted the variety of plants as we rode into the courtyard.”

“We can discuss what’s to be done. Bane, why don’t you and Kenzie take stock of the gardens?”

Her mother gave Lady Mackay a sharp look. “‘Tis not something that needs be done right now.”

Kenzie turned her gaze to Bane. His broad shoulders exceeded the width of the delicate chair back. He couldn’t be comfortable. She wanted to cross the space between them and smooth the lines of worry from between his eyes. This perplexing laird made her feel too at ease—too safe. But she’d do well not to forget that there was no place safe for her, or her mother.

He glanced up from his ring and caught her staring at him. She saw questions in his eyes. Questions she wasn’t sure she could answer. Her throat went dry. “Mayhap the laird has other duties?”

“Not at all.” He watched her like one of her cats, just before they pounced. “I believe we have much to discuss.”

Kenzie swallowed. His grey-green eyes assessed her, not in the lust-filled way men normally did, but as if he were trying to discover her secrets. Had she really desired his attention just moment ago?

His eyes narrowed and his lips turned up in the barest hint of a smile.

There was no indifference now.

Bane’s gaze followed Kenzie as she stepped lightly onto the garden path. She removed her hood, then freed her hair from under the cloak so it cascaded down her back. Her face tipped upward, as if seeking the smallest warmth of the sun. Within the castle walls she acted reserved and, well, confined. But outside was a different story. Nature was her element.

With deft footing, she traveled the path, avoiding the uneven stepping stones and brambles that reached out to snag her clothing. She let him catch up, and when she glanced at him, he thought he saw both joy and sadness in her face. “The gardens were beautiful once.”

“Aye, in recent years we’ve not been able to spare the men. This war has brought more than the gardens to a sorry state. ‘Twill take more than your mother’s way with plants to bring them back.”

“I’d not be so sure. My mother has a gift.”

“Is that anything like your gift with the wolf?”

She stood very still. “Meaning?”

“Meaning, I dismissed your ability to calm your mare—she was known by you. But that wolf was a wild animal in pain.”

“He knew I was there to help.”

“Did it now? And how would it have known that?”

“I’m not sure.”

Her earnest expression and beautiful violet eyes seemed to beg him to understand. But her explanation didn’t make sense.

“I’ve known how to approach animals since I was a child. Each animal is different. Most people forget that.” She gave a slight shrug. “I don’t.”

“I’m not sure I understand. I work with animals every day, but I’d never seen one act like that wolf.”

“Aye, but do you really see them? It’s much the same way with my mother. She can tell what a plant needs from looking at it, and because of her care, the plant will flourish.” She reached a hand out to him, then dropped it and shook her head. “You should be honored, ‘tis more than people you care for on Mackay lands.”

“You’d increase my burden?” It was enough to have a duty to his clan, let alone the land and animals.

“Nay. Caring for them ‘tis not a burden.”

Her face lit with mischief, making him forget what they were talking about. He shook his head. Something about animals.

“Let me show you.” She took his hand and drew him to the back of the garden, bordering the wilderness area. Several thistles had gone to seed. She retrieved a handful of the seeds, then held her palm and fingers very flat. “Now, I’d ask you to stand here, and be very still.”

After moving away from him, she raised her hand above her head and made a whistling sound. At first nothing happened, then he noticed finches gathering in the area. Before long, they perched on the edge of her palm, pecking at the seeds.

One of the tiny birds landed on her shoulder. She grinned at the creature as it clung to her plaid. “Wee John, ‘tis glad I am to see you.”

Wee John? She’d named the birds as well? He’d never met anyone like her. It wasn’t her beauty, but her face alight with wonder that had him holding his breath.

He used to find joy in nature as a boy—before his father’s death forced him to manhood. But even then, he didn’t posses the pure emotion he saw on her face.

The seed was gone, but the one finch stayed on her shoulder. Kenzie lowered her hand, peered at Bane with devilment brimming in her eyes, then laughed. “You should see your face.”

She motioned him over. “I’d like you to meet Wee John.” With her index finger she stroked the bird’s head. “His mother was killed, so I watched over him till he could take care of himself. I’d not thought to see him again.”

Bane came to stand beside her. He could have sworn the bird gave him a reproving glare before it departed. “And the other birds?”

She gazed up into his face and shrugged. “They were hungry. I knew that, and they didn’t fear me.”

The intensity of her expression made him uneasy. It was as if she could force him to make sense of her actions. “I’m trying to understand.” He closed the space between them. “You’re asking me to accept something I can’t explain.”

“Not everything needs to be explained.”

“True.” He smoothed back her hair, cupping the side of her face with his hand. Her skin felt silky against his palm. She smelled of wildflowers and heather, combined with a darker fragrance that spoke of the earth. “For instance, how would you explain this?”

Her eyes widened slightly, just before his lips claimed hers. At first she didn’t respond, as though she didn’t know what to do. Then her hands traveled up his chest until she grasped his shoulders and pressed against him.

He deepened the kiss, molding his mouth and body to hers. This was madness. He barely knew her. But a wildness surged in him, making him forget everything but the woman in his arms.

His lips trailed downward, exploring the sweet hollow at the base of her neck. Bane drew her against his length, as his mouth claimed hers once again. Breathing became a labored activity to match the rapid beating of his heart.

When Kenzie began to shove against his shoulders, he took a moment to realize what she was about. His control teetered on a fine edge, until he forced himself to break the kiss. Lord above, what had come over him?

With her hand to her mouth, Kenzie stepped back. He could see terror in her eyes, much like a hare cornered by the hounds.

“I’m sorry.” Kenzie wrapped her cloak close to her body, then turned and ran back toward the castle.

He’d kissed many a lass, and not one had had that reaction to him. The kiss had surprised even him in its intensity, but it shouldn’t have inspired fear. Instead of solving the mystery surrounding her, he had more questions. He’d give her this night to rest, but tomorrow he’d know why she faced a wolf without hesitation, but his kiss terrified her.

Kenzie stumbled along the path, blinded by tears. She’d never allowed a man to touch her like that. Why him of all people?

A laird—and she’d responded. Her stomach clenched.

He’d smelled of leather and spice. The combination created an intoxicating aroma, but that was no excuse for kissing him back. Mayhap it was because he made her feel safe?

That is, until she realized what she was about. He hadn’t demanded, and he’d released her when she’d struggled, but she should never have allowed him such liberties. Her jaw set and she squared her shoulders. ‘Twas best to avoid him while they were in the castle.

She came to a sudden halt when she entered the great hall. Several of Bane’s men sat on benches near the fire, but glanced up when she came in.

Every one of them stared, watching her as she moved about the room. Goose bumps raised on her arms. She reached for her hood, but she’d left her cape in the solar.

Feeling exposed, she kept her head down. Why is it their leader never made her feel like she needed to hide, or was simply something to be possessed? She turned away from them and studied the other end of the cavernous room.

Bane’s mother sat by a small table, a beautiful young woman by her side. The girl had long red hair, fine features, and skin with the dewiness of Lady’s Mantle in the morning. Kenzie felt colorless next to her, yet none of the men had even glanced at the redhead. Judging from the slight thinning of the beauty’s lips, she’d noticed.