Jake (The Highland Clan Book 4) (7 page)

His sire’s booming voice called to him. “Jake, join us, please.”

Jake led Aline in his father’s direction. Alexander Grant was a discerning man, and instead of forcing Aline to make the large step up to the dais, where she’d be on display, he waved for those in the immediate family to follow him to a side trestle table.

Aline relaxed, the jittery shaking of her hand calming once she realized they were not headed to the dais. Jake settled her in a chair his sire had found for her while the rest of the family settled on the benches. Though he knew she’d met some of them, he made formal introductions, introducing her to his mother and father, Uncle Robbie and Aunt Caralyn, whom she had met, and Uncle Brodie. Jamie was missing, but Jake’s sister Kyla and cousins Ashlyn and Gracie were there also. His other cousins sat at a nearby table. He thought it best not to overwhelm her so decided to hold off those introductions.

They sat and continued on with their conversation about the happenings of the day while Aline took everything in. Maddie ordered a trencher of stew for her and ensured she had some bread. Once she’d eaten a bit, the conversation turned to her.

Alex spoke first. “Aline, welcome to our home and table. I’m sorry you had the misfortune you did, but understand that you are welcome at Clan Grant at any time. We are always pleased to invite others to join us.”

Uncle Robbie added, “And if you need any help with your present situation, please let us know. We have each had some dealings with unsavory characters, so do not hesitate to ask for help.”

Aunt Caralyn asked, “Have you made any plans yet?”

Jake cleared his throat, wishing to answer, but he decided it was not his place to speak for her. Suddenly, he realized that many in his family had experienced situations similar to Aline’s. He and his siblings had lived a sheltered life.

He noticed Aunt Caralyn, who had left a cruel man to journey into Grant land. She’d sent her daughters ahead of her to be safe. He thought of his cousin Loki, who had been adopted by his uncle Brodie after they’d found him living on the streets of Ayr, and of Brodie’s wife Celestina, who’d been forced to marry to a brute. Ashlyn and Gracie, his cousins who’d been adopted by Robbie, had looks of empathy on their faces, as if they knew…

Did they?

Aline replied, “Aye, I will be returning on the morrow. While I appreciate all you’ve done for me, I must return. If I could borrow a horse, I would be deeply grateful.”

Silence descended quickly, but his sire spoke up, smooth as could be. “We’ll do all we can to assist you. Isn’t that right, Jake?”

Jake nodded, unable to speak, but he did send a pointed look in his father’s direction. Couldn’t his sire see she needed to stay here? Couldn’t Uncle Robbie see that she was headed back to trouble? Any man who’d beaten her like that would do so again. Finally, he couldn’t stop himself from saying, “I think it would be in Aline’s best interest to stay here.”

Aline’s voice trembled as she spoke. “I think I’d like to return to my chamber. It was lovely meeting you. My thanks for inviting me.”

She stood up to leave, and Jake helped her, but not before beseeching his sire. “My laird, I believe we should convince her to stay here where she is safe. I do not believe ‘tis in her best interest to leave and go back to the lout who did this to her.”

Aline froze and glanced at all the faces in front of her, her face turning a dark shade of red. Ashlyn reached over and squeezed her hand, nodding to her.

Alex sighed and said, “I’m sorry, Jake. ‘Tis not our place or our practice to imprison someone. She is here of her own free will and can choose to leave when she wishes. I’ll take this opportunity to assure her that if the time ever comes that she’d like our assistance, we will be happy to give it to her. She need only get a message to us.”

Aline nodded to Alex. “My thanks, my lord.”

Desperate for a little more time to convince her of what he knew to be true, Jake held his hand out to Aline. “Would you mind going for a short walk with me? I’m sure Ashlyn would not mind if you borrowed her mantle.”

“Aye, I would like that. It would be lovely to see more of your castle and grounds.”

After retrieving Ashlyn’s mantle, he helped Aline on with it, then held the door for her to go out ahead of them. She shivered as soon as she stepped out. “Ooh, ‘tis chilly this eve.”

“Then you must lean against me, and I promise to keep you warm.”

Though she did not reply in words, she moved closer to him. “Jake, your castle is the biggest I’ve ever seen.”

They moved through the bailey, and Jake pointed out various buildings: the armorer, the carpenter, the baker, the weaver, the smithy. Aline was in awe of all of them. When they came to the chapel, she stopped in front. “May I go in?”

“Of course. We do not have a priest in residence, but our traveling priests oft visit us, and when they come, they stay for at least a fortnight or two. My mother loves to have them visit.”

Aline ran her finger across the worn wood. “Jake, ‘tis most beautiful.”

“May I ask you something since we can talk in private?”

“Of course.”

He leaned closer to her and ran the backs of his fingers across her cheek. “You are healing well.”

She laughed. “I do not look like a multi-colored dolt?”

“Nay. Never a dolt. You are quite beautiful now that I can see you through your wounds. I wish to make a suggestion, though I know your tendency will be to shut me out. Will you listen anyway?”

“Aye. I shall listen.”

His hand dropped down to clutch hers. “Here is my question for you. Why do you not take me with you?”

Her hand jerked back. “I cannot.”

“Please listen. Take me with you, and I will help you. Whatever loved ones are there at the keep, I will help you locate and release them. I will fight Hew Gordon myself. I’ll take my closest friend Magnus and my brother Jamie with me, and we’ll put an end to your pain. Why put yourself in his hands again?”

“I cannot explain, but he said if I ever tell, he’ll make me pay, more than he ever has before. If you go back with me, I know not what he’ll do—or who he will take his anger out on, but you can be certain he will retaliate.”

Jake would do his best to convince her. His sire and his guards could put an end to this situation quickly. “The man is a menace. He needs to be sent elsewhere. We do not want his kind in the Highlands. One word from you, and my sire will send two hundred warriors in to take over.”

“But then those who are there would get hurt. My friend Effie is there, and…”

“And?”

“And others. Jake, please.”

A tear slid down her cheek and he kissed her, tasting the saltiness of her tear. “I wish to rid you of your sadness and your fears. I wish to give us a chance. Mayhap there is something between us. I like you, Aline. Would you not like to explore this more?”

He kissed her hard on the lips, probably too hard for the cuts, but she did not wince or pull back. This might be his only chance to convince her. Or to touch her. He devoured her, running his hands down her back and cupping her bottom, his fingers sinking into her flesh, thoughts of her soft globes in his hands making him hard in a moment.

She moaned and he lost all sense, kissing her neck, and then the top of her breast, the only part above her mantle. He moved the coarse fabric of the outer coat aside and cupped her breast through the thin material of her gown, kissing the top of the perfectly formed mound. She moaned, the slight sound giving him a sense of satisfaction that he was right. They did belong together. “Do you not want to see what we can be?”

She moaned again, but then stilled his hand, restoring her mantle to its proper place. She peered up at him and said, “I do, but you do not understand what an impossible situation it is.”

Jake sighed, accepting what she said. She was absolutely correct. He did not understand her reasoning at all.

“Jake, I’d like to say a prayer if you do not mind.”

He stepped back, allowing her to kneel while he moved to the back of the chapel, rubbing his eyes in frustration. “What are you praying for?”

She glanced at him over her shoulder. “A miracle.”

A few minutes later, they returned to the great hall, though they had little to say to each other. She felt so good in his arms. Did she not feel the same about him? They ascended the staircase, slow steps, but she managed them on her own. Once inside her chamber, Aline stood on the far side of the bed and said, “My thanks, Jake, but I’ll be leaving on the morrow. Good eve to you.”

She turned her back to him.

What in hell would he do now? He’d find a way to keep her here. He had to.

***

A light rap echoed in her room a bit before dawn. Aline had already completed her ablutions and dressed for the journey. She tiptoed over to the door and peeked out, surprised to see Ashlyn standing there. Unsure of what to do, she hesitated.

Ashlyn whispered, “I’m here to help you leave.”

“Why are you here so early?” She knew Ashlyn had offered, but she was surprised to see her standing in her doorway, ready to travel.

“Because I do not think my cousin will allow you to go. He’s trying to come up with a way to keep you here, and I believe you must be allowed to do what you know to be necessary.”

Aline whispered, “My thanks,” and ushered Ashlyn inside, closing the door softly behind her.

“Here,” Ashlyn said, “I brought a few things for you to pack. I have some fruit, some oatcakes, a small dagger, a couple of candles, and a sliver of soap.”

Aline fingered each of the items as she tucked them into her satchel. The dagger she kept in her hand, staring at it, wondering if she could ever use it. She’d never had one before.

“‘Tis not big enough to kill a man, Ashlyn said, “but ‘twill slow one. You’ll have time to get away.”

“Ashlyn, you have been through something similar?” She lifted her gaze to Ashlyn. Her long dark locks had been plaited, and her brown eyes sparked with intensity. Aline was quite sure they were eyes that had lived through much.

“Before my father died on the firth, we lived a wonderful life, but once he was gone, many bad men came after my mother. She protected me, and I protected my sister Gracie. I remember more than my mother realizes, more than I can tell her without breaking her heart. I will never marry, but I will help every lass I can. ‘Tis a goal of mine. ‘Tis wrong the way many men treat women, though believe me when I say that Jake is not like that. You can trust him.”

“I know. Jake is a fine lad.” She knew every time she thought of him, a sadness would wrench her heart for what could have been between them, but she could not think of that now. “There is a horse I may borrow?”

“Aye. My da said I am to travel with you until you almost reach your destination, then I’m to bring the horse back. Does that suit you?”

Aline considered her words, then replied, “Aye. ‘Tis best if you do not travel to the keep. Once I am on his land, his men will find me. I think ‘tis a sound plan. Truly, I need your help because I have no idea where I am. I was not alert when Jake found me, so I did not pay any mind to where we were headed. We may wander a bit until I figure it out, but I think we shall find it.”

“My da gave me some directions. He believes it to be in one of two places that are not far apart. He’s familiar with most of the surrounding lands, and though he does not know Hew, he does recall his sire. He recalled the compound being small, and the chief being unfriendly, but of no threat. He’s requiring me to take two guards, but they will not follow you, only stay to the rear for protection. This early in the morn should be safe. He thinks we should be there before the sun is high.”

“I am ready. Lead the way.” She had donned a warm gown that Maddie had given her, paired with a mantle for the cold winds of autumn and a thick pair of woolen socks. Determined, she set to leave, but then stopped. “Make sure you tell Jake that I am sorry.”

“Aline, I’d like to return to check on you occasionally. Would you approve of that? I want you to have a way out, or a way to get a message to us if you need assistance.”

“I could not risk your life, Ashlyn. I fear if Hew suspected aught, he would kill you immediately.”

“Do not worry. The Clan Grant can be quite deceptive when we need to be. Know that you may never see us, but we will be watching.”

She could only hope that Ashlyn spoke the truth, and that the Grants would find a way to keep watch over them. Though she didn’t know what, something was brewing at Castle Dubh, something frightening.

Chapter Eight

Jake had gone out to the lists early the next morn to release some of his frustration about his inability to talk sense into Aline. After a few good rounds with his sword, he returned to the great hall to break his fast, then he planned to try to convince Aline to stay. In fact, when he opened the door, he had a secret hope that she had come down to the hall on her own, and he would find her chatting with his family.

He wiped his face with his plaid as he made his way to the table where his sire sat with his Uncle Robbie. His brother Jamie and Roddy, Robbie’s son, were also there.

“Good morn to you,” Jake said as he pulled a stool over to the full table.

He received many replies, and he smiled and nodded in acknowledgement as he called for porridge from the serving lass.

Uncle Robbie cleared his throat. “Plans for the day, Jake?”

“Just going to check on Aline, try to convince her to stay here, though I doubt she will listen. She’s been adamant about going back. How can I allow her to go without following her? Thus, if I cannot convince her to stay, my guess is I’ll be traveling.”

“About Aline.”

“What about Aline?” Jake set the piece of bread he’d broken off the fresh loaf back on the table.

Uncle Robbie glanced at Jake’s sire before he continued. “Aline left before dawn.”

Jake stood up so fast that he sent his stool flying behind him. “What? You allowed her to leave?”

“Jake,” his father warned. “Get control of your temper.”

Jake picked up his stool and set it to rights, plopping down on it and casting a glare his father’s way. He then stared at his uncle, awaiting an answer. He did his best to keep from bellowing at the beams above him, letting everyone know his angst.

Alex answered, “Aline left with Ashlyn and two guards before dawn with our blessing.”

“What the hell were you thinking? Two guards?” Then he turned to glare at his uncle. “You allowed Ashlyn to go with her?”

Uncle Robbie whispered, “Simmer that temper of yours, Alex Junior, and I’ll explain our reasoning.” He sat back and crossed his arms, waiting for Jake to calm down.

Jake knew he’d get naught until he did as they asked, so he scanned the hall, trying to rein in his fears. They must have had a good reason. This was his sire and his uncle in front of him, two of the three lads who’d built the Clan Grant to its current might. Once his heartbeat slowed, he said, “Please continue.”

Uncle Robbie resumed. “We believe that Aline only had trust in Ashlyn, Maddie, and Caralyn. Ashlyn volunteered to go with her so she’d know how to find the keep. ‘Tis better to know your enemies, Jake. Aline would have returned whether you wanted her to or not. Your mother was certain of that, and she understands these things. If she’d snuck off on her own, we wouldn’t have been able to find her. ‘Tis our belief that something could be building at this keep. The lads who treat lasses that way are usually power hungry.

“We believe we know the location of the castle. ‘Tis run down and there was an old Gordon chief, but he had few men, so we never considered them a threat. They were not friendly.

“Aline needed guidance getting off our land because she had no idea how to find that lad’s keep from Clan Grant. You would not want her wandering aimlessly in the Highlands as Bella did before she was kidnapped. Ashlyn offered her guidance, a horse, and the promise to leave her once they reached Aline’s destination. The two guards were given strict instructions to stay back and follow the lay of the land.”

A slight smirk crossed Jake’s face. He had to admit he’d been outsmarted by his elders. “So when Ashlyn returns, she and the guards will be able to tell us how to find that cruel bastard.” He glanced at his sire, sighing, but pleased at the same time. Then he asked, “Da, can we not just end this? I know Aline worries that if we attack, she and her friends would be in danger, but surely you must know a way to prevent that from happening. Once we know where he lives, why not take two hundred warriors and beat the man in front of her? Show the bastard and everyone else what happens to men who abuse women. It would be easy to attack that castle. We must be three times the size of them.”

Uncle Robbie chuckled and peered at his brother. “Time to teach the next in line, aye?”

“Aye,” Alex said, nodding. “For several reasons, Jake. First, we know naught about him. Always know your enemies. The only way to avoid the unexpected is to get your information before going in. Second, we have no idea how many guards they have, so how many would we find ourselves facing? Aline spoke of another chief. Did he bring more men? What kind of fighters are they? Are they archers? And third, and I consider this most important, we cannot attack unless provoked. ‘Tis our king’s instructions. We cannot just go flying in there on the attack without a reason. The king would flay a laird who was fool enough to do that. He cannot keep order in the land if his largest armies go on attack whenever they please. ‘Tis the kind of behavior that starts wars. We must wait.”

Jake’s sire stood and clasped his shoulder before he could walk away, “Believe me, this is not the last we’ve heard of this man, and I believe in being ready. We will learn all we can about him, but first we have to wait to find out his exact location. Without that information, we are helpless. Trust someone who knows from experience. That temper can make you a fearsome enemy, but it will get in the way of sound reasoning. Learn to rein it in when necessary. We expect them back before sundown, probably before. We are guessing they’ll part ways from Aline by midday.”

“Then I guess I am best served working on my skills for a bit longer,” Jake said. “I think I’ll be doing some traveling soon.”

Uncle Robbie snorted. “But have you learned from your mistakes, or will you travel like a fool, alone and unprepared, driven by your temper and your youth?”

“I shall wait for information, Uncle. You have my word.”

Jake did not share his next thought. He wouldn’t wait for long, nor would he promise what he would do when he had that information.

***

When Aline finally recognized the area around them—the familiar stream with the mountains in the background—she slowed her horse and turned to Ashlyn. “This is almost the edge of Hew’s land. ‘Twill not be much farther, so I shall leave you and walk the rest of the way.”

Ashlyn nodded. “Do you trust that I will help you at any time?”

“Aye, I have enjoyed your friendship, Ashlyn.”

“Remember, I wish to help you free yourself. Just send a message and I will return. I’m sure you know Jake would come with me, and my sire and uncle would send as many guards as necessary.”

“My thanks. I will keep that in mind. First, I shall return and hope that I will be welcomed back.” She stared out over the landscape, drawing the strength to do what she must. How she wished she was still in Jake Grant’s arms, but such simple happiness could not be hers.

“If even the slightest thing goes wrong, return to Clan Grant. Is there aught else you can tell me about your keep before you go? Every bit will be helpful if we must come to your assistance.”

“It’s called Castle Dubh, and there are two keeps. One is Hew’s, ‘tis the oldest one. The other is inhabited by the new chief, although I have never met him. He’s young, from the Lowlands. I’ve heard talk of the area around Edinburgh. There is not much else I can tell you. Hew has maybe thirty guards, but ‘tis just a guess. And I know not how many the chief has, but I’ll do my best to find out all I can.”

Aline dismounted and handed the reins to Ashlyn, who hopped down next to her. She gave her a hug and whispered, “I understand, Aline. God speed, and I will help in any way I can.”

Aline’s eyes misted, but she turned away, tied her satchel around her middle and started her trek down the hill to Hew’s land. She waved and smiled at Ashlyn before she took off.

If she waited any longer, her tears would be all over her cheeks. She needed to find out what had transpired in her absence, and see if Hew would even allow her to return.

It probably was not the best plan to admit she’d spent time at Clan Grant, so her mind churned out several different stories about how she had healed. Unfortunately, she couldn’t decide which story was best, and there wasn’t much time to give it any thought. As soon as she rounded a bend in the path, two of Hew’s men set upon her.

“Och, look at what I found, Duncan. ‘Tis the chief’s pretty lass.” He pranced his horse in a circle around her, just to taunt her.

Duncan’s face lit up as he stared at Aline. “Aye, but she’s no longer the chief’s favorite. He’s got Lorna now.” He gave her a wide toothless grin. “Mayhap we can play with her.”

“Nay, you’ll not touch her, Duncan. Not until Hew says so.” Gilroy stared at her, giving her a slow once over. “Looks like he did a fine job disciplining you this time, lass. Mayhap you’ll be a bit kinder with that mouth of yours next time.”

Aline stared at the ground. She wanted naught more than to swear at both of the crude louts, but she had to convince them to take her back. “Gilroy, please take me back to see Hew. I wish to apologize to him for my behavior.”

Gilroy dismounted and strode over to stand in front of her. “He did beat you pretty good this time, did he not? You needed disciplining, though I thought he was a bit severe. But he does have quite a temper. You need to remember that. The next time you may not be so fortunate.” He pointed his finger at her, waving it as he blathered on. “And how did you survive out here? We thought you’d be dead in less than a day.”

“An old woman found me and nursed me at her hut.” She kept her gaze from catching his, hoping her lies were not uncovered.

He grabbed the shoulder of her mantel and tugged her forward. “Come along. Hew thinks you are dead, so I best make him aware that you live. He’ll make the decision.”

Duncan chuckled, “He’ll not give up having Lorna in his bed. He likes her. She’s a feisty one, but she knows when to keep her mouth shut. You need to learn from her.” Duncan pointed his dirty finger at her, winking and smirking.

Gilroy hoisted her up onto his horse, then climbed on behind her, but not without fondling her breast. “Aye, Lorna’s are nice, but they are too big in my opinion. And she’s got too much in the rear. You and yours are far better.”

Aline shoved his hand away. “You know Hew did not allow you to touch me.”

Duncan hooted. “Nay, there was no touching you when you were Hew’s, but you’re not his right now.”

Gilroy said little the rest of the way, just as she preferred. He’d bought her story about the old woman, so she hoped Hew would also believe it. The closer they came to their castle, the more her palms dampened. Hew’s keep was smaller than the other one, but both were tucked inside the same curtain wall. It was odd how Hew’s chief had insisted on staying separate in his own keep upon his arrival. There was only one kitchen that served both, and only one great hall, but the new chief stayed away from the others. Only a few men were allowed access into both keeps. Gilroy and Duncan were not among the fortunate. They were loyal to Hew and did his bidding at all times, but they’d been his sire’s guards for years.

The other chief held most of the guards, bringing more in daily, though they lived outside the curtain wall, coming in for meals only. Ashlyn had asked her to learn as much as she could about the other guards. She tried not to get her hopes up, but she held on to a small sliver. If she had any chance of getting away, she knew it would be a Grant that would come to her rescue. She would pay attention to all that transpired in front of her this time, and to everything inside the keep—chambers, staircases, weapons, ways to escape. She would learn how many guards were here.

First, she had to get back in Hew’s good graces.

***

Jake paced the lists. Every once in a while, he’d swing his sword at one opponent or another, but then he’d return to his pacing.

His sire came along mounted on his horse and said, “We trust Ashlyn, or we would not have sent her.”

“Aye, but can I not go after her? She should be on her return voyage by now.”

“Nay, ‘twould endanger her cover. I have a job for you.” He tossed the reins of a second horse over to him.

“Now?” Jake gritted his teeth as he stared at his sire. He wished to go against everything his sire had just said, but he could not.

“I need a few trees cut down.”

He motioned for Jake to follow him, so he did. They moved out through the forest, moving in the direction that Ashlyn had gone, which only made him even more eager to ride out to greet her.

He galloped behind his sire, feeling the wind in his hair, something he did love, so that helped a bit. His sire brought him through a maze until he finally came to a stop in a clearing. Jake dismounted, staring at his sire. “This is where you go to chop trees when you are upset?” It had long been his sire’s habit. Alex always went alone. The twins had oft begged to go along with him, but he’d always denied them. He’d return a few hours later with a smile on his face. Now his sire had finally brought him here.

Jake was stunned, completely stunned, taking everything in about the special place.

“Aye,” his father said with a grin. “Do you not approve?” Once he dismounted, he walked over to a large, flat rock that sat atop a hill overlooking Grant land, quite a steep drop beneath them.