Highlander Most Wanted (The Montgomerys and Armstrongs #2)(80)

He’d once promised her a place within his clan, as a Montgomery. But what did that mean? Was she to be his leman, as she’d once offered? Or was she to be treated merely as a cousin or sister or clansman and once they were home the passion between them would cool and become a distant memory?

She tried not to dwell on all the what-ifs and unknowns because it would do naught but drive her to madness.

She had to focus on the fact that she was being given a chance to start anew. She was free of the horrifying abuse that Ian had subjected her to for an entire year. He was dead. Patrick was dead. No one could hurt her anymore. Bowen had sworn that he would protect her from any threat. He was an honorable man, and she took him at his word.

Somehow, someway, she’d find her place in a new clan. And she’d find a way to make it up to Eveline, Graeme’s beloved wife, for the horror she’d put her through. And pray that Eveline could find it in her heart to forgive her.

“How far is it to your lands?” Genevieve asked Bowen.

“ ’Tis a half day’s ride if we go hard. ’Tis more likely we’ll arrive in the late afternoon. I don’t want to overtax you, and there’s no urgency to our return other than Graeme’s wanting to ride to Armstrong Keep to collect his wife.”

“He must love her a lot,” Genevieve said softly.

Bowen smiled, his eyes warming at the mention of his sister by marriage. “Aye, he does. He’s a fool for her and does not mind it one bit. Eveline has him completely wrapped, but to her credit she loves him just as fiercely as he loves her.”

“And she does not hear?”

Bowen shook his head. “Nay, she is deaf. She has the ability to read lips, though, so have a care when speaking around her. She didn’t speak for three long years, but she’s broken her silence and her speech improves the more she practices.”

“She sounds like an amazing lass,” Genevieve said. “ ’Tis no wonder Graeme loves her so.”

“I think the two of you have much in common,” Bowen said quietly. “You’ve both survived difficult circumstances. You’re both strong despite your fragile appearance.”

Only, Eveline Montgomery hadn’t been made a whore. She hadn’t been forced to spread her legs for Ian McHugh and any other man of his choosing. It was a fact Genevieve could never forget.

Graeme lagged back so that Genevieve and Bowen caught up and rode at his side.

“Up the way, I’m going to part ways and take half my men with me to Armstrong Keep so that I may retrieve Eveline. We’ll arrive at Montgomery Keep on the morrow.”

Bowen nodded.

“I must send word to our king to apprise him of all that has occurred and of the McGrieves’ involvement in the attack against us. I still have not heard from him on the missive I sent regarding the action we took in claiming McHugh Keep and ridding the world of Ian and Patrick.”

Graeme’s gaze fell on Genevieve as he spoke.

“Bowen tells me I have you to thank for killing Patrick. ’Twas your arrow that felled him.”

Genevieve shifted uncomfortably on the horse and ducked her head.

“Aye, ’twas her arrow,” Bowen said proudly. “She felled more than one warrior in the course of battle. She’s proved herself worthy of any soldier in our army.”

“ ’Tis impressive, and you have my thanks,” Graeme said. “Not only for removing Patrick as a threat but for saving my brother during battle. He is important to me, and I’d not have him killed if I can help it.”

Genevieve smiled. “I was happy to do it. I had no wish for Bowen to die, either.”

“You’ll like our clan, Genevieve. I have a feeling our sister, Rorie, will make a fast ally of you. You won’t have a choice, I fear. Rorie tends to do things her own way and she doesn’t take no for an answer. She’ll pester you until she has your entire story.”

A peculiar look crossed Bowen’s face. Sadness dulled his eyes for the briefest of moments, but before she could ask him about it he shook it off and joined Graeme in teasing about Rorie and her doggedness.

For the next hours, they rode in companionable silence, every once in a while speaking of mundane things. After a time, Graeme called a halt and took half his men and bade Bowen farewell, promising that he and Eveline would be along the next morning.

Bowen and Genevieve continued north with a contingent of Montgomery warriors, while Graeme headed west toward Armstrong land.

With each passing mile, Genevieve grew more nervous as they drew closer to the Montgomery border.

A shout went up in early afternoon as they crossed over onto Montgomery land. An hour later, the keep came into view and Genevieve leaned forward in the saddle, drinking in the sight of the distant fortress.

It was nestled close to the banks of a river and the hillsides were lush and green. A herd of grazing sheep covered one entire hillside, while horses dotted yet another. On either side of the keep were cottages, clean and sturdy, and more within the keep, lining the stone wall that surrounded the main building.

It was obvious the Montgomerys had done plenty to ensure the well-being of their clan. The keep was well fortified. Children played along one side of the keep as mothers kept close watch. Warriors trained within the courtyard walls while others went about their tasks. Women washed clothing in the river while others tended a plot of crops on the front side of the keep stretching as far as the eye could see.