Never Seduce a Scot (The Montgomerys and Armstrongs #1)(82)

Eveline’s eyes widened and then to her further befuddlement Graeme pulled her roughly to him and kissed her hard and deep. When he finally let her go, her thoughts were so muddled that she couldn’t think straight.

“Now go,” he said. “And hurry back to me so I can satisfy my concerns over your well-being.”

CHAPTER 38

As soon as Eveline was gone from the chamber, Graeme turned to his brothers. “Tell me the truth. I want the whole of it. How is Eveline? Was she hurt?”

“I know not,” Teague said honestly. “She’s refused any sort of aid. She’s been focused solely on you and your recovery. She took a terrible fall from your horse, but she stood back up, mounted him again, and led us back to you.”

Graeme swore even as pain knifed through his shoulder. “You should not have allowed it. She should have been cared for first.”

Bowen laughed. “You did not see your wee wife, brother. She had the entire keep terrified to cross her. She screamed like she was demented every time someone entered your chamber. She wouldn’t allow anyone save me, Teague, Rorie, Father Drummond, and Nigel anywhere near you, and the father was only allowed if he didn’t try to give you last rites. She wouldn’t allow anyone to entertain, even for a moment, the idea that you wouldn’t survive. She was a sight to behold.”

“You frightened us all,” Teague said gruffly.

“What happened?” Graeme asked. “ ’Tis all a bit of a blur to me. I remember Eveline screaming at me and when I turned and drew my sword I saw a man on horseback approaching. The next thing I remember is throwing myself to the side to avoid the arrow and then I hit my head. I know nothing else.”

“What happened is that Eveline frightened away your attacker by screaming like the hounds of hell were after you, then she took up your sword, prepared to do battle to protect you. The horseman fled and then Eveline threw herself on your horse and rode screaming the entire way back to the keep. She rode full speed into the courtyard and then your horse threw her over his head. She brought us back to you and we carried you on a litter. She refused to ride back with Bowen and walked beside you the entire way instead. She hasn’t left your side since. She’s refused food, care, and she hasn’t slept.”

“The little fool,” Graeme bit out. “What would I do without her? I can’t lose her.”

It was said out loud before he could think better of blurting out his feelings for Eveline. He was furious over the risks she’d taken and he was shaking with fear, with the realization that he could have so easily lost her.

Bowen and Teague said nothing in response to his declaration, but he could see the knowledge in their eyes.

“Who did this? Did you track him down?” Graeme demanded.

His younger brothers exchanged uneasy glances.

“Tell me,” he ground out.

“ ’Tis been more difficult for Eveline than you even know,” Bowen said in a low voice.

Graeme froze, his veins turning to ice. “You said she wasn’t hurt. Did he lay hands to her?”

Bowen shook his head. “Nay, ’tis just as we told you. Eveline … She saw the archer. She was able to give us identifying information.”

“Possible identifying information,” Teague cut in.

Bowen nodded. “Aye, we know not what to make of it yet. We’ve sent out soldiers to search the area and we’ve added extra patrols to our border to ensure the safety of the clan, but we would not act on the information Eveline gave us until we spoke to you.”

Graeme shook his head in confusion. “Eveline identified the man who shot me and you didn’t act?”

Again, his brothers exchanged glances, and dread centered in Graeme’s gut. He was weary and weak, and it made him furious that his wife was so badly in need of his support and all he could muster was the energy to lean against his pillows while his brothers spoke. He doubted he could even feed himself at this point.

“Eveline believes it was one of her clan,” Teague said in a quiet voice.

Shock buzzed through Graeme’s veins, momentarily giving him a surge of energy.

“She told you this?”

Bowen nodded. “She was devastated, but she did not withhold the truth. She fears what it will mean. We worried in the beginning that Eveline did not understand the circumstances of her marriage. She understands all too well. She knows a blood treaty was signed and that if we go to war, both clans will be branded outlaws and a bounty will be on our heads.”

“And yet she told you the truth,” Graeme said softly.

“Aye,” Teague muttered. “I wouldn’t have even blamed her if she’d withheld what she’d seen. I cannot say that I wouldn’t have done so if I were in her position.”

“She is an amazing lass,” Graeme murmured.

“Aye, that she is,” Bowen agreed. “And she’s intensely loyal to you, Graeme.”

Pride swelled in Graeme’s chest. He remembered that just moments before he’d been struck by the arrow, he’d begged her to give him another chance. He’d begged her not to return to her clan. It appeared she’d made her choice. Savage satisfaction billowed through him, bolstering his flagging strength. She’d chosen him. Over her own clan. She hadn’t lied to protect her kin. She’d done the just thing and told the truth.