The Devil in Plaid(19)

Grant backed away. “Nay, I just want to prepare ye for the worst.”

“The worst is if our clan falls to the MacKenzie. Even if the lady were to run, her father has committed to an alliance. The MacDonnells will stand with us, or I will bring down the might of the MacLeod upon their heads.”





Chapter Ten


Fiona stood in the courtyard, flanked by Esme and Abby. She watched Jamie ride through the gate. With one hand he loosely gripped the reins while his other hand rested easily on his thigh. At first glance, one might have thought he was just another friend to the clan come to visit, but the intensity of his gaze belied the casualness of his seat. His gaze bore into hers, his eyes assessing and full of disdain. She took a deep breath and straightened her shoulders, fighting against the insecurity and fear building within her every moment he drew closer. When he reined in his mount in front of her, he held out his hand. “Come to me,” he said.

She trembled beneath the force of his gaze. “The stable boy is fetching my horse,” she replied, fighting to keep her voice steady.

He slowly shook his head. “Ye’re riding with me.”

She forced herself not to gasp. There was no way she could surrender herself to his arms. She eyed the bulging contours of his biceps. It would be as if entering a cage. She would be powerless to escape his hold. “Thank ye, but I will be more comfortable on my own mare.”

“After we are wed and our union consummated and the terms of our alliance officially met, then ye can do whatever ye like. I care not. But until that time, ye’re not leaving my sight.” He drew closer and in a low voice said. “I will not give ye the chance to escape this wedding.”

“How dare ye doubt my word?” she hissed.

He looked at her pointedly. “MacDonnell women are not famous for their honor or their faithfulness. Now, come to me.”

Fiona started to refuse him, but Esme gave her hand a sharp squeeze.

“Hold yer tongue, my lady,” her maid whispered. “Ye do yerself no favors by provoking his temper. Do as he says now or risk his greater wrath later.”

Fiona swallowed hard and glanced sidelong at her betrothed. He exuded power and strength. Her gaze followed the thick veins in his forearm to his large hands, hands that could squeeze into rock-hard fists. Esme was right. She should not provoke the MacLeod’s ire.

Legs now trembling, she saw her father approach. It was all she could do to not sprint into his arms like she had as a frightened child.

“My sweet lass,” he whispered, pulling her into a tight embrace. “I fear I sent ye forward into hell. I can only pray I burn for all eternity for what I’ve done.”

“Nay father,” she said, her voice breaking. “Ye have done what is necessary to save our clan, our people. I would die a thousand deaths if it prevented further destruction.” She held him close. “Think not of me. Meet this alliance with yer whole heart. Join ranks with the MacLeod and save our people. Do this, so my own sacrifice is not in vain.”

“My brave girl,” he said, cupping her cheek. Then his gaze shifted over her head. His face hardened. She glimpsed the young warrior he once was.

“Jamie MacLeod,” Gordon boomed. Her father wrapped his arm around her shoulders, and together, they faced the impatient rider. “I give my daughter to ye, placing her in yer care. But know this…alliance or not, if she comes to any harm, I will tear down Castle Làidir stone by stone and take her back from ye, leaving a bloody wake behind me if need be. Do ye ken?”

The MacLeod’s eyes narrowed on her father. “Ye’re not in a position to make threats.”

“None of us are,” Gordon growled, thrusting out his chest.

Fiona pulled her father back. “Our forebears could afford the feud between our clans. We do not have that same luxury. If ye do not come together now, both our peoples will fall to the MacKenzie.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck and squeezed with her whole heart. “I love ye, Da,” she whispered, her heart aching.

“I love my sweet, wee lass,” he crooned.

His words forced her tears beyond the confines of her lids. He squeezed her tightly, then drew back. “Ye stay strong, ye hear?”

She nodded. “I promise.”

Then she turned to her maids.

“This is not goodbye,” Esme declared, her voice strong, despite the glistening of unshed tears in her eyes. “We’ll depart as soon as we’re ready.”

Fiona hugged her close. Then Esme pulled away and clasped Fiona’s hands. “’Tis never a good idea to poke a wolf. Mind yer tongue,” she said quietly for Fiona’s ears alone.

Fiona swallowed hard and nodded. Then she turned to Abby who did not share her older sister’s restraint.

“Oh, my lady,” Abby wailed as she threw her arms around Fiona’s neck. “Whatever will become of ye!”

“Wheest,” Fiona chided gently. “I’ll be fine. Now, listen to me, Abby. Ye must get a hold of yerself so that ye can help Esme. I need ye both at my side. The sooner ye can journey to Castle Làidir, the happier I will be.”

Abby sniffed and wiped her eyes. “Aye, my lady. I promise ye, we will make haste.” Abby hugged her again and whispered, “If he hurts ye, I’ll poison him.”

“Wheest, Abby,” Fiona snapped.