Eight

“Hati, stay!”

Caitlin stood about twenty feet away from the huge dog and glared at him across the open expanse of the bailey, eyes wide, stare direct. She put as much authority into her voice as possible as she battled the big male for dominance. His brother, Skoll, lolled on the grass beside him. Skoll had submitted to Caitlin after the first day of training in return for treats and her approval. It had been three days, and while she had made good headway with Hati, he still did not obey her to the extent she wanted.

If Darach’s dogs had been smaller or the kittens’ safety not at stake, she might have accepted Hati’s reluctant obedience and claimed her coin from Lachlan. But the hound gazed intently at the four kittens playing on a blanket with Fergus several feet away. Caitlin was fair certain, as soon as her back was turned, he would run after them—again.

The dogs were named after the wolves Hati and Skoll in Norse mythology, who’d chased the sun and the moon, trying to eat them. According to legend, when their quarry was caught, the world would come to an end. ’Twas no wonder Darach’s dogs misbehaved, when they had such namesakes.

But Caitlin was stubborn, and Hati would submit as Skoll had—from sheer boredom if naught else.

A number of people loitered in the bailey, watching her progress, and a few warriors stood guard over the kittens should Hati test Caitlin’s authority again. That niggled, but Darach had insisted, obviously not believing she could control the large dog. A few more days and she would prove him wrong.

“Such good lads,” she crooned and approached to give them treats and pets, causing their tails to thump madly on the trodden-down grass before she retreated again. They had stayed in place for over an hour now, and she was about to release them when their bodies tensed with excitement. Skoll pushed himself into a sitting position, muscles quivering, while Hati whined eagerly at something behind her.

Or someone. Darach most likely. He was their alpha, and they obeyed him with complete devotion.

Her own excitement rose too, and her stomach dipped when she sensed him behind her. She wanted to turn around but was afraid to, lest the dogs disobeyed and ran to him. Instead, she widened her eyes and stared them down.

They stayed.

“I would ne’er have believed it—another wager won,” Darach said into her ear. “You are to be commended. My beasts behaving and Fergus out here among his family, clean and happy, playing with the kittens. ’Tis true what they say. You are a miracle worker.”

Her heart filled at the compliment. “’Tis only that they want to obey more than they want my displeasure. And Fergus wants to be where the kits are.”

“Fergus wants to be where you are. As does half the clan.”

A blush rose in her cheeks. She wanted to ask if he felt the same.

Probably not, if his absence the last three days was any indication. She’d seen him briefly during the day, at the evening meal, and maybe for a short time before bed. At night, she barred her door as he’d requested, but only because she didn’t want to upset him when he’d asked her so nicely. It felt wrong to lock him out, and her heart protested every time she did so—but like Hati and Skoll, she also wanted to please him.

“Would you like to see them crawl?” she asked, excited to show off their latest trick.

“You’ve taught my beasts to grovel?”

“Aye, it took all morning. It keeps their joints limber.”

She almost laughed at his pinched expression. By the look of him, one would think he took great pride in his dogs’ unruliness. She could scarce wait to show him how they could bow, roll over, and beg too.

“Stand here and let us come to you.”

She grasped a treat in each hand and walked between the dogs. “By my side,” she commanded. Skoll obeyed immediately, but Hati looked back at Darach longingly before complying. Caitlin directed them into a down position facing Darach.

“Stay,” she said and walked back to him.

She sat on her haunches and held the treats low to the ground. The dogs eyed them greedily.

“Crawl!”

They started toward her, bellies to the ground. When they reached her, she held up a hand for them to stop, then gave them their treats along with much love and praise. Darach crouched beside her and also praised them. The dogs shivered with excitement, looking as if they would burst through their skins, but they continued to hold their positions. Caitlin was well pleased.

She stood and called out, “Release!” They sprang forward, catching her by surprise and knocking her into Darach, who was still on his haunches. He stayed upright for a second, then lost his balance, and they fell backward onto the grass, Caitlin sprawled on top of him. The dogs hovered over them, barking and licking.

Darach’s arms came around her protectively. “Back!”

His hounds obeyed but continued to jump around. Skoll began running in circles around them, faster and faster. Hati joined his brother, nipping at his flanks. Everyone was running now, coming to their assistance.

Caitlin looked over just in time to see one of the kittens make a dash for safety. Hati took to the chase like a demon to a sinner, knocking over a pile of wood and a basketful of laundry. A horse reared and stamped its hooves.

“The kittens!” she called out.

People dashed to restrain the dogs and scoop up Fergus and the kits, who were squirming to get free. The last little one, Fortitude, darted through the crowd with Hati on his heels. Caitlin’s heart caught in her throat as Hati gained on the wee feline. They neared the well, and she saw Lachlan reaching for the kit just as it leaped onto the wooden trestle above. It scrambled to the top and settled down.

Lachlan tripped over Hati, who yelped in surprise. Both dog and laird went flying. Hati crashed to the ground. Lachlan toppled backward into the stone well, and he hung there, his arms and legs dangling over the edge, arse dipping down. Thank the saints he was too big to fall through the hole.

A quiet descended. Hati rose meekly to lick Lachlan’s hand, then rested his head on the laird’s arm, pleading forgiveness. Fortitude stared at them from his perch, tail swishing as he washed his face. Skoll flopped to the ground with a loud huff.

Caitlin still lay on Darach, who shook with anger. Her insides jostled as his body heaved. What right did he have to be angry? They were his dogs. She wasn’t the one who’d let them run wild, named them after demons who wanted to destroy the world.

She sat up, kneeing and prodding him mercilessly as she straightened her skirts. He groaned, but it came out sounding strangled. Glaring at him, she was surprised to see a smile on his face. And not like any smile she’d seen before. This one stretched wide across his cheeks, dimpling his left one and crinkling the bridge of his nose and eyes.

And the sounds coming from his throat…first a snort, then a huffing sound that turned into great hoots of laughter. He pushed himself onto one elbow and surveyed the scene, especially Lachlan, who looked ridiculous lying over the well. The laird tried to get out but appeared to be stuck. Darach collapsed back onto the ground, stomach heaving.

Caitlin stared at him, entranced by the joy on his face. His clan stared as well, some laughing with him, others with their jaws dropped—all except Lachlan, who scowled.

Darach caught his eye. “Didn’t your mother teach you not to run near the well?”

Lachlan scowled harder. “I wasn’t running. I was leaping to save that bloody cat. Christ Almighty, it almost killed me.”

Caitlin’s smile vanished, and she frowned at Lachlan. “Laird MacKay, your language would make Lucifer cackle. ’Tis a good thing you did not die or you’d be explaining to God why you dare such blasphemy. Or worse, begging the devil for mercy! If our poor Savior—”

Darach’s burst of laughter drowned her out.

Caitlin turned to him, annoyed. She was just getting warmed up. He picked up her hand and kissed her palm, causing her insides to melt. “Let’s go help Lachlan, aye?” Then he led her through the crowd, toward his glaring friend. Skoll fell in beside them.

When they reached the well, Lachlan held out his arm for assistance, but Darach shook his head. “’Tis obvious you need more than just physical help, Brother. Caitlin will see to your soul. ’Tis lucky you have her to instruct you while you’re stuck. It may take me a while to free you.” He dropped her hand, then headed toward the keep with the dogs at his heels.

Brimming with pleasure, Caitlin patted Lachlan’s knee. “Are you familiar with the story of Moses and the Ten Commandments, Laird MacKay? ’Tis one of my favorites from the Good Book.”

* * *

Caitlin played with one of her newly won coins as she lounged on a blanket in the bailey with Fergus, the kittens, Ness, Edina, and two young women, named Rose and Heather, who worked in the keep. The dust had settled from the earlier excitement, and the dogs had been forgiven. They now lay a few feet away, snoozing in the afternoon sun.

To her amazement, Hati appeared to have given up all interest in the kittens. He paid them no mind as Fortitude stalked his tail and Temperance batted Skoll’s ear. She assumed the collision with Lachlan had scared him into submission.

As she pet the huge hound, he thumped his tail, causing Fortitude to attack it. The dog lifted his head to watch the kitten for a moment, then flopped back down.

“’Tis a rough life you lead, Hati.”

“Wonders will ne’er cease,” Edina said. “First our laird laughing, then his devil dogs reduced to mere playthings for the kittens. It gives me hope. Maybe my Oslow will yet learn to use a hairbrush.”

“I doona know,” Caitlin said. “Oslow takes great pride in his mane.”

“’Tis true. But you create miracles, Caitlin. Perhaps you could speak to my husband on his grooming habits.”

Ness snorted. “Or lack thereof.”

The women tittered with amusement, familiar with Oslow’s wild hair and bushy eyebrows.

“None have e’er considered me a miracle worker,” Caitlin mused. “’Tis chaos I create. My dear father often said so, and I’m sure Darach would agree.” She thought back on Edina’s words and furrowed her brow in confusion. “What do you mean about Darach not laughing? I find him to be exceedingly good humored.”

Heather and Rose, sisters with bright-red hair and freckled complexions, gaped at her. “You are so brave,” Heather said. “I canna do more than glance at him before my knees quake. He looks so fierce.”

Caitlin couldn’t fathom it. Darach was such a braw man—and laird too. She would think they’d be lined up trying to catch his attention. “Doona either of you find him handsome? He’s fierce, aye, but only when he’s protecting his clan. He took such good care of me when I was sick.” She wrinkled her nose as she thought about it. “Except when he pretended to leave me with the kits, but deep down I knew he’d come back. His heart is verra soft.”

Rose leaned in. “Are you sure? I hear he hunts down wild boar, kills them with his bare hands, and eats the raw flesh. For sure he’s part beast.”

Heather scooted closer. “And he swims the loch every night to battle the monster. What man can do that?”

Ness made a disparaging sound and rolled her eyes. “’Tis untrue. What silly girls you are to believe such nonsense about our laird. Many a night he spends in the kitchen watching Fergus, so the women can return to their families. Aye, he likes wild boar, but cooked with apples and honey.” She paused, then dropped her voice to a whisper. “But I have heard he meets a faery woman during the full moon. She gives him speed and strength in return for sexual favors.”

Caitlin gasped and looked, wide eyed, at Edina.

“I have ne’er heard the likes,” the housekeeper said. “Ness MacKenzie, you should be ashamed of yourself for believing such nonsense. ’Tis understandable such stories coming from young lasses, but you are a woman grown.”

“How do you know it’s not true? He doesn’t indulge with any of the women, and he must find release somewhere.”

“Aye. Just not with a MacKenzie. Oslow tells me he has women in other clans, the same as Laird MacKay does here.”

Caitlin’s head spun. ’Twas good to know Darach was not under the spell of a faery, but the idea of him being in love with another women made her stomach roil.

“’Tis the way of unmarried men, sweetling,” Edina said. “It doesn’t mean he loves any of them.”

Her chest loosened, and she breathed easier. ’Twas silly, of course. It’s not like she could claim him as her own.

“Is there something wrong with the MacKenzie lasses that he willna choose one of us?” Ness asked.

“He wouldnae want to dishonor them,” Caitlin said. “They are under his protection. If he engaged in carnal relations with a MacKenzie he would have to marry her.” She sighed heavily. “And he says he ne’er wants a wife.”

They fell silent. Skoll stretched out a hind leg to scratch his ear, and Temperance jumped back. Caitlin pocketed her coin and picked up the kitten to soothe the feline as well as herself. The thought of Darach childless and alone the rest of his life caused a cramping in her heart. He was a man with much love to give. He would be a wonderful husband and father.

“What about you?” Heather asked. “Maybe he’ll marry you?”

She looked up to find all eyes on her and shook her head. It was impossible.

“Why not?” asked Rose. “He held your hand earlier and watches you closely. ’Tis said he’ll make you his lady.” She leaned forward. “Has he kissed you?”

“Not really. I kissed him once, but he pushed me away.” When the women’s eyes widened, she blushed. “’Twas not meant in that way. I was happy about my new home and threw my arms around him. ’Twas naught but gratitude.”

The shame of his rejection swelled anew, and Edina patted her arm. “You’re under his protection as well, Caitlin. He cares for your honor.” She grinned. “But that doesn’t mean he didn’t like it.”

Caitlin couldn’t help the flare of hope that filled her breast…before she crushed it. Those sorts of dreams were for other women. Her chance for a happy marriage was gone—whether she decided to leave or stay.

“I would be afraid to marry him, no matter he was laird,” Heather said with a shudder.

Caitlin’s teeth clenched. Darach did naught but tend to his clan, and this foolish girl would disparage him? Not just her, her sister as well, and Ness with her silly story. But it went deeper than that. They expected everything of Darach and gave nothing in return. Not a warm welcome, or a shared jest, or even a thank-you for his care. They left him on his cold, lonely pedestal while they dwelled happily down below.

“Shame on you, Heather, for having such thoughts. If you were Darach’s wife, he would treat you with naught but respect. He would protect you always and see to your happiness. And Rose, daring to call him a beast. Do you think he has no feelings? He gives all for his clan, and I have yet to see one of you extend a hand or a smile in heartfelt welcome. None have asked how he fares or thanked him for his care.”

Her voice had risen and the dogs sat up, agitated. “What has he done to deserve such disrespect? Has he beaten or starved you? Has he wasted the clan’s resources on his own greed and gluttony? Has he shamed the people into believing they have less value than the ox in the field?”

She looked at each woman as she spoke. “He has provided for you and kept you safe. You are blessed. I have seen the horrors of a laird who abuses his people, and ’tis a travesty. Fortunately for you, Darach would die before he’d allow that to happen.”

Tears welled in Heather’s eyes, and she squeezed her sister’s hand, who’d turned as red as the devil’s forked tongue. Ness stared at her arisaid, unable to meet Caitlin’s eyes—none of them could.

The only one who did was Edina, who watched her with consideration. “Aye, you’re right. He is an honorable man and a worthy laird. I too have seen the ravages of an uncaring laird. Thankfully, I met Oslow and became a MacKenzie. To be sure, Darach deserves our gratitude and respect.”

“’Tis more than that, Edina. He deserves your love and kinship. You should welcome him as you would a well-loved father or brother, not distance yourself through formality.”

“Surely he would yell at us,” said Rose.

“I have ne’er heard him yell at anyone. Well, except for me, but I do try the patience of a saint. He only yelled because I put myself and others in danger. Surely you wouldnae be so foolish.”

Rose shook her head. Heather had stopped crying and looked at Caitlin earnestly. “What should we do?”

She clasped the girls’ hands. “First, you must look him in the eye. Hold his gaze and smile—like you mean it. Ask him how he fares and thank him for being such a good laird.” They nodded intently, but when she added, “Touch him often,” they gasped, which made her laugh. Instructing the women was almost as enjoyable as teaching Lachlan the Ten Commandments.

“Doona touch him in a familiar way of course. Pat his arm or shoulder, like you would Hati.” She cuddled Hati to demonstrate. The lasses still did not look convinced. “Or maybe bring him something nice—a sweet or a flower. Involve him in your day-to-day concerns. Ask for his opinion. Invite him into your homes for a cup of mead or a family dinner. Share your stories and jests. He is the head of your family—treat him so.”

Heather and Rose hung on every word.

Even Ness nodded thoughtfully. “You have given us much to ponder, lass. It pains me to think I could be so inconsiderate.”

Caitlin squeezed Ness’s arm. “I’m sure it couldnae have been easy. He is resistant to being nurtured. But ’tis our job to care for stubborn men.”

The four of them nodded in agreement. They would spread the word, and Darach would become the center of his clan’s attention. A man well loved and appreciated, rather than isolated in his grand castle.

Ness heaved herself up with a sigh. “’Tis well past time I checked on the evening meal. We may have an overcooked bird tonight. But our laird ne’er complains—no matter if the bread be burnt or the oats mushy.” She headed to the kitchen, saying, “Aye, a good man.”

Heather and Rose jumped up too. To Caitlin’s surprise, they curtsied to her before rushing off, their heads together.

She set Temperance down beside a sleeping Fergus, who had gained some color in the sun. It filled her heart to see him looking so well. Clean too. He had agreed to have a bath every Sunday night to keep the kittens happy.

“I suppose I should work some more with Hati and Skoll, assure their good behavior.”

Edina placed a hand on her arm. “Nay, stay awhile. I would speak with you privately.”

Caitlin’s stomach dropped. She admired Edina greatly and didn’t want to offend her. “Truly, I meant no disrespect, but I canna take back what I said.”

“Doona fash, lass. I thought you spoke wisely. ’Twas good for us to hear. I thought merely to tell you a story, tell you how it was the Frasers became our enemy. It will help you understand why Darach seems apart from us. ’Tis not just the clan’s doing; ’tis a choice he made as well.”

Caitlin scooted closer to Edina. “I would verra much like to know. Oslow told me he saved the clan when he was only twenty. If I did not know him, I would scarce believe it.”

“Aye, he did save us, but only just. The Frasers were once allies of the MacKenzies, although I knew better than most they were rotten to the core. You see, before I became a MacKenzie I was a Fraser. ’Twas a difficult life, full of uncertainty and abuse. The old laird was as cruel as the current one.”

Caitlin shuddered. The Fraser laird was a degenerate of the worst kind; she couldn’t imagine there being two of them.

“Darach was just a lad when I came here with Oslow,” Edina continued. “Maybe five years old. A rough-and-tumble boy, except when his father was near. Then he behaved impeccably. When he was eight, he was fostered to the MacLeods. That’s where he learned to be a great laird.”

“Aye, he mentioned Gregor MacLeod. I would like to meet him.”

“I’m sure you will. Soon. There is trouble stirring, and he is our greatest ally.”

Trouble she had caused. How many of the men here, men she’d supped with, would die in the conflict? How many women like Edina would lose their husbands and sons?

Edina frowned. “I see what you’re thinking and ’tis not true. Eight years ago, the Frasers betrayed the MacKenzies in the worst way. Conflict between the clans is inevitable.”

“What did they do?”

“Laird Fraser negotiated a marriage between his sister Moire and Darach, who was nineteen by then and verra much in love with his intended—or so he thought. Moire was older by seven years and had been married before. She was a bonny woman but as rotten as her brother. I had seen it firsthand when she was still a lass. My mother and I worked in the Fraser keep, much as I do now. Moire often lied to create trouble for us, which finally resulted in my mother’s death. I scarce escaped with my life.”

“Oh, Edina, I’m so sorry. What did Darach say when you told him his betrothed was a monster?”

She sighed. “I stayed quiet at first. I didn’t know him verra well, for he’d only returned to the clan from the MacLeods a few years earlier. I didn’t have his measure, and Moire had her hooks into him strong. By the time I said something, ’twas almost too late.”

The sun had dropped in the sky and the air cooled, but Caitlin was too caught up in the story to care.

“They were intimate, see, and ’tis a hard thing for a lad to separate love and lust. Moire claimed him with her body and blinded him to everything else.”

“Her brother knew this?”

“Aye, he was part of it. While Darach was losing himself in Moire, Fraser was arranging for the MacKenzies’ demise. ’Twas a week after Darach’s twentieth birthday, two weeks before the wedding. I still had friends at the Fraser keep, and I asked what preparations were taking place for the wedding. When the cook whispered naught had been done, I knew the worst was about to happen. You see, if the Frasers ambushed the wedding, it wouldnae only be the death of the MacKenzies, but also our allies—Darach’s foster father and brothers. ’Twould be a great blow to all decent people in the Highlands.”

Caitlin shook her head, dread tightening her stomach, even though she knew the Frasers had not succeeded in their treachery.

“I told Oslow, who told Darach’s father. I was afraid to get the Fraser cook in trouble, so Oslow promised to be discreet. The next thing I knew, our laird, Darach’s da, was killed in an unfortunate accident on Fraser land and Oslow seriously injured.”

“You must have been so worried.”

“Aye, and they said he was too sick to return to us, so by rights, they held him hostage. I didn’t know whom to trust. Darach was devastated by his father’s death and still being deceived by Moire. When they brought the laird back here for burial, Darach wanted to postpone the wedding, but Moire threw a fit. I heard them arguing. She said everything was prepared and if it did not go ahead, Darach would father a bastard.”

“’Twas a lie?” Caitlin asked, feeling her eyes pop from her head.

“I canna know for sure, but I believe so. After that, Darach agreed to her demands. He was happy about the bairn and thought himself in love with Moire. I couldnae stand it anymore, and when she left, I told him everything.”

“Did he believe you?”

“Not right away, but I could see it weighed on him. He went to see her the next night. ’Tis rumored there are hidden passageways into the Fraser keep, and he’d been meeting with Moire secretly for months. He returned the next day with Oslow, battered and bleeding, and called our men to arms. We were ill prepared for the onslaught, but Darach managed to get most of us safely into the castle. Many warriors on both sides were killed that day.”

“What about Moire and the bairn?”

“She died a month later. ’Tis said she tumbled down the stairs and broke her neck. I heard through my kin she and her brother had been fighting. I came across the clan wisewoman a few years later and asked if she’d seen Moire’s body. She said there were no signs of pregnancy.”

Relief flooded Caitlin. She was glad Darach had not had the heartache of losing a bairn. Gladder still Moire was dead. ’Twas not very Christian of her, but the woman had caused such turmoil and would have continued to do so.

“We’ve been fighting with them e’er since,” Edina continued. “Wee skirmishes here and there. We’re stronger now than e’er before and would have attacked sooner, but the King interceded two years ago with a command for peace. Our laird broke that peace when he saved you.”

Caitlin dropped her head in her hands and groaned. “I know you say ’tis not my fault, but I dread the spilling of any more MacKenzie blood.”

“As do I.”

Tears pricked her eyes. “That’s why he doesn’t want a wife or bairns, why he is separate from the clan. He blames himself for their deaths and doesn’t believe he deserves their goodwill.

“Aye. He’ll spend the rest of his days punishing himself for being a foolish lad in love.”

Caitlin wiped her cheeks. “I willna allow it. I’ll make that man happy if it’s the last thing I do.” She took Edina’s hand. “Come. We have work to do.”