Chapter 15
The party that traveled to the Faerie Pool was larger than Lachlan had intended and included himself, Flora, his sisters, and a handful of his guardsmen. They arrived before noontide and spent the better part of the day eating, drinking, and frolicking in the water. Perhaps it wasnt the sort of frolicking hed originally planned, but he admitted it had been an enjoyable dayparticularly coming on the heels of his victory yesterday against Hector.
Though he was happy to have some of his men back, he could not forget the suffering hed seen and those hed left behind. Rain had destroyed the crops, and the fields were bare; the people were forced to give Duart what little they had left. And the stories of Duarts abuseespecially the womenfolkfilled him with rage. But he needed men to retake his castle against Duarts much larger force, men he didnt have. Not yet, at least. But he would. Waiting for the king to decide in his favor was no longer an option; he needed Rory MacLeodand his fighting force. And that would come with a marriage alliance.
His gaze fell to Flora, who stood knee deep in the water, laughing with Mary and Gillyboth of whom had followed Floras lead in borrowing clothing from his men. Gilly had just splashed Murdoch in the face, and the lad was doing his best to ignore her.
After the skirmish yesterday, Lachlan had thought it prudent to bring along half a dozen guardsmenincluding Allan, though now he wished he hadnt. Observing the heartbreak on his sisters face when her gaze fell upon his captain was enough to convince him that hed severely underestimated his sisters sentiments. Allans refusal to meet Marys gazefollowing his lairds instructionsonly made it worse. He could see the flicker of pain in his sisters eyes each time Allans gaze swept over her.
Damn.
Whats wrong? Flora had emerged from the water to stand before him on the rocky shore. Deeply conscious of the wet shirt that clung to her body and his own naked chest, he forced his gaze not to drop below her shoulders.
Nothing. He leaned over and plucked his shirt from the rock, not wanting to talk about Mary. It was a subject they could not agree upon. Her mother had raised Flora with no sense of obligation or familial duty. To her it was a simple matter, but to him it was complicated by his responsibility to his clan. It is getting late, we should be leaving. He started to pull the shirt over his head, but Flora stopped him with a touch. He flinched, the press of her cool fingers a shocking brand against his skin.
What happened? she asked, tracing the outline of the mottled bruise on his ribs. I noticed it earlier.
He sucked in his breath as her fingers dipped to his waist. Just a simple touch was enough to fill him with heat. Studying me closely, Flora?
She blushed. Of course not. Its hard to miss, thats all. Her gaze locked on his. You were in a fight.
It was nothing.
It doesnt look like nothing. It looks like you took a heavy blow with a sword. Wont you tell me what happened?
Hed been dispensing with one of Duarts men when another had surprised him from behind. The man had managed one blow, but it had been his last. He took her wrist to stop the dip of her hand; she was driving him mad. She gasped at the contact, and he made the mistake of looking down. The shirt was plastered to her skin, revealing the lush shape of her breasts to his hungry gaze. God, he ached to touch her. The memory of what had taken place on this very shore was too fresh. Too vivid. The hard evidence of his arousal grew between them. It was nearly impossible to stand beside this woman hed bedded, inhaling her perfume, knowing how she felt in his arms, and not being able to claim her. A woman he wanted for so many reasons. Shed invaded his senses, his thoughts, his dreams.
Youll stop touching me, my sweet, unless youd care to finish what you started with an audience.
Her eyes dropped, widening as she took in his condition. She looked at him a second too long, the weight of her eyes more erotic than a harlots trick.
Well? he repeated.
She shook her head.
Then take my sisters with you while you change.
She started to walk away but turned back to him. Lachlan, I
Yes?
Im sorry. I didnt mean
She looked so flustered, he had to smile. I know. Now hurry. It grows late.
He watched her hurry to do his bidding and felt warmth spread over him that had nothing to do with the heat of the sun. It felt odd to have someone concerned about him. He could get used to it.
Mary and Gilly had finished changing out of their wet clothing and rejoined the men, but Flora lingered behind the welcome shelter of the rock, needing the time to collect her thoughts. Thoughts that had been in a jumble after her exchange with Lachlan a few minutes ago.
For a momentstanding so close to him, seeing the strength of his arousal, remembering the feel of him inside her, craving the intimacy of those momentsshed nearly succumbed. She forgot everything except her need for him.
The magnitude of her response had hit her hard. Shed stared at him, wanting himneeding him. And if it hadnt been for his reminder of where they were, she feared she might have reached out and touched him.
It was like fire between them, igniting with the barest spark. A touch. A look. A word.
What was holding her back? Was Lachlan right? Was she so scared of ending up like her mother that she would toss away a chance at happiness? She didnt want to think so, yet his words had stung far more than she cared to admit. She told herself she was only being cautious, but what if he was right? Was she imagining deception where there was none?
She sighed and finished lacing the front of her gown. After pulling back her long damp hair, she secured it at her nape with a scrap of ribbon. Her swimming lessons were helping. Today, shed managed to go completely under without panickingthough she never would have done it without Lachlan right beside her.
With her wet clothes secured in a bundle, she took a last look around to make sure they hadnt forgotten anything.
Noticing one of Gillys hose on the ground, she bent to pick it up and heard the crack of a twig behind her. Before she could react, someone grabbed her from behind. A dirty hand covered her mouth, muffling the scream that tore from her throat.
Fear gripped her; she knew right away it wasnt Lachlanand that this was no game. The man, though large and strong, was not nearly as tall and solid as Lachlan. Also, he smellednot of myrtle and soap, but of sweat and horse.
He was suffocating her, his fetid fingers digging into the tender skin of her mouth and cheeks.
His mouth fell to her ear. Make no sound or well kill them all, he whispered, and the stench of his breath filled her nose, making her stomach turn. Its you we want.
Flora could hardly believe itshe was being abducted again. She would laugh if she werent so terrifiedand if she could move her lips.
The man started to drag her into the trees. She wanted to twist and stomp on his foot the way she had with Lachlan, but she dared not risk it. Not with Mary and Gilly so close. She prayed they were far enough away.
Flora, I
God, no! It was Gilly. Shed come around the rock, no doubt to check on what was taking her so long. Frantically, Flora tried to warn her with her eyes, but it was too late.
She heard the man holding her let out a vile explicative just as Gilly screamed. Help! Oh, my God, Lachlan, help! A man has Flora!
Her captor gave up trying to drag her and lifted her off the ground, eliminating her ability to attempt her favored method of escape. Knowing Gillys screams had alerted the group and that it was too late to avoid danger to the others, she twisted and thrashed against him.
He only gripped her harder. His fingers tore into her cheeks as his hand tightened like a vise around her mouth and nose, cutting off her breath. The other arm was coiled around her ribs. She stopped struggling, pulling his hand instead as she fought for air.
Theyd reached a clearing beyond the circle of trees, perhaps a hundred feet from the Faerie Pool, when he released her, pushing her toward another man. She bent over, gasping for breath, hearing the sounds of fighting coming from where theyd just left. Her heart dropped as she realized what must be happening.
The other man rushed toward them, leading a horse. What happened? he asked.
A girl saw me taking her.
Who are you? she gasped. What do you want with me?
Weve come to help you, said the man with the horse. He was about forty years of age and had a pleasant weathered face. My name is Aonghus. Your brother sent us to rescue you from your abductor.
Her brother? Which one? she demanded.
The man looked confused for a minute before he said, The Maclean of Duart.
Hector. The sounds of the fighting were growing louder. A sharp scream tore through the air, and she spun around. Oh, dear God, that was Gilly. She started to make a move back toward the fighting, but the restraining grip of her initial captor held her. For the first time, she got a good look at him. Her first thought was of hair. It blanketed most of his face with his heavy dark brows, a beard, and thick sideburns. His eyes were dark as well and none too friendly.
Get your hands off me.
Her tone startled him, and he let her go.
I apologize for Cormac, my lady, the other man, Aonghus, interjected. But we did not want to take a chance that you would alert them to our presence.
I think its too late for that. Her eyes kept darting to the trees. She could hear the thrash of men coming toward them. Flora didnt know what to do. She just didnt want anyone to be hurt on her account. A few weeks ago, she would have leapt at the opportunity to escape, but nownow everything had changed. You must call off your men. There has been a misunderstanding. I am no longer a prisoner. She took a step toward the sounds when her captor moved to block her.
You have been deceived. Coll is not what he seems
But he never finished because at that moment all hell broke loose.
Lachlan had sensed something was wrong. Hed motioned for his men to form a perimeter, getting into position only moments before the attack started from the west. The sound of Gillys scream sent ice shooting through his veins. And then he realized that someone had Floraand that theyd just been outflanked. Hed recognized a few of the men and knew retaliation for yesterdays foray had been swift, but he quickly realized it was more than that. This wasnt just a raiding party, they were after Flora. Hector wanted his sister back. Or more likely, he didnt want Lachlan to have her.
They must have been scouting for an attack and come upon them by chance. Thank God hed had the foresight to bring extra men.
He fought like a man possessedwith only two thoughts, the safety of his sisters and reaching Flora in time.
Theyd easily repelled the initial attack, and he immediately ordered Allan and a few of the other men to see his sisters home to safety. Then, having gathered the rest of his men, he went after Florahis chest twisting as he realized he didnt know whether she wanted to stay or go. The thought that given the chance she might leave him wormed its way into his heart.
But he wouldnt let her go without a fight.
Flora had never been more happy to see anyone in her life.
Men poured from the trees, Lachlan in the lead, with at least four men hard on his tail. He looked around, his gaze locking on hers. She saw the relief and realized that hed been worriedfor her. She counted at least a dozen of her brothers men and only three of LachlansMurdoch was the only one she knew by name. He must have sent Allan and the others back with Mary and Gilly. She prayed they were safe.
Shed seen Lachlan training with his men, but nothing could have prepared her for witnessing him in battle. He wielded his claymore with unbelievable strength and agility, swinging it in a high arc with one hand to force back an attacker, thrusting his dirk with the other. It was brutal and graceful at the same time, and undeniably powerful. This was the fierce edge to him that shed always sensed lurking under the surface.
Highlanders are barbarians, nothing more than bloodthirsty killers. Her mothers words came back to her. If Flora didnt know Lachlan, watching him right now, she might think the same. But she did know him. And the hand that held his claymore with deadly purpose could also caress with tenderness. The hard blue eyes that killed ruthlessly could also be soft and gentle. Yes, he was a formidable warrior, but he was so much more.
The danger he faced set her heart racing. But despite the odds against him, Lachlan appeared completely in controlalmost eerily calm and more dangerous than shed ever seen him. He looked like a man whod spent a lifetime on a battlefield. He had, she realized. But until now she hadnt understood what that meant, of what it must have been like. Her admiration only increased. She couldnt imagine what it must be like to face death constantly.
His skills were dominating. He dispatched two of his attackers with relative ease, purposefully making his way toward her.
The odds were improving. It was perhaps only eight to four now. Plus the two men who guarded her, she realized.
Come, my lady, Aonghus said. Its not safe for you here, we must leave.
But I cant Flora hesitated, looking back at Lachlan. She couldnt leave him. Or, more accurately, she didnt want to leave him.
Cormac must have read her hesitation, because he pushed her toward Aonghus. Take her, Ill take care of Coll. He drew his sword from the baldric at his back. The deadly blade sent a shiver rippling through her. She sensed this man was a threat.
Aonghus tried to lead her off, but she jerked out of his hold. Though the brutality of battle horrified her, she couldnt turn away. Not while Lachlan was in danger. Her heart rose in her throat as the brute whod captured her attacked Lachlan.
She felt the force of every heavy strike reverberate through her bones as the two men exchanged blows. How could they stand it? Even the sound was horrible.
Out of the corner of her eye, Flora saw one of Lachlans men cut down. A strangled sound emerged from her throat, and from the fury in his gaze, she realized that Lachlan had seen it, too. He struck harder against his opponent, lowering the sword with such force, it would have cut Cormac in two had he not blocked it.
Though her brothers man didnt have the strength or skill of Lachlan, he was an able warriorwith surprising agility for a man of his size and weightwhich was considerable. The brute continued to block stroke after stroke and didnt seem to be tiring.
Lachlans arms and torso flexed with his exertions; she didnt know how much longer he would be able to keep it up. The relentless attacking had surely sapped his strengthnot that you would know it from looking at him. He barely seemed to be breathing hard.
She chanced a glance at the others. Her hand covered her mouth. Murdoch was in troublehe was being forced back against the trees with nowhere to go. Lachlans remaining guardsman tried to get to him to help but was set upon by three of her brothers men.
With his men in danger, something came over Lachlan. He moved with cold purpose. Not frenzied, but strong and sure. Cormac sensed it as well. He tried to swing his blade, but Lachlan nearly plucked it from his hand with a hard twist of his wrist. The moment of surprise was all the opening he needed. He plunged his dirk into Cormacs gut, and Flora looked away.
Aonghus swore. The death of the other man had clearly rattled him. He kept shooting furtive glances toward the trees. Flora had the horrible suspicion that he was waiting for reinforcements. No longer content to watch the battle unfold before them, he urged her away with renewed vigor. Though not much taller than she, he was wiry and strong.
Let go of me, Flora said, ripping her arm from his hold. Ill not leave
Forgive me, my lady, but Im afraid I must insist. He took hold of her and forcibly pulled her toward the waiting horse. She wanted to shout to Lachlan for help, but hed gone to Murdochs aid and was engaged with three of her brothers menshe dared not risk the distraction. Instead, she used all her strength to resist him, all the time keeping her eyes pinned on the fight.
She muffled a cry, seeing Lachlan surrounded. He warded off blow after blow, but they kept closing in on him. Dear God, they were going to cut him to shreds. At least Murdoch was holding his own now that one of the men pinning him back had turned to Lachlan. The remaining guardsman from Colla man she recognized as one of Murdochs friendswas trying to stave off two others, but he stumbled on a root. Flora sucked in her breath and turned her head, unable to watch as one of her brothers men plunged a dirk into his heart. She knew he was dead when the two men hed been fighting joined the others against Lachlan.
Panic rose in the back of her throat. He was fighting five men. He would not be able to hold them back forever, no matter how superior his fighting skills. Her fears were soon realized. A scream strangled in her throat when one of her brothers men slashed high across Lachlans arm. The gash that tore through his shirt was horrifying. Bile rose in her throat as blood flooded the white sleeve crimson.
Aonghus was still dragging her from behind toward the horse, and she stomped down as hard as she could on his foot, as shed done with Lachlan, and twisted out of his arms. Then she ran toward Lachlan.
In that moment, nothing had ever been clearer. She didnt want to go with her brothers men; she didnt want to leave Lachlan.
She loved him.
The intense initial attraction shed felt for him had grown stronger as she came to know him. Behind the implacable faade, shed discovered a man of surprising tenderness. With him she felt safe, protectedand, most of all, wanted. Shed been lost after the death of her mother, and hed given her a home with a family. He was a rough and brutal Highland chief, but pure of heart and honorable. He was a survivor. A man whod had to fight for his heritage and his clan not only with brute strength, but with cunning.
He was the first man not to be intimidated by her in some way, whether by her wealth, her supposed beauty, her connections, or her so-called willfulnesswhich Flora simply considered confidence. Lachlan challenged her and didnt back down. And she respected him enough to heed the warning. She admired his fortitude, his calm under pressure, and his physical strength.
She loved him more than shed ever dreamed possible. If only shed realized it sooner. Not now, when it might be too late.
She raced toward him. But with so many men surrounding him, shed temporarily lost sight of him.
She searched frantically through the circle of tall, imposing men, to no avail. Hearing the heavy breath of Aonghus as he closed in behind her, she ran faster. A branch snagged her cheek, but she was barely aware of the stinging pain. One of the men surrounding Lachlan fell, and she caught a glimpse of him before the circle around him closed again. The sight of him at that moment would stay with her forever. Swinging his sword with deadly grace, fending off blows from all around, standing proud and strong, as confident as if he faced only one man and not four. No matter his rough ways and his lack of schooling, she would be proud to have this man stand beside her. She would be proud to call him husband.
Thankfully, Murdoch had managed to get the best of his attacker and had moved to help his chiefengaging the man closest to him. Though there were now only three men left, she could see that Lachlan was tiring, his movements slower and more laborious. Sweat poured off his forehead, and blood now soaked his entire sleeve and part of his chest. It was his sword arm, she realized, and blood was running down his arm, soaking his hand.
Holding off five men had taken its toll. She experienced a fleeting moment of hope when another of the men surrounding him fell. Now numb to the horror, she did not turn away. Her primal instincts for survivalhis survivalhad flared. She knew it wouldnt be over until the last man fell.
What happened next seemed to pass in slow motion. Lachlans blade flashed above his head as he blocked a blow from his right. He then moved his hands to block a nearly simultaneous blow from the left, but the sword landed with a resounding thump on his head. Lachlan dropped to the ground like a rock, and a scream tore from her throat. No! she cried. He couldnt die.
Felling their enemy had stunned the two men for a moment and stopped the fight between Murdoch and his attacker. Hectors men recovered quickly, and one lifted his sword for the death blow across Lachlans still body. She didnt think, just threw herself on top of him.
No! She glared up at the men through tear-filled eyes. Dont touch him. She peered up at them with her arms around Lachlan, relieved to feel the beat of his heart.
Aonghus was right behind her. Get out of the way, my lady.
The look she gave him could have started a fire. Ill not leave him.
Murdoch had moved to stand behind them. The lady said she wanted to be left alone, he said.
Her brothers men were clearly at an impasse. She could see the indecision on their faces as they grappled with her surprising resistance.
Come, my lady, the man tried to persuade her. Your brother only wishes for your safety.
Tell him that I appreciate his help, but Im perfectly safe and content where I am.
Lachlan regained consciousness, feeling as if his head had shattered into a thousand pieces. But he was also aware of the sweetly soft body pressing against his.
When he heard her words, proclaiming before her brothers men that she wanted to stay with him, he thought his heart would explode as well as his head. Relief, happiness, and amazement crashed over him.
Are you sure, lass?
He felt her startle, and then those beautiful blue eyes locked on his. What he saw there answered his question, even as her words confirmed it. Ive never been more certain of anything in my life.
The conviction in her voice was like a song from the gods.
His gaze darted to Murdoch, and reading Lachlans intent, the lad moved around to stand between him and Hectors men. Ignoring the pain in his head and arm, he sprang to his feet, hauling Flora up after him.
He addressed their leader, an old warrior he recognizedtheyd crossed paths before. You heard the lady, Aonghus. She does not wish to leave.
I have my orders.
Lachlan caught the other mans glance toward the trees. Guessing the direction of his thoughts, he said, The rest of your men wont be coming back. He shifted Flora behind him and lifted his sword, which thankfully was still in his blood-soaked hand. There has been enough death for today. Leave now or the next will be your own.
You speak boldly for a man with one arm and a lad against three.
He heard Murdochs grumble of outrage and quieted him with his hand.
He wouldnt need more, but pointing it out would only force Duarts men to fight to defend their honor. So instead he said, Aye, but I have good reason to fight. He gave a meaningful glance toward Flora. Can you say the same? He paused, giving them time to realize he was right. Return to your chief and tell him the lass refused hisgracious invitation. She is happy where she is.
Aonghus held his gaze for a long beat before turning to Flora. If you change your mind
She wont, Lachlan said with cool finality.
Aonghus looked as though he wanted to say more. Instead, he nodded to his men and they moved to the clearing, where they gathered the horses of the fallen men and rode away.
But Lachlan knew they would be backfor their dead, and for the battle that was brewing between him and Hector.
Flora was in his arms before the others had faded from view. It was as if a dam had broken free and the deluge of emotion poured from her body, racking her shoulders with violent sobs. Silently, she sought comfort from him, and he gave it to her. Hed never seen her cry before, and it left him feeling strangely helpless.
Murdoch had moved away to give them privacy and see to the dead. Allan, he knew, would return soon with reinforcements, but instead they would carry home their dead. Though it was the plight of a warrior, the pain of losing men never lessened. He took each loss personally. These men would be honored for their valor and sacrifice.
Flora emitted another sob. She didnt seem to mind that his sleeve was staining her gown, though he couldnt release her even if he wanted to. Just holding her was a balm to his soul. The heat of battle still roared through his blood, but with such softness pressed against his body, calm descended over him.
Hed never realized before what had been missing. His life up to this point had been one battle after another. Never had there been someone special to hold on to. Someone to care for. Someone tolove.
I love her.
Of course. It was what hed known for some time but hadnt wanted to acknowledge. Perhaps hed realized how much it would hurt not to have his feelings returned. But she wanted to stay with him. Hed heard it for himself, but he still couldnt believe what shed said.
Hed thought himself immune to such emotionhe was wrong. From the first, shed been different. She was the only woman whod ever been able to get under his skin. The only woman ever to make him think of his own needsneeds that had nothing to do with his duty to his clan.
He loved her spirit and the streak of wildness in the proper lady that left him wondering what shed do next. He loved her strength and confidence, as well as the vulnerability she sought to hide. He loved the way she made him feel.
He tipped her chin and looked into her watery eyes, strikingly blue from her tears. Whats this, lass? he asked, wiping her tears with his thumb and noticing the scratch on her cheek. Did he hurt you?
She shook her head. No. Its just that She sniffled and hiccupped. I thought you were dead. When I saw the sword hit your head She shivered, and a wave of fresh tears sprang from her eyes.
And the thought of my death distresses you?
She thumped him hard on the chesta surprisingly hard blow for such a wee lass. Of course it did, you foolish man. How could you think it would not?
Maybe it has something to do with your refusal of my offer of marriage?
She bit her lip. Oh yes, about that. I didnt realize then
He stilled, seeing in her face his hearts desire. What he wanted with a soul-wrenching intensity that squeezed like a vise around his heart. Realize what? he asked carefully.
She slipped her arms around his neck and looked up at him with such depth of emotion in her face, it took his breath away. Her eyes seemed to dominate her tiny face, and her cheeks were flushed pink as she peered up at him hesitantly.
Realize that I love you.
A wave of incredible happiness crashed over him. His heart seemed to swell in his chest. It seemed impossible that this beautiful, amazing woman could love him. That a woman whod known such privilege and had the most powerful men in Scotland at her feet had chosen to give her heart to him was humbling. It was hard to find the words, but he knew what his response had to be, it was what was in his heart. He lifted her chin and looked deeply into luminous blue eyes. And I love you, you stubborn lass.
She looked stunned. You do? But why did you not tell me before?
His mouth twisted in a wry smile. As this is a unique experience for me, I didnt realize that this overwhelming irrationality I was feeling for you was love.
She grinned. Overwhelming irrationality? I suppose that is a good way of putting it. I didnt realize it, eitheruntil I thought I might lose you.
He pulled her tighter, ignoring the stab of pain in his arm. Never.
She pressed her cheek against his chest and sighed. Just try to get rid of me now. I have a reputation for being a touch headstrong, you know.
He tensed suddenly, not daring to hope. Does this mean you will agree to marry me?
She raised her head and nodded, a wide smile breaking through the sparkly remnants of her tears. Yes, Ill marry you, Lachlan Maclean.
Relief, happiness, and disbelief intersected in a moment of pure happiness. More moved by the moment than he could believe, he did not trust himself to speak. Instead, his mouth found hers in a long, hungry kiss. A kiss that spoke the truth of his heart far more eloquently than words ever could.