A Heartless Laird (Clan Ross Book 1) by Hildie McQueen

Author:Hildie McQueen [McQueen, Hildie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Georgian Romance, Regency Romance, Historical Romance, English Romance, Hildie McQueen
Publisher: Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2019-10-01T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seventeen

In the great room stood one of his scouts. He was a bloody mess and barely able to stand. Several guards were helping him to lie upon a table so that the healer could care for him.

“What happened?” Malcolm asked, helping them with the large man.

“They were ambushed. It was as if they knew where to hide in wait.” The guard speaking shook his head. “The other three are dead.”

Once the man lay upon the table, Malcolm went to go see about the unexpected visitor.

Mind awhirl, Malcolm stalked to the courtyard where the woman stood next to Kieran. His brother’s size made her seem especially frail. However, there was pure determination in the gaze that met his.

He had to admit she was beautiful. With golden hair that had escaped its trappings surrounding her face, she reminded him of a woodland Fae.

“Ye are brave to come without escort,” he informed her, looking her up and down in an effort to intimidate her.

It worked and she swallowed visibly. “I am not afraid of ye,” she lied and looked to Kieran and the other archer who stood to her opposite side. “As far as escorts, I have more than I need it seems.” When she lifted an eyebrow in challenge, he had to admire her bravery.

Noting the craning of necks and obvious observers who had begun to gather, he took her elbow. “We will speak inside.”

He guided her into the keep, through the great room, which was curiously full of servants pretending to clean, and down a short corridor to his study.

Once inside, he motioned for someone to bring her a drink. Hospitality did not wane even during times of war. Once she was seated, he moved to stand next to the chair opposite her.

“What is yer name?”

“I am Paige O’Leary. Clan McLeod.” She hitched her chin proudly. “I demand a truce.”

There were chuckles from the men who’d entered with them. Just then, his uncle and Aiden entered. Aiden eyed the woman with interest and Malcolm got the distinct impression he’d come upon her before. In contrast, the woman didn’t seem to notice Aiden at all.

“Is that what the McLeod has come to? Sending women as messengers? What makes ye think I won’t kill ye and send yer body back like the last one?”

The woman flinched and let out a sharp breath. She stood slowly and approached him. “That messenger ye sent back dead was my brother. He’d gone to work for Laird McLeod so that he could feed me and our grandfather.” A single tear trickled down her cheek and he followed its progress. “Ye had no mercy for him, I do not expect less. However, I came without anyone knowing because I have nothing to lose.”

“Tis the way of war.”

“No, this is not a war. This is a vendetta. One that is affecting women, who ye seem to think do not count. We are the ones losing our husbands, sons, fathers and brothers. While ye continue on this quest for whatever it is.

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