Highland Treasure by Mary McCall

Author:Mary McCall
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Eternal Press/Damnation Books LLC

Chapter Thirty-One

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Leonce nudged his stallion through the overgrown forest trail. Anticipation goaded him to hurry home, but he would arrive soon enough. He wouldn't risk injury to his mount on the rugged descent. Only a meadow, a hill and another meadow to go. He would be there by mid-afternoon.

The MacPhersons had raided the Crawfords. Leonce grinned. Those prissy Lowlanders probably hadn't stopped trembling. Once finished, his rage dwindled back to low-burning embers. Now the lion could return to his pride and seek out his mate. Ah, but his lioness would purr tonight, and the lusty drawing in his loins would be relieved.

He grimaced, remembering the fury that had seized him after he lowered Hope onto their bed. She gazed up at him through shame-filled eyes and said, “I'm so sorry I fell asleep, Leonce."

His gentle wife accepted all of the blame for a slaughter in which she had taken no part. Nay, ‘twas not true. She had experienced an agonizing role—innocent victim.

He wanted to assure her that his wrath was for her father, but that meekly uttered apology...God's teeth, she sounded as if she didn't expected forgiveness, even for a crime she didn't commit. Love and loyalty were so alien to Hope that she, who could give them in abundance, didn't expect them in return. The very man who should have nurtured and protected her had done more than beat her. He had made her feel unworthy. Leonce realized that was the main reason for her games. Hope needed to win not just to know she could survive, but also to know she had value.

The protective instincts of the lion had surged. Had the baron been present, Leonce would have killed him. And damn if he hadn't just promised her another month for her game. With the urge to kill so strong, he escaped his chamber, sparing Hope the terrifying depths of his rage.

Malcolm rode out with him. Even his liege recognized her value. Leonce grinned, recalling the king's parting words: “Never think of Nevilles when you look at her. She is a Highlander through and through. I can see it in her eyes. And if I ever march against William, I'll be taking her with me so she can send his bleeding gullet back where it belongs."

Leonce's musings carried him to the meadow in front of his keep. Ian and Aonghus converged upon him from different directions. They met near the center of the field.

Ian jerked his mount to a halt. “Leonce, when are you going to do the Highlands the favor of taming your damned wife?"

"What happened?” Leonce asked as the other MacPherson raiders reined in behind him.

"She is raiding on the Frasers,” Ian spat, calming his jittery roan.

"She what!"

Ian favored him with a tight smile. “'Tis poor raiding to be sure, but she has half of the Frasers wanting us to feud. Cass has the other half on her side, so the clan is fighting each other."

"Chief! Chief! Lad, she is gone!” Aonghus called, drawing rein and struggling for breath.

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