The Black Wolf's Captive (The Highland Wolf Series Book 1) by Tessa Murran

Author:Tessa Murran [Murran, Tessa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical Romance, Women's Fiction, Regency & Victorian Era, 19th Century, Adult Themes, Forever Love, Bachelor, Single Woman, Medieval, Ancient World, Thrillers & Suspense, Mystery & Intrigue, Violence & Crime Story, Protection & Safety, Action & Adventure, Dangerous & Deadly, Romantic Suspense, Life-Changes, Second Chance Reunion, Fantasy, Lifetime Love, Romantic Schemes, Scottish & Highland Romance, Highlander, Dark Ages, Beautiful & Feisty, The Highland Wolf Series
Publisher: Tessa Murran
Published: 2018-05-12T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Ailsa spent a sleepless night reliving the events with Duncan and overcome by sadness and self-loathing. She had mortally offended her new husband and, though she hated being under his power, she had not meant to undermine her cause by being on the wrong side of him. Striking at his pride by rejecting him had wounded the most vulnerable part of him. When she had said ‘I did not want this,’ she meant that she did not want to enjoy sharing his bed, to like his touch on her body. But that was not what he had heard.

Ailsa had held in the fear, grief and hopelessness which the fall of Clan MacLeod and the death of her father had brought her. It was all too much for her to bear and she had buried her feelings deep inside, resolving to be strong for the sake of her ailing mother and the people of her clan. This strength of purpose had enabled her to survive the darkest days of the past year and to steel herself against the uncertainty of her future.

This wedding night was one more ordeal to be survived. But Duncan had not been rough or cruel; he had not revelled in her defeat. His tenderness and the gentle way he had aroused her had been unexpected. He was something to hold onto in the darkness. Instead of keeping him at arms-length she had wanted him, needed him and she had given in to seduction like the tavern slut she’d first pretended to be. In Ailsa’s mind, she had become her enemy’s whore.

Worse still the feelings awakened by his touch were too much to bear. That moment of ecstasy, reached as one, had immediately been replaced by an awful guilt, shame and loneliness. Such feelings had burst over her like a dam breaking and she could not hold them back no matter how she tried. When the tears had come, as she lay shaking underneath him, they would not stop and he had seen them. There was no taking back the insult to his manhood now.

Ailsa slowly got dressed, aware of a sore feeling between her legs and fresh shame washed over her as her mind stole back to the previous night. ‘Please god let him have some good in him, make him listen to me, let me explain,’ she thought. She had to hold fast to her plan to protect those she held dear and to do that she could not be in Duncan’s bad graces.

She walked to the great hall on feet of lead. As she entered a hush came over its occupants and the room fell silent save for the spatter of gusty rain against the windows and the crackling of the fire in the hearth. Duncan was nowhere to be seen. Instead of breaking his fast triumphantly with his new bride by his side Laird Campbell was not there.

What conclusion could everyone draw other than that the wedding night had been a disappointment, that

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