Lass' Valor (The Pith Trilogy) (12 page)

“What
are you about today, Katie?”

Kate
was absorbed in her own thoughts and hadn’t heard him.

He
asked again, “What do you want to do this day?”

“I
thought to look around the keep. Why?” Kate listened to his gruff voice, which
somehow had softened and almost sounded lyrical. Trixie stood, placing her paws
on her shoulder, but Kate settled her back on her lap.

“Would
you like me to show you around?”

“You
don’t have to do that, Bryce. Don’t you have some training to do?” She had made
her voice sound curt, and hoped he’d just leave. When he was near, she couldn’t
think straight. If only she could keep the fact that she was attracted to him
to herself, she might be able to avoid him altogether.

“Brendan,
my name is Brendan.” He sounded somewhat annoyed that she didn’t recall his
name. Then she heard him say under his breath, “The lass is out of her mind.”

She
held in her laughter. “Oh, I’m sorry, I’m really terrible with names.”

“I’ll
walk you anyway.” He grabbed her hand, pulling her up from her seat. Trixie
jumped from her lap just in time. She placed her hand against his chest to stop
herself from falling against him. He was solid, she’d give him that.

They
walked outside and he continued to hold her hand, not that she had the strength
to get him to release it. He introduced her to the clans people they passed by,
even though she wouldn’t remember their names, he told her anyway. The people
greeted her with friendliness and smiles. Most she couldn’t understand, because
they spoke to her in Gaelic, but she nodded and returned their smiles. He showed
her where she could walk and where she couldn’t. Obviously, she wouldn’t walk
on the training field. Did he think her totally without sense?

Brendan
led her away from the courtyard. The farther away from people they walked, the
more nervous she became. “Where are we going?”

“Down
to the loch. We can rest beside the water.” He led her through broad-leafed
trees that extended to the bank of the loch. They continued walking for several
minutes, and he became silent as they stepped under the shaded terrace of
trees.

She
didn’t know what to say to him either, so she kept quiet. Once they reached the
loch, she was startled by its pristine beauty. Various trees: pines, birch, and
oaks, all towered into the sky. Water moved seemingly at its own pace, flowing
rapidly in some places, while stilling in others.

“It’s
beautiful here.”

“It’s
not as bonny as you.”

She
swallowed, suddenly feeling shy, being alone with him. Had he just given her a
compliment—the scowling warrior? “What?”

“I
said you’re beautiful. I haven’t thanked you for bringing my niece home. You’re
a brave lass, you know that?” Brendan pulled her to the embankment, then pushed
her down gently and sat next to her. He watched her eyeing the loch, and she
had no idea what to say to him.

“Thank
you, Bryce, for saying that, but truly, I’m glad I was able to help Bonnie.
It’s very serene here. I feel relaxed and—”

“Brendan,
lass, it’s Brendan, say it.” His eyes narrowed at her gall, and his lips
pressed together and looked hard.

She
knew she’d angered him. “Say what?”

“My
name, say my name.”

“Brendan.”
She conceded only because she wasn’t certain what he’d do if she willfully
disobeyed him, and not knowing him well enough, she didn’t want to test her
lot.

“Aye,
say it again.”

“Brendan.”

“Now
I know you’ll not forget it again.”

“Nay,
I shan’t.” She smiled at his cranky spirit. Why he got angry over her not
knowing his name was beyond her. She considered it for a moment then
concentrated on his nearness. Why did he have to sit so close?

Brendan
leaned toward her, and she shimmied back a few inches. He leaned closer, she
fell against the grass. He placed his arms on each side of her body, and she
couldn’t get away. He didn’t seem to want to talk. Was he going to kiss her
senseless again? He moved his mouth above hers, hovering as though he was. When
he touched his lips to hers, she tried to move her head away, but his hands
stilled her.

She
allowed him one kiss, and returned it with as much passion as she could muster.
She whimpered into his mouth at the way he overwhelmed her. It must have edged
him on, and he pressed his body against hers, willing her response. Her breasts
crushed against his chest, and her body betrayed her. She’d never experienced
such passion before.

Realization
struck Kate. She panicked at the erratic feelings that overcame her. Something
told her to be afraid and she listened. She jammed her knee between his legs,
pushing him off her. She stood up, facing him, with her back to the loch.

“How
dare you? Don’t ever do that again.” She hoped the fury in her voice would make
him understand that he’d frightened her and that she didn’t know how to react.

Brendan
groaned, trying to adjust to the pain that she’d just inflicted on him. He sat
up slowly. “Lass, ye—”

“Don’t
you lass me, Brendan MacKinnon. I’m not a … You can’t maul me and think to—”

“Lass,
you’re going to—”

“Nay,
don’t speak to me. For the love of the Goddess, I’m betrothed and will not do
that with the likes of ye.” Kate couldn’t help yelling and pointing her finger
at him accusingly. She needed space, lots of space. He’d overpowered her with
his overbearing kiss, and his domineering nature. She stepped backwards to do
just that.

Brendan
started to rise, but she backed up another step. She didn’t realize she was
close to the edge. Before he could reach for her, she lost her footing and fell
backward, right into the loch. Kate gasped and sucked in water, and she flailed
her arms trying to reach the edge. The weight of her garments pulled at her,
making it difficult to keep her head above the water. As she rose above the
water line again, she heard him laughing.

He
fell back onto the grass, laughing his arse off, but he stopped abruptly as if
he didn’t want anyone to hear him. His pain was obviously forgotten—her
reaction to falling must have been beyond hilarious.

“Katie?”
Brendan looked to where she’d falling in, but he couldn’t see her. He called
her name a few more times. “Well, hell.”

He
ripped his plaid off his chest and dove into the loch and swam toward the
bottom. The loch had to be at least twenty feet or so feet deep. He felt around
the murky depths for her gown and grabbed it, then encircled his arm around her
waist. He pulled her to the water’s surface, pushing her onto the embankment.

She
lay unmoving, shocked at what had happened to her. A strange numbness came over
her, yet she could hear him breathing.

“Damn,
she’s drowned,” he muttered.

He
pulled her arms away from her body, and used his hands to compress her stomach,
then her chest. “What the hell should I do?” He started to push on her chest
again, when she started to cough from the force he used.

Kate
gasped, trying to fill her lungs with air. She rolled over and spit out the
taste of the water. “Eww.” She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. “Get
off me.”

He
stayed right where he was.

“I
saved you. You were drowning. You don’t know how to swim?”

“Nay,
I never learned. I never had to …” She coughed again.

“Are
you all right?”

“Aye,
oh you’re all wet.” Kate groaned when she realized how attractive he looked
with his wet hair hanging in his face, and his muscles covered with droplets of
water. “Thank you for saving me. I probably would have drowned if you hadn’t
jumped in. I do apologize.” Her tone suggested she really was sorry. She hoped
he understood.

“I
tried to tell you that you were in danger of falling.”

“Nay,
not about that … for hitting you … there, I apologize if I hurt ye.” Her cheeks
burned acknowledging such a thing.

“Are
you blushing because you almost drowned or because you struck me there?” Still
leaning over her, his face was but inches from hers. He looked at her in
disbelief that she’d apologize for hurting him. Droplets of water from his hair
dripped on her breast and he looked at it then returned his gaze to her eyes.
She wasn’t sure what the look meant.

Kate
moaned, trying to push him off her.

“It’s
already forgotten, just do me a favor, hmm? Next time you want to strike me,
hit me anywhere but there.” He smiled when her cheeks brightened even more.

Kate
giggled. “I am truly sorry, but you made me feel funny. I didn’t like it.”

“You
didn’t?” He sounded incredulous, but couldn’t refrain from being surprised by
her comment.

“Nay.”
She looked up at him, her eyes now shining with laughter.

“You
sure as hell will.” Brendan stared into her eyes, making her realize he was
serious.

“I
doubt that.” Kate moved her legs and groaned from his weight, she shoved at his
chest, trying to make him move. “Will you get off me?”

Brendan
grunted at the way her hands pushed him away. “I never laugh, and here I am
laughing for the second time this day. Aye, I’m not sure I like that.”

She
narrowed her eyes at his comment, was his grunt a laugh? Why didn’t he laugh?
She supposed it wasn’t something a warrior would do.

He
helped her up, and she shivered from her now soaked garments. He grabbed his
plaid from the ground and wrapped it around her.

“T-thanks,”
she muttered between her now chattering teeth. He placed his arm around her
shoulder to provide warmth and they walked back to the keep.

When
they entered the hall, Colin and Julianna gasped at the sight of them.

“What
the hell happened to you?” Colin approached them when they strode in.

They
stood in the hall, dripping water on the floor. Brendan stood bare-chested, and
Kate had his plaid wrapped around her. What did his brother think happened?
Kate tried not to let her teeth chatter from being cold, and she decided to let
Brendan give their excuses.

“Katie
fell into the loch.” Brendan gave Kate a gentle look.

Kate
lowered her face so they couldn’t see how embarrassed she was. She did notice
Colin looking at his wife, who just smiled at them.

“Are
you all right, Kate?” Julianna asked.

“Aye,
Brendan saved me.”

“How
is it you can remember his name?” Colin placed his arm around Julianna,
grinning at Brendan oddly, and he didn’t seem to like it.

She
spoke up. “He made me say it several times so I wouldn’t forget.”

Colin
nodded and moved his eyes to Brendan for a second. “Why didn’t I think of that?
How did you fall into the loch, Kate?”

“I
um … lost my footing—”

“She
was upset because I kiss—”

Kate
covered his mouth with her hand. “I lost my footing, Brendan, that’s all.”

Colin
and Julianna laughed.

Brendan
took her hand away from his mouth and kissed the delicate skin on her palm
before he released her. She felt strangely aware of the looks his brother and
sister-in-law gave her.

“I
would gladly stay and torment you further, Kate, but I need to change.” Brendan
gave his brother a glance before leaving.

“I
better change, too.” Kate picked up Trixie and followed him out.

“Did
you see that?” Colin asked Julianna after they left.

“Aye,
his eyes shined as if he was going to laugh. Will wonders never cease? I
believe she was sent to us for other reasons, other than bringing Bonnie home.”

“Aye,
it seems so. My brother doesn’t know how to react to her.” Colin had seen the
edges of his brother’s mouth move. Had his brother smiled? Well, hell, the lass
affected him. He chuckled, knowing his brother was taken with her. The woman’s
betrothal to Barclay was definitely off as far as Brendan was concerned. Now
all he had to do was make Brendan realize his good fortune.

Colin
recalled a time when his brothers provoked him, and he became entangled with
Julianna. Though, now he was happy about it, at the time it had caused much
contention. He knew his brother must have the same reservations he’d had. Their
parents’ misguided relationship certainly had deluded them, but with each
others help, they would prevail. Brendan never opened himself to anyone. The
one and only time he had, he’d only done it to save Colin from losing Julianna.
Still, Colin decided he would need his help. After all, what were brothers for?

Kate
returned to her cottage and changed her clothing. She had forgotten that she
promised to help Julianna with the planning of the celebration, and she hurried
back to the keep. Trixie trailed behind her with her fluffy fur waving in the
breeze. Julianna was directing a few women in the hall when she entered. For
the rest of the afternoon, she helped clean and prepare food. They worked hard,
scrubbing the floors and tables, not that they appeared to need cleaning.
Julianna insisted her hall be spotless for the celebration, it was a habit
she’d learned from her aunty, she’d said. Later that day, they stood by the
hearth.

“It’s
much cleaner and smells good. Thank you for helping, Kate.”

“It
does smell good in here.” She set a broom next to the hearth and waited while
Julianna finished her chore of cleaning the cinders from the threshold.

“It
won’t for long, not with those warriors spilling ale on my floor this night.”

Kate
laughed at her remark.

“So
what do you think of Brendan?”

“Brendan,
oh, he’s nice, I suppose,” Kate said absently. She wasn’t paying attention to
what Julianna had said and realized what she’d asked a moment later.

Julianna
burst out laughing. “He’s been called many things, Kate, nice wasn’t ever
mentioned. I’ll let you in a wee secret, he has a big heart, and rarely shows
it, but it’s there all the same. You won’t break it, will you?”

“Break
it? I have no intention of trying to capture that warrior’s heart. Why ever
would I do that?” Kate stepped away from the hearth, and avoided looking at her
new friend.

“He’s
never acted so strangely before. I think he’s enamored of you.”

“He
is not attracted to me and I’ll not let him close again.”

“Kate,
you will not have a choice. If a MacKinnon wants you, he’ll have you.” Though
she thought Julianna was jesting with her, she looked quite serious.

“I
don’t want to be taken or anything of the sort. I just want to return to
England and see the king so I can show him the…”

“Colin
sent off my missive to King Henry and I made sure to mention your wish for his
counsel. Why do you want to see Henry? Show him what? You mentioned that you
wanted to tell him about your guardian. I get the feeling there’s more you’re
not telling.”

Colin
and Brendan walked in and stood behind them, neither made a sound and listened
attentively.

Kate
had her back to them and hadn’t seen them enter. She didn’t think it would hurt
to tell Julianna a few details, but she knew sooner or later she’d have to
return home. Regardless of whether she was attracted to Brendan MacKinnon, she
had to think of her father and her people. There was no sense in letting her
feelings for the scowling warrior interfere with her plan. Even if she could
get the king to put aside her betrothal, Brendan wouldn’t leave is homeland.
She couldn’t imagine him living in England, running her father’s lands, and
befriending their crofters. When she returned to Henry, she would continue with
her plan and secure her father’s holdings.

“My
father’s lands lay unprotected. The king has arranged an acceptable marriage
for me and I must return.”

“Do
you know whom you’re to marry?”

“Nay,
but I am certain the king would marry me well. I shall ask him to arrange my
marriage at the soonest so I will not have to return to my guardian. I will
wish to speak to him about my father’s death.”

“So
you are wanting to marry?”

“Aye,
I need protection from … my guardian. I do have lands, and my husband will gain
wealth, at least, I think he will. Lord Aldwyn de Guylet, my father’s overlord,
all but said my husband would take over my father’s lands.”

“What
about your guardian?”

“Aldwyn
made him my guardian until he returns from the holy lands.”

Julianna
touched her shoulder affectionately. “Why did you not ask your guardian to
contact the king and arrange for an immediate counsel?”

“I
was going to, but I seriously doubt he would have done so.”

“Why
do you say that? Did he tell you so?”

Kate
shook her head. “Because the night Bonnie and I escaped, he came to my room and
told me to submit to him, that he was going to marry me himself. He said he
would have my overlord tell King Henry that my betrothal was unacceptable. He
uncovered himself and attacked me, but I hit him over the head with a book to
get him off me. I had to tie him up to make my escape.”

“That’s
just awful. My poor bairn was held by such a monster. You don’t know why he had
taken her?” Julianna’s expression turned to dismay.

“Nay,
I don’t. He didn’t say anything to me about Bonnie that night, only that he
would have her brought to witness my downfall if I did not submit to him.”

Brendan
and Colin shared a heated look before returning their eyes to her.

Kate
began shaking from reliving that night. “That’s when I knew I had to get Bonnie
to safety. If anything happened to me, her chances of returning were naught. We
ran a mile or so before we made it to the horse. I arranged ownership of the
horse that day because I planned to leave the next day. I carried Bonnie, and
kept running until I reached the horse. I was so glad to get away from there.”
She lowered her gaze and felt her cheeks heat with embarrassment.

“What
happened then?”

“We
rode for days. I had no idea where I was going, and traveled north hoping to
find my way to Scotland. I couldn’t go to Londontown to see the king, because I
would have had to pass by my guardian’s keep and I didn’t want to risk Bonnie’s
safety and possibly being caught.”

Julianna’s
hand moved down Kate’s arm to her hand. She clasped it and gave her a
reassuring squeeze. “So you rode into the night not knowing where you were
going?”

“I
had to. Bonnie is an amazing child, you should be proud of her. She built a
fire, and hunted a hare. She even showed me how to fish.” Kate’s tears streamed
down her face. Why now, had her tears chosen to fall? She didn’t want to cry,
but she couldn’t help it.

Colin
stepped around Kate and hugged her, not too gently either. “Aye, we are proud
of her. Thank you, Kate, you saved our daughter. I don’t know what to say.” He
stepped away from her, took his wife’s hand, and led her out of the room.

Brendan
looked taken aback by her confession, and he just stood there staring at her as
if he was in shock. Kate considered kicking him to bring him out of his state,
but she wouldn’t do anything so unladylike. He seemed to snap out of it a
moment later. He took her hand and pulled her to the bench, where he set her on
his lap. She continued to bawl in undignified sobs.

“Don’t
cry, Katie. I don’t like it.”

Of
all the harebrained things he could say, his words made her weep even more. He
hugged her to him, and she let him comfort her. It felt good to be held and she
wouldn’t release him. She cried, soaking his tunic, and when she’d calmed, she
laid her head on his shoulder. He readjusted her on his lap, and tilted her
face to look at him.

“Katie,
he’s the knave of a bastard. You’ve done so much for us, let me help you. You
saved my niece, och I could never repay you for that. Give me the name of the
guardian, and I’ll make him pay for causing you such pain.”

“I
cannot. I must get myself settled first. I have to see the king, it’s the only
way I can … If you kill Lord … the king won’t—”

“Tell
me, Katie, be honest.” Brendan looked into her eyes, willing her to continue.

“Are
you done wooing Kate, yet, Uncle Brendan?” Bonnie came skipping down the
stairs, and stopped at the bottom.

They
looked up to see her watching them. She held her plaid bunched in her arms, the
edge touched the floor.

“What,
lass?”

“Are
you done wooing Kate? That’s what you told Papa. You said you would woo her to
get the man’s name. Remember?”

Kate
hastily retreated from Brendan’s lap. She slapped his face with as much might
as she could muster. She ran from hall and kept running until she reached her
cottage. The door slammed behind her and she ran to her bed. She looked around
for Trixie and realized she’d left her up at the keep. Trixie always soothed
her, and she needed her friend’s comfort right now. Her anger made her feel
like screaming to the rafters. How dare he use her so? She thought that he was
being kind, but all he wanted was Richard’s name. What she needed was the
Goddess’ solace. She erected a circle and sat in the center, then began
chanting the words needed to evoke the Goddess’ presence.

At
this moment, she was definitely not attracted to Brendan MacKinnon.