The Brightest Star in the Highlands: Jennie and Aedan (Clan Grant Series Book 7) (21 page)

Chapter Twenty-One

Desperate to set eyes on his wife again, Aedan rode back to his keep from the lists. He couldn’t shed the feeling of impending doom. Since he was newly wed, he decided he was only anxious because he was adjusting to his new life, but still…He had to see her for himself.

He passed two horses, then realized it was Dermid and one of his men.

“Dermid!” he shouted to his friend.

The man continued on as if he had not heard him. “Dermid!” He finally chased after him.

Dermid pulled his horse to a stop, but waved his companion on. “What is it, Aedan? All is well at your keep?”

“Aye. What brings you to Cameron land?”

“My sire sends foodstuffs to the monks. We do it on occasion when our fields are over productive. ‘Tis what we carry.” He pointed to the burlap sack slung over his companion’s horse. The other man was still moving toward the abbey. “I dare not tarry long. Give my best to your new wife, Cameron.”

With that, he grinned and headed off behind his guard.

Aedan continued on toward his keep, not stopping until he reached the stables. He threw his reins to the stable lad, then strode up to his great hall. All was going well, he assured himself. There was no reason for him to be so concerned. His only twinge of guilt came from how much he had kept Jennie awake in their frequent lovemaking sessions as new husband and wife. She was a passionate one, his love. He most enjoyed it when she got that gleam in her eye that he could see from across the room. It told him just what type of thoughts were bouncing inside that fabulous mind of hers. And he had thought he was inventive!

He skipped up the stairs to the great hall, then searched inside. It was empty. As he headed toward the kitchens, his mother emerged from them.

“Mother, all is well?”

“Aye. What brings you here so early?”

“I’m not sure, just an inkling. Have you seen Jennie?” His gaze searched the area, but there was no one about but his servants, hard at work cleaning the many trestle tables.

“Aye, she headed to the abbey with some fresh bread and some candles. She should be back soon.”

“I’ll check on her then. My thanks.” Aedan spun on his heel and headed back to the stables. He had sudden thoughts of rolling in the meadow with his beautiful wife. He approached and yelled to his favorite stable lad. “Saddle another horse for me. I’ll take a fresh one.”

“Aye, my laird.” The boy took off toward the building to do as he was bid. When he returned, Aedan patted the lad on the shoulder. “My thanks. How long ago did my wife leave and who is with her?”

“My lady left with Sorley. They should return soon, my laird.”

That made his bad feeling a bit better. Sorley was a strong warrior and would protect Jennie. But no matter how much he tried to convince himself all was well, his gut told him otherwise. He paced until he could mount his horse.

Aedan galloped in the direction of the abbey. As he traveled, he tried to think of just the right place to make love to his wife. It needed to be soft and private enough to suit her tender sensibilities, yet he was pleased to see how her boldness grew as time passed. He was almost all the way to the abbey when he noticed a horse wandering in the meadow, whinnying, acting odd. He spurred his horse in that direction and reined in as soon as he saw the clump on the ground. His stomach dropped to his toes in an instant. His intuition had been correct.

Sorley was unconscious on the ground, though still breathing.

And Jennie was nowhere to be seen.

***

When Jennie awakened, she was underneath a tree. Something was stuffed in her mouth, her hands were tied behind her back, and her feet were bound. The last thing she could recall was seeing Dermid bleeding on the ground. The moment before her world had gone black, she’d noticed that the there was no injury underneath his clothing. The blood looked like it had come from the outside.

The cloth in her mouth was disgusting. It smelled and she fought to keep from gagging, knowing that she would be in trouble if she heaved with her mouth blocked.
Deep breaths, Aedan is counting on you to make it through. Deep breaths.

After three deep breaths, her heartbeat slowed. She closed her eyes and tried to summon the scent of her husband, hoping it would overcome the smell of the cloth under her nose. Once she had regained control, she opened her eyes and searched the area, hoping to determine where she was and who had brought her there.

Nothing. She was under a tree off the pathway, but she did not recognize the area. She still did know the Cameron land as well as she did the Grant land where she had been raised. She tugged at both her bindings, but they held strong. Rolling onto her back, she squirmed to see what else she could uncover. She heard voices not far away, so she listened intently, hoping to discover all she could about her captors.

One man, breathless from running, spoke first. “They say it will be at the docks on the morrow, and at the abbey in a sennight.”

“Good. We’ll get it after it leaves the docks, but before it reaches the abbey. I have no intention of hurting the monks or the nuns.”

“What the hell did we steal the lass for?”

She recognized the next voice as Dermid’s. “We stole her to keep the Camerons and the Grants busy,” he told the other man. “If they are looking for her, they won’t notice my men at the abbey. My focus is on the coin at the abbey, the treasure is secondary and will only be obtained if I fail at the other. But I need her to help ensure we get what we want. We just need to keep her alive for a few days. After that, we can leave her to die. No one will find her here. This place is quite hidden and it’s in the farthest corner of my land. Keep her tied up and she won’t go anywhere.”

“I’ll not stick a knife in her. I don’t kill lasses.” She could hear this man pacing in the grass. There had to be horses nearby, as well, she realized. She could hear them munching on the greenery.

“Nay, we’ll leave her to die. Your job is to keep her alive until I no longer need her. Now, do you think you can handle one bound lass until I return? I need to see what is happening at the Cameron keep and the abbey. Once I receive the coin from the abbey, I’ll determine if the treasure is worth going after. Coin first, then treasure. I have a group heading to the abbey now to steal the coin in their coffers. That’s my primary goal. If the treasure adds to it, then all the better.”

“That should take you no more than a couple of hours.”

Dermid climbed onto his horse and left. She was left with one fool.

***

The savior stayed still in his hiding place. It would not be long now. Everything was happening just as he’d expected. Why had the Grants been deceived? Aedan Cameron would be here soon enough, but he needed to act before that.

Patience.

***

Aedan galloped back to his castle, searching for Neil with the intent of gathering as many guards as possible. The problem was, he had no idea where she had been taken. His blood ran cold with the fear that she might have been hurt.

He pulled his guards into the great hall, yelling instructions to his clan members as he passed them. Once inside the hall, Aedan held his hand up for silence.

“My wife has been stolen. Sorley is unconscious in the meadow. I have sent three men to retrieve him. Before I determine where to start our search, I need to know if anyone has seen anything. Have you seen anyone suspicious at all?”

He waited as his clan conferred with one another, but no one volunteered any information. His mother had joined him on the dais, Ruari by her side.

“I cannot believe this has happened. I thought Fletcher’s death would mean the end of our troubles. Why must we go through this again?” Lady Cameron brought a trembling hand to her forehead, and Aedan helped settle her in a chair.

Ruari answered. “Mama, I told you I overheard two men talking a long time ago. I always believed there were two men. I think there was a third, but he did not speak. He must have been in league the other two. I recognized one voice as Irvine’s. The other was familiar, but I could not identify who ‘twas.”

“Chief, we know naught, but we’re willing to search for our mistress wherever you wish us to go.”

Neil said, “No ideas. None?”

The men stared at one another, but no one spoke. “We need to move, Chief,” one of them finally said. “Staying here does not help her. They’re only getting farther away.”

Aedan paced, that niggling feeling at the back of his neck again. He was missing something. His wife had not been gone that long. He turned to Neil. “Send a group to the abbey. Jennie was there this morn. Mayhap they have a clue.”

“I’ve got it, Aedan. I remember!” Ruari yelled as he ran toward his brother. “Dermid. That was the other voice I heard. Dermid and Irvine and an unknown person who never spoke. But there were three, I am sure of it.”

Aedan reached over and grasped his brother’s shoulder. “Well done, Ruari. That fits with something I remembered just now. Rubbing his chin in thought, Aedan jumped from the dais and bounded past everyone toward the door.

“Aedan!” Neil bellowed. “Where are you off to?”

“I’m going after Dermid. He and his guard were headed toward the abbey, and the guard held a sack across his horse. He said it was foodstuffs for the nuns, but ‘twas about the size of a lass.” Aedan’s blood boiled. “Dermid will pay.” He ordered all the men to stand in the courtyard to receive their instructions. One group he sent to the docks, even though it was quite a trip. He wanted someone to be there to protect his shipment and bring it to him.

Another group he sent to Drew’s land for extra help, but the largest group would travel in the same direction Dermid had headed.

Hellfire, if Dermid harmed his wife, he would reserve the sweet pleasure of ending the man’s life himself.

***

The Savior’s patience paid off. He waited until Dermid left for the Cameron keep. Then he needed to wait just a few more moments until the fool guarding Jennie Grant fell asleep. He was quite certain it would take less than an hour for that to happen.

He kept an eye on Cameron’s wife, making sure she was not hurt or ill. It was obvious she was uncomfortable, and he could almost smell the stench of the cloth they’d used to gag her from his spot, but no matter. She would have to tolerate it a bit longer. He had no intention of taking the gag from her mouth after he captured her. She would be spewing curses at him, endangering both of their lives, so it would stay until he played his part and finished this whole escapade.

He searched the surrounding area through the tree branches, but did not see Dermid anywhere. They were quite alone in this hidden area, though it was clearly not as well hidden as the kidnappers believed it to be since he had found his way here.

Once he had checked in all four directions, he took a deep breath and aimed.

He jumped from the treetop directly onto Dermid’s accomplice, taking the lout by surprise. The savior beat the man’s face, pummeling him with his fists, then pulled his sword from its sheath and held it at his throat.

The daft fool reached for him anyway, forcing him to cut his throat and end his life.

Then the savior turned to the victim, smiled, and reached for her.

Jennie hollered but the gag muffled her shouts. No matter. He had a mission to complete, so he lifted her and tossed her over his shoulder, though it took a wee bit for him to steady himself. Once he reached the fool’s horse, he placed her over the horse and mounted behind her.

Jennie struggled and fought to loosen her ties, but the savior shouted, “Cease!”

His mission was almost done.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Aedan rode his horse hard, followed by Neil and ten guards. He found the trail of Dermid and his companion. It did not surprise him that Dermid’s path led away from the abbey and not to it.

Once he crossed the line of his land, he noticed a lone rider not far ahead of him. He drove his horse harder, determined to catch the rider and see if it was anyone who could help him. Once he drew near, he was surprised to see it was Dermid.

Neil pulled his horse abreast of Aedan. “You want help taking him down?”

“Nay. He’s all mine. I’ll beat the fool myself if need be. Unless he’s about to take my head off, leave him to me. Though perhaps you should ride in alongside me, so he understands he has nowhere to go.”

“Cameron,” Neil glanced at him with a smile. “You’ve changed a bit, have you not? Pleases me to see you greet him head on. Your sire would be proud.”

As soon as Dermid was within reach, Aedan dove for him, knocking him off his horse. They tumbled to the ground, Aedan landing on top of Dermid with a grunt. Dermid swung his fists quickly, but Aedan was faster. He delivered two punches to MacLean’s face and one to his belly before pulling his knife out and holding it to the other man’s throat.

“Where’s my wife?” Aedan said.

“How the devil would I know?”

“Because I saw you with her. She was in the sack over the horse in front of your guard. Where did you take her and where is she now?”

Dermid chuckled. “She’s dead.”

Aedan refused to believe that a man who had acted as his friend for so many years could be so nonchalant about his wife’s death. He also refused to believe that Jennie was lost to him. “Nay, you wouldn’t have killed her yet. You’re not that stupid. Whatever you’re after, you would want her as a bargaining chip.”

“Cannot fool you, can I, Cameron? And you’re so dense about everything else, it cannot help but surprise me when you catch on to something. Aye, she’s my bargaining chip, which is exactly why I’ll never tell you where she is. My land is vast and by the time you find her, she’ll be dead. I have men watching her. You’ll never get to her.”

“Why?” Aedan ground out. All his guards had halted and formed a semi-circle around him and Dermid.

“Your sire died and left you chieftain. Do you know how long it will be before my sire dies? Probably ten or fifteen years. I’ll be too old to lead by then. But you have the wealth of the abbey and the Grants behind you, and you do not take advantage of it. Well, I’m not such a fool. I want the lass and the wealth from the abbey. So all I need to do is remove you—which won’t be difficult at all. Steal the coffers from the abbey, then I will plant my seed in her belly and steal your treasure coming from the East—whatever it is. I’ll sell it and buy something else. Let me by, and I’ll finish my job.”

“Can you not see how many guards I have behind me? You are not going anywhere until you tell me where I can find my wife.” Dermid had truly lost his mind.

“If you were a real chieftain, you would take me on by yourself. You’d not need all these men behind you to fight your battles.”

Aedan seethed. He wanted to tear the bastard’s eyeballs out of their sockets for touching his wife. If that’s what the fool wanted, he would oblige him. True, he had not been much of a swordsman when his sire was alive, but with all the practice he’d had lately, plus training from the Grants, he could take Dermid MacLean.

He sheathed his knife and released Dermid. “If you think you can take me, stand your ground. And you will tell me where my wife is hidden before I finish you off.”

Aedan unsheathed his sword and stood back, allowing MacLean time to gather himself. As soon as Dermid unsheathed his sword, he came straight at Aedan. He deflected the blow easily and chuckled. “Is that the best you have to offer? If so, ‘twill be easy to finish you, MacLean.”

Dermid stumbled and fell. Though Aedan could have struck him from behind, he did not— he needed to know where Jennie was. Dermid got to one knee and then jumped up and swung his sword around, thinking to catch Aedan off-guard. He did not.

Steel clashed against steel as the two fought. Dermid continually took the offensive, swinging with all his might, but Aedan easily deflected his blows. MacLean would tire soon swinging as hard as he was, for he would not have the strength to keep it up for long.

Now that he knew the truth, Aedan saw Dermid for what he was, an immature lad who thought the world owed him everything. His skills were negligible, not much better than Fletcher’s. Had Aedan’s been the same way before his father had died and the attacks on his lands had started? Had he improved so much in so little time?

Aedan laughed again when Dermid fell face down into the dirt. The lad was a poor excuse for a warrior. He allowed him the chance to come at him again one last time and then swung his sword with both hands in an arc meant to finish the fight. He struck Dermid’s sword near the hilt and it flew from his hands, landing a good distance away from him.

Aedan dropped his sword and grabbed Dermid by the neck. Squeezing his windpipe, he whispered in the other man’s ear, “I’ll not let go until you tell me what I want to hear. Now, tell me where my wife is. If you do anything foolish, I will kill you instantly.”

Dermid nodded, fear in his eyes.

As soon as Aedan loosened the pressure from MacLean’s windpipe, the bastard laughed and said, “Did I tell you how she screamed my name out when I buried my seed in her, Cameron?”

Aedan’s fury reached a limit he had never experienced before, and he reacted swiftly.

He wrapped his arm around MacLean’s neck and twisted, snapping the life out of him in a matter of seconds.

Dermid MacLean dropped to the ground, dead.

Aedan stood over his body, panting and trying to regain control of his breathing. Part of him realized he had just made a huge mistake. He still had no idea where Jennie was, and that thought was enough to make him want to vomit.

A rumbling could be felt in the ground from nearby. A group of riders was headed straight toward them, though Aedan couldn’t yet determine who they were. But soon he caught sight of the Grant plaid and heard the familiar war whoop.

While he dreaded telling Alex the news of his sister, at least the extra men would be able to assist in their search. Many of his men knew Dermid’s land well. They’d find her, they had to locate her. This failure he would not accept.

As Alex approached, Aedan could tell from the look on his face that all had not gone well at court. He mounted his horse and moved to greet him. “All is not well with the king?”

“Nay, all is well, but word has come to me that Maddie’s wellness is at risk. There could be serious problems with the bairn. I have come to fetch Jennie and invite you to our home. I need her there. I cannot lose my wife.”

Aedan had never seen Alex Grant in such a state. His color was ashen, his hands fisted, and his jaw clenched. He looked more relaxed in the midst of a battle than he did at present.

Aedan realized he felt the same way about his wife, and they had been married less than a sennight.

“My sister. Where is she?” Alex’s eyes bore into his.

Aedan returned the stare. “I know not. She was kidnapped. Dermid MacLean stole her and planned to rob the coffers of the abbey, using her as a bargaining chip.”

“Is that MacLean on the ground?”

Aedan nodded. “Aye.”

“Did you get the information you needed from him before you killed him?”

Aedan took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Nay, I did not. He wouldn’t release the information. I suspect that she is well hidden on MacLean land.”

Releasing a bellow that shook the branches in the trees, Alex clutched his horse’s reins so tight that Midnight reared up, as if he were connected to his rider in some way.

Aedan turned his horse around. “Follow me, I have an idea of where she is. We can split into groups when we get close.”

***

The savior traveled through the early night, certain of his destination. He hated to keep his captive tied and gagged across his horse, but it was paramount that they travel without making much noise. He had no idea where Dermid MacLean had gone, and didn’t wish to attract attention.

When he was certain they were out of danger, he stopped his horse and pulled the gag out of Jennie’s mouth.

Jennie shouted, “Loki Grant, what the hell were you doing leaving me tied up?”

Loki’s shoulders straightened and his chin jutted out. “I did what my training as a Grant warrior taught me to do. I got you out of danger before freeing you. Here, give me your hands and I’ll undo your bindings.”

“You did not need to keep me tied up, I could have helped you. I know the area better than you. I could have kept an eye out for Dermid. I could have helped…”

“Shush! This is why I left you tied. Could you cease for a moment so we can make a plan? If you keep your barking, Dermid will hear you from the other side of Cameron land. I am only doing what my sire taught me. You must stay observant and not make your move until you are certain of success. You are safe, are you not?”

Jennie looked at Loki and started giggling. Once unbound, she sat up on the horse and turned to face him. “My thanks for saving me, Loki.” She threw her arms around him. “You scared me half to death when you jumped out of the tree, but I was verra glad to see you.”

He hugged her back, but then held his finger to his lips. “Hush. Listen!”

A bellowing yell echoed across the small glen they were in. Jennie turned to Loki and said, “Alex. I would know his shout anywhere.” She shifted in the saddle and said, “That way. We will be sure to catch him.”

***

They hadn’t gone far when they spotted a lone horse with two riders in the distance.

Aedan thought Jennie was in the front, but had no idea who was riding with her. His hand was on his weapon as he charged toward the horse with the Grant brothers, but Brodie yelled to him and shook his head. “‘Tis my son with her.”

Brodie’s son? As they drew closer, he recognized Loki on the back.

And it
was
his wife. He almost fell apart at the sight of her. Jennie’s unbound hair whipped around her face, but she laughed and waved, clearly excited to see them. As soon as they reached each other, Aedan jumped off his horse and tugged her down into his arms.

He knew he didn’t have long, but he hugged her once and said, “I love you,” before turning her toward her brother. “Alex needs you.”

Her eyes wide with alarm, she turned to her brother. “Alex?”

“Jennie, Maddie is in bad shape,” he said, his voice ragged with worry. “I don’t know the details, just that Caralyn has sent for you to return.”

“Alex, I shall if I must, but…” Tears formed on her lashes as she peered at her brother.

Aedan wrapped his arms around her. “You can go help Maddie. I’ll follow as soon as I head back to the keep to speak with my mother.”

Jennie’s head was shaking in denial, tears rolling down her cheeks. Aedan was confused. “Jennie? You must help your brother’s wife.” He took her hand in his and squeezed.

She glanced at him before turning back to Alex. “I know I must follow, but I’ve been free of the nightmares. I so fear their return. But I’ll help Maddie. ” Tears slid down her cheeks and she leaned her head on Aedan’s shoulder, wrapping her arm around his waist.

Alex jumped off his horse and headed straight toward her. “I have tolerated this long enough. You will walk with me and listen.” He turned to his men. “Do whatever you must, but be ready to ride in ten minutes. Loki, my thanks for your heroism. We all leave soon.”

Aedan stared at Alex, then his gaze went to his wife. What the hell was Alex about? He wouldn’t desert her though, no matter what the Grant had planned. “Alex, I go with my wife.”

“‘Tis fine with me. Jennie, walk.” He took her arm and headed toward a rock situated by a stream that was a small distance from the group.

Aedan turned to his men. “Neil, head back and let my mother know what has transpired. And have her pack a satchel for each of us.”

They were going deep into the Highlands.