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

“I don’t know. Something. There’s something about you.” His voice turned husky and deep, and the sound of it sent chills down her spine. His hand reached for hers. “We’re more alike than I thought.”

“How?”

“While I see that you’re curious about the body, you don’t like healing.”

“Aye, ‘tis a true statement. How does that make us alike?” She peeked at him, wanting to stare at him, but knowing she shouldn’t.

“Because I would prefer to study the stars instead of being chieftain. You would prefer to study the body instead of being a healer. But I don’t think you tell me all. I think you love healing. There’s something else that has you upset, not just the skirmishes.”

Jennie stopped, surprised he’d noticed that about her, and surprised he admitted this about himself.

“Tell me, lass. You’ll be better for sharing.”

His voice was like a soft caress, soothing her, so she decided to tell him. “I have bad dreams, dreams of wailing men being tortured, of men screaming in pain from battle. They persisted every night at our keep. ‘Tis why my brother brought me here. I needed to get away or I feared I would go daft.”

“And since then?”

She paused before she answered. “Since arriving at the abbey, I have only had one occurrence.”

“The first night?”

“Aye.” How did he know? Seems her problem could be solved, but that would mean never returning to her home. She could never accept that.

“No bad dream after you healed me the first time?”

She slowed her stitching to think. “Nay.”

“Your problem is solved.”

“Nay, ‘tis not that simple.”

“Why not?”

“Because the answer would be to never go home. I can’t abide by that. I love my family, my clan.”

“Mayhap the cause is something else. Are you afraid of failing, of not being able to heal someone?”

Her brow furrowed. “I have not given that much thought.” She decided to change the subject to his problems. “You don’t wish to lead?”

He pursed his lips before he answered, suggesting he recognized her tactic. “Nay. I don’t think I have the ability. I’m not the warrior my sire was, nor am I as strong a warrior as the head of my guard. But I must lead. ‘Tis part of my destiny.”

Jennie wondered if Alex had ever felt the same. “You are a fine warrior.”

Aedan chuckled. “And is that why I’m wounded again? My past speaks for itself.”

Pulling a thread through, she gave his situation thought. “One mistake doesn’t make a failure.”

His finger reached for her chin, pulling her gaze to his. “Nor does a bad dream. You are too hard on yourself, as am I. We are more alike than you think.”

Jennie stuttered, “I must…must…” She jerked her hand away, then focused on his wound again. “My stitches. I must finish stitching you so I can help the others.”

He rested his head back on the pillow. “Continue, but don’t worry about the others. We have another healer, a monk, who often comes to help our wounded. I imagine he is already here. Think on it, lass. We are more alike, and you are not a failure.”

Jennie finished her work, carefully sewing in layers, mindful of the pain she was causing the chieftain. She hated to hurt her patients, but he refused her mixtures, preferring to keep his mind strong.

Midway through, she glanced at him and noticed that his eyes were closed, his jaw clenched. If he opened his eyes to look at her, she knew her heartbeat would speed up and her hands would sweat for sure, so she was pleased he did not.

“There.” She completed her last stitch and tied it off, then reached for the salve and applied it to his wound.

“If you keep rubbing my skin much longer, lass, you’ll have a reaction you are not expecting.” His eyes bore into hers through narrowed slits.

The sound of his voice sent a shot of warmth straight to her core. She gazed into his deep blue eyes, the color of the sky at night, but then jerked her gaze away, too confused by her reaction to this man. Finished with her tasks, she bounded away from him and over to her tools on the nearby chest.

“Chief Cameron, if you need anything, please send someone to the abbey. I’ll leave some of the salve here for you to apply daily. It should help you ward off another fever.” She cleared her throat and left the room. This was a new experience for her and she didn’t know how to deal with her surge of tumultuous feelings. He unsettled her whenever he was near, and she had no experience in calming her body’s reaction to this man, this chieftain with the heated gaze. She leaned against the wall to slow the pace of her own blood, but to no avail. This fact alone frightened her.

She knew the way her heart pounded in her chest when she was near him could be nothing but dangerous.

Chapter Seven

Aedan found his way down to his solar two days later. His wound had improved, but it was still sore enough to block him from a full range of movement. The uneven gait necessitated by the injury made him feel like a cripple.

Once inside the chamber, he greeted Ruari, Neil, and his four friends—Dermid MacLean, Hamish Henderson, Irvine Fletcher, and Drew Menzie. He noticed that a quiet hush had descended on the gathered men as soon as he stepped through the doorway.

“Cameron, you’re slow to heal this time,” Drew said. He was probably Aedan’s closest friend, but he had been busy fighting skirmishes on his own lands.

“Aye, he’s hoping the Grant healer will return to heal his sorry arse,” Dermid guffawed.

Hamish joined in. “Aye, I’d like her to tend my arse when you’re done with her, Cameron.”

Irvine chimed in. “Have I missed something, aye? You have a lass healing you? What exactly has she done to your body?”

Aedan moved into his chair behind the desk, stretching his leg out straight in front of him. He waited for the group to quiet. Once he had their attention, he whispered, “The next lad to disrespect Jennie Grant will find my fist in his face.”

Silence settled as the smiles turned to chastised expressions. He continued, “Now, who can update me on the status of our lands? Why did you feel the need to call this meeting?”

Drew cleared his throat. “Aedan, I came to see to your well-being, but also to advise you of rumors circulating across our lands. I do not know the source, but it seems that the marauders are planning a large-scale attack.”

“And their purpose?”

“Word has it that they are seeking control of your lands. They do not believe you are strong enough to hold onto them any longer after the death of your father. They seek the wealth and protection of the abbey.” Drew glanced at the others, apparently looking for confirmation.

“What wealth from the abbey? I do not gain aught by having them as tenants.”

“Word is that Lochluin Abbey has wealthy coffers, and the group is hoping to gain control of them,” Dermid said. “I have heard the same rumor.”

“You mean they wish to steal from the abbey? Who are they? Does anyone know aught of their origin?” Aedan was shocked by the mere suggestion.

Hamish said, “Nay, but many have said they are English.”

Aedan rubbed his forehead. “Aye, I can vouch for the fact that many of the lads in the group that attacked us spoke with an English accent.”

Neil searched the group. “Who else has been attacked recently?”

“We were attacked two days before you,” Drew replied.

“My men fought three days ago,” Hamish said.

Dermid shook his head. “‘Tis not what I had hoped to hear. These invaders do not give up easily. We were attacked yesterday, though ‘twas a small skirmish.”

“What is the point of these small skirmishes? Why do they not just pose a large-scale attack and be finished with it?” Neil paced the back of the solar while the others sat.

Ruari jumped out of his seat. “Send me out to spy! I’ll find out.”

Aedan sighed. “Lad, I will not send you out to be skewered by unknown invaders.”

Ruari scowled and sat back down in a huff.

“Seems they are not verra organized if they continue to make small attacks,” Hamish said. “They’ll never succeed that way. And they retreat quickly.”

Neil came to a stop. “Mayhap ‘tis all part of a strategy. What better way to learn our lands and the skills of our fighters? Mayhap they are carrying on in this manner to confuse us and prevent us from banding together to fight them.”

Aedan brushed his hands across the row of whiskers across his chin. “I think you’re on to something, Neil. I have had similar thoughts. We can’t unite into a large force if we are all facing small, unpredictable attacks on our lands.”

“We must decide what we wish to do,” Drew said. “My scout has heard that they plan to attack Aedan within a moon. They think him weak and ripe for defeat. Sorry, Aedan.”

“Do not apologize. I would prefer to know.” He mulled over this piece of information before he continued. “And did your scout manage to find out anything more about their leader?”

“Nay, they know naught of the leader. That information is well hidden.”

“It must be the English.”

Dermid said, “A Scot wouldn’t go after an abbey. The monks are highly respected here.”

Aedan added, “Aye, but wealth is respected even more.”

***

After the men left, Aedan stayed in his chair, his fingers steepled in front of him as he thought. Ruari was the last to leave.

“Ruari?”

“Aye, my laird?” Aedan could not help but smile at the lad’s enthusiasm.

“I have some thoughts that I wish to share with you.” Aedan paused, then motioned for his brother to sit in the chair closest to him. “If you are willing, I would like to send you out to scout for us.”

Ruari jumped from his seat. “You mean to spy on someone? Aye. I’ll do it!”

Aedan waved his hand at Ruari, hoping to calm him down. “Why do we not consider it scouting? The others have scouts out, and we have naught. I think in these confusing times, we need to do our own scouting. Are you up to the challenge, lad?”

“Aye.” He sat in the chair and settled his hands in front of him. “Tell me what to do, my laird.”

“I wish to have you listen to everyone you can. I want you to listen to the kitchen maids, the stable lads, our neighbors when they are here, the warriors—everyone. Ride through the meadows and see if you come upon any small groups meeting outside the castle. Clan members love to talk, so I am hoping they will have heard something they are not willing to bring to me. ‘Tis your job to uncover this information without anyone suspecting your goal.”

“With pleasure, Aedan. I will make you proud.”

“Can you do the most important of all? Not breathe a word of your assignment to anyone? I want naught to know but me. This includes mother, Neil, everyone. You must keep this to yourself. Can you do that, Ruari? Can I trust you?”

“Aye, Aedan. Of course.”

Aedan stood and limped to his brother’s side, clasping him on the shoulder. “Then make me proud, lad.”

***

A few nights later, just after dusk, a nun came to Jennie’s door. “My dear, The Cameron has come to speak to you. He awaits you in the entranceway.”

Jennie’s eyes widened. “Thank you, Sister. Please tell him I will be there momentarily.”

She darted around the room, cleaning her teeth with a cloth, straightening her hair, and grabbing her plaid for her shoulders. Once she was ready, she rushed down the passageway.

He had pulled the fur back from the front window to allow the night air inside. Out of his bed, Aedan looked strong and powerful, his dark hair curling at the base of his neck, his shoulders strong and broad. He hadn’t trimmed his beard in a few days, and the dark growth across his cheeks gave him an air of mystery. His strong jaw was clenched. When he heard her enter the room, he spun around and flashed a beautiful smile, his teeth so white they were like a beacon.

She approached him, but stopped a few feet away. “Problems, Chief Cameron?”

“Nay, I am healing quite nicely. I wondered if you would join me in a stroll. I wanted to explain a little bit more about my curiosity. ‘Tis a beautiful night with a clear sky, full of stars.”

He grinned at her, his excitement infectious.

“Aye, I would like that.”

The nun who had summoned her stood nearby waiting, so Jennie turned to her and said, “I’ll return shortly.”

“We travel with a few guards, Sister. I promise to take good care of her.”

The sister nodded and retreated. Aedan held the door open and said, “After you, my lady.”

Jennie quirked her brow at him. “Now, I’m my lady? When did that happen?”

“My mother taught me to be respectful, especially around the nuns. If not, my sire told me they would take a paddle to my arse, and I have enough places on my body paining me at present.” He grinned and grabbed her hand, pulling her along behind him. “Come, I want you to see the stars and their shapes. You’ll rarely get a night this bonny for gazing at the stars.”

They took off, hand in hand, in a slow run across the meadow, his guards a safe distance behind them. Once halfway across, Aedan pointed in front of him. “I was hoping we could climb this hill. ‘Tis my favorite spot to check the stars.”

Their climb slowed once they reached the slope, and she could tell his injury was definitely still bothering him. His face shone with excitement at the prospect of sharing one of his loves with her. Jennie relished this private time with him, away from his duties as chieftain and her duties as a healer. When they finally reached the top of the hill, he tilted his head back and said, “Look.” He tipped his head back to look at the dark sky above them, which appeared to be alight with hundreds of small torches. “Can you believe how many stars there are?”

Jennie stood in one spot, but Aedan ran across the top of the hill, pointing every time he noticed something new. “Jennie, did you know the Greeks have determined that the path of the sun and the planets is not circular, but more elliptical?”

Jennie smiled and shook her head. “Nay, I had never heard that before, but I don’t know much about the stars and the heavens.”

“Astrology,” his gaze caught hers. “That’s the study of the stars. And the Greeks long ago determined the sun takes several different paths over the year. They have even named the paths. One is a bull, and one is a lion. It all has to do with the celestial sphere. I love that term because ‘tis so appropriate.” He pointed off to one side. “Do you see the shape of the stars there? That shape never changes, but over there,” he pointed to another part of the sky, “that’s one of the five planets that move.”

Jennie stared at him, watching his exuberance, loving this side of him. “Planets?”

“Aye, the Greeks say there are planets that move. They are bright lights in the sky that change their location. Every moon they are in a different place in the sky.

“How do you know so much?” Jennie’s curiosity was definitely piqued.

“The monk, Joseph. There are some traveling monks who come to the abbey to share their knowledge. I have begged Joseph to bring me a book, any book, but he hasn’t been able to locate one yet. He brings me what he can find, and I enjoy them all. ‘Tis said there is one with drawings of the patterns of the stars, all with assigned names.”

Jennie stared above her at all the twinkling stars. She had to admit they were quite magical, especially against the deep blue of the night sky.

“They say there are twelve signs of the zodiac, called the ellipses by some. A man called Ptolemy wrote books about the stars and the sun and the ellipses. I find it all so fascinating.”

He turned to face her and cupped her face in one strong hand. “Do you not agree? Isn’t it magical?”

“Aye,” she gazed into his blue eyes, mesmerized not by the twinkling in the sky, but the twinkle in his eyes. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw something. She turned to get a better look at it and gasped. “Now that’s magical. What do you call that?”

Aedan tipped his head back, peering in the direction she’d indicated. He grasped her hand in his, his face breaking into the most beautiful smile she had ever seen. “A shooting star. That’s what I call that. You will not see one verra often.” His attention returned to her, and his voice deepened, giving it that husky edge she loved.

“This is magical because you’re magical. The shooting star tells me that I’m right.” He lowered his mouth to hers.

Jennie wanted to shout to the stars with joy, but instead decided to focus on this man in her arms. She twined her arms about his neck and returned the kiss, wanting to savor the taste of him. The guards were far behind them, and they were alone enough for her to enjoy this private interlude. He tasted of apples, ale, and Aedan, something of which she was growing quite fond. His tongue pushed against her lips and she parted them, allowing him inside so she could taste him even more.

His tongue swept her mouth, so she hesitantly brought hers out to meet it, afraid to see what he would do. He groaned in response and tugged her in close, his arms around her waist. He angled his mouth and began a rhythmic assault on her lips. Her knees threatened to buckle in response, but his strong arms held her in place.

Pulling back, his gaze locked on hers, his eyes begging her to pull even closer and drown herself in their sapphire depths.

He grabbed a plaid he had over his shoulder and set it on the ground in front of them. “Here,” he said, grabbing her hand, “I’ll show you the best way to view the stars up above.”

He helped her settle, though Jennie suddenly felt unsure. She had overheard many tales of maids being tossed in the hay in the stables or in the heather of the Scottish meadows, but on a hilltop? She hoped it wasn’t what he had planned, because she wasn’t ready for that yet.

Once the two of them were flat on the ground on their backs, she waited for some sign of what he intended.

He grasped her hand again and pointed at the sky above. “There, look,” he said, grinning from ear to ear. “See if you can count how many stars are there.”