The Brightest Star in the Highlands: Jennie and Aedan (Clan Grant Series Book 7) (9 page)

“You cannot leave this clan without protection. The Double Abbey of Lochluin is nearby.”

“Jennie, you insult me.” Alex crossed his arms and glowered at her.

“How so? You insult me by not conferring with me and ordering me around in everything I do.” Her chin lifted as she stared at her brother.

Brodie spoke, “Jennie, the last we heard from you is that you wished for us to stop warring. Now you wish for us to stay and fight with the Cameron? You have changed your thoughts?”

Jennie pondered this, realizing that her brother was correct. On the Grant land, she had asked him
not
to get involved. Now she wanted him to get involved?

Alex quirked his brow at her. “Which is it, sister?”

Jennie fumbled for words, scratching her temple. What did she want?

Aedan made his way to her side and grabbed her hand. “Lass, you do not know what you are saying.”

Jennie jerked her gaze to Aedan’s, staring into those clear blue eyes she so loved, immediately responding to his proximity. She dipped her head and silenced herself, not wanting Aedan to see her at her worst; at least, that’s what she thought happened. In truth, his nearness calmed her, forcing her to reconsider her words before flinging them around haphazardly. She squeezed his hand to let him know how much she appreciated his support.

Alex crossed his arms and leaned against the table. “Might I remind you that as laird of the Grant Clan, I make the decisions? My decision is to leave one hundred guards here to support the Cameron, but I am also bringing my sister home, away from the center of the battlefield.” His pursed lips told Jennie he would not budge on this matter. “I thought this would please you to be away from battling, but mayhap I still don’t understand you. Either way, my decision is made.”

Aedan added, “And I have thanked him for his graciousness and consideration. He has the right of it. The abbey is one of the targets of the attackers, and I am the other. Allowing you to stay at the abbey would be foolish. I would prefer not to worry about you.”

A younger man stood up, his mouth pressed into a grim, proud line as he stared over her head. “Of course, I will assist my brother wherever I am needed.”

She whispered, “So I have no say in this matter?”

Alex said, “Nay. I have given you plenty of time to be alone here and think about your issues, but I will not leave you in the middle of this.”

“But I am staying at the abbey, not here.”

“The abbey is a part of the cause of this, if we have heard the truth from our scouts.”

“Why? Why would Scotsmen attack the abbey? They know better.”

Aedan ushered them back into their seats and encouraged Jennie to sit as well. Only then did she realize his mother was already at the table. She gave her a forced smile and sat. “The abbey is said to possess wealthy coffers,” Aedan said, “so they are the target of the ignorant invaders. Most of them are English, not Scottish, and they abide by different codes.”

Jennie’s gaze went from Aedan’s to Alex’s to Brodie’s. All of them bore an identical grim expression. “But…”

“We’ll spend the night and leave at dawn, Jennie. Pack your things and bring them here. You will stay here this night where we can guard you, not at the abbey.” Alex turned back to Aedan. “I could use an ale, if you please.”

Lady Cameron jumped out of her chair, holding her skirts in her hand, and dashed toward the kitchens. “Forgive me. I’ll see to it,” she said over her shoulder.

Jennie trudged over to the door.

“Jennie?”

“I will go to the abbey to retrieve my things, as I have been instructed to do.” She stopped in place without turning around, her head hanging.

Aedan stood and spoke to Alex. “I’ll escort her back there to get her things. Please make yourselves comfortable. My mother will ensure you are well fed and find you a chamber for the night. Your men are welcome inside on the rushes, and we shall feed them as well.”

From the corner of her eye, she saw Alex nod, a strange expression on his face.

Jennie didn’t speak to Aedan as she marched out to the stables. Once both of them were on their horses and a good distance from the castle, Aedan pulled alongside her and reached for her reins to slow her.

“Jennie. Please stop and listen.”

Jennie reined her horse in and turned to face him. “Listen to what? Once again, men are ordering me around and controlling me. My concerns are never addressed. I thought you were different, yet you are much like my brother. You both made this decision for me without asking my opinion.”

“Your safety is paramount, both to me and to your brothers. We cannot take any chances. Jennie, a large group of warriors is gathering to attack my lands. Does that not worry you?”

She stared out over the meadow as tears gathered in her lashes.

He moved his horse closer and reached for her hand. “Of course. I understand now.”

She jerked her attention back to him. “You are a man. How could you possibly understand what it is like to have someone else make all your decisions for you? How could you possibly know what it feels like to be ignored?”

“I understand that you have lived your entire life as a Grant. You are sister to the invincible Alex Grant, the renowned warrior who cut down many Norsemen and sent them running back to their galleys in fear. All of the Scots in the land could not have hoped to defeat them before the Grants arrived in full force. Then they ran with their tails between their legs. Alex Grant, his mailed horse, Midnight, and his brothers, Brodie and Robbie, the captain of his guard.”

She glowered at him. “What does that have to do with aught?”

“Quite simple. You’ve never had to worry about an attack before, have you? The most recent skirmish that inspired you to come here happened on your neighbors’ land, am I not correct? Has there ever been a time when your clan has been under direct attack? Has anyone ever dared to breach your curtain? Has anyone tried to fight through your bailey? If they had, I don’t think you would be so nonchalant about my lands being the target of unknown invaders.”

“Aye, they have. I had to hear all about my brother fighting Madeline’s betrothed. They had a sword fight to the death in the middle of our bailey. I was kept hidden inside, unable to know whether the person I loved more than anyone was dead or alive. I
do
know what is like to have my home and my family under attack.”

“You loved your brother more than anyone?” His voice had dropped, probably due to shock.

“Aye. Alex was the one who raised me. Alex and Brenna. I hardly remember my parents. And now all he does is order me around.”

“Jennie, he’s your laird. This is no easy task for him.”

Tears flooded her cheeks. “I know that. You think I know not all he does for our clan? But must he ignore me as if I am just one of his many clan members? Why do I not mean more to him than all the others? He treats me as if I am of no value.”

“Jennie, nay. Your brother loves you. Why do you think he came all the way here? He wished to escort you himself. That action alone speaks of his love for you.”

“And what about you? I thought what we had together was special. It means naught to you now? You will just send me away with the flick of your wrist?”

“Jennie, nay.” He reached for the reins of her horse to stop her before dismounting. After tugging her down, he settled her on his lap on a nearby rock. “Lass, there is naught I would rather have than you by my side, but I must protect my clan. I am honor bound to protect the abbey. Can you not see that? And ‘tis because I care for you that I wish to send you off with your brother.”

She nestled her head against his shoulder and sobbed. She could feel his warm breath in her hair. “Aedan, I do not want to leave yet. Please allow me to stay. Please?”

He sighed and hugged her tight. “I cannot, lass. You must go home with your brother. I promise to come for you when all is safe again.” He cupped her face and kissed her, her breath hitching through the sweet assault. When he pulled back, he kissed her tears off each cheek. “I have duties: to my clan, to my family, to my sire, and to your clan. I hope you will forgive me in time.”

Jennie shoved against his chest, grabbed the reins of her horse and walked the rest of the short distance to the abbey.

Damn him. Damn all of them. Why did they all ignore her? The nightmares had finally stopped. What if they started again when she returned? She felt strong, rested. If the attack was to be here, then she could help as a healer. How many men would be injured?

But no matter how many reasons she came up with to justify remaining on Cameron land, she knew in her heart she wished to stay for one reason only.

Aedan Cameron.

Chapter Nine

Early the next morn, the guards of the Grant clan assembled in front of the curtain wall. Jennie had thanked the abbess and the monks before leaving. Lady Cameron stood on the steps of the keep waving, but Jennie paid little attention as she mounted her horse in a fury. She still had not spoken a word to Alex.

Brodie drew up beside her as they headed north, deeper into the Highlands. After a while, he spoke. “You will regret your attitude, lass.”

“Nay, I will
not
.” She kept her gaze fixed straight ahead.

“Aye, you will, but you are young yet. You’ll understand someday.” Brodie grinned.

She turned her head enough to glower at him. “And what about my nightmares? Have you asked about them? Nay. Well, let me tell you. I have not had one after the first night here. As soon as I go back, they could return. I am well-rested again. I don’t wish to go back to those wailing souls of my dreams.”

Brodie sighed loud enough to be heard two horses away. “I’m sorry, but your safety is paramount and comes before dreams. Even you must recognize the truth in that. So mayhap you understand the cause of your dreams more. Are you sure they’ll return? Mayhap they won’t.” Brodie did his best to convince her, but it wasn’t helping.

Jennie pursed her lips and brought up the topic her brother would
not
want to hear. “Have you thought about the fact of my age? Nay, you and Robbie and Brenna all have happy families and bairns. What about me? How would you have fared as a sister to Alex Grant? Every lad in the Highlands fears talking to me, and would never consider asking for me. Do you know that the Cameron land was the first place I have ever gone where I was treated as someone different?”

“How so?” Brodie asked, his gaze narrowing as he glanced her way.

“Because for the first time, I was Jennie instead of Alex Grant’s sister. Aye, at the abbey I was his sister, but not in the Cameron keep. I was treated on my own merits and not those of my brother’s or even Brenna’s. At times, I felt special. Alex does not see me that way. He only sees me as his little sister instead of a lass fully grown.”

“Och, ‘tis true. But I do believe Alex will find someone for you. You must be patient. In fact, if you wish, once this is over, I’ll stand by you and ask for Alex to consider some suitors. Now is not the right time.”

“When is the right time? This could continue for many moons. And what happens when I have made my choice? He does not respect my opinion now. Will he consider it when it comes to my suitors?”

“Jennie, don’t be foolish. Of course he will. He has made that commitment to our mother. Don’t worry so.”

Brodie was convinced, but Jennie was not. What if Aedan offered for her? Would Alex accept it?

They traveled until dusk, stopping only for necessaries. Brodie found a clearing and set up a tent of furs for Jennie. After they ate roasted rabbit, Jennie headed off to the stream with some linen, intent on washing her face and taking care of her needs.

As soon as she was ten feet away, a booming voice echoed behind her. “Jennie!”

She turned to stare at Alex. “Aye, my laird?” she ground out through clenched teeth. He would not even allow her some time alone.

“Not too far. ‘Tis not safe in the woods until we are on Grant land.”

Her eyes narrowed to slits. “Alex, I need my privacy.”

“You heard my orders. See that you do as you’re bid.”

“Of course, my laird,” she said as she turned away, “whatever you say. I always do what I’m bid. I’m a good lass. Aye, my laird.” She didn’t bother trying to hide her sarcasm.

“Jennie…” Alex’s snarled. “Do not push me. These are dangerous parts. I see evidence of others in the area. Be agreeable for once or I’ll come and watch you.”

She spun around. “You would not!”

“Aye, I would do it to prevent you from being kidnapped. There are plenty of vagrants about, and a laird’s blood sister is valuable. Tread with care.” He turned and stalked away.

Alex couldn’t see her glare from behind, so she ended it and headed to the spot she had spied before. He would not order her around like one of his guards.

A few minutes later, she headed back from the creek. She hung her head, unable to forget that she was separated from Aedan—from her one opportunity to truly fall in love. And now he was in danger. She thought of that eve on the hill, how special she had felt in his arms. At least she had experienced a kiss and more. She smiled at the beautiful memories.

A second later, the pounding of a horse’s hooves echoed through the trees and shouts of warning met her ears, but to no avail. A strong arm lifted her up by her waist and flung her face down across a horse’s saddle, the rider shouting with satisfaction at his prize. He reined in his horse and took off in the opposite direction. It happened so fast she could do naught to fight or run away. She was caught.

Jennie’s ribs bounced against the horse, taking away her ability to speak and seriously impeding her ability to breathe. The stench from the man invaded her nostrils and she fought to keep from vomiting. She pushed down against the horse in an attempt to move and caught a quick glance at the man behind her. His hair and long beard were stringy and dirty, and he was missing half his teeth. When he grinned, a wave of dizziness hit her and she thought she would empty her stomach for sure. Desperate to escape, no matter how badly it injured her, she tried to push herself off the horse, but she stopped when he slapped her bottom. “Stay there, wee fool. Ye’re mine now, and ye’ll do as I say.”

She closed her eyes, saying a swift prayer for Alex to come for her even though he was probably furious. The hand rubbed her bottom now, and she swung her fist at the man’s leg. He barely seemed to notice. He caught her chin in his hand and said, “Ye sure are a pretty one. My friends will take care of the rest of you, but I got the real prize.”

Jennie heard the bellows and shouts in the distance, a good gauge of how fast they were moving. At first, she could hear every sound as sword met sword. Grunts and screams echoed, and she prayed her brothers would dominate.

Jerking her head away, she heard her brother’s war whoop in the distance and seconds later, her captor flew off his horse. Jennie managed to climb up and grab the reins, fear clenching in her gut.

Alex grabbed the reins of the horse and turned her to lead her back to the clearing. As soon as she had the horse under control, Alex nodded to her and took off toward the melee he had left behind. He pointed to the side and bellowed, “Dismount and get off to the side.”

This time, she didn’t argue. Tears slid down her cheeks as the enormity of what had almost happened sunk into her. She had been stolen just as Alex had said. Had he been any farther away, the horrible man might have succeeded in abducting her. She dismounted and slapped the horse’s hindquarters to get him away from her.

After finding a hiding place behind a group of bushes, she sat down and hugged her knees to try to stop her trembling. Behind her shallow cover, the clash of steel, the screams of pain, and the death continued. One man fell after another, and she couldn’t pull her gaze from the fight. Alex fought like a man possessed. He rode Midnight as if the two were one, his sword arm cutting down invader after invader. She heard high-pitched screams, and only then realized they were
hers
. The screams came each time a sword slashed near her brother. He was too quick for any of them, and he easily ducked and dodged each blow. If anything happened to her brothers, she would never forgive herself. All this fighting was too much for her, but she was beginning to recognize how important it was to have someone who would fight and protect her at all costs.

Alex’s body was covered with sweat and blood as he swung and swung in a fury, his hair free of its tie, long and wavy. Satisfied that he was safe for the moment, she searched the area for Brodie and breathed a sigh of relief when she found him on the opposite edge of the skirmish, his sword delivering death blows as frequently as Alex’s.

But Alex was different: possessed, powerful, unrelenting until the last of the invaders realized their battle was lost and took off. The Grant men broke out into smiles as they realized they were the victors. Swords pointed to the heavens, Grant war whoops abounded, and all celebrated except for one rider.

Alex. Alex spurred Midnight off into the distance following the last of the attackers, letting out the longest and deepest Grant war whoop Jennie had ever heard. Her heart pounded in her chest as she wondered where he was going. Would he come back and wale on her? Was this her fault for not doing as he’d asked? Would he tie her to his horse so she could never wander again?

He finally turned Midnight around and headed back toward their camp at a full gallop, slowing only once, so his steed could rear up on his hind legs in a celebration of the victory. Alex’s arm seemed to reach to the heavens before Midnight settled and came back to the ground. Her brother brought him straight to the creek for water. There was one difference between Alex and the other men, Jennie noticed—there was no smile on his face.

Actually observing him in battle taught her something. Mayhap he didn’t enjoy it as much as she had thought, and he deserved more credit than she had been willing to give him.

Her gaze followed him through the woods. He dismounted and crooked his finger at her. She took one look at the sweat on his body and the look on his face and ran to him. Wrapping her arms around his waist and sobbing into his chest, she choked out an apology that felt so inadequate. “Alex, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. Forgive me.”

Alex wrapped his arms around her and said, “‘Tis not your fault, lass.”

“Aye, I didn’t do what you bade me to do. I wandered too far.” She sobbed so hard her breath hitched.

“Jennie, those men would have fought us anyway. You were an extra prize.”

“But where would I be now if you had not followed me?”

“Hush, lass, ‘tis over. They are gone and will not return. Mayhap you understand why I could not leave you behind with the number of men headed toward Cameron land. This was a small group of reivers, naught more. Cameron is in for much more than what we just experienced.”

She continued to sob as Alex guided her back toward the clearing, one arm wrapped around her waist. Aedan’s words returned to her, advising her that she had been well protected up until now and had no idea what real danger was. Aye, he had the right of it, she had never seen her brothers in battle before.

The implication of what Alex had said finally sunk in. If these were just reivers, then Aedan’s land was destined for something much worse than she had envisioned. Perhaps it was best she not be there to be a burden to him. Mayhap she had better do as she was told during these turbulent times. “Thank you, Alex, for protecting me and for leaving men with Aedan.”

“Jennie, you are my sister, almost a daughter to me. I will always protect you. You may not like all I do, but I do it because I love you.”

“I know, Alex. I’m so sorry. I have acted like a spoiled bairn.”

“Nay, you are a woman who is trying to find her place in the world. ‘Tis not easy.” He kissed the top of her head and settled her on a log as he moved to check on the rest of his men.

***

When they arrived, Jennie greeted her family with a smile on her face. In truth, her heart was broken. The farther she moved from Cameron land, the sadder she became. Finally, she had found someone who made her feel special and understood, and she had been pulled away from him. Worse, she did not know if she would ever see him again.

Her first morn back, she sat at a table eating porridge for breakfast, answering questions from her sisters in law and their smaller bairns. The men had already gone out to the lists. Alex had been adamant that they needed to be prepared in case the fight moved this way. She smiled at Gracie, Ashlyn, and Kyla playing with their small dolls in the corner.

“How did you like living at an abbey, Jennie?” Caralyn asked.

“Lochluin Abbey is beautiful. My favorite chambers are the scriptorium and the library. There are more books there than I could possibly read in a lifetime. I couldn’t imagine having so many to choose from on a daily basis. ‘Twas difficult to choose just one.”

“I would love to have such a library here. Maddie, can we not start our own library?” Celestina asked, her wean Braden on her lap, eating his porridge. He fussed with his food, an ornery expression on his face.

“I do not recall him having such a temper. What upsets him?” Jennie asked

Celestina held the spoon out for him and he knocked it away. His wee voice surprised them all. “Nay. Loki.”

Celestina smirked. “Braden is quite fond of his older brother. And I must admit, Loki is wonderful with him.” She turned her attention to her bairn. “Braden, Loki had to go with the lads to the lists. He’s growing up, and he must be prepared to fight, too.”

“Papa!” He pouted in response, his lower lip protruding.

“Nay, Papa is at the lists with Loki and Uncle Robbie and your laird, Alex. You’ll have to do without them today.” She turned back to Jennie. “Loki was quite happy to be called to the lists.” Then she wiped up the mess Braden had made. “You’ll have to play with your cousin, Roddy, instead.”

Jennie laughed. “I cannot believe how much Rodric and Braden have grown since I left.”