Page 106 of Intrigued By A Highlander

Knox knew her thought. “You think he may have found a woman he believes is Autumn.”

“It’s possible.” She didn’t like to think that but… “What if a desperate woman, looking to improve her lot, approached him and claimed to be Autumn?”

“It’s a reasonable thought and even more reasonable… do we let the lie stand? Would it hurt to let her have a better life?”

“But would she?” Dru argued. “What if she is wed to a brutal man? And what of those who want her dead?”

“And what if she only exists in our minds?” he said with a chuckle.

“We can do nothing but wait and see what Lord Torrance says on his return here,” Dru said and smiled as they neared the kitchen. “I’m starving.”

The cook was generous with them, and they returned to the cottage to enjoy a filling meal and when they finished, they both spied the bed at the same time and tumbled into it eager to make love.

The sudden sound of a horn blaring had them rushing out of bed and Knox rushing for his sword. The sound was one that alerted the village to an unknown troop’s approach.

“You run and hide if fighting breaks out,” Knox ordered her. “And please, wife, do not fight me on this.”

“I will hide,” she promised, though she did not let him know she would also watch and be there for him in case he needed help.

They stepped outside and joined the others waiting to see who arrived.

CHAPTER 28

Tension rippled through Clan MacFadin as riders from the north crested the hill. Lord Torrance’s warriors stood in formation at the entrance to the village, weapons in hand, Brack in front of them.

Knox felt less challenged that the group of ten warriors was no match for Lord Torrance’s twenty warriors or the ten more spread throughout the village. That also didn’t count the sentinels that had yet to show themselves. Of course, the north tribe could have more warriors, hidden in the distance, waiting to advance. But for now, the amount of warriors arriving didn’t pose a significant threat.

Dru stood amongst the crowd that gathered, Knox’s strong, comforting presence close at her back. Her heart beat an anxious rhythm, uncertainty gnawing at her resolve. She feared they had come for her.

At the forefront of the approaching warriors rode a figure cloaked in commanding dignity, his grey beard a stark banner of age and authority. He brought his horse to a stop in front of Brack.

“I am Callan, chieftain of the Northern Clans,” the older man announced, his voice clear, resonating with the gravity of his station. His glance shifted, searching the crowd. “You harbor someone who belongs to me… my granddaughter.”

Knox’s muscles rippled with tension as he stepped from behind Dru to stand at her side.

“What makes you think she is here?” Brack demanded.

“She was seen entering the village. She calls herself Dru, but her mother named her Autumn.”

The crowd’s eyes turned to Dru, not so Torrance’s warriors. Their eyes remained on the ten warriors whose eyes followed the crowd’s and landed on Dru.

If Brack was shocked, he didn’t show it. “Autumn is Lord Torrance’s half-sister. She remains here under his protection.”

“She is of my blood,” Callan protested as if that made a difference.

“And of Lord Torrance’s blood as well,” Brack reminded.

“And she is my wife,” Knox shouted for all to hear.

“That makes no difference to me,” Callan called out and turned a glare on Brack. “We will bargain.”

“I cannot speak for Lord Torrance, but I can present your offer to him,” Brack said. “Have your men stay here and we will talk in the keep.”

“Two of my men come with me,” Callan insisted.

Brack didn’t argue, he turned and issued orders to his warriors. “Keep eyes on them at all times.” He strode through the crowd that parted for him and, spotting Knox, ordered, “You and your wife come with me.”

A breath Dru didn’t realize she’d held escaped and when her husband slipped his hand around hers, she clung to it tightly.

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