Page 48 of Tempted By a Highland Beast
Someone had used their distraction as cover, testing their vulnerabilities while their attention was elsewhere.
It was a clever strategy, and it pointed to the kind of enemy who would bide his time, probing for weaknesses while building his own strength.
When Theo arrived, Constantine laid out the situation with military precision. “Double the guard rotations and inspect every delivery personally. Nay exceptions. And I want ye tae ride out tomorrow—check our allies’ routes, make sure nae one’s been compromised or threatened intae cooperation.”
“Ye think this is connected tae the MacKenzie situation?” Theo asked.
“I think someone’s testing how far they can push us before we push back.” Constantine’s voice was flat, deadly. “Time tae make sure they understand the answer tae that question.”
—
My dear reader,
I apologize for the interruption…
But you just stumbled upon a SECRET GIFT!
And if you download this book for free, you’ll get a ONCE ONLY opportunity to join my ARC group.
This means MORE GIFTS! Because you’ll be getting books of mine and other authors of the genre one week ahead of release and for FREE.
The only thing you need to do is use the link below and download the book!
I’ll reply in your inbox to let you know the details.
So, what do you think? Will you join me on this reading adventure? The clock is ticking…
Just click on the link!
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Eilean Donan Castle, 1293
The MacKenzie library had always been Alpin’s sanctuary since his brother-in-law had passed away. A place where he could weave his schemes behind walls lined with leather-bound tomes that bore witness to generations of clan history.
Tonight, however, the familiar comfort of the room felt stifling as he paced before the massive stone hearth, his polished boots clicking against the worn flagstones with methodical precision.
The fire crackled, casting dancing shadows across his sharp features as he turned the troubling reports over in his mind. Three separate pieces of intelligence had reached him within the span of four days, each more damning than the last.
He paused before the carved mantelpiece, his cold blue eyes reflecting the flames as he calculated the implications.
The first report had come from his most trusted scout, who moved through the Highland villages like smoke. Alpin had positioned him strategically near the outer settlements, knowing that information flowed through these small communities like water through cupped hands.
What he had discovered sent ice through Alpin’s veins. MacLean warriors had been asking questions about Rowena. Not casual inquiries from traveling clansmen, but pointed, purposeful questions about her and the MacKenzie clan.
Alpin’s jaw tightened as he recalled his man’s exact words. The MacLean men had been thorough, systematic even, speaking to merchants, farmers, and anyone who might have seen a lone woman fleeing through their lands. Alpin was sure they knew something specific, something that suggested Rowena had not simply vanished into the wilderness, hopefully getting killed by brigands or bears, as Alpin had hoped.
The second report had been far worse. His fingers drummed against the stone mantel as he remembered the messenger’s pale face, the way the young man had stammered through his account. The two experienced warriors Alpin had dispatched to chase Rowena, men he had chosen for their skill and discretion, had been found dead near a loch several miles into MacLean territory.
Dead. Left to die with surgical precision that spoke of a warrior far more dangerous than any common brigand. The wounds, according to the messenger, had been clean and efficient.
The third and most damning piece of intelligence had come through whispered rumors that traveled the Highland gossip networks faster than any official messenger could ride. Multiple sources now claimed that Rowena had been seen riding with a dark-haired man. The sightings were consistent enough to be credible, detailed enough to be damning.
Could he be…
Alpin’s mouth curved into something that might have been mistaken for a smile by someone who didn’t know him well. But there was no warmth in the expression, only the cold satisfaction of a puzzle piece falling into place.
He knew of only one man in MacLean territory capable of such precise lethality and who had recently returned to his keep.
