Page 72 of The Dark Wolf's Deliverance

‘Because he has hurt you in some way, hasn’t he?’

When she did not answer him, he became agitated. ‘You know that you are just a doll to him, Kenna, something to own, to play with and then cast aside once he is bored. He enjoyed displaying you like a trophy, the beautiful girl he rescued from danger, but now the thrill has worn off he has left you, broken your heart.’

‘You don’t know anything about us or about him.’

‘I know more about him than you think, for we share the same blood. That surprises you, doesn’t it?’

‘You are a Campbell, his clansman,’ said Kenna shrugging her shoulders.

‘No, it is much more than that. Conall’s grandfather, Fergus Campbell, had a brother Hugh who ruled Dunslair with an iron hand years ago. They say Fergus was a bad lot, but Hugh was not much better. He whelped a bastard on a servant girl, and that bastard was my father. So you see, Conall and I have the same blood running through our veins, and he will be a laird one day, everything handed to him on a plate, while I sleep with the hounds and the hawks.’

‘Do they know of your claim?’

‘They do, but they choose to ignore it, no proof you see, and Hugh would never have admitted to it, but my grandmother always maintained that Hugh sired my father.’

‘And your father believes this also?’

‘Aye, he used to tell anyone who would listen all about it, but he died last year, so the matter has gone to the grave with him. Conall used to think it was funny as we were growing up. He would taunt me about it and get others to do the same. He is cruel in that way, and when he senses a weakness, he sticks the knife in.’

Kenna did not know what to think. She was sure Conall did not have that kind of cruelty in him.

‘I’m so sorry, Meyrick,’ she said.

‘Don’t be,’ he replied, ‘I have learned to live with my shameful and lowly ancestry. I am telling you merely as a warning. It is a good thing that Conall has gone, for the Campbells do not treat their women well, and you are better off without him.’

He looked up at the sky, and his expression was so sad that Kenna was on the brink of comforting him, for she knew the burden of having a shameful family, of being ignored.

‘Kenna, forgive my ill-temper today. I meant to bring you cheer, but I appear to have done the opposite.’

‘Nothing to forgive. I am grateful you thought about me enough to try, and I am grateful for our friendship, Meyrick.’

‘Friendship? Is that what this is?’ he said, coming close up against her.

Unease prickled up her spine. The hawk on his arm relaxed and then tightened its claws. Kenna froze as Meyrick lifted his hand and brushed it slowly across her cheek and into her hair. Those grey eyes were somehow mesmerising, such was the intensity of their gaze on her, and she couldn’t think what to do when his hand grasped her head and gently pulled it towards his mouth.

Meyrick was gentle at first, but, oh, she didn’t want this. When she tried to pull away, he did not relent as she had expected him to. His mouth continued to take hers, hard and hungry against her lips, invading her mouth, grip tightening. Pushing harder, Kenna broke away, resisting the urge to wipe her hand across her mouth.

Meyrick did not look chastened by her rejection. Rather, there was excitement on his face.

‘Damn, but you test me, Kenna. Your beauty makes me forget myself.’ There was a hint of anger in this voice, which he quickly controlled, and then he was back to his normal, chivalrous self. ‘We must get you inside for supper.’

With that, he held out his arm, and she took it reluctantly. Dusk was closing in, and Kenna longed to be back within the security of the castle walls. Once inside, she bid him a hasty goodbye and sped away up the stairs. On each step, she felt cold, knowing his eyes were still on her. Maybe it would be best to stay away from Meyrick after this. She broke into a run when she was out of his sight.

When Kenna burst into her chamber, it was to find Conall sitting on her bed. ‘You’re back,’ she gasped as relief flooded her heart.

‘So it would seem.’ His voice was a sarcastic growl. Obviously, he was still smarting from her refusal to marry him

‘I am so glad, Conall.’

‘Are you? It doesn’t look like you’ve missed me much.’

‘But I have.’

‘Well, it seems you have found ample consolation in Meyrick’s arms. Don’t bother lying to me. I saw you two just now.’

He looked her up and down in disgust and with such a glower on his face that Kenna hesitated to speak.

‘Conall what you saw, I did not want that kiss. I….’

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