Page 27 of The Veiled Wish of a Highland Bride

“Let the matter rest, Lennox. I ken well the dangers coming, and they will all be sorted out in due time. Is that why ye were so quiet on the journey here? Sulking because of a scoundrel who is nae worth a second thought?”

“‘Tis still very important that we–“

Archibald spun around as he heard footsteps behind him. Bram Murray walked in with his war chief, whose name he could not remember.

"Laird Macnab," Bram said almost condescendingly. "Good to have ye here. I am sure ye have met my war chief and brother, Clyde Murray."

The smile on Clyde's face could have lit up the entire room.

"Aye, the Highland Wolf. I’ve heard of ye many times, my laird. It is braw to finally meet ye in the flesh. I must say, I did catch a glimpse of ye at the ball, but ye were so engrossed in the festivities I doubted ye'd have remembered me if I approached ye," Clyde said enthusiastically, moving closer to shake Archibald’s hand.

Bram's glare stopped him.

Archibald was taken aback by Clyde's unusually warm nature. He was not like most war chiefs, who existed to be the Laird's firm, and often terrifying, right hand. His thoughts were interrupted by Bram's exaggerated grunt.

"I am certain ye have been kept up to date with the developments over the Bonnie Prince,” Bram said, his voice echoing in the empty hall. "Now, let me fill ye in on what ye might nae ken."

Although Archibald nodded respectfully, his lips were set in a grim line. He couldn't help but wonder what kind of man Bram was to be treating his wife so poorly. While he was convinced that Bram still had the memory of the closet encounter somewhere in his mind, he chose to believe that there was another reason for his coldness. His reputation, perhaps.

"Our clans have been charged with escorting the Prince further north. For that, we willneed to gather our men here until we can move forward. We cannae afford to draw attention to ourselves, so I have decided to disguise our meeting as a hunting party. Invitations have already been sent out to all expected parties, and they should be arriving this very night." Their host spun around and began to walk towards the door. "Come along, now. We will begin our discussions in my study, after which ye will be shown to yer rooms."

They followed Bram wordlessly but Archibald could barely care less for talk or silence.

He only cared about—he only yearned for Mia.

They had just reached the study when Archibald caught sight of bright golden locks. She was dressed so simply she could have passed for a maid, but he could never mistake her for another.

She stopped short when Bram called her over.

"I am certain the bulk of ye have met my wife, Lady Murray," Bram said, his hand hovering slightly at the small of her back. "Very certain indeed." He looked pointedly at Archibald, giving him a mirthless smile.

Archibald tried hard not to scowl.

* * *

Mia's heart was pounding loudly in her ears.

Hewas here. She found it hard to believe, but she knew it to be true. He was here, her Wolf, just as handsome and intoxicating as she remembered.

Bram's voice sounded muffled. She tore her eyes away from Archie, who held her mesmerized, and smiled softly at Bram as he spoke, the way she usually did in public as she tried to focus on his words.

"...ourfriendwill then find the means to leave the country. But mind ye, this information is only being revealed to ye as ye will be tasked with the responsibilities of keeping the maids and guards in the dark about it. All meals served during yer stay here must go throughyefirst. We cannae risk the safety of ourfriend."

Mia was beginning to piece two and two together. She was needed to host whoever thisfriendwas, which was why Bram was sparing her his usual cruelty.

"Aye, my laird," Mia replied, trying to hide her nerves.

Images of Archie thrusting in and out of her filled her mind, causing her heart to race even faster. She hoped Bram could not read her thoughts.

Mia could not deny it. She had fallen for this gorgeous Scottish Highlander. This kind, gentle man who was strong and powerful and funny all at once. Even now, Bram looked so small beside him, so much that Mia wondered how he didn't cower before Archie.

The thought of him being under the same roof as her for as long as a week sent a shiver down her spine. How was she ever to keep her hands to herself?

Mia dipped her last curtsy and excused herself from the group as they continued on their way to Bram's study to discuss the details of their visit.

* * *

Mia had received so many Lairds that her legs hurt from all the curtsies she had given. She showed them to their rooms as soon as they arrived, advising them to rest well before the hunting the next day.

---