Highlander Most Wanted

chapter 38





Genevieve waited nervously by the horse Bowen had selected for her to ride. Bowen was conversing with his two brothers and Brodie Armstrong a short distance away, and she knew once Bowen said his farewells to Teague, Graeme would come over, because Bowen said he wished to be introduced to her.

It was enough to make her break out into a cold sweat.

She knew that Bowen would have told his brother all about her situation, and it sickened her that others would know of her shame. She’d tried to wear her cape and hood, but Bowen had stoutly refused to allow her to hide behind it, stating that she had no reason to hide, no reason to be ashamed.

Still, she bore it in the sack tied to her saddlebag, because she could not bear the thought of facing Bowen’s entire clan without the barrier of her hood.

To her surprise, Teague and Brodie both accompanied Graeme and Bowen over to where she stood. Brodie was the first to offer his farewell. He simply ruffled her hair in a gesture that astonished her. As if she were a beloved little sister that he teased mercilessly. It warmed her and made her feel that she had a place among these people.

“Be well and happy,” Brodie offered.

“Thank you,” she said, her voice heavy with emotion.

Teague pulled her into a hug and kissed her forehead in an affectionate manner.

She clung fiercely to him, hugging him in return. “Thank you for your aid,” she whispered.

“I was glad to give it,” he said sincerely. “Safe journey to you.”

And then Teague and Brodie walked away, deep in conversation, and she was left alone with Bowen and his older brother, Graeme, the laird.

She licked her lips nervously and peeked up at Graeme. He was not as fierce as she’d imagined. He had a kind, thoughtful look that gave her hope. He was rumored to be a fair man, though he was fiercely loyal and protective of those he loved.

And ’twas well known he adored his wife.

“ ’Tis good to make your acquaintance, Genevieve,” Graeme said in a gentle tone. “I’ve heard much about you and the trials you have suffered. I want to offer my assurance that no such thing will occur on Montgomery land. You will be afforded protection and respect during your stay with our clan.”

She had to bite her lip to prevent the flow of tears. She blinked rapidly and performed a deep curtsy in front of Graeme, chiding herself not to become a weepy mess in front of him.

“I’m ever grateful, Laird,” she said sincerely.

Graeme nodded, then turned to Bowen. “If your business here is complete, let us be on our way. I’d see my wife as soon as possible. I do not like being parted from her.”

“We are ready,” Bowen said in a voice that told her he was as ready to be done with McHugh Keep as she was.

He held out his hand to assist Genevieve onto her mount. He lifted her high, and she slid into place on the saddle, excitement and nervousness assailing her.

She was truly leaving this place.

She could barely contain herself as she waited for the men to mount and give the call to move out.

Such a beautiful day. Symbolic. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky. No fog. The morning sun cast a glow over a pink-and-lavender sky. If ever there were a more perfect day to set out and put her past behind her, this was it.

Bowen rode up beside her and reached over to clasp her hand. He squeezed and gave her a smile that warmed her to her toes.

Ahead, Graeme gave the call to move ahead. The gate to the courtyard creaked open and the Montgomery warriors began to file out one by one. Graeme fell into line just ahead of Bowen and Genevieve, and Bowen motioned her forward so that she was between him and Graeme.

From the corner of her eye she saw Taliesan trying to hurry toward the gate, but she was hampered by her heavy limp. Genevieve gave a cry of alarm when Taliesan stumbled, but Brodie was suddenly there to steady her. Then, to Genevieve’s surprise, Brodie scooped her up and strode at a fast clip toward the gate so that Taliesan would be there when Genevieve rode past.

Taliesan’s cheeks were stained with color, but she held her head high and waved bravely despite the tears of grief in her eyes as Genevieve rode past.

Genevieve kissed her fingers and extended them in Taliesan’s direction. Her one true friend—her only friend.

“Safe journey to you,” Taliesan called. “Be happy, Genevieve. Be happy.”

“Farewell,” Genevieve called. Then to Brodie she said in a fierce voice, “Take care of her, Brodie. Look after her well.”

Brodie gave Genevieve a salute and then she was past the gate, following behind the line of Montgomery warriors that extended to the nearby hillside.

When she reached the top of the hill, temptation was too great and she swiveled in the saddle, looking back at the keep in the distance.

For a place she knew to be filled with darkness and pain, it looked much like any other keep. Seemingly harmless. Not a place of such evilness.

“Do not look back, Genevieve,” Bowen said in a quiet voice next to her. “There is nothing for you there.”

“Nay,” she agreed, taking one last glance at the symbol of her imprisonment. “There is naught for me there. I’ll not look back ever again.”

She turned as her horse rode on and she notched her chin up, determined not to give way to the overwhelming sadness eating at her soul.

She knew not what her future held. But she was free of her past. From here onward, her future was what she made it. Bowen had given her something long denied her. A choice. And she was determined not to make foolish choices.

She glanced sideways at Bowen, wondering how much of a role he would play in her future. He acted as though he cared for her, but she knew not if his feelings were driven by pity or something much deeper. He hadn’t spoken of his feelings—or the future—other than to tell her that he was taking her away.

He’d once promised her a place within his clan, as a Montgomery. But what did that mean? Was she to be his leman, as she’d once offered? Or was she to be treated merely as a cousin or sister or clansman and once they were home the passion between them would cool and become a distant memory?

She tried not to dwell on all the what-ifs and unknowns because it would do naught but drive her to madness.

She had to focus on the fact that she was being given a chance to start anew. She was free of the horrifying abuse that Ian had subjected her to for an entire year. He was dead. Patrick was dead. No one could hurt her anymore. Bowen had sworn that he would protect her from any threat. He was an honorable man, and she took him at his word.

Somehow, someway, she’d find her place in a new clan. And she’d find a way to make it up to Eveline, Graeme’s beloved wife, for the horror she’d put her through. And pray that Eveline could find it in her heart to forgive her.

“How far is it to your lands?” Genevieve asked Bowen.

“ ’Tis a half day’s ride if we go hard. ’Tis more likely we’ll arrive in the late afternoon. I don’t want to overtax you, and there’s no urgency to our return other than Graeme’s wanting to ride to Armstrong Keep to collect his wife.”

“He must love her a lot,” Genevieve said softly.

Bowen smiled, his eyes warming at the mention of his sister by marriage. “Aye, he does. He’s a fool for her and does not mind it one bit. Eveline has him completely wrapped, but to her credit she loves him just as fiercely as he loves her.”

“And she does not hear?”

Bowen shook his head. “Nay, she is deaf. She has the ability to read lips, though, so have a care when speaking around her. She didn’t speak for three long years, but she’s broken her silence and her speech improves the more she practices.”

“She sounds like an amazing lass,” Genevieve said. “ ’Tis no wonder Graeme loves her so.”

“I think the two of you have much in common,” Bowen said quietly. “You’ve both survived difficult circumstances. You’re both strong despite your fragile appearance.”

Only, Eveline Montgomery hadn’t been made a whore. She hadn’t been forced to spread her legs for Ian McHugh and any other man of his choosing. It was a fact Genevieve could never forget.

Graeme lagged back so that Genevieve and Bowen caught up and rode at his side.

“Up the way, I’m going to part ways and take half my men with me to Armstrong Keep so that I may retrieve Eveline. We’ll arrive at Montgomery Keep on the morrow.”

Bowen nodded.

“I must send word to our king to apprise him of all that has occurred and of the McGrieves’ involvement in the attack against us. I still have not heard from him on the missive I sent regarding the action we took in claiming McHugh Keep and ridding the world of Ian and Patrick.”

Graeme’s gaze fell on Genevieve as he spoke.

“Bowen tells me I have you to thank for killing Patrick. ’Twas your arrow that felled him.”

Genevieve shifted uncomfortably on the horse and ducked her head.

“Aye, ’twas her arrow,” Bowen said proudly. “She felled more than one warrior in the course of battle. She’s proved herself worthy of any soldier in our army.”

“ ’Tis impressive, and you have my thanks,” Graeme said. “Not only for removing Patrick as a threat but for saving my brother during battle. He is important to me, and I’d not have him killed if I can help it.”

Genevieve smiled. “I was happy to do it. I had no wish for Bowen to die, either.”

“You’ll like our clan, Genevieve. I have a feeling our sister, Rorie, will make a fast ally of you. You won’t have a choice, I fear. Rorie tends to do things her own way and she doesn’t take no for an answer. She’ll pester you until she has your entire story.”

A peculiar look crossed Bowen’s face. Sadness dulled his eyes for the briefest of moments, but before she could ask him about it he shook it off and joined Graeme in teasing about Rorie and her doggedness.

For the next hours, they rode in companionable silence, every once in a while speaking of mundane things. After a time, Graeme called a halt and took half his men and bade Bowen farewell, promising that he and Eveline would be along the next morning.

Bowen and Genevieve continued north with a contingent of Montgomery warriors, while Graeme headed west toward Armstrong land.

With each passing mile, Genevieve grew more nervous as they drew closer to the Montgomery border.

A shout went up in early afternoon as they crossed over onto Montgomery land. An hour later, the keep came into view and Genevieve leaned forward in the saddle, drinking in the sight of the distant fortress.

It was nestled close to the banks of a river and the hillsides were lush and green. A herd of grazing sheep covered one entire hillside, while horses dotted yet another. On either side of the keep were cottages, clean and sturdy, and more within the keep, lining the stone wall that surrounded the main building.

It was obvious the Montgomerys had done plenty to ensure the well-being of their clan. The keep was well fortified. Children played along one side of the keep as mothers kept close watch. Warriors trained within the courtyard walls while others went about their tasks. Women washed clothing in the river while others tended a plot of crops on the front side of the keep stretching as far as the eye could see.

This was a clan of wealth and power. They obviously feared no one, and they protected their own.

She’d been right to set Ian on a path to anger the Montgomerys, no matter how wrong she may have been to involve Eveline. The Montgomerys would suffer no wrong done to one of their own, and they’d done just as she hoped and come with a vengeance.

Thank God she was free. Thank God she was gone from that terrible place. She stared hard at Montgomery Keep, for now it was her future. She would become one of them, because Genevieve McInnis had died one long year ago.