Bride of Vengeance (Highland Romance Series Book 1) (5 page)

Chapter Seven

Four days into her journey alone, Lydia, exhausted after a long day of climbing, hiking, walking and running, was ready to turn in. She found a large tree and climbed high enough to hide from predators for the evening, both animal and human alike. She had a few close calls in recent days. She almost ran straight into a group of Highland warriors as they made camp for the night. She was able to backtrack away from them. She was not going to have a close call like that again.

Lydia rested her head against the tree and closed her eyes for a moment. Within no time at all, Lydia was deep in a dream. She was walking in a meadow, nothing on her feet as the wind gently blew her hair behind her. This was peace. Lydia lay down in the field and closed her eyes, taking in the serenity.

“She came through here. I’m certain of it.” The deep brogue jarred Lydia from her dream. She was still sitting in the tree, her small bag of belongings wrapped tightly in her arms. Lydia narrowed her vision below her, completely disoriented from lack of food and rest. What was her mind doing to her now? It had been a voice she’d heard before. Were the Highlanders haunting her dreams now?

Lydia calmed down after several seconds; now certain she made the voice up, or was dreaming about it. Either way, she was glad to be safe.

“I’ll not be able to track her again ‘til morning, Laird.” It was the tavern keeper from before. Lydia stiffened until she matched the tree she leaned against. “Let’s stop for the night.” Chaim waited for a response from his brother and Laird.

Lydia saw him step into the moonlight then. It was Nathanial. He had found her. The giant of a man looked up into the sky for a moment, taking it all in. Lydia was sure he’d seen her. Lydia stopped breathing until Nathanial lowered his gaze.

“Tell the men to get rest. We leave at first light.” Nathanial commanded before turning his attention back to the sky.

Of course. Lydia closed her eyes, as if it would make her invisible. Of course they were making camp right under her. There was no God. Lydia was sure of it this time. She’d come to this decision before, but somehow was always pulled back to the light. There was no saving her this time. 

Lydia was silent for hours as the men made camp and began to fall asleep for the night. There would be no such luxury for her this night. Her eyes were wide with fear every time someone spoke, or even moved. By the time the sun started to rise, Lydia was sure she was going to be caught soon, and she was going crazy with dread.

“No woman is worth this.” Lydia heard Chaim mutter as he rose early in the morning. Lydia felt herself nod. No
human
was worth this, she thought. Why couldn’t Nathanial see that? What did he want with her? Couldn’t he just let her go?

Nathanial’s next words answered her question and chilled her to the bone all at once. “When the woman belongs to you, Chaim, you’ll change your mind.”

Belongs to him? Lydia felt her face go red. She wanted to climb down and give her a piece of her angered mind. She did not belong to anyone.

“She ain’t yer’s yet, brother.” Angus spoke now.

“Aye.” Nathanial spoke with utter finality. “She is.” Lydia went from furious to petrified. The way he said it, the harshness of his voice, it made her tremble.

Lydia continued to sit in the tree, replaying his words over and over again long after they had left. “Aye, she is.” Lydia had to close her eyes and breathe deeply whenever she heard the words replay in her mind. There was something terribly wrong with that man.

Lydia decided this is the thought that would keep her going today. Every day another thought, she knew. Every day something new to carry her to Callum’s cottage, where she would be safe. Lydia double backed and went a longer route on this day. She was sure they would realize her trail was cold and come back at some point. The last thing she needed in her life was to run into them when she was so close to freedom, so close to safety. Within the next day she would be safe.

****

As the night sky settled just outside of Callum’s land, Lydia slunk through the forest, taking refuge in the trees. She could not be sure that Nathanial and his men were far. They could be anywhere. It was hard for the girl to contain her excitement as she came closer to Callum. He would be home, not expecting to see her. But he would welcome her. Nathanial was close, Lydia was certain, but he would have no idea what her final destination was. As long as she was careful, she would be free from him. All she had to do was make it to Callum and she would be safe. He would never let the Highlander or Fane’s men get to her.

When Lydia climbed the last steep hill overlooking Callum’s land and saw the smoke billowing into the sky, all desire to be secretive and safe left her. Lydia was in a full panicked sprint towards Callum’s cottage. The entire time she ran, she prayed to the gods. Was it too late for them to hear her? Had she angered the gods for the last time?

Lydia’s running came to a dead stop as the cottage came into view. It was burning to the ground. Lydia blindly sprinted towards the madness, but managed to dive behind a large tree when she saw a man dressed in Highland plaid come into view. Lydia hit the ground hard and felt the pain radiate through her wrist. It was not the time to think about her own discomfort, though.

She watched the man stalk around the property, lighting the roof on fire, making sure it was destroyed. Lydia searched for Callum and could not see him. He must have made it out. He had to have made it out. He was a hunter. That was the last thought Lydia had before she saw Callum on the ground near the stables. He had a sword pinning his dead body to the ground. Lydia cried out in agony, placing a hand over her mouth to keep her from being heard. Lydia reached out to Callum with her other hand.

How long she lay in the dirt crying in agony, she could not be sure. The only thing Lydia was aware of was the pain ripping through her entire being.

Her despair quickly replaced with rage only the devil could ever feel, Lydia stood and removed her dagger from her boot. Lydia closed her eyes for a moment, readying herself for certain death and then started moving. She hadn’t taken two steps before she was being apprehended from behind. The whale of a human behind her knocked the dagger out of her hand easily. Lydia whirled around and came face to face with Duncan. She broke down in his arms at once.

“I caused this.” Lydia was able to force the words out through her hysterics.

Duncan instinctively wrapped his arms around her. “It’s going to be alright, lass.” He lied. “You’re going to be alright.” Duncan held her tight, shielding her from what Nathanial and the other warriors were doing to Callum’s murderers down below. Lydia could hear the killer’s screams blend in with the roaring flames of Callum’s home. Within minutes it was all over, but the fire continued.

Duncan sat Lydia down by a tree and took notice of her complete devastation. His heart broke a little for the child. They were just too late. Had they not double-backed to find her trail, they would have arrived in time, Duncan didn’t doubt it.

Duncan turned his attention to the raging Laird down below. “Lydia!” Nathanial called out to the flames again and again. Was she in the cottage? Was he too late for her, too?

“Laird!” Duncan called out, but was ignored. Nathanial, feeling pain unimaginable, fought his urge to run into the rubble and look for her. “Laird!” Duncan tried again, not getting through. Nathanial was breathing hard, panicking. He’d failed. If she had only trusted him—no, he should have said something.

“Nathanial!” Duncan finally broke through his concentration. Nathanial turned, death in his eyes. He saw Duncan’s relief and immediately felt it, too. “I’ve got her.” Nathanial thought his legs were going to collapse under him. He bounded up the hill to Duncan.

Lydia didn’t look up at him as he came to stand in front of her. She didn’t move. She sat below a tree, completely motionless. Her devastation obvious. Her butchered black hair lay all about her shoulders, her clothes covered in filth. Lydia was not the girl he met mere weeks ago. As Nathanial stood staring at her, a new anger grew. She could have gotten herself killed. He almost lost her.

“Gather the men. We’re moving out.” Nathanial started away. “Duncan, bind the girl. She’s riding with you.”

Lydia, finding new panic within her, shot up from the earth. “Callum.”

“Is dead.” Nathanial cut. “Had you not been so difficult, he might yet be alive.” Nathanial wasn't looking at her anymore. He missed the look of realization on her face. He missed the pain. Duncan saw it.

“I have to--” Lydia spoke up once more. She was stopped short when Nathanial whirled back around on her, seizing her by the back of the neck. Lydia took a sharp, frightened breath in. Duncan took a step forward.

“You have to what?” Nathanial’s breath was on her ear as he spoke. He squeezed the back of her neck until Lydia was sure he was going to kill her.

“Laird.” Duncan warned. Nathanial blocked him out. He was focused on Lydia. Her frightened, tear-brimmed eyes tore into his.

“I have to bury him.” Lydia could barely get the words out, so overcome with pain. “I have to.”

Nathanial loosened his grip on the back of her neck, but still held her close to him. He’d missed the feel of her against him, he realized. Then he let her go entirely.

“Duncan.” Nathanial started away again. “Bury the man.”

Lydia caught her breath, relieved to see Nathanial leave.

“Come along, lass.” Duncan, suddenly realizing he cared about the girl, offered his arm to her as he started down the hill. “Come along.”

****

The sun was completely set by the time Duncan and Lydia finished. Duncan left her alone to sit by his graveside, all the while keeping her in his sights. The last thing he needed in his life was for her to escape again. If he learned one truth about Lydia James, it’s that she was never quite as vulnerable as she appeared.

Lydia sat by Callum for over an hour, lost in the grief losing him came with. She mindlessly ran her hand through the loose dirt that covered him.

Duncan watched her and could not help but want to comfort her. He heard Nathanial walk up behind him and immediately changed his gaze. He did not need to be seen as weak in this moment.

“Quinton rides ahead with a message for the keep.” Nathanial shared. “Margret should prepare to care for the girl.”
The girl
, Duncan knew, was the one his Laird could not stop staring at in this very moment. “We’re not safe here.” Nathanial was right. Duncan nodded. “Bind the girl.” Nathanial commanded again. “She’s riding with you.”

****

Lydia hadn’t fought Duncan when he tied her hands together with rope. It was like she hadn’t even noticed. She made no outward reaction when he led her to his horse, or even when he pulled her up in front of him. Lydia’s back was rigid; she would not lean back on him as they started their journey back to Laird Garrison’s keep. She kept her hands still and her back straight as they climbed through treacherous landscapes. The same landscapes she climbed through on foot for days.

When they stopped for the night, Lydia climbed down and found a large rock to sit on for hours. Duncan approached with sliced bread and placed it down next to her.

“Ye’ve got to eat somethin’, lass.” Was he the only one who saw what this poor girl was going through? All the other men kept their distance from her. Nathanial sat far enough away to convince Duncan he thought Lydia was the plague. But he was watching her, Duncan knew. Nathanial had been watching her ever since they got her back.

Lydia made no movement to eat anything. She simply stared out into the distance, void of emotion.

Duncan made his way to Nathanial, trying to think of the most delicate way to tell his Laird he was being a fool. As he started to open his mouth, Nathanial spoke.

“Tie her to that tree for the night, Duncan.” It was a slap in the face.

“Nathanial.” The older man warned. “Listen to me, lad.”

“I’m in no mood to track her down come morning, Duncan.” Nathanial’s tone, as usual, left no room for debate. “Tie her to that tree or I will.”

Lydia heard the exchange, she heard everything. It took everything in her not to break down as Duncan came back with a long rope and started to explain what was going to happen. She forced herself to stare straight ahead as he tied the final knot behind her. Duncan came back into view one last time, though Lydia refused to look at him.

He started to speak to her, but changed his mind when he noticed Nathanial watching more intensely now. Duncan sighed and walked back to the other warriors, who were all ignoring this situation completely, or at least trying to.

Nathanial watched Lydia as she stared off into the distance. He promised himself that with her bound this way, he would be able to get some sleep tonight.

Chapter Eight

He didn’t sleep that all. Nathanial sat to the side of Lydia, watching her profile for hours. He promised himself as soon as she closed her eyes, so would he. That might have even been the truth. Except, she never closed her eyes. Lydia kept the same, blank expression until the sun came up the next morning. She did not turn her head once. If she had, she would have seen Nathanial’s intense stare boring into her.

In the early hours of the morning, when all his men were waking, Nathanial forced himself up with them. Body screaming from the agony of several days without proper rest, Nathanial came to grips with reality—this woman was going to be the end of him.

“Duncan.” Nathanial commanded.

“I know, I know.” Duncan made his way to Lydia with the same bread as the night before. He leaned down in front of her, attempting to capture her gaze. It did not work.

“Lass,” Duncan’s voice was low and much softer than he had ever heard. “Lydia, ye’ve got to eat.” Duncan placed the bread in her lap and went to work untying her. He then leaned down in front of her once more and took her bound hands in his. He cut the tie loose and let go, half expecting the girl to attack him. She didn’t. Lydia did finally look up at him, though. Her gaze had his heart breaking all over again. “It’s not yer fault. Not really. And killing yerself won’t bring him back.” Duncan held her gaze for a long while. She finally nodded slowly. Lydia picked up her bread with shaking hands and began taking small bites. “There ya go, lass.”

Duncan sat in front of her with his own meal minutes later and together they ate in silence. When he’d finished, Duncan made his move to leave her there.

“Was it Fane’s men?” Lydia frail voice brought him back. He nodded.

“Aye, it was.” Duncan waited for her to ask more, but she just looked away from him and into the void again. Duncan left her there to get his horse ready for the day.

Lydia lost herself to her thoughts then. Duncan was right. Dying would not make it right. Callum was dead. The only way she could make it right now was to kill Fane herself. Lydia took another small bite of her bread and forced herself to hold onto that thought. She would kill Baron Fane with her own two hands if she had to. That would make things right.

****

Lydia was exhausted the entire day. It was hard for her to hold on to any thought for longer than a couple seconds. She felt herself slip out of consciousness several times. Each time she would slump against Duncan’s chest, causing the man to feel all kinds of discomfort. Every time she laid her head back on him, Nathanial became angrier. Lydia would jerk back awake and then sit rigid straight again, but only for a few moments. Then she would slump back into him and Duncan would feel Nathanial’s jealous rage simmering. It was all too much to bear.

Duncan even gave the girl a helpful nudge every once in a while to keep her awake. By the time they stopped to give the horses a rest in the afternoon, Duncan was ready to flee. He assisted Lydia off his horse and helped her get steady on the ground. Then he immediately let go of her hands. Duncan held on a little too long, or so he assumed, as Nathanial looked ready to pounce on him.

“Thank you, Duncan.” Lydia smiled weakly as she made her way to the water, Duncan assumed to freshen up or to make another run for it. Either way, not his business.

“Don’t mention it. Please.” He added, dodging his Laird’s gaze. Angus erupted in laughter, and, once more, he was the only one. He quickly stopped himself.

Nathanial was in the deepest pit of suffering. He was raging and hurting all at once. He was acting like a child, too, and he knew it. A lad that did not want his toys shared. Lydia was not a plaything, but she was his. No one was going to touch her again. He had already made up his mind that she would be riding with him for the remainder of the journey. He couldn’t stand to see Duncan swoon over her one more minute. Lydia was
his
.

As soon as they got back to his home, Nathanial would be able to show her that care she desperately needed. She would be able to mourn Callum and get some rest. For now, they needed to keep going. 

Lydia was taking a very long time freshening herself, Nathanial realized after he pulled himself from his thoughts of worrying about her and hating Duncan.

“Should I go find her?” Duncan noticed her absence at the same time.

“Do not move, Duncan.” Nathanial stalked away, leaving a grinning Duncan and Angus staring after him. Angus used more self control than he had his entire life. He did not laugh. 

Nathanial broke through the clearing and saw the water at once. He did not, however, see Lydia. Panic engulfed him, panic and anger. God, he was going to kill her. This time he would surely not be able to stop himself from hurting her. Nathanial took several angry steps forward before he saw her. She was sitting with her feet in the water, slumped on the ground, asleep. He immediately felt his anger vanish, his panic subsided and was replaced with a twinge of guilt. He was running her into the ground. She was heartbroken and had nothing left to give.

Nathanial leaned down and picked her up, cradling her in his arms. She stirred only for a minute. He then leaned his head down and whispered in her ear. “One more day, Lydia. Give me one more day.”

Somewhere in her subconscious, she heard his plea. Lydia did not understand what he meant by it, but the thought of this all being over in one day was a peaceful one, so she grabbed hold of it and let herself go.

****

Lydia was drooling on her plaid and the man she was riding with when she awoke hours later. They were coming to a sudden stop. Lydia opened her eyes and saw the damage. She was contemplating wiping it from his plaid when she realized who
his
was. She was in Nathanial’s arms. Thank God he was not looking at her when she opened her eyes. He was staring off into the distance. Lydia lifted her head and realized she was now staring at his mouth. She immediately tried to adjust herself, but Nathanial was wrapping his arm around her now, keeping her still.  He lowered his lips to her ear, like he loved to do when he decided to make her crazy.

“Do not move.” Lydia froze at his words. She held onto his plaid to keep herself still. Her mind wandered to dark places. What was happening? Lydia seemed to be the only person who did not know. She could see Duncan right behind them. He looked ready to kill. Why weren’t they moving? Lydia heard the rustling then. Someone was closing in on them. Lydia looked up to Nathanial to see if he was worried. She couldn’t tell. He did look down at her, his eyes as intense as ever. Nathanial leaned down before she could stop him and brushed his lips over hers.

“Good god, boy. Not now.” Duncan sighed.

Angus could be heard chuckling somewhere in the distance.

Nathanial pulled away and placed a soft kiss on her forehead where her scar still healed before staring ahead again. Lydia was confused and comforted at the same time.

“It’s Margret.” Duncan declared as the woman appeared through the trees. She took a huge sigh of relief. The men relaxed.

“Thank God I found ye.” Margret was out of breath and on a horse that was far too big for her. A fragile-looking priest rode beside her on an equally ridiculous horse.

Nathanial was not able to stop Lydia from turning now.

“Margret.” Lydia’s voice was filled with amazement. Margret, unsure of whether or not the girl would be happy to see her, simply smiled sheepishly.

Lydia’s eyes brimmed with tears and Margret had her answer. “Hello, dear girl.”

Lydia slid from Nathanial’s arms before he could stop her. Margret hesitantly climbed off her steed. It was not graceful.

“I’ll never get back up there.” Margret commented as she took Lydia in her arms. “I’m so sorry, Lydia.” Margret, already knowing of Callum’s fate via messenger, cradled Lydia in her arms as Lydia broke down. “It’s going to be okay.”

Nathanial watched Margret console Lydia and felt an immense amount of pain for his bride. Lydia had not been able to breakdown in his arms like that. She probably never would.  “Margret.” Nathanial had to break the moment up. Margret nodded.

“Come take a seat, Lydia.” Margret led Lydia to a fallen tree and helped her sit down. One by one the men dismounted, Nathanial being the last.

“I’ll be right over here, love.” Margret let go of Lydia and rushed over to her Laird. “There is trouble.” Margret started as she, Nathanial and the other warriors walked away, leaving Lydia behind. Nathanial stopped and turned back to her for a moment.

“Angus,” Nathanial commanded. There was no way Duncan was ever being out on Lydia duty again. Angus sighed and walked towards the girl.

“James is a day’s ride from the keep.” Margret started.

“We’re only a half day. We’ll get there first.” Duncan broke in.

Margret shook her head. “Father Langley arrived at the keep this morning. Quinton stayed behind to watch him.” Nathanial tried not to show his true worry. Father Langley was Fane’s and Lydia’s father right-hand-man. “Langley’s come to take her home, Nathanial.” Margret did show her worry.

“She cannot go back to him.” Duncan’s words seemed pathetic in comparison to what everyone was feeling. Fane would kill her if he got her back. Nathanial had expected to have a fight to keep her. Time was just not on their side. Had they been back and married by now, Nathanial would have a fighting chance to keep her. Nathanial looked back and saw Lydia sitting on the fallen tree. Father MalCanney sat by her jabbering away.

“Is MalCanney willing?” Nathanial kept his gaze on Lydia as he spoke.

“Is Lydia?” Margret followed his gaze. “MalCanney came of his own volition. He understands the situation. Does Lydia?” She could tell by her Laird’s expression that the girl did not. “Let me talk to her.” She suggested. “I can make her understand, Laird.”

Nathanial did not answer her, he just walked away.

Lydia was feeling awkward. She had never meant to breakdown like that in front of all the men. She was just never expecting to see a friendly face again. Now, as she sat next to a priest who held onto her hand and told her all about God’s plan, she wanted to run away.

Lydia was watching the Priest’s face as he explained to her the mysteries of God. She saw his face turn a little darker as he stared at something coming closer. Then he turned back to her and seemed to frown at her in pity before looking ahead again.

Lydia was lucky she looked up right as he was reaching for her. Nathanial was right in front of her, grabbing hold of her hand and then dragging her beside him, away from the group. The frightened girl couldn’t help but wonder what she had done now. Lydia had to run to keep up with his long strides. After walking for long enough that Lydia thought he might be taking her to end her life away from the group, Nathanial let go of her hand, walked a few more steps and then turned to her.

Lydia could not help but stare at him, even though she was terrified. “I’m sorry.” She said. Nathanial narrowed his eyes in question. “I’m not sure what I’ve done, though I’m sure it’s quite heinous. I can only promise not to do it in the future.”

Nathanial, completely confused, could only stare for a long while. He started to wonder what she had done. God, this woman was going to get him killed one day.

“Lydia,” Nathanial started, hoping his voice sounded sincere and calming. “You’re going to have to marry me tonight.”

Her eyes went wide as she slowly shook her head.

“You don’t get to say no.” The sincerity and calm vanished from his voice. This was already off to a stellar start. “I am Laird, my word is law.”

“I believe I can say no,
Laird
.” Lydia instinctively took a step backwards. She was gauging her possible exits. If she backed up fast enough she could run straight through—

“You wouldn’t make it.” Nathanial brought her eyes back to him. “Trust me.” Nathanial was frightening her, he knew. He decided to take a less threatening stance. He took a step back and leaned against a large tree. He could immediately see her calm. Her shoulders seemed to relax ever so slightly.

“Have I ever told you about my mother, Lydia?” Nathanial waited for her to shake her head before he continued. “Her name was Miranda. I was six years old when she was killed.”

“I’m very sorry.” Nathanial knew she meant it. She could just have no idea the role she played in it all.

“She was pregnant at the time.” Lydia watched Nathanial’s face darken.

“It was Fane?” Lydia chimed in after a long bout of silence. Nathanial said nothing. She took his silence as his answer. “Nathanial, I need you to understand that Baron Fane never really wanted me. He was making a deal with my father. I mean nothing to him. I was more of a game to him—to both of them. I’m sure he wouldn’t have even cared I was in his home after a few weeks. I mean nothing to him. I promise—“

“I know.”

The truth hit her hard. She was visibly taken aback. “I don’t understand. If you know—why—what am I doing here? Help me understand, Nathanial.”

“You don’t need to.” Nathanial stood straight. “You have two choices in the moment, Lydia. One of them involves marrying me, an idea that disgusts you.” Nathanial took a step forward and Lydia took one back, always ready to run. “Or I can send you back home tonight.” He wasn’t sure if this news pleased her or not until she shook her head.