Highland Hellion (Blades of Honor #1) (19 page)

Arya’s thoughts quickly returned to her mother. “Aye, and pray it is not too late.”

Chapter 21

Garrett jumped to his feet when he realized Arya was no longer asleep at his side.

“I’m sorry if I awakened you. I tried to be as quiet as I could,” Arya said, then tightened the cinch on her saddle. “I’m afraid there was nothing much to eat.” She pulled a small canvas sack from behind her saddle and reached inside. “However, I did find an oatcake and thought we might share it.” She tossed him his half

Garrett caught the food before it hit the ground, then glared back at her. “What in the name of St. Stephen are you doing up so early? The sun has yet to rise.”

“True, but you did say we could leave once the storm passed. And it has, the clouds and rain replaced by a clear, star-spattered sky. I figured if I leave now, I can make up for lost time.”

“And what about me? Did you intended to wake me, or were you going just to slip away and leave me to wonder what happened to you?”

“You are welcome to join me, of course. But we are more than halfway home, so figured I could make it the rest of the way without help. After last night, I thought you might need to rest.” She flashed him a sheepish grin. “You were sleeping so soundly, I hated to wake you.”

He closed the gap between them, caught her around the waist, then slammed her against his chest. “I thought you might fancy a repeat joining. You did say you wanted to make love again, and I have many things to teach you.” He nipped at her earlobe.

“I’m sure you have much to show me. Last night was beyond my expectations. But I must get home to my mother. Right now, I can think of nothing else.” She wriggled in an attempt to break free of his hold.

Garrett blew out a sigh of frustration, then released her. A few hours ago, she was his for the taking, but his current attempt to seduce her failed miserably. But he really couldn’t blame her for wanting to get home to Scotia.

“I know you are anxious to be on your way. There is so much you must wish to tell your mam. Once she is well, and we have put this mess with the Campbell behind us, we can plan our wedding. The sooner, the better.” He tried to sound as optimistic as possible about her mother’s health, even though he held little hope she’d recover. He just prayed the woman managed to hold on to life until Arya got there. It would crush her if her mam passed before she got to say goodbye.

Arya whipped around to face him. “Our what?”

“Our wedding. I even thought once we were united, it would be a good idea to move away from Oban, start our life together somewhere new. Do you think Scotia would like that?”

“I have no idea what you are
havering
about, Garrett. You know I have no intention of getting married. And you would never be happy living anywhere but Oban, on the land of your ancestors.” She glanced at his groin. “And while I would love to join with you again, we dinna have time. So if you are coming with me, you might want to put on some clothes. Riding naked in that state canna be very pleasant.”

Garrett grabbed Arya by the shoulders, holding her at arm’s length. “Damnation, woman, dinna toy with me. You know as well as I do, the next logical step after we made love was to marry. You’re mine.”

“I gave you my virtue, not my soul.” Her face flushed red, and she glanced away. “What we shared was beyond my wildest expectations. But marriage was never an option. I’m sorry if you thought it was.”

“What else was I to think?” Was she daft or playing with his heart? Either way, he was going to marry her. “Why give yourself to me, only to deny me afterward? You will be my wife, Arya.”

“We have just been through a very trying couple of days, and with the storm raging outside, one thing led to another. We are adults and knew the consequences. I agreed to share an intimate encounter with you, but nothing more.”

He couldn’t believe what he heard. “I made it clear how I felt about you and thought it was mutual. I believed we had a future as man and wife.” He tried to pull her close, but she planted her hands on his chest and shoved him away.

“I would love to run away with you and live happily ever after. I wish we could just forget the past, pretend the war never happened, and we had more land, food, and coin than we could ever use. I want to go home and find my mother hale and hardy. But none of that is going to happen.” She wrapped her arms around her middle, then stiffened her spine. “Dinna fash, Garrett. You will find a woman to grow old with, someone to bear your babes, and tend to your needs.” She backed away.

“I dinna want another woman. I want you. We might never achieve all of those things, Arya, but we can aim for some of them. If you would just meet me half way.” He held out his hand. Why wouldn’t she listen? “I dinna take our joining lightly.”

“Nor do I. But I am a wanted woman, and there is no telling how long I’ll have before the Campbell catches up with me and has me executed. I willna put you through that grief. Last night was wonderful and I will cherish it always.”

“There can be many such nights. We’ll get through this together, Arya. I dinna understand why you wish to cast me aside and I refuse to accept we are meant to be together.”

“I wished to experience the thrill of making love at least once before I die,” she blurted out. “And I wanted my first time to be with someone I care about. Not with a disgusting Campbell guard who rapes me on the floor of some filthy dungeon, then hands me over to his friends to abuse before I am dragging off and executed. Call it selfish if you wish, but I decided who I would give myself to and when. I refused to have that right taken away from me, like every other precious thing in my life has been.” She dragged the heel of her hand across her cheek. “I appreciate all you have done for my mother and me, but it must end here. We have no future.”

He caught the slight waver in her voice as she spoke, and a glimmer of hope stirred within him. He wanted to protest further, to hold her in his arms, and never let go. But he knew if he pushed too hard, she’d get her back up, and he’d lose her forever.

Arya grabbed her reins, then pulled herself into the saddle. “I’m leaving. If you wish to come with me, I’d suggest you get dressed and make haste. If you’re quick about it, you’ll be able to catch up.” She nudged her mare forward, then ducked her head to clear the overhanging rocks as they exited the cave.

“Thrawn woman!” he called after her. But her tenacity was only one of the many things he loved about her.

He loved her spirit and that she fearlessly spoke up for what she believed in, even when it got her into trouble. He loved that she could take care of herself and didn’t need a man in her life, which made doing things for her and being accepted as her equal all the sweeter.

There was no denying she was an attractive woman, but it was her inner strength and beauty that he adored. The way she cared for everyone around her, and always put her own needs last. When he heard about what she did for Bryce’s daughter, he was filled with pride. But expected no less of the woman he wished to make his wife.

And if that wasn’t enough, whenever she was near him his mind and body reacted to her presence in a way that nearly drove him insane with lust and desire. Arya was like no lass he’d ever known and was certain would never meet again. And she was worth every bloody agonizing minute of torture she put him through.

He dressed quickly, kicked some dirt on the fire, and then mounted his horse. He’d catch up. She could wager on it. He’d see her safely home, then do everything in his power to convince her they belong together. He’d never give up trying—even if it took the rest of his life. Which at this rate, it could.

Arya leaped from the saddle and raced toward her mother’s croft. Her legs could not carry her fast enough. As she pressed her palm to the door, she hesitated, her heart hammering, suddenly unable to catch her breath. What if her mother had already passed? Tears welled in her eyes, but she scrubbed them away. She crossed herself, muttered a quick prayer, then entered the hut.

Isla looked up from her seat at Scotia’s bedside. “Praise the Lord, you are home. I am so glad to see you.” She rose and faced Arya.

“And I you, Isla.” Arya stood in the center of the room as if frozen in place. Scotia lay beneath a length of MacEachan plaid, so still, it was impossible to tell if she was still breathing. Arya willed her legs to move, then finally managed to take a step, then another. “Is she . . .?” Arya began to ask the question that burned on her lips, but she could not say the words.

Isla reached for her arm, cupping her elbow. “Your mam is very weak, but she still alive. I’d swear she knew you were coming and waited for you to arrive before crossing over.”

Arya dropped to her knees beside the bed, lifted her mother’s hand, then brought it to her lips. “I’m here, Mam,” she muttered against her knuckles.

Scotia’s eyelids fluttered, then opened. She peered at her daughter. “Arya? Is it you, or my imagination playing me for a fool?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Arya leaned in and kissed her mother’s cheek. “I am here and very real. But dinna talk, you need to save your strength.”

“It is a miracle to be sure. She hasna opened her eyes in days.” Isla crossed herself. “Praise the Lord.”

“Where is Garrett? Is he not with you?” Scotia asked.

“I’m right here,” Garrett announced as he entered the croft. “I was seeing to the horses.”

Scotia smiled. “Since Arya is home, am I to assume she is no longer a wanted woman? That she is safe?”

“Please dinna talk, Mam. You need to rest,” Arya pleaded.

Garrett stepped forward. “Aye. The Bruce granted her a pardon and the Campbell can no longer harm her. In fact, we plan to wed as soon as you are well and able to attend the ceremony.”

Arya glared up at Garrett. How dare he lie about these things? Especially about their betrothal. She hoped Connor would be successful in acquiring the pardon, but there was no guarantee, and she was not going to marry Garrett.

“Is it true, Arya?” Scotia asked, the strain in her voice lifted with optimism.

She couldn’t bring herself to break her mother’s heart. She heard the death rattle in her chest and saw the way Scotia struggled for each breath. It would not be long before her mother joined her da on the other side.

“Aye, Mam. We plan to wed in the spring. When the heather is blooming, and you are well again. I know it is your favorite season.” She lowered her gaze, unable to look her mother in the eye.

Scotia blew out a shuddered breath. “Aye, everything starts anew in the spring. But if I dinna make it, I will die a happy woman. Knowing you are loved and safe is all I need to rest easy.”

“Dinna say that. You will be there, Mam.” She fought the tears stinging her eyes, but could no longer hold them at bay.

Garrett placed his hand on Arya’s shoulder and gave it a squeeze, but she shrugged away from his touch. It was bad enough he’d lied, regardless of his reason, but she wanted to be alone with her mother.

Isla approached the bed with a cup of ale, and offered it to Scotia, but she waved her friend’s hand away. “Thank you, but I dinna wish to drink. I just want to look at my beautiful daughter one more time before I leave this earth. I thank the Lord for bringing her home to me.” She touched Arya’s cheek, then closed her eyes, her arm dropping to the bed.

“Mam!” Arya clutched her mother’s limp hand. “Please dinna go. There is so much we have yet to share,” she sobbed. Tears streamed down her cheeks, and she prayed the Almighty would grant them more time, but it was no use.

“I’m afraid she has passed over, dear. She has gone to be with Ronald. They are both in a better place.” Isla placed her hand on Arya’s back.

Arya rose, then spun around. “Why does everyone say the person who dies has gone to a better place? True our life hasna been easy since the war ended, but I dinna want her to go. Her place is here, with me.” Arya thumped her chest. “I need her.”

Garrett looped he arms around her shoulders and kissed the top of her head. “I know how much it hurts to lose your mother, but at least you made it home in time to say goodbye. She died a happy woman.”

“She died believing a lie.” She shoved Garrett with all her might, almost knocking him off his feet. “You dinna understand how I feel. Neither of you do.” She suddenly felt like the walls of the croft were closing in on her, her chest tightened, and she couldn’t breathe. “I need some air.” Arya scrambled toward the door.

“Arya, please wait,” he called out. He tried to follow, but Isla blocked his path. “Leave her be. Give her some time to grieve. She’ll let you know when she is ready to talk to you.”

“But it isna safe for her to go out there alone,” Garrett argued. “I need to keep an eye on her.”

“Give her a bit of time to come to terms with her mother’s death,” Isla said. “She willna go far, and I am sure she will be fine. I remember her mother telling me that from the time she was a wee bairn, Arya always went to the stream, her secret place when upset. She needs that solace now.”

“She is in no state of mind to be left alone. I’m going with her.” Garrett gently moved Isla out of the way.

Arya fumbled with the latch, then finally managed to open the door. “Isla is right. I need some time to myself. Dinna follow me, Garrett,” she said, then left the croft.

She staggered aimlessly down the path, not sure where she was going. But as if drawn to the place by some divine power, she came to the stream. She plunked herself down on a large boulder, then kicked off her boots. She dipped her toes into the cool rushing water, then released a torrent of tears. Both her parents were now gone. She was alone.

Minutes passed, or was it hours? Arya lost track of time. When she heard a branch crack behind her, she rose, then spun around. “Did I not tell you I wished to be alone, Garrett,” she snapped. But she wasn’t expecting to find two of the Laird Campbell’s men standing behind her.

“We heard rumors the old woman was on her deathbed and the Campbell figured you might be back. How fortuitous we came along when we did.” One of the men took a menacing step in her direction. “Now, be a good lassie, come along quietly, and there’ll be no need to get rough. Shout for help, and I will gut you where you stand. Anyone foolish enough to come to your aide will receive the same.”