Jake (The Highland Clan Book 4) (14 page)

The lads all stood outside the chamber talking, mayhap sensing that Maddie wanted a private word with her husband, but Alex was already inside the room and behind the desk. Maddie walked into the room with Jake, then shut the door before moving in front of Jake, facing Alex. He expected his mother had followed his sire’s cardinal rule—never question him in front of the clan. He would listen to all she had to say behind closed doors.

“Maddie,” Alex said. “I know you wish to clean his wounds…”

His mother held her hand up to his sire, lifting her chin a notch. With a smile on her face, she spoke with a strength Jake recognized, and his sire listened, as he always did. Jake could feel a weakening starting in his legs, so he locked his knees to stay upright.

“Husband, may I take this moment to remind you of what we both went through to bring this lad into this world. I would also wish to remind you of what your dear mother’s first teachings were to your sister, and…” Her breath hitched with emotion, and she stopped speaking for a moment to regain control.

Jake’s sire moved out from behind the desk, his gaze on Maddie. “And?” He brushed a stray lock of hair back from her face, tucking it behind her ear before his thumb rubbed her cheek.

This is when Jake had learned the most from his parents. Their respect for each other amazed him. Alex Grant would stop speaking for only two people—his wife and his king.

“And I’d like to remind you of dear Kyle Maule’s sire, bless his soul.” She leaned toward her husband and he caught her, one hand on her hip and the other on the back of her neck.

Kyle Maule’s father had died from complications from a wound that had never been cleaned.

His sire settled his lips on her forehead, then leaned back and said, “I see no reason why we cannot converse with him while you cleanse his wounds. We shall follow you.” And just like that, Alex Grant changed his plan, giving in to his wife’s tender needs. He explained the new circumstances to the others, and then Maddie pivoted and led them into another chamber used for healing.

Arabella was inside, wee Lucas strapped to her chest, his fist in his mouth, and he grinned at them when they entered, kicking his legs in excitement. Maddie pointed to a chair with a table next to it and a stool in front of it, while she moved over to kiss Lucas’ cheek before tending to Jake. He managed to lower himself into the chair without wincing, wishing to lie on the pallet off to the side, but knew he couldn’t do it with his mother here. He would remain strong for her sake.

Bella whispered, “How may I help you, Aunt Maddie? I brought linen strips and fresh water along with Aunt Caralyn’s poultice.” She pointed to the jar on the table as she rubbed the top of Lucas’s head.

“My thanks, Bella, but I think I can handle it from here. Go check on Kenzie.”

“If you need aught, please let me know.” Bella smiled and kissed Jake’s cheek, then Loki’s as she passed him on her way out of the chamber.

Jake’s mother took over then, giving instructions as if she were in charge of an army of Highlanders. She arranged her supplies while the rest found places to stand or sit before they started their discussion.

“Loki, Magnus, do you know all that transpired?” Alex asked.

Loki nodded. “For the most part. We found him in the yard behind the keep, being held by three while the fourth beat him at Gordon’s instructions. The brute played mind games with Aline while he…”

Alex coughed, causing Loki to change his next words.

“While he…tried to obtain information from Jake and cooperation from Aline.”

Jake’s sire nodded to Loki, giving a pointed look to Maddie’s back.

Loki and Magnus told all they knew, softening the information when necessary, while Jake acquiesced to his mother’s ministrations. He knew that he needed to eat and tend to his injuries if he wished to head back to Castle Dubh to save Maisie.

His mother whispered, “Is there aught broken?”

“Nay. Most of the blows were to my belly and my face. Does my nose appear to be broken?”

She shook her head while her fingers ran down his nose with a gentle pressure. “Mayhap I just need to clean the dirt out of your wounds. You know how your Aunt Brenna is about cleaning wounds.”

“Aye. Do as you must, Mama.” He sat and listened as his sire and uncles strategized. Bits and pieces caught his attention, but then he suddenly recalled something he needed to share with them.

“Papa?”

“Aye?”

He licked his lips, attempting to cover the need to gather strength. “Uncle Logan was right. The chief is Ranulf MacNiven. I saw him and called him by name. He was furious.”

Uncle Logan smiled. “I knew it. The bastard escaped his own hanging. Where is he now?”

“He ran with his men toward the front of the keep as soon as chaos erupted. He’s the one who led the attack on us, and everything we heard pointed toward a change in plans. They made it sound like they would attack this castle first, and soon. Gordon has little interest in fighting. He’s useless himself.”

Jake fell back into his chair, his strength waning. Maddie said, “Loki, he needs food.”

As if she’d heard Maddie, Bella returned with a platter and some ale.

Maddie held up a meat pie and said, “Eat.”

Jake took the pie, but knew he’d have to force it down. He’d been ravenous, but now had lost his appetite. But he’d eat for his mother, and for Aline, and for Maisie. He whispered to his mother, “We have to go back.”

“Jake, I’m so proud of you for bringing Aline to safety, but mayhap you should stay back. You are not well. You may think you are, but I can see how weak you are.”

“All I need is food. I must go back.” He took another bite of the meat pie and a swig of ale.

“Now the place holds
you
. What is it that makes you both want to go back?”

The chamber had quieted as they all stared at Jake. He glanced at all the faces staring at him. Loki nodded to him, encouraging him to be truthful.

“Her wee sister, Maisie. She’s still inside and she’s only four summers. Loki and I tried to go for her, but there were too many against us. I promised Aline we’d return for her.”

His mother leaned back on the stool, closing her eyes as if saying a quick prayer. She glanced at her husband, tears misting her eyes, and said, “Alex, you must save Aline’s sister.”

“We will, love. Trust me, we will. ‘Tis good we came here, Loki. You are a wee bit closer to Gordon than my keep, and now that we know they are coming here first, we’ll be ready.”

At those words, Jake leaned back against his chair and fell fast asleep.

Chapter Sixteen

Aline followed Celestina up the staircase. The kind woman ushered her into a chamber, and Aline was pleased to find Ashlyn inside, straightening linens and clothing. A large tub had been filled with hot water. Ashlyn added a few drops of lavender oil to the water and smiled.

“This is for you. I’m sure you could use a bit of relaxation.”

Aline sighed when she saw the steam rising from the tub. “Aye, it looks heavenly, it does.” She felt so dirty whenever she was around Hew. This would help wash all of him away.

They helped her get settled in the bath, then pulled a screen in front of the tub. She was grateful for the screen because her wounds were still visible, many now a purple and yellow color. She was so ashamed.

Ashlyn’s voice echoed over the partition. “Tell me what you know. I’m to go back there with Uncle Logan and Gavin to find out what we can. Explain the castle to me. And who is it we go to find? Surely, ‘tis someone there who drew you back.”

Something about the soft, understanding way Ashlyn spoke had made it easier to answer. “Maisie, my wee sister Maisie is there. She is only four summers old. We tried to get her out, but we did not have enough men. I knew I could be more helpful on the outside. I’ll describe everything to you.”

Aline talked through her sobs, vowing to think of everything she could to help them find her sister and bring her back.

“Tell me something that will convince your sister to come with me,” Ashlyn said. “Something only a sister would know.”

Aline thought and thought, but came up with nothing. She leaned her head back against a linen on the edge of the tub, wondering fleetingly how Jake was holding up with all his wounds, and closed her eyes, just for a moment. A few minutes later, Celestina came around the partition. “I was afraid of that, you fell fast asleep. Come, we’ll dry you and get you settled in the bed. You must be exhausted.”

Aline gave in to the women, at this point unable to do much else. Fatigue had finally gotten the best of her. Celestina helped her into a cool gown, then led her to a big, soft bed.

She curled up on the bed before bolting up to stare at Ashlyn. “Tell Maisie that Aline has her favorite fruit tart for her, pear.”

With that, she settled back and closed her eyes. As soon as she awakened, she’d find Jake and try to convince him to go back with her to get Maisie.

And if he declined, she’d go alone.

***

Aline lifted her head from the soft pillow, the memories of where she was quickly returning. But something or someone had brought her from a sound sleep. She held her breath, waiting for a sound, and then she heard it. A quiet rap on the door caught her attention, so she slid her legs to the side of the bed and stood, moving to the door in the dark.

“Who is it?” she whispered.

“Jake.”

She unlatched the bar, flung the heavy door open, and threw her arms around him as soon as she saw him. He stepped inside and quietly closed the door behind him, leaning against it as he held her tight.

“Jake, am I hurting you?” She recalled all the bruises on him, all the blows to his belly.

“Nay, you’ll never hurt me.” He cupped her cheeks and kissed her, a kiss that warmed her all the way to her toes.

She took a step back to gaze at him, still unable to believe he was here. “We match well, do we not? All the purples, blues, and yellows on our bodies?”

The look in his eyes told her his mind was not on colors. He gave her a smoldering gaze, one that heated her insides, settling in her belly and below. Her body reacted to him in the strangest ways—a pounding heart, sweaty palms, and a dampness between her legs that she didn’t understand.

His lips descended on hers, and she moaned, loving the taste of him. She parted her lips for him, sighing as his tongue delved inside her mouth. He tasted of ale and Jake, something she’d longed to taste again. Despite the passion of their kiss, he was gentle. Considerate. She pulled away and stared at his lips. “Jake, your lips are swollen and you have cuts everywhere. Do they not bother you?”

Despite the dark, she could swear she saw a gleam in his eye. “Nay, they do not bother me, not when they’ve met your lips.”

“My thanks for rescuing me again.” She stepped back, afraid of being too close to him, afraid of what she wished to do, or of being rejected by him. While she was no innocent due to Hew, she was innocent of thoughtful intimacy—exactly what was passing between them in the quiet of the night.

He nodded, but both of them remained silent. He moved over to the window and pulled the fur back, allowing the moonlight and the fresh air of the night inside. “We have a plan in place.”

She waited as he walked back over to stand in front of her, his hand reaching for hers, his thumb caressing her tender skin. He towered over her, his aura was so kind and protective and strong that she felt empowered to have him by her side.

He ran his fingers down through her hair, a caress that shot straight to her core, sending a pulse of energy shooting through her body. One movement on his part was all it had taken to make her feel
alive
. She had no idea where this relationship would take her, but being with him was transforming her into a stronger and more confident version of herself.

“My aunt and uncle are spies for the Scottish crown. Uncle Logan and his son Gavin have gone to Castle Dubh with Ashlyn. She will infiltrate the kitchens in the hopes of discovering Maisie’s whereabouts, though Ashlyn said you gave her much helpful information. Uncle Logan and Gavin are there to discover our enemies’ plans.”

His hand followed a path to the back of her neck, caressing in a way that caused her focus to drift, her head tipping toward his touch. Yet distraction was something she couldn’t afford. She fought her base needs and forced her mind to focus on his words. She had to know what would happen to her sister, though she could not stop her hands from reaching for him, settling on his waist.

“My sire has returned to Clan Grant with Gregor, leaving my mother, Uncle Brodie, and Celestina to stay here. You and I, along with Magnus, Loki, and Kenzie, will return to Castle Dubh on the morrow to meet Uncle Logan. We shall get your sister back. We’ll go midday to give Ashlyn the opportunity to search the keep for her location. Uncle Logan is as strong with his bow as he is with his sword. We shall be successful this time.”

She closed her eyes, so grateful for all this man was doing for her. He and his clan were the most wonderful people she’d ever met. “Many thanks.”

His hand brought hers up to his lips, and he kissed her knuckles. “‘Twould probably be best for both of us if I take my leave now.” He moved over to the door, but turned to her before he opened it. “Get a good night’s rest. You’ll need it, we both do.”

His gaze caught hers and warmed her insides. She didn’t want him to go. What would it feel like to fall asleep in his arms? To have him in her chamber instead of Hew Gordon? What if she was captured on the morrow and forced back into Hew’s bed? She rubbed her arms in an attempt to bring Jake’s warmth back to her.

A lone tear slid down her cheek, meandering its way down to her chin, and more tears burned the insides of her eyes. She had to know, so she would be bold. She took one step toward him, but then stopped, waiting to see if he would still leave, so afraid he would reject her.

But he didn’t leave. Instead, his hand dropped from the door handle, and she took another step closer to him. “Jake?”

“Aye?” His voice came out in a husky, sensual tone that reached to her toes.

“I need to know…I want to know…if I’m captured…” the tears flowed freely so she swiped at them, hoping to get rid of them before he could see them.

Too late. He moved closer and cupped her face, both thumbs brushing the wetness from her cheeks.

She murmured, “Stay, please.”

“If ‘tis what you want, I will gladly stay, but my honor forces me to confess that I’m weak right now, and I’m not only speaking about my lack of physical strength. I want you, Aline. I want you more than I’ve ever wanted anyone. I do not know if you are ready for that. I can wait. If you wish, I’ll try my best to be honorable and just hold you.”

“Jake, aye. Please stay.”

“I know not what you’ve been through, so I need your guidance in how to proceed…”

“You have kissed me with such tenderness that I am in awe of you. You’ll not hurt me, no matter what happens, you are not capable of hurting me. I cannot say how far…” She glanced at the wall, feeling her blush start at her toes and climb up through her body and her cheeks.

Jake moved over to bolt the door, then dropped his plaid on the floor but left his tunic on. He held his hand out to her and led her to the bed. “Allow me to hold you. That thought pleases me.”

***

Jake recalled what his sire had told him about how to comfort a lass—just hold her. So he thought it was the best way to proceed. He would do whatever she asked. It surprised him that holding her would be enough for him, despite how much he wanted to touch her and lay with her. He couldn’t think of another time in his life when that would have suited him.

For tonight, it was a start.

He took her hand and led her to the bed, where they settled in under the covers so that her head rested on his shoulder.

“Jake?”

“Aye?”

“Do you think we’ll be able to save her?”

“I promise you that we will find Maisie and get her away from that lout.”

“Truly?”

She had turned her gaze to glance up at him, and he could see the sheen of tears in her eyes.

“I have no doubt in my mind, but I’ll pass something along that will make you feel better. My mother asked me why you were so drawn to Castle Dubh, and I explained that Gordon still held your sister. She then asked my father to promise to rescue your sister.”

“But I trust you to save her. Why would I trust your sire more than you?”

Jake loved her innocence, especially when it came to his clan. She knew little about what had transpired over the years. “Because I am young and untested yet. My sire, however, is reputed to be the most powerful chieftain in all of the Scots, and also the best swordsman.”

“You must be verra proud of him.” She squeezed his hand, holding it tight against her waist.

“I am, but there’s more. For those of us who know Alexander Grant, we know that when my mother requests something of him, he will turn the world upside down to make it happen. He always does what my mother asks of him.”

“Truly? Is that not unheard of among men?”

“Aye, but the other important part is that my mother asks little of him, so when she does ask, he listens. He will find Maisie. Word is he heads to our clan from here, but after making that promise to my mother, I know not where he shall go.”

She turned her body toward him, running her thumb down his jawline. “You have a fine family, Jake Grant.”

It had taken him years to get to the point of saying the words, but he replied, “Aye, I do. The finest.”

She leaned forward to touch her lips to his with such tenderness Jake almost lost all his control. The lass worried about the cuts on his lips. A low growl sprang from him, and he turned on his side, taking her lips in his and reaching for her sweet bottom to pull her closer. He feared he would frighten her away, but she returned his kiss with a fervor he hadn’t expected, snuggling even closer.

“I wish to do everything with you,” she whispered, gazing into his eyes.

Jake was uncertain he’d heard her correctly. “You wish for me to make love to you?”

“Is that what you call it? I have never heard that expression.” She thought for a moment, chewing on a fingernail, before stopping abruptly. “Aye, if ‘tis what you call it, then I want to do it even more. Make love to me. I want to wash away my other memories.”

“You promise to tell me to stop if I do aught you do not like?”

“Aye. I promise.”

She gazed at him with such trust that it almost unmanned him. “If you change your mind, just tell me. I’ll stop any time.” Brushing the stray hairs back from her face, he said, “I’ve never seen hair quite the color of yours. ‘Tis beautiful. You are beautiful.” He kissed her lips, sucking on her bottom lip for a moment before parting her lips so he could invade her sweet mouth, tasting her and teasing her at the same time. Her nipples responded, peaking against his chest. He left her mouth and kissed a trail across her shoulder and her upper arm before moving on to her breast.

He moved his mouth across the fine threads of her gown, finding her nipple with his tongue while his hand caressed her other breast, teasing the taut peak until she moved against him. “Do you like this?” He kissed her neck, nuzzling her, wanting her, at the same time trying to come up with some way to slow his own needs down to accommodate hers.

He vowed to hold out for her if it killed him. She was his.