Loki (11 page)

Bella couldn’t believe this was happening—her dreams were finally coming true. She glanced up at Loki, his tall broad shoulders, his beautiful smile, his arresting gaze. How had she managed to win his love? She was so excited she could hardly hear the words Father Brian was saying. Her wedding could not be more different than the elaborate fanfare with which Morna would be married, but she knew her marriage would be the happier one. Loki was everything to her, and she would remember this day forever. They were finally saying their vows.

When Father Brian finished and Loki leaned down to kiss her, she wished to jump for joy. Logan said, “Come, we’ll have a small feast at the inn across the road, and then we’ll decide what to do next. Father, would you care to join us?”

Father Brian laughed, his hands settling on his small belly. “Och, nay. I’ll be staying here at my home.”

Logan offered the priest a coin before moving out of the kirk and over to the tavern. There weren’t many people out on the roads this morn. They sat at a table in a separate room at the inn. Logan ordered chunks of pork, eggs, mushrooms, and thick crusty bread for their breakfast. Bella’s mouth watered as soon as the pork was set down on the table.

Loki’s eyes danced as he watched her. “Hungry, wife? You’re almost drooling.”

“Aye, I’m hungry. I’ve had naught to eat for almost two days. I ate little traveling from the Highlands because I tried to store up food for my journey here, but then I became too ill and too cold to eat it.”

Logan asked, “I’m not hungry, so eat as much as you like. How did you get to Ayr, Bella? Please, you must tell us.”

“I rode with my sister to her betrothed’s home, then sneaked out in the middle of the night. I did take a horse, but he has a huge stable, so I’m sure it will not be missed.”

“And no one saw you?” Torrian asked.

“Nay, I waited until after midnight, so the guards were all mostly sotted. I dressed as a lad and no one stopped me.” She shrugged her shoulders and piled her plate full of food. All three men stared at her. Torrian’s jaw dropped open.

Logan said, “You think you can eat that much, lass?”

Bella scowled. “Aye, I can. Did I leave you enough, or do you wish for me to put some back?” Her chin lifted a notch. “I may be wee, but I’m not weak. I must keep my strength up.”

Logan laughed and said, “You remind me of my Gwynie. Eat whatever your heart desires. There’s plenty for all of us, and we ate not long ago. And we’ll take care of returning your sister’s horse.”

When they finished their meal, Logan pushed back from the table and said, “I hate to bring up a subject you do not wish to hear about, but I think we must move on. I cannot believe that your sire will not attempt to retaliate after your escape. Please enlighten us a bit more on your captivity, Loki.”

Bella jerked her gaze to her husband’s. “You escaped?”

“Aye, Bella, and ‘twas not easy. My sire had me in chains.” Loki squeezed her hand and then turned to Logan and Torrian. “You have the right of it, Uncle. His last words to me were that this was not over. He also threatened to go after anyone I cared about. Much as I’d like to stay and celebrate our marriage, I think we need to move.”

Bella sat forward in her chair, the color leaving her face. “But where will we go?”

Chapter Twelve

Loki thought for a moment, but he knew what his decision had to be. Above all, he had to keep Bella safe. “I think we need to return to the Grants. We’ll be safest there.”

“Loki, my da will be so angry when he finds out we’ve married. I know he’s frustrated both of us, but I do still love him. I want him to support us.” She stared at the floor and chewed on her lip.

“Then we shall not tell him. We can pretend for a while until I earn his respect enough to approve of the marriage. I will be successful in this, wife. Our laird supported us, so we have naught to worry there, and you know my parents adore you. I think they will go along with us for a short time until I can convince your father of my worth.”

Torrian interjected, “Did you forget to tell your wife that you are of noble blood? Mayhap her sire will be more accepting of you now.”

“You are, Loki? Your sire is of noble blood?”

“Aye, my sire is an earl, though he was not born an earl. But it does not matter, I do not accept him as my sire, so I’ll not make that claim to your father. Whose sire locks them up in a dungeon, beats him, and then chains him to a wall like an animal? I hate the bastard.”

He could see tears pooling in Bella’s eyes, though she tried to blink them away. “Aw, Bella. Do not cry for me. I’m fine, and we’re married now.” He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close. “I have never been happier.”

“But your own sire chained you in a dungeon, and look at the bruises all over you. How awful. I’m sorry your sire was not happy to see you. I did not imagine he would treat you so poorly even though he tried to use you to gain coin.”

“He’s a cruel man, and I have no proof he’s my sire, so I’ll deny him.”

Logan stood up from his chair. “I’ll pay the innkeeper. You get ready to leave in ten minutes. I want all of us to ride away from here as quickly as possible. There’s a nice inn far north, and I think we can reach it shortly after dark. We’ll stay the night, then Torrian and I will leave you to finish your journey into the Highlands. ‘Tis high enough and cold enough, I do not think they’ll follow you that far.”

“There is no need for you to go with us.” Loki settled his hands on his hips and looked from Logan to Torrian. “I’ll protect my wife.”

“Aye, we do need to go, and I’ve a few guards to travel with us, besides. We’ll spend the night in a warm place, and I think ‘tis a deserving spot for a pair that’s newly wed. I’ll not have my nephew sleeping with his wife on icy ground for the first night of their marriage. Plus, these auld bones of mine prefer to be inside this time of year.”

“We can sleep under the stars. We shall be fine. Avelina did.” But Bella shivered a little in his arms, as if chilled by the mere thought.

“Avelina married in the summer and slept on a warm ground with the fae and her husband to guard her.” Logan gave Bella pointed look. “And in view of last night…”

“He’s right, wife. You were dangerously cold. I would have you sleep inside a building tonight. We cannot risk your well-being.” He leaned down and kissed her soundly on her cheek. “And I look forward to it. Now let’s get ready to move. I’ll see what I can find for food to carry with us on our journey.”

When they were preparing to mount their horses several minutes later, Loki said, “Uncle Logan, I’d like to leave by Woodgait if you do not mind. There is one more thing I must do.”

Logan nodded his agreement. “I see no problem with that since it’s not far, we just need to get moving.”

Loki lifted Bella onto his horse, then mounted behind her, his long hair flowing in the wind. As soon as they made it to Woodgait, Loki slowed his horse to search for Kenzie. Mayhap someday he would be back for the laddie. He hoped it would happen, but he at least needed to pay him for saving Bella. “Kenzie?”

No one answered. Logan prompted him, “Be quick about it, lad. We should not tarry long.”

Loki jumped down from his horse and ran behind the inn, but Kenzie was nowhere to be seen. He searched the area, but though the lad’s things were still there, there was no sign of him. Loki grabbed two coins from his pocket and left them inside the pan. Where was he?

“Let’s move, nephew.”

Loki knew they needed to hurry, so he rushed back to Bella—his sweet Bella, looking absolutely beautiful on his horse.

They rode for hours, but fortunately, their trip was uneventful. Bella fell asleep in the middle of the day, and her sweet bum sat directly against Loki. He’d had an erection off and on during the day depending on whether he was speaking to his wife or his cousin. But now that she was sleeping, she was totally relaxed and her soft globes were pressed against him. It made him want to stop and toss her skirts up on the next pile of leaves they passed. Or perhaps he could hold her while her back was against the tree. At this point, he’d even be willing to try making love to her on horseback. Anything at all to give him release.

“Loki!”

“What?” he scowled at his uncle, who just grinned at him.

“Good thing we’re not far from that inn, do you not agree?”

Loki groaned and stared straight ahead while his uncle laughed.

“I know where you’re at, lad. Been there before. Still happens to me every time Gwynie rides in front of me. Unavoidable.”

Torrian smirked. “I’m so enjoying this, cousin. Many thanks, Uncle Logan, for inviting me along on this wee venture. I’ve never had this much fun at home.”

“You’d pay for those words if I did not have a sweet wife in front of me,” Loki snarled.

Just after dark, the path widened and they noticed a couple of torches ahead. They’d actually made it to the inn ahead of schedule. Loki kissed Bella’s shoulder until she awakened.

She wiped the sleep from her eyes and dismounted. Her knees buckled as soon as they hit the ground, but Loki caught her. “Loki, ‘tis a beautiful inn.”

Logan said, “Aye, there are not many this far north, but ‘tis well known. The couple who runs it takes good care of their guests, and she’s a great cook. Hopefully, there are no other travelers already staying here this night. I’ll go check and see what I can arrange.”

“You’re right, ‘tis beautiful,” Torrian added.

Logan returned quickly with a smile on his face. “Perfect. They have one private room for the newly wedded couple, and Torrian and I can sleep on pallets in the main room with a few guards. The others can sleep in the stables around back. ‘Tis a large enough building for all the horses to warm up and bed down for the night. They’ve a full pot of stew just made today, plenty of bread, and good ale.” He turned to the guards. “Lead the horses out back, then join us for supper before you settle down.

***

Bella moved inside the door and curtsied to the couple. The tavern was quite large, equipped with two long trestle tables, a hearth to cook in on one end, and a table and utensils in front of it. There were a couple of pallets off to the side as well as a small room in back with a few pallets and a garderobe. A staircase at the other end led upstairs.

The couple, Gus and Fiona, busied themselves at the hearth, getting trenchers and goblets of ale ready for the travelers. After a moment, Fiona hurried over to Bella and said, “If you please, follow me.” She led the way upstairs, so the young couple followed her. She could look over the railing and see everyone warming near the fire, sharing an ale and laughter. There were two chambers off the balcony, and they were in the far room. Fiona opened the door to their chamber and bowed her head.

Bella stepped inside and gasped. “Loki, this is beautiful.” She turned to Fiona and nodded to her. “My thanks. ‘Tis lovely.”

“There’s a basin of fresh water for you, my lady. The bed is clean. Do you wish to join us for sup or would you like your food here?”

Bella glanced at Loki and said, “We’ll join you for sup. You do not need to wait on us. We’ll be down in just a bit. My thanks, Fiona, for your fine care.”

The moment Fiona ducked out the doorway, Bella threw herself into Loki’s arms. “Loki, this is the nicest bed I’ve ever slept in. I’ve always had a pallet. Look at the pillows and the furs! Did you hear her call me my lady? And look at the dried flowers on the table. They are lovely.”

“You are happy, wee one?” Loki sat on the bed and tucked her into his lap.

She slipped her arms around his neck and whispered, “Aye. I’m nervous about tonight, but I’m so happy to be your wife. And this is the most wonderful inn I could have asked for.”

Loki whispered, “Good. I want my wife happy.” His mouth descended on hers.

His lips were soft and warm at first, but then he became more possessive, ravishing her lips, teasing her with his tongue. She returned every last bit of his passion, loving the taste of this man, her husband. He angled his mouth over hers and deepened the kiss, sucking on her tongue, but then released her and kissed a line down her neck. The brute knew exactly how to make her breathless, and she moaned as soon as his tongue touched a sensitive spot in the front beneath her collarbone before moving even lower.

The door flew open and Logan stood there with Torrian and a few guards behind him, laughing and teasing. Bella blushed the deepest shade of red imaginable, but then started laughing along with the rest of them because Loki’s breathing had become as ragged as her own.

“Do not start too soon or there’ll be naught to eat. You must come down and join us first. You cannot have the whole night to yourselves. We have to drink a toast or two to the newly married couple.” They headed back down the balcony and the staircase, but left the door ajar, teasing them as they left.

Loki kissed her cheek. “I’m sorry, Bella,” he whispered in her ear.

“‘Tis all right. There would have been more teasing if we’d married at the Grant keep. Shall we join them, do you mind, Loki? Mayhap they’ll all get sotted and forget about us.”

“Nay, I do not mind. We need to eat, but I’ll not stay there long. You are way too tempting, lass. I’ve waited a long time for this night.”

When she was sure the others were too far to hear, she whispered, “You’ll be considerate of me tonight?” Her shoulders hunched up next to her ears in a shrug as she waited for his answer.

***

Loki lifted her off her feet and into his arms, his hands caressing her bum as he kissed her hard on the mouth. Hellfire, he’d never make it through the toast without embarrassing himself, would he? He’d wanted this lass for too long, and now she was his forever. What more could he ask for? Aye, he’d take good care of her. When he was finally able to pull away from her, he gulped to catch his breath, holding her tight against his hardness. He whispered in her ear, “Are you feeling what you do to me, lass? You’ll see that I promise to take verra good care of you, and I’ll do it all—” he kissed her neck, “—night—” he kissed her throat as she leaned her head back, “—long…”

He slid her down his length and said, “And that’s a promise.”

Logan bellowed loud enough to shake the rafters, so Loki set Bella down and ushered her out the door and down the staircase. The others stood and Logan and Torrian handed each a goblet of ale as soon as they descended the staircase. “Loki and Bella, a toast to many years of happiness and bairns.”

Torrian laughed and threw his ale down. “You’re the first.”

Loki gave him a puzzled look. “The first what?”

“You’re the first of the Grants and the Ramsay bairns to marry.”

Loki smiled and wrapped his arm around Bella’s shoulders. “I am, ‘tis true.” He held his glass up and said, “Here’s to you being the next one, Torrian.”

Torrian paled and said, “Ummm, nay.”

“Why not?” Logan asked. “I like the sounds of that, though I have not thought of the perfect match for you. I’ll have to consider it…or mayhap my Gwynie already has an idea.” The man’s face lit up with the glee of taunting his young nephew. “Time for food, my belly is rumbling.”

Once they were seated, Fiona and Gus brought out mutton and boar meat pies along with two loaves of fresh baked bread. “You’re a bread lover, are you not, wee one?” he whispered to his wife.

Bella leaned into her husband, murmuring, “Aye.”

Loki whispered as quietly as he could so as not to embarrass her, but he could not resist the urge. “I hope I please you enough tonight for you to look at me that way when we’re alone.”

A fast elbow to his ribs prompted an, “Oof,” from him. Perhaps he should have kept his thoughts to himself, for the woman he loved was turning a deep shade of red.

“Loki!” was all she managed to get out before she buried her face in his shoulder.

He could tell from the mischief in his uncle’s eyes that the older man was about to latch on to Bella’s discomfort, but Loki gave him a pointed look that stopped him just as he opened his mouth. He snapped his jaw closed.

Torrian said, loud enough for all to hear, “Probably makes you a wee bit uncomfortable being the only lass, does it not, Bella?”

Her gaze swung to Torrian and she nodded. The others looked chagrined, though that might also have something to do with the dark glare Loki was giving them.

“Bella, have I ever told you how shy Gwynie was the day we married? Best day of my life. She preferred to sleep under the stars, as I did, so that’s where we spent the first sennight of our marriage. ‘Twas a wee bit warmer then than ‘tis now, just as it was for Avelina and Drew.”