Shifter’s Baby (Alpha Fantasy Paranormal Billionaire Shifter BBW Romance) (96 page)

Chapter 10

Art glanced down from the top of the ladder. He could see Grace standing off beside the pile of lumber, her neck craned while she watched him. He could see her periodically shake her head at him, until finally he climbed down.

“It bought you told my daddy that you were going to hire people to do this?” Grace said, her hand resting on top of her swollen belly. Art smiled, kissed her on the forehead and then bent down to kiss her belly.

“I did and I have, but I just want to be able to say that I helped.” Art said. Grace shook her head with a smile.

“You men, you're all the same.” With a judgmental glance, she shook her head again. “Just make sure they do all the important things?” She asked.

“Yes, ma’am.” He looked at her as she stared over at the ladder leaning against the bare bones structure of what would someday become their farmhouse.

“And don't fall off that ladder, please?” She asked.

“No ma’am, I won't. Besides, if I fell off that ladder who would raise my little peanut in there?” He asked, resting his hand on Grace’s belly. She gave a quiet chuckle.

“It's a lot more than a peanut by now!” She said. “It feels like an elephant!”

“Hey! Don't you go calling our daughter an elephant!” Art said.

“How do you know it's a girl? No one can possibly know that. Besides, Mrs. Clary down at the post office said she thinks it's a boy. Something about how I'm carrying him?” Art raised an eyebrow.

“Well, I just want a healthy baby, but I'm not sure you could handle two Cowboys running around on this ranch.” He said, kissing her lips this time.

“Mr. Monroe, if you have intentions of having a big family – which I believe that you do – this mama is going to have to get used to more than two boys running around here.” She thought for a moment. “Unless we have all girls…” They both fell quiet. Neither had thought about the possibility of having all one sex of children.

“Well. We will have what we have and we will be thankful for good health.” Art said decisively. “Right, Mrs. Monroe?”

“Right.” Grace nodded and she gave Art a soft smile. “I can't wait until this place is built.” She said, looking around the large parcel of land. “It's going to be so beautiful and there's going to be so much room for our children to run around.” Art slipped his arm around her waist and joined her in looking at their land.

“We could even built a small guest house for your daddy if you like?” Art suggested. He had been waiting to surprise her with the idea, but he just couldn't hold it in any longer.

“Uh uh. My daddy is just fine where he is.” Grace said. “Now my sister, maybe…but ever since daddy had that come to Jesus talk with Tom, I have a feeling that she won't need to stay with us either.” She took a deep and satisfying breath as she took in the wooden structure of what would soon become their home. “So, Mr. Monroe…baby Monroe, it looks like it's just us three for the time being.”

“One hundred and three.” Art said.

“What?” Grace turned to him looking shocked.

“The cattle. I placed an order for one hundred heads of cattle to be delivered to the ranch as soon as building is complete.” Art said proudly. Grace’s eyes widened.

“One hundred?” She asked. Art nodded. “One hundred heads of cattle?” She asked again. Again, Art nodded. “Art, what are we going to do with that many?”

“Run a ranch…” Art said followed by a smile. “Darlin’ you can't run a ranch with just a couple of heads of cattle.” Grace was still stunned.

“But…one hundred? That's so many…” Art shook his head.

“You leave the ranching to me, okay? Don't worry your pretty little head about any of that, this cowboy knows what he's doin’” Grace looked at him uncertainly. He may have been a farm hand in his past life, but she wasn't too sure about his capability to handle one hundred heads of cattle. Still, she had her own troubles to worry about, for example, just how often she was having to go to the bathroom as this young Monroe grew bigger by the day.

“Whatever you say, honey. Just don't let me catch them wandering around the house.” Art laughed. One of the things he loved most about Grace was her lack of knowledge of most things relating to their future ranch.

“I'm pretty sure that won't be anything to worry about.” Art said. “Have you ever seen a full sized steer?” He asked. Grace shook her head. “Well, don't worry about one fitting through the front door, okay?” Art said. Sure she was being made fun of, Grace swatted him playfully on the arm.

“No making fun of the pregnant woman carrying your child!” She said, pouting. Art’s face softened and he pulled her to him.

“I'm sorry darlin’, you are just so darned cute.” He said, kissing her forehead gently.

“You're still making fun of me aren't you?” She asked, glancing at him sideways. Art shackled and shook his head.

“No ma’am, I would do no such thing. Besides, I know much better than to tease a pregnant woman.” He said with a wink. Grace eyed him.

“Hmm, well you'd better be nice or you're going to find yourself sleeping with that hundred heads of cattle out in the barn.” She said.

“Pasture.” Art corrected.

“Pasture.” Grace repeated. “Either way, you'll be sleeping with them.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He said obediently. “How about me and you go home and get some supper?” He reached down and slipped his fingers around hers. Grace smiled.

“I think that sounds perfect.” She said.

The End

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The Highlander’s Bride

By: Lisa Cartwright


Copyright 2015 by (Lisa Cartwright) - All rights reserved.

In no way is it legal to reproduce, duplicate, or transmit any part of this document in either electronic means or in printed format. Recording of this publication is strictly prohibited and any storage of this document is not allowed unless with written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved.

Respective authors own all copyrights not held by the publisher.

Chapter One

The day was gloomy and the mood somber at best, as laird Angus Blake fought to open his heavy eyelids, which gave way to deep blue-grey eyes. Sleep was his preference on a cold day in March when his devoted Mother Blair, Lady of Fife would be interned at Dunfermline. She had been Lord Donald Blake’s (father of Angus) obsession from the moment he laid his piercing eyes on the fair lass. Their romance was storied throughout Scotland, which preceded tales of his despotic ways before he met Blair McTavish. Angus’ faithful servant banged on the heavy oak door of his room.

“Come in if you must Rufus but ye not bother unless you come with breakfast in hand.” Angus’ servant entered the room warmed by the raging fire arranged for him before sunrise. Angus was an easygoing man but he insisted his quarters be warm when he woke. Rufus knew too well that failing to keep the fire stoked resulted in verbal punishment and embarrassment in front of all.

Rufus presented laird Angus Blake with his morning repast, atop a heavy pewter tray. Angus had smelled the cook roasting boar outside the day before. He was pleased to taste the product of the savory odor. Cook knew to include his favorite, the end piece torn from a loaf of hearty brown bread.

“If you don’t mind me speaking sir.”

“Go on.”

“Tis not just rumor that ye father’s temperament of old has returned. He is no longer the benevolent ruler of Fife. The one I have come to know as of late. I can handle myself but it is you my liege for whom I have concern. Your departed mother bestowed upon him many girls in the names of Alena, Enya and Maisie. They cannot inherit or produce a suitable heir with which to continue the lineage. Leaving only you to produce a fitting heir to the kingdom. If ye don’t find a suitable wife soon, I fear you will be given one of your father’s choosing.”

Angus knew his father Lord Donald Blake would arrange a politically beneficial marriage. One that would guarantee he could add to the acreage of his kingdom. Angus would be better off picking a woman from the dodgy end of the village. His father loved his mother so deeply and he would be jealous if Angus found the same. Lady Blair’s death could have brought out the best in Lord Blake but it clearly did not. It was as if she had cast a spell of contentment upon him, which blew away like the wind when she expired. He needed to come up with a plan to leave the estate house and Fife entirely so he could find a wife on his own.

“Your loyalty to me will be tested in the days to come Rufus. I have come to rely on you and I trust I can continue to do so.”

Rufus had been by Angus’ side since he was sucking on the wet nurse. The skinny man of short stature came with no family or friends to speak of; his life was committed to Angus. Like a carrot dangling before him, Rufus was promised a woman of his own someday. Angus said he would arrange for him a woman with an ample bosom who smelled sweet of lavender. Rufus was rarely out of line but if he was, Angus threated to make sure he would remain a virgin for life.

“My life is dedicated to yours only sir. Dinner is planned in the hall tonight. Mourners will be spending overnight in the estate house after Lady Blair is laid to rest at Dunfermline. Should I set out your attire for dinner?”

“I will go and I imagine all present will be soothing their sorrow with drink till the wee hours. I will escape tonight, travel beyond Clatchard Craig, and not return until I find a wife. I will claim Fife for my own and rule as I see fit.” Angus smiled. “Perhaps my new wife will have a maid to your liking Rufus.” He winked.

“Mysterious happenings are talked about at Clatchard Craig. I’ve heard of bad things.”

“I am not to assume you believe I fear such things.”

“No. You should not assume such.” Rufus shook in his tattered boots. He feared insulting Angus.

“I shall not leave dinner too early for fear of my absence being noticed but you will sneak away. You have many supplies to gather for my journey to find a suitable wife. I will need clothes to disguise my appearance. I was blessed with good looks and will be recognized as Angus Blake. I would be taken for ransom or worse upon sight if I do not make myself look common. Get to work Rufus. I want my sword readied with an edge so sharp it will take off a head with a feather’s touch.”

“As you wish.” Rufus backed out of the room trembling with fear for what lie ahead beyond the Craig. He and laird Angus Blake would venture into the unknown where hideous acts were common and few retuned safely.

Alone in his quarters, Angus contemplated his quest for an appropriate wife. His abilities would be tested and it was difficult to leave the comforts of the manor. The rooms were warm and dry and food plentiful. Every desire, each whim was fulfilled at his command As Lady Blair neared death she took her son’s hand and made him vouch to find a strong woman who could join him and make sure harmony in Fife prevailed. She placed a sparkling emerald ring in his hand, closed her eyes and passed. Angus hung the ring on a gold chain around his neck.

Chapter Two

A feast was served in the great hall befitting kings. Smells familiar to Angus from when the animals were gutted and thrown on the fire before landing on the table. The location of his room was not accidental as he enjoyed the smell of fresh meat being prepared. Lord Donald Blake sat at the head of the table. He hardly seemed to be in mourning as his cheeks grew red from mead and his eyes focused on the serving wenches.

“Brother, you’re thoughts are elsewhere. Mother had been ill for a long time and she would have desired you to drink heavily and enjoy in her honor,” Angus’ elder sister said. Alena was the wife of a distant McTavish cousin. It was a marriage of convenience and they produced three girls as Lady Blair had. The Blake women did not inherit the beauty of their Mother and they were happy to join in marriage at all. If they hadn’t dropped from his Mother’s womb Angus would not have believed they were related.

“My mourning is handled as I wish Alena. You had best keep an eye on your husband. Look away and he might find something more to his taste.” The corners of Angus’ mouth turned up.

Alena whipped her head around and her ample frame shuddered when she saw Sir Dharwad pawing at another woman’s breast. She scrunched her face in a way that made it uglier than normal. Sweat began to accumulate in the creases of her forehead. Angus had distracted one sister and the other’s seemed to have had enough wine to keep them occupied. Angus was ready to slip away and if anyone saw him, they would forget it by daybreak.

****

Angus Blake met Rufus behind the servant’s quarters. He shed his clothes, which carried his family crest and Rufus tossed them in a crude fire set for the purpose of destroying evidence. He donned a heavy wool coat and black woolen pants and shirt. Finally, he donned a leather tunic. They were warm and allowed him to go unnoticed. A leather sack carried supplies and his horse Engel was loaded with enough rations to start his journey. Angus patted his chest to make sure his mother’s ring was with him. He wore it around his muscular neck where it would remain till he put it on the finger of his fair lass.

Sleet was pelting Angus’ leather tunic as it came at him sideways. “It will not be until mid-day that my absence is noticed.” Angus looked back to make sure Rufus was behind him. He had to scream to be heard over the howling winds. “They will send men after us but we will be at Black Cairn Hill by then.”

“The Tay will be waiting on the other side of the hill and they’ll be happy to stuff and mount ye in their great hall. Lord Donald Blake’s son will make quite the catch.”

“Aye, fierce opponents indeed but if we can turn a few they will make excellent comrades.”

“How will we know to trust the right enemies?” Rufus managed although the cold had nearly sealed his gob shut.

“I can smell a liar with my eyes shut Rufus. You if any should know that. Before my Mother died, she told that a quest would be the only way I would find my fair lass. I will be able to tell if it she immediately.”

“Pardon my asking but what if she isn’t willing?”

Angus laughed at his servant’s absurdity, nearly falling off his horse.

****

Through rocky fields and near vertical climbs, the men made it beyond the fortress at Clatchard Craig. What lie ahead was Black Cairn Hill, Newburgh and more enemies that neither Angus nor Rufus could count. They decided to find shelter at dawn and rest until mid-day when it was safer to advance.

“You say you are my faithful servant. Does that mean you brought me something soft upon which to lay my weary head?” Angus joked.

“I’d say ye should roll up your coat but you’d freeze if you took it off. If looking common was your goal Sir, I should say you have succeeded. Going unnoticed in this crevasse until things quiet down will be a good start to our journey if we don’t get noticed while we rest.”

“We rest? Sorry Rufus but you will stand guard as I sleep. You must fall to my service with the surety that someday you will be rewarded.” Laird Angus Blake slept more comfortably in his feather bed but he slept soundly knowing that his quest had begun. In his ears, he shoved cotton to guard from the frigid breeze reaching his insides. It was a trick his Mother, Lady Blair had taught him when he was a boy.

Angus woke up to a blade laid firmly upon his neck. He glanced to see Rufus shivering outside the cave. Having known the man so long, he could tell the situation was dire. He pulled the cotton out of his ears and he saw a woman above him. She was speaking but he did not hear a word as her beauty stunned him. Black curls framed her face while the rest of her locks cascaded softly down her back. Her eyes were violet and her skin like porcelain. The lass was strong as she held the sword and did not let up when begged. She owned the space she occupied in a way he had never seen. When Angus listened to her words, he was awed.

“I think you come from Lord Donald Blake’s Manor house. Is that so?”

“No. We are weary travelers who took a rest before conquering Black Cairn Hill. We have no business with those who dwell in the manor. If that were true what would bring us beyond the fortress that is meant to protect us?” Angus looked deep in her eyes, in a way that made her uncomfortable.”

“It is not for me to answer your questions. What I know, is that you stand little chance of making past the Tay to get to the other side. If you are, travelers then what are you travelling for?

“We are on a quest,” Rufus chimed in. Angus shot him a harsh glance, as he was the one to do the talking.

The woman’s eyes sparkled as she spoke and she used hand gestures, made with elegant hands and slender forearms. Fat wrist or fat ankles were a sign that one’s background was that of a laborer or commoner. She was strong but delicate.

“I don’t believe a word coming out of your mouth except perhaps that you are not from Lord Donald Blake’s estate. You have dirt under your fingernails and carry nothing of worth except for that sword I see sitting against the cave wall. It looks like it has sapphire gems on the handle.” She fingered Angus’ sword, which he named Evangeline. His sister Maisie gave it a name when she was young and he had no reason to change it. She looked at the dazzling handle, which did not come close in splendor to the violet shade of her eyes. He thought that even the finest amethyst would not come close.

“We are from near the estate and we are on a quest to find my sister who has been taken by the Tay.” As Angus told his lies, Rufus stood still as he anticipated his role. “I am Ewan and this is my,” Angus hesitated for a moment as he knew he couldn’t say Rufus was his servant. “Brother Buff.”

“Yup that’s me his brother Buff.” Rufus was sure to mess up the names and forget that he wasn’t a servant. He wished Angus did not have to tell such a confusing story. The strange woman seemed good enough to be a wife. He should simply drag her back to the estate and call it done.

Again came her melodic voice and the first nugget of information about her, which Angus had been craving. “I am Maighreed MacKnabb from Newburgh of the MacDuff Clan. Most call me Mai; I suppose you can too. I have not seen a taken woman who might be your sister. I would notice someone held against their will and lend my hand to any such woman in need.”

Mai was alone, which wasn’t an often sight. A man especially in the case of a beautiful woman like Mai often accompanied ladies.

“You represent an opportunity to us Mai,” Angus spoke carefully. “We think our sister may be kept in your village against her will. If you can give us shelter for a day or two, we can see for ourselves.”

Her eyes cast a suspicious gaze on Angus. “You are asking me to harbor a spy. How will I explain you to my Father who is not well? He spends his days in my small stone house, confined to a chair, as he’s unable to use his legs.”

“You’re a clever woman. I’m sure you can come up with something.”

“Hmm. What do I get in return for my kindness?”

Mai was proving to be a shrewd negotiator. Angus liked the challenge. He knew little of this woman with a mind of her own.

“I will have to confer with my brother Buff about what we have to offer.”

“I will step out for a moment as you two discuss what I get in return for allowing you to seek shelter under my roof.” She confidently strode out to the ledge. If she slipped she would plunge to her death. Mai wasn’t worried about the terrifying height as most men would be. Fearlessness was another quality Mai had and Angus noticed.”

Angus looked to make sure the lass was out of earshot before speaking to Rufus. “How many silver pieces did you bring from the manor?”

Rufus reached into his pocket and Angus heard a clinking sound, which he took to be a good sign. Rufus pulled out his spindly hand revealing a few baubles and a key.

“What is that crap man? I asked how many silver pieces you brought for our journey. I didn’t ask to see your luck charms.”

“We were to appear as paupers and as such I brought no silver.” Rufus had all the wrong answers.

“You clod. I would ask what you were thinking but I see that you weren’t thinking at all!” Angus wanted to clock Rufus but he had said he was his brother and it was important to uphold the charade. As the men argued, Mai came back into the cave and threw her hands in the air.

“It doesn’t matter how much you pay me; none of us is having shelter other than this cave tonight. A storm is approaching and by the time it passes, it will be nightfall. We will have to sleep here together tonight.”

Angus looked disappointed but the prospect of being alone in a tight space with Mai was welcome news. The fierce winds and pelting sleet were a blessing.