Shifter’s Baby (Alpha Fantasy Paranormal Billionaire Shifter BBW Romance) (97 page)

Chapter Three

Icicles formed over the entrance to the cave and there was only shelter from the wind in a tiny corner of the den. When it was time to choose someone to stand guard Angus nudged Rufus.

“I am wide awake as I slept well last night.” Rufus looked to Mai. “Why don’t you and Angus shield yourselves from the gusts in the far side of the den and I’ll be the lookout.”

Mai’s head whipped around causing her raven locks to follow. “You said Angus when he said his name was Ewan. I am about to spend the night with my body next to yours.” She pointed at Angus. “Did you lie about something as simple as your name?”

“Buff spoke wrong which is not the first time.” He leaned in and whispered to Mai. “He’s slightly dimwitted but we don’t usually correct his blunders. I am Ewan as I said.”

“Do you and Buff come with a sur name?” Mai asked pointedly.

“You mean a family name?” Sweat began to form beneath Angus’ leather tunic.

“Yes, the one passed down by your mum and dad. I’m certain we all have one if we are humans. Dogs or other animals usually don’t have one unless their owners are the peculiar type.”

“Cobb. We are the Cobbs from Dunfermline.”

“Oh!” Mai exclaimed. “My Dad knows the Cobbs from Dunfermline. If you make it that far he will talk your ear off with stories of yore. He may even know your Dad. Imagine that.”

Angus sensed that Mai knew he and Rufus were liars. The story of her Father knowing Cobb’s might have been meant to cause them worry. It worked because Rufus was twitching as he did when he was nervous. Angus walked to the far corner of the shelter.

“I will give you my coat Mai. A head as lovey as yours should not rest on stone.” Angus took off his coat and started to wad up the garment to make a pillow.

“I don’t feel like waking up next to a corpse and you will surely freeze to death without your coat. Chivalry in cases such as this are unnecessary but I thank you for the gesture.”

Mai took her long blue and yellow plaid cloak and wrapped it around her body. Her curves were accentuated when she laid down to rest. Angus had never seen a woman so perfect fully clothed and knew that naked, she would astound him.

“I shall do the same and wrap myself in my coat. May I be so bold as to say we lie close together to share body heat?” Angus barely got the words out, when Rufus appeared next to them he appeared more flustered than normal.

“Like little bugs but getter larger by the second, I see a swarm of men advancing up the hill. Damn Angus, how did they know we were here and what the hell do they want?”

“Shit man. My name is Ewan.”

“Damn I forgot again.”

His name and what Mai believed to be true were the least of his worries at that point. He had not expected his father to send out a search team so soon. Mai stood up and threw her cloak on pulling her hood down tight.

“We have no time for explanations. It does not matter who you are, how many pieces of silver you have or what you intentions might be. The men are not looking for you but me and we have to get out of here. Climbing up this mountain might be treacherous for us but it’s all in a day’s work for them. The unstable path and the cutting winds do not slow their advance.” Mai peeked her head over the ledge to see for herself the advancing brigade. A look of concern came over her. “I know this terrain and a way to outwit Lord Harper’s men. There is a back route down the mountain into Newburgh. We will make it to my stone cottage where we will be safe while I contemplate my next move.”

Mai had a way of giving orders and taking control that rivaled clan leaders. Angus and Rufus fell in line without question.

“I wager to guess that you left your horses at the bottom of the mountain. Are they well hidden?”

“Yes. They are hitched to a tree behind an abandoned blind,” Rufus managed to get the words out as his trembles got worse. Angus realized he had to calm down his servant. He pulled him aside and whispered in his ear.

“You can’t fail me now Rufus. It’s times like this when you have to prove your worth. I reward those loyal to me and you don’t want to find out what I do to those who are not.” Angus had a grip on his arm so tight that it left an imprint of his hand. Hopefully, it would remain for days to remind him of his duties.

With satchels packed and slung over their back, the trio began their journey down the back of the rocky outcrop. Mai, Angus and Rufus got away before the first of Lord Harper’s men arrived. They left behind nothing that would have identified them. The men would believe they were wrong about Mai’s whereabouts.

“Mai,” Angus said as he followed her close behind. He had never relied on a woman before except his mother when he was a child.

“What is it Ewan or Angus?”

“Why is Lord Grey Harper searching for you? It must be important because he’s going to great lengths to get his hands on you.”

“You have that right he wants to get his pudgy hands all over my breasts. His bloodshot eyes have been there since I was 12 years old. Have you ever laid eyes on the man?”

“I have not and it sounds like I wouldn’t want to.”

Mai climbed over jagged rocks as if they were mere anthills. Angus and Rufus labored to keep pace. “No you would not want to be in the same room with Lord Harper. He once lost a young woman whom he loved and years later, he has chosen me as her replacement of sorts. He’s old as these rocks on which we climb. Lord Harper has cracked teeth and a bulbous red nose.” Mai shuddered. “Even speaking of him repulses me.”

“Are you promised to Lord Harper?”

“I am to be his wife. He has hobbled my father and me with taxes and he threatens to take our home away. If I marry him he will rescue us from poverty and vows to take care of my invalid Father.”

Loyalty
, Angus added it to Mai’s amazing qualities. They reached the town of Newburgh safely and Rufus seemed to regain his composure. Angus’ harsh words had their intended effect. They still had to make it through town unnoticed. Angus knew that he and Rufus were fine. They were dirty and far enough away from the Blake Estate to not be tracked by his father’s men or noticed as anything other than commoners.

“I told you about my troubles. When we get to my house I will offer you something hot to eat and your friend too.” Mai gave Angus a look that made sure he knew she was serious. “Then you will tell me your tale. I hope you don’t think me daft; the two of you are not brothers. You bear no resemblance to each other.” Mai’s look softened and she smiled.

Chapter Four

The tiny stone cottage sat among similar structures in a windswept briar patch. It was lit by a lantern inside but what was most appealing was the chimney. It spewed smoke and smelled of peat. The prospect of being warmed by a fire made Angus’ mouth water. He continued to follow Mai whose pace had quickened with home in sight. She pushed open the front door.

“Father!” Mai threw her arms around a frail man sitting by the fire. “I told you I would be home and I brought along friends.” Mai glanced back at the motley duo. “I think they are friends. I do know they’re not enemies.”

“You make me laugh daughter. There is not a boring day with you around.” The man’s eyes twinkled in Mai’s presence and he didn’t look so frail any longer. “Am I to assume Mai, that you have escaped the hands of Lord Grey Harper yet again?”

“Tis so. These men are unsure of their names.” Mai chuckled. “They are about to tell their tale over a cup of hot soup.”

“The kettle is boiling over the fire. Let’s see what you dragged home now.”

Mai pulled out a bench for Angus and Rufus to sit on which they used immediately. Angus took a sip of wine Mai’s father provided and cleared his throat before telling his story. He was hesitant but he trusted Mai.

“My name is laird Angus Blake. I am the son of Lord Donald Blake of Fife and this skinny man is my faithful servant Rufus. I fled my father’s estate after the death of my beloved Mother Lady Blair. When she died my father’s kind heart passed with her. I believe it is some type of insanity.” Angus looked to see Mai and her Father stunned at his reveal. “There is more. I’m not looking for my lost sister because they are all at the home estate. I’m the only son of Donald and Blair so it is up to me to produce and heir. My quest is to find a wife that will rule the kingdom with me as taught by my Mother.”

There was no response. Mai didn’t throw herself at Angus’ feet begging to be his bride. Her Father didn’t beg him to rescue them from their state of poverty. In the rear of his mind, he desired them to plead desperately for his help but there were only puzzled looks. Mai looked bored as she twirled her black hair with her finger.

“Lady Blair was your mother.”

“Yes Mai. Did you know my mother?”

“Oh no.” She got away from the fire because it was getting too warm. With a pull of the sash that encircled her neck, her cloak fell to the ground. “I only know Lady Blair as the woman who broke the heart of Lord Grey Harper. He would sour at the thought of my spending time with you.” Mai smiled.

“I know it pleases you to cause ire with Lord Harper but it isn’t wise to antagonize the man.”

Mai looked angry as she pulled at the laces on her dress, which displayed her décolletage. “I know you’re right father.” Mai looked to Angus. “You do not have to worry Angus. I will not use you to anger Lord Harper. Perhaps I will think of a woman to be an appropriate match so you’ll not go back to the estate empty handed.”

Angus was ready to interrupt and state what he thought to be obvious; Mai would be a splendid wife, Lady and mother to his heir. Either Mai was playing coy or she wasn’t as smart as he thought. It was likely the former. Mai’s father Cox MacKnabb was beginning to nod off.

“Tonight you will be a great deal more comfortable than you would have been in the cave.” Mai padded around the room in her stocking feet as she had taken her boots off. Even her feet were perfect. “I have some blankets that we use for the dobbin. They are clean and you can make yourself a place in front of the fire. Father remains in his chair at night and I occupy the only bedroom. I would advise you Angus, to keep your fancy sword by your side. Lord Harper keeps an eye on our cottage. If he finds out you are here he will attack; and we don’t want that.”

Angus tugged at her sleeve before she went into her room. She jumped. “Oh, I didn’t see you there.”

“Thank you Mai. I lied to you and still you invited me into your cottage and fed me. I will repay the kindness someday.” His gaze fell to her breasts that were pouring out of her dress. Mai parted Angus’ lips with her elegant fingers and gave him a smoldering kiss.

“You can repay my kindness by being a guest in my bed tonight. Tomorrow you must leave with your servant. I will face my life with Lord Harper knowing that I had one night of passion with a man that matters.”

Angus was about to speak but she covered his mouth with her luscious lips and led him into her room.

****

Angus woke up as the sun rose over Black Carin Hill in the distance. He reached over with his muscular arm and felt Mai. It had not been a dream and although he had been with women before, none had come close to Mai. His Mother told him to seek a wife that would complete his world. As Angus tangled his fingers in her thick black hair, he knew he had found that woman. Mai was not awake yet so he stayed quiet so as not to disturb her. Her naked body and silky skin were laid out before him. He felt as though she was heaven sent as he watched her chest rise and fall with each breath. Wind caused the shutter to shake which made Mai stir.

“If I open my eyes will I see you or have I been dreaming?” Mai purred.

“We are sharing the same dream. It is a dream come true that I never imagined. Fate brought me to you Mai and I shall die if this was our only night together. If that were to happen I would die a satisfied man.”

When they cracked open the door, neither Angus nor Mai, knew what would happen. Surely, Rufus and Cox knew they were in bed together. It was nothing to be ashamed of, as they were both consenting. Desire of the flesh and perhaps more had been unavoidable. It was risky behavior, as she was promised to Lord Harper but worth it nonetheless.

Mai laid her head on Angus’ strong chest where his mother’s emerald ring still dangled from a chain. “Are you going to explain what hangs around your neck Angus? I have scratches on my body from the gem so I believe an explanation is owed.”

Angus was about to explain the ring and its importance when they heard clamoring in the other room. Mai’s violet eyes widened as she struggled to throw on a slip. Angus pulled up his trousers and went to grab his sword when he realized he left it propped beside the hearth. Angus screamed for Rufus but got no reply.

The door to the bedroom was thrown open and a dozen men wearing armor with swords drawn entered the room.

“In the name of Lord Grey Harper we have come to take Maighreed MacKnabb. Do not try to defend her or we will kill Cox MacKnabb in her presence. They put their gloved hands on Mai and treated her as a stuffed doll as they dragged her off the bed into a waiting wagon. Her father had already been thrown in the rear.

“This action will not be tolerated. In the name of the Kingdom of Fife, I implore you to let the lass free. She is not an animal at auction and should not be treated as such. If you harm a hair on her head or on that of Cox MacKnabb, you and your Lord will pay with your lives.”

The men dragged out Mai with barely her slip to cover her body. As tears streamed down her porcelain face, she managed to speak. “I shall never forget you Angus. One night with you, my true love will last me a lifetime.”