Page 72 of Deception of a Highlander

“Did you have to come often?” Mariel asked, scanning the faces of the women and children. They did not appear frightened, as if this were normal to them.

“Far too often. The MacLeods launch attacks on us frequently and have done so for over one hundred and fifty years.”

“Why so long?” Mariel asked, alarmed.

Blair smoothed the hair from Dougal’s brow and patted his cheek. “According to legend, a MacDonald warrior killed a MacLeod laird by accident. The MacLeod’s did not believe the act was unintentional, and the clans have been fighting ever since.” Her smirk indicated how she felt about the feud. “It’s one of the reasons I prefer to live away from the castle. I am not surprised there is an attack the night I return.” Blair’s hand squeezed Mariel’s arm gently. “Don’t worry. It will be over within the hour.”

“Take up yer arms, lasses!” Innes’s cry echoed from the curved staircase.

The old woman’s hair flew wild around her face, and a battle axe glinted in her fist. “This isna an ordinary attack. Hundreds of MacLeods storm our shores. We must defend our homes.”

Activity exploded around Mariel. Women secured smaller children into the care of older ones. Cries filled the air while mothers and grandmothers left the room, and arguments broke out among women who wanted to go and were told they should not.

Amid the commotion of bravery and fierce protection, all Mariel could focus on was Kieran and what needed to be said. She must find him.

“I have to go,” she said.

“To fight?” Blair’s brow furrowed.

“I have to see Kieran.”

Blair considered her for a moment. “That’s not a good idea, Mariel.” She pursed her lips. “But I don’t think you care if it’s a good idea or not. Come back quickly, aye?”

Mariel nodded and raced up the stairs. She shoved through the heavy doors of the cellar and left safety behind her. Chaos roared around her as men, boys and several women rushed about with weapons brandished. Shouts rang out, giving orders and securing positions.

And then she saw the very person who could help her above all others. “Colin,” she cried and ran in his direction.

His surprise turned to a frown. “Mariel, ye shouldna be here. Get down in the cellar with the others.”

“I can’t,” she gasped. “I need your help. I have to see Kieran.” Several people bumped into her as she waited for his response. None was given. “I’m going to find him with or without your help,” she added defiantly.

The corner of his lip quirked up in a lopsided grin. “Ye always know how to get what ye want, dinna ye?” He pressed a dirk into her hand. “If ye are going to be out, ye might as well be protected.”

Mariel accepted the blade with a forced smile. Once she was done with Kieran, Colin would doubtless regret his trust.

Colin led her through the throngs of people to the castle’s inner walls, where a blast of cold wind stung her cheeks and made her eyes water.

Desperate now, she scanned the warriors until she saw Kieran’s proud stance in the distance. Her stomach knotted. Fear spiked her fluttering heart.

He stood at the apex of the wall. The moon etched shadows on his face, lending a darkness that she had never seen in him before. His voice was strong and commanded authority as he called out orders with confidence that would not be questioned or ignored. He looked every bit the barbarian leader she had been sent to kill.

His dark eyes fixed on her, and suddenly his expression became all the more fierce if such a thing were possible. He moved forward with a quiet strength, his taut body graceful as a predator as he stalked toward her.

His fist darted out and grasped Colin by the leine. “What the hell is she doing here?” he growled.

Colin shrugged. “Ye know she would have found ye anyway. I simply made her journey quicker and less dangerous.”

Kieran shifted his glare to Mariel. A man ran into her and knocked her off balance as he ran to where the men gathered along the castle wall. Kieran steadied her and narrowed his eyes.

Perhaps this had not been a good idea after all.

Colin had disappeared, and they were alone. Now was the perfect opportunity.

Mariel’s heart turned to ice in her chest, and the words she needed to say grew thick on her tongue. “Kieran…”

She swallowed her fear. If she did not tell him now, she might not have the courage to do so again.

She would tell him…everything.