Page 47 of The Dragon Laird’s Obsession

And he intended to keep that vow.

His mind wandered to Ailis one more time, a vivid image of her smile sliding into his thoughts then the soft sigh from her as he tasted her lips followed.

Gordon shook his head once, as though he could physically cast her from his mind. He could not afford any more distractions.

He could not afford to let Ailis sway his focus anymore.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Ailis heard about the raid before the sun had fully set. The news reached the keep with the riders, carried from mouth to mouth until the kitchens, the hall, and every passage seemed to hold the same frightened whisper.

The village had been attacked.

“Such a thing hasnae happened in years,” Jane told her as they strolled the halls. “Nay since the Dragon became laird after his uncle. The other clans fear him… They dare nae attack us, ever.”

“Then who would do this?” Ailis asked, even though the question bewildered everyone.

She stood beside the kitchen table with a bowl of barley in her hands, staring at nothing, wondering how Gordon would handle this. He rode out of the castle hours ago, and the tension had been evident in how the guards moved around, patrolling every corner of the grounds since then.

She listened to the servants talk about the raid, worry spiking through her as she pretended to stay calm.

“They took children, too?” Ailis set the bowl down so quickly that barley spilled over the rim.

“Aye,” someone responded.

“A lass. She was taken after they destroyed her parents’ cottage.”

“Do ye believe the Laird will find her?” another asked.

“Aye… The Laird always protects his own.”

Their hushed chatter continued as she tried to stay focused.

That lass will be so terrified, or worse, hurt.

Ailis could not sit still and do nothing. She had no idea what she could do, but sitting back was no better.

And I daenae wish to simply be sheltered while everyone else works.

“I need to help,” she said out loud before she could stop herself.

Jane caught her sleeve. “But how?”

“I can carry food, linen, or whatever is needed to the village and give it to those who need it. Surely, that has to count?”

Jane shook her head. “Aye… but I daenae think the Laird will want ye in the village, Ma’am. It is nay safe. They daenae ken who was responsible for the raid yet.”

Jane has a point, she thought. And besides, she still feared saddling a horse alone, so she would need a carriage.

Her frustration rose hot and helpless.

“I cannae simply sit here while people are cold and hungry.”

“Ye can still help, me dear…” Marion’s voice came gently from behind them.

Ailis turned and saw her in the doorway, her hands folded before her.

“Marion,” she exclaimed, lowering the bowl she held to walk to her.