Highlander Oath Of The Beast Read online

  His loving words astonished her. That she loved him astonished her. “Never would I have believed this possible. I thought you a savage, my enemy for so many years, and now… my heart would shatter if I lost you.” She sniffled back her tears. “So you will take care to keep yourself safe.”

  “Is that an order, wife?” he asked with a teasing smile.

  “It’s a plea,” she said softly.

  “And I will do my best to see it so,” he whispered and kissed her.

  Raven had no use for further talk. Her only interest was making love with her husband. Somehow it was different now—now that she knew he loved her. She held on to his neck when he placed her on the bed. It didn’t matter, he followed her down. He felt as she did. He didn’t want to let go.

  She cherished the tenderness of his touch and the way his lips traced where his hands had been. Though he had touched her in a familiar way before tonight, it somehow felt different. Or was it that she felt different? It wasn’t only passion that stirred in her, it was love and it made more of a difference than she had expected.

  “Please don’t stop,” she urged when his hands and lips stilled. He looked at her with an intensity in his dark eyes that made her shiver. “You feel it, don’t you?”

  Wolf nodded. “I’ve never felt it before.”

  “I haven’t either,” she confessed. “I never knew it could be so amazing, but then I’ve never been in love before you.”

  “Nor I before you,” he admitted. “We belong to each other, you and me, forever and always.”

  “That’s fine with me,” she agreed and sighed when his hands and lips continued to explore her.

  Wolf didn’t intend to rush this special time. He wanted to give her a memory that would last forever, one that would live long in her mind and heart, and his as well. And he hoped his seed would take root tonight so that their child would be conceived with love.

  Raven wanted to linger in their lovemaking forever, wanted to let the passion seep deep inside her along with his shaft. She hurried his hands away and pushed him on his back to mount him, fumbling to slip him inside her.

  Wolf’s hands went to her waist and he lifted and maneuvered her so he could easily enter her. His hands went to her breasts as she rode him and she loved the feel of his strong hands squeezing her breasts and the way his thumbs played across her nipples. Her head fell back as pleasurable moans spilled from her lips.

  He would never get enough of this woman—he loved—who stirred him to life with one look, one touch. He couldn’t keep his hands off her and he loved that she welcomed his every touch. He slipped his hands down along to rest at her slim waist. He could let her remain riding him, but the ache to take command was too strong. His hands tightened at her waist and with one swift flip he had her on her back, barely disturbing his shaft inside her.

  It wasn’t long after their movements turned demanding that he knew neither of them would last. He leaned down and swiped her lips with a rough kiss. “Together, wife.”

  “Aye, husband,” she confirmed and gripped his upper arms, meeting his every pounding demand.

  Raven cried out at the exact moment her husband let loose with a roar, and it was several minutes before their senses calmed and Wolf collapsed on top of her and rolled onto his back, taking her with him to rest on top of him. He kept his arms locked around her as their hearts pounded and their breaths labored.

  “That was magnificent,” she said after a few moments.”

  “Thank you,” Wolf said and chuckled when she poked him in the side with her elbow.

  “Need I remind you that you were not in it alone,” she scolded teasingly.

  His hands cupped her face and he kissed her. “You’re always magnificent, wife, and even more so since you finally admit you love me.”

  She laughed and he captured her mouth in another quick kiss before she could argue with him. Then his arm went around her as he eased them both to their side and quickly reached down to untangle the blankets and pull them up over them.

  “I’ll let you have that one,” she said, snuggling against him once he settled beside her and she yawned as she slipped her leg between his two. “I’m too tired to point out you told me you loved me first.”

  He laughed and pressed a kiss to the top of her head and he wasn’t surprised when only a few moments later she was sound asleep. He soon followed into a peaceful and much satisfied slumber.

  Wolf didn’t know what woke him, though it could have been the crackle and pop from the fire in the hearth until he realized what it was… his wife wasn’t beside him. He turned on his side ready to jump out of bed when he saw her. She paced before the hearth in her shirt. Her dark hair was half pinned to her head and the other half fell haphazardly around her face and neck. She looked deep in thought and that proved true when she didn’t even notice when he got out of bed and approached her.

  “Raven,” he said softly to catch her attention, afraid he’d alarm her if he touched her, she appeared so deep in thought. When she didn’t respond, his tone turned demanding. “Raven!”

  She jumped and stared at him, shaking her head. “I’m missing something, something I saw and yet didn’t quite understand. It’s there right in front of me, but I can’t see it.”

  His arm found its way around her and he eased her against him. “Leave it be and it will come to you.”

  She shook her head again. “It’s important. It will make things clear.”

  “The more you fight it, the more it will elude you.” He walked her to the bed.

  “It’s not just one thing. I know it’s not. There are pieces and if I can put them together, I will know what I’m seeing,” she insisted and raised her arms as he slipped her shirt off.

  “Sleep and perhaps a dream will show you the way,” he suggested and turned back the blanket for her to slip under.

  “True—a dream—a dream just might show me the way.” She eagerly snuggled under the blanket, returning to his arms once he joined her.

  Wolf ignored the arousal that stirred his shaft. His wife was too anxious with what she had on her mind and he’d not bother her with his sudden need when she needed the benefit sleep would bring her. He settled around her, hoping sleep would claim him quickly.

  Unfortunately, it wasn’t long before she turned restless, tossing and turning.

  He kept his eyes closed, lying still, hoping his calm might settle her, until he felt a tap to his cheek and he opened his eyes to see her face planted close to his.

  “I need to sleep and dream,” she said as if he had the answer to her problem. “A fast one, then you can go back to sleep.”

  “Are you asking me to make love to you?”

  “You don’t have to fuss, just a good pounding that will wear me out and let me sleep,” she explained, making it sound a simple request. Her hand hurried to take a strong hold of his shaft. “I felt you stir against me, so it shouldn’t be a chore for you.”

  “Making love to you is never a chore, but if you want it fast, then I suggest you tease him hard,” he said with a nod toward her hand beneath the blanket.

  “I can do that,” she said.

  She did much too good of a job and it wasn’t long before Wolf couldn’t take much more, he yanked her to her hands and knees on the bed. “Grab the board, I’m going to give you what you want.”

  She was glad she did since he kept his word and it wasn’t long before they both climaxed together once again. And it wasn’t long after that, that they fell asleep, both completely spent.

  “I don’t need to be watched over,” Raven argued the next morning, after stepping outside.

  Wolf turned a generous smile on her. “Your brother, Arran, would disagree.”

  She slipped out of his arms, annoyed his smile alone could flutter her stomach, but he caught her around the waist before she could get far and eased her back into his embrace.

  “My men and yours will stick close with you whether you like it or not. I’m not finished,�
�� he warned when she went to protest. “Take pity on me, wife, and do as I say, since I love you far too much to lose you.”

  The flutters in her stomach multiplied and she jabbed him in the chest. “That’s not fair.”

  “Fair or not, wife, it is true, and,” he said his voice taking on a note of command, “I expect you to spare my poor heart and not purposely lose the men who follow you, since your men made it very clear that you could escape the guards anytime you wanted to.”

  “I need to talk with my men,” she mumbled.

  “Your men worry about you as much as I do. You are well-loved and protected by those who care for you. Keep that in mind.

  “I will not cause any problems today,” she said in peaceful surrender.

  A small chuckle slipped out with his smile. “I’ll believe that when you’re in my arms in bed tonight.”

  She kissed his cheek and whispered, “If you change that to you’ll believe that when you’re inside me in bed tonight, then I will make sure no trouble finds me today.” She went to flee his arms and he yanked her back against him.

  “I will definitely see to that and I look forward to a worry free day.” A quick kiss to her cheek and Wolf left her side.

  “Change is in the air.”

  Raven turned to see Detta standing not far from her. “How so?” she asked, walking over to the woman.

  “You and Lord Wolf appear to be getting along and anger no longer lingers in your eyes.” Detta took a step and faltered.

  Raven was quick to steady her with a firm hand. “You shouldn’t be outside with so much snow on the ground and you shouldn’t walk the hill to the keep. Ice hides in spots beneath the snow.”

  “Lars helped me make my way and will do the same when I am ready to return.”

  “What brings you out of the keep?” Raven asked.

  “Curiosity?”

  “Over the dead man?”

  Detta’s eyes shot wide. “How did you know?”

  “With Greta still residing in the keep with her son, I assume she told you about the dead man, hence your curiosity.”

  Detta bobbed her head. “Your mind is sharp, my lady.”

  “I believe yours is far sharper.”

  “I am nothing more than a humble servant,” Detta said, bobbing her head again.

  Raven didn’t believe that for a minute. There was more to her than a humble servant and she was going to figure out what it was sooner rather than later. She didn’t believe that Detta was connected with Brynjar. Too many, including Wolf, treated her as if they had known her for years.

  “It is good you’re curious about the dead man,” Raven said. “You might recognize him. Come, I’ll take you to the shed where he lies.”

  Raven thought the old woman might refuse her when she hooked her arm tighter with hers. But she didn’t. She nodded and went along with her, Raven keeping her steps slow and careful.

  Detta remarked on how well the clan was doing since Wolf became the new lord, pointing out the many improvements he’d made and how content the people seemed. Raven listened, asking only a few questions to show her interest. What truly captured her interest was the way the old woman spoke with pride about Wolf. Had Detta helped raise him as Bethany did her? Did she have some special place in his heart as Bethany did for her? Could that be why he sent Detta here to live and report to him what she learned? Did he have complete trust in her?

  Raven released her arm as soon as they entered the shed.

  Detta looked down at the men and wrinkled her brow.

  “Do you recognize him?” Raven asked, the quizzical look on the old woman’s face making it seem that she had.

  “I can’t say I do,” Detta said, “but there is something familiar about him, as if I’ve seen him before now.”

  “Could he have stopped here on his travels?” Raven suggested.

  The wrinkles in Detta’s brow turned deeper. “I suppose it’s possible, but I can’t truly recall if that is it. Hopefully, it will come to me in time.”

  “Unfortunately, time isn’t our friend at the moment.”

  Detta faltered again when they went to leave and Raven caught her again, holding her steady.

  “My leg, an old injury, and the cold weather doesn’t help it,” Detta explained.

  “Let me get you to the longhouse. You can rest and have a hot brew.” Raven didn’t give her a chance to reject the offer. With a firm arm around her, she led her out of the shed.

  She was near the longhouse when she caught sight of her husband and Lars talking and when his eyes spotted her, a quick look of concern crossed his face, but he wasn’t looking at her, his dark eyes were on Detta.

  Her husband and Lars started walking their way, though Raven kept walking to the longhouse, feeling the old woman’s steps weaken beside her.

  The shout echoed in the cold air. “ATTACK!”

  Arrows followed, flying through the air, and several were headed straight for Raven and Detta.

  Chapter 23

  Raven took Detta to the ground out of instinct, easing her impact with the strength of her arm.

  “Raven!”

  She turned hearing George’s shout, he had been assigned to follow her along with Hagen, and her hand shot out to grab the wooden shield that George tossed toward her and landed near her side. She raised it just in time, shielding herself and Detta, though an arrow came dangerously close to her leg. Not knowing how much time she had before another round of arrows hit, she all but lifted Detta off the ground and rushed her into the longhouse. She shut the door on the startled woman and turned to join the battle, only to find herself colliding with her husband.

  She braced herself, sensing from the worry in his stormy eyes that he was about to send her into the longhouse.

  “You have no sword,” he said.

  She could have kissed him. “George will see I get one.”

  He didn’t say another word, he turned and she followed him, taking a sword from George as he hurried to her.

  “No more arrows fly and no warriors engage,” she said, keeping an intent eye around her as they hurried through the village.

  “A small troop that my warriors probably already contain,” Wolf said and quickened his step, which she easily matched.

  Shouts led them in the right direction. They came to a stop just beyond the village border to the south, where anyone who approached could easily be seen by the guards posted at the top of the keep.

  Lars approached Wolf. “The fight was over before I arrived here. Your warriors had things well in hand, and thanks to Brod’s curiosity and quick action they never got off another round of arrows.”

  A glance at the scene told it all. Four men lay dead, arrows riddling their bodies. Their garments indicated they were mere travelers familiar with this land, their arrows and bows told a different story.

  Wolf summoned Brod with a firm command and the man hurried to him. “What happened?”

  “I saw that your men let them pass after asking if they could get food and drink here and with nothing to think them other than travelers, they were granted permission. I decided to follow them without them seeing me after noticing the way the one man kept adjusting the sack slung across his back. It’s a habit some men have when carrying a cache of arrows. I called out to them and that’s when they whipped out their hidden bows and arrows, and I roared out the alert. I stopped one, while the other three launched a round of arrows. Your men prevented them from launching anymore.” Brod shook his head. “They had to have known they wouldn’t survive this mission.”

  “I am indebted to you, Brod,” Wolf said.

  “Not at all. This is my home and I will see it kept safe,” Brod said, casting a glance to Raven and he was pleased to see her smile at him.

  “That is good to know, Brod,” Wolf said, pleased the man considered the tribe his home. It meant he would put down roots and be family.

  “Men are already combing the woods to see if any other warriors linger nearby,�
� Gorm said. “Word was received from the keep when the small group was first spotted, but as Brod said there was nothing to think them anything more than travelers. I will see that a more thorough search is conducted of any strangers who wish to enter the village.”

  “Brynjar sends a strong message,” Lars said.

  “And an obvious one,” Wolf said. “He doesn’t intend to stop until he gets what he wants and he is willing to sacrifice endless men to achieve his goal.”

  “Don’t even think of meeting with Brynjar anywhere but here surrounded by your warriors,” Raven warned as they left the group and made their way back to the longhouse. “His actions prove he has no intentions of negotiating.”

  “Brynjar never truly negotiates. He uses it as a ploy, so you have no worry of me doing that.” An urge to feel her close had him reaching out to take a strong hold of her hand.

  Raven responded, clutching his hand in return. “You can’t still think this is all to see me dead?”

  “No, there is definitely more to his intentions, though he plays the game as he usually does. He instills fear in people, making them wonder and worry of what’s to come next, who’s to suffer next, or who’s to die next. Fear can make people do foolish things and that’s what Brynjar counts on.”

  Raven laughed. “Then he has failed miserably since his men have been the only ones to die and the captive you took is willing to cooperate.”

  “A humorous conclusion,” he said though didn’t smile, “that once he realizes is bound to cause great anger.”

  A thought she had considered but hadn’t voiced. She did, however, speak of another concern. “The snowstorm didn’t seem to slow his men down.”

  “When the snow melts, I wouldn’t be surprised to find numerous bodies frozen dead from the cold. As you’ve seen for yourself, Brynjar’s warriors’ lives mean nothing to him. They live and die to serve him. He paces his men, sending the weakest or least dependable in first. Men like Sten and Toke. He limits how many he sends to accomplish a task, sending the more talented and reliable warriors later so by the time he arrives his target is worn down or left with little to defend. There is one thing your brother Arran realized that I believe Brynjar once again has failed to consider—”