Highlander's Rebellious Love Read online

  Patience sent him a nod. “That is most kind of you.” She took firmer hold of her reins. “I need to go speak with Edward.”

  “I will be here waiting impatiently for you,” he said with a flash of lust in his eyes and a brash grin.

  Patience had to smile at his audacious manner, the man could titillate, charm, and coax. It was no wonder women were drawn to him. Still, she could not help but wonder if there was much more to her husband than he allowed others to see.

  She was about to guide her horse away from his when she turned and said, “While your tongue can be foolish, it is also quite talented.”

  Hunter’s grin grew. “Oh, mo chridhe, you have yet to taste its many talents.”

  Patience shook her head and rode off, though could not stop the images that flooded her mind of just what those other talents could be.

  Chapter Ten

  The sky had turned golden, the sun near to setting when they crested a small hill and spotted the McCuil farm. From the distance, Patience could see a small cottage, two pens, and fields that appeared ready for planting. There was nothing that distinguished it from any other farm, except that the inhabitants were protected by the Dark Dragon.

  Patience was pulled out of her thoughts by Hunter’s blatant reminder that she now had a husband.

  “I am looking forward to bedding down with you tonight, wife,” Hunter said, easing his horse alongside hers.

  Patience wagged her finger at the farm in the distance. “I see no place for a private liaison tonight.”

  “A secluded spot can always be found.”

  “Impatient to have your way with me, are you?” she asked, tossing him a smile.

  “Ever since I caught first sight of you.”

  “So you have said and now remind me yet again. It is whether I truly believe you or not.”

  “You wound me, wife,” he said, slamming his hand against his chest.

  “Your heart wounds so easily?” she teased.

  “A man is no man, nor does he ever truly live if he refuses to open his heart and take the chance of having it broken or torn to pieces. And that goes for women as well.”

  “And have you ever had your heart broken or torn to pieces?” she asked.

  He laughed. “Broken hearts are common, especially among the very young. I was but six years when I suffered my first.”

  “Six years? First?”

  “I found women intriguing from an early age, but Liza wanted no part of me. She was, after all, an older woman of eight years.”

  Patience laughed.

  “I was nothing more than an annoying little pest to her and she told me so, thus breaking my heart. But surely you have suffered a broken heart or two when you were young or have broken some.”

  Patience shook her head. “Swords and fighting interested me more than love and lads. While other young lassies were smiling at the lads, I was punching them.”

  His hand reached out to rest on her leg and she realized then how often he touched her, innocent touches, comforting touches. His hand was always there, becoming all too familiar.

  He gave her leg a firm squeeze. “You are lucky then, for I will never break your heart or tear it to pieces.”

  “You are right,” she said sadness in her voice. “You will never do either to me, for you cannot break a heart or tear one to pieces when no love exists.” She rode ahead toward the cottage, fighting back tears that had suddenly threatened to consume her. She rarely cried and she would not start now. What did it matter that she had not gotten the chance to marry for love? She had married for much more. She would rule her clan and she would keep her clansmen safe.

  She realized then that she had been wrong... he had broken her heart. He broke it the day he wed her.

  Patience swallowed back the tears that fought their way to her eyes. Never would she let him see her cry—never. She blinked several times to clear her eyes and as she did, she took note of how quiet the farm seemed. It was then she noticed that the pens were empty. There was not an animal in sight, nor was there movement about. She slowed her horse and brought her hand up for her men to ease their approach.

  Hunter reached her before Edward did.

  “It is too quiet,” Hunter said his eyes attentive as he looked around.

  Edward flanked her other side. “The place looks abandoned.”

  Patience turned to Hunter. “Would there be a reason for that?”

  “I cannot think of what would make them take flight.” Hunter rubbed his chin. “It makes no sense. They are well protected. Why would they leave their home?”

  Patience had explained to her men the reason for their detour before returning home. Each and every one of them had expressed their support in helping to find Heather, though she had heard apprehension in their voices, and had seen it on their faces when the Dark Dragon had been mentioned.

  She turned to Edward. “Take some warriors and check the surrounding area. I will see to the cottage, and see that a warrior stays by Una McLaud.”

  Edward nodded and rode off.

  Hunter’s hand shot out to grip her wrist with more strength than usual. “I will go with you, but first you will tell me why unshed tears linger in your eyes.”

  Patience yanked her wrist free, annoyed at his sharp eyes. She would have to remember that he saw more than she realized.

  “And do not attempt to deny it. I know the glare of unshed tears when I see it.”

  “Is that because you caused the unshed tears?” she snapped her annoyance spiking, for though his tone was firm, as if he would not be denied an answer, concern was also there.

  “I will not deny that I have caused a few, and I will not deny that I would be extremely angry with myself if I caused your unshed tears.” He reached out once again, took hold of her hand and brought it to his lips for a gentle kiss. “Now tell me, mo chridhe, what I have done, so that I can make it right.”

  Damn him for making her heart flutter and damn him for having seen her unshed tears. She never showed weakness to anyone and that he should see it in her made her angry, though not at him... with herself. And at the moment anger would serve no purpose. She was on a mission and that came first.

  She slipped her hand out of his and with a sharp, curt tongue said, “You cannot make it right.” She tugged at her reins, but his hand was on hers quick to stop her and the strength of his grip was far stronger than before. More and more she was realizing that there was more to her husband than he allowed others to see.

  “I can and I will.”

  “We have no time for this nonsense,” she snapped. “Take your hand off me.”

  “Promise me we will discuss this later.”

  She tried to free her hand and found his grip impossible to budge. She turned blazing green eyes on him. “Do not make me tell you again to release me.”

  His hand moved off hers and his blue eyes suddenly blazed as brightly as hers. “We will discuss this later whether you wish to or not.”

  She rode off without answering him and he followed, taking a moment to calm his anger. He had somehow hurt her and it had not been his intention. His firm grip had not helped matters. He had to remember that she was a warrior, a woman of strength, though beneath was a woman yet to blossom and that was who, he was certain, he had hurt. He would find out and he would make it up to her.

  Patience was dismounting when Hunter joined her. She looked over at him. “How many people reside here?’

  “Five,” he said once off his horse. “Noble McCuil, Ewan’s oldest of four sons, Mary, Noble’s wife, and their three children; Ella the eldest at ten years, Paul, eight years, and Trent the youngest at six years.” Hunter glanced around. “There are usually other people about as well. Those from surrounding farms come to visit or offer Noble a hand, hoping it will help get them into the Dark Dragon’s good graces.”

  Hunter stepped in front of Patience as she went to approach the door. “Let me. I am a friend.”

  She nodded and waited as
he knocked before opening the door and stepping inside. It was only a moment before he waved her in. A quick glance around the fair-sized room was all it took to see that it was empty. Uneaten food was left sitting on the table, though the fire had been doused in the hearth. On a closer look, Patience saw that all clothing, bedding, and personal items were gone.

  “They left in a hurry,” Patience said.

  A shout from Edward had Patience and Hunter hurrying out of the cottage to see her warriors escorting an old man with long white hair toward them. His gait was slow and his shoulders hunched. That was until he turned his head and his eyes settled on something, and then suddenly it was as if he became a different man. He straightened to a height a head above Edward and his hunched shoulders turned broad, his chest wide, and his stance proud. No longer was he an old man who needed help or protection, but a seasoned warrior to deal with cautiously.

  “Una?” the man said, squinting his eyes as if he could not believe it was her.

  Beast took a protective stance in front of Una. His broad chest wide and his mouth raised in a snarl.

  “Ewan,” Una called out, her eyes squinting as well as if trying to confirm it was him and, when satisfied that it was, she patted Beast’s head to let him know all was well and hurried over to the man.

  The tall, white-haired warrior spread his arms and welcomed her with a tight embrace.

  Watching them, Patience thought they appeared like long lost lovers, leaving her to wonder. She followed alongside Hunter as he approached the pair.

  With an arm still around Una, the man extended his hand to Hunter.

  “It has been some time, Ewan,” Hunter said, giving his hand a hardy shake.

  “Too long,” Ewan agreed and looked down at Una. “I am startled to see your mother here. Greer had told Noble that she had taken ill. I am pleased to see she has recovered.”

  Una shook her head. “I have not been ill.”

  Ewan’s brow knitted and he looked to Hunter. “What goes on and why are you with a troop of Macinnes warriors?”

  Hunter slipped his arm around Patience’s waist. “Ewan McCuil, I am pleased and honored to introduce you to my wife Patience Macinnes.”

  Patience had to smile at the way Ewan’s aged, though sharp eyes sprang so wide that she thought they would pop from his head.

  “I do not know if I should congratulate you or give my condolences to the lass.”

  Una slapped his chest. “Mind your manners, Ewan McCuil.”

  Ewan took hold of her hand. “You have to admit, Una, it is shocking news to hear.”

  “But true nonetheless,” she said, “and I am proud to call Patience my daughter.”

  Ewan nodded as if properly chastised. “Then I offer your son and his wife a long life and many children.” He could not help but grin and chuckle. “Of that I have no doubt.”

  Una slapped him again. “You speak your mind as always, Ewan McCuil.”

  “And would you want it any other way, lass?” he asked bending his head down closer to hers.

  “No,” Una was quick to say. “I will take you as you are, just like I have always done.”

  Patience eyed the couple inquisitively. They appeared more than friends and naturally her curiosity about the pair grew.

  Ewan raised his head and looked to Hunter and asked again, “What goes on here?”

  “I could ask the same of you,” Hunter said. ”Where is everyone?”

  Ewan took Una’s hand. “Let us go inside and talk.”

  Beast took up guard beside the cottage door as the two couples entered, though Patience took a moment to talk with Edward before joining the others. She was quick to ask where Ewan had been found and if he had identified himself. What she discovered was what she had expected. The man had been vague, not admitting to his identity, even after Edward had identified himself.

  She entered the cottage, keeping the information in mind.

  The two couples sat around the table that occupied the center of the room. Patience was not surprised that Hunter reached out and took hold of her hand. She wondered if it was for support or was he attempting to show Ewan that their marriage was a firm one?

  Ewan took the lead, his eyes settling on Una. “It has been heard that Greer is preparing for battle.”

  Una nodded. “It is true. He is much like his father, though more mean-spirited and much greedier. He hungers for power and he does not care how he achieves it.”

  “He had grown an army of cohorts who believe they can conquer other clans and expand their holdings,” Ewan said. “When I learned that, I felt it was time to move my son and his family to safer territory.”

  “And where would that be?” Patience asked, hoping against hope that he sent them to the Dark Dragon.

  “To my home in Gullie Loch,” Ewan confirmed. “Noble and his family will be safe there and far from the fighting that will take place here.”

  Patience did not like the sound of an inevitable war with the McLauds, especially since she had wed Hunter to avoid it. She was quick to ask, “Why then are you here?”

  “Ella, my only granddaughter out of eight grandchildren, cannot find the cherished cloth doll her mother made for her. She fears it is still here and as a grandfather who loves her beyond reason, I had to come rescue it for her.”

  Patience wondered over the truth of his words and the only way to find out was to see if the doll could be found and being the room was not overly large, it would not take long. “Let us help you look for it,” she said and hurried off the chair.

  Una joined her, forcing the two men to do the same.

  “I found it,” Una called out, pulling something from behind a basket near the door.

  It appeared more a ragged piece of cloth, but on closer inspection, Patience saw that it was a worn doll that appeared to have been well-loved. And suddenly her heart ached for the young lass. Patience’s own mother had not lived long enough to stitch dolls for her or Emma. Heather was the only one who possessed a doll their mother had made and she had been generous and had shared it with them. It sat in Heather’s room, waiting for her return.

  The memory sparked Patience’s anger and she could not hold her tongue. She turned to Ewan McCuil and said, “You are the Dark Dragon’s uncle. He has my sister and I want her back. ”

  Chapter Eleven

  Ewan nodded, his expression solemn. “I am his uncle, but have seen little of him. I have heard rumors, though know nothing more that would confirm your suspicions.”

  “Suspicions?” Patience spit out. “They are not suspicions; they are fact. The Dark Dragon has my sister and I will not rest until I get her back. Tell me what you know of him.”

  Hunter walked over to her, ready to slip his arm around her waist, but she drew away.

  “I will have my answers,” Patience demanded and pointed to Ewan. “If you know anything at all, tell me.”

  Ewan pointed to the table for them to sit.

  “Sit if you wish,” Patience said, “but I will stand.”

  The three sat, Hunter keeping a concerned eye on his wife.

  Patience paced in front of the door. She did not know Ewan and though he was friends with Hunter and Una, she could not forget that he was the Dark Dragon’s uncle, which meant, she did not trust him.

  “I have not seen the Dark Dragon in years. It is only when he feels that I or my family may be in danger, does he warn me and through a messenger, never in person.”

  Patience did not believe him, though she did not let her doubt show. If he had disguised himself as an old man in need of help to her warriors, then there was more to his story then he was admitting.

  “I am sorry to hear about your sister and while I wish I could help you, I fear there is nothing I can offer that would be of any help. I can, however, suggest that we spend the night here so that you may rest before your return journey home.”

  He seemed eager for them to leave, which once again left her wondering if he was speaking the truth and how long
it had truly been since he had last seen his nephew, the infamous Dark Dragon.

  “You and Hunter,” Una said with a nod to Ewan, “go have a nice talk and Patience and I will prepare a much needed repast.”

  Patience understood that Una was accustomed to men taking their leave to discuss important matters, she, however, was not... and as far as preparing a meal? She stood. “I do not prepare meals. I do not stitch. I do not tend a keep. I am a warrior and I lead my clan.” She walked to the door and turned after opening it. “I do not believe what you say Ewan McCuil and when you are ready to be an honest man and speak the truth to me, I will be here to listen.”

  She closed the door behind her, leaving the three to think what they want. She had no time to waste in finding her sister; she had wasted enough already. Ewan knew more than he said and if he had no intentions of telling her, then she would find a way to find out what secrets he harbored.

  Beast bounced up ready to follow Patience. She almost stopped him, then waved him on. “Come on, boy, I will be glad for the company of someone who will not demand anything of me.”

  With Beast keeping up with her hasty steps, the pair reached the warriors quickly and she explained to them why they had found the farm deserted. She instructed them to keep alert, her instincts telling her that Ewan McCuil did not travel here alone. And there was still Greer to worry about. It was not a question of if he would attack, but when.

  Patience had ordered one of her warriors to keep a watchful, though inconspicuous eye on the cottage. She had expected Ewan and her husband to emerge and go off on their own to talk, but that had not happened. She had not thought that they would discuss certain matters in front of Una. She was, after all, a delicate woman or was she? Could she be like her son... more than she seemed?

  With instructions to her men complete and the warriors set for the evening, she returned to the cottage. Beast once again took his stance by the door, while she entered to find the three around the table reminiscing over an adequate spread of food.

  Una waved at the empty chair. “Come eat. You must be hungry.”