Kara Griffin - The Pith Trilogy (10 page)

Riding toward his brother, Colin lifted her from his horse and set her behind Brendan. After giving his brother a stern look, he galloped off. Julianna didn’t know why he’d placed her on another’s horse because he said nothing. Taking hold of Brendan’s tunic, she held on for dear life. Frustration at having to ride with the cantankerous brother made her bite her lip to stifle a scream. How dare Colin throw her on his brother’s horse and ride off? When he returned, she would tell him so.

Brendan MacKinnon wasn’t an easy man to get along with. Julianna held on tight, knowing if she lessened her hold, she would end up on the ground with a broken neck. Did he have to ride so fast? Pinching his side, she hoped to get him to slow, but he didn’t even acknowledge her. As soon as Colin returned, she’d demand that she ride with Bleeth. His brother was the very devil and she’d end up killed.

Finally, the men slowed their pace. Robin lifted his arm, calling a silent halt.

“I saw glints ahead from swords. There’s about thirty. Brendan, take her to safety. Colin wouldn’t like it were something to happen to her. Bleeth, go and protect her with your life.”

Julianna didn’t like the sound of that. Someone had been following. She looked at Bleeth, then back at the men.

“You don’t have to direct me. I always protect my lady with my life,” Bleeth said.

Brendan nodded, and galloped to a group of trees with Bleeth following. He motioned for her to be quiet and lifted her down. “Stay here.” He returned to the men.

When Brendan reached the others, Julianna saw horses converge through the trees. The knights indeed seemed ready for battle; many held their drawn swords, indicating an attack. Robin’s voice shook the woods when he sounded the battle cry. The men took to arms, and the battle began.

The fighting became rigorous with the fifteen MacKinnon warriors out numbered by thirty or more knights. Bleeth raised his arms, canted a spell, and waved his hands.

“Bleeth, please, none of that nonsense. Ye should go and aid them.”

“That’s what I am doing. I’m helping Brendan. Look.”

She searched the fighting men and found Brendan under attack from two soldiers. Gasping, she felt disheartened that she couldn’t help him. A knight’s shield suddenly jerked from his grip and floated in the air, moving around, protecting Brendan from attack. Brendan lagged off the fight, watching in wonder as the shield floated around him. Her breath hitched, disbelieving what she was seeing.

“’Tis amazing, Bleeth, I cannot believe … You are becoming quite skilled.”

“Thank ye, my lady.”

The shield was struck by a heavy-handed soldier and fell to the ground. Brendan retrieved it, and came up swinging. His sword pierced a man’s chest, blood flowed from the wound, and the man fell to the ground. The gaping hole could be seen from where she stood beside the pines. She slouched to the base of a tree, becoming sickened by what she’d seen.

Several men fought with broadswords and axes. A knight swung his mace at Benjamin and, thankfully missed. Her breath hitched and had gone completely dry. Benjamin grabbed the handle, throwing the man to the ground, seemingly with little effort. She released her breath when she saw he’d survived. The clashes of steel battle gear rang in her ears. The fighting continued on, and she covered her ears, trying to quiet the deafening sounds. Her eyes closed against the flashes from the glittering swords. The battle became bloody and made her stomach twitch painfully. The smell of blood reached her and she opened her eyes, searching the scene for Colin’s warriors. Her hands shook when she pulled out her dagger.

She moved to stand in front of Bleeth. “Step back, my lady, ye will be hurt,” he said.

Her focus moved to an English soldier who jumped from his mount and waved to her. She shook her head in response. He pulled an arrow from behind his back and set it in his bow. Frozen to the spot, she was unable to fathom that he’d use it against her. Gripping her dagger, she pulled herself from her trance and moved forward.

Now, only thirty feet away, she waited to see what he’d do. Everything stilled and became deathly quiet, even though the fight continued. The knight pulled the arrow back and released, swishing through the air, moving in her direction.

She screamed, but no sound came from her mouth. Bleeth pulled her back, and she raised her arm, releasing her dagger at the exact moment the arrow struck her. The force of it pushed her backward and she bumped Bleeth. The arrow embedded itself in the muscle above her elbow. The last thing she saw was Brendan glaring at her from the distance.

Her eyes focused on the blue sky above. Bleeth’s face staring down at her, blocked her view. She succumbed to blackness.

Colin rode into the chaos, having heard the battle cry, even at such a distance. He saw Brendan strike the flat side of his sword against a man’s head, knocking him out. The knights, at last beaten, scattered into the surrounding woods. Colin’s warriors circled, looking for more foes. He watched his brother who looked across the expanse of the clearing; he then turned and jerked a dagger from a man, putting it in his boot.

Colin walked past the English soldiers, strewn on the ground who appeared injured, all but one who had been slain. He noted the bleeding head of a dead man, the man in which Brendan had taken the dagger from. Peering around at the foray, he searched for Julianna to assure her safety.

Bleeth shouted. “My lady, she’s been injured.”

His brother started running through the throng of men. “The lass. Colin’s going to kill me.” He yelled loud enough that most of the MacKinnon men immediately followed.

Colin glimpsed Brendan running across the field, and he saw where he was running to. A shrill shout escaped his throat, and he ran to Julianna. He shoved Brendan out of his way, and his brother fell backward on the ground. He took her from Bleeth’s arms and set her on his lap.

“Julianna, awake. I command it, awake.” He hadn’t meant to shout, but he couldn’t help it. She opened her eyes, frowning up at him with her blue eyes piercing.

“Colin, why are ye holding me?” She closed her eyes for a moment.

He savored the feeling of holding her again. “Sweetheart, ye have been struck by an arrow. Look not, ‘twill only hurt more.”

She twisted to see the arrow that pierced her skin. She immediately huffed in agony. Why didn’t she ever listen?

“Robin, come here,” Colin called.

Robin scrutinized the damage. Colin gave a silent command, and he knew his brother understood. Brendan understood as well. Bleeth stood aside, not knowing what to do. Colin grasped her upper body, wrapping both his arms around her torso. One arm pressed under her arm, over her breast, and his other arm lay across her stomach. Brendan lay across her legs, immobilizing her.

“What do ye think you’re doing?” She realized they were going to pull it out, and she struggled to free herself from Colin’s hold. “Pray release me. Don’t ye dare …” She shouted every word, but they paid no heed.

“’Tis but a pinch. Gone straight through the skin.” Robin leaned in, took the arrow in his hands, and snapped the tip off quickly. She scrunched her eyes, but didn’t make a sound. He yanked the arrow out and threw it to the ground. She yelled in anguish when he pulled the shaft free.

“What did ye do that, Robin? That hurt.”

Robin turned and left, looking miserable. Brendan pulled Bleeth’s arm, and they followed.

Colin knew the pain of such an injury. He kissed her on the side of her mouth and gently held her. As he leaned his head against hers, he rubbed her good arm.

“Are ye all right?”

“Nay!” she cried.

He grabbed the end of her underskirt, ripping two inches from the bottom. Taking the wad of cloth, he wrapped the wound. He’d probably have to stitch it. English soldiers, those still alive, sprinted off into the woods. There was no time to locate them now, and they hadn’t gotten answers from the wounded men. Colin decided to leave them for other Scots to find. All he wanted was to get Jules to safety.

They rode for hours until they traveled far enough from the English. Making camp, Colin set Jules on his plaid beside the fire. He grew concerned because she’d become withdrawn.

“You’ll need to move your garment so I can check the wound.” Colin knelt beside her.

“There’s no need,” she said evenly.

“Do it. I won’t ask again.”

“Ye don’t have to shout.” She lowered her top enough to maintain modesty.

“You’re fortunate it didn’t hit bone.”

“You are not the one in pain,” she said through gritted teeth.

“I know it hurts, but it needs to be singed.” Colin was handed a long dagger that appeared to glow. “This will smart, Jules, and I am sorry for it. Hold still.”

She let him prod the injury, sucking in her breath when he soaked it with healing liquid. Squeezing the wound, he pressed the hot dagger against it. She bit her lip, and tried not to scream when the fire raced to her shoulder. He repeated the method on the exit wound, which wasn’t as severe, but still he knew it hurt like hell. Robin handed him the vile of medicinal pain reliever. Colin undid the small cork.

“Here, take a small sip, it’ll ease the pain.”

She scowled her displeasure at the odor. “Anything to take the excruciating pain away is welcome.” Downing the awful liquid, she shook herself afterward. “Does it need stitching? I hope not, because I cannot take much more.”

“Nay, I don’t think it does.”

She humphed. “I don’t imagine ye know how to stitch a straight seam.”

“You’re aright.” He chuckled. “Hold still so I can rebind it.” He gently wrapped it in cloth. “All finished.”

“I am going to rest.”

“Jules.” He handed her the dagger Brendan had given him. “I wanted to return it.”

Her eyebrows furrowed. “I don’t want it. Keep it.”

“Nay, ‘tis yours. Put it in a safe place. Why didn’t ye tell me you were so skilled?”

“I don’t want to talk about it. Did I kill the man?”

Colin didn’t understand her concern. “Aye, the dagger struck him right in—”

“Nay, I don’t want to know. I killed the poor man and I should beseech God’s forgiveness.”

“He deserved it. If ye hadn’t killed him, I would have and I wouldn’t have been as merciful,” Colin told her gently.

“I don’t want it, please, put it away.” She pushed the handle at him.

“Nay, ye need it for your protection.” He didn’t understand why she became so distraught, but he wouldn’t continue to praise her for killing the man.

She slipped the dagger in the seam of her overdress and turned her back, leaning against him. Colin tried to figure out how to make her feel better. Relieved that she wasn’t hurt badly, he thought his heart had stopped when he’d seen her lying so still. He hugged her until she fell asleep. Once her breathing slowed, he went to sit beside the fire.

Robin asked, “Who were they, Colin?”

“I don’t know, Robin. How were they able to harm Jules?”

Brendan sighed. “I set her beside the tree with Bleeth. I was in a skirmish with a man when I saw another motion to her.”

“What did he motion?”

“He bade her to go to him, but she shook her head. She obviously didn’t wish to go with them. I couldn’t believe the man released his arrow, and I didn’t think it struck her because I saw her dagger going at him. Killed him directly. The lass doesn’t seem the type to use a dagger.”

“I never saw it coming,” Bleeth said. “I didn’t even know she knew how to use a dagger or even that she had one.”

Colin ignored him. “Brendan, she could have been killed. The next time I put my woman in your care, see to her protection.”

“Aye, Colin.” Brendan lowered his head solemnly.

“I didn’t know she was skilled at weaponry, either. I remember the dagger and recall laughing at it, yet that man didn’t laugh.”

“Nay, he did not,” Robin said.

“Be on guard. If those men were sent, others may follow. You will protect her with your lives.”

“Aye,” the men muttered.

“Bleeth, who the hell is after her?” Colin watched his face, and looked for a sign of truthfulness.

“That is not for me to say, Laird MacKinnon. If ye want to know, you will have to ask my lady.” Bleeth rose and walked away.

Why did the lad have to be so honorable? It made disliking him more difficult. Bleeth wouldn’t offer any information. Agitated, Colin went to lie next to her. He placed his arm over her side, pulling her against him, but was careful not to touch the wound. The fact that she’d carried a dagger unsettled him. She believed herself in danger. Why else would she carry it? He’d tell her she needn’t worry any longer. The MacKinnons would keep her safe. Nay, he corrected—he would keep her safe. He fell asleep with a smile, thinking,
she called me Colin.

In the morning, they continued on. The worst part of the trek was crossing the waterways. Colin held her security when they made the crossings, even so, Julianna held her breath. The terrain became mountainous with mist covered peaks that could hardly be seen. He was coming close to losing his patience, and longed to put his hands where he wanted. Riding with her became daunting, especially when she had trouble keeping her hands from caressing him. Daringly, her hand rested on his bare thigh, touching him with her warm skin. He hadn’t touched her again while they slept, but he knew he wouldn’t be able to resist her if he kissed her again.

Sitting beside a stream, Colin tried to unwind, but he wasn’t succeeding. He watched her bathe on the other side of the stream. She had changed into an overdress and her garments beyond wrinkled, looking bedraggled. That thought stirred something inside him, and he decided he best escort her back to camp.

As he approached, he noticed her eyes were closed. She seemed to sense him, and held her hand up, gesturing for him to stop.

“Come, Jules, time to rest.” He helped her from the sitting position, and she leaned against him.

Breathing her flowery scent made his stomach flinch. It would take a strong man to resist her lure. He took her hand, and the touch made him feel aware of his body. When they reached the camp, he set her on the plaid and moved to sit by a tree. The men had placed their plaids on the other side of the fire and were a good distance away. He could barely see her from the opposite side. The crackling sound and tranquilizing heat of the fire soothed him. He rested beside a tree, watching the men talking between themselves.

After a few hours, all grew quiet. Colin sent Brendan and Bleeth to scout the rim of the camp during the night; he had a motive for sending them on the watch. Colin lowered himself next to her, deciding not to await their arrival at Steven’s. He wanted to be with her so badly, that he hadn’t even thought it through. Caressing her cheek, she turned to him. Her breasts thrust against his chest, warming him within seconds. He pulled her into his arms so she would be trapped between them and his one hand fumbled with the ties on the collar of her gown. When it was undone, he pulled the fabric low enough to reveal the swell of her breast. Aye, the lass slept like the dead. If he hadn’t seen the rise and fall of her chest, he would wonder.

Colin slowly disrobed her of her layers. She sighed contentedly in her sleep. Now that he could see her body again, he lowered his face to kiss her lips, parted in sleep. Her dark thick lashes fanned her cheeks and remained closed.

“Open your mouth, Jules,” he whispered, tickling her lips.

She complied with his murmured command.

Had she thought she was dreaming? Julianna shivered at the night air on her skin and she whimpered softly in her sleep, unknowingly pulling him back to her.

His hunger drove him to ravish her mouth. He continued kissing her, demanding she return his passion. Her response caused his uncontrolled arousal and blood rushed through his body.

Colin groaned when she sucked at his lips, and tugged on his hair. Her touch excited him to a hectic state. Already unclad, he felt her hands on his bare chest. Gently, he rolled her onto her back, and leaned against her. He pressed onward between her thighs, groaning in pleasure.

She opened her eyes at the intimacy of that touch. Likely realizing she wasn’t dreaming, she grew alarmed by his smoldering look. Colin leaned close to kiss her trepidation away. Her hands tugged his hair again. Moving his hand between her sweet thighs, he touched her gently, feeling the need and concluding that she wanted him.

She pulled away. “You mustn’t.”

Her plea wasn’t wholehearted, but he pulled his hand away. He knew she enjoyed the sensations that he evoked.

“I’m on fire for ye. You want me, don’t ye? Please say aye.” Colin never wanted anything more in his life. Had the sensuous way he’d asked affected her?

She didn’t seem to know what to do. He hadn’t hurt her yet, and he hoped that she wanted to feel his touch again. Waiting for her answer with bated breath, he lifted her chin to better see her expression. Passion diluted her beautiful blue eyes.

“Aye, touch me …” she whispered in a sleepy voice.

He released the breath he’d been holding, and lowering himself, he took the tip of her breast in his mouth and suckled. His hand returned to her womanhood, stroking her with gentle persuasion. He kissed her breasts with all the passion he knew, hoping she felt pleasured.

“It feels so good to be loved by you.” Her fingers pressed his biceps, pulling him forward.

Colin’s need propelled him onward, insisting he join with her. Giving into the passion, he positioned himself and entered her as gently as he could. Savoring the sweet twinges that surrounded him, he thought he’d die of pleasure. He couldn’t deny it; at that moment his life depended on her touch. Holding on to her legs, he wouldn’t retreat.

The sensitivity of her womanhood stunned him. Encased by her heat, he pushed harder to get through her maidenhead. It was a difficult task, knowing the pain he’d cause her, but the barrier pleased him, because that right belonged to him. She came off the plaid, gripping her nails into his shoulders at the painful invasion. Though she tried to push him off, he was as steadfast as a hundred-year-old tree and couldn’t be budged.

He whispered against her cheek, “Hold on, sweetheart. I’ll not move until …”

She huffed in shock by their actions. “You’re hurting me. Get off me, ye lout, or I am going to weep like a babe.”

He almost laughed, but instead, he leaned to kiss her fear away. He moved his mouth to her lips, lightly touching hers. “Kiss me and the pain will go away.”

She did as he asked, lightly touching her tongue to his. It was the most sensual kiss he’d ever received. Moving his mouth to her neck, he placed little kisses along her throat then moved back to her lips. Her passion rekindled. Pressing his cheek against hers, he nuzzled the softness.