Jake (The Highland Clan Book 4) by Keira Montclair Page B

inhabited by the new chief, although I have never met him. He’s young, from the Lowlands. I’ve heard talk of the area around Edinburgh. There is not much else I can tell you. Hew has maybe thirty guards, but ‘tis just a guess. And I know not how many the chief has, but I’ll do my best to find out all I can.”
    Aline dismounted and handed the reins to Ashlyn, who hopped down next to her. She gave her a hug and whispered, “I understand, Aline. God speed, and I will help in any way I can.”
    Aline’s eyes misted, but she turned away, tied her satchel around her middle and started her trek down the hill to Hew’s land. She waved and smiled at Ashlyn before she took off.
    If she waited any longer, her tears would be all over her cheeks. She needed to find out what had transpired in her absence, and see if Hew would even allow her to return.
    It probably was not the best plan to admit she’d spent time at Clan Grant, so her mind churned out several different stories about how she had healed. Unfortunately, she couldn’t decide which story was best, and there wasn’t much time to give it any thought. As soon as she rounded a bend in the path, two of Hew’s men set upon her.
    “Och, look at what I found, Duncan. ‘Tis the chief’s pretty lass.” He pranced his horse in a circle around her, just to taunt her.
    Duncan’s face lit up as he stared at Aline. “Aye, but she’s no longer the chief’s favorite. He’s got Lorna now.” He gave her a wide toothless grin. “Mayhap we can play with her.”
    “Nay, you’ll not touch her, Duncan. Not until Hew says so.” Gilroy stared at her, giving her a slow once over. “Looks like he did a fine job disciplining you this time, lass. Mayhap you’ll be a bit kinder with that mouth of yours next time.”
    Aline stared at the ground. She wanted naught more than to swear at both of the crude louts, but she had to convince them to take her back. “Gilroy, please take me back to see Hew. I wish to apologize to him for my behavior.”
    Gilroy dismounted and strode over to stand in front of her. “He did beat you pretty good this time, did he not? You needed disciplining, though I thought he was a bit severe. But he does have quite a temper. You need to remember that. The next time you may not be so fortunate.” He pointed his finger at her, waving it as he blathered on. “And how did you survive out here? We thought you’d be dead in less than a day.”
    “An old woman found me and nursed me at her hut.” She kept her gaze from catching his, hoping her lies were not uncovered.
    He grabbed the shoulder of her mantel and tugged her forward. “Come along. Hew thinks you are dead, so I best make him aware that you live. He’ll make the decision.”
    Duncan chuckled, “He’ll not give up having Lorna in his bed. He likes her. She’s a feisty one, but she knows when to keep her mouth shut. You need to learn from her.” Duncan pointed his dirty finger at her, winking and smirking.
    Gilroy hoisted her up onto his horse, then climbed on behind her, but not without fondling her breast. “Aye, Lorna’s are nice, but they are too big in my opinion. And she’s got too much in the rear. You and yours are far better.”
    Aline shoved his hand away. “You know Hew did not allow you to touch me.”
    Duncan hooted. “Nay, there was no touching you when you were Hew’s, but you’re not his right now.”
    Gilroy said little the rest of the way, just as she preferred. He’d bought her story about the old woman, so she hoped Hew would also believe it. The closer they came to their castle, the more her palms dampened. Hew’s keep was smaller than the other one, but both were tucked inside the same curtain wall. It was odd how Hew’s chief had insisted on staying separate in his own keep upon his arrival. There was only one kitchen that served both, and only one great hall, but the new chief stayed away from the others. Only a few men were allowed access into both keeps.