Highland Challenge (Highland Generations Book 1) Page 18

  Andrew encircled her waist, then hauled her against his chest, holding her tight. “I would ask what you are doing here as well. Especially after I told you to stay at the castle with James. But now is na the time to discuss it.”

  She couldn’t agree more. If they never talked about her defiance, she would be most pleased. Caught up in the moment, Mareal clung to his tunic and inhaled deeply, allowing his woodsy masculine scent to fill her nostrils. It felt so good to be safe in Andrew’s arms, she hated for the moment to end. Suddenly realizing she was letting her unrequited feelings for him show, she planted her hands on his chest, then broke free of his grasp. “I—, I mean we, are thankful to see you,” she stammered, then turned her attention to Callum. “What are you doing here?”

  Ignoring Mareal’s question, “Callum moved to where Elise stood, then bowed. “Are you well, m’lady?”

  “Aye, I am fine. I too am grateful you have come to rescue us.” Elise touched his forearm, then smiled up at Callum.

  Andrew left Mareal’s side, hurried to Elise, and hugged her. “I thank the Almighty you are unharmed. Let’s get the two of you out of here and home where you belong.”

  Elise shifted her gaze from Andrew to Callum, then back. “I am thrilled to see you both, but am surprised to see you together. I dinna think you had met.”

  “I too would like to know why Callum is here?” When Andrew failed to give her an immediate answer, Mareal continued speaking. “When we were at the castle and the men were hunting for Elise, you were all but certain he was responsible for her disappearance, and had me convinced you were right. You were hell-bent to find him and see him punished, yet suddenly you trust him.”

  “I was mistaken,” Andrew said. “There is na time to discuss it now, and I will explain his reasons for coming to MacCurtry Castle, and why he chose to help with the rescue once we get you home.” Andrew went to the door, opened it a crack, and peered out. “The guard is still out cold, but willna be for long. Best we leave, now.” He motioned with a flick of his hand for the others to join him.

  Callum cupped Elise’s elbow. “Come along, lass. We must be away while we can.”

  Elise willingly accompanied Callum, but Mareal hesitated. She was anxious to get out of the castle and back to her own keep, but knew it was not going to be easy, and they needed to proceed with caution. If caught, Kayden would have Andrew and Callum too.

  Andrew held out his hand. “Come, Mareal. We must go afore the guard awakens.”

  “You dinna tell me how you got in, but I canna imagine it will be easy to leave without someone trying to stop us.” She was not trying to be difficult or add to Andrew’s burden in any way. But when Andrew and Callum arrived, Mareal noticed the guard lying facedown on the floor. He was one man and Kayden had an entire army and household full of servants at his command. “I saw two more guards at the foot of the stairs when they brought me here. Obviously, you got by them, but what if someone realizes they are no longer there?”

  Andrew pinched the bridge of his nose and gave his head a rough shake. “You ask questions at the most inopportune times. You can either come with us, or remain here. In which case, I will have to send Callum and Elise on their way alone, then stay with you and face Kayden, and neither of us will get out of here alive.”

  Given her choices, Mareal reluctantly followed Andrew out of the room and toward the stairs, halting when they got near the guard.

  “Are you coming, or did you change your mind again?” Andrew glanced down at the unconscious man, then back at Mareal. “He will have a nasty headache, but he isna dead.”

  It surprised her that no one had noticed something was amiss, but that did not mean they were na walking into a trap. Kayden and his men could be waiting for them. Certain Andrew would not deliberately put her in danger, and after deciding her anxiousness to leave the Billingsworth stronghold as soon as possible outweighed her fear of the unknown, Mareal scooted by the guard, then padded down the steps behind him.

  Callum led the way, but stopped halfway down the staircase, then brought a finger to his lips. “It sounds like the two men we left in place of the original sentries are engaged in battle. We have no way of knowing what will greet us at the bottom.”

  Andrew clawed his fingers through his hair. “There is no other way out. We will leave the women here and see if we can help them.” He cast Mareal a stern look. “Stay put. I mean it.”

  “You have my word.” Mareal hooked her arm around Elise’s shoulder. There was no mistaking the din of metal clashing against metal that echoed around them. The spiral staircase allowed them to stay out of sight, providing Kayden’s men didn’t rush up at them. Then the narrow structure would serve as a trap from which there was no escape. “Be careful.” She waited until the men left, then crept to the edge of the steps and peered around the wall to get a better view of what was happening below. Andrew could order them to stay where they were, but he could not stop her from inching forward so she could check out the situation for herself. She needed to be prepared to protect Elise should Andrew and Callum fail. Or so she told herself.

  “Mind that no one sees you,” Elise cautioned, then joined Mareal. “What’s happening? How many are there?”

  Mareal suppressed a giggle. Even though it was completely inappropriate given Andrew and Callum were facing imminent danger and could die, she couldn’t help smiling when she realized Elise was becoming almost as bold as she was. “I see at least three of Kayden’s men, mayhap four.”

  Reminding herself of the seriousness of the events about to unfold, Mareal watched with bated breath as Callum arrived at the bottom of the stairs first, immediately engaging one of Kayden’s men in a sword fight. Andrew followed, taking on two warriors at the same time. Upon recognizing one of her father’s men, slumped against the wall, and surrounded by a pool of blood, she muttered a quick prayer for his soul. Another of her father’s warriors crawled towards a sword lying on the floor—his tunic bloody and one arm hung limp at his side—but he was still alive. For that she was grateful.

  Following a quick skirmish, from which he and Callum emerged victorious, Andrew raced up the stairs to fetch the ladies. “We must go. One of their warriors ran off, and I have no doubt he has gone to tell Kayden what happened here.”

  Mareal gasped, when she noticed a large red stain on the side of Andrew’s tunic. “You are hurt!”

  “Nay. I am fine.”

  “Then how do you explain the blood?” Mareal pointed to what she assumed was a wound.

  “The blood isna mine,” Andrew lied. “It belongs to one of the buggers I killed.” He took Elise’s hand and led her away. “Come. There isna time to fash over naught.”

  Thankful Andrew was uninjured, Mareal followed. Upon reaching the bottom of the stairs, she paused and glanced at the six dead men. She noticed two that she assumed where the original sentries left by her cousin to guard the stairs—their bodies tucked away in a small alcove and out of plain sight. Three more of Kayden’s men lay sprawled at her feet. Finally, there was one of their own. “What about him?” She pointed at the slain MacCurtry warrior. “We canna just leave him here.” It troubled her deeply that another of her father’s men gave his life so she could live.

  “We canna take him with us,” Andrew said. “He knew the risks when he agreed to come, and there is naught we can do for him now.”

  “He died protecting us. In the least he deserves a proper burial on MacCurtry land.” Since Andrew appeared adamant in his decision, Mareal shot an imploring glance at Callum. “Please, dinna leave him here.”

  “To try and carry a dead man would make our escape impossible.” Callum assisted the wounded MacCurtry warrior to his feet, then faced Andrew. “Take this man and the ladies to the tunnel. See them back to MacCurtry Castle, and I will stay here and do my best to stop anyone who attempts to follow you.”

  “Nay. As acting laird of Clan MacCurtry, it is my responsibility and my duty to remain here. You must escort the ladies to the
tunnel,” Andrew countered. “Once I know you are safe, I will join Seamus and the warriors laying siege to the stronghold.” He rested his hand on Callum’s shoulder. “You take the ladies and injured man to safety. I will ward off any who dare interfere, then rejoin Seamus and our men.”

  “I can stay and help you Lord Andrew,” the wounded man offered, then staggered on his feet.

  Andrew steadied him, then shook his head. “Nay. I appreciate your bravery, but you are as weak as a newly born colt. I insist you go with Callum and the women.”

  “Come with us, Andrew. I beseech you,” Elise begged. “Now isna the time to let your stubborn Fraser pride dominate your judgement.”

  “You know I canna go with you, Elise. Someone needs to stay behind, so the rest of you have time to escape.” Andrew kissed his cousin on the cheek. “Tell my father and mother, I love them.”

  Mareal’s chest tightened at the thought of Andrew remaining behind to face Kayden alone. She clasped his forearm. “If we hurry, we can all leave together. You canna sacrifice yourself for us.” She couldn’t bear to leave him. One man alone could not fight an entire army, and she had no doubt her sadistic cousin would likely torture him without mercy before killing him. If Andrew died, she didn’t want to live. She couldn’t imagine loving anyone as much as she did him, even if he didn’t feel the same way about her. But she knew her plea fell on deaf ears. Once he set his mind to something, there was no changing it.

  “Listen to her, Andrew, come with us? Clan Fraser needs you. I need you, cousin,” Elise sobbed.

  “I do what I must. Kayden has been a thorn in my side long enough. His evil stops here and now.” Andrew pried Mareal’s fingers from his arm, then placed her hand in Callum’s. “Take her and go. We dinna have time to debate who stays and who remains behind. I trust you will do right by the ladies, and Clan MacCurtry when the time comes. When this is all over, promise me you will see Elise gets back to Fraser Castle safely.”

  “You have my word.” Callum waited for the women to head down the hall ahead of him, then slid his arm around the injured man’s waist, taking the bulk of his weight on his shoulder.

  Mareal took several strides forward, then stopped and spun around. She raced by Callum and back to Andrew’s side, looped her arms around his neck, and brushed his lips with a kiss, before whispering in his ear. “I love you, Andrew Fraser. I think I always have, but dinna realize just how much until now. Promise you will live and come back to me. I will be waiting.” She stepped away, then once again threw her arms around his waist, hugging him tightly. “I canna go.”

  Chapter Twenty Two

  Callum left his other charges and raced back to retrieve Mareal. “We dinna have time for this, m’lady. Come now, or I will be forced to leave you behind.”

  “Nay. I canna go. I wish to stay with Andrew. Elise is safe, and that is all that matters. I care na what happens to me. Take her and the wounded man back to MacCurtry Castle.” She spoke to Callum, but refused to look at him, her soulful gaze fixed on Andrew.

  Taken aback by her decision to stay, Andrew realized he had to do something to change her mind. After all she’d been through, she wasn’t thinking clearly, and while he believed it was not her intent, he could not permit her to jeopardize Elise’s chance of escape. He was surprised Kayden and his men had yet to arrive, but was certain they were running out of time. “You may na care if you live or die, but I do. Take her Callum,” he ordered.

  “I understand your reluctance to leave Andrew behind, but he has made a choice you must accept.” Callum stepped forward and snagged her arm. “If your decision to linger behind gets you captured, all those who gave or risked their lives for you this night will have done so for naught.”

  Callum didn’t bother to hide the anger and frustration in his voice, and for that Andrew was grateful. He hoped his bluntness would make her realize her decision to stay affected more than just her own life, and with any luck she would come to her senses and agree to leave before it was too late.

  “I am na asking you to tarry on my account.” Mareal tugged free of Callum’s grasp. “I appreciate the efforts and bravery of all who came to my aid, but I never did, nor would I ever ask anyone to risk their life for me. I was aware of the danger when I came here to find Elise, and I know the peril I face by staying with Andrew. I ask but one thing. That you honor my wishes, just as you honor his.”

  “He speaks the truth, Mareal and I dinna want you to stay.” Though touched by her plea, Andrew believed his sacrifice not only improved their chances of escape, but he was tired of dodging Kayden and his evil ways. Aware facing him could end in his own death, his determination to put an end to the soulless miscreant’s treachery outweighed the personal risk. Nothing, not even a heartfelt plea or confession of love from Mareal could change his mind. It only made him more determined to protect her from Kayden’s threats. “Go with Callum and leave me to do what I must.”

  “Why will you na listen, Andrew? Kayden will kill you.”

  “Better me than you,” Andrew muttered under his breath, then hooked her chin with his finger and lifted until he stared into emerald eyes, brimming with tears. Determined to remain strong, he fought the overpowering urge to surrender to temptation, to hold her close, and never let her go. Instead, he squared his shoulders and held her at arm’s length. “Leave, now, and dinna come back.” His words were harsh, but he needed to make his point clear. Before she could protest, he turned her to face Callum, then nudged her forward. “Take her and do whatever you must to keep her from returning again.”

  “You heard him,” Callum snapped, then clasped Mareal’s wrist and dragged her toward the tunnel.

  When she finally relented and left with Callum, relief washed over Andrew, followed by a modicum of remorse. He didn’t tell her he loved her, even though he did wholeheartedly, and he knew it was what she wanted to hear.

  Certain he would not live to see another day, Andrew refused to make promises he could not keep. Aware this was likely the last time they saw each other, he did not want Mareal pining away for him, wondering what might have been. She was a vibrant, beautiful woman with her whole life ahead of her. He was confident that in time, she would forget him, marry, and have a castle full of bairns. While she would surely be a constant challenge to her future husband, he would be lucky to have her by his side. He could think of no one who would make a better wife, mother, and lover.

  Convinced he did the right thing by sending her with Callum, and keeping his love for her and his admiration for her spirit and strength of conviction a secret, didn’t make the decision to do so an easy one. As he stood there waiting to face Kayden, he realized his biggest regret was never yielding to his carnal needs, the lust and desire that coursed through his veins whenever she was near. He would never lay with her, feel her silken thighs wrapped around him as they succumbed to unbridled passion, or know the ecstasy of claiming her as his own. He dreamed about making love to her so often, it almost seemed real. She would never be his to claim, and given the circumstances, she was better off not knowing how much he loved her.

  Andrew waited for them to disappear, then pressed a hand to his right side and winced in pain, fresh blood oozing between his fingers. Slashed below his armpit by an enemy blade, he lied when Mareal asked about the stain on his tunic. She might be the daughter of a laird, but she took equal pride in her skills and dedication as a healer. He knew if she learned of his injury, she would never willingly leave his side, and he could not allow her to stay behind. While certain Callum was aware of his wound, to his credit he said nothing, putting her safety first.

  The sound of heavy footfalls headed in his direction, prompted Andrew to whip around. He had no idea of the odds he faced, or who approached. Regardless, he had to keep them occupied long enough for Callum to get the ladies as far away from the castle as possible. With that in mind, he widened his stance and prepared to engage his nemesis in battle.

  Three warriors charged down the hallway with s
words drawn. While the odds were not in his favor, and the loss of blood from his wound slowly weakened him, he felt confident he could defeat them. Andrew fisted the hilt of the MacCurtry sword that Lorne gave him on his deathbed, muttered a quick prayer, then raised the blade above his head.

  The warriors wasted no time coming at him from three sides, but Andrew called upon his skill, agility, and his remaining strength to dodge their blows. He just wasn’t sure how long he could keep it up.

  “Stand down! I told you buffoons to detain them and wait for me.” Kayden stomped down the hallway in their direction with four men accompanying him. “Where are the others?” He glanced around at the slain guards, then pointed to the stairs leading to the north tower.

  “What others?” Andrew asked coyly. His odds worsening, he found himself surrounded by heavily armed warriors, so aimed his blade in Kayden’s direction. He might not get out of here alive, but if he was going to die, he would do his damnedest to take Kayden with him.

  “Go upstairs and see if the ladies are still in the chamber.” After instructing one of his men to investigate further, Kayden glowered at Andrew. “They best be there.”

  “And if they are na?” Andrew asked.

  Kayden unsheathed his weapon and closed the gap between them. “Then I will have to forgo the pleasure of watching you die slowly. I will end it quickly, and go after them. Heaven help them when I find them.”

  “Remember your promise, m’lord,” one of the men called out.

  “Dinna fash, I have na forgotten.” A fiendish smirk twisted Kayden’s lips. “Once Lord Billingsworth has bedded and married my cousin, and I have had my fill of Elise Fraser, and if she survives all I have planned for her,” he smugly added. “I will hand her over to the men to do with as they wish.” He leered at Andrew, his evil grimace broadening. “Too bad you willna be around to watch.”