Highland Harmony: Avelina and Drew (Clan Grant Series Book 8) (6 page)

Erena ended her explanation and folded her hands in her lap. “Do you think you could accomplish that?”

Lina nodded, unable to speak.

Erena stood and held her arms out from her body. A soft sound emanated from the sky as a swarm of butterflies landed on her arms. Lina could not take her eyes from one butterfly in particular—the speckles of gold on its wings matched the faerie’s golden slippers.

“Whenever you spy a golden butterfly,” Erena said with a smile, “trust that I am nearby. I cannot protect you from everything, but I will help you learn to protect yourself. Believe in your strength and allow others to assist and protect you as well. You will find your way.”

She lifted her arms in a slow, graceful arc toward the sky, sending all the butterflies aloft but one. The golden butterfly had moved into the palm of Erena’s hand, which she extended toward Lina and lifted quickly through the air. The butterfly took off and flew over Lina’s head. Then the faerie placed her hands on either side of Lina’s head and leaned down to kiss her forehead. “Someday, my dear, I will do the same for you. But first you must believe in yourself. Then you will be surprised by how high you can soar.”

In a flash of light, Erena disappeared, and Lina found herself back in her chamber. She blinked back tears as she stumbled over to the window to look out over the garden.

Erena was gone.

As she climbed back into her bed, Avelina decided it had probably been a dream. She settled her head on the pillow and tugged the covers up to her chin with a trembling hand. Just as she was about to close her eyes, a strange sound greeted her. She sat up, then moved back over to the window, pulling the fur covering back. She searched for Erena, but did not see her. Just then a golden butterfly flew over to her, suspended in front of her face, its wings flapping for her attention. She held her hand out, and the butterfly landed gracefully in the middle of her palm before flapping its wings twice and departing. Lina watched the creature until she could no longer see it.

Even if had been a dream, Erena had given her something she had been searching for forever.

Hope.

Chapter Six

Drew scowled as he stood next to Aedan in the Cameron lists, where Neil and Boyd were running two different groups through training exercises.

Aedan’s brother, Ruari, joined them, having just arrived from the keep. “Aedan, may I work with Boyd today? Mayhap we can discover some new moves.”

His exuberance was enough to give Drew a headache.

Aedan cast a sly glance over at Drew. “Aye, work with Boyd. Hopefully, he’ll teach you something new we can use with our men. Drew is a great trainer, as well…or at least he is when his head’s not full of ale.”

Ruari gave his brother a surprised look, then glanced at Drew.

“Ignore your brother, Ruari,” Drew hollered. “I had naught to drink last night.” Drew crossed his arms and stared out at the field of warriors, not wanting to talk to anyone.

Ruari snickered as he ran off toward the training grounds.

“What has you so fierce this morn, Menzie? Couldn’t find a lass last night? I told you Senga would take care of you.”

“I found her and she was agreeable, but I changed my mind.” He didn’t glance at his friend, fearing he would spill all if he met Aedan’s eyes.

“Then why are you miserable? Too much ale? Unable to perform?” Aedan laughed at the expression on his friend’s face.

Drew sent a clump of dirt flying at Aedan’s head, but his friend easily ducked it. Chuckling, Aedan made his way over to the group of guards practicing in the middle of the field.

“Halfwit! Nay, I said I did not drink last night,” Drew growled. He stood at the side of the field, his legs planted wide and his arms crossed, daring anyone to bother him. He had intentionally kept himself from imbibing too much. While he couldn’t seem to stop himself at home, it was easy to control himself at Aedan’s. Though his body language was intended to repel attention, it was not as effective as he’d hoped. Aedan’s guards continued to come his way. They actually lined up to speak with him.

“I heard your guards compete against one another in teams,” the first asked. “Can you not do the same for us?”

Drew motioned with his head, indicating that the guard should move on.

The second one took two steps back as soon as he got a look at Drew’s facial expression. “Menzie, would you be able to show us that new move you showed us one moon ago? The one that takes down twice as many guards?”

Drew growled and pointed toward the field. “Go see my second, Boyd.” The lad took off running. Could they not see he had other things on his mind today? Things like plump pink lips and an innocent smile…a smile that he had destroyed with one careless action the previous night.

The third man stood five paces away. “Could you not watch us and see what we are doing wrong? That maneuver is the best we’ve ever tried.”

“Hurry off! I’m too busy today.”

Aedan had just taken a sip of mead from his skein and choked. “Too busy doing what? Acting miserable? Kicking arses?”

Drew glared at his friend and said, “Bugger off, Cameron.” In truth, he was too busy trying to decide how to make amends to a certain beautiful lass for his indiscretions, and he did not have any idea how to go about it. He scowled as different scenarios played out in his mind.

I’m sorry for getting caught? Forgive me for my desires? You know I’d rather it were you?

“Arghhhh….” he yelled out at no one in particular.

Aedan laughed and strode back to him. “Hellfire, I’ve not seen you this miserable since you were celibate for a fortnight. What’s going on? You’re hiding something.”

Drew just stared out over the lists, brooding in silence.

“If ‘tis about your sire,” Aedan said, rubbing his jaw, “he’ll see your worth some day. Do not doubt it.”

That was the foremost of Drew’s problems most days, but not today. The worst part was that he could not confess the truth to Aedan. He couldn’t explain because Aedan would either laugh hysterically or be so furious that he punched him square in the jaw.

Drew didn’t answer, so Aedan sauntered off into the fields. He paused to talk to one guard after another, apparently offering them advice.

A few moments later, a lad ran up to him and said, “My laird said to tell you tonight should be better for you.”

Drew stared at Aedan, wondering what he was about.

Another lad stopped in front of him. “My laird said if ye’re too soft to work today, you can return to the keep.”

Drew’s eyes widened at the word
soft
, and his gaze immediately searched out Aedan, who was watching him from afar, doubled over in laughter.

“Bugger off, Cameron!” Drew shouted loud enough for half the men to hear him. Deciding he could stay no longer, he glared at Aedan, spun on his heels, and stalked off.

There was no reason to deny the truth any longer. The reason he was so upset was because he cared about Avelina Ramsey. Where his feelings had come from, he had no idea. But he was angry, nay,
pissed
, that Lina had seen him with the kitchen maid. And he had no idea what to say to her the next time they saw each other.

He was marching through the forest, still furious at the world, when he heard some rustling off to the side. When he glanced back over his shoulder, he was stunned to see how far he had traveled from the lists. If he hollered to Aedan, he doubted his friend would hear him.

Hellfire, he’d search out the source of the noise on his own. He moved through the trees, unsure of what he would find. In case it was a group of boars or something dangerous, he kept his hand on the hilt of his sword.

It was an animal, but a human one. Lachlan. Lachlan had a lass pinned to the ground, and he was fumbling with his breeches. He was clearly intent on molesting her.

Drew’s blood was boiling in his veins before he even recognized the lass.

Avelina Ramsay’s face had been punched, and she was out cold. Fury exploded inside him. He wanted nothing more than to kill Lachlan with his bare hands. He jumped on him from behind, emitting a growl that took the other man by surprise.

“Menzie, leave off. I’ve declared her as mine. She agreed to marry me as soon as I explained everything to her about the legend. We’ll marry within a sennight as the legend of the sword goes. We’re leaving soon, and I’m taking her with me since she agreed. Now go away.” He scrambled to right his clothing as Drew grabbed his tunic and spun him around.

Drew bellowed, “Nay, she’ll not be marrying you.”

Ignoring everything Lachlan had to say, Drew grabbed him by the throat, lifted him and tossed him through the air. His back hit a tree trunk, and he crumpled to the ground. As soon as he was down, Drew fell on him and pummeled his face until there was blood all over. Lachlan tried to fight back, but his best efforts could not combat Drew’s anger. Once he stopped moving, Drew went for his belly, where he landed punch after punch.

A small whimper sounded behind him, the only sound that could have stopped him, and he spun around to see if Avelina was all right. He flew to her side just as her lids fluttered open. But the only word she could mutter was, “Nay.”

Drew fixed the bodice of her gown and picked her up in his arms, making his way back to the keep. His gaze traveled from her bruised face down her body, but she did not appear to be hurt anywhere else.

“Avelina? Talk to me. I’ll take you to Jennie. She’ll help you.” His sentences were clipped since he was now running and out of breath.

Her eyes opened and she gazed up at him. “Drew? Please, I do not like Lachlan. He hurt me. Do not let him near me.”

“Hush, wee one. I’ll not allow him to touch you again. Jennie will help you.”

Her eyes fluttered shut again as she gripped his arms, grasping him as if she never wanted to let go.

For some baffling reason, he wished she wouldn’t let go. He leaned down and kissed her forehead, whispering a promise to her that he would take care of her. That he would be there for her. Odd behavior, coming from him. But he could not deny that he felt
alive
with Avelina in his arms, more alive than he’d felt in a long time—more alive than he’d ever felt at his own castle.

As soon as he reached the portcullis and the bailey, voices erupted around him, some offering to help. One of them promised to tell Jennie that Avelina was in need of help. He climbed the steps to the great hall and someone opened the door for him.

Inside, Jennie hurried toward him, giving orders along the way. “Mab, fresh water in her chamber, please. Drew, up the stairs. I want her in her bed.”

As soon as they moved up the staircase together, Jennie asked, “What happened?”

“I caught Lachlan attacking her in the woods,” Drew whispered.

“Where is he now?” Jennie directed him down the passageway to Lina’s room.

“I left him there.” Memories of Lachlan lying there unmoving gave him little satisfaction.

“He did not get up?”

“Nay.” Bastard. He should have finished him off. He was almost too distracted by the thought to hear Jennie’s next question.

“Why not?” she asked as she entered Avelina’s chamber.

“He couldn’t. I made sure he wouldn’t harm her again. ‘Tis twice he’s dared to touch her.” Drew gave Jennie a fierce look as he followed her into the room and settled Avelina under the covers.

Jennie’s brow arched in response to his declaration. “Drew, you’re covered in blood. Where are you hurt?”

“I’m not.” Why was Jennie so calm? How could she remain this calm when Lachlan had hurt sweet Avelina?

Again, she raised her brow in question.

He forced himself to focus. “Lachlan’s blood,” he explained. He managed to catch his breath now that Avelina was safe in her bed and Jennie was nearby.

“Drew, do you know why she sleeps?”

Drew stepped back from the bed. “He punched her,” he whispered. “How does a man do that to such a wee lass? I could not imagine taking a fist to a woman.” His hands clenched into fists at his sides. He was almost afraid to move, afraid he’d go back to finish what he’d started.

“I know not the answer. Many thanks for saving my friend from that cruel man. Did not Aedan send him away yesterday? How did he get to her? She had gone to the chapel…” Her brow furrowed in thought. “I must speak with Aedan.”

She moved to her friend’s bedside.

Just then, the door flew open and Aedan filled the doorway. “Jennie? I heard the news. Is Lina going to be all right?”

Jennie gave her husband a bleak look before answering. “I think so, but I have not had the opportunity to check her fully yet. Did you find Lachlan?”

“Aye. A bunch of men must have beaten him.”

“Does he still breathe?” Jennie asked.

“Aye, but barely. They did a fine job on him, but he deserved it. He was warned about touching Lina.”

“They?” Jennie gave her husband a pointed look, then moved her gaze to Drew.

“Menzie? You were in on this?”

“Aye. I found her. When I left you, I came through the edge of the forest and heard the rustling of leaves. When I got there, Lachlan had knocked her out and was about to rape her.”

Aedan’s eyes widened. “I’d like to kill him myself, though you and whoever helped you did a fine job.”

“Drew didn’t have any assistance,” Jennie whispered, returning her attention to Avelina.

Noticing Aedan’s expression of shock, Drew bellowed, “Why do you look surprised? The bastard was warned to keep his hands off her on two occasions, yet he still tried to attack her. You’re lucky Avelina moaned or I would not have been able to stop. But I knew I needed to get her to your wife.”

Drew’s gaze returned to Avelina, whose form lay still atop the bed.

Aedan made his way over to Drew’s side and grasped his shoulder. “My thanks.”

Jennie’s house maid came through the door with linen strips, linen squares, and clean water, followed by a slew of lads carrying a tub and pails of steaming water.

Aedan leaned over and kissed his wife on the cheek. “We’ll step out. Please keep us updated.”

“Aye, Mab will help me wash her. I’ll send her out if I need you.”

Drew stopped at the door to look back at Avelina for a moment. Hellfire, but the tall, willowy beauty looked so small in her bed.

The urge to protect her…forever washed over him once more.

***

Lina opened her eyes and moaned. Her hand flew to her face, though touching her tender skin only made her wince. What had happened?

A sound echoed off to her side. She jerked her head that way and groaned again, for the motion sent pain shooting through her head, forcing her to hold it as if her wee hand could stop the battering inside.

“Avelina, do not move. If you move, ‘twill only hurt more.”

Drew yanked his stool over to the side of the bed. Her gaze caught his, and the green of his eyes mesmerized her. Before she could give it any thought, she spoke, “Please call me Lina. ‘Twas you who came to my rescue, was it not?” She eased her head into a position that did not hurt. “My thanks, Drew.”

“Aye,” he whispered, reaching for her hand, enfolding it within his warm one. “My apologies. I should have been there sooner.”