Page 33 of His Runaway Bride
Now Malcolm was injured because of her foolishness, and the entire clan was at risk because their laird would surely come for her, walking straight into whatever trap the Fergusons had planned.The thought of Ewan riding into danger because of her recklessness made her stomach clench with guilt and fear.
Dugald Ferguson paced before the hearth, his scarred face twisted with satisfaction and something that might have been nervousness.The same man who had led the attack on their camp months ago now held her captive, and she could see the cruel anticipation in his eyes.
"Comfortable, are we?"he asked with false pleasantry, his voice carrying the rough accent of the borderlands.
"Quite," Lileas replied with icy calm, pushing down her self-recrimination to focus on the present danger."Though I fear ye've made a grave mistake."
Dugald laughed, a harsh sound that held no humor."Have I now?And what mistake would that be, my clever lass?"
"Ye've taken the wife of Ewan MacNeil," she said, meeting his gaze steadily."He will come for me, and when he does, ye'll wish ye'd never been born."
"Let him come," Dugald scoffed, settling into the chair across from her."My laird has been waiting for this opportunity for months.Yer husband can rage all he likes, but ye're coming with us to Ferguson Keep, where yer skills will be put to proper use."
"My husband will find me and when he does—"
"When he does, he'll find himself outnumbered and outmatched," Dugald interrupted.
Despite her bonds, despite the danger, Lileas felt her lips curve into a smile that held no warmth."Ye clearly dinnae ken my husband very well if ye think he can be so easily beaten."
Dugald's expression darkened."We'll see about that.For now, ye'd best reconcile yerself to yer new circumstances.Ye belong to Clan Ferguson now, and ye'll serve our interests whether ye like it or not."
"I belong to Ewan MacNeil," Lileas replied fiercely."And I'll never willingly help ye or yer clan."
"Willingly?"Dugald's laugh was genuinely amused now."Who said anything about willingly?Ye'll do as ye're told, or ye'll suffer the consequences.There are ways to make even the most stubborn lass see reason."
The threat hung in the air between them, but Lileas refused to show fear.Instead, she lifted her chin and met his gaze with defiance that burned like fire.
"Try it," she said quietly."And discover exactly what kind of woman Ewan MacNeil chose to marry."
***
BACK AT MACNEIL KEEP, Ewan stood in the courtyard as his men prepared for what might be their final ride.The warband he had assembled was small but elite with twenty of his best fighters, men who had proven themselves in countless battles and would follow him into the depths of hell if necessary.
Grant checked the straps on his horse's tack one final time."The lads are ready, my laird.We can be at Ferguson Keep by dawn if we ride hard."
"Then we ride hard," Ewan replied grimly, swinging up into his saddle.His destrier snorted and pawed the ground, sensing his master's urgency and rage.
Patrick appeared at his stirrup, his face set with determination."What are yer orders if we meet resistance on the road?"
"Cut through it," Ewan said without hesitation."Anyone wearing Ferguson colors is an enemy.Anyone who stands between me and my wife dies."
A murmur of approval ran through the assembled riders.These men had grown to love their lady, had seen how she improved their lives and brought happiness to their laird.They would ride through fire to bring her home.
Connor appeared in the courtyard, his face still dark with frustrated anger."Ewan—"
"I've said my piece, brother," Ewan cut him off."Stay safe.Protect what matters."
Before Connor could respond, another figure emerged from the shadows near the keep's entrance.Morna moved with the quiet grace of someone who had spent a lifetime tending to others, her silver hair gleaming in the torchlight and her wise eyes fixed on Ewan with an intensity that made him pause.
"Morna," he said, his voice softening with affection and respect."I must go.There's no time—"
"There's always time for wisdom, lad," she interrupted gently, approaching his destrier."And ye'll need it where ye're going."
Ewan frowned, recognizing the distant look in her eyes that sometimes came when she saw things others could not."What is it?"
"Take care with their laird," Morna replied quietly, her voice carrying the weight of certainty."All is not as it seems with him.He is in need of a good woman, just like ye were once."
"Morna, I'm not going there to play matchmaker," Ewan replied with exasperation."I'm going to get my wife back and likely kill every Ferguson who stands in my way."
