She stumbled along after him. "That jerk. Stop dragging me. I can walk. I'll tell Gavin you were showing me disrespect and mistreating me."
"It matters not. When I tell him you were again trying to steal a sword, he will be more vexed with you than me. Methinks he will take a whip to you," Ewan grumbled as he tugged her along toward her prison.
"Like hell," she muttered. "If he hurts me in any way, I'm leaving this place." But Dani knew Gavin wouldn't whip her. He had never shown any aggression toward her. But he would be angry when he learned she'd gotten into the armory.
∞∞∞
Gavin flew toward his open bedchamber window and alighted on the sill. He peered inside, glad to see no one about. Using his wings to soften the landing, he hopped to the floor, then paced while waiting for the transformation to take place. His talons clicked on the worn floorboards. He had spent the day searching the wood and the clan borders to see if Alpin or the MacRae men lurked about, trying to sabotage anyone else. He had spied no one.
And now he couldn't wait to see his future bride. Excitement buoyed his mood. He hoped she had not changed her mind about marrying him.
The shift struck him like lightning. With the severe moment of pain, a growl escaped his mouth. Straightening to his full height, he stretched. Finding clean clothes where Crocker had left them on the chair, he slid the long shirt over his head, then belted the plaid at his waist.
A fist banged against the door.
"Enter."
Ewan opened the door. "M'laird, there you are. I looked for you on the ramparts earlier but didn't see you."
"I searched for Alpin and the other miscreants most of the day. What did you wish to tell me? I hope 'tis good news."
Ewan nodded. "Father John is awake and eating his supper."
"Indeed? 'Tis grand news." Relief lifted the burden of concern from his shoulders. "How is he feeling?"
"Fine as a fiddle. Crocker says 'tis a miracle."
"I agree. I'll be down forthwith to talk to him."
"And…" Hesitating, Ewan cleared his throat.
"Aye?" Gavin hated to ask, given his guard's lowered brows.
"I had to lock the lady in her chamber."
"Why?" Gavin demanded, his mood taking a steep dive.
"She broke into the armory."
Gavin frowned, trying to imagine it. "How? Did she kick down the door?"
"Nay." Ewan's face reddened. "She stole my keys while I slept."
"Ah." Gavin well knew Ewan loved a good nap.
"Pray pardon, m'laird, but I was sore weary."
"Why did she want in the armory?"
"She was touching the sword blades. I feared she would slice off her fingers. She asked me to help her take out the various claymores."
Agitation and confusion churning inside him, Gavin scowled. "Is she planning to kill me with one of them? A dirk would be easier for her to wield."
"I've nay inkling. With all due respect, m'laird, she is a strange lass."
Gavin had to admit Ewan spoke the truth. "I'll talk to her and try to puzzle out her plan."
Ewan dipped his head in a brief bow, then scurried away.
