Page 110 of Bond of a Bewitched Highlander

So many things. She bit her lip, attempting to squelch her amusement. "She used to be MacCain's betrothed."

The earl scowled. "Aye. What of it?"

"She's at Farspag now, with MacCain. I thought mayhap they had reconciled and wed."

The earl's face flushed scarlet. "Nay!" His shout rattled the windows.

Chapter 21

Wilona drew back from the furious earl. Aye, she enjoyed riling him, but she did not want to be struck simply because his betrothed had left him for Brodie.

"'Tis nay true! Who told you this?" Talnarock yelled.

"No one. When I was traveling, I saw them together. Go to Farspag and see for yourself."

The earl paced, his boots thudding on the wooden floor. "Her damnable brother, Chief William MacAuley, has reneged on the betrothal contract. He will owe me a fortune in recompense."

"Aye, you deserve it. Revenge against Brodie MacCain will surely bring you much satisfaction as well," she suggested.

"Indeed." The earl narrowed his eyes. "MacAuley will need his help in paying the substantial fee."

"Do you not wish to kill both your unfaithful betrothed and her lover?"

"Mayhap, if they do not pay what I demand."

"You would be well within your rights to demand a significant amount after such a betrayal."

He nodded with a smug smile. "That will increase my earnings, added to more plunder."

"You impress me, m'laird," she gushed.

He straightened, drawing his shoulders back.

Aye, she would butter him up to stay on his amiable side until she had her payment, whether or not he willingly gave it to her.

Or mayhap she would use the youth-ing spell, change her looks, and seduce him. 'Twould be easy to take anything she wished from him. He had far too many castles. He should give her one. A fine one, not this hovel.

Hmm. She must think on it.

Mayhap first she could convince him to kill Brodie, Gavin, and Torr.

Aye, that might work nicely.

"Are you skilled with a bow?" she asked.

He frowned. "Of course. Why do you ask?"

"You look like you would be skilled with many weapons."

"Indeed. If you will excuse me, I'll be sending a missive to Chief MacAuley. I'll have him retrieve Lady Elsea if she truly is with MacCain, as you say. That way, I can save all my men for... other tasks."

***

IN BRODIE'S CHAMBER the next day, Finnian looked out the landward window. "Mo chreach! There's an army heading this way."

Brodie bolted upright, grimacing at the stabbing pain in his chest from the abrupt movement. "Who is it?" he said through clenched teeth. Would Talnaroch attack in retribution?

"Stay where you are. I'll look." Torr hurried to the window and stared out.