Page 101 of The Dragon Laird’s Obsession

The village head, Tam, met him near the first of the ruined cottages, leaning heavily upon his staff.

“Me Laird,” he greeted, dipping his head. “The east cottages are near enough rebuilt. We have three roofs standin’ again, and the masons say the fourth will be finished by week’s end.”

Gordon dismounted and handed his reins to one of the lads.

He walked the grounds with Tam, inspecting the progress they had made in building the destroyed cottages. “Good. And the families?”

“Settled with their kin for now. The widows have been given grain from the keep stores. It hasnae been easy, and everyone has been fearful of a comin’ storm. We may lack enough shelter for some villagers if we daenae finish rebuildin’ soon.”

“See that they receive blankets before the next rain.”

Tam nodded. “Aye, Me Laird.”

Gordon walked with him through the village, inspecting each wall and speaking with the men who worked there. He questioned the masons, checked the timber, settled a dispute over the division of labor, and ordered another cart sent from the keep.

For hours, there was no room in his mind for anything else, or so he told himself.

Yet when the work slowed near midday, an unwelcome thought slipped through. He saw her as she had looked the night before, standing before him with hope in her eyes.

His chest tightened as he remembered her words.

Why would she want to stay here? With me?

He forced his attention back to the rebuilding.

By afternoon, Rowan arrived in the village with Malcolm, and Gordon was thankful for the company.

Gordon looked up as his brother approached across the muddy lane. “Ye are difficult to find these days,” Rowan said with a smile. “I was told ye left the keep before dawn. What was so important it couldnae wait till day broke?”

“I had to inspect the village,” Gordon answered even though he knew the smile his brother had on proved he did not believe him.

Rowan glanced toward the ruined cottages. “How much damage was done during the raid?”

“A lot,” Gordon answered grimly. “I have intensified patrol around every corner. Nay one is breakin’ through our defenses again.”

Rowan said nothing as they walked together beyond the village while the men continued working behind them.

The silence between them stretched as Gordon pondered what to do next. The only way he knew to make sure Ailis did not ruin her life by staying by his side was to send her away.

It is what I should have done since she first arrived here.

At first, he had wanted her to leave on her own because he was certain she would… Then he had completely forgotten his plan and let himself get lost in simply enjoying her presence.

Now, that has to end too.

Gordon cleared his throat and rubbed one hand on the back of his neck. “I have been thinkin’ of a new alliance for our clans,” Gordon said. “If we strengthen the western routes, our clans can share patrols along the pass. Neither of us needs to bear the cost alone.”

Rowan studied him with quiet approval. “Ye have been plannin’ this for some time.”

“Aye. Waitin’ for trouble to come is how men lose good land.”

Rowan stopped walking and now faced him. “Kerr is our major threat on the western borders. Do ye mean to make a move for his lands before he does the same to ye?”

Gordon shook his head. “I daenae intend to start a war, but I intend to give him reasons nae to try startin’ one with us.”

Rowan nodded. “That is wise. It is nae what our uncle would have done.”

Rowan was silent for a moment, his gaze following the smoke rising from the newly rebuilt cottages. Gordon’s throat tightened at the comment, and he felt that familiar crushing weight settle on his chest again.