Page 67 of The Laird’s Sinful Obsession

They'd been seen.

Lachlann urged his horse faster, ignoring the way his vision swam slightly at the edges.

Just a bit further. Just a few more minutes.

The gates opened as they approached. Guards lined the walls, bows ready in case this was some kind of trick. But Lachlann's men rode through without incident, the bound archer silent between them.

James was waiting in the courtyard, his expression shifting from relief to alarm in the span of a heartbeat.

"What happened?"

"Archer." Lachlann dismounted with less grace than he would have liked, his legs nearly buckling before he caught himself against his horse. "Got me in the side. It's nae so bad."

"Ye're bleedin' everywhere." James was at his side immediately, supporting his weight. "Someone get the healer! Now!"

"The prisoner⁠—"

"Is secured. I can see him just fine." James's grip tightened. "Ye, however, look like ye're about to pass out."

"I'm fine."

"Aye, and I’m probably blind cause I cannae see how this is ye being fine me laird." James started hauling him toward the castle entrance. "Can ye walk or dae I need to carry ye?"

"I can walk." To prove it, Lachlann took a step.

And immediately regretted it as pain exploded white-hot through his entire torso.

"Christ—" His vision grayed at the edges.

"That's it. I'm carryin' ye."

"James, I swear if ye try that I’ll⁠—"

But James was already shifting his grip, preparing to lift him like a sack of grain.

"Wait—" Lachlann grabbed his friend's arm. "Is she... did anyone tell Alba?"

James's expression softened. "Nay one's told her anythin' yet. We just got word ye were comin' in."

"Good." Lachlann exhaled roughly. "That's... good. Dinnae want her seein' me like this."

"Lachlann, she's goin' tae see ye anyway. Ye cannae hide a wound like that."

"I ken." He pressed harder against his side, trying to stem the flow. "But I'd rather nae have her seein' me bleed all over the courtyard first."

"Stubborn bastard."

"Aye." Lachlann managed a weak smile. "But I'm yer stubborn bastard."

"Unfortunately." James started moving again, slower this time, supporting most of Lachlann's weight. "Come on. Let's get ye tae yer chamber before ye bleed out on me boots."

They made it three steps before the castle doors burst open.

And there, framed in the doorway with wide, terrified eyes, was Alba.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

"Where is he?"