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“He’s jealous,” Duncan said, heading to the door.
“Definitely jealous,” Reeve agreed, following.
“I am not,” Bryce called out, as the door shut behind them.
Carmag placed a hand on his son’s shoulder. “Your time will come.”
“With so much to be done, I prefer to wait,” Bryce said.
Carmag shook his head. “Love waits for no one.”
Chapter 33
Tara was enjoying herself. Etty had been just finishing up in the kitchen and was eager to get home to Neil when she had entered. When Tara had informed her that she was going to make her black bread, Etty begged that she make extra loaves.
The last two loaves of the four Tara had made were cooking. She rolled her shoulders back, easing the stiffness from them, and though she was tired, she also felt refreshed. Baking the bread had cleared her mind, and she was certain she’d have a good night’s sleep tonight.
After making love.
She shook her head, the silent words resonating like a clanging bell in her mind. How could she prevent her vows from being consummated when she was eager to make love with her husband?
The thought hit her then. Both Rory and Luag had died before consummation of the vows. Would it be any different with the vows consummated?
It was doubtful, but it was worth a try, and besides, she was aching to make love with Reeve. A huge smile filled her face at the thought, and when she heard rushed footfalls approach, she turned, eager to greet her husband.
She froze when she saw that it was Allen, one of her father’s most trusted warriors.
“What do you want?” she demanded, though she feared she knew.
“Your husband dead,” he said bluntly.
“That’snotgoing to happen.”
She and Allen turned to see Reeve sending just inside the arched doorway, his arms folded over his chest as if what he had heard did not disturb him at all, confident that he was right. But then he was always right, and that brought a smile to Tara’s face.
Allen glared and pointed a finger at Reeve. “You die, and Tara comes with me to fulfill her duty to her clan.”
Reeve shook his head and walked slowly into the room. “No. You die, and I send your body back to Carnoth to show him that he has failed again. And to remind him of my warning to leave my wife alone.”
Tara knew Allen was skilled with a dirk. He’d been known to kill a man with a single blow, and that, she feared, was his plan. He was fast and accurate even from a distance. Fear raced through her. Would the curse prove true after all? Was there nothing she could do to save her husband? The horrible thought squeezed tight at her heart, and she inched closer to Reeve, wanting to save him, but not sure how.
“Of course, I could let you leave now and thus spare your life,” Reeve said.
Allen laughed, and Tara knew it was a diversion. She had seen him use it before. The dirk was in his hand and sailing through the air before she realized he had reached for it. And with no regard for her own life, she launched her body in front of Reeve’s.
In one fluid motion she felt Reeve’s arm circle her waist, yank her against him and shield her body with his as he dipped them both to the floor. He released her with a jolt and stood so fast that it took her a moment to realize what had happened. From her prone position, she watched as Reeve retrieved the dirk from where it had embedded in the wall and walked toward Allen.
“Let me show you how to properly use this,” Reeve said, and, with a fierce roar, launched the dirk and himself at Allen.
Tara sprang to her feet, her eyes wide. With the look of fury she had caught in Reeve’s eyes before he released her, she knew that he had intentionally missed hitting Allen with the weapon. He was itching for a fight, and Allen had given him the opportunity.
“Damn, this one might be a match for our brother,” Duncan said, entering the room, Bryce following him in.
“Do something,” Tara ordered sharply.
“We are,” Bryce said. “We’re here to cheer himon.”
“What’s taking you so long, Reeve?” Duncan shouted.
