Wicked Laird (Brethren of Stone 2)

“Murder,” McCleary shouted even louder, his voice pitching high.

“Unlikely,” someone called from a distance, but Blair didn’t bother to look up. His eyes were on Elle’s pale visage. She was still breathing in shallow, slow breaths but she had yet to open her eyes.

“Ye’ll have to kill me before I’ll let you take me away,” he called, gathering Elle closer.

“That can be arranged,” McCleary growled out.

Blair didn’t look as he gathered Elle close but another shot rang out. He threw his body over hers, holding her to his chest. “Will?” he barked. Had is brother been shot too.

“I’m all right,” Will returned. “It’s McCleary who’s been shot.”

“What?” Blair called back, keeping Elle covered. “By who?”

“Soldiers headed our way.”

The sound of more horses thundered in his ears as he partially lifted up to look down at Elle once again. Slowly, her eyes fluttered open. “Blair?”

Cupping her cheek in his hand, he gently kissed her forehead. “I’m here love.”

“Blair,” she whispered. “I love you.” Then her body started. “Are ye hurt?”

“Ye’re worried about me?” He might have laughed if he wasn’t so frightened for her. “Elle, love. Are ye in any pain?”

She blinked again. “My arm hurts.” She tried to move it and cried out.

He tightened his grip. “Don’t move. Anywhere else that hurts?”

“No, just my arm.”

He let out a long

breath. “That’s good.”

“Was anyone hurt?” A long shadow cast over Blair and he looked up to find a calvary man seated on his horse above him.

“My wife’s been shot.” His throat tightened at the words.

“Fetch the doctor,” the man called.

Will leaned down next to Blair, his hand resting on Blair’s shoulder. “They are both dead. McCleary and McKenzie.” Will paused. “Elle?”

“I think it’s just a flesh wound.” Blair grimaced. Hell and damnation let that be true.

“Don’t talk about me like I’m not here,” Elle mumbled. That made Blair grin. Just a little. If she were well enough to give him a hard time then she’d survive for sure.

“I need ye to be strong, lass. I ken ye are.” He kissed her head again. “But I don’t want tae do any of this without ye.”

She quirked her lip. “Really?”

“Elle.” He placed tiny kisses on her cheeks, her chin, her nose. “Yer the woman for me. I love ye with all my heart.”

“I love you, too.” Her eyes closed again and for a moment he was afraid that she was slipping back away from him. But then they opened. “Blair?”

“Yes, love?” He stroked her hair back.

“I’m so glad ye weren’t hurt.” Her good hand reached up and touched his neck. “Whatever happens to me, promise ye’ll take care of Ailean.”

“Nothing is happening tae ye.” He meant it. Hell would freeze before he’d let her go.