In Bed with a Highlander (McCabe Trilogy 1)

“There are rumors, Ewan, more now than ever, that Duncan plots against the king. And I’ve heard that he might throw in his lot with Malcolm to support another uprising against the throne.”

Ewan drummed his fingers on the table and looked again at Alaric, who wore what could only be described as a pained look of resignation.

“I’ll have to speak to my brothers. I won’t make any decision that affects Alaric without hearing his thoughts on the matter.”

McDonald nodded. “Of course. I would expect no less. Separately, we are strong clans. But together we would be a force to be reckoned with. Think you the McLauren clan would join in our cause?”

The McLauren clan, though small, did have well-trained soldiers. Together with the McCabes and the McDonalds, they would form a formidable alliance that would only be strengthened when the McCabes controlled Neamh Álainn.

“Aye, they will,” Ewan replied. “With the three of us united, it might sway Douglas to our side. He controls the lands north and west of Neamh Álainn.”

“If we plant the idea of Duncan Cameron sniffing around Neamh Álainn, he’ll come around fast enough,” McDonald said. “He alone can’t stand up to a force like Cameron, but with us, Cameron doesn’t stand a chance against our might.”

“Duncan Cameron doesn’t stand a chance against me,” Ewan said softly.

McDonald’s eyebrow lifted in surprise. “That’s a heavy boast, Ewan. You don’t have his numbers.”

Ewan smiled. “My men are better trained. They’re stronger. They’re more disciplined. I don’t look to this alliance to defeat Cameron. I’ll defeat him with or without allies. I look to alliances to cement the future.”

At McDonald’s disbelieving look, Ewan leaned back in his seat. “Would you care for a demonstration, Gregor? Perhaps you’d like to view firsthand those you ally yourself with.”

McDonald’s eyes narrowed. “What sort of demonstration?”

“Your best men against my best men.”

A slow smile spread across the older man’s face. “I like a good contest, I do. You’re on. What shall we wager?”

“Food,” Ewan said. “Three months’ store of meat and spices.”

“God’s teeth, you drive a hard bargain. I can’t afford to part with that kind of bounty.”

“If you’re concerned about losing, we can of course call off the contest.”

Knowing an opponent’s Achilles’ heel was all-important, and for Gregor McDonald, his weakness was a challenge. Suggesting he was afraid of losing a wager was like summoning hounds to a carcass.

“Done,” McDonald pronounced. He rubbed his hands in glee and his eyes gleamed triumphantly.

Ewan rose from his seat. “No time like the present.”

McDonald leaped from his chair and gestured for one of his commanders. Then he peered suspiciously back at Ewan.

“You and your brothers aren’t allowed to participate. Only your men. Soldier against soldier.”

Ewan smiled lazily. “If that’s what you prefer. I would not have a man under my command if he weren’t as worthy as I am with a sword.”

“I shall enjoy raiding your stores when my men prove their mettle,” McDonald crowed.

Ewan kept his smile and motioned for McDonald to precede himify the hall.

When McDonald hurried out to his men, Alaric hung back. “Ewan, are you giving consideration to this marriage business?”

Ewan eyed his younger brother. “Are you telling me you’re not?”

Alaric frowned. “Nay, it isn’t at all what I’m saying. But hell, Ewan, I’ve no desire to be saddled with a bride.”

“ ’Tis a good opportunity for you, Alaric. You would be laird of your own clan. You’d have lands and sons to hand that legacy down to.”

“Nay,” Alaric said quietly. “This is my clan. Not the McDonalds.”

Ewan put his hand on Alaric’s shoulder. “We’ll always be your clan. But think. My brother will be my closest neighbor. We’ll be allies. If you stay here, you can never be laird. Your heir will never be laird. You should grab on to this with both hands.”

Alaric sighed. “But marriage?”

“She’s a bonnie lass,” Ewan pointed out.

“Pretty enough, I suppose,” Alaric grunted. “I couldn’t see much of her face during the meal because she had it pointed down the entire time.”

“There’ll be plenty of time to see her face. Besides, ’tis not the face you need to concern yourself with. ’Tis the rest.”

Alaric laughed and then looked quickly around. “Better not let your bride hear you say that. You might be sleeping with your men tonight.”

“Are you ready, Ewan?” McDonald boomed across the courtyard.

Ewan held up his hand. “Aye, I’m ready.”

“What on earth are they doing?” Mairin asked as she heard the roar from the courtyard.

Crispen grabbed her hand and tugged her toward the hill. “Let’s go up the hill so we can see!”

The other children followed suit and soon they stood atop the hill. Mairin shielded her face from the sun so she could see the goings-on below.

“They’re fighting!” Crispen exclaimed.

Mairin’s eyes widened at the sight of so many warriors gathered in a tight circle. In the middle stood two soldiers, one a McCabe and one a McDonald.

“Why, that’s Gannon,” she whispered. “Why is Gannon fighting the McDonald soldier?”