Chapter 24

As the dust settled from Sir Kellen Campbell"s departure, Jennifer turned to Cam, her eyes filled with concern. She couldn"t contain her curiosity any longer and blurted out, "Cam, why did you tell Sir Kellen about Malcolm"s involvement with the bandits? Isn"t he your cousin? Won"t that create more animosity between the clans?"

Cam"s gaze softened as he met Jennifer"s earnest eyes. He let out a weary sigh, the weight of his responsibilities evident in his voice. "Aye, lass, it might seem harsh, but Malcolm"s actions threatened not only the Donald clan but also the very essence of our existence on this island." He paused for a moment to collect his thoughts before continuing. "Malcolm, though a kinsman, brought chaos and disharmony to our lands. He nearly cost us our place here, putting our entire clan, as small as we are, at risk. By disavowing him to the Campbells, we sever the ties that could lead his crimes back to the Donald clan."

Jen nodded in understanding, a sense of sadness seeping into her voice. "It must have been a difficult decision, Cam, but I can see the wisdom in it. I suppose sometimes, protecting the greater good means making tough choices, even if they are family."

Cam nodded, giving her an endearing look. "Aye, lass. It weighs heavily on me, but I must consider the welfare of our people and the future of our clan. Malcolm showed his true colors, and I fear he might cause even greater harm if left unchecked."

Cam turned to Jamie and the others. "Take the cart and leave us a couple of horses. I want to show Jen around Ballygrant. We"ll return on the morrow."

Jamie studied him for a moment but then nodded. "All right, I"ll send word if I hear from Murdock or Errol." He turned to the men with him and said, "Gowan, Keir, leave your horses and drive the cart. Wiley and I will ride point."

The men did as he asked and with a wave, headed back toward the road leading out of town.

Jen turned to Cam. "Did you really want to show me around? Or did you just want to get me into bed?" she said with a wicked grin and a laugh.

Cam chuckled. "Both, lass. We"ll get a room here at the inn, but I thought you might like to see what an actual Scottish town was like. I"m sure 'tis much different from what you"re used to."

Jen nodded as she looked around. "You would not believe me if I described what towns look like where I"m from." She laughed again.

They spent the day wandering the town, going into a mercantile shop that held a variety of goods. Cam bought her some sweet treats there, then he took her to a dressmaker and insisted that he buy a gown made especially for her, seeing as everything she"d worn since her arrival had been lent to her.

"You really don"t have to; I have enough," Jen murmured.

"'Tis but a pittance, love, and I"m happy to do it."

The dressmaker said the dress would be ready in a week, and they would deliver it to the castle. They stopped in a shop that sold books and other items, and Jen picked up a book of works by Shakespeare and grinned. "Did you know we still read his work in my time?"

"Is he that good?" Cam asked, frowning at the book.

Jen nodded. "Many people think so."

"I"ll get the book for you if you wish." Cam took the book from her hand and approached the shopkeeper.

Jen hadn"t had a lot of time to read for pleasure in her old life, but perhaps she would here. It would be nice to read something she was familiar with, at least.

After wandering the town for a few hours, Jen grew hungry, so they returned to the tavern inn to dine and book a room for the night. The inn hummed with life now that it was midday, and she could see more of it than she"d seen this morning. The room had a low ceiling and was filled with rough-hewn tables and worn wooden benches and chairs. The walls were adorned with faded tapestries depicting ancient tales of Scottish heroes and battles fought. The air was thick with the melodies of fiddles and the lively banter of locals. She much preferred this to the sleeping drunks who were there earlier.

Cam and Jen found an empty table by the hearth and sank into the worn wooden seats. The innkeeper"s wife, a stout woman with a friendly smile, approached Cam, her voice tinged with a thick Scottish accent. "What can I get you, travelers?"

Cam leaned forward, his voice carrying a weary, grateful tone. "A hot meal and a warm bed, if you have "em, ma"am. We"ve traveled from Fort Donald."

The woman nodded, her eyes filled with understanding. "You"ve come to the right place, then. I"ll have a hearty stew and a comfortable room for you."

Jen leaned back in her seat as they awaited their meal, taking in the lively atmosphere. The sound of laughter and clinking tankards filled the air, creating a jovial ambiance that eased the burdens of the day.

Cam"s gaze met hers with a glimmer of gratitude. "We may be amid trials and tribulations, lass, but moments like these remind us of the simple joys and the resilience."

A short while later, the innkeeper"s wife set down steaming bowls of stew, fresh bread, and a selection of local cheeses. The aroma of the stew made Jen"s mouth water, and she couldn"t wait to dig in.

Cam"s eyes twinkled with delight as he surveyed the spread. "You dinnae find food like this in your time, do you, lass," he remarked, his rich Scottish brogue making her insides quake with pleasure. "This is the taste of home."

Jennifer took a spoonful of the stew, savoring the comforting flavors that danced on her tongue. She nodded in agreement. "You"re right, Cam, food back home doesn"t taste like this. There"s something special about these traditional Scottish dishes. They have a way of warming the soul."

As they enjoyed their meal, their conversation turned to the future. Cam set his spoon aside and fixed his gaze on Jen. "Lass, I"ve been thinkin" long and hard about us. I want you by my side, now and forever. I know you cannae go back to the life you had before you came here, but I want you to make the choice to be with me because it"s what you want, not because you feel trapped here. If you donnae want to be with me, you need to say so, an" I will see that you are nae left without means to live."

Jen met Cam"s eyes with determination. She had already made her decision. She wanted to be with him. Even if Dub Sith had given her the choice to go back, she wouldn"t leave him. "Cam, before I met you, I could never have imagined living anywhere but in the states, doing things the way I had always done them. Living life with ease and not really being a part of things. Being with you and being a part of this clan changed something within me. I"ve found a sense of belonging and purpose that I"ve never experienced. I want to be part of your world, Cam. I don"t want to go off on my own. I choose you."

A tender smile graced Cam"s lips as he reached across the table, his hand finding hers. "You"ve made me the happiest man, lass. We"ll face the challenges ahead together, as a team. And I promise you, I"ll cherish and protect you with all I am."

After their meal, they followed the innkeeper"s wife up the stairs to the room they would share for the night.

"If"n you need anything, you need but ask," she said and left them alone.

Cam and Jen walked into the room. The innkeeper"s wife had prepared a space that radiated warmth and comfort, with a large, soft bed with plaid blankets, and a crackling fire in the hearth.

As they settled into the room, Cam wrapped his arms around Jen and drew her close on the bed. They breathed in the familiar scent of wood and hearth, the ambiance of the Scottish countryside enveloping them.

"Are you tired, lass?" he asked. His brow raised.

"How do you want me to answer that question?" she asked with a sly smile.

"I think you know," he said, grinning. Without hesitation, he rolled over on top of her.

Jennifer laughed. "You"re eager, aren't you?"

"How can I not be with you at my side. Look at you," he said.

"I feel the same way," she said, reaching up to stroke his cheek.

She pushed her hand into his auburn hair, drawing him to kiss her. Their lips met with a passion that had been waiting since their last night of intimacy.

"I want to taste you," he said, his voice husky with need.

"You do?" she asked.

But there was no time for an answer. He quickly moved down the bed and pushed up her skirts to her waist. He pulled off her boots, and then peeled off every layer until she was naked under him.

"Now you," she said, implying he should take off his clothes.

"Oh, an order? I like taking orders from you," he said, grinning.

"Do you? Then I"ll remember to give you more," she teased.

Cam stood up and peeled off his boots, belt, plaid, and tunic until he stood naked beside the bed.

"How did I do?" he asked.

Jennifer looked at him, his brawny body ready to take her. "Very well." She smiled and reached for him to join her.

"Good," he said with a smirk. Then he climbed between her thighs, placing a soft kiss on the inside of her thigh, and positioning himself to taste her.

He flicked his tongue over her slit, slowly at first, exploring and savoring as she moaned. Cam licked, moving his tongue over her clit, and teasing her as he tasted her.

"Oh, Cam. Cam… that feels so good. Don't stop," she whispered.

Cam did as he was told, licking and kissing her until her back arched off the bed and a tremor rocked through her. She tried to restrain her moans, knowing they weren't the only guests at the inn. When she reached her peak, she expected him to move away, but he continued to lick her until he"d gotten every last drop.

"How's that, lass?" he asked as he climbed over her body and gently kissed her breasts.

"I… I…" was all she could say.

"I suppose that's a good answer," he said with a chuckle.

Cam pushed his hard cock inside of her. Jennifer wrapped her legs around him, holding onto him. They moved together. Cam placed his arms around her back, pulling her to him as he moved.

He pumped his body against her, their skin slapping in the warm room as they made every effort to feel each other.

After a while, he stopped and maneuvered Jennifer onto her stomach, entering her again, and pressing his chest against her back. Jennifer pressed her face into the pillow as he moved until he pulled her up slightly, placing one hand firmly on her breast.

A few moments later, Cam's body tensed, and he pressed his face into her back. "Fuck, I'm releasing," he said.

His accent drove her crazy and sent her over the edge again as well. He collapsed, his weight pressing her into the bed. When they had gained their breath back, with a contented sigh, Jen nestled against Cam"s chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against her cheek. They drifted into sleep, only to wake a few hours later and make love all over again.

The next morning, the sun began to peek through the curtains, gently nudging Jen awake. She watched Cam sleep for a few moments before he, too, began to stir. "Good morning," she murmured and kissed him.

"Good morning, love." Cam pulled her body flush against his and Jen enjoyed how well they fit together.

Jen stretched and then snuggled back into him. "I wish we never had to leave. This bed is so comfortable and much bigger than mine."

Cam chuckled. "I"ll see about getting us a bigger bed, love. Though, I donnae mind it when you use me as your pillow."

Jen laughed. "I suppose we need to dress and head back to the fort?"

With a sigh, Cam nodded. "Aye, that we do."

After dressing in their respective attires, they made their way downstairs to the bustling tavern. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon greeted them, and the innkeeper welcomed them with a warm smile.

Cam and Jen found a cozy corner table and settled in, the tavern still relatively quiet as the morning sun cast a golden glow through the windows. Their breakfast arrived; a hearty Scottish feast. Steam rose from the plates as they beheld a traditional breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausage, grilled vegetables, and slices of buttered toast.

As they savored each bite, laughter and chatter filled the tavern. They spoke of nothing in particular and did a good bit of teasing each other as they ate.

The innkeeper bustled about, ensuring each patron had a full plate before attending to other work. The tavern came alive with the sound of clinking silverware, hearty laughter, and the occasional bellow of a jovial toast.

With contented smiles, Cam and Jen lingered a while longer in the tavern, enjoying the company and the vibrant atmosphere. The echoes of their laughter mingled with the clatter of plates, a joyful symphony that marked the beginning of another day.

As the morning sun reached its zenith, casting a warm glow upon the tavern, they leaned into each other, kissing. Jen pulled back, eager to face the adventures that awaited them beyond the inn"s threshold. Life had become a challenge that she was ready to face head-on with Cam by her side.

Standing, Cam made his way to the innkeeper"s counter, exchanging a few coins to settle their expenses and Jen joined him. His deep Scottish brogue resonated as he expressed his gratitude for the warm hospitality they had received during their stay.

The innkeeper, his eyes sparkling with kindness, assured him that it had been a pleasure having them as guests and to return any time they made it in to Ballygrant.

Stepping out into the crisp morning air with Jen holding Cam"s hand, they headed for the stables to attend to the horses they were taking home. Jen was sad that she wouldn"t be riding Mist, but she knew she didn"t have a choice in this case.

"Donnae worry, love. Dutchess will treat you right. I"ll take Jester; he"s a bit harder to handle." Cam helped her with the saddle.

Jen stroked the neck of the white and grey horse with a smile. "Dutchess, hmmm? It"s nice to meet you."

The horse nickered at her and tossed her white mane as she nodded.

"She likes you." Cam smiled and gave her a wink.

Once the horses were ready, they mounted and headed in the direction of the fort. And for the first time in a long time, Jen thought she was finally heading home, and with the man she loved. She looked over at him and couldn"t believe how lucky she"d gotten in coming here to this time and place. She wouldn"t trade this life for any other, she thought with a grin.

"Race you," she called, spurring Dutchess into a gallop with a laugh.

Cam"s laughter followed her as they rode for home.