Chapter Twelve

T he visit was going well, although if Alexander were to be honest, he was restless. A part of him wanted to mount and ride without a destination in mind. He yearned for time alone, to go away from the responsibilities and the conflicting emotions that had him unsettled. Was it that he'd grown so accustomed to chaos that peace unsettled him?

As last meal was concluding, the Grant was discussing the hunting on his lands with Cynden, who'd asked about it. Thankfully, his brother seemed to understand Alexander and without a word had known the announcement the Grant had made did not sit well with him.

An alliance with Clan Grant would be beneficial since their lands expanded almost the entire northwestern coast of the isle.

A union, however, was another story.

He'd noted the expressions at the women's table at the Grant stating he desired a union. His daughter, a pretty lass, had come to life, her eager expression almost frightening. His mother, on the other hand, was not as enthusiastic. She'd given him a questioning look. Then there was Nala, who with eyebrows lifted, looked from him to Leah Grant, studying the other woman. Finally, she'd met his gaze for a split second, and he thought he had seen a flash of something. Perhaps hurt?

Of course he'd not marry Leah Grant. He'd have to ensure the Grant understood that it wasn't an option.

It was late by the time the Grant had finally retired. Admittedly, he and his brother had enjoyed hearing tales of their father's youth. A time before their mother had entered his life and before the lairds had ended their friendship.

Alone in the great room, Alexander considered going to find his bed, but he was restless and instead went outside. He walked to the wall and climbed up to stand at a corner of it, so that he could see across toward the village and to his right, the expanse of the sea. It was dark, but the sounds of the waves were enough to soothe him. A light wind brought the salty air. Like a lover's caress, the wind blew across his skin and tussled his hair, blowing it across his face.

His duties were many, but he didn't mind it. It was his legacy after all. And yet there were days when he wondered what it would be like to be a villager, a baker or a cobbler, whose only responsibility was to make bread, or shoes. The only people that counted on those men were their wives and bairns. Unlike him who carried the weight of not only his family, but the entire clan.

"Alex," Cynden said. "Is something wrong?"

He turned to see his brother's sleepy face and almost laughed. In that moment, Cynden looked to be about two and twelve. Especially when he yawned and rubbed his eyes.

"I was too restless to sleep. Thought some time here would settle my mind," Alexander replied. "Why are ye up? Go back to bed."

"Ainslie opened the shutters to get fresh air and saw ye. She said ye may be considering jumping and ending it all." Cynden chuckled. "She joked, but then I could nae go back to sleep."

Alexander peered down to the jagged hillside that sloped from the wall toward the sandy shore. "I would nae die if I jumped. It is possible I suppose that after I rolled down the hill I could be trampled by a startled sheep."

"Ye could hit yer head and bleed to death," Cynden said peering over the edge like Alexander had. "It would be quite a fall. I think ye would at least break an arm or leg."

They stood side by side looking out to the sea. "Strange that the Grant has such high regard for Father and yet never tried to bridge the gap between them."

"I believe he tried," Alexander replied. "Da was quite stubborn."

Without speaking, they walked to the steps and descended, making their way back into the house and up the stairs to their respective bedchambers.

His mind remained on the visit and on the day ahead. He'd have to leave Cynden to any lairdship duties, so that he could entertain the visiting laird. He removed all his clothes and stood bare in front of the washstand next to the hearth. Dipping a cloth into the cool water, he washed his body and then dried it.

As he slipped between the blankets without bothering with a nightshirt, his mind conjured the picture of Nala coming undone by him, his fingers bringing her to climax. She'd been so utterly beautiful in that moment. His sex came to life, hardening, jutting from his body in expectation. Alexander wrapped his hand around the thick shaft, sliding it up and down, his hips reacting by thrusting into the motions. Soon his breathing became jagged and his movements faster, the hand tighter, heat pooled at the base of his sex. Alexander arched, the back of his head sinking into the bedding as he stroked. When his body shuddered in release, he let out a harsh moan and then went slack. Already his eyes were heavy as sleep claimed him.

First meal was sparse. Outside a steady rain fell, which meant there would not be many people seeking a hearing. Unfortunately, it also meant they'd be confined indoors until it let up.

Dressed in a simple tunic, breeches, and boots, Alexander ate his meal. The Grant had sent a message with his wife that he was indisposed and would join him for midday meal. The man had imbibed a bit more than usual, his wife had disclosed in a conspiratorial whisper.

Alexander met with the council to discuss the latest issues. Mostly they had to decide on preparations for winter and choosing which farmers would supply the keep with necessary supplies for the following seasons. It was something that had fallen by the wayside lately, but a tradition that would bring much-needed normalcy as farmers would compete by showcasing the best of their harvest.

The village would celebrate with a fete and there would be music and friendly competitions between the keep guards and the villagers. It had been several years since they'd been able to have such events, as the ongoing battles had kept the clan's people in fear.

When Alexander ended the meeting, Nala's father went to find his daughter to visit and see about her. The Grant was in the great room, breaking his fast with a plain meal of broth and bread. Red-rimmed eyes met his and he motioned for Alexander to join him.

"I must apologize for my late rising," the man stated.

Alexander gave him an amused look. "It is understandable."

"Whilst I bragged about my whiskey, ye didnae tell me about the Clan Ross flavorful ales." The Grant studied the empty room, his eyes coming to rest over the hearth. "Not much has changed, except for that portrait."

"What would ye like to do today?" Alexander changed the subject. As much as he enjoyed hearing about his father the night before, he didn't want to linger in the past. "I had planned a trip to the village, if the weather warms."

The Grant waved Alexander's words away. "I dinnae wish to be a bother. Instead, we should discuss ways in which our clans can help one another."

"Some of the council remains. We can do that," Alexander stated, hoping to avoid speaking of the Grant's daughter.

The Grant grinned as if delighted. "Grand idea."

Moments later, the Clan Ross council sat with the Grant and his eldest son in the parlor to discuss. Knox, Cynden, and Nala's father were present, as well as the village constable.

Nala's father and the Grant were soon engrossed in discussions of the rules between the clans, the fact that his lands bordered Clan Grant's meant the man had a personal interest in the subject.

As the conversation continued, Alexander excused himself, stating he would return shortly.

Nala sat in front of the hearth, her gaze on the fire. When he approached, she started and peered up at him. There was something akin to annoyance in the beautiful brown depths.

"Should ye nae be in there?" She motioned toward the parlor. "My father was pulled away before I could ask about my horse."

Alexander lowered to the chair next to hers. "I will return, I needed to walk out and clear my head for a moment." He looked around the empty room. "Where are the other women? Yer friend?"

"Everyone left to give me privacy to visit with my father," Nala said with a shrug and then pinned him with a narrowed look. "What ye really wish to ken is where Leah is."

It took a moment for him to remember the name. His lips curved at the fact that it obviously bothered Nala. "I can seek her out later."

He was enjoying goading her. "Or ye can speak to her."

Nala looked down, then sharply back up at him. "Why tell me? She's barely acknowledged my presence. If it is a message ye wish to relay to her, tell it to someone else." She returned her attention to the fire.

"Are ye jealous?" Alexander couldn't help trying to get a reaction out of the beauty.

Nala's gaze snapped to him. "Of course not. Ye are free to seek who ye want."

"I am aware of it. In this circumstance, I believe her father wishes for clan unity based on marriage."

When she looked at him, Alexander pretended not to notice. "I suppose it is nae a terrible thing."

"I dinnae wish to have this conversation with ye. Ye should talk to yer brother about it." There was a slight quiver to her bottom lip, it was just enough to get his attention and consider that perhaps he'd pushed her too far.

He leaned forward. "I prefer talking to ye. Yer company settles me." It wasn't a lie, she did something to him, calming him inwardly. While physically, he had to fight to keep from touching her. "Do ye nae like me?"

Nala looked up at the ceiling. "Of course I like ye. We have known each other practically since birth. My birth anyway, as ye are what five or six years older than I. However, I prefer nae to speak of yer romantic conquests. A man should only speak to another man about such things."

"What if I want to speak about what happened between us? How watching ye come undone is forefront in my mind constantly. I find it hard to nae touch ye. To have ye in my arms again."

Her cheek pinkened, but she refused to meet his gaze. "Ye should nae speak to anyone about that." Then she added, "Ye will nae, will ye?"

Alexander would not goad her about it. "Nae. I will only think about it and share my thoughts with ye."

With a fiery annoyed expression, Nala jumped to her feet. "Why bring it up after admitting ye like the idea of marrying another?"

He couldn't help but smile, loving the sight of the angry woman. Her plump lips parted as she caught her breath. Her narrowed eyes taking him in, she stood with both hands balled into fists. She was a beautiful sight.

Alexander shook his head in a futile attempt to dislodge the thought of throwing her over his shoulder and taking her to his bed. To hell with the repercussions.

Before he could say any more, Nala turned on her heel and rushed from the room.

He was about to go after her when the other women entered the room. His mother seemed to have become fast friends with Grant's wife as they strolled into the room arm in arm, chatting amicably. Behind them were Ainslie, who gave him a bored look, and Leah.

At seeing him Leah's face brightened, and she came directly to him. Looking up to him, she smiled coyly. "It seems the rain has finally let up. I would enjoy a stroll about the courtyard. Father says it is one of the best ones on Skye."

"I am due back in the parlor…" Alexander began just as he spotted her father and the other men entering the room.

Leah followed his line of sight. "Good timing on my part as it seems the meeting is over."

There was little he could do. The lass was attractive, if one preferred redheads, which he didn't particularly. Alexander supposed a man could never judge a woman based on hair color. It seemed she had an agreeable disposition.

He offered his arm, and she slipped her hand into the crook of it, her touch delicate. They made their way outside, but not before he caught an amused look from Cynden.

The rain had abated, but the sky remained gloomy and the ground muddy. "Are ye sure to wish to walk about? Yer skirts will get muddy."

Leah released his arm, pulled the hem of her skirt on one side, and tucked it into her waistband bringing the hem to just above her ankles. "There we are, no mucky skirts."

She wore sturdy boots, making him think she'd planned to go for an outdoor trek. Alexander motioned toward the side of the keep and they walked toward the side that would give them a view of the lands leading toward the village.

Despite himself, Alexander enjoyed Leah's company. She asked questions about his life there and about the village. She seemed particularly interested in the seashore, comparing it to where she lived explaining the shorelines of the inlet were much calmer.

"I find the smell of the sea soothes my soul," Leah said, her eyes closed. "Do ye nae think something about it is magical?"

Alexander considered her question. "The sea is alive, it is what beckons us."

"Ah," Leah replied smiling at him. "I suppose ye are right. It is full of life. It can give pleasure or lure a person to their death." She gave a one shoulder shrug. "How do ye feel about Father's very obvious wish for us?"

The question caught Alexander by surprise. The woman was certainly bold and did not shirk from asking direct questions.

"I wish for an alliance with yer father. As allies, we could help one other, both in peace and at war."

"That is nae what I meant," Leah persisted. "Us."—she motioned between them—"Ye and I being the reason for an unbreakable unity."

"A marriage does nae always keep the peace between clans." He thought of the reason Clan Grant and his father had parted ways. Obviously, Leah was never told. Alexander met her gaze and decided to answer as boldly as she'd asked.

"I dinnae plan to marry ye."

He'd expected some sort of outburst, perhaps tears for his lack of caring. Leah inhaled and blew out a breath. She stood stock-still for a few moments, lips pressed into a thin line. "I could say ye made unwanted advances. Ye would have to marry me to keep from angering father."

Her gaze remained straight ahead, not reacting when he took a step away. "Would ye do that?"

Leah flashed a smile at him, it didn't reach her eyes. "Of course not. I dinnae wish to be married to someone who does nae value me." She threaded her arm through his. "I'd like to return to the house now."

It had been the oddest interchange. Upon entering the entryway, Leah moved away and walked to where her mother sat with his. Seeming to note that something was afoot, his mother stood and motioned for him to follow her to the corridor that led to the kitchens.

"Something is wrong. I can see it in yer face."

Alexander shrugged. "The lass is strange. One moment she was pleasant, speaking of the sea, the next she threatened me."

His mother's eyes widened. "Threatened?"

"I am sure she was annoyed when I told her I would nae marry her. She then stated, she could accuse me of making untoward advances and force me into it."

"I knew there was something about her I found disturbing," his mother hissed, upper lip curling. "She is sly one. Keep yer distance until they leave."

"It was a ploy for attention. When I asked if she would do it, she assured me she would nae."

"Then why bring it up?"

Alexander shook his head. "If I knew the thoughts of women, I would be a beacon for all mankind. The male sort that is."

His mother couldn't fight the smile. "She seeks a husband and is perhaps annoyed that ye are nae interested."

"It is best I keep an eye on the lass." She pressed a kiss to his cheek and returned to the great room.

Since the rain remained at bay, Alexander went to find the Grant to ask him and his sons if they would like to practice archery. If nothing else, it would keep him away from the man's daughter.