Chapter Two

N ala scanned the surroundings to ensure the men had not doubled back. Instead of doing the same, Alexander's gaze remained focused on her.

"Who were those men?" she asked, not answering his question.

He gave her a searching look before turning his attention to the direction the men had gone. "Could be Mackinnons."

His attention wasn't diverted for long, once again his deep green eyes returned to her. "Nala, ye've returned."

Obviously he wouldn't be deterred from what he wanted to know. Unable to keep from it, she smiled. "Aye. I have returned from my banishment. My parents could nae keep me tucked away in England any longer."

For a long moment he said nothing, his broad chest continuing to lift and lower from having fought.

It had been over ten years since she'd last seen Alexander and he'd changed a great deal. Gone was the handsome young man who allowed her and his younger brothers to trail behind. In his place now stood a man.

Needing to keep from gawking, she glanced over her shoulder. "I remember following ye and yer brothers through this portion of the forest."

Alexander walked toward her. "Aye, ye insisted I teach ye to hunt whenever I took Cynden out." Once again he studied her. "Why were ye gone so long?" The closer he walked, the more she noticed the changes in him.

His shoulders were broader, his jawline stronger, and his eyes… there was something different about them. Once so expressive you could easily know his emotions and what he thought. Now, they were flat—devoid of any emotion.

Nala let out a long breath and looked away from his face, suddenly feeling awkward in his presence. "I was sent to live with Father's sister in London. My parents had hopes that I would learn to be a highborn lady and find a suitable husband."

When Alexander remained silent, yet seemed interested, Nala continued, "For years I attended balls and fetes, it was the most boring existence I could imagine. I had to find a distraction from the constant matchmaking and frilly frocks, which meant I learned the skill of hiding in plain sight."

The corners of his lips twitched. "Most women like that sort of thing. Do they nae?"

Nala shrugged. "I'd prefer to gouge my eyes out with a dirk than to stand about in hot ballrooms with a glass of tepid punch."

"So I take it by hiding and such, it helped pass the time?"

"That and I found a way to fill the long stretches of time I was expected to sit about and sew or read. I hired an expert to teach me the sword and another to assist in honing my archery skills." She grinned. "Much better use of time."

"I take it ye were found out?" Alexander asked.

Nala nodded. "Aye, my aunt happened upon me dressed in men's clothing whilst engaged in sword practice. She wrote my parents, and they insisted it was time I return to Skye."

She couldn't help smiling at the memory of her aunt's expression when she'd caught her during sword fighting lessons behind the stables.

Once again, the corners of his mouth twitched into what she suspected was as much of a smile as he was going to give her. "I am glad that ye returned. England is no place for a Scottish lass."

He looked past her into the woods and scowled. "Nala, no matter yer skills, it is dangerous for ye to be about alone in the forest. It is nae safe as of late."

"I noticed," Nala quipped.

"I will ride with ye to yer home." Alexander mounted not waiting to see if she followed suit.

She'd just saved him and now he thought she required protection. Although she wanted to laugh, Nala looked up to him with mock innocence. "I assure you, I am more than capable of returning home without an escort. Ye should see about returning to the keep."

Alexander's eyes narrowed as he waited for her to mount.

Perhaps it was better to do as he said. It would keep him from going to her father and telling him how she was in the forest and not at her friend's home as she'd said.

She mounted and looked to Alexander, who looked every bit a highlander atop his steed. His blue-black shoulder-length hair, trimmed beard, and deep emerald green eyes came together to form a beautiful man. In a dark tunic and matching breeches that were tucked into sturdy boots, he was dressed for riding. The sword was now sheathed into the scabbard strapped to his wide back and next to his right leg strapped to the saddle was another broadsword.

"If ye have somewhere to be, I can see myself home. No need to delay yer travels any further," Nala said. Mainly because she didn't wish for him to see her parents and tell them where she'd been.

Alexander brought his mount alongside, his gaze constantly scanning the surroundings and landing on her from time to time. "Come to the keep with yer parents. I am sure Mother would be happy to see ye."

Nala wondered why he'd not mentioned his father and made a mental note to ask her parents about it. Perhaps the laird had fallen ill or was gone somewhere.

They came to a fork in the road, one side leading to Keep Ross, the other to her father's lands. Nala lifted a hand. "I will ensure my parents are informed of yer invitation. There is little doubt that they will gladly accept."

"Yer mother and mine remain good friends," Alexander informed her. "I am surprised my mother didnae ken of yer return."

Nala considered the information. "Perhaps she does ken but has nae told ye."

Alexander acquiesced with a shrug.

A fortnight had passed since her return, and her mother had lectured her nonstop about her actions in England, informing her that her lack of propriety had embarrassed the family. Although a kind and gentle woman, her mother was determined that Nala should marry soon. Stating again and again that at Nala's age, most women were not only married but had several bairns. Nala wasn't sure if it was true or not, but from what she noted on the surrounding lands, it seemed probable.

If she'd not informed Alexander's mother of her return, it was probably because she'd not come up with an explanation as to why, after spending her marriageable years in London, Nala remained unmarried.

She wondered if her mother still held on to the dream of Nala marrying a Ross. Of course that was not to be, now that all of Alexander's brothers were married.

The only one not married was Alexander, who was in line to be laird. He would probably marry someone who would be beneficial for the clan. A marriage brokered by his parents. Alexander would have little say in who he married. So he was never to be her husband.

Nala slid a look at him. He was certainly handsome and perhaps of good nature. At least, from what she remembered, he'd been even-tempered, patient, and kind. But he had always been a somber man, one who took things seriously.

It was for the best that he and she could not marry. From his actions that day, he would insist she remain in the safety of the keep and not out riding, which she enjoyed. It was understandable of course, as the wife of a future laird, there was always the danger of being taken and leaving their children orphaned.

Seeming to sense her regard, Alexander turned to her, and Nala quickly looked away.

"I find it strange that ye are allowed out alone," Alexander said. "That yer husband or betrothed allows it."

Since it wasn't a question, Nala shrugged and didn't speak. She'd thought to have made it clear to not have found either in England. But if he wanted to make assumptions, who was she to take it away from him.

The fact that there were few eligible men on Skye who would be approved by her mother and father was fortunate as Nala had no intentions of marrying. A life with her parents in their beautiful home surrounded by plush lands was not a bad way to live.

In England, she found fault with every suitor—not that there were many—as she was considered a Scottish wilding by the elite circle her aunt and uncle surrounded themselves with. Not just that, but the thought of remaining in England, away from her family and home was another reason she'd not accepted the few offers that had been proffered.

Her aunt became frustrated when all her matchmaking efforts brought no results, until she ultimately gave up.

They continued toward her home and Nala still hoped that Alexander would leave her and go in the direction of the keep. She didn't want to take a chance that her father would see him and ask questions about how far she'd ridden.

Unfortunately, he continued to ride beside her and after studying her for a long moment he said, "Ye have changed."

Nala took the moment to take him in. Gone was the young man she'd known. He'd been replaced by a formidable warrior. Waves of raven black hair now fell to his shoulders, and his piercing eyes seemed a darker shade of green. His face no longer soft from youth, instead now chiseled into what she could only describe as perfection. He was a study in beauty.

"I am now two and twenty. Have been away for years. Of course, I have changed." She gave him a pointed look. "I can say the same about ye."

He slid a look toward her probably expecting her to say more. When she didn't his gaze bore into hers. "Why does yer husband allow ye free rein to go about alone?" This time his tone was stern.

Of course she wasn't allowed to ride out alone. If her father found out she'd gone as far as the forest, he'd be furious with her. Alexander didn't have to know that fact. Despite the dangers, she felt competent to go for short rides and protect herself. She was not a weakling.

She took a deep breath in an effort to keep her temper in check. Of course Alexander had every right to be concerned at seeing her out alone. Seemed some of her training in England had indeed taken root. "I am nae married. Nor do I ever wish to be," she quickly added. "That I go for short rides near my home should nae be anyone's concern."

When Alexander cleared his throat, she narrowed her eyes. "And before ye say another word ken that Father allows me to ride, as long as I stay nearby, but I am nae a person to be kept reined in ", she said emphasizing the last two words.

He nodded. "Understood. But I will say that even my warriors dinnae ride out alone these days. I am nae allowing my men to. I am nae only saying it because ye are a woman. That bow and arrow cannae help against six men if they were to attack ye."

His words mollified her. "Father did mention about the attacks. So far they'd been away from our lands." She looked over toward the trees. "Why did they attack ye?"

"They must have recognized me. It would be a triumph to their cause if they were to kill the laird."

Laird .

Nala whirled to face him, sure her expression was incredulous. "Ye are laird now?"

His shoulders lifted and lowered as if it were nothing of importance. "Aye, two years now."

Memories of his father flooded her mind. The late laird had been formidable and yet kind with her when she'd been a wee bairn. Once, when she'd fallen and skinned her knees, he'd lifted her into his arms to console her and then carried her into the house to be given sweets.

"Wh-what happened to him?" Tears welled up and Nala did her best to blink them away. Turning her head, she wiped away an errant tear that trailed down her face.

"I was nae aware ye didnae ken," Alexander stated. "Did yer mother nae write ye about it?"

Nala shook her head, tears now flowing freely down her cheeks. "She kept bad news from me out of fear I would insist on returning." Her voice trembled. "I loved yer father. What happened?"

It occurred to her too late that the question would be hurtful to Alexander. "Ye dinnae have to answer. I am shocked that is all."

"Wounded in battle with the Mackinnons," he said in a soft voice. "The wounds festered."

Nala sniffed picturing the proud man suffering. "Can we stop for a moment?" Not waiting for a reply, she pulled the horse to a stop and dismounted. She walked a few steps away hoping for privacy as grief overtook her.

Bowing her head, she covered her face with both hands and let out a soft sob. The last thing she wanted was to cry in front of Alexander and bring him pain, but it couldn't be helped. She truly loved the late laird; he was like an uncle to her. Pain tightened in her chest as she allowed herself to cry.

Blowing out a breath, she looked upwards to the cloudless sky willing the tears away. Taking several breaths until the urge to cry began to ebb. She would have to grieve later, for now she had to return home.

Nala sensed his presence before turning to look at him. Alexander stood just a bit behind her looking past her, straight ahead, jaw tight. "He was a good man. I can only aspire to one day be like him."

"He was," Nala replied. "If only I'd returned for a visit and seen him."

They were silent for a few moments, Alexander seeming to sense she required time to regain control of her emotion.

"We should get ye home. I have much to do upon returning to the keep," he said.

Somehow she knew that to tell him he should go straight home and not accompany her was useless, so instead, Nala hurried to her horse. "Let us ride at a faster pace, so ye can get home sooner. As laird, ye must have many duties requiring yer attention."

They galloped the rest of the way. When her home came into view, Alexander turned his horse away. He didn't say anything, only waved.

Nala slowed her horse and watched as Alexander disappeared past the hills. She wondered what would happen upon his arrival. In all probability, he'd gather men, and they would return to the area of the attack. The task of tracking the men would be easy because one of them was bleeding and would leave a trail.

As much as she hated that the men had gotten away before she'd been able to shoot another one, she wouldn't risk going back and being caught. That would be foolish.

She was very good at hiding, but it was still a risk. That day she'd not planned to do more than practice all she had learned in London. Using the tactics her tutor had taught her in the art of blending into the background, she continued to practice hoping to hone her skills.

Her lips curved at remembering people walking or riding past as she stood mere steps away. Her abilities would prove useful because she had plans that would test her sword and archery skills.

The next day was rather gloomy. Gray clouds overhead with light rain falling, which was perfect for her to hide effectively, so she planned to continue her training. Instead of staying on the ground, she would climb a tree and keep vigil. Hopefully, people would come around and give her an idea of whether or not her concealment worked.

Trained to stand and wait untethered, her horse, Shadow, kept still, his eyes on her as she bent at the waist and hurried toward a tree. Dressed from her head to her feet in dark green helped with blending into her surroundings. Her hair was a light shade of brown, which she braided and tucked underneath a knitted cap. Instead of wearing what would be considered appropriate for a woman, Nala wore a skirt that split down the center and was sewn in half.

When she stood, it was hard to tell her skirts split like breeches. Handy as her mother would immediately send her to change. Nala had purchased several additional skirts before leaving England as she'd often worn them when training with her tutor.

She looked in the direction of her home feeling a bit guilty about having lied and told her mother she was riding to visit Sencha, who lived just over the ridge, a short ride from home. She would go to Sencha's after leaving the woods. She only planned to remain there long enough for someone to ride past.

Settling in the crook of a branch, she lifted her bow and waited. From where she sat it was possible to see quite a distance and soon a wagon came into view. A man and woman sat on the bench; the back of the wagon was loaded with sacks.

Nala shifted and waited for them to near. She would throw down a few small rocks to catch their attention and wait to see if they saw her.

Closer and closer, the pair continued. Nala settled onto the branch relaxing her body to keep from stiffening as it would be a while before they were close enough.

A trio of riders came into view, but they were too far for her to see their features. The hairs on her nape rose at the thought it could be the aggressors. It was improbable, Nala told herself. Alexander had badly injured one of the men who'd attacked him, and she'd shot another. Surely the injured man would not be up to riding again so soon.

From her vantage point, she could see that the men were riding straight for the oblivious couple.

Nala notched an arrow and waited, all the while praying the men continued past the wagon without incident.

The wagon continued in her direction and Nala noted the horsemen had picked up speed. Her heart thundered at the thought of the couple being assaulted. Breathing even, she looked down to see what her horse did. The animal remained where she'd left him, bent down nibbling grasses. Good. He wouldn't be visible from the road.

Once again, she tracked the wagon. The man must have noticed the riders because he urged the horse to go faster. It wouldn't do any good, their horse was no match for the unencumbered ones that galloped toward them until finally surrounding the wagon so that they had to come to a stop.

The men circled the wagon, swords drawn. One of them must have said something because the driver of the wagon shook his head and motioned with both hands to his companion. Then he pulled the woman behind him, in a futile attempt to shield her.

Nala's breath caught and she looked around praying to see Ross warriors coming to help.

By now the woman had begun screaming words Nala could not make out, especially as her heart was hammering so hard it echoed in her ears.

The rider closest to the wagon lifted his sword and immediately without thought, Nala loosed the arrow. It penetrated the man's right lower side, and he yelped in pain, dropping his sword.

At once the other men turned to look toward the trees. None of them looked up. Nala remained still as a statue, her breathing even, eyes locked on them.

One of the attackers moved to the opposite side of the wagon to use the hapless couple as a shield.

The others continued circling their gazes searching the forest seeming at a loss as to what to do next.

When they began searching the trees, Nala leaned behind the tree, keeping her balance by tightening her thighs around the branch. With practiced efficiency, she notched a second arrow and turned back to see what happened.

One of the assailants had climbed onto the wagon and grabbed the woman, who fought against him until she lost her balance and tumbled from the wagon to the ground.

The horse harnessed to the wagon became nervous and shifted causing the attacker to struggle to remain upright. Nala took the opportunity to loose a second arrow, not bothering to see if the arrow hit where she intended but satisfied at hearing a scream of pain.

When she looked again, he'd fallen to the ground.

The aggressor with the injured side must have picked up his sword because he now held the tip of his sword at the man's chest.

"Whoever ye are, come out or I will kill him," he yelled toward the trees somehow managing to keep his horse close to the wagon whilst holding his side with one hand and the sword with the other.

Notching the third arrow, she aimed for the other man on horseback. Unfortunately, the arrow flew past his shoulder barely nicking the skin.

Nala ducked behind the tree and notched yet another arrow. But when she leaned around the tree to take aim, the two cowards were galloping away making it hard to get a clear shot because of the foliage.

Instead, she aimed for the one still on the ground. She waited until he managed to mount his horse then shot again, this time the arrow piercing the man's chest. His lifeless body fell to the ground. Nala bit her lip, keeping a sob from erupting.

She gulped and fought for breath as she kept vigil over the people on the road.

The woman hurried to her husband crying loudly her husband comforting her while looking toward the trees searching for whomever their rescuer was.

It was then her stomach tumbled and tears threatened, the thudding of her heart seeming to beat harder, pounding against her breast. She kept from looking at the dead man, instead concentrating on keeping her breathing even. The surroundings seemed to whirl around her as thoughts of what she'd done penetrated every part of her being.

A life. She'd taken a life. The thought didn't seem real. What had occurred was like a dream, a reality Nala never thought to be part of. The men meant to kill the couple, to make them pay for whatever their cause was. Still knowing she'd saved their lives didn't diminish the reality of what she'd done.

Her stomach tightened and she quickly tied the bow to the belt around her waist. Scrambling from the tree, Nala hurriedly bent over and retched, emptying the contents of her stomach. Why had she shot him again? She could have left him injured.

The tree bark was rough against her palm as she reached for it to help her remain upright. What was done was done. There was no reversing it. Tears sprung then, flowing down her face in a steady stream.

With shaky hands, Nala used water from her wineskin to wash her hands and face and then finding her horse where she'd left it, mounted and rode toward Sencha's house.

A question repeated in her mind over and over again. Was she as terrible a person as the men who'd attacked Alexander and the couple?