Highland Barbarian (Highlander Series) Read Online Free PDF

Meredith scraped back her chair and crossed the room to stand in front of the roaring fire. She was suddenly cold. So cold. The scene played once again in her mind and she gripped her hands together so tightly they were white from the effort. “Killed by an arrow from Brice Campbell’s longbow. The same Brice Campbell you claim is an honorable man.”
    “I am sorry, my lady.”
    Meredith was so deep in thought she didn’t even hear the door close as the serving girl took her leave.
    ~ ~ ~
    In the great hall Brice paced back and forth before the fireplace while Angus and Holden emptied their tankards. Though Jamie MacDonald’s eyes were heavy, he resisted the urge to go to bed. The need to be close to Brice, to hear all that had transpired in the Lowlands, was more compelling than the need for sleep.
    The hounds lay in a circle before the fireplace, their eyes firmly fixed on their master.
    “How could I have made such a blunder?”
    “The MacKenzie brothers are nearly identical. From so great a distance it was a natural mistake.” Angus added softly, “Do not fret, old friend. We will kill Gareth next time.’’
    “Next time.” Brice whirled on his friend, his eyes blazing. “Do you think I can ask my men to risk their lives going down to the Borders again, just to honor my good name?”
    “Why not?” Angus shrugged. “You know they would carry your standard anywhere.”
    “They have wives and children to consider. I will not place them in danger for the sake of my reputation.”
    “Then you and I will go.” Angus grinned. “You know I like nothing better than a good joust. Especially with the likes of Gareth MacKenzie.”
    “And I will ride with you,” Jamie said, jumping to his feet. “I have no need to stay here.”
    Brice’s temper cooled. “Aye. We’re three of a kind.” His frown turned into a smile. He could never resist Jamie’s enthusiasm.
    “Then we’ll go back down and make good our promise?”
    “You have a duty to stay here and grow to manhood,” Brice murmured gently to the boy. Circling the room, Brice clapped his hand on Angus’s shoulder. “I’ll ponder your offer and give you an answer on the morrow.”
    “What of the girl?” Holden asked.
    “Aye, the girl.” Brice tried not to think about the way he’d felt when they had touched. The mere thought of it brought a rush of heat. He shrugged. “I’ll think on that as well.” He crossed the room, then paused on the stairs.
    The hounds circled his feet, eager to accompany him to his room.
    “Pray she’s asleep,” Brice muttered. “I’m near exhausted. All I want is a chance to rest this tired body.”
    “Aye.” Angus followed him up the stairs and turned toward his rooms on the far end of the hall. “It’s been too many hours since last we slept. I will see you on the morrow.”
    “You are both fools,” Holden hissed. “Do you not know what to do with a warm, soft woman’s body on a night such as this?”
    Brice turned on him with a look of fury. “Do not talk so about a Scotswoman. Especially in front of the lad.”
    “I’ve heard such talk in the stables.”
    “But not in this house.”
    “Think of her as the spoils of war,” Holden said with a sly smile. “And enjoy this gift you’ve been given.”
    “We’ll talk no more of it.” Brice’s tone was low and commanding. “Until I decide what to do with the woman, she is to be treated with civility.”
    “Aye.” Holden laughed. “I will be most civil with Lady Meredith MacAlpin.”
    Brice recognized the sarcasm in Holden’s tone but was too weary to argue further. With a lift of his hand he dismissed his friends and made his way to his chambers.
    ~ ~ ~
    Meredith heard the door close and was instantly alert. She listened to the slight shuffling sound as Brice crossed the room. She heard the occasional scratch of dogs’ paws as they walked to the fireplace and settled down for the night.
    The dogs. She had not planned for the dogs to be in the