Highland Hope (Wild Thistle Triology Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

“You are daft.” He’d lowered his voice, trying to keep his rage from ebbing out of control. Not husband and wife in the traditional sense? Did she realize there’d have to be heirs? More of the MacAlister line to sit in the laird’s chair? Her plan was poorly created and in the end she’d be hard pressed to keep an even keel along such a plan as they wed and began to rule together. Regardless of what she’s said, he’d not sit by and do nothing as she ruled.
    “Laird MacAlister?” a voice called out, one Aidan recognized, one he knew would be coming. If only the man would come into the light so he could see his face.
    “Aye,” she said with a hint of annoyance as she turned toward the voice.
    “’Tis no place for ye, laird. Let me speak with the prisoner and bring his food.”
    Aidan watched as her spine snapped straight and she visibly bristled at the suggestion. She cocked her head at the voice. “I’ve the right, for now. I’ll keep interrogating the prisoner until I’m satisfied with his answers.”
    “As ye wish, m’lady.”
    Blast it, the voice had stayed afar and Aidan had never seen his face. Of course he knew it was intentional, a reminder and warning in itself. But he was vexed, nonetheless. Laird MacAlister turn to him, and he nearly laughed at the outrage on her face. It must surely mimic his own. He admired her spirit. And her bravado. She’d asked a stranger to marry. He knew it had cost her. Mayhap this was the answer . . . her cost would become his fortune.
    Mayhap he would agree. For now. Then he’d tip the circumstances to his advantage. Aye. He’d gain her trust, all the while moving his goal forward. For he’d be Laird of Wild Thistle.
    As I pledged .
    With an arrogant tilt of her chin and a challenge set in her gaze, she said, “What say you, MacKerry? Have we an agreement?”
    “Why me?”
    Her eyes widened, then she shrugged.
    There had to be a reason. The clan was filled with men. The laird hadn’t decided to wed until the moment she saw him? Not very likely, she seemed too intelligent for that.
    She remained silent for a moment. “The men of the clan see me as laird. Not as a woman.”
    He smirked. A beautiful woman like her, not bloody likely. They saw the woman she was along with the laird she was. The combination mayhap too much for most men—a strong, independent woman. “They are afraid of you.”
    A flash of irritation lit her green eyes. “Mayhap. Or they do not like me besting them in the practice yard.”
    He tipped his head back and laughed. “Aye,” he said as he took note of her complete surprise at his laughter. “I’ll marry you.” Aidan would keep her thinking he was compliant.
    And then, we’ll see how long it is before I’m in charge and in the marriage bed.

Chapter 5
    Hope rubbed her eyes, weary and aggravated. What a beast of a man. Each time he looked at her, his gaze, a mix of grayish-blue sky tumbled with a coming storm, a quake would erupt in her stomach, and sweat moistened her palms. Mayhap, she’d made the wrong decision. Her mother’s death and the arrival of the stranger were clouding her thoughts and making her uncertain.
    Shaking her head, Hope made her way to the main hall. Fresh thatched rugs swathed the floor, weaved together with lavender, pine, and a hint of rosemary. The floor coverings scented the area nicely and nudged some of her weariness away. She sat at the empty table on the dais at the head of the room, wanting to keep to herself. Knowing the clansmen would respect her state of mourning, she could be guaranteed a few moments of peace.
    A leather bag landed on the table before her. “Here’s the man’s bag.” Duncan moved to the chair across from her. “’Tis no letter.”
    She cocked her brow. There goes my peace . “You looked through it?”
    He gave a casual shrug of his shoulders. “Aye, just a wee bit.”
    “’Twasn’t your place. You ken?” Her mood soured further. “And I asked to see it yester