Highland Love Song (DeWinter's Song 2) Read Online Free PDF Page A

seen Lord Warrick at the battle of Kilmouris, when he had been only a lad. Now he exuded power and self-assurance. Ian was not a coward, but there was something in Warrick's eyes that sent a chill through his heart.
    "That is he?" Jamie asked. For years he had heard much of the chief of Drummond, but until now he'd never seen him.
    Warrick Glencarin's features were dark. From a distance it was impossible to tell the color of his eyes, but they were arresting, and there was a look of contempt in their depths. It was apparent that he had no liking for this day's encounter.
    "I once clubbed him with the hilt of my sword," Ian said. "It was the time when our father married his sister. I should have killed him when I had the chance. Now he's too powerful to kill. Perhaps I can one day give him a choice between death and dishonor—he'll choose death."
    "He has the savage, unkempt look of a Highlander," Jamie observed.
    Lord Thorndike moved forward to greet the newcomer just as the mantle clock chimed the appointed hour. "Lord Warrick, I am Lord Thorndike, the king's deputy," he said. "You're right on time."
    Warrick gave Ian a sharp glance but spoke to the king's man. "It is not my habit to be dilatory. I value my time as you must value yours." He turned to his companion. "This is my man, Mactavish." He glanced at the group of men who had accompanied Ian. "It would seem we are outnumbered."
    "Quite so, quite so," Lord Thorndike said. "Shall we get on with the proceedings? Are you acquainted with Ian Maclvors?"
    Warrick glared at Ian, his lips twisted into a grimace. "I know the man only by reputation, and by a fleeting encounter one night at a banquet." His eyes narrowed. "And, yes, he was present the day my father died."
    There was a feeling of intense animosity in the room as the two men stared at each other like two predatory animals. They were both remembering that Ian had killed Warrick's father.
    At last Ian spoke, pushing his brother forward. "You will have heard of my brother, Jamie? He is the husband of Lady Helena."
    Jamie flinched and stepped back a pace as Warrick's cruel gaze was turned on him. He sucked in his breath, unable to look away from the probing intensity of Warrick's slate-gray eyes.
    "Ah, yes, the bridegroom," Warrick said. "One can only hope you find happiness in wedded bliss, Jamie Maclvors. When one takes a bride by force, he can never be sure of the woman's true affection."
    "I . . ." Jamie's voice trailed off as fear sealed his lips.
    Ian stepped forward and spoke for his brother. "Lady Helena carries my brother's child. Theirs is a love match."
    "Ah, well," Warrick said, with a smile that did not soften his eyes. "No doubt you will breed many little— Maclvors to inhabit the Lowlands."
    Lord Thorndike, realizing that the animosity between the two men could quickly turn into a fray, intervened. "Be seated, gentleman. There is much we need to accomplish here today. The king's orders are that we are to remain sequestered in this room until all concerned have come to a satisfactory agreement."
    Warrick stared at the Englishman. "Why is Lord Gille not here? Can it be that he is late for the appointed meeting?"
    Lord Thorndike looked uncomfortable. "The Lord Mayor advised me that his lordship will be represented by his grandson and heir, Ian Maclvors. Is that acceptable to you?"
    Warrick's lip curled in disgust. "I came here today expecting to meet with Gille Maclvors. Surely you don't intend that I deal with an underling who has no power?"
    Ian's temper flared at the insult. He reached down where his sword should be, only to find the scabbard empty. "You'll pay for this affront. I'll not stay in the same room with a slovenly Highlander."
    Before Ian knew what was happening, Warrick grabbed him by the coat front and jerked him forward.
    Jamie rushed to help his brother, but a warning glare from Warrick made him reconsider. He felt the cold metal of the gun against his chest, but his hands trembled so, he