Mist Warrior Read Online Free PDF

of my days. ”
    Branan felt his lips twitch. Confining Catriona would drive her insane. “ I had hoped to talk to your father about this. ”
    Her shoulders bowed. “ He’s gone now. ”
    “ I am sorry, Catriona. ”
    She rubbed her eyes and he knew she fought back tears.
    “ Still, ” he said, trying to distract her from her grief. “ Gavin is heir. He now has say in whom you marry. ”
    She shook her head. “ Right after Gavin left, my father signed the betrothal contract. ” His heart crashed to his boots. She shivered and Branan ’s arms tightened around her. Betrothal contracts were difficult enough to break , but since her father had placed his mark, then died, dissolving the contract would be well-nigh impossible.
    Branan’s anger levered up a few notches and he silently cursed John de Reigny. He loved his foster-father , but how could John do this to Catriona? Why force her into the marriage if she cannot abide the man? He never thought John would do anything like this.
    Jamie, one of Branan’s men scouting the road ahead , galloped back to the group. “ Riders! ” he called, drawing his sword and hefting his targ é . “ About fifteen, heavily armed, ridin ’ hard. ”
    Branan cursed under his breath. With Catriona in his arms, he could not fight . His men immediately moved into positions around him. Their first duty was to protect their laird and ultimately, the lady in his arms.
    Gavin and his serjants formed a line in front of their group. “ Wait for my order, ” he snapped to his men.
    The group galloped into view. Branan swallowed hard, many of them appeared to be stipendiary knights; hired swords.
    A young knight, his armor finely made, rode a black destrier. He held up his hand, signaling a stop and glared at them. Then he saw Gavin and blinked. “ Reigny? ”
    Gavin put away his sword. “ Aye, Courcy, we were just coming to see you. ”
    Branan breathed a small sigh of relief; at least these were not Strickland’s men.
    “ I just received word that the manor house was under attack, ” Courcy said urgently. “ I was coming to help your father. ” He pulled of his helm.
    Branan examined Courcy critically. He was handsome; his mahogany hair pulled into a queue at the nape of his neck. His dark eyes glittered with intelligence and his body appeared lean and strong.
    Gavin nodded, his back stiff. “ I just returned to discover Strickland murdered my parents. Burned the entire household and village. ”
    Courcy’s face paled. “ Sweet Jesu. and Catriona...? ” His gaze scanned their group, locking on Catriona as she peeked at him from under Branan’s plaid.
    Relief flooded Courcy’s expression and he vaulted off his horse. “ Praise the Saints, ” he said and quickly approached.
    One of Branan’s men looked to him. Branan gave him a brief nod and th e man allowed Courcy to pass. Courcy hurried to Branan’s mount and took Catriona’s hand in his, pressing a kiss against her fingers. “ I was so worried about you. ”
    Catriona’s expression eased. “ I am fine thanks to Branan and Gavin. ”
    Courcy looked up at him.
    “ I am the MacTavish, ” Branan said.
    Courcy scowled in confusion , but Catriona stared up at him in surprise. “ A laird? ”
    He nodded.
    “ MacTavish, ” Courcy muttered , as if trying the name and not liking the way it tasted.
    “ Branan killed three of the men trying to capture me, ” Catriona said. “ Gavin slew the other two. ”
    Courcy’s brows flew up his forehead. “ Then I owe you a debt of gratitude for saving my betrothed, MacTavish. ”
    Branan’s anger at his possessiveness grew.
    He reached for Catriona. “ Ride with me, my sweet. You will be safe at Brackenburgh now that your home is gone. ”
    Catriona shrank deeper into Branan’s plaid. “ I am fine, Richard. Finally n Ird. FinI am warm. ”
    “ Nay, lady, you will ride with me. ”
    Catriona sighed and moved to untangle herself from his embrace. He helped her dismount,