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  "Please," I pleaded.

  "Tell me I am your god," he hissed.

  "My god, my love," I whispered. The aching heat inside me made me desperate for his touches. My sole thought was to give in to his demands and allow him to ravish my hot body. "Please take me. Make me yours."

  He chuckled. "Then let us begin."

  He removed his breeches and in a moment slid inside me. My hot, wet walls welcomed him, and his thick manhood filled me and stretched me. A smile slipped onto my lips as I felt whole again. Our union filled the ache created in the times I was far from his soothing touch. The beast inside me swelled up and washed over me as a hot blanket of lust that excited my passions.

  "Yes," I groaned. "Take me, my god. Ravish me."

  He grinned down at me. "With pleasure."

  My laird thrust hard and fast into me. My feral self roared to life and burned my soul with lustful, wanton desire. I arched my back and opened my eyes to the hot, wondrous emotions he stirred inside me. I relished his attentions to my body. I was his toy, his plaything, and I wanted for nothing but his touch, his control, his domination.

  His grunts filled my ears, and our groans of pleasure echoed off the walls of the chamber. I squirmed and moaned beneath him, but he pinned me tight to the bed and growled at me. I whimpered in response. He was master in our union.

  I felt the tendrils of orgasm slip through my body and entice me into a bliss in which I longed to linger for eternity. My hands grasped my lover's back as we both panted. The change came over me again, the transformation into a beast of lust. My fingers lengthened and my breasts swelled. I moaned as my muscles stretched and thickened. My body filled with a strength I could hardly comprehend.

  My lover growled and penetrated me faster and faster. The threatening wave of orgasm struck my body to my very soul. I leaned my head back and chanted his name to the heavens.

  "Tristan! Tristan!" I shouted.

  "Mine!" he answered in kind.

  The blissful lust burned inside me like a roaring fire for a few moments, but like all fires it was destined to die. The pleasure was swept away and replaced by exhaustion. My lover fell down beside me and wrapped his warm, strong arms around me. I snuggled against his hot, naked chest and sighed.

  "Are you content?" he whispered to me.

  I closed my eyes and nodded. "Aye, my laird."

  "Then rest, and know I am nearby," he told me.

  I slipped into a dreamless sleep, for no dream could be as wonderful as what I had just experienced.

  CHAPTER 19

  A chilly draft swept over me. I shuddered and grabbed at the blanket that covered my cot in the house of my mother. The chill spoke of the coming freezing winter and the hard times we would face with limited money to buy food.

  "My lady?" a voice whispered to me.

  I brushed away the voice. It was nothing compared to the misery my family would face if I was unable to retain a position at the castle with Laird Campbell.

  The castle! Laird Campbell!

  My eyes opened and I sat up. The thick covers of the bed slid down and revealed a soft nightgown like those worn by men of high status.

  "Is my lady feeling well?" the voice asked me.

  I turned to my right and beheld Leod. He stood beside the bed, and behind him was a roaring fire in the large hearth. Gone was the room Tristan's mother had once occupied, and instead I found myself in my laird's chambers.

  "How did I come to be here?" I asked him.

  Leod shook his head. "Leod does not know where else my lady has been, but the master wishes Leod to call my lady to supper."

  I glanced out the window to my right. The sun had set long ago and night reined over the land.

  "Supper?" I ran a hand through my wild hair. "Have I been asleep so long?"

  "Would my lady prefer Leod excuse her from supper?" Leod suggested.

  I opened my arms and glanced down at myself. "I have no attire for a supper," I pointed out.

  Leod shifted to the foot of the bed and gestured to a simple gown and shoes. "Leod's master has provided my lady with some fineries, and promises better clothes soon."

  "Will. . .is Lady Annabel and Laird Graham expected to be present?" I asked him.

  He bowed his head. "They are, my lady, and my master's steward has been invited, but my master tells Leod to inform my lady that my lady is to pay them no mind and remember that my lady is his betrothed."

  I blushed and looked down at my lap. "I. . .I suppose as a laird's wife I will have many such responsibilities. To entertain guests, that is."

  "Aye, my lady," Leod agreed. He took the dress and pulled it into my lap. "But my master wishes for my lady's presence very soon."

  I grasped the dress and smiled at him. "Tell my laird I will come."

  He grinned and nodded his head. "Leod will happily tell his master such."

  He shuffled from the room and I lifted the dress for a closer examination. The cloth was plain but clean, but my study of my attire was cut short when something dropped into my lap. I pulled the dress away and beheld a small necklace of gold with a large yellow-hued diamond as the centerpiece. My mind recalled the portrait of Laird Tristan's mother and the necklace she had worn for the sitting.

  I gingerly slipped the necklace into my fingers and allowed the beautiful piece of jewelry to shimmer in the light of the burning fire. It was even more magnificent than in the painting. I smiled and attired myself in the wonderful present. The necklace fit perfectly and complimented the plain dress.

  I looked in the mirror and smiled. The necklace was a lovely gesture to bind my laird to his promise to marry me, and a sign of how deeply he cherished me. I couldn't have asked for a more intimate gift than his own mother's jewelry.

  A new-born confidence arose within me and I quickly donned the dress. In a few minutes I strode down the hall and to the stairs. I paused at the landing for something terrifying awaited me at the bottom of the stairs.

  Bean Lyel.

  She looked up at me with such venom that I felt my blood run cold. I started back and clasped my hands together in front of me. My fingers brushed against the necklace, and I found strength in its presence. When it was near so was my laird. I held my head up, dropped my hands to my sides, and stepped forward so I stood at the top of the stairs.

  "Yes, Bean Lyel?" I asked her.

  Bean Lyel's eyes narrowed so they resembled those of a snake. "My husband has informed me I am no longer to be your servant."

  I stepped down the stairs and came to stand before her. I clasped my hands in front of me and gave a nod. "Aye, that is so," I confirmed.

  "I see." Her eyes swept over me and I noticed a distinct purple tinge in their depths. "I understand your concern, but keeping me at a distance will not absolve you of your guilt."

  "I am guilty of nothing save helping those I love," I countered.

  Bean Lyel stepped closer to me and her words were spoken in a hissing tone. "Even if it takes all my strength and the blessings of my gods, I will avenge the true laird of this castle."

  "And I will do everything in my power to stop you," I replied in kind.

  "What have we here?" a voice spoke up.

  Bean Lyel hurriedly stepped away from me, and behind her came my laird and love, Tristan. He smiled at both of us and Bean Lyel bowed her head to him.

  "Nothing, my laird. Merely some friendly advice," Bean Lyel answered him.

  Tristan's smile was wide, but his keen eyes flitted from Bean Lyel to myself. Their depths hardened, but he offered his arm to me. "I must interfere with your advice to take my lady to supper. Are you ready, my love?" he asked me.

  "Very much so," I replied as I took his arm.

  Tristan sidled up to me and we left Bean Lyel in the entrance hall. My laird's steps were slow, and he leaned close to me so none could overhear him but me.

  "What ails you, my love?" he whispered.

  "I must confess it is Bean Lyel," I told him.

  Tristan's lips pur
sed tightly together. "Does she bother you so?"

  "She has threatened me, and I suspect her of witchcraft," I explained.

  He raised an eyebrow and his voice held a gravely quality that was tinged with a wildness that thrilled me. "Against you?" he asked me.

  I gave a nod. "Aye, my laird."

  Tristan stiffened and faced ahead of us. "I understand. I had hoped she would not feel a certain anger towards you for your part in my ascension, but it seems I was mistaken. I shall see that she is not retained."

  "But why would she be so angry with me? Did not God strike down your father?" I questioned him.

  "A conversation for another time, my love. For now we have guests to entertain," he reminded me.

  We reached the open doors to the dining hall and entered. Laird Graham and Lady Annabel were seated on the right side of the head, and Chamberlain the old laird's steward sat on the right and one seat down. That left an empty seat beside my laird, and Tristan guided me to that chair. He took his seat before the well-supplied table, and the kitchen staff near the wall stepped forward to serve us with wine and endless plates of food. I noticed Mary among them, and she didn't fail to stare at me for far longer than was polite.

  Chamberlain smiled at me and bowed his head. "Good evening, my lady," he greeted me.

  I returned the bow and the smile. "A good evening to you, sir."

  "And a very good evening it is," Graham spoke up as he gestured to the food set before us. "A fine feast for your first official supper as laird."

  My laird raised his goblet in Graham's direction and smiled. "A thousand thanks, my loyal laird, for your compliment, but I hope to bring this castle away from its deathly slumber and into the light of balls and reunions of old allies."

  Graham raised an eyebrow. "It sounds like my laird has many plans."

  "Aye, a great many," Tristan agreed. He lowered his goblet and tilted the cup from side to side as he looked at the contents. "My father was a good man, but he was lax in his commitment to protecting his lands and the people within them. I mean to do both, and bring bounty to them."

  Graham frowned. "Would do you mean, my laird?"

  "What I mean is I intend to-" The echo of a blown horn reverberated through the dining hall.

  We all jumped to our feet and a soldier from the barracks rush into the room. His name was Alan, captain of the guards of the castle. He came up to Tristan, and knelt on one knee and bowed his head.

  "My laird, the sentries have spotted a large group of men who march towards the village and castle," the soldier reported. "They strike their many torches against the houses they pass and all is aflame behind them. We must act quickly or the whole of the north will be lost."

  "An army?" Tristan questioned him.

  The soldier nodded. "Aye, my laird, and at their head they wave the banner of the Menzies clan."

  "How many in number do you count?" Tristan asked the soldier.

  Alan grimaced and looked up into Tristan's face. "My laird, we count five hundred seasoned warriors and two dozen mounted."

  "We have only half that many men and horses, my laird. The rest are far flung in the fields," Chamberlain informed my laird.

  Graham placed his hands on the table and leaned towards Tristan. "That is too great a difference. We must make peace with them, my laird, or they will surely kill us all," he insisted.

  "I will make no peace with men who make war on us without just provocation," Tristan argued.

  "But my laird-"

  "Make ready the men and prepare to meet them along the road. They must not come near the village," Tristan commanded his captain.

  "As you wish, my laird," Alan replied. He hurried to obey the orders.

  Tristan turned to the kitchen staff and Aili was among them. "Get yourselves to the kitchen and await our return there."

  Aili bowed her head and hurried the women into the kitchen.

  "Should they not seek shelter on the other side of the village?" Chamberlain asked Tristan.

  Tristan turned to his steward and clapped the man on the shoulder. There was a smile on my laird's lips. "You underestimate our chances against our foe, my friend. I myself will lead the fight and I promise we will be victorious."

  Chamberlain pursed his lips, but bowed his head. "Then allow me to be by your side, my laird."

  "My laird, is this wise?" Graham spoke up. "You are the last of your lineage. If you were to die-" Tristan turned to the aged laird with a dark look on his features.

  "I cannot die," Tristan countered. His words were so firm that Graham started back. "Nor will any of my men. To prove to you that all my subjects are safe I will take my bride-to-be with me."

  CHAPTER 20

  I covered my mouth with my hand, and Graham started back. Even Chamberlain stepped up to Laird Tristan and shook his head.

  "But my laird-" Tristan held up his hand.

  "I will hear no more of these doubts. Bring me my father's armor and ready my horse. We must ride out to meet these invaders before they reach the village," Tristan commanded him.

  "As you wish, my laird," Chamberlain reluctantly agreed. He left to prepare the horse and armor.

  Graham remained, and he gestured to me with one of his chubby hands. "My laird, surely you jest. A field of battle is no place for your betrothed."

  "Would you rather go in her place, Laird Graham?" Tristan threatened him.

  Graham stiffened and blustered. "I-I would, my laird, but I am very old and have my daughter to think about."

  Tristan's eyes were cold as he bowed his head. "Then I bid you goodnight, my laird, and consign you both to your rooms."

  Graham's eyes widened and he stretched out his hand. "O-our rooms, my laird? My laird, be reasonable. My charges expect me to return home soon, and the Laird has by all appearances deemed it fit to choose this time for our leaving."

  "If you wish to abandon a fight then so be it," Tristan snapped.

  "My laird, you must see the situation through my eyes," Graham protested.

  "I must do nothing but array myself in armor and protect all that I hold dear," Tristan countered.

  Chamberlain returned attire in a chest plate and greaves. He knelt before Tristan and bowed his head. "My laird, the armor awaits you in the entrance hall."

  Tristan turned his back on Graham and to his steward. "And my horse?"

  "Saddled and ready, my laird."

  Tristan looked to me and held out his hand. "Will you come, my lady?"

  I bit my lower lip, but stretched out my hand to grasp his. "Wherever you will it, my laird," I replied.

  He smiled and squeezed my hand. "That's my girl. Now let us be off."

  Chamberlain led the two of us to the entrance hall. The doors to the courtyard were wide open and I witnessed dozens of men preparing themselves for battle. They brandished swords, spears, and bows, and their quivers were full of arrows with hard, deadly tips. Alan stood at the forefront of the groups and shouted orders.

  Tristan took position in the center of the hall. He was arrayed in a chest plate with his family crest on the front, and his legs and arms were covered in thick bands of metal. The soldiers girded his sword at his hip, and in a few moments my laird stood before me as a fine warrior in armor that shimmered in the candlelight.

  "Where are they now?" Tristan asked Chamberlain.

  "Three miles from the village, my laird. They seemed to have stopped at the last hill on the road," Chamberlain informed him.

  "I see. They seek the high ground for victory. We shall break them of their false hope," Tristan I stood off to the side and watched as the men prepared for war. The saddled horses were brought from the stables and led to the front doors. Alan shouted orders and the soldiers positioned themselves in long lines inside the courtyard.

  The sight of such promise of bloodshed forced the color from my face. The last time I had beheld such a sight my father had been taken from me, and now here I stood with the fear that my husband-to-be would meet the same fat
e.

  Tristan glanced over the heads of his soldiers and noticed me in the corner of the hall. He pursed his lips and waved away his servants.

  "Give me but a moment and I shall give the order to march," he replied.

  Chamberlain bowed his head. "As you wish, my laird."

  He led the soldiers out of the entrance hall and personally shut the doors behind the men. Tristan and I were left to ourselves. My laird stepped up to me and set his hands on my shoulders. His eyes looked into mine and my heart quickened, though I knew not from fear or sensual excitement.

  "You lack faith in my abilities?" he wondered.

  I bit my lip and turned away. "I lack faith in the Laird to grant my wish of a safe return for you."

  He clasped my chin between his fingers and gently forced me to look into his face. "We will both return. I promise you that," he swore.

  "That is a promise I cannot expect you to keep. Only your enemies decide your fate," I argued.

  He chuckled. "Does my sword not assist me at all?"

  I closed my eyes and shook my head. "Not when God has other plans for you."

  Tristan wrapped his arms around me and pulled me close to him. His armor was cold to the touch, but a warmth spread through me at such close quarters. He lowered his voice to a sultry whisper. "I, too, have great plans for you, my love. If God has chosen for our path to end so soon then he will find himself mistaken."

  I whipped my head to face him and my mouth fell open. "But it is sinful to believe one can go against God!" I protested.

  He nuzzled the top of my head and growled. The sound was feral, but the feel of him so close comforted me. "I will never let anyone nor anything harm you, my love, or come between us. You are most dearest to me of all things on earth."

  I looked into his face and witnessed the determination in his eyes. "You swear it?" I asked him.

  "On my life," he returned.

  I blushed and looked down at the floor. My eyes caught on the necklace. I pulled away from him and grasped the heirloom in my hands.

  "Should your mother's necklace remain at the castle?" I asked him.

  My love smiled. "Does that mean you will be by my side?"

  I smiled and nodded. "Always, my laird."

  Tristan leaned down and gently kissed my lips. "Then the necklace is yours now, and if you are to wear anything in my presence I would have you wear that," he whispered to me.