Highland Harmony: Avelina and Drew (Clan Grant Series Book 8) by Keira Montclair
Authors: Keira Montclair
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Aye, that was it. He wished to make every other lad in the land of the Scots wish to be him.
Now that he had seen Avelina up close, he had to admit there were none he would rather have. In fact, he would make sure never to beat her face ever again; she was just too lovely. The plan had other benefits. The marriage would tie his family to hers, raising his status in the Highlands tenfold. Quade Ramsay was laird, and Logan Ramsay worked for the Scottish Crown. Avelina’s other brother, Micheil, was married to the Drummond laird. Aye, it would be a good match.
If he managed to find the sword and steal Avelina away, he could sweet talk her into marrying him. Then all would revere Lachlan Burnes and his beautiful wife.
Last time, he had simply jumped at an unexpected opportunity. This time, planning would be everything. They were on to him now, and he would not get onto Cameron land easily. Finding the sword would help him achieve his other missions; he was certain of it.
Who the hell had stolen the sword, anyway? It could only be Drew Menzie. He’d have to find him and torture the truth out of him. Why, then he’d be almost as powerful as the King of the Scots. He could imagine himself riding in the royal burgh, Avelina seated in front of him, as peasants lined the pathway to see him with his beautiful wife. He’d carry the sword everywhere.
His mother bellowed again, “Why can you not do something so simple as hang on to a sword? And now Menzie says you attacked a lass on his land? You cannot find a lass here to satisfy your urges? Everywhere you go, you soil our good name. In fact, I recall the time…”
Lachlan sighed. His mother would go on for hours now. Once she got started, she would never stop. She loved to talk about all the foolish things he’d ever done. He was so tired of his parents’ lies and accusations; he could not bear to listen to them any longer. He needed to leave again. Still pacing, he moved toward the opposite end of the hall.
They’d see. All he needed was a bit of time to prove his worth. He’d find the sword and sweet-talk Avelina Ramsay into marrying him. His parents would finally love him, and they’d be proud to tell everyone he was their son. Aye. His plan was sound, and his world was about change—all for the better.
He opened his sporran to give his pet mouse a wee bit of cheese, then closed it before anyone noticed.
Just as soon as he changed his direction, a fist struck his left eye, making stars dance in front of both of his eyes.
“I’m talking to you, lad, and you’ll learn to answer me.” He turned in time to see his sire’s other fist aimed right at his jaw.
***
Lina had lain awake in her bed for most of the night. Guilt raced through her, something she had rarely dealt with before.
Avelina Ramsay was a thief, a common criminal. If anyone found out, Aedan Cameron would have her flogged, or thrown in the dungeon, or left to the elements. Jennie would never be allowed to associate with her again. Such thoughts had tormented her most of the night, and she had yet to find a resolution. Her soul was doomed to hell. She needed to tell someone, but whom? The chapel was an option, but Aedan had said she couldn’t go there without an escort, which meant that at least one person would overhear her confession.
Mayhap she could trust Drew to help her out. Nay, he would insist she give the weapon back, and she couldn’t do that. It would risk offending the Fae Queen.
What to do, what to do. She wrestled with this decision for more than half the night before the unmistakable scent of lavender wafted into her room. She sat up in bed and swung her legs over the side, waiting to see what would happen next. Could the Fae Queen be nearby?
“Come to me, my dear. I will await you in the garden. ‘Tis my favorite place.”
Lina peered out of the window, and as soon as she noticed Erena’s glowing aura, she slipped her feet into her slippers and headed out the door, careful
Now that he had seen Avelina up close, he had to admit there were none he would rather have. In fact, he would make sure never to beat her face ever again; she was just too lovely. The plan had other benefits. The marriage would tie his family to hers, raising his status in the Highlands tenfold. Quade Ramsay was laird, and Logan Ramsay worked for the Scottish Crown. Avelina’s other brother, Micheil, was married to the Drummond laird. Aye, it would be a good match.
If he managed to find the sword and steal Avelina away, he could sweet talk her into marrying him. Then all would revere Lachlan Burnes and his beautiful wife.
Last time, he had simply jumped at an unexpected opportunity. This time, planning would be everything. They were on to him now, and he would not get onto Cameron land easily. Finding the sword would help him achieve his other missions; he was certain of it.
Who the hell had stolen the sword, anyway? It could only be Drew Menzie. He’d have to find him and torture the truth out of him. Why, then he’d be almost as powerful as the King of the Scots. He could imagine himself riding in the royal burgh, Avelina seated in front of him, as peasants lined the pathway to see him with his beautiful wife. He’d carry the sword everywhere.
His mother bellowed again, “Why can you not do something so simple as hang on to a sword? And now Menzie says you attacked a lass on his land? You cannot find a lass here to satisfy your urges? Everywhere you go, you soil our good name. In fact, I recall the time…”
Lachlan sighed. His mother would go on for hours now. Once she got started, she would never stop. She loved to talk about all the foolish things he’d ever done. He was so tired of his parents’ lies and accusations; he could not bear to listen to them any longer. He needed to leave again. Still pacing, he moved toward the opposite end of the hall.
They’d see. All he needed was a bit of time to prove his worth. He’d find the sword and sweet-talk Avelina Ramsay into marrying him. His parents would finally love him, and they’d be proud to tell everyone he was their son. Aye. His plan was sound, and his world was about change—all for the better.
He opened his sporran to give his pet mouse a wee bit of cheese, then closed it before anyone noticed.
Just as soon as he changed his direction, a fist struck his left eye, making stars dance in front of both of his eyes.
“I’m talking to you, lad, and you’ll learn to answer me.” He turned in time to see his sire’s other fist aimed right at his jaw.
***
Lina had lain awake in her bed for most of the night. Guilt raced through her, something she had rarely dealt with before.
Avelina Ramsay was a thief, a common criminal. If anyone found out, Aedan Cameron would have her flogged, or thrown in the dungeon, or left to the elements. Jennie would never be allowed to associate with her again. Such thoughts had tormented her most of the night, and she had yet to find a resolution. Her soul was doomed to hell. She needed to tell someone, but whom? The chapel was an option, but Aedan had said she couldn’t go there without an escort, which meant that at least one person would overhear her confession.
Mayhap she could trust Drew to help her out. Nay, he would insist she give the weapon back, and she couldn’t do that. It would risk offending the Fae Queen.
What to do, what to do. She wrestled with this decision for more than half the night before the unmistakable scent of lavender wafted into her room. She sat up in bed and swung her legs over the side, waiting to see what would happen next. Could the Fae Queen be nearby?
“Come to me, my dear. I will await you in the garden. ‘Tis my favorite place.”
Lina peered out of the window, and as soon as she noticed Erena’s glowing aura, she slipped her feet into her slippers and headed out the door, careful
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