Highlander's Game by Jane Danger Page A

execution.
                  As the seconds turned to hours, Jocelin found herself growing more and more impatient and out of sorts. No one, save for the louse charged with providing scraps of nourishment had come to call on her. She still had not wrapped her mind around whatever punishment she was sure to receive. Panic and paranoia set in and took hold of her as the sun left the skies and the moon made its ominous appearance.
                  Only then did movement make the gallows come to life. The others began howling and calling out in desperation, trying to summon those in charge. A trio of figures approached Jocelin's cage, each cloaked in dark garb. She shuddered, believing this would be the end of her earthly time. Instead, she was taken aback by the sight of three giggling chamber maids hidden underneath the cloaks.
                  “What is this?” Jocelin asked, confused by their sudden interest in her.
                  One long finger reached out, touching the small crevice of her ample bosom. Jocelin swallowed back her fear, forcing herself not to bite the hand that held the finger. Again, giggles rang out among the three girls. Jocelin waited, anxious to know what it is they intended to do to her.
                  From behind them, Callum emerged, followed by a trio of similarly amused men. They stopped just under the light of the moon, allowing Jocelin to make out their profiles. She'd seen each of them before. They fought alongside Callum and had the battle scars to prove it. Each of them had a sea of eager young lasses clamoring for their attention.
                  Jocelin had never been much interested in finding her mate. Her life consisted of caring for her ailing mother and avoiding any semblance of a relationship that was surely doomed to fail. She had no real experience to speak of and took to learning to pleasure herself when the need became too strong to ignore.
                  Seeing these handsome devils, stirred something from deep inside her. Her heightened senses told her that they were not there to punish her. Callum's hooded eyes and full, moist lips told her what he had in mind was purely for the sake of pleasure.
                  Finally, the chamber maid with the seeking finger spoke, “We have come to release you at the request of these fine men.”
                  A collective 'Aye' rang out behind the three young women.
                  “Request for what purpose?” Jocelin asked.
                  “You have been claimed, Jocelin. Now, you must come with us. I assure you, what we have in mind will please you.” With that, the chamber maids opened the door, allowing Jocelin to step out. Her steps were tentative, but she followed, keeping a watchful eye on the four men in front of them.
                  “Where are we going?” Jocelin dared a question as they walked under the night sky.
                  One man, Jocelin recalled his name being Lachlan answered. “To the castle. The others are waiting.”
                  “The others?” Jocelin's heart began to race wildly inside her chest.
                  Callum stopped, signaling the others to move ahead. He looked down at Jocelin, examining every curve through her torn dress. Lifting a hand to her hair, he let down her long, curly tresses. Her breath caught as her hair skimmed her nearly exposed bosom. She moved to cover herself, Callum's hands stopped her.
                  “Take that off.” Jocelin's mouth again went dry. Removing her clothing publicly was not an option where she was concerned. She would lay down her life to not have to disrobe.
                  “I will not.” She answered.
                  “You will.” Callum's sudden smile caught her off guard. Nothing sinister seemed to be behind it. He removed his