Forever Mine #9
The thump of boot heels on the stones drew his attention. He pressed against the wall, his sword held in front of him. To his right was a corner where two corridors intersected. Those foot falls were coming right towards him.
Braden waited patiently. He knew it was Niall, knew the time had come for them to battle each other. No escape for either of them this time.
One would die.
And one would live.
The sounds came closer, reached the corner. Braden twisted his blade and swung it to his right, the edge of his sword at the throat of the intruder.
His eyes widened as he heard a small, feminine gasp. It was as if a dagger had plunged into his heart when he recognized Jean.
“What are you doing here?” he whispered.
Her face crumpled as a tear fell onto her cheek. “I’m sorry.”
Braden frowned.
Someone shoved Jean from behind. She stumbled, but quickly righted herself as the tip of a sword was pressed into her back.
Niall came into view.
“I knew I was going to enjoy the last expression on your face,” Nail said. “It’s almost been worth all the trouble you’ve caused me these past years.”
Rage burned and simmered through Braden. The mere fact Niall had hold of Jean made Braden want to run him through. “Trouble? You’ve not seen what I have in store for you.”
There were shouts from outside the castle and the sound of something rumbling. Braden smiled. The clans had gathered.
Niall’s nostrils flared as he glared at Braden. He grabbed Jean’s arm and shoved her into a nearby chamber so he could look out the window.
Braden followed them and watched Niall’s building fury. “You didna really think you could get away with your murders forever, did you? Whether you kill me or not, there are others that know of the box of your trophies.”
“So I’ll destroy it,” Niall said as he whirled around, spittle flying from his lips.
Braden didn’t like how close Niall was to Jean. “There will be enough testimonies by the lairds to convince the king of your trespasses even without the box. Your reign ends today.”
“I doona believe so, cousin,” Nail said through clenched teeth. “I see the way you watch Jean, the way you try so hard not to alert me to her presence. You care for her. You’ve allowed her to meddle in our affairs. And for that, you get to watch me kill her.”
Red flooded Braden’s vision. He knew he needed to end all this. He bellowed and raised his sword over his head. Niall had no choice but to release Jean or be impaled.
Niall jumped out of the way, shoving Jean into the wall as he did. Out of the corner of his eye, Braden noticed that Jean was completely still after she hit the floor.
He wanted to go to her, to see if she was all right. But first he had to kill Niall.
Braden rotated his wrist, sending his sword slicing around him. “I’ve been waiting a long time for this moment.”
Niall swung his sword at Braden’s head. Braden blocked the attack and spun, aiming his blade at Niall’s throat. Niall leaned backwards, but not quick enough.
Braden smiled when he saw the blood bead on his cousin’s throat. “I’ll take you piece by piece if I must.”
Niall touched his neck and looked at the blood on his fingers. “I hope you enjoyed that, cousin, because that’s all you’re going to get from me.”
There were no more words and they clashed once more. Again and again Niall attacked, and each time Braden effortlessly blocked him. Niall’s anger was making him careless, sloppy.
With his left hand, Braden grabbed at the hand in which Niall held his sword. He elbowed Niall twice in the face before he swung back his fist and connected with his jaw. Blood gushed from Niall’s broken nose. His scream of fury was music to Braden’s ears.
Jean split open her eyes. Pain thudded through her head. She lifted a hand to her brow and came away with something thick and sticky on her fingers.
Blood.
She heard a horrible, angry scream and turned her head in time to see Braden’s triumphant smile. With blood pouring down Niall’s face, she found herself smiling as well.
Jean watched in fascination as Braden’s sword moved with such speed and grace. Niall was no match for Braden’s skill.
The sound of swords clanging ended in a rush. Braden knocked Niall’s steel out of his hands. There wasn’t a moment’s hesitation as Braden plunged his blade into Niall’s abdomen.
Niall clawed at Braden’s arms and his knees buckled and he crumpled to the floor.
Braden withdrew his sword. “It’s over. Finally.” Niall had breathed his last.
“Aye,” Jean whispered.
Braden’s head whipped around. He was at her side in the next instant, his hands gentle as they cupped her face. “Are you hurt?”
“Just my head. I’ll be fine.”
“I’ve never been so scared in my life as I was when I saw he had you yet again.”
Jean smiled up at the man who had captured her heart. “I’m sorry.”
Braden pulled her into his arms. She closed her eyes and listened to the steady beat of his heart. This is where she always wanted to be. In Braden’s arms.
Braden helped her to her feet, and they made their way to the battlements. As soon as Braden’s men saw him they let up a cheer that was echoed by the clans who surrounded the castle.
“It worked,” Braden mumbled as he looked out over the sea of warriors.
Jean smiled and threaded her fingers with his. “Of course it did.”
“There’s just one thing missing now that I have my home returned.” He turned his head until his bright blue eyes met hers. “You.”
Jean’s heart thumped wildly in her chest. “What is it that you want, Braden MacAlister?”
“You. With me always. I’m asking you to be my wife.”
She smiled through the tears that flooded her eyes. “I want nothing more.”
His mouth descended on hers for a kiss filled with passion and promise, of longing … and love.
“God’s blood,” he whispered into her neck as he held her tightly. “I love you, Jean MacKay.”
“And I love you.”
“Good,” said a deep, booming voice behind Braden. A voice Jean recognized all too well.
Braden stepped away from her and faced her father. “Laird MacKay.”
“Laird MacAlister,” her father replied.
“Thank you for coming,” Braden said.
“I gave my word.”
Braden looked at Jean and smiled. “I would ask one more thing, Laird MacKay.”
“What might that be?”
“I would like to wed Jean.”
Her father’s hazel gaze turned to her. “And you Jean? What do you want?”
“I want to marry Braden.”
Her father’s lips pressed together as he stared at them a moment before he heaved a great sigh. “Than I suppose we ought to plan a wedding.”
Deafening cheers erupted around them. But Jean heard nothing. She was lost in Braden’s eyes and the pleasure of his kiss.