Highland Moonlight by Teresa J Reasor Read Free Book Online Page B

those words renewed his guilt. He drew a deep breath. He
    had been gentle. He had given her all the pleasure there had been time for,
    though she had been denied a woman’s fulfillment from their union. If only
    he had had more time to woo her. If only there had been time to explain his
    actions. If only Bearach MacDonald had not been waiting to take his place.
    All the if’s ran together in his mind in a useless stream.
    “Mayhap the bairn will help heal the wounds,” John said after a lengthy
    pause, his tone lacking conviction.
    Alexander did not hold out much hope for that either.
    “You will visit with your brothers and me for a short time after the
    council,” John ordered. “I wish to know my new daughter.”
    Alexander studied his father’s stern features. “My men are eager to be
    home with their families.”
    “Aye, I know.” John shrugged his shoulders, the gesture fraught with
    tension. “After the council, send those on who wish to go, and my men and I
    will give you an escort home, when the time comes.”
    Alexander nodded.
    It would give his family time to know his bride. If Mary would not accept
    him, mayhap she would accept his family, for the bairn’s sake.

Chapter Four
    Mary paused above the great hall next to John Campbell and looked
    below at the men below. Her attention focused on Alexander. The muscles
    of his shoulders, back, and arms stood out like cords as he parried
    Duncan’s maneuver with the heavy broadsword. Both men’s chests and
    shoulders gleamed with sweat, their features set in fierce scowls of
    concentration as they circled one another.
    Duncan thrust forward and Alexander’s blade blocked the movement.
    As the weapons edges met, they screeched as though in pain. Turning his
    brother’s sword aside, Alexander used his greater size to shove Duncan
    back. With a sudden burst of brutal strength, Alexander seesawed the blade
    in a lethal combination Duncan was hard pressed to defend. Sparks flew,
    and the high-pitched ring of metal on metal was nearly deafening. The
    younger man stumbled under the onslaught and nearly lost his footing.
    Alexander disengaged, offering his opponent time to recover. At Duncan’s
    signal, they started again.
    She recognized the able skill Alexander demonstrated with the sword.
    His movements had a grace only experience could teach. Her eyes lingered
    on the strong width of his shoulders and back then dropped to the muscular
    tautness of his stomach. The masculine beauty of his body inspired a
    breathless rush of feelings both exciting and disturbing to her. How could
    she still find him pleasing after he had harmed her so? How could her body
    betray her with such feelings? She dragged her gaze away.
    “What is it you see, Mary?” John asked from beside her as he leaned
    on the railing of the gallery.
    The question threw her into brief confusion. Heat stormed her cheeks
    and for a moment, she feared her thoughts had been obvious to the Laird of
    Lorne Castle. A quick glance in his direction eased her discomfort. His
    attention remained directed at the men below.
    She cleared her throat. “David drops the point of his sword before the
    strike, telling his opponent what is to come. It may leave him open to a
    thrust above his weapon that will block the blade and keep him from
    defending himself.”
    “Aye. And Duncan?”
    “He has more grace in his movements than the others, but less
    strength. He has need of greater stamina because of it.”
    “And Alexander?”
    “His ability as a warrior can not be faulted. He is skillful with the blade
    and can anticipate his opponent’s movements.”
    John’s smile, laced with satisfaction, carved deep groves in his
    cheeks. “You are quick to find a man’s weaknesses and strengths.”
    Her gaze swung to her father as he stood to one side of the great hall
    watching the men practice. “‘Tis something Collin has taught me. Always be
    aware of your allies’ weaknesses as much as your enemies, lest