Highland Resurrection (Blades of Honor Book 2) by B.J. Scott Read Free Book Online Page B

her so, or that she was a source of disappointment. She prayed this babe would be a lad and her father would finally be happy.
    “I need you to go into the woods and fetch the herbs that settle my stomach.” Lillian lay on the bed with her forearm draped over her brow.
    “I’d be happy to do your bidding, but it is late, the sun having set several hours ago. Could I na wait til morning?”
    “You heard your mother. You will go now and make haste.” Her father, Donald MacLean, stood in the doorway with his arms crossed over his chest.
    “This is the perfect time to pick the herbs,” Lillian said. “For them to be effective, they must be gathered under the light of a full moon. Otherwise, I wouldna ask you to go.”
    Sheena set no store in superstition, but if it would appease her stepmother and keep her father happy, so be it. “Very well. I’ll get my arisaidh and leave right away.”
    As Sheena entered the forest at the edge of the village, a shiver of dread skittered up her spine. Uncertain if it was caused by the chilly night air or the sense of foreboding she had the moment she left the footpath, she tugged her woolen shawl over her head and clutched the fabric at the throat.
    Rays of moonlight filtering through the trees illuminated the mist-covered ground. And while she was alone, she could not shake the uneasy feeling that someone was watching her. She quickly gathered the herbs, then headed for home.
    “Where are you going on this fine evening?” a man asked as he stepped out of the shadows.
    Startled, Sheena gasped, then turned to run, but another man blocked the path. “Who are you, and what do you want?”
    “Why you, my dear,” the first man said as he moved into view. “Do you know who I am?”
    Sheena offered a hesitant nod. “Aye, you’re Roderick Morgan, son of the laird.”
    “Correct,” he said, grinning, then closed the gap between them. “And what might your name be? You’ve caught my eye on more than one occasion and I have yet to learn your identity.”
    “Sheena MacLean.”
    “The merchant’s daughter?”
    She nodded.
    “I’m surprised to find you out at this late hour without an escort,” Roderick said, then took a step closer. “I guess this is my lucky night.”
    “My stepmother is with child and has been feeling poorly. She sent me to fetch some herbs.” Sheena held up a wilted bunch of greens and wildflowers. “She is waiting for me, so I ask that you please let me be on my way.”
    “I’m not ready to let you depart,” Roderick growled. “I wish to get to know you better.” He cupped her chin, raising it until their eyes met. “Much better .”
    Her chest constricted and she found it hard to breathe. She may be young, but she knew what he meant. “Please, I most humbly request that you let me go and dinna pursue this. You’re the son of a laird and I am merely the daughter of a commoner. Surely there are women of your status more suitable than me.” She fisted her hands in her skirt to keep them from trembling, but she could not hide the shakiness in her voice.
    “Aye, but it is you I desire. A man has needs and I mean to sate mine here and now.” He grabbed the neck of her chemise, then ripped it open.
    Sheena clutched at the torn fabric, but her attempt to hide her naked breasts failed when he grabbed her wrists. “Please, I beg of you—” she began, but her plea was cut short when his mouth crashed down on hers and he forced his tongue between her lips.
    She gagged at the pungent odor of whisky on his breath. He’d obviously been drinking and was well in his cups. But that did not excuse his abhorrent behavior. She struggled, but was no match for his brawn.
    “Make haste, Roddy, someone could happen upon us at any moment,” his companion warned.
    “Let them come,” Roderick hissed as he threw her to the ground, then rolled her beneath him. “I plan to take my time and enjoy the ride,” he said as he lifted her skirt, then positioned himself