Free A Highlander Never Surrenders by Paula Quinn Page A

“Because if she does—”
    “She speaks of Monck,” Graham explained, lifting his hand to touch hers. “Claire,” he spoke softly, his eyes warming on hers when she looked down at him. “Yer brother did not teach ye to be so rash, aye? We’ll find out what this is about, and then ye and I need to speak.” She had planned on killing Monck all along. Hell, the wee fool was going to get herself killed.
    “I’ll tell ye what ’tis aboot if ye can keep the lass from interruptin’ me.”
    Graham nodded at Angus and closed his fingers around Claire’s hand. His tender pull brought her back down to sit beside him.
    “The governor,” Angus finally got on to it, “told Callum that the Stuarts were in his care.”
    Claire made a huffing sound, and Graham tugged her hand again.
    “His missive said that he feared Parliament would soon be dissolved.”
    “It has been,” Robert told him, then motioned for him to continue.
    “He believes there is treachery among his allies. And that the lives o’ Ladies Anne and Claire might be in jeopardy. He wrote that they were to be wed immediately in his court, to men o’ his choosin’ as per his agreement wi’ their guardian.”
    “I knew it!” Claire exclaimed, casting back her head at the stars.
    Graham slid his gaze to her. So, she was to be married. Oddly, the thought of it did not sit well with him, but he said nothing.
    “But,” Angus continued, “until he discovers who the traitors are, he will give them to nae one, save the MacGregors.”
    “Did his missive mention what sort of treachery?” Robert asked him.
    “Nae, but he did write that he’s awaitin’ yer arrival with the lady’s brother, Connor Stuart.”
    “He believes Stuart can be found, then.” Robert cut a satisfied glance to Claire, and then to Graham. He knew Monck had no idea of Connor’s death. The general had not betrayed him.
    “Is he missin’?” Angus retrieved his pouch and took another swig.
    “He is dead,” Claire told him.
    “Then,” Brodie said over the cooling embers of the campfire, “Monck has a reason to fear fer the life o’ yer sister, and yers as well, I’d imagine.”
    “Aye,” Angus agreed. “Ye’ll come back to Skye wi’ us, Lady Stuart. Dinna fret aboot yer safety any longer. Ye’ll be safe now.” He swept a menacing glance to Graham. “Ye have no defiled her, have ye, ye bastard?”
    “Your reputation certainly does precede you, rogue,” Claire threw at Graham before turning back to Angus. “If Skye is where you’ll be returning, I can assure you, you will be returning to it without me or my sister. The danger to our lives comes from the man your chieftain so easily trusts. Callum MacGregor is either a traitor to the king, or he is being lied to as my brother was. I tell you, Monck cannot be trusted!”
    The sound of Brodie’s blade swooshing out of its sheath turned Graham’s attention to him. He gave Brodie a hard look that warned the warrior to back down.
    “I’ve killed men fer callin’ Callum a traitor fer less than what she suggests,” Brodie replied in a low growl. “I’ll warn her once to watch her tongue.”
    “Aye, ye warned her then. I’m still yer commander. Put away yer sword,” Graham demanded just as menacingly. When Brodie obeyed, Graham turned to Claire. “And ye’ll not speak so carelessly about The MacGregor. He is not a traitor. If Monck is a threat to him, I vow I will help ye kill him.”
    “Monck is no threat,” Robert said, still convinced. “He wants Anne sent to Skye because no one will think to look for her there, and even if they did, they would have a hard time reaching her. I’ve been to Camlochlin, my lady. Its stronghold is the land that surrounds it. If Anne is in danger, she should be with the MacGregors.”
    “ ’Tis true,” Graham told her. “Only a few noblemen from Cromwell’s rule know of Camlochlin. ’Tis hidden beyond the cliffs of Elgol.”
    Claire still wasn’t convinced that Anne would