Page 38 of Hunted By the Cruel Highlander (Lasses of the Highland Hunt #1)

“Ye need to clean yerself up,” Erica said with a knowing smirk, bustling into Gabriella’s chambers. “I’ll go gather the women. Dinnae worry—I willnae tell them where I found ye.”

Gabriella’s cheeks flushed crimson as she quickly hugged her. “Thank ye,” she whispered.

As she slipped into the adjoining bathing chamber, she heard Erica’s footsteps retreating down the corridor.

The warm water felt heavenly against her skin as she hurriedly bathed, trying to wash away any evidence of her night with Hector while her heart still raced from their passionate hours together.

She had barely stepped out of the copper tub when voices filled the outer chamber—feminine laughter and excited chatter that made her pulse quicken with nervous anticipation.

“Gabriella!” Andrea’s warm voice called out. “Where are ye, child?”

Gabriella quickly wrapped herself in a soft linen towel and emerged to find her chambers crowded with women. Andrea stood near the window with a radiant smile, while three other young women she recognized with a surge of joy were arranging flowers and ribbons on the bed.

Time seemed to stop as Gabriella looked at her three friends. They looked so different from the broken, terrified girls she’d last seen on that terrible day when they’d all been rescued.

“Madison! Piper! Flora!” she exclaimed, her eyes welling with tears of joy as she rushed toward them, clutching her towel to her chest. “How are ye? Are ye well? Are ye happy?”

Madison was the first to embrace her, tears streaming down her cheeks. “We’re well, Gabriella. So much better than we ever hoped to be.”

“Aye,” Piper added, her voice thick with emotion as she joined the embrace. “We had time to talk since we arrived for yer weddin’. The other Lairds have been… they’ve been good to us. We’re healin’.”

Flora, still quiet but no longer the terrified mute girl from before, simply nodded and squeezed Gabriella’s hand, her eyes bright with unshed tears of happiness.

“And ye?” Madison asked softly, searching Gabriella’s face. “Are ye truly happy? He treats ye well?”

“Better than I ever dreamed possible,” Gabriella whispered, her heart full to bursting. “He loves me, and I love him. Truly.”

The four young women held each other for a long moment, remembering the darkness they’d shared and marveling at the light they’d all found.

Piper then pulled back. “But where were ye, lass?” she asked with a teasing grin, looking remarkably different from the angry, frightened girl Gabriella remembered. Her face was full and healthy now, her eyes bright with mischief. “We were lookin’ everywhere for ye!”

“She slept in, after what happened yesterday,” Erica said smoothly, shooting Gabriella a quick wink. “Poor thing needed the rest.”

“Aye, she deserves it after that ordeal,” Madison agreed softly, her gentle voice much stronger than it had been months ago.

The shy young woman’s transformation was remarkable—gone was the broken girl who’d barely been able to lift her head. Now, she moved with quiet confidence, her red hair shining with health.

Flora, still the quietest of them all, simply smiled and nodded in agreement, but even she looked vibrant and well-cared for.

Andrea, however, fixed Gabriella with a knowing look that made her cheeks burn even hotter. The older woman’s eyes twinkled with maternal understanding, and Gabriella had the distinct feeling that Andrea knew exactly where she’d spent the night.

“Well then,” Andrea said with barely contained amusement, “we’d better get ye ready. Ye have a weddin’ to attend, and the groom will be wondering where his bride has gotten to.”

“Aye.” Erica laughed, already reaching for the elaborate wedding dress hanging nearby. “And knowin’ me braither, he’s probably pacin’ the Great Hall like a caged wolf by now.”

Gabriella felt her embarrassment fade into excitement as the women surrounded her with love and laughter.

Today was her wedding day—the day she’d officially become Hector’s wife. Though, in her heart, she’d been his completely since the moment he’d claimed her last night.

“Come on then, lass,” Piper urged, holding up delicate silk stockings. “Let’s make ye the most beautiful bride the Highlands have ever seen.”

As her friends helped her dress, Gabriella caught Andrea’s eye in the mirror. The older woman’s expression had softened into pure maternal love, and she mouthed silently, “I’m so happy for ye, child.”

Gabriella’s heart swelled with gratitude and joy. She was no longer the broken, frightened girl who’d been rescued from that terrible place.

“There,” Madison said, stepping back to admire the delicate silver chain she’d just fastened around Gabriella’s neck. “Perfect.”

“Nae quite.” Andrea approached with a small wooden box, a smile playing on her lips. “Every McCulloch bride needs somethin’ special.”

She opened the box to reveal an exquisite brooch—a silver set with deep blue sapphires in the shape of the McCulloch crest.

“This belonged to Hector’s grandmaither, and her grandmaither before her,” Andrea explained as she pinned it carefully to Gabriella’s dress. “Welcome to the family, me dear daughter.”

Tears pricked Gabriella’s eyes as the weight of acceptance and belonging wrapped around her like a warm blanket.

She was home. She was loved. And in just a few hours, she’d be walking down the aisle to marry the man who’d saved her in every way that mattered.

“Now,” Erica spoke up, clapping her hands together, “let’s finish gettin’ ye ready. Me braither has waited long enough for his bride.”

The room erupted in laughter and renewed activity as the women put the finishing touches on Gabriella’s dress. Outside, she could hear the castle preparing for her wedding—pipes warming up, servants arranging flowers, and the excited chatter of arriving guests.

Today was the first day of her new life as Lady McCulloch, and she couldn’t wait for it to begin.

The Great Hall of Castle McCulloch had been transformed into something magical. Clan banners hung from the rafters, alongside garlands of heather and wild roses. The ancient stone walls were draped with the clan’s tartan, and dozens of candles cast everything in warm, golden light.

Gabriella stood at the entrance to the hall, her heart hammering against her ribs as she took in the sea of faces turned toward her. The entire clan seemed to be present, along with representatives from allied clans who’d come to witness the union.

But she only had eyes for the man standing at the far end of the hall.

Hector looked magnificent in his formal Highland dress—his clan colors draped across his broad shoulders, his dark hair gleaming in the candlelight, his brown eyes fixed on her with an intensity that made her knees weak.

When he saw her, his stern expression melted into something so tender and proud that she felt tears prick her eyes.

“Ready, lass?” Andrea whispered beside her, gently taking her arm.

Gabriella nodded, not trusting her voice.

Together, they began the slow walk down the aisle, the guests rising to their feet in respectful silence.

With each step, Gabriella felt herself growing stronger, more confident. These people weren’t strangers anymore—they were her clan now, her family. She could see Noah’s proud grin, Erica’s tearful smile, and the warm faces of servants who’d shown her kindness.

But most of all, she could see Hector waiting for her with love blazing in his dark eyes.

When they reached the front of the hall, Andrea placed Gabriella’s hand in Hector’s with a whispered blessing, then stepped aside to give them their moment.

“Ye look beautiful, mo chridhe,” Hector murmured, his thumb tracing gentle circles on her hand.

“And ye look handsome,” she replied, her voice steadier than she’d expected.

The ceremony itself was a blur of ancient Gaelic words, traditional vows, and the binding of their hands with McCulloch tartan—the handfasting that would make them one in the eyes of God and their clan.

But throughout it all, Gabriella was aware only of Hector’s strong presence beside her, the warmth of his hand in hers, and the promise of forever shining in his eyes.

“By the power of the old ways and the blessing of the Almighty,” the priest declared, “I pronounce ye husband and wife, bound together before clan and country.”

The hall erupted in cheers as Hector cupped her face and kissed her with tender passion, sealing their union before their people. When they broke apart, both breathless and grinning, the celebration began in earnest.

“Ready for our first dance as husband and wife?” he asked, offering her his arm.

The crowd parted to create a circle as the pipers began playing the traditional wedding tune. True to the McCulloch custom, the bride and groom would dance first, officially opening the celebrations before others could join in.

Hector led her through the steps they’d practiced, but this time was different. This time, they moved together as husband and wife, their bodies in perfect harmony, their eyes locked on each other with utter devotion.

As the music swelled, other couples joined them on the dance floor.

Gabriella caught sight of Noah spinning Erica with surprising grace, both of them laughing with pure joy.

Madison was dancing shyly with one of the younger clan members, while Piper had somehow convinced the elderly priest to partner with her, much to everyone’s amusement.

“Happy?” Hector asked as he spun her gently.

“Perfectly,” Gabriella replied, truly meaning it.

The evening continued with feasting, storytelling, and more dancing.

Gabriella found herself surrounded by well-wishers, accepting congratulations and gifts with growing confidence.

She was no longer the frightened girl who’d arrived at this castle months ago.

She was Lady McCulloch now, and she felt every inch the Highland lady.

It was nearly midnight when the commotion started.

“Well, well,” a sharp female voice cut through the din. “What a… quaint wedding.”

Gabriella turned to see a beautiful woman with auburn hair and cold green eyes approaching their table. She wore an elaborate gown that was clearly meant to upstage the bride, and her smile was razor-sharp.

Caitlyn.

It had to be.

The hall grew quiet as the guests noticed the newcomer. Hector’s expression darkened, but he remained seated, his hand finding Gabriella’s under the table.

“Caitlyn,” he greeted coolly. “I wasnae expectin’ ye.”

“Oh, I wouldnae miss this for the world,” Caitlyn replied, her gaze sweeping dismissively over Gabriella. “After all, it’s nae every day that one gets to see such a… charitable match.”

Murmurs rippled through the crowd at the insult. Gabriella felt her cheeks burn, but before she could respond, Hector was on his feet.

“That’s enough,” he said, his voice carrying the absolute authority of a Highland laird. “Ye’re a guest in me hall, but that courtesy has limits.”

Caitlyn’s smile faltered slightly, but she pressed on. “I just thought the clan should ken what kind of woman their new lady is. After all, she is nae a noble, is she?”

The insult hit its mark, and Gabriella felt old shame trying to crawl up her neck. But then she looked around the hall—at Andrea’s protective expression; at Erica’s furious face; at the clansfolk, who were looking at Caitlyn with disgust rather than agreement.

These were her people now. They’d already accepted her.

“Aye,” she uttered, rising to her feet with newfound dignity. “I ken I wouldnae have wed a laird under normal circumstances. But I’m grateful that Hector saw somethin’ in me that made him decide to marry me anyway, because he is the finest man I’ve ever kenned.”

The hall erupted in approving cheers, but Hector held up a hand for silence.

“Caitlyn Grant,” he said formally, using the maiden name with deliberate emphasis, “ye are nay longer welcome in me hall or on me lands. Guards, escort her out.”

Two large men stepped forward immediately, but Caitlyn raised her hand haughtily.

“I can find me own way,” she snapped, then turned back to Gabriella with venom in her eyes. “Enjoy it while it lasts, girl. Men tire of their toys, eventually.”

“Nae this man,” Hector declared quietly, but his voice carried to every corner of the hall. “And nae this woman. She’s me wife, Me Lady, and me equal. Anyone who disrespects her disrespects me.”

The finality in his tone brooked no argument.

Caitlyn’s face flushed with humiliation as she turned on her heels and stalked out of the hall, her elaborate gown trailing behind her like a battalion in retreat.

The moment she was gone, the celebration resumed with even more enthusiasm than before. Gabriella found herself surrounded by clan members offering support and congratulations, their acceptance complete and unshakable.

“Well handled, wife,” Hector murmured in her ear as the noise level returned to normal.

“I had a good example,” she replied, squeezing his hand gratefully.

As the evening wound down and the last of the guests began to disperse, Hector stood up and offered his hand.

“Ready to retire, Lady McCulloch?” he asked.

There was heat in his dark eyes that made her pulse quicken.

“Aye,” she said, accepting his hand with a smile that was both shy and bold.

Without warning, he scooped her up into his arms, cradling her against his chest as if she weighed nothing at all. The remaining guests cheered and called out blessings in Gaelic as he carried her toward the stairs.

“I can walk, ye ken.” She laughed, her arms going around his neck.

“But where’s the fun in that?” he quipped, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Besides, I’ve been thinkin’ about this moment all day.”

“And which part of this moment were ye lookin’ forward to?” she teased.

“Every part, from when I take this dress off ye,” he admitted with a smile. Then, his voice grew serious. “I love ye, Gabriella Muir. More than I ever thought possible.”

“And I love ye, Hector Muir,” she replied, pressing a soft kiss to his jaw. “Forever and always.”

As he carried her up the stairs toward his chambers—their chambers now—Gabriella reflected on the incredible journey that had brought her to this moment. From the depths of despair to the heights of joy, from captivity to freedom, from fear to love.

She was home. She was safe. She was loved.

And best of all, she was his, just as he was completely, irrevocably hers.

The door to their chambers closed behind them with a soft click, sealing them into their private world, where they could express their love without reservation or restraint.

Their new life together was just beginning.

The End?