Page 29 of Taken By the Vicious Highlander

“I wouldnae say that much, Me Lady. I?—”

“Nay, please dinnae beat around the bush.”

“Aye, Me Lady. Laird McCallum made it clear that if we didnae bring him answers, there would be consequences.”

Ariah’s eyes darted between them, wide with intrigue, but she wisely stayed silent.

Sebastian sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Lilith, me dear, ye just dinnae understand. That night, an attempt was made on his life, in his chambers, onyerwedding night.Someone wants him dead, and maybe ye as well. What would ye have him do? Stand idle?”

What! I was supposed to be in his chambers that night. Were they after me too?

Lilith’s chest tightened, her anger warring with shock. “An assassin in his chambers? An attempt on his life? And nay one thought to tell me?”

“It wasnae me place,” Sebastian said. “But ken this—the Laird is tryin’ to protect ye, all of ye. Us. Even if it means makin’ enemies along the way.”

He’s supposed to be bringin’ the clan together, nae makin’ enemies!

Lilith clenched her fists, her mind racing. “What decisions has he made?”

Before Sebastian could reply, Ariah’s voice rang out.

“Ugh! Can we talk aboutmenow? Christ!” she whined, breaking the tension in the room.

They all smiled and gathered around the table to discuss the upcoming nuptials.

An assassin. Threatenin’ the council. Makin’ enemies. I have so many questions for him tonight.

That evening, Lilith paced the corridor, her anger simmering just beneath the surface. The audacity of Damon—to make decisions that affected her and their people without so much as consulting her. Sheneededanswers.

She, with Finley in tow, bounded down to his study, but when she walked into the room, she found it empty. The next stop was his chambers, where he was again nowhere to be found.

It is our second night! Why have I nae been told where to meet him? This is absurd!

Her patience snapped, and she let out a frustrated sigh, storming back toward her chambers. But when she entered her chambers and found him there, her anger only increased.

There he was, casually leaning against the mantelpiece, holding her flower press book. The sight of his large hands handling the delicate pages sent a flare of irritation through her.

“What are ye doin’?” she demanded, closing the door behind her with more force than necessary.

Damon turned, a smirk playing on his lips. “Waitin’ for ye, wife. Ye have been avoidin’ me all day.”

Lilith stalked toward him, snatching the book from his hands. “I wasnae avoidin’ ye. I was busy. And that doesnae answer me question.”

He held up a small, vibrant bloom, its petals a striking shade of pink. “I had this found for ye. Thought it might suit yer collection.”

Lilith stared at the flower, her heart betraying her annoyance with a slight flutter.

So thoughtful, but quite… disingenuous, is it nae? He had it found for me?

She wouldn’t let him off that easily.

“I appreciate the gesture,” she said coolly, refusing to take it. “But I prefer to find them meself.”

Damon’s smirk widened as if he found her resistance amusing. “Of course ye do.”

Her temper flared. “Ye think this is funny? There was an attempt on yer life, inyerchambers,onourwedding night, and instead of tellin’ me, ye decide to skulk around, makin’ threats and keepin’ secrets. Again!”

His expression darkened, the mirth in it evaporating. “I did what was necessary to keep this clan safe. And ye.”