Page 37 of Treachery in the Highlands

"Clever laddie," he murmurs, a note of approval in his gruff voice."Using the stream to mask your trail.But not clever enough."

My heart sinks as Kieran's gaze slowly travels upward, his eyes locking onto mine with predatory intensity.A wolfish grin spreads across his face."Found ye, Finnegan.Ye might want to work on your climbing skills.Ye left quite a few marks on this tree."

I jump down, brushing off my trews, and I grin too.

Kieran folds his brawny arms over his chest."Ready for the next challenge?"

"I'm up for anything you throw at me."

"Good.Let's go back to the castle."

Once we reach the outer wall, Kieran halts and gestures toward the stone structure.Then he grasps my shoulder and squeezes hard."Ye haven't climbed the curtain walls yet."

"The whats?"

Kieran holds up one finger, pointing toward the giant stone walls that surround the castle.

Oh, shit.

Chapter Fourteen

Rachel

The moment I hear voices coming from the river path, before I've even glimpsed my father or Joey, I hoist my skirts and race up the trail to meet them.Oh, what if Joey couldn't pass the tests?No, he's quite braw and very determined.But Father...he doesn't trust Joey yet.I do, though I cannae explain why.

Two figures emerge from the wood.

"Joey!"I shout, rushing toward him even faster.I can barely breathe by the time I reach him."Are you injured?"

"Nope.Did you think I couldn't hack all those tests?"

"No, of course not.I...I was worried, that's all," I admit, my cheeks flushing.Joey's eyes soften, and for a moment I forget my father is standing right there.

"Och, Rachel."Father's gruff voice breaks the spell."Ye shouldnae be scurrying about like a wee lass.We have important matters to discuss."

I straighten up, trying to look more dignified."Of course, Father.What happened?"

Joey clears his throat."Well, your old man here put me through the wringer.Climbing, swimming, even had to wrestle a goat."

I can't help but giggle at the image."A goat?"

"Nay," Father says, a hint of amusement in his eyes."The laddie did no such thing.I let him go after the forest run.But that doesnae mean he's earned our trust yet."

Joey raises an eyebrow at my father, a hint of mock challenge in his voice."What's it gonna take then, huh?Should I slay a dragon or two?"

I aim a warning glance at my father, but he simply grunts, unimpressed by Joey's bravado.

"Ye'll have yer chance to prove yerself soon enough,macan," Father says cryptically."The MacLeods are coming, and trouble will surely follow in their wake."

My heart sinks.The MacLeods.That means Alisdair will be here, with his square jaw and big fists, not to mention his relentless pursuit of my hand.I steal a glance at Joey, wondering how he'll react to this news.

"MacLeods?"Joey asks, his brow furrowing."Who are they?"

"Our neighbors to the north," I explain quickly."They are...well, it's complicated."I finished lamely because I dinnae want to dive into the centuries-old feud between our clans again.

Joey's eyes narrow slightly, picking up on my hesitation."Complicated how?"

Before I can answer, Father interjects, his voice gruff but tinged with weariness."The MacLeods and the MacTaggarts have a long history, laddie.Not always a peaceful one.But old rivalries must be abandoned, and we need to change with the times."