Read Mary Reed McCall for Free Online

Bind yourself to the MacRae?” He was reacting as if she’d suggested he let her stretch her neck on the English king’s block—something she supposed might not prove to be all that much more awful than what she was proposing. “I’ll not allow it. It would be shameful—especially for you, the laird’s daughter and keeper of the amulet.”
    “And yet our brother will die if you do not at least consider it.”
    Aileana’s quiet reminder seemed to stifle Robert’s remaining protests. His mouth clamped shut, and he looked at her as if seeing her for the first time. “God, Aileana—marry the MacRae? ” he echoed, as if he couldn’t believe she was truly considering the possibility.
    She nodded, steeling herself to see this through. It was always the same; she would make a sacrifice for the sake of her family and clan, though even she had to admit that marrying the MacRae went beyond what she’d ever dreamed would be required of her. Her mind almost refused to grasp the concept. Yet if the clans declared peace, Gavin’s life would surely be spared.
    She twisted to view the cursed subject of their conversation. He leaned against the table, his arms folded across his chest, an expression of annoyance darkening his features. He was a formidable man, tall and powerful-looking, with the gold-flecked hair and chiseled jaw that marked most of his kinsmen. From what she’d seen, the MacRae was a force to be reckoned with. Life would be nothing but misery with him, to be sure.
    And yet their choices seemed few. If nothing was done, Gavin would suffer a terrible fate; married or no, she could at least survive. And there was a slim possibility that she might prosper as Duncan’s wife, if he could be convinced to take their bargain.
    At that moment, the object of her thoughts clenched his fists and pushed away from the table’s edge. When he stalked toward them, she got the distinct impression of a thundercloud about to burst.
    Her chance at prosperity suddenly seemed remote.
    Before the MacRae could reach them, Aileana faced Robert again whispering her insistence that he accept her plan. Revulsion almost choked her, but she reminded herself that Gavin’s life hung in the balance. She wouldsurvive as the MacRae’s wife if he agreed to have her. At least she hoped that she would.
    When Duncan reached them he growled, “Enough. It’s time to finish this.”
    “That you deserve repayment for the harm that was inflicted on you is clear, MacRae.”
    Duncan’s gaze snapped to Robert, uncertainty and distrust written in every hard, sculpted line of his face. “You’re agreeing with my claim against your brother?”
    Robert nodded. “I know you were wronged. But Morgana was a dark influence upon the youth that Gavin was those many years ago. Because of that, I’m asking you to have compassion, though I would not ask you to go empty handed. I have a proposition.”
    “Explain,” Duncan said. Aileana saw a muscle jump in his cheek, and she would have sworn that his gaze grew several degrees colder.
    “A peace between our clans would help to undo the wrongs that have been committed on both sides. You were attacked most unfairly those many years ago. Today, we mourn the death of our chieftain, my father, along with countless other loyal and true MacDonells.”
    Duncan clenched his jaw again, but said nothing.
    Aileana watched Robert’s fingers twisting behind his back. Sympathy filled her at the knowledge of how difficult this was for him; he was trying to forget his own concern for Gavin’s safety, while suffering the frustration of knowing that he was going to offer her as bait to their sworn enemy. Pride surged in her breast. Her brother displayed strength of spirit in front of the evil tyrant, and it helped her to stand bravely beside him.
    “I propose an offering for peace.” Robert paused, and then spoke each remaining word as if it was a preciouspearl. “I will give you our Aileana’s hand in marriage in