Read The Brightest Star in the Highlands: Jennie and Aedan (Clan Grant Series Book 7) for Free Online

message to his friend.
    The door opened and Lady Cameron strode in. “Porridge is on its way, along with bread and cheese for you all.”
    Jennie said, “Thank you kindly, but he should have naught more than broth this morn.”
    “I think I can determine what’s best for me to eat, lass,” Aedan said. “I do not need another mother.”
    Hamish and Dermid both gave a bark of laughter.
    “Nay, I do not expect you do, Chief Cameron,” Jennie whispered. She stared into his dancing eyes, almost able to see the sparks shooting from them. Finally turning to Morag, she said, “My chamber, my lady?”
    Jennie swept her skirts up in her hands and headed out the door. As soon as the door closed behind her, she heard an outbreak of questions aimed at Aedan. Her blush covered her face and traveled down her neck, the heat washing through her at some of their comments.
    As if reading her mind, Lady Cameron said sheepishly, “My apologies. I should have awakened you, but I did not wish to disturb your peaceful sleep. I will speak to the men and remind them of their honor.”
    Aye, she had fallen asleep in his chamber and spent the night alone with him. Even though he was gravely ill, it would basically tear her reputation to shreds.
    She hoped it would be a while before word got to Alex.
    ***
    Aedan rolled onto his back, gasping as pain gripped him. His three friends continued to have their fun at Jennie Grant’s expense, and for the first time in his life, he noticed how immature they sounded. He waited for them to notice he no longer partook in their joking.
    Hamish said, “Cameron, you do not find this situation amusing?”
    Aedan gripped the linen in his hand as he waited for the sharp pain to subside. “Nay, I do not, Hamish. And if any of you speak about finding the lass in my room this morn, I will personally make sure you regret it.”
    “Och, Cameron. Have some fun. She was here all night, was she not?” Drew asked.
    “Nay, she was dragged in here in the middle of the night when I was near death. I could not lift my head from the pillow. The first time I laid eyes on her was mere moments before you walked into the room. The last thing I remember is my mother telling me she was going after her.” He clutched at his clothing, finally realizing he was not doing as well as he had thought. Sweat collected on his brow. He would have a difficult time leaving his bed in his present state.
    “If she did tend you, she does not deserve to be ridiculed.” Dermid hung his head. “What happened?”
    “I took a blade through the side of my abdomen a few days ago.” He lifted the linen to show off his bloodied linen strips. “Seems the poison set in.” He gazed intently at each of them, then said, “You will pledge not to repeat what you saw.”
    With a bit of mumbling, they finally acquiesced.
    “Now, what can you tell me of the attacks? I have been out of this for some time. Have the attackers returned?”
    Dermid nodded, “Aye, they seem to be everywhere. We lost two of my guards, and Hamish’s father lost three of his.”
    “Does anyone recognize them?”
    “We still know nothing about who they are or where they came from.” All three exchanged glances and shrugged their shoulders.
    “Drew, send some trackers out. We need to settle this once and for all.” His head fell back on the pillow as pain gripped his side again. “See to it, would you?” His words hissed through clenched teeth.
    Drew paled and nodded. “Sorry, Cameron. We’ll leave you be.”
    ***
    A few days later, Jennie wandered through the winding paths in the herb gardens at the back of the abbey, gazing up at the turning leaves of autumn, a brisk wind in her face. Her mind wished to ponder Aedan Cameron, but she forced herself instead to think about her life and where she belonged.
    Could she have made a mistake? Maybe she was intended to be a healer. She had enjoyed a certain amount of satisfaction from helping the Cameron, from seeing the