"They're movin'fast," Lachlan observed, riding close beside him. "But their horses will tire soon in this rough country."
Kenneth nodded grimly."And when they do, we'll have them."
They crested a rise,and Kenneth held up his hand, signaling the party to halt. Below them, through a screen of trees, he caught a glimpse of movement – riders, pushing their tired horses hard.
"There,"he whispered, pointing out the signs to the others. "They're headed exactly where I thought they would."
The old watchtowerwas barely visible in the distance, a dark finger of stone pointing accusingly at the sky. Kenneth's mind was already racing, calculating distances and angles of approach.
"We can cut through that valley,"he said, indicating a narrow pass. "Come up behind them before they reach the tower. But we'll need to move fast."
The other lairds nodded,their faces grim with determination. This was more than just a rescue now – it was a matter of Highland justice. No man could be allowed to steal another's wife without consequences.
Kenneth tookone last look at the distant tower, silently renewing his vow to Sophie.Hold on, mo chridhe. I'm coming for ye.
Then he ledhis men down into the valley, every sense alert for the coming confrontation. Mason had already proven himself a cruel and dangerous enemy. But he had never faced Kenneth with so much at stake.
This time,there would be no mercy.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Sophie's wrists burned where the rough rope bit into them, but she refused to show any sign of discomfort. Mason paced before her in the old watchtower, his familiar sneer twisting his features into something almost inhuman.
"Yer precious husband willnae find us,"Mason taunted, his voice dripping with contempt. "I made sure of that. By now, the huntin' party will be chasing shadows in the opposite direction."
Sophie lifted her chin defiantly."Ye daenae ken Kenneth very well if ye think he can be so easily fooled."
The sharp crackof Mason's hand across her face caught her by surprise. She tasted blood where her lip had split, but still met his gaze steadily. She would not cower before him. Not anymore.
"Still so spirited,"Mason sneered. "We'll see how long that lasts. Yer husband's reputation for trackin' means nothin'. I've planned this too carefully."
One of Mason'smen shifted nervously by the window. "Me laird, perhaps we should move on. The MacAdams men?—"
"Are chasing false trails,"Mason snapped. "I had men lay multiple tracks, leadin' in different directions. Even the great Laird MacAdams cannae follow trails that daenae exist."
Sophie felta surge of hope despite her situation. Mason's arrogance had always been his weakness. He didn't understand that Kenneth's tracking skills went far beyond simply following visible signs.
A sudden commotionoutside drew everyone's attention. One of Mason's lookouts burst through the door, panic clear on his face. "Me laird! MacAdams—he's here! They've surrounded the tower!"
Mason's facecontorted with rage. "Impossible!"
But Sophie had already heardit – the sounds of approaching horses, of men taking up positions. Her heart soared. Kenneth had found her, just as she knew he would.
The first clashof steel came from below as Kenneth's men engaged Mason's outer guards. Mason grabbed Sophie roughly,dragging her to her feet. "Ye're still me bargainin' chip, dear sister."
"I'm nae yer sister anymore,"Sophie spat. "I'm Lady MacAdams now."
Mason's griptightened painfully on her arm. "We'll see about that."
The door burst open,and Kenneth stood framed in the doorway, his sword drawn and his eyes blazing with cold fury. Sophie had never seen him look more magnificent – or more dangerous.
"Let her go, Mason,"Kenneth growled in a low voice, his voice promising violence.
Mason yankedSophie in front of him like a shield, pressing a dagger to her throat. "Nae another step, MacAdams, or yer precious wife bleeds."
Sophie met Kenneth's eyes,seeing the rage there tempered by fear for her safety. But she wasn't helpless anymore. Kenneth had taught her more than just archery in their lessons – he'd taught her to believe in her own strength.
With a swift movement,Sophie drove her elbow back into Mason's abdomen. He doubled over, his grip loosening just enough for her to wrench free. She dove toward the fallen bowone of Mason's men had dropped earlier, her bound hands closing around it even as chaos erupted around her.
