He understood to whom his brother referred. MacDonald was desperate to get his hands on the keystone to increase his power and rule in the land.
“And if a third piece should arrive…” Callum added, he let his words trail away.
“Ye expect that to happen, then?” he asked.
“Ye ken the prophecy.”
He did. The words had pulsed through his mind from the moment he picked up the lass. He couldn’t shake the memoryof her arms wrapped tightly around his waist, her face buried against his back to shield her from the wind. He had cheered inside when she decided to ride with him because he wanted her close.
The way Bruce glared at her with a fierce determination deep in his eyes was burned into his memory, too. Even in the torchlight of the night, the desperation to get Chloe and the keystone had been written all over his face. He, like Callum, understood things were not over between the MacDonalds. They never would be until the keystone was whole and safe. But when would that be? How would they be able to protect it—and their women—then?
It was up to them, the MacLeods and the Sinclairs, to keep the keystone out of their hands.
Finally, he said, “I do.”
“Good.”
Callum headed for the stone staircase leading up to the bed chambers. At the bottom, he paused and turned to face Malcolm. A ghost of a smile flickered over his face.
“I’m glad ye are.”
It was the closest thing to an apology for banishing him he’d gotten. He’d take it.
***
The next morning, when Chloe awoke, she was disoriented and confused. She lay in the unfamiliar bed staring up at the ceiling. Her heart kicked into high gear as she tried to recall where she was. Then it all flooded back. The reality of her situation crashed through her mind.
The stone. Bruce. Falling through time. Seeing Evie again.
Malcolm.
The way he had planted himself between her and Bruce that night was a memory that wouldn’t let go. The strong curve of his shoulders. His rigid back. The way he had pointed his sword atBruce and threatened him. His voice had been fierce and stern and even thinking of it now sent delicious shivers through her. He had defended her—a stranger—without question.
Chloe had no doubt he would do it once more should Bruce threaten her again.
A knock sounded on her door. She pushed up on her elbows, then rolled out of bed and padded to the doorway. She pulled it open to see Evie on the other side with a bright smile and an armload of clothes.
“Morning!”
Chloe stepped aside to let her in, then closed the door. She couldn’t help but notice how cheerful she looked or her rosy cheeks. It was a bit out of character for her stoic, serious sister. She wasn’t the carefree type, but maybe being in medieval Scotland married to Callum had changed her disposition.
“You’re in a good mood this morning.”
Evie dumped the clothes on the unmade bed. “I’m happy you’re here. And Callum has decided to let Malcolm stay.”
She drew her brows together. “What does that mean?”
“Oh, he banished him, so I guess he’s unbanishing him now.” She said it in a flippant way as she sorted through the clothes.
“He banished him? Why?”
“Malcolm can be a bit of a hothead,” Evie said. “He burned down a village as revenge for Rory MacDonald killing their father.”
Shock rolled through her as she thought of Malcolm and his quiet way. He was a man of few words but clearly a man of action. How could he have done such a horrible thing? How could he have killed innocents in retaliation for the death of one man? She had to remind herself she was no longer in her world. She was in the medieval world.
“I do wonder if allowing him to stay has anything to do with you,” Evie said, bringing her back to the present.
“With me? Why? Why would he want to stay because of me?”
