“Aye, I did.” She paused, giving Loki time to grasp her meaning. “I knew you would be a perfect husband.”
“But I did not grow any faster, did I?” His face dropped, and he stared at the floor.
“‘Tis good we are not able to marry.”
He gave her a puzzled look. “But why?”
“Because we are family, and family stays close forever. Besides, if I chose you, too many lassies would have their hearts broken.”
Loki snickered. “Truly? You made that up.”
“Did I? Now that Alex has invited the rest of the clan inside to enjoy the dancing, have you taken the time to look about you? If you had, you would have noticed all the lassies who cannot take their eyes from you. They would be quite upset if you married me.”
Loki yanked his gaze from hers and searched the hall for the truth of her words. “But they look at you, Jennie.”
“Nay, lad. Do you see the one with the freckles and the golden hair? And the one with the dark plait in the dark red gown? And the one in dark blue near your sire? Allow me to turn my head. Trust me, if you smile at them, they will return your smile.”
She turned her head away to give Loki the chance to look at the lasses she had pointed out to him. He beamed when he turned back to face her. “‘Tis true. Each one smiled at me.”
“Loki, you have grown up to be a handsome lad, and what’s more important, you are honorable and hard-working. The lasses will soon be chasing you wherever you go.”
“I like the lass with the yellow hair.”
“Why don’t you talk to her? Never mind, here comes your mama with a wailing Braden. He wants his favorite brother. Do you know he prefers you over everyone?”
“Aye.” He grinned. “I am pleased to have a brother.”
“And a big sister.”
He stared at her, confused.
“Me. My thanks for protecting me like a brother. I’ll be safe for the rest of the night. I will always trust Aedan Cameron, but I am glad you followed me with Ennis. I really do not know him well.”
He thought for a moment before he nodded and ran off to join his mother and Braden.
Chapter Eighteen
Loki the savior…
Way off in the distance came a lone rider. He had stayed to the rear, close enough to make sure he was aware of everything that transpired, but not close enough to be seen and suspected of wrongdoing. He would not be successful in his mission if he did not know the others’ plan.
And he had to be successful. He was the savior. Someday they would understand his purpose, but not yet. The Grant lass was the true treasure.
Thus far, everything had worked perfectly. He would be successful, without a doubt.
He grinned in triumph and returned to his hiding place.
Chapter Twenty-One
Someone has to save Jennie!
The Savior’s patience paid off. He waited until Dermid left for the Cameron keep. Then he needed to wait just a few more moments until the fool guarding Jennie Grant fell asleep. He was quite certain it would take less than an hour for that to happen.
He kept an eye on Cameron’s wife, making sure she was not hurt or ill. It was obvious she was uncomfortable, and he could almost smell the stench of the cloth they’d used to gag her from his spot, but no matter. She would have to tolerate it a bit longer. He had no intention of taking the gag from her mouth after he captured her. She would be spewing curses at him, endangering both of their lives, so it would stay until he played his part and finished this whole escapade.
He searched the surrounding area through the tree branches, but did not see Dermid anywhere. They were quite alone in this hidden area, though it was clearly not as well hidden as the kidnappers believed it to be since he had found his way here.
Once he had checked in all four directions, he took a deep breath and aimed.
