Page 434 of Wicked Highland Heroes

Iain stared at Glen for a moment, then was struck with memory of something Jillian had said. “T’would be hard to lose a brother, and he did have the devil in his eyes.”

Iain faced her. “Jillian, what was it you said about

Jonathan’s brother?”

The girl colored and a pang of regret shot through him at the abrupt way he had brought up memories better left for a more private time.

Bran’s forehead furrowed in a deep frown. “What does he speak of, Jillian?” She shook her head.

Iain’s soft, “Lass,” was followed by Bran’s firmer,

“Jillian.”

“They found me there,” she began, “over Jonathan’s body. They thought I was the one who had killed him. Simon was there when they…”

“Sweet God in heaven.” Bran closed his eyes and Iain knew the boy struggled to gain control. With a heavy breath, Bran opened his eyes and nodded for Jillian to go on. When she said, “That is all,” he regarded her with the stern look born of brotherly familiarity. “That is not the whole of it, Sister.”

“I do not understand what this has to do with her.” Jillian pointed at Aurari.

Bran sent a questioning look at Iain.

“Perhaps it is different in your clan,” Iain replied, “but a MacPherson man would not so easily take his brother’s woman.”

Bran’s lips thinned, and he turned his attention to Aurari. “You started this, mistress. What have you to say?”

“Those who live in darkness, do so to hide.”

Bran’s jaw tightened, but he said in an even tone, “You will have to speak plainer than that, if you want a simple man such as myself to understand.”

“Betrayal,” Aurari replied, her mouth in grim lines, “is one such deed that thrives in the darkness.” “Betrayal?” Iain and Bran echoed.

“Beware. Those closest to you have the greatest power to harm you.”

Bran looked at Iain, his expression saying he didn’t comprehend why Aurari stated the obvious.

“Bran,” Iain said. “Have you any idea who wanted Jonathan dead?”

“Nay. He had enemies. We all do.” The corners of his mouth dipped downward. “But not among his own people.”

“But he did,” Aurari interjected, her eyes still on Glen. “Ask him.” She pointed a slim finger at him.

“Ask about the Stewarts.”

“What the devil?” Glen burst out.

“We have been feuding with the Stewarts for years,” Bran cut in. “’Tis no secret.”

“Then why did he meet with them?” Aurari asked.

Glen swore, and Bran’s resounding “What?” rang out above the commotion the question incited.

Glen’s hand went to his sword.

Victoria gave a small cry and clutched Iain’s arm.

“Iain!” Thomas yelled, but Iain was already stepping forward, his hand outstretched to still Evan as Evan slid his sword from the sheath.

“No one move,” Iain boomed, halting his own men as they drew their weapons. He swept the room with his gaze. “Is there any guest here who thinks they can draw a sword within these walls and live?