Page 437 of Wicked Highland Heroes

“Bran!” Iain yelled, throwing himself against Glen’s side.

The force of his weight sent them skidding toward the postern door. Swords whipped from sheaths as MacPherson men leapt to his aid.

Iain recognized desperation in the mighty push Glen gave him. Landing on his back, Iain looked up to find Glen standing over him, sword descending in a fatal strike. Iain raised his arm to protect his face when an Italian rapier crossed in front of him, blocking the broadsword.

Iain rolled away and was yanked to his feet by MacPherson men as Hockley’s rapier beat Glen’s sword back in a few quick strokes. The sword slashed through the air, slicing Glen’s arm from shoulder to elbow. Glen fell to his knees with a shriek of pain.

“Sweet Jesu,” Victoria’s voice came from Iain’s side.

He glanced down at her ashen face, then back at Hockley, who now stared at the two of them.

A movement behind Edwin brought shouts, but Iain’s “Hockley!” came too late. Glen was on his feet, his sword piercing Edwin’s side.

MacPherson men fell upon Glen before his sword left Edwin’s body. Iain caught Edwin, lowering him to the floor.

Victoria fell to her knees in Edwin’s blood beside him. “Edwin!”

Iain looked up and found Thomas staring down at him. Iain shook his head at the question in his cousin’s eyes, but Thomas shouted for a healer nonetheless.

Bran held Glen face down on the floor while another man tied a ruthless knot around his wrists. A moment too late, Iain thought, as he looked back down at Hockley.

Victoria placed an ear to Edwin’s mouth, then turned frantic eyes on Iain. “Sweet Jesu.”

“Why did you do it, Hockley?” Iain asked.

A faint smile twisted the Englishman’s mouth. “It would seem I am not like my brother, after all.”

Iain recalled the warmth of Victoria’s blood on his hands, the weight of her body as she fell dying into his arms. The memory vanished. In its place, he faced the reality of the fading light in Edwin’s eyes.

How many chances did a man get?

Victoria gave a cry, and both men looked at her.

Iain with clear eyes. Edwin, for the last time.