Page 25 of Bewitching her Highland Savior

Muriel was lost in her conversation with Amelia and she only noticed Liam was gone when she turned to look at him. She found him on the other side of the room; carrying one boy on his shoulders as another boy and two girls chased him. He ran slowly for their sake; letting them catch him and then started chasing them instead, footsteps thumping on the stone floor.

“He’s verra good with bairns,” Amelia said. Muriel turned quickly; shifting her gaze as her cheeks heated. She couldn’t hold back the small smile that spread over her lips. “But he’s nae here often. I keep tellin’ him to stay but…”

“He doesnae like it,” Ron said quietly. “It’s how he was raised. He’s had to work to make his gold and he willnae stop now.”

“He could work here,” Amelia pointed out. “He could be part of the clan, as he should be. He’s a McAlpine, too.”

“It hasnae been that long since he found out,” Ron said. “He’ll come when he’s ready.”

Amelia stayed quiet; her gaze fixed on Liam. Muriel had assumed from what he had told her that his family wasn't all that loving, that he wasn't truly accepted as one of their own. Amelia, on the other hand, was telling her a different story.

Does he ken how she feels? Does he just assume that he’s nae wanted?

Muriel could hardly blame him for that. After all, she had been almost certain that everyone in the McAlpine clan would view her as nothing more than trouble and yet it had only taken a few moments for them to prove her wrong.

“Weel… it will be sad to see ye go but I will give ye Lucas here for protection,” Amelia said. “He’s been me personal guard ever since I can remember and he’s always kept me safe.”

Lucas was a big man, towering over everyone around him, broad-shouldered, and sporting a mop of fiery red hair. Despite his intimidating appearance, he always had a big smile on his face whenever Muriel looked at him.

“Oh, I couldnae take him away from the castle,” Muriel said. “If he’s yer personal guard, then—”

“The clan is verra peaceful these days,” Amelia said; raising a hand to stop Muriel. “I willnae say that I dinnae need him but ye seem to need him much more than I do now. Besides, I will have more peace of mind if I ken that he’s there to watch over Liam, too.”

“Aye, it’s best if someone keeps an eye on the laddie,” Lucas said. “I dinnae ken how many times he has gotten in trouble in the time I’ve kent him.”

“Ye get in trouble every other day, Lucas,” Amelia said; forcing a laugh out of Muriel.

“Aye, but only because some people like to make me angry.”

“And I’m sure I’m one of them,” Liam said and Muriel turned to see him standing behind her; a look of amusement on his face along with the perspiration that coated his brow. Liam sat next to her once more, wiping the sweat off his forehead with the back of his hand. “The bairns will kill me one day. I dinnae think I can keep runnin’ around. Seems like Ian’s the only one young enough still to keep up with them.”

“I can keep up with them,” Lucas said; slamming his hands on the table when he was met with the doubtful gazes of Liam, Amelia, and Ron. “I’ll show ye!”

As he spoke, Lucas pushed himself off his chair and ran to the children; grabbing one under each arm and twirling them around. The others laughed and Muriel did too – unable to hold back her giggles as she watched him.

She had never known what it was like to have so many kind people around. The McAlpine clan felt like a real family. Even if Amelia and Liam didn’t share the same mother, Amelia still considered him her blood and part of the clan. Even Liam, who seemed to have his apprehensions about his status in the clan, was close with everyone in the family.

As happy as Muriel was for him, she wished that she could have the same thing. Perhaps she would find the same love and kindness in Lewis but there was no telling for sure until she got there. By then, it would be too late, whichever the truth.

Nae, if Liam willnae take me back to Barra and if I cannae escape on me own, then there’s only one other place for me to be.

Muriel wanted to stay. She had only been there for a day, but that was enough time for her to form an opinion. If she could bring her mother to Argyll as well, she might be able to live a happy life.

I must speak with Liam. I must convince him to let me stay.