Page 1 of Wicked Kilted Highlander

PROLOGUE

MacLean Castle, Scotland

Darkness enveloped Lara as she slowly made her way down the narrow hallway, moving as silently as possible to avoid waking the others. She despised the oppressive blackness that clung to the ancient stones of the keep but didn't dare light a candle. That would draw unwanted attention.

No, better to make her way to the kitchens below by memory alone. There, she could find brief respite in her solitude and enjoy something sweet with a steaming cup of tea. She'd always had a sweet tooth, even as a young lass, and she had slipped down to the kitchens many a night whilst growing up.

As she descended the winding staircase, she thought she heard footsteps approaching. Who could it be? The last thing she wanted was for her family or the servants to catch her stuffing herself with sweets during her secret nightly ritual. She quickly hid under one of the long wooden benches, just before two figures entered. Holding her breath, Lara pressed herself into the shadows, praying the darkness would keep her hidden. The footsteps stopped just shy of her hiding place..

"Can you believe our sister is getting married in just a few weeks?" Quinn chuckled. "Who would have thought Lara would be the first?"

A wave of relief washed over her as she realized it was just her two brothers. She surreptitiously peeked from her hiding place to watch them.

With his long dark hair tied up and his light eyes shimmering with amusement, Quinn, laughed softly. "Aye, our Lara may be wild, but she’s finally settlin’ down. Gregor must be quite a man tae tame her." His voice was gentle, a contrast to his rough exterior. Lara bristled slightly at the suggestion she needed 'taming,' but kept silent as her big brothers carried on.

Quinn continued, his light eyes turning serious. "I'll admit I had my doubts about the match at first," he confessed, his imposing height and muscular frame belying the sincerity in his voice. "But Gregor has proven himself an honorable ally. This marriage will finally unite our clans against the MacNeils."

Beside Quinn, Gil nodded in agreement. At twenty-eight, Gil was a handsome man, tall and muscular like his brother. His long dark hair and blue eyes made him a sight to behold. "Aye, with Gregor's men and resources, we might finally end that bloody feud fer good. He may be the best thing tae have happened tae the Mackenzies in years, dinnae ye think?"

His hair fell slightly over his eyes as he leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "The feud with the MacDonalds," he began, his voice carrying a weight that silenced the room, "is finally a closed chapter."

Despite herself, Lara felt a twinge of unease at their words. She still wasn't sure how she felt about the man she was supposed to marry, she felt something was not right. Gregor was persistent, yes. And he seemed to love her, in his own way—if that was how love should be, of course. But still…

Gil's blue eyes twinkled with mirth as he leaned back, his muscular arms crossing over his chest. "Dae ye remember when our wee Lara used tae hide beneath the table whenever guests came over?" he began, a sly smirk playing on his lips.

God’s teeth!

Quinn chuckled, catching on immediately, his light eyes dancing with amusement. His hair bounced with his laughter. "Aye, I dae. She used tae squeeze herself intae the tiniest of corners, thinking nae one could see her."

Gil joined in the laughter, his handsome face breaking into a broad grin. "And the best part was, she'd peek out from under the tablecloth, her little eyes wide with curiosity, watching everyone's feet move around."

Quinn's laughter grew louder, his usually cold exterior softened by the shared memory. "And then she'd suddenly burst out from under the table, startling the living daylights out of our guests. I swear, I've never seen the old MacNeil jump so high!"

The two brothers roared with laughter, their jovial voices echoing around them. Lara, despite herself, found a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. The memory was embarrassing, yes, but also precious. She'd been so young, so innocent then. It had been a simpler time, a time she often longed for amidst the complexities of her present life.

As the laughter subsided, Gil wiped a tear from his eye, still chuckling. "Aye, but I suspect our Lara still has a fondness for hiding under tables," he said, shooting a teasing glance in her direction.

Quinn's eyes glinted in agreement as he tried to suppress another laugh. "Aye, that she does."

Gil looked towards the door, "If Elsie heard us laughing, she might come tae check on us. Ye ken how she worries."

Quinn nodded, understanding flashing in his eyes. He turned to Lara, his voice softer but still filled with brotherly affection. "If ye hear footsteps again, Lara, dinnae be afraid. It's likely just Elsie coming tae see what all the noise is about. Ye ken how she hates tae miss a good laugh."

Lara came out from her hiding place and looked up at him, nodding, her cheeks flushed.

Gil's eyes shone with mischief, and Lara couldn't help but wonder what was running through his mind. He reached out, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder, the warmth of his palm spreading through her. "Dinnae be embarrassed, lass. Ye were only a child then, and ye couldnae have known how to behave. Ye'll dae fine when the time comes."

Quinn smiled down at her, his eyes filled with pride. "Aye, ye'll make a fine wife, lass. Gregor is a lucky man."

Lara's heart swelled at the praise. She knew they'd be proud of her, but the way they looked at her right then, well, she felt she could take on the world.

"We'd best get down to the tavern. Goodnight, Lara." Quin nodded towards her, and with that, he and Gil were off, leaving her with her thoughts.

Pouring herself some tea, she listened for any sounds in the keep. Elsie may have heard Quinn and Gil as well and would eventually come to check on her. Lara smiled softly, touched by her sister's protectiveness. Though they often bickered, she knew Elsie only wanted the best for her.

When she heard light footsteps approaching, Lara chuckled. "Dinnae worry Elsie, it's only me down here," she called out gently.

But the hand that suddenly clamped down over her mouth was too large to belong to her sister. Lara's screams became muffled whimpers as a strong arm wrapped around her, dragging her from the kitchen and toward the outside door.

She fought with all her strength, but it was no use against her attacker's brute force. Pain exploded in her head, and as everything faded into blackness, all she felt was terror and confusion. Why was this happening? Who wished her such harm?

The last coherent thought she had was a fervent wish that Elsie had come looking for her after all.