Page 47 of A Fearless Rebel

Although Laird Ross had always insisted they would be supportive, but not go to war, surely a show of force the size of Clan Ross would stop her brother from doing what he’d threatened.

She knew her husband had killed the guardsmen who’d tortured and raped poor Catriona. Ava was well aware of how he fought and his abilities. Because of it, she knew he’d not killed her father. Not because he hadn’t wished to, but more because Laird Fraser would be the first accused of ordering it, being they were the clan who’d last battled against him.

The full moon hid behind clouds, making the trek toward Ross lands perilous. Never had she been more grateful for a fearless horse. Gallant seemed unaffected by the distance he ran or the fact that it was almost impossible to see.

Ava’s back ached and she leaned over the horse to stretch. Unsure how much longer she had to ride, she continued in the direction of Ross lands hoping to at least run into guards on patrol or see the keep soon.

Her mind returned to the night before. How different things had been. She and Keithen had become closer. At night, they cradled against one another, the much-needed comfort she’d always craved coming from listening to his soft breathing at night and kisses every morning. Her husband was attentive when they were alone, always complimenting her and asking about any needs she had. It was strange that, in such a short time, she’d come to crave time alone with him.

And now her marriage and her husband, were slipping away.

Ava straightened, looking for any signs of buildings or people but saw nothing at that moment. Shadows confused her, but she had no doubt that she was heading in the right direction.

The beast continued forth, its strong legs crossing over the terrain until, finally, in the distance, she saw torches.

“We did it, Gallant!” Ava exclaimed, urging the horse toward the immense keep.

Upon nearing the gates, shouts sounded as men asked Ava to identify herself.

“I am Ava Fraser. I must speak to yer laird.”

There was a bit of a hesitation, but then the gates opened, and she guided Gallant through. Once inside the courtyard, a guard neared. “I will see about yer horse.”

Her legs were like water as she trekked up the steps to the front door. It was opened by a man who made her take a step backward.

“What is going on?” The astoundingly handsome man with his hair askew and vivid hazel eyes studied her. “Why did ye come?”

“I am Ava Fraser. My husband, Keithen Fraser, was captured by my brother. I am afraid they may hang him. I need help to save him.” She did her best not to cry, but tears slipped down her cheeks. “Please. I beg ye.”

Just then, two others came down the stairs. She immediately recognized the laird and his wife, Elspeth.

“Ye rode all this distance alone?” Lady Elspeth Ross studied her with admiration. “Impressive.” The woman took her arm. “Ye must sit and rest.”

Malcolm Ross, a commanding man who reminded her of a marble statue, looked to the man she’d been talking to. “What is happening, Kieran?”

Ava responded. “My husband, Keithen, is in trouble. He is at Mackenzie Keep. Please help me save him.”

The brothers exchanged looks, communicating without words as she tried in vain to decipher the message.

“Very well.” Kieran took a step toward her, his flat gaze meeting hers. “I will take men and go. But we may be too late. If yer brother seeks to hang yer husband, he may decide dawn is the perfect time.”

“Or sunset,” Ava said. “He may want to send for witnesses. My brother will want people to see it happen.”

Although Kieran Ross was astonishingly handsome, at the same time, he was the most intimidating man she’d ever met. The man nodded. “We will find out then.”

Ava hurried to Malcolm. “Thank ye. I will be forever in yer debt.”

Just then, a woman burst into the room. Dressed in men’s clothing, her hair pulled back, she was easy to identify. She had a remarkable resemblance to Keithen. Esme Ross’ face twisted with rage.

“What did ye do?” she screamed, pointing her finger at Ava’s face. The woman moved closer. “I knew this would happen. Marriage to a Mackenzie would cause Keithen’s death.”

Ava wasn’t sure how to respond. If Keithen had come after her, then she was to blame.

“I came to get help,” Ava started, but Esme cut her off with a shove.

“What ye need to do is go back to yer people. Stay there and away from my family forever,” Esme cried. “Go away and never return. If my brother dies, I will hunt ye down and kill ye myself.”

The woman raced from the room toward the courtyard.