Page 59 of The Rogue’s Redemption

“She believed him,” he said, seeming to understand her incredulity. “He’d snuck into Brockburg, and he told her that same stealth could be used against us. No matter how long it took, he would kill each and every one of her children. And so . . . she left.”

Although he tried to mask his pain, Allie could see what his mother’s leaving, no matter what her reasons, had done to him. How it affected him still.

“How was she able to return? Did your brother—”

“Kill him? Nay, that is our only regret. By the time Alex found our mother, her new husband had died and she was living with his tyrannical son.”

“So your brother brought her back to Scotland?”

“He did. Our mother was eager to see us, but she was terrified we would hate her after what she’d done.” Reid closed his eyes.

“But Alex found her. And you have a mother once again.”

“Aye,” he said with a sigh that told her his story had come to an end. “And your parents? What of them?”

“Hmm,” she said. “My tale is not so long as that. My father cares for Lyndwood and his position as an important border lord more than he does his family. My mother obeys him in all things. They love us, but not in the way I would hope to love my own children.”

“Our children?”

Allie felts a rush of pleasure at his words.

Reid stood back and smiled. “I do believe we shall be sure to do it better. Our wee ones will never question our love for them.”

There was a teasing glint in his eyes, and he leaned toward her in a way that reminded her of their earlier chase, only he clearly intended to be the predator this time.

Well, she would show him. She was determined to outrun him. She only waited for the right moment.

“And I do believe we should start . . . right now,” he said, his grin spreading wider.

Allie turned and ran as fast as her legs would go, laughing and pushing past branches, knowing he would catch up with her soon.

18

“And now, we celebrate.”

Twenty-two men cheered, as jovial a scene as could be achieved with such a group, but Reid’s world seemed to close in around him. After less than a fortnight, his time at Highgate had come to an end.

In the end, Alex’s connections had made a difference. He and the Lord Warden had always shared a special bond, and it was Alex who’d finally convinced the Lord Warden to do as all the border chieftains insisted and reject the selection of Caxton as the English warden.

Douglas had agreed that neither he nor the Scottish wardens under him would meet with him. They would not treat with a man who was known to accept bribes that put the Scots in danger. Douglas had pledged to inform the king of the border lords’ decision. If it led to a breakdown of the truce—so be it. It was the decision of the men who ruled from east to west.

It was a compromise, of sorts, allaying those who were ready for battle now and pacifying others who thought continued negotiation was the only way to peace.

“Well done, brother.”

Alex frowned. “It is far from over.”

Reid silently agreed.

“If negotiations fall apart, and even if they do not,” his brother said, his eyes troubled. “Our clan, our brother . . . they will need the guidance that you can offer them.”

God, how he hated this particular subject. “I’ve told you, and him—”

“I understand what you’ve said, and I understand more than you realize about your reluctance to take the position, but you truly are the best man—”

“Not now, brother—”

“It should be you. Reid, you are a better man than all of us. If only you—”