Warrior's Bride Read Online Free Page A

mercilessly. "I'll get that boy yet."
      "Not while I still breathe." Wolf straightened, pushing back his own shock and disbelief. His father would take him away. Turn him into a killer. But he would never touch Walter. Not innocent, softhearted Walter.
      "You've cost me dear, boy," his father's voice held steely menace. "You'll pay for that misdeed for the rest of your life."
      His father had been true to his word. Wolf had paid dearly, sacrificing his very soul. Forced to play the strong arm of his father's rule by reigning terror across the Highlands, imprisoning and murdering those who offended or opposed him, and pillaging the countryside, he'd earned his name as the Black Wolf of Scotland. For years he had done his father's irrational bidding in an attempt to keep Walter safe, until Wolf could no longer silence in his own mind the mournful cries of those whose lives he destroyed.
      He'd extricated himself from his father's grasp by building his own army of faithful warriors. With troops that outnumbered the king's, he'd gained his own freedom.
      And that was when the man had gone after Walter.
      When would it all end? Would this marriage truly put a stop to his father's machinations?
      Wolf allowed his gaze to drift back to the girl. She stood clutching her bag, her gaze connecting with his. A spark of determination flared in the depths of her dark brown eyes. Her gaze said without words that she might be defeated for now, but she was certainly not done with him or having a say in her future.
      Instead of irritation, Wolf felt the corner of his mouth pull up in amusement. She had spirit, at least. He acknowledged her challenge with a nod, then turned back to greet his brother with a clap on the shoulder. "Are we ready to sail?"
      Walter nodded, his expression relieved until he faced the girl. "She gained my freedom?" Walter's gaze hardened. "If I were you, I'd risk Father's wrath and leave her here."
      Wolf frowned. More than anyone, Walter should understand his choice. "I made a promise. A promise that released you from Father's dungeon."
      "I do appreciate all that you have had to endure on my behalf, Wolf. But why further your own pain? Promise or not, do you truly have to marry the girl?" Walter grimaced with distaste as a shadow moved across his face. "Through her, you will connect yourself to Father again. She's hardly worth it. Such a scrawny little thing."
      Her chin came up as they all appraised her, weighing her against Walter's ill comments. Even so, she remained silent.
      "Enough, Walter. She gained your freedom, that's what's important." Wolf turned the full extent of his irritation upon his brother. "No more comments. And no more excuses. You've been given a new start. Make the most of it."
      Walter's face went pale a moment before he straightened his shoulders. "Thank you for giving me command of the Ategenos . I won't fail you this time. I promise."
      Wolf had heard those words many times before. Perhaps this time Walter would follow through without getting himself into trouble. "I would not have allowed you to act as first mate if I didn't think you could perform the task." Wolf scanned the deck, taking account of what needed doing in order to set sail. "The head winds are picking up. I want to get underway immediately."
      Walter nodded, then began barking orders to winch the small boat to the deck and hoist the anchor. Away from St. Kilda, Wolf would be free to... His gaze sought out the girl. His thoughts vanished at the look of both awe and fear etched on her angular face. She watched the crew as they raised the lateen sails. Once extended, the sails caught the cold rush of wind and the Ategenos eased out of the harbor.
      Tangy salt air brushed Wolf's face, and for a moment he tasted his freedom. He always did in that first rush of sea air. There were no demands he must live up to, no expectations from anyone else, merely the sea and himself, together as one.
      The