“I assume my wife is within,” Ewan said in resignation.
“Aye, they’re warming Keeley in the tub,” Alaric said.
“Our watch has been doubled and the children have been forbidden to go beyond the first skirt. None of the women are to leave the keep unescorted.”
Caelen nodded his agreement. “The sooner spring arrives and our alliances are sealed, the sooner we can turn our eyes to destroying Cameron. Our clan will never know peace while he’s alive.”
Alaric swallowed and leaned his head back against the wall. Aye, he knew there was urgent need of his marriage to Rionna McDonald. The sooner the better. And yet he dreaded her arrival with everything within him. He prayed for a harsh winter and frequent snows. Anything that would keep the McDonalds within their walls.
Keeley’s door opened and Mairin stepped outside. Ewan’s arm instantly wrapped around her, and she lay her head on his shoulder.
But it was Alaric she looked at when she spoke. “Keeley is doing well. We’ve warmed her and she’s abed. There was a wound to her head where one of her attackers struck her, but ’tisn’t a serious injury. It won’t even require stitching.”
Alaric’s chest collapsed in relief. He watched as the other women filed by him and ignored the inquiring look that Maddie sent his way. As soon as everyone had left the room, he turned to go in.
At the door he paused and looked back at his brothers. “See that we aren’t disturbed.”
CHAPTER 23
Keeley opened her eyes to see Alaric standing by the bed, his expression brooding and inquisitive.
“How are you feeling?” he asked.
“Warm. Finally warm.”
But even as she spoke, a shiver rolled over her body, setting off another round of uncontrollable chills.
With a muttered curse, he slid onto the bed next to her and pulled her into his arms.
He was heaven. Like a stone warmed in an oven. She pushed every part of her body into his and absorbed his heat to her bones. It was so exquisite that she moaned.
“Are you in pain?” he asked quickly.
“Nay. ’Tis a wondrous sensation. You are so warm. I may never want to move.”
He kissed her brow and soothed a hand over her face. “If ’twas my choice, you never would.”
“Can I sleep now? Maddie said the injury to my head wasn’t serious. I find myself unable to hold my eyes open.”
“Aye, Keeley, sleep. I’ll remain ever near to watch over you.”
His promise gladdened her heart and spread warmth into areas still numb with the cold. Although she knew he shouldn’t be here, she hadn’t the power—or the desire—to turn him away.
She rubbed her cheek over his broad chest and sighed in contentment. The night was hers, and she’d not spend a single moment lamenting what couldn’t be changed. Instead she’d enjoy whatever she could have, while she could have it, and tomorrow would take care of itself.
During the night, Alaric was awakened by Keeley’s restless movements. It took him a moment in his deep sleep to realize that she was still asleep herself.
Rousing himself, he studied her in the dim light as she twisted fretfully next to him. Fear took hold and he cupped a hand over her forehead.
He cursed as he registered the warmth radiating from her.
“ ’Tis cold,” she said in a small voice. “I can’t get warm. Please, the fire, I need the fire.”
Shivers wracked her body, and as hot as she felt to his touch, she seemed equally freezing on the inside.
“Shh, love. I’ll warm you.”
Even as he said the words, he recalled the knowledge that extra warmth only added to a fever. Was he supposed to strip her of the furs and her clothing and bathe her in cool water, or at least wipe her brow with a cool rag?
Helplessness gripped him. He hadn’t the skills to nurse someone with a fever. Battle was his skill. Killing and defense. Repairing wounds? He had no experience.
Gently he pried her body away from his and rolled from the heat of the furs. He was glad for the slight chill in the room, for Keeley burned with a fever, and where he’d warmed her earlier, she now had heat enough for the both of them.
He bent to brush his lips across her hot brow. “I’ll return in a moment. I promise.”
Her slight whimper tightened his chest, but he turned away and hurried out of the chamber. The hallway was dark and quiet. The keep was asleep. He walked all the way down to where Ewan’s chamber was located.
He knocked, knowing Ewan was a light sleeper, but he didn’t go in, not knowing what he’d interrupt between the laird and his wife if he did.
Only when he heard the gruff summons, did he crack the door and stick his head around.