Highland Harmony: Avelina and Drew (Clan Grant Series Book 8) by Keira Montclair Page B

back, but his best efforts could not combat Drew’s anger. Once he stopped moving, Drew went for his belly, where he landed punch after punch.
    A small whimper sounded behind him, the only sound that could have stopped him, and he spun around to see if Avelina was all right. He flew to her side just as her lids fluttered open. But the only word she could mutter was, “Nay.”
    Drew fixed the bodice of her gown and picked her up in his arms, making his way back to the keep. His gaze traveled from her bruised face down her body, but she did not appear to be hurt anywhere else.
    “Avelina? Talk to me. I’ll take you to Jennie. She’ll help you.” His sentences were clipped since he was now running and out of breath.
    Her eyes opened and she gazed up at him. “Drew? Please, I do not like Lachlan. He hurt me. Do not let him near me.”
    “Hush, wee one. I’ll not allow him to touch you again. Jennie will help you.”
    Her eyes fluttered shut again as she gripped his arms, grasping him as if she never wanted to let go.
    For some baffling reason, he wished she wouldn’t let go. He leaned down and kissed her forehead, whispering a promise to her that he would take care of her. That he would be there for her. Odd behavior, coming from him. But he could not deny that he felt alive with Avelina in his arms, more alive than he’d felt in a long time—more alive than he’d ever felt at his own castle.
    As soon as he reached the portcullis and the bailey, voices erupted around him, some offering to help. One of them promised to tell Jennie that Avelina was in need of help. He climbed the steps to the great hall and someone opened the door for him.
    Inside, Jennie hurried toward him, giving orders along the way. “Mab, fresh water in her chamber, please. Drew, up the stairs. I want her in her bed.”
    As soon as they moved up the staircase together, Jennie asked, “What happened?”
    “I caught Lachlan attacking her in the woods,” Drew whispered.
    “Where is he now?” Jennie directed him down the passageway to Lina’s room.
    “I left him there.” Memories of Lachlan lying there unmoving gave him little satisfaction.
    “He did not get up?”
    “Nay.” Bastard. He should have finished him off. He was almost too distracted by the thought to hear Jennie’s next question.
    “Why not?” she asked as she entered Avelina’s chamber.
    “He couldn’t. I made sure he wouldn’t harm her again. ‘Tis twice he’s dared to touch her.” Drew gave Jennie a fierce look as he followed her into the room and settled Avelina under the covers.
    Jennie’s brow arched in response to his declaration. “Drew, you’re covered in blood. Where are you hurt?”
    “I’m not.” Why was Jennie so calm? How could she remain this calm when Lachlan had hurt sweet Avelina?
    Again, she raised her brow in question.
    He forced himself to focus. “Lachlan’s blood,” he explained. He managed to catch his breath now that Avelina was safe in her bed and Jennie was nearby.
    “Drew, do you know why she sleeps?”
    Drew stepped back from the bed. “He punched her,” he whispered. “How does a man do that to such a wee lass? I could not imagine taking a fist to a woman.” His hands clenched into fists at his sides. He was almost afraid to move, afraid he’d go back to finish what he’d started.
    “I know not the answer. Many thanks for saving my friend from that cruel man. Did not Aedan send him away yesterday? How did he get to her? She had gone to the chapel…” Her brow furrowed in thought. “I must speak with Aedan.”
    She moved to her friend’s bedside.
    Just then, the door flew open and Aedan filled the doorway. “Jennie? I heard the news. Is Lina going to be all right?”
    Jennie gave her husband a bleak look before answering. “I think so, but I have not had the opportunity to check her fully yet. Did you find Lachlan?”
    “Aye. A bunch of men must have beaten him.”
    “Does he still breathe?” Jennie asked.
    “Aye,