He hated discovering she had the power to hurt him thus. It made him angry to have his emotions at anyones mercy, even his mates, but particularly a mate whom he could not trust. It was a state he had convinced himself he would never experience. Talorc had been so sure he would never make the mistakes of his father.
Yet here he found himself vulnerable to an English human woman. Twas an anathema to be sure.
She claimed to have changed her mind about using him, as if he should now believe she wanted to be with him. As if that should make her actions acceptable.
It did not. It only showed she was capable of betrayal for the sake of her own agenda, just as Tamara had been. Even if Abigail had come to love him as she claimed, she had started out with the intention of using him, of throwing away their marriage and their Chrechte mating.
Just how much like his dead stepmother was Abigail?
It was that question that kept him in wolf form running through the woods rather than returning to the fortress, to his wife.
Chapter 15
Of course, he wasnt around to order her banishment. Hed disappeared after their discussion early that morning and had not returned to the fortress since.
He wasnt training the soldiers. Barr was doing that today. Without the help of his twin, Abigail noted when she walked by the training ground in the
lower bailey on her way to the smithy. She wanted to ask Magnus if he could make her a three-pronged, handheld digging tool for her herb garden.
She approached the blacksmith with some trepidation, unsure what her reception would be. However, not only was he as respectful and helpful as always, but he even smiled when she described what she wanted.
Aye, I can make that right enough. Its a clever idea, it is.
Thank you. He must not have heard of her deception.
But his next words dispelled that thought. Is it true, then, that you canna hear?
Yes.
Youre a sly one, you are.
She opened her mouth to defend herself, but the look of approval on his face forestalled her.
He nodded. Youre a fitting mate to our laird.
Um . . . thank you.
A Chrechte has to be stealthy and good at keeping a secret.
But Im not a Chrechte.
Nay, you are not, but youve got the heart and the smarts of one. From the way his chest puffed out and his eyes gleamed, it seemed that was highest praise coming from the blacksmith.
And that was only the first of several such strange conversations Abigail had that day with members of her clan. Far from making them hate her, learning of her affliction and how well she had hidden the weakness increased her stature in their eyes.
She only wished the same was true of her husband, but then no one else knew she had planned to use him to get to her sister.
As incomprehensible as she found it, the fact was her husband seemed far more offended by her deception than her deafness. The clan admired her deception and appeared to have no qualms about her deafness. Indeed, they showed awe at her ability to discern their presence since she could not hear their approach.
That was, everyone but Niall. He ignored her completely.
She watched in awe herself from the other side of the bailey when Guaire took him to task for it. Perhaps she should not have eavesdropped, but old habits were hard to break. Besides, she found the exchange fascinating.
Guaire glared up at Niall with green fire in his eyes. What is the matter with you?
Arent you standing a little close, Guaire? Niall asked, rather than answer the seneschals question.
Guaires fists clenched at his sides. Does my nearness offend you?
You are the one that runs in the other direction whenever I get within breathing distance.
That isnt true.
It is.
Im not running right now.
I noticed. It looks like you will face even the scarred demon of your nightmares if it is for your lairds wife.
Dont call yourself that! The tendons in Guaires neck stood out, making it clear he shouted.
Niall didnt look in the least repentant, just grumpy. Really, really grumpy.
Guaire took a deep breath, obviously pulling himself under control. You are treating her cruelly.
How I act toward Abigail is none of your business, seneschal.
Shes my friend.
Abigail found herself smiling at the claim, despite the seriousness of the argument between two of her favorite Sinclairs.
Is she?
What is that supposed to mean?
Yes, what did that mean? Abigail would like to know, too.
You spent the night in her bedchamber.
You dare to imply
Im not implying anything. Niall rubbed his hand over his face. Just leave it, Guaire.
I wont leave it. Our lady deserves better than you are giving her.
I would protect her with my life.
Abigail believed him; there was nothing but sincerity and an inexplicable sadness in his eyes.
She is more than a responsibility to you. Guaire was not giving any quarter. She is your friend. Or at least I thought so.
I believed so as well.
What? So you dont believe it any longer?
She deceived my laird. She hurt him. She deceived me.
She had her reasons.