In Love With A Warrior (Gunn Guardsman (Book 4)) Read Free

Their laird at the time, Mikal, Grey’s father, demanded his word that he’d never try to overtake the clan again. And along with his vow, he had to give his son in forfeit for his treachery.
    As far as James was concerned, that was the end of his relations with his parents. His father stood tall, just as tall as Laird Mikal had. He bore the same traits, light hair, lanky body-build, and blue eyes—all from their Viking ancestors. He’d aged and it showed in his drawn face and the gray that streaked his hair. James looked nothing akin to his father, with his dark hair and eyes. He stood taller than his father as well, which gave James a wee bit of mettle.
    “James is not pleased by your request, Joseph.” Grey motioned for him to be seated, but his father remained standing.
    “Are ye not, James? You knew I would come for you, knew your destiny was to take over the farmstead and toil the land. My brother became laird and I became a farmer. So goes the fate of a second son. I bid your return as my first-born son so you may take over. It is our custom.”
    The way his father spoke, commanded his acceptance, but James was not in a mood to placate him. First-born son, indeed, James thought. He was his only son, as far as he knew. Mayhap his parent had other children … but he wouldn’t know such as he hadn’t stepped foot on his father’s land in many a year.
    “Customs be damned. You gave up your rights as my father the day you left me here. I am a Gunn guardsman and will remain so until the day I die. I took an oath to my laird and I will not break it. Not for you, not for anyone.” James kept his voice insistent so his father would know outright his regard.
    “What speak ye? You were brought here to toughen ye up and to make you strong. Ye had no right to take such an oath. The time has long since passed and your return is needed.” His father ran his hands through his thick mane of graying hair. “You will disobey your father?”
    “The only persons I need obey are my laird and my king. You speak falsely. Aye, you know why I was sent here, to what purpose you were bid to bring me. I was given as barter to save your arse from the noose.”
    His father approached and stood within a foot of him, his face reddened. He wasn’t sure if it was because of embarrassment or ire. James readied for his strike, as angry as Joseph appeared. His father’s nose flared and his eyebrows furrowed. James kept his hands at his side, knowing he would never retaliate should his father attack him.
    If there was one thing James held above all else, it was honor. To raise a hand against one’s parent was a grievous sin. Regardless of the man’s actions, he was still his father. No matter how much he wanted to take retribution against his misdeeds, he resisted.
    “I am needed more by my laird. Our clan has been called to war by our king, and I will not let my clansmen face the fracas without me. You’ve survived what twenty-some years without me? I will not return to your farmstead.” James turned and was about to dismiss his father, but then Grey cleared his throat, halting him.
    “Joseph, give James time to consider this. In time, he may be willing to give it a try. When we return from our mission, he can come for a stay and ye both can see how it goes.” Grey played devil’s advocate, and James raised a brow. For hell would meet heaven before he’d be willing to return to his father’s land and rule.
    His father kicked the chair closest to him. “Your father, Grey, my own brother and laird, promised me my son would be returned when I was ready. I’ve long since sent missives directing his return. Now ye say nay?”
    “My father never told me he gave permission for James to return home at any time. If you speak the truth—” Grey frowned fiercely when Joseph cut him off.
    “I do. Why would I risk my own life if it ‘twas a falsehood? I know all the Gunns hate me. I probably had many an arrow pointed at my back on the