Page 62 of Trapped By the Wicked Highlander
Cassandra’s breath caught in her throat, her heart pounding in her chest as his words settled into her soul. She had never expected him to ask, not after everything they had been through. She had always feared that their connection might remain unspoken, a deep bond without a name. But now, standing before her, he was asking for more than she ever dreamed of. She looked into his eyes, feeling her heart swell with love, and in that moment, she knew what her answer had to be.
"I will," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I will marry ye, Hunter. I love ye, and I’ve never wanted anythin’ more than to be by yer side. With ye and Elena."
Her hands reached out to him, trembling slightly, but Hunter’s smile softened the fear and uncertainty that had held her back. He took her hands in his, his grip strong and reassuring.
As they stood there, the world outside the walls of the castle seemed to fade away. Cassandra’s mind was a whirl of emotions, but beneath it all, there was a steady warmth blooming in her chest. She had spent so many years alone, carrying the weight of her past, but now, in this moment, she realized she wasn’t alone anymore. She would be with Hunter, with the man she loved, and they would build a future together.
Her heart fluttered with joy, and for the first time in years, she allowed herself to dream. She was deliriously happy, and though she knew there would still be challenges ahead, she was ready to face them, so long as Hunter was by her side.
"I never thought I would be this happy," she sobbed.
Hunter pulled her close, his arms wrapping around her with a tenderness that matched the depth of his love for her.
"Ye’ve made me the happiest man alive, with yer answer" he whispered against her hair, his voice thick with emotion. "This is just the beginnin’, lass. Together, we’ll make it work."
In that moment, as the sounds of the world outside faded to nothing, Cassandra knew that everything had changed. She had a family now, and her future was no longer a solitary one. She had a life with Hunter ahead of her, a life she had once thought was beyond her reach. But now, with him, anything was possible.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
Hunter entered Elias' meeting chamber. His face unreadable as he glanced up from his papers.
Hunter cleared his throat, his voice low and steady, though there was a nervous edge to it. "Laird McAllister… Elias" he began, "I've asked Cassandra to marry me, and she’s accepted." He paused, letting the weight of his words settle between them, his hands tightening into fists at his sides.
Elias remained silent for a long while, his piercing gaze studying Hunter. Hunter's stomach churned, unsure if the silence was a sign of approval or impending disapproval. But no matter what Elias said, Hunter was committed—he would fight for Cassandra with everything he had.
Finally, Elias spoke, his deep voice calm but firm. "Ye've asked me healer to be yer wife," he said, his eyes narrowing just slightly. "Do ye ken the weight of that request? Ye takin’ her means takin’ someone vital to the clan." His gaze remainedsteady, his thoughts clearly calculating the impact of Hunter’s words.
"I cannae deny ye what ye seek, but ye must ken, the value of Cassandra’s skills in the healin’ arts is far greater than ye might realize."
Hunter swallowed hard, feeling a pang of guilt twist in his chest. He had known that asking for Cassandra's hand would come with consequences—Elias was a true leader of his people, someone who cared deeply for their welfare, and Cassandra was integral to his clan's wellbeing.
"I ken," Hunter said quietly, his voice thick with emotion. "I dinnae want to take her from ye. Somethin’ so important to McAllister." He paused, his eyes meeting Elias’ with sincerity. "But I love her. And I’ll do whatever it takes to make her me wife, even if it means fightin’ every battle necessary."
Elias stared at him for a moment longer, then leaned back in his chair, the lines of his face softening. He let out a long breath, his posture relaxed but his eyes still sharp.
"Ye’re a stubborn one, Hunter McDougal," he muttered, shaking his head slowly. "But I see the truth in yer eyes. Ye care for her. Aye, ye love her, and that counts for a great deal." He let out a soft grunt, then added, "And I cannae deny ye that either."
Hunter felt his heart race, unsure whether Elias was about to turn him away or give him permission. Elias continued aftera long silence, his voice steady as ever. "Ye’ve got me blessin’, Hunter. But there is one thing I ask in return."
Hunter exhaled sharply, his chest tightening with relief and anticipation. "Anythin’," he said without hesitation, his gaze never leaving Elias. "Name it, and it’s done."
Elias sat up straighter, his gaze now turning more calculating. "If ye take Cassandra away, ye’ll have to provide for the clan in some way," he said slowly, his voice thoughtful. "I’ll allow ye to marry her, but ye must promise me this, I'll send two apprentices to McDougal castle. Cassandra needs to train them. Ye’ll be takin’ me healer, so it’s only fair I send others to her to be trained. And if we have a bout of illness too dire, she must come back to help mend the clan."
Hunter stood silently for a moment, the weight of the request settling into his bones. The thought of Cassandra being so far from him was a bitter one, yet he understood Elias’ position. If he were in Elias' shoes, he would feel the same way—protecting the healer who had saved so many in his clan. He thought of Cassandra and how she would excel in teaching the apprentices, and with that, his decision was made.
"Aye," Hunter said with a firm nod, meeting Elias’ gaze. "Agreed. I’ll make sure she has all the help she needs." His voice carried a sense of finality as he spoke, a promise he would keep no matter the cost. "I willnae take her from ye without givin’ somethin’ back."
Elias studied him for a moment, his expression softening. A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips, though it was brief and fleeting. "Ye’ll make a fine husband for her, Hunter," Elias said, his tone low but genuine. "Ye’re willin’ to sacrifice, to make sure she’s taken care of, and that’s what matters. She’ll need that strength from ye."
Hunter’s chest swelled with a quiet pride at the praise. It had been a long journey, full of struggles and uncertainty, but now that he had Elias’ blessing, he could finally begin to build the future he wanted with Cassandra.
"Thank ye, Elias," he said with sincerity.
Elias nodded, his eyes softening as he rose from his chair. "Take care of her, lad. She’s a rare one, that healer of mine." His gaze lingered for a moment longer before he gave a final, approving nod. "And may the both of ye find happiness together."
With those words, Hunter left Elias’ office, his heart lighter than it had been in days. He had received the blessing he had so desperately sought, but he knew that his journey with Cassandra was only beginning.
The great hall of McAllister Castle was alight with warmth and cheer as candles flickered in their holders along the high stone walls. The massive hearth crackled in the corner, casting a golden glow over the gathered guests, and the long wooden tables groaned beneath the weight of the evening's feast.
