Chapter 28

Chapter 28
Leaving the chapel, the duo fled as though running for their lives.
Their jaws were sunken, their eyes dead and their mood indescribable. They dared not speak, until they had ascended the slope, left the enclosed fortress and crossed the drawbridge.
Who knows if that priest would call them back for round two? Jane had goosebumps just thinking of the possibility.
Because she was a first-time sinner in his chapel, Father Gregory gave her a list of Penance she could choose from that fitted her crime.
Of course, he also ensured her that this would be the last time he allowed her to choose her penance from the list.
In the end, Jane promised that starting from tomorrow, she will not eat bread for four days and report back to him on the matter.
Don't think he wouldn't know if she ate it or not. The cooks and everyone else serving her food would be informed on the matter, keeping her in check.
Farger Gregory had a lot of influence here, with many afraid of helping a sinner since if caught, he would also punish them.
Forgoing bread was the easiest penance she saw that befitted her 'sin.'
Tavish heavily patted her on the shoulder. "Don't worry. There are no others like Father Gregory. That I can assure you."
Jane nodded stiffly. Soon, the duo threw the incident at the back of their minds.
The homes of the many clansmen and women were built far apart, with some people's homes located several hills away from the drawbridge.
The cluster of homes scattered about reminded Jane of a city.
After all, Alexander did say he had hundreds of thousands of soldiers, which didn't include the number of women and children situated here. Jane also noticed that there were numerous towering towers strategically placed across the settlement. Scouts and other forms of defense stood high up observing the land in all directions.
As they moved, Jane frowned. Why did she feel as if she was being followed?
"Come on Jane! I'll take ye to my favorite spot, we call Rainbow Falls." Tavish excitedly said, dragging Jane away. "I heard yer belly rumble. When we get there, we can eat. All that nagging from Father Gregory has made ye hungry."
"Okay."
Jane nodded, thinking she must've been overthinking things. She probably felt that way because of all the eyes staring at her. After all, it was only natural that the clansmen and women would be curious about the woman most gossiped about these days.
Jane shrugged and followed Tavish away... not knowing her hunch was right. Someone was indeed following her.
Delilah's eyes turned golden, as she stared at Jane murderously. This was her chance to strike.
'Vixen! Just ye wait. I won't let ye tempt my man anymore.' Delilah swore to herself.
She has killed and she will do it again. No guilt, no remorse. What she, Delilah, couldn't have, no one else would!
Gazing intently at the leaving silhouettes, Delilah slowly vanished into the woods.
It won't be long before she deals with the wench. This, she was sure of!
.
Back in the confines of the towering walls, Alexander spun his sword in a beautiful arc, sweat constantly dripping from his body. Every day, his men and himself must train, despite their obvious advantage against humans. Some train at night, some in the wee early mornings, and some during the day. It all depends on their assigned jobs for the day, as everyone had a shift to follow when keeping the settlement safe.
Brodie, Dugo, and Leith sparred alongside their Laird, feeling his irritation.
Leith shook his head. "Laird. I cannot think of any reason why the lass would be thinking ye be in some danger. Tis either she is a great liar or an innocent sheep, misled by someone."
"Agreed," Dugo said through his teeth. His laird wasn't giving him any resting time during their spar. "Either way the clan doesn't approve of her presence. Ye know how they feel about the English."
Their laird might have commanded them to be courteous to the lass, but he couldn't control what they thought. In front of their Laird, they dared not make nasty comments about her. The moment he was away, they spoke endlessly about the lass. Many didn't like her, nor did they trust her one bit.
BAM!
Alexander's sword clicked fiercely against Dugo's. His patience was running thin. "Nay, I can't control what they think. But twould be of greater help if ye all put in extra efforts for it."
For the first time in life, Alexander wanted to be selfish. He knew it was wrong to put the woman's needs above that of his clan. But he couldn't help himself. Since she stumbled her way into his thoughts, it would be impossible for him to let her go.
The conversation they had earlier did nothing to deter his thoughts from her. He could see the lass was hiding something. But so what?
Provided she wasn't sent by the enemy, he would wed her, not caring about the so-called fated partner.
This was why he wanted his clan to start accepting her. It was selfish to ask werewolves to allow humans to live among them. But Alexander had made his choice.
Leith gazed at his Laird thoughtfully. Unlike the playful Brodie and the hot-tempered Dugo, he was much calmer and had a sharper mind.
"Laird. No matter how much ye want the lass to be accepted, it cannot happen overnight. We can help ye by leading by example. However, the one who can help the most is the lass herself."
They were men and had no place in moving amidst bickering women. They can't stop every woman who talks ill of Jane, as that would be unsightly and a very petty thing to do as men.
If they did so, they would be seen as men who could argue like shrews in a marketplace. Perhaps they could reprimand one or two they caught, but what about the other thousands?
Surely, one must see how that would make them look.