Page 51 of Desire of a Highlander

Ronan barked a command and the hounds backed off enough to let the two men on the ground scramble to their feet. He kept his pistols trained on the group as they backed away and then turned and ran off down the narrow ravine.

Ronan watched until they had disappeared from sight. Only then did he lower his weapons. A hard, cold sensation settled in his gut.

The Murdochs knew the Steading was here and it seemed they were determined to find it. Sooner or later they would send more people. Smarter people. More determined people.

Damn it all.

Calling the dogs to heel, he strode back the way they’d come. He took the longest route he knew, crossing streams, doubling back, traveling through rough ground where tracks would be difficult to follow. All the while one thought echoed through his mind. The attack on Thomas had been the start of something, something none of them were going to like.

When he returned to the Steading, he found the wedding celebrations still in full swing but he had no desire to join in. He found Eamon walking the perimeter of the valley and sent him to let Faye and Elodie know that he’d returned safely. Then he took Eamon’s place walking the perimeter with Bran and Skye at his heels.

All the joy he’d felt only hours ago had evaporated. The euphoria he’d felt as he’d kissed Elodie felt like a distant dream. His people were in danger. Elodie was in danger. And he had no idea how to keep her safe.

Yes ye do, a voice said in the back of his mind. Ye know exactly what ye have to do.

No, he answered himself. Not that. Never that.

Gritting his teeth, he walked into the gathering dusk and tried to find a way to avoid the inevitable.

Chapter 12

Elodie woke with a hangover. She opened her eyes and groaned, pressing a hand against her forehead. Oh hell. Why had she drunk so much mead last night?

Because you were having fun, she answered herself. And also, you’re an idiot.

She had no idea what time the celebrations had finished. Late. It was full dark by the time she’d staggered back to her mattress in Faye’s little cottage and passed out fully dressed.

She was paying for it now with a thumping head and roiling stomach. But even this couldn’t stop the smile that spread across her face as she remembered Ronan’s kiss. It had taken her completely by surprise and yet it had felt like the most natural thing in the world. A tingle went through her as she remembered the taste of his lips on hers, the feel of his hands on her waist.

It had been over far too quickly for her liking. Ronan had not rejoined the celebrations but he’d sent a message to say all was well following his scouting mission and that he was going to keep watch on the perimeter. She’d been disappointed that he’d not returned. Maybe that was why she’d drunk so much.

With an effort, she struggled into a sitting position. The room swayed around her and she groaned.

I am never, ever, drinking again.

“Come on,” Elodie said to herself. “Get moving.” With a whimper for her aching head, she clambered to her feet.

The wedding decorations were coming down by the time she staggered into the clearing. Like her, people were moving a little more slowly than usual. The whole settlement carried the atmosphere that usually followed a successful celebration: slightly tired, slightly hungover, but pleasantly satisfied.

Bran and Skye suddenly came crashing through the brush. The dogs skidded to a halt before her, tails wagging, tongues lolling, way too enthusiastic to Elodie’s way of thinking.

She crouched to scratch behind their ears. “You two are trouble, you know that?”

“Aye, they know that, and I’m pretty sure they are damned proud of the fact,” said a voice behind her.

Elodie’s stomach fluttered as she turned to face Ronan. His sleeves were rolled up, his hair slightly disheveled. He was unshaven and the morning sunlight caught the auburn strands in his strawberry blond hair.

“You know what they say about dogs,” Elodie said, cocking her head. “They take after their owners.”

Ronan snorted. “Is that so? Then what does that say about me?”

“That you’re trouble. Definitely trouble.”

He smiled softly and his gaze went out of focus. Was he remembering the kiss? She certainly was. In fact, she could suddenly think of nothing else. She felt again the touch of his hands on her back, the soft feel of his lips on hers. She felt—

“Ronan?” a voice said suddenly. “A word, if ye please?”

Faye was walking towards them. The healer’s face was expressionless although to Elodie’s mind, she looked annoyed, although with Faye it was often hard to tell the difference.