Page 16 of The Beast

The picture of Beatrice’s body was singed in his mind. He’d never seen a woman fully bereft of clothing and now he was sure he had seen perfection. Her breathtaking beauty stealing his breath and leaving him unable to warn her of his presence.

Her creamy skin didn’t contain a single blemish or mark, and her breasts were pert, with dark pink tips. She had a slender waist that flared out slightly to hips, which led down to legs that were delicate like her. He’d caught sight of the patch of dark blond hair at the apex of her sex, a place that claimed his attention and caused an immediate reaction.

When she stirred, he inhaled her hair feeling out of place while holding the slight woman against his large, scarred body. Someone like her should not find comfort in the likes of him. He was unclean, not just physically, but internally as well.

Beatrice was to marry a MacLeod. He tried to picture the brothers. It had been years since he’d seen either of them at a competition. From what he recalled, the youngest was a rather large man. He’d competed against Duncan in the caber toss. But other than a few words, he’d not spent much time with him.

The eldest he recalled a bit better. He’d become drunk and gotten into a brawl during the festivities. It had taken several men to pull him off the man he was beating. He hoped Beatrice would not be marrying him and be subjected to his horrible temper.

It was hard to imagine the beauty in his arms married to either man. Neither deserved someone like her. Beatrice deserved a man who would allow her freedom to explore. With an impulsive nature, she would always be getting into situations, so the beauty did have to be kept protected, but not so much to hinder her adventurous spirit.

If he could, he would marry her just to set her free to be and do as she wished.

If only he could.

However, the beast within would never allow it. A relationship of any kind could only bring disastrous results. And he could never subject anyone, especially not someone as special as Beatrice Macdonald to it.

Chapter Five

The storm had made it almost impossible to ride through the night. Thankfully the rain slowed to a drizzle and Farlan Reid got out from the makeshift shelter he’d made and stretched. The fact he’d spent a horrible night only made him more determined to find Duncan Ross and make him pay dearly for it.

It may have taken him years to find his way to South Uist, but now that he was so close to finally getting revenge, he had to do his best to keep his wits.

First, he’d find a tavern, eat, get dry clothes, and purchase a horse. Then, he’d track down Duncan. The man would not expect to see him, as he probably believed him dead.

Farlan’s lips curved. “They did not kill me, Duncan Ross. Ye will wish they did.”

After walking for several hours, he made it to a small village and walked into the tavern. Probably due to the storm and because it was still early, there was no one other than one man there.

“What can I do fer ye?” the man inquired as soon as Farlan walked in.

“Ale, and some food.” Farlan took the man in. “I would pay ye for some clothes as well.”

The man nodded. “Aye, there’s some extra things upstairs in the room on the right. Help yerself to what fits.”

Moments later, feeling better in dry clothes, Farlan returned downstairs and ate the simple fare the man provided as well as a cup of ale.

When he started to pay, the tavern owner held up a hand. “No payment sir. I do what I can to help those in need. Now ye go and help someone who needs it.”

Farlan wanted to laugh. The only reason he’d traveled so far was to find and make a man pay for betraying him. “Where can I purchase a horse?”

After placing coins on a table surface, Farlan walked out to find the farmer, the tavern owner had spoken of. If the day continued to be as easy, perhaps he would find Duncan soon.

He’d not asked the tavern owner where to find his old friend, because the last thing he needed was to alert the Ross clan that someone looked for them. No, he’d have to go forward with care. He was on Ross territory and it would be too easy to be caught.

Thankfully, the rain had stopped, giving him a clearer view of the road ahead. It was only his second time on the Isle of North Uist, and he had to admit not caring for the surroundings. As much time as he’d spent at sea, when on land he preferred not to be surrounded by it. However, the familiarity of the salty air made him feel at home as he began his trek.

One thing he remembered about Duncan Ross, was that he preferred to be alone. Especially given the years they’d been acquainted. The many days they’d spent alone, tied up in the belly of a ship, fed scraps, and whipped until half dead.

Farlan shook his head in an effort to dislodge the memories. Then he took a breath and scanned the surroundings. No, it was best to keep the picture of the time with Duncan. How he’d grown to depend on the man, who’d taken beatings for him and shared what was left of their meager food in an effort to keep him alive. They’d shared so much. And then he’d betrayed him. The day had finally come that freedom was within reach and Duncan had abandoned him. Escaped alone and never returned for him.

That he lived was a miracle. After being starved for days, the ship’s crew had taken great delight in tossing him overboard.

He’d finally found freedom, although he’d expected it was in death.

By some miracle he’d survived. Someone aboard the ship had taken mercy on him and tossed a plank of wood overboard. He’d clung to the wood for an entire night and been rescued by a group of fishermen.

Now, as he stared at the surroundings, Farlan contemplated his drive to seek revenge. He had nothing to live for. His family was gone. Upon returning to his home, he’d found an empty cottage; the villagers told him his young wife and bairn had been taken years earlier. He’d found them in a grave not far from the village. They’d been either killed or died of exposure.