“Aye, why not appease it and be done with it?” she said, thinking of how many times he must have so easily appeased his lust with a woman.
His smile grew. “Oh, mo chridhe, one time with you will only whet my appetite for more.”
She could not stop the shudder that racked her body, but then she also could not stop but think that she felt the same way. She would never get enough of him. She would always hunger for him and that made her wonder once again about love. Was this about appeasing hunger or was this about the feelings growing inside of her?
Chapter Nineteen
Hunter was not surprised to find himself alone when he woke the next morning. Last night had not been easy for either of them. Passion had remained high and fear that once he touched her he would not stop, had him keeping his distance from his wife. He also blamed his lusty state on not having been with a woman in almost a week, but then he was finding that he did not want just any woman... he wanted his wife.
He once again wished that he had never left it up to her to decide when they would consummate their vows. But the deed had been done and he would have to wait—he smiled—though he could help the inevitable along.
He joined his mum and Ewan, sharing the dwindling supply of bread and cheese. He was pleased to see her smiling so often. Life had not been easy for her after his father had died, and he could only imagine the fury his da would have unleashed on Greer for treating their mum so badly. The time would come when he would see his brother pay for it and other evil deeds he had done.
“Will you be leaving us when you reach Gullie Loch and let Noble know it is not yet safe to return home?” Hunter asked Ewan and saw that his mum tensed at the question.
“No, I have sent word to him to stay put. I think it is best I remain with your mum.” Ewan reached out and took her hand, then quickly turned to Hunter. “And you, until you both reach the safe haven of your new home.”
“That is kind of you, Ewan, but not necessary. I have and will continue to protect my mum.”
Hunter waited for the sharp-eyed, annoyed look his mother would turn on him and his brothers whenever she did not approve of something they had said or done. Greer had been a constant recipient of it and as usual it had been lost on him. Not so much Rab and Hunter.
The look came swiftly as did a response to his remark. “Nonsense, Hunter. Ewan has kindly offered his help and we should generously accept it.”
“If you insist, Mum,” Hunter said, smiling and proving to himself that his mum and Ewan did not want to be parted just yet.
Word circulated to break camp and be ready to leave soon.
With everyone busy, Hunter went to find his wife.
~~~
Last night crept into Patience’s thoughts far too often and was the reason she had had a restless night. Of course, it had not helped sleeping in such close proximity to Hunter. And damn, damn, damn if she did not think of him bent over the fire half naked and what followed every time she caught the scent of roses, which of course meant every time she washed.
She shook her head and mumbled.
“Talking to yourself, wife?”
Patience rolled her eyes and groaned, though not loud enough for him to hear. She looked up and she felt her stomach catch at the sight of him. His features were much too alluring as was his body, and then there was the way he exuded confidence and charm, as if it came naturally to him.
The thought came so sudden that it shot out of her mouth before she could grab hold of it. “If you ever cheat on me, I will make sure it is the last time you ever enjoy any woman.”
Her angry threat brought him to an abrupt halt and a smile to his face. “You are jealous and that pleases me since it means that you are beginning to care for me, perhaps even more than you realize.”
“I have no time for such nonsense,” she said tersely and went to walk past him.
He grabbed her around the waist and yanked her up against him. “There is always time for such nonsense.” He kissed her and she squirmed in protest, though not for long.
She could not deny his kiss. She craved it, though her body craved much more. It would not be long before she surrendered, not to him, but to her own desires. And the thought sent gooseflesh running over her and a shiver running through her.
Her tingle rippled along his body, teasing his already alert manhood. He wisely ended their kiss and rested his brow against hers. “You are the only woman I want to make love to.”
“You will be satisfied with merely one, when you have had such a variety?”
He drew his head back, his brow scrunching. “Do you worry you will not satisfy me?”
“Can any one woman satisfy you?”
“Aye, my wife.”
“Why me?”
He leaned close and whispered, “Make love with me and find out.”
She patted his cheek, smiled, and before walking away said, “In time.”
~~~
“You set a slower pace today,” Hunter said, riding alongside her.
“I am not anxious to leave the Dark Dragon’s land just yet. Besides, it provides us with a modicum of safety from your brother.”
“Do not completely disregard Greer,” Hunter warned.
“I am not that foolish. With the anger that rages in that man, there is no telling what he is capable of doing.”
“He is capable of anything.”
Patience detected a hint of anger in his voice and she could only wonder at the cause.
“I would not be surprised if his men lay in wait for us beyond the Dark Dragon’s border.” “I thought the same myself so I ordered more men to be brought to meet us, hopefully in time, once we leave his land.” She shook her head. “Though, I cannot help but feel your brother will not wait that long. I would not, for it would bring me too close to my enemy’s land.”
“What would you do?” Hunter asked curious, for never had he known a woman with such excellent instinct for people and battle.
“It is not what I would do that matters. Knowing what your enemy would do is what makes the difference. And what little I know of Greer, I believe he would stop at nothing to see you dead.”
“With my marriage to you, he has more of an excuse to see it done now than ever before.”
“He will not take my husband from me,” Patience said adamantly.
Hunter grinned. “You worry over me that much, do you?”
She returned his grin and said, “As much as you do for me.”
Edward rode up then, ending their conversation.
~~~
The day wore on and clouds captured the sun. With hours to go before they camped for the night, Patience ordered a respite. Her warriors remained on alert, keeping a keen eye on their surroundings. Edward had informed her that ghost warriors continued to trail them and when she saw that Ewan was nowhere in sight, she wondered if he went to meet with them. Hunter sat with his mother since she was alone, even Beast had deserted her.
She walked over to join them and was sitting only a few minutes with them when Ewan rushed out of the woods, Beast at his side, and hurried over to them.
“We have a problem,” Ewan said and Hunter and Patience got to their feet. “There is a large troop of mercenaries that are about to descend on us from the north. We are greatly outnumbered. It will be a bloodbath.”
“What of the Dark Dragon?” Hunter said. “He wants no blood spilled on his land. Will he not stop it?”
“Word has gone out to the Dark Dragon, but there is not enough time to get more warriors here. I would give him a day or two, at the most, before he could clear the mercenaries from his land,” Ewan explained.
“Edward,” Patience called out and the warrior hurried to her side. “An army of mercenaries are about to attack, we need to divide. Send two warriors in all directions, except north, with instructions to meet in two days’ time at Eddleston Abbey and one to my father to let him know what goes on. You know the orders. If by the next morning—the third day—not
all have arrived at the abbey, then those who are there are to leave and head home.”
Edward nodded. “I will see you at the abbey. Keep safe.” He hurried off and within seconds pairs of warriors began mounting their horses and riding off in different directions.
Hunter turned to Ewan. “I would prefer you took my mum and Beast to your son’s home in Gullie Loch and keep them there until you hear from me. Greer would not dare attack there.”
Una did not protest, she threw her arms around her son, hugged him tight, and told him that she loved him.
Hunter hunched down and took Beast’s face in his hands. “You stay with Una and protect her.”
The big dog licked his face and went to Una’s side.
Hunter helped his mum mount her horse as Ewan got on his, and then they were gone, Beast following alongside them.
Patience had already mounted and as soon as he did, she said, “I know of Eddleston Abbey because we stopped there on our way here, but I know of little else in the area. Do you know of a place we could take refuge until the Dark Dragon sees to the mercenaries?”
“I know a place where no one will follow,” he said with a nod. “Stay close.”
They took off and Patience was grateful that they had maintained a slow pace when they had set out this morning, for the horses were not tired and flew like the wind. They traveled west, never slowing down or daring to stop.
The mercenaries would find their tracks, all going in different directions and not know which ones to follow. They would probably divide as Patience and her warriors had done and that would be good, for it would make it easier for the ghost warriors to dispose of them.
Still though, this reminded her that she needed more men. Greer would not stop until Hunter was dead, the Macinnes clan blamed, and a war started.
After a few hours of grueling travel, Hunter slowed his horse and Patience followed along, doing the same. They came to a stop at the edge of thick woods, a small mountain rising behind it. The trees were so dense that barely any light could be seen among the branches and for some reason Patience shivered at the thought of entering it. Then she spotted the numerous objects hanging in the trees and knew why—they were charms to keep evil at bay.
She looked to Hunter. “Evil resides here.”
“Not so,” Hunter said and turned and guided his horse through the dense trees and foliage.
Patience followed, realizing her husband knew the way... he had been here before.
It took some time and maneuvering through areas that had no path yet Hunter seemed to find one and it brought them to a cottage sitting in a small clearing. The place appeared as if it had not been occupied in years, though the thatched roof remained intact as did the closed shutters on the one window. Beneath, a broken bench leaned lopsided against the cottage wall. The woods had reclaimed what once must have been a large garden. At one time it must have been a lovely place, though lonely tucked away in such a dense forest.
“You are familiar with this place,” Patience said as Hunter approached the front door.
“Aye, I am,” he said and opened the door.
Patience followed him in and stood staring at the rather large room that appeared as if it had been left waiting for someone to return. In the meantime, cobwebs and dust occupied it.
Hunter pushed the shutters open, letting in some light.
Patience looked around and knew a woman had to have lived here. Though the blanket on the bed looked to have been repaired several times, it had been done so with skilled hands. A shawl, also repaired several times, hung on a peg near the door, and baskets and crocks were plentiful.
“You knew her well?” Patience asked curious and though she hated to admit it to herself, a bit of jealousy.
“She knew me better,” he said, his glance going to the dust-covered shawl with sadness.
“You cared for her?” A stronger pang of envy struck her then.
Hunter nodded. “Very much, she saved my life in so many ways.” He reached for one of the chairs and smashed it to the floor, the aged wood splintering. He continued to break the chair apart as he spoke. “Her name was Elspet and people thought her a witch. She was no more a witch than you and I. What she was—was a knowledgeable and plain-featured woman. And that could be a curse in itself for any woman.”
Patience thought of her sister Emma. She was knowledgeable and plain and had suffered for it, men wanting nothing to do with her. It had broken her heart to see her sister treated so poorly and she had made anyone who treated Emma poorly pay dearly for it.
Hunter placed the broken chair pieces in the fireplace and as he worked to get a fire started, he continued. “One day my father did not like what I had to say and gave me a good beating. Greer came upon me before I had a chance to recover and finished what my father had started, beating me senseless. I vaguely recall him dumping me someplace. When I woke, I found myself here.” Elspet eventually told me that she had found me outside her cottage.”
“When was this?”
“About eight years ago when I was ten and six years. Elspet healed my wounds and helped me understand much about evil. She had suffered more than her fair share of it. I visited her often after that, though I let no one know that I did. I knew none would understand. They believed her a witch and fear kept them from hurting her, though there were many women who came to her for her healing knowledge, never letting their husbands know.” He stilled, staring at the flames greedily licking the broken chair pieces. “We would talk endlessly when I visited and I would see that she had what she needed. One day she took ill and she told me that her time here would soon be done. I was heartbroken and spent much time with her. I did not want her to die alone and was glad I was here with her when she took her last breath. I still miss her.”
Patience felt her heart break for him and hurriedly wiped a tear from her eye before he turned around.
“She did tell me that after some turmoil I would find happiness and have a loving family of six children.”
“Six?” she repeated startled.
“Aye,” he said with a firm nod, and I look forward to having every one of them.
“It would not be you having them.”
“I told you once that whatever you suffer I suffer.”
Patience laughed, shaking her head. “I do not think you would suffer the same pain that I would while delivering our child.”
Hunter walked over to her and ran the back of his hand gently down her cheek. “Believe me, mo chridhe, my pain will be as great as yours, for I cannot stand the thought of being so helpless in preventing you from suffering such pain.”
He bent his head, to take a kiss when a swirl of wind rushed through the door sweeping up the dust around them. He went to shut the door and stopped, casting a glance at the heavy gray clouds.
“A storm brews,” he said turning to her. “I need to settle the horses and hunt for food.”
Patience looked around the room, then at Hunter. “I know nothing about tending a keep, let alone a single room, that was Heather’s responsibility. Besides, I would feel as if I intruded upon Elspet’s home, touching anything of hers. I will hunt for food.”
“Do not go beyond the woods,” Hunter cautioned, not surprised by her decision.
Patience stopped at the door and turned with a smile and a sting to her words. “Thank you so much, I truly needed that reminding.”
Hunter walked over and grabbed her arm before she could get out the door. He stepped close to her, lowering his face only a few inches from hers. “It is best you get accustomed to me reminding you, worrying about you, warning you when necessary.” He held up his hand as soon as she attempted to protest. “I will always look after you, always take care of you, always be there for you and I will always—” His blue eyes scorched with a sudden passion, and then he kissed her.
It was a potent and abrupt kiss and Patience stumbled when he released her and turned away. She hurried off, not wanting to stay there, not wanting to hear
what he was about to say to her before he stopped himself and kissed her, not wanting to hear those words that would change everything between them... I will always love you.
Chapter Twenty
Patience stilled after entering the woods. Could it be possible? Could he truly love her? Could she be falling in love with him? Surprisingly, she no longer felt him a stranger. Was she growing that accustomed to him? She also found that she enjoyed his company. Conversation came easily with him. Then there was the way he touched her, a gentle touch to the arm, his hand at her cheek, his arm around her waist, so innocent and yet her body sparked to life with each tender touch. And now that they were alone... she shook her head. What was she doing wasting time thinking on such things now? There was hunting to be done, warriors to avoid, and they needed to get to the abbey to meet the others. There was no time for this nonsense.
She made her way further into the woods, marking the trail as she went. She had grabbed her cache of arrows and her bow off her horse and readied one, then with light footfalls she combed the woods.
Stopping a moment to listen, she heard a rustle. She turned slowly and there just a few feet ahead was a doe, her eyes wide, standing as still as Patience. She was a beauty and would provide them with more meat than they needed, but they did have to eat. She raised her bow ever so slowly when suddenly a gust of wind swirled up around her, sending dust to sting her eyes.
Then she heard the sharp voice in her head. Do not harm my family!
Patience dropped her bow to her side and when the wind settled, she saw that the doe had remained where she was, though she was now busy munching on leaves. She was no longer fearful of Patience; she felt safe and protected.
Patience felt otherwise. Elspet was obviously protecting her forest family. Tales of ghosts were often shared in the Highlands and the storytellers would warn against upsetting spirits. So Patience took heed and decided to see what else she could scavenge from the woods.
With her arrow returned to the cache and her bow draped over it, she started foraging. Many plants still needed maturing, while some young plants could be tasty. Wild onions were tasty at any time and would flavor a weed stew as Heather liked to refer to it. She had shown Patience and Emma how to easily cook one if it should ever prove necessary and Patience wished she could hug her right now for having taught them.
Highlander's Rebellious Love Page 17
