A Healer for the Highlander

by TERRI BRISBIN

  Her full breasts pressed against his chest and his flesh responded against her hip. She opened more to his questing tongue and he delved deep into her mouth. Needing to possess her, Davidh slid his hands down over her shoulders and wrapped his arms around her, bringing her soft curves even nearer to him. When Davidh realised that her hands clutched his arms and pulled him closer, he turned the one long kiss into two and then three. Only when she lifted her lips from his to take a needed breath did he stop. She had not hesitated in accepting or taking those kisses. Drawing a breath in sharply, he leaned his forehead down against hers while they each caught their breaths.

  For a long moment, they stood in that silent embrace. The amount of need racing through him shocked him. He wanted her to never let go. He wanted to kiss every part of her and explore her body endlessly. He wanted...

  He would never know what sound gave him pause, but one did and he knew this moment was done. He gathered his wayward self-control and eased his hold on her. Easing a scant foot back from her, he still held her shoulders until she nodded and stepped away.

  ‘Anna... I...’ he stuttered out, but had no clue what he should be saying to her just then. Apologies? Explanations? Anything? She stopped him with the touch of her fingertips on his lips and a shake of her head. He chose to follow her example and nodded towards the road.

  ‘My horse is there. Come,’ he said, holding some branches out of her way. ‘I need to send some of the men back here.’

  He climbed up on his horse and held out his hand to help her up. She slid behind him and grabbed hold of his belt to steady herself. When Davidh felt she was ready, he touched his heels to the horse’s sides, urging him to ride on. Many thoughts raced through his mind then, plans and arrangements and warnings to be seen to and dealt with now that the outlaws had ventured so close to the village.

  And he spent the minutes riding back to Achnacarry doing that—until Anna shuddered behind him. Her body stiffened against his back, once and then twice. He drew up on the reins to stop when she whispered for him to go on. Davidh reached around with one arm and pulled her to sit before him. Then, after settling her across his thighs, he kicked the horse to a gallop.

  ‘Hold on,’ he ordered as the horse sped down the road.

  He felt her hands slide around his waist, securing herself. Davidh ignored the warmth of her body against his. Well, he did until she leaned her head down on his chest and rested against him.

  And, in that moment, something between them changed. More so even than in that kiss a short time ago. Something had shifted within himself and it unsettled him.

  As he spied the first cottages of the village ahead of them, Davidh put all these thoughts aside to concentrate on his duties to his clan and chieftain. There would be time enough to sort the rest of this out later.

  Chapter Thirteen

  He’d ordered her to stay with Suisan and to summon the lads there, too. He’d commanded her in an unfamiliar voice to do several other tasks and then he rode off as fast as he could make the horse move towards the keep. Anna heard his voice calling out to villagers as he made his way to his chieftain and the other warriors.

  And though his imperious attitude should have bothered her, it did not. What did make her uncomfortable was that kiss. Well, if truth be told, it was not the kiss so much as how much she had wanted it and wanted more than just a kiss. The safety of his embrace was dangerous to the purpose that had brought her to Achnacarry. The very thing she’d been ignoring these last few days. Anna turned now as a small group of men, riding hard and kicking up dust, passed her as she yet stood where Davidh had left her.

  ‘Ye look pale as the moon,’ Suisan said. Standing now at Anna’s side as another group of riders rode through the village, Suisan held up a small cup to her. ‘Ye look like ye could use this.’

  Anna watched as Davidh approached, riding this time at the chieftain’s side. Though he appeared to slow as he grew closer, he stared at her and nodded as they continued on.

  ‘Drink, lass.’ Suisan nudged her and pressed the cup in her hand.

  ‘Are you the healer now?’ Anna asked as she lifted it to her mouth.

  From the smell, it was some strong spirit used to fortify the body and not a concoction for healing. She swallowed it all and grimaced against the burn that spread down her throat and into her belly. Then a warmth spread through her bones and blood and the shivering that had begun anew eased.

  ‘These outlaws grow bold,’ Suisan said. ‘And ever closer.’ The older woman turned a keen gaze on Anna then. ‘Were ye harmed?’

  ‘Shaken about a bit and frightened,’ Anna admitted. ‘But Davidh got there...’

  Before it could happen. The words were not spoken, but Suisan’s knowing nod told Anna they were thinking of the same thing.

  * * *

  In a short time, word of the attack had spread as had the new orders from the chieftain—no one was to leave the village without permission or an escort. Both her Iain and Davidh’s son had been spending much of their free time exploring the forests along the banks of Loch Arkaig as lads their ages did. She let out a breath she did not know she held in when the boys approached. Anna sent them off on some tasks to keep them occupied and, as she crossed her arms over her chest and rubbed her arms, she faced Suisan.

  ‘So, who are these outlaws? They seemed to have no particular intentions in mind other than mayhem and stealing what they could find.’

  Suisan entered her cottage and returned a few moments later carrying a woollen shawl. Anna accepted it and wrapped it tightly around her shoulders. Though she acknowledged to herself that the continuing shivers were more about the shock and terror that had yet to seep from her body than the coolness or warmth of the air around them.

  ‘Some of those who supported the last chieftain,’ Suisan said. In a shocking move, she turned and spat in the dirt at her feet. ‘He betrayed the Camerons and is better off dead. May he...’ she paused and spat again ‘...never rest in peace!’

  ‘Suisan!’ Anna whispered loudly. ‘Never say such a thing.’ Anna lifted her hand to make the sign of a cross over herself.

  ‘Ye didna ken the man and the evil he did, even against his own clan,’ Suisan explained. ‘When he was killed, those who supported him either left on their own or were exiled by the new chieftain. I have heard talk that these outlaws are those and others trying to cause upheaval for the laird and his family.’

  Anna listened to the words and tried to piece it together with what and with whom she knew. The current chieftain was a younger brother to Laird Euan who’d ruled when Anna’s mother lived here. Gilbert, as Suisan said, had laid claim, as he was eligible to do, though Robert was older and with a better claim. The reasons for that became clear when it was discovered by Robert’s stepson that Gilbert had been plotting with their enemies to take power to satisfy his own greed and not for the good of the clan. A battle of honour had ended Gilbert’s life and the high seat was claimed by Robert.

  Neither Robert nor the now-dead Gilbert had true claim to that rulership, Anna knew. Iain, Malcolm’s son, was the direct heir and the one who should be leading the Cameron Clan. Or be in line for that seat now. As Suisan continued telling her the tale of how and when it had all played out, all Anna could do was think of Malcolm and the unfairness of his missed chance to rule over his clan.

  Soon, the lads returned from their tasks and Anna decided to return to Davidh’s house instead of being in Suisan’s way. As she watched her son, she knew she must press on with her promised plan. Iain must stop being a guest and take his place, his rightful place, in the Camerons. He must be allowed the chance to regain his claim to his heritage. And to do that, she must become a part of this village. Not a guest or visitor.

  And she must gain Davidh’s fuller co-operation.

  Not just his protection because his laird had granted it to her. Nay, she needed his personal
protection to assure success for her son. There were several ways that a woman could gain such protection from a powerful man. Anna needed to decide which she would pursue and then how to accomplish it. His kisses revealed one such path. But could she, who prided herself on never using such means to serve her aims, take that road?

  She reached Davidh’s house and stood staring at it as the boys passed her and ran inside. Right now, this was an equal arrangement—her help with his son for his with hers. Knowing his dedication to his duty and his loyalty to his people and his chieftain, he would not forgive her this deception—well, this omission as it was now.

  All it took was one glance at Iain to remind her of her purpose and the rightness of it. He deserved...all of it. A life with his father’s family and a chance to inherit the rights that came from his name. Anna pushed on and entered the house.

  Even without the items she’d gone up to the cottage to retrieve, there were many things to accomplish today. But first, she added water to the kettle, tossed a few crumbled leaves in it and waited for it to boil. The fragrant aroma of betony filled the chamber and that scent began to help her relax, allowing the tension that yet controlled her to ease.

  As she sipped the brew, Anna paced around the large room. The lads were in Colm’s chamber. Iain was teaching, or trying to teach, the young boy to carve animals as he could. Her son showed great patience with Davidh’s son, more than she had most times she was trying to demonstrate a recipe or procedure with the herbs and plants she used.

  * * *

  An hour or so passed as she returned to the tasks waiting for her attention. There were a few moments when the terror of this day faded and she seemed to forget the danger and the possible fate she’d faced. Caught up in the flow of memories and her attempts to ignore them, she did not hear him come in. She was alone in the large chamber and then she was not. Anna looked up from gazing at the floor as she yet paced before the hearth to find Davidh there.

  ‘You were deep in thought and I did not wish to startle you,’ he offered. As he walked across to where she stood, his gaze searched first her face, then the rest of her before coming back up to meet hers. ‘What is in the pot?’

  Anna blinked several times before she realised he’d asked her about something...something she did not remember. She turned and glanced at the pot over the fire, trying to bring to mind what she’d put in there to cook.

  ‘I...’ Anna walked over, wrapped her skirt around her hand and lifted the heavy lid to see inside. So, she’d not been as clearheaded as she’d thought. ‘Soup,’ she guessed from the sound and look of it. ‘Soup.’

  When she turned, he was there, so close she could hear his breathing. Then, he opened his arms and she walked into his embrace without hesitation or thought. Anna closed her eyes and lost herself in the warmth of him.

  * * *

  He’d watched her for a short while before she’d noticed him. In his experience, each person dealt with facing death or danger differently and would react in their own way. Anna had amazed him with her calm demeanour after the attack and even after panic had set in. Most women he’d seen in similar situations fell apart into hysterics or withdrew into themselves. Yet, she had maintained control over herself, returned to the village and saw to the daily chores.

  As he held her now and breathed in the scent that was her, Davidh understood that a reaction could yet come. Sometimes, it was put off by duties or necessity. Yet, Davidh knew that the terror would bide its time and find its way out.

  For now, though, he would hold her. He smiled over her head, accepting the very selfishness of his action. He held her because he wanted to. He wanted to hold her body next to his. He wanted to assure himself that she was well.

  Though he’d tried to separate his thoughts of her from his own duties since he’d left her with Suisan, Davidh had thought of little else but Anna Mackenzie. The woman lifted her face then and met his eyes.

  No tears. She’d not cried at all through this. And she did not now.

  ‘I could get accustomed to this too easily,’ she whispered.

  The admission surprised her, for her eyes widened and she worried her bottom lip as though she knew she’d said too much. She tucked her head back against his chest as she had on the ride back.

  ‘Aye.’ He nodded without releasing her, realising that he could, as well. Had her words been filled with hope as he thought or with fear?

  Davidh wanted to kiss her, yet he was content to just hold her in that moment. If she lifted her head and turned those green eyes to his, he would. For now, though, he would just hold her close. When the door to the smaller chamber opened without warning, they leapt away from one another as though caught in some guilty act.

  Iain looked from him to his mother with a solemn expression that spoke of his knowledge of what he’d interrupted. But Colm had the innocence of a young age and did not.

  ‘Supper will be ready soon,’ Anna announced to the lads. ‘Wash and get the bread.’

  Iain and Colm jumped to her command, not hesitating for a moment to obey her. In such a short time—a week, was it?—they had fallen into a routine of a well-ordered household. Nay, if Davidh was being honest with himself, he saw that Colm thrived now.

  He watched the boys act on her directions and Colm’s ease of manner with her. His son walked to her side as she stirred the pot and tucked himself close, asking her about something. Anna touched his head and ruffled his hair as she answered and nodded. His heart pounded then, hammering in his chest, filled with both sadness and understanding.

  His son had missed the warm touch of his mother for so long. Colm needed the soft care and concern that a mother gave without hesitation. Oh, the villagers, his friends, even others in the clan, had stepped forward in Davidh’s time of need and helped care for the boy. Suisan was a stalwart friend who watched over Colm when Davidh was called to duty. His sister Aileen had returned for a time to help him.

  Yet, from the gaze Colm directed at Anna as she answered yet another question of his, none had come close to what she had in this short time. When she had offered to care for his son, Davidh had not known how much he’d wanted this exact thing to happen. Not until now. Not until he witnessed them together like this. Anna turned in that moment and met his gaze.

  Rather than the tension or fear he’d noticed in her green eyes earlier, now he saw only confidence and caring. She moved with the ease of a woman who liked what she did and was good at it. But then, she’d been a mother for nigh to ten-and-three years and had taken good care to see her own son raised. One look at the boy and he could tell that she’d put his welfare and needs above hers.

  Her very presence here—returning to a place after years and with no other connection than his parentage—spoke of bravery and strength. Very few women he knew would leave their homes and travel to a distant village alone. Without a promise of marriage or other assurance of a place. Yet, Anna had done just that. And she’d slid into village life easily, making a valued place for herself.

  And now, Davidh would keep his part of their bargain.

  The table set, they gathered around it and began eating. Though she’d seemed unaware of what it was, the soup was thick and flavourful and filling. At Anna’s nod, Iain took up the bread and broke it into four pieces, offering Davidh and Anna the larger two before giving a chunk to Colm and himself. When they’d eaten for a bit, Davidh spoke.

  ‘I need the two of you to have a care these next days,’ he said. ‘You ken that outlaws have been seen outside the village.’ Anna’s eyes darkened as he spoke, but her gaze turned not to him but to her son. ‘So, until I tell you otherwise, you are not to leave the village.’ A few groans met his order, but this was necessary.

  ‘These outlaws are dangerous. They have left death and mayhem in their path around Tor Castle and now seem to have got closer to Achnacarry and the surrounding area.’

  ‘What
about fishing in the loch?’ Colm asked. ‘We were to go on the morrow.’ His son nodded at Iain as he spoke. ‘If there are two of us?’

  ‘Nay. Not without my permission and not without guards.’ They protested with grunts and groans, but Davidh continued. ‘No one leaves the village without my say so or one of the other commanders.’ He put down his spoon and waited for the lads to look at him. ‘Parlan returns here on the morrow.’

  ‘Parlan?’ Anna asked.

  ‘He is my second. Lately he has been in charge of the defences at Tor Castle. Robert wishes him here now that the outlaws have become so brazen so close.’ The fire crackled then and she turned to look at it. He did not miss the shiver that trembled through her then.

  ‘We will find them and bring them to justice, Anna.’ She nodded before turning back to look at him.

  ‘Are there any other restrictions we need follow?’ she asked, nodding now at the lads. ‘Iain, pay heed to the commander now. Colm, you as well, heed your father in this.’

  It took little time to explain the limitations in place now and until the outlaws were stopped. They were obedient lads who would listen and have a care during this threatening time. He finished with the news he wished most to share.

  ‘On the morrow, Iain will begin working with Lachlan Dubh. He will meet you at the stables after you break your fast and see to your training.’

  ‘The stables?’ Anna asked while smiling at her son, pleased with this step.

  ‘Aye. He is overseeing some repairs there. He will assess Iain’s skills and assign him to work in the place where those abilities can best be used.’

  Iain beamed with happiness at Davidh’s words and Anna reached out to pat her son’s arm. ‘You will do your best, Iain.’

  ‘Aye, I will. My thanks, sir,’ the lad said in a solemn tone.

  ‘What will I do?’ Colm said.

  Davidh looked at the expectation in his son’s expression and wondered. For the last few months, he’d been too ill to do much. He’d spent most of his time at Suisan’s.