by B. J. Scott
“I told you, the cut is nothing to fash over.” He stretched out on the pelt and motioned for her to join him. “Come before you catch your death of cold. We still have a few hours to rest before dawn.”
Fallon joined him on the pelt, suddenly very aware of her own lack of clothing. She crossed her arms over her chest.
He covered her with his plaid and settled in behind her, her back resting against his chest, her buttocks against his thigh. “Sleep. Tomorrow will be a long day.”
Fallon tossed in a fitful sleep. She called out Bryce’s name, but he didn’t answer. She tried desperately to open her eyes, but the lids were so heavy. When she managed the task, she sat up with her hand clutched to her throat. Her heart pounded in her chest, her pulse racing. She glanced around at her surroundings and began to shiver. The fire had burned down to ashes and a heavy morning mist made everything damp.
“Bryce?” His name rode on a strangled breath. She’d had a nightmare. In truth, it was another vision of Bryce’s demise.
She grabbed her gown, tugged it over her head, and fumbled with the laces of the bodice. Her entire body ached, and she was shockingly aware of intimate areas she’d seldom thought about until now.
What have I done?
“Good morning.” Bryce spoke to her from the entrance of the cave.
Fallon turned to face him. “Where were you? I was concerned.”
“You were sleeping so soundly, I dinna want to wake you. I went to gut the boar and secured it to a tree. I’ll send some men to fetch it later. While away, I also gathered some berries. Are you hungry?” He held up a leather pouch.
She studied his stern expression and rigid posture. They’d connected on so many levels when they made love, but something had changed. Along with her gift of second sight, she was cursed with the ability of knowing what people were feeling.
Bryce closed the space between them and offered Fallon a wine skin. “There is a stream nearby and I thought you might be in need of a drink.”
She brought the vessel to her lips and drank greedily. Her thirst quenched, she wiped her mouth. “Thank you.”
Bryce gave her the fruit. “Once you’ve broken your fast, we’ll be off.” Rather than join her, he backed away.
Fallon dumped some berries into her hand and popped them in her mouth. She closed her eyes, savoring the flavor exploding on her tongue.
“Take as long as you need. I’ll wait for you outside,” Bryce called over his shoulder as he walked toward the entrance of the cave.
“Will you not have something to eat with me?”
“Nay. I ate while picking and am no longer hungry.” He didn’t turn around.
Fallon climbed to her feet and followed behind him. When he didn’t slow his pace, she grasped his upper arm, halting his retreat. “Did I do something to displease you?”
His brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”
“I’m not a fool, Bryce. Your attitude has turned cold and distant.”
“You’re mistaken. We have been gone a long time and need to return to the Bruce’s camp. If you are finished eating, we must make haste.”
Fallon shook her head. “This has nothing to do with how long we’ve been away. We are both grown and dinna need to answer to anyone. You chased after me, begged me to forgive you, and bedded me. Now you’re behaving like you can barely stand the sight of me.”
Bryce’s face blanched. “I wish things could be different between us, but you know I’ve sworn my oath to Robert and the cause. I—”
“Dinna fash yourself. I expect nothing from you that you are not willing to give.” He’d hurt her deeply, but she refused to cry. Instead, she swallowed a curse and turned her back, afraid she’d say something she’d later regret. While their time together might have been fleeting, she secretly hoped he’d offer her commitment.
She heard his sharp intake of breath, but stood her ground when he gently touched her shoulder.
“I’m sorry, Fallon. I never meant to hurt you.”
“Nay, you were right. We should return to the Bruce’s camp immediately.” She turned quickly, without making eye contact, and marched toward the opening of the cave.
Chapter 10
“Where in the name of St. Stephen have you two been?” Alasdair shouted as he and Fallon entered the encampment.
Bryce had hoped to avoid a confrontation with Alasdair, but it was obvious that was not going to happen. He stiffened his spine and prepared for the barrage of questions and innuendos that were sure to follow.
“I wasn’t aware I had to report my every move to you.” He scowled at his older brother. “I found Fallon, we’re back, and safe.” Bryce strode across the clearing, and Fallon followed a few steps behind.
“There is a very good reason to question you. Fallon dashed into the woods like Hell on fire, you chased after her, and the two of you were gone all night.” Alasdair widened his stance. “I was about to organize a search.”
“If you must know, by the time I caught up with Fallon, we’d ventured too far into the forest to return safely. I thought it best we seek shelter and travel at first light.” He only planned to tell Alasdair what he needed to know and nothing more.
“We also encountered a wild boar. The carcass is hanging in a tree. I’ll ask Robert to send some of the men to fetch the beast. Fresh meat will be a welcome treat.” Bryce explained, in hopes of changing the subject, but judging by Alasdair’s scowl of disapproval, he’d failed at the attempt to redirect the conversation.
Alasdair grunted and continued his inquisition. “Where did you sleep?”
“We stayed in the lookout cave near the stream.”
Fallon slid her hands down the front of her gown then backed away. “If you will excuse me, I’d like to find a place to wash.” She turned and scurried off.
“Now that she’s gone, do you want to tell me the truth?” Alasdair badgered. “What happened last night?”
“Nothing. Even if something did transpire, I would not be explaining to you.” Bryce prepared to leave, but a large hand clamped around his upper arm halted his departure.
“You were never a good liar. We had this same conversation with Connor when he bedded Cailin. I thought you had more sense.”
“Dinna preach to me.” Bryce wrenched free and raised his hand. “I dinna say I bedded her.”
“You dinna have to. Fallon is a comely lass and you are known for your way with the ladies. The two of you were gone all night. Any fool can tell what happened just by looking at you. What were you thinking? Until now, you had the brains to keep things simple. No commitments or promises beyond the encounter.”
“We’ve already thrashed the topic of Fallon to death. I know what you are going to say and dinna want to hear it. My plans have not changed. I intend to honor my pledge to Robert and when that is done, I am going to France.”
“What if there is a bairn? You’re not the sort of man to walk away from responsibility.”
Bryce’s gut wrenched at his brother’s words. He’d succumbed to temptation and was ashamed of his weakness. He wished it were in his power to turn back time and give Fallon back her innocence, but that was a task he could not perform.
“There will be no bairn. But if there were, I would do the honorable thing and provide for Fallon and the babe.”
“I remember how you lectured Connor when he got involved with Cailin and I thought you knew better than to let a lass cloud your judgment.” Alasdair shook his head and heaved a deep sigh. “Women are trouble and it is better to keep your distance.”
“I will admit that I find Fallon attractive, but never did I make improper advances at the Scott’s keep or when she came to Fraser castle for Connor and Cailin’s wedding. To be honest, once she left, I dinna think our paths would cross again. I was stunned when I awoke to find her tending to my wounds in Galloway. But I left as soon as I was well enough to travel and never acted on my desire. We parted ways and I remained focused on the cause.” He threw his hands in
the air. “I dinna know why I am wasting my breath explaining something which is none of your affair. Drop it, Alasdair.”
Alasdair released a snide laugh. “You may have left her in Galloway, but you ran off and bedded her the first time you had a chance. If I dinna know better, I’d say the rendezvous was arranged.”
“When she turned up in camp, I was as surprised to see her as anyone. I dinna plan to spend the night in the cave with her.”
“You dinna choose your fate, brother, it picks you.”
Tired of a battle of words he had no hope of winning, Bryce made another attempt to change conversation. “Where is Robert? I wish to make arrangements to send Fallon to Turnberry as soon as possible.”
“What if the lass refuses to go?”
“She canna accompany us to Loudon Hill. I want her out of harm’s way. She will be off once I make the arrangements with Robert.” Bryce spun around and in his haste to retreat bumped into Fallon, almost knocking her off her feet.
She straightened her posture and their eyes met. “I dinna wish to go to Turnberry and would like a say in my own fate. I’m a healer and can tend the wounded following the battle.”
“You will be as far away from the fighting as possible. I’ll make certain of it. Robert has connections in the village. I’ll ask him to arrange a safe place for you to stay. I canna do my duty if burdened with worry about your welfare.”
“A burden? Is that how you think of me, after everything I’ve done for you and your kin? Especially after . . .” Fallon’s voice trailed off and she averted her eyes.
Alasdair coughed to clear his throat. “I think I’ll leave you two alone.”
Ignoring his brother’s retreat, Bryce snaked his arm around her waist and pulled her against his chest. “You’re wrong. I appreciate all you’ve done for me and mine. What we shared is very important to me. A beautiful memory I will cherish and carry into battle. But you were aware that I was unable to make any promises about the future.”
Fallon twisted out of his embrace. “You made your stand on this issue clear. While I disagree, there is obviously no choice but to concede. Speak to Robert and make the arrangements.”
Her willingness to comply without further argument rendered him speechless. He raked his finger through his hair, his gaze following Fallon as she stalked away with her chin held high. He should be pleased, even relieved, but a mix of emotions tugged at his belly. Determined to ignore the pull at his heart and the temptation to follow after her, he went in search of Robert instead. Regardless of his growing affection for Fallon and the lust coursing through his veins, he’d made the right decision. She deserved more than he could ever offer and would be safe in Turnberry.
He spotted Robert on the far side of the encampment conversing with Alasdair and John Kennedy. He headed toward them. “I need to speak to you.”
Robert nodded. “Alasdair told me you had an eventful evening.”
“Alasdair says too much.” Bryce glared at his brother.
“A run-in with a wild boar can be dangerous. You’re lucky neither of you were injured. Alasdair also said you wish to send the lass to Turnberry.” Robert stroked his bearded chin. “Are you certain this is what you want? Someone to tend to the wounded might prove useful given we are headed into battle.”
“Fallon is a gifted healer, but I’ll not allow her to remain in harm’s way,” Bryce replied adamantly.
“She strikes me as resourceful and intelligent. Mayhap she’d like to decide for herself.” Robert scanned the camp. “Bring her to me.”
Bryce shook his head. “Dinna bother asking. Her departure is not up for discussion. Do you know of a place she’ll be safe?”
“I have many supporters in the village willing to grant me a boon. Fergus Carpenter and his wife, Maeve, would be my choice. They own the inn.” Robert raised his arm and motioned for one of his men to join them. He retrieved a piece of vellum from a leather satchel and penned a note. When he finished, he handed over the missive. “Take this to Turnberry. Deliver it to the innkeeper and make haste.”
The messenger bowed. “I’ll leave immediately.” He tucked the note in his sporran then trotted toward the horses. Once mounted, he sped out of camp, disappearing into the forest, leaving behind a cloud of dust.
Bryce returned his attention to Robert. “Did you explain everything?”
“I told Fergus to expect you later today and asked him to take her in. He’s a good man and willna question my request, so the less said the better. A precaution lest the note fall into the wrong hands.”
John Kennedy stepped forward. “Since Fraser is determined to cast the lass aside, I’d be honored to escort her to Turnberry.”
Anger slithered like a poisonous serpent through Bryce’s veins. He balled his fists at his sides as he approached John. “I wager you would enjoy being alone with her, but you’ll not get the chance. I’m taking Fallon to Turnberry, so dinna trouble yourself any further.”
“I only mean to save her the pain of saying goodbye to a fool,” John replied.
“I said nay.” Bryce narrowed his eyes and raised his fist.
“John,” Robert said. “Take Adam and Gordon with you and bring back the boar. Bryce will accompany Fallon.” He turned to Bryce and asked, “Do you need some men to go along for protection?”
“That won’t be necessary,” he answered in a more subdued tone. “Fallon is a fine horsewoman. Two can travel quicker and will attract less attention.”
“Mayhap I’ll go with you, little brother, and make sure nothing happens on the journey. I’d hate for the lass’s reputation to suffer.”
Bryce lunged forward and his fist connected with Alasdair’s jaw.
“You’ll wish you hadn’t done that.” Alasdair rubbed his chin and climbed to his feet.
Robert stepped between them. “Enough. Tempers are hotter than they should be. I told you before to save the aggression for the battlefield.” He placed his hand on Bryce’s shoulder. “Find Fallon and be off with you. We’ll expect you to return before nightfall.”
“Only if they don’t get distracted along the way,” Alasdair tossed in, but this time his remark didn’t elicit a rise.
“The men are waiting in the list, Alasdair. Start the training session and I’ll join you in a few minutes. John, tend to the boar.” Robert waited until they were out of hearing range before he continued. “I’m certain this was a difficult decision to make. Being separated for the one we love is never easy.”
“Alasdair had no right to discuss my personal life or to speak on my behalf.”
“Your brother dinna say anything to betray you. He cares about your welfare more than you realize. I’ve observed the passion between you and Fallon for myself. The way you gaze at her reveals the way you feel, but it also shows in your behavior. You are usually focused, amiable, and take things in stride as they come. Of late, you’ve been like a cornered wild animal, ready to pounce on anyone who dares speak their mind or gets too close to her.”
“If you are referring to Kennedy, he had no right to touch her. I’ve good reason to challenge his actions.”
Robert shook his head. “I’ve known John for many years. He adores is wife and sons. I believe his intentions toward Fallon are completely honorable. There is no reason for jealousy.”
While tempted to argue the point, Bryce refrained commenting further. He offered his hand. “Thank you for your help, Robert. Once I’ve gathered a few supplies and saddled the horses, we’ll be away. The sooner she departs, the better.”
“When this is over, you may feel differently. But sending her to Turnberry may be for the best. You need to focus on the impending battle, not the lass.” Robert laughed, shook Bryce’s wrist, and slapped him on the back. “In spite of what you claim.”
Fallon sat on a log, her face buried in her hands. How could she have been so foolish? Did she honestly believe Bryce had feelings for her, might give up the cause in order to make a life together? She knew better than to o
pen her heart up to a man, but she thought Bryce was different.
“My brother is looking for you. He’s ready to leave,” Alasdair said as he approached her from behind.
Fallon stood and spun around to face him. “He is really bent on sending me away?” She sucked in a deep breath, trying to hide her disappointment.
“Aye. He is finally thinking clearly, with his head and not his . . . er, um . . . Best you not keep him waiting.” Alasdair averted his eyes and lumbered past her, but Fallon caught his forearm, stopping his advance.
“You dinna like me very much, do you? Is it the da shealladh, or do you think me an unsuitable match for your brother?”
Alasdair grunted and raked his fingers through his hair. “Unlike most Highlanders, I dinna believe in magic or superstition. I make my own luck and govern my own fate.” He patted the hilt of the sword hanging at his side.
“Then you must think me unworthy. Please, I’d like to know.” She fisted her hands in her skirt to keep them from trembling, but held her head high.
Obviously uncomfortable with the question, Alasdair shifted his bulk from one foot to the other. “You’re a comely lass, Fallon. There is no denying that fact. You’d make a fine catch for most men, but Bryce is not looking to complicate his life with a wife or family. He is married to the cause and justifiably so. We’ve lost many family and friends to the English and traitors like the MacDougalls. He has sworn his oath and sword to the Bruce and means to see this conflict to the end.”
