Forbidden Highlander (Highlander Trilogy 2)

Dawn hadn’t known Cree punished Sloan and a terrible punishment it was to be stuck with that woman.

“I also found out that a warrior has been assigned to report all Bree’s movements and whereabouts to Cree, though I hear tell that she isn’t up to much. When she’s not tending Old Mary, she’s helping Elsa. She’s not one to sit around idle that one and she’s a sweet thing and so grateful that Cree has offered her a home here.”

Dawn felt a twinge of guilt for turning Bree away that day she had come to the cottage and asked to speak with her. It seemed that Bree was sincere and she hoped that her innocence would soon be proven.

“Tongues are stirring once again about the man who attacked you. It seems that the tracks just disappeared. They were there one minute and then suddenly they were gone, as if the person vanished into thin air. The villagers are claiming him a ghost or demon, depends on who you talk with and who has had the most to drink. But you have to admit that it is strange. I mean how do tracks just suddenly stop?”

That was a good question, especially with him having suffered a wound. Why wasn’t there a blood trail? She wondered where the tracks were and if she could have a look for herself. Maybe Cree would take her in the morning.

Flanna joined Dawn in a glass of the fine wine and continued chatting. She caught Dawn unaware when she asked, “Did Ann Gerwan pay you a visit and advise you to go away and not darken her daughter’s bright future?”

In a sense, Dawn supposed that was exactly what Ann had suggested and so she nodded.

“Don’t pay her any heed, she’s just trying to protect that crazy daughter of hers.” She stood. “I better get back and see that things are running properly, but I’m glad Cree gave me permission to spend some time with you. I was eager to share with you what I had learned thus far.”

Dawn tapped her chest.

“No need to thank me, I enjoy snooping and uncovering secrets,” Flanna said with a whisper, then tilted her head to stare at Dawn with a raised brow. “You look upset again. Was it something I said?”

Dawn shook her head, not quite sure what was disturbing her, though she certainly had enough problems to choose from.

“Don’t you go worrying yourself. All will go well, you’ll see. Cree won’t have it any other way.” She gave Dawn’s hand a reassuring squeeze, and then out the door she went.

Dawn found herself pacing again shortly after Flanna left and growing annoyed. Secrets. There were just too many secrets and Dawn appeared to be at the center of them all. And Lord forbid that one secret should be brought to light. It would be the ruin of lives, the death of some and yet freedom for her.

Dawn continued pacing, thinking, and growing more frustrated.

~~~

Cree sat in his chair at the dais ignoring the talk going on around him, his thoughts on how long and hard he had fought to get here. He had wanted a better life not just for himself but also his sister and the men and women who had fought along with him. He had known things would not prove easy but he had been determined, still was, to have what he wanted.

He had never expected to fall in love along the way. And listening to the inane chatter going on around him made him realize all the more how much he wanted Dawn as his wife. The thought of being straddled to Lucerne for the rest of his life made him think that he would much prefer death.

His eyes latched onto Flanna entering the Great Hall. She had to be returning from visiting Dawn and he almost bolted out of the chair to go ask her how Dawn was. Damn but he missed her terribly and he couldn’t wait until later when he would see her again.

His muscles grew taut and he inched his way up to sit straighter in his chair when he noticed that the lines on Flanna’s face were drawn tight, as if in concern and he immediately wondered if it had anything to do with Dawn. He went to stand when Roland Gerwan directed a remark to him that silenced everyone at the table.

“I hear the McCluskys were trapped here by a snowstorm. You are wise not to have them in the keep, heathens the lot of them, especially the son Torr. I have heard tales of him that are not fit to be repeated.”

Cree turned a scowl on the man. “Perhaps I should invite them to join us and we can ask them if the tales are true.”

Ann Gerwan gasped. “If that is your wish, my lord, then Lucerne and I will take our leave.”