Highland Escape - Cathy MacRae Page 0,54
prepare the already-trained horses for the demands of combat. Working there proved the perfect way to end a day, though she always came to the evening meal smelling of horses.
Duncan placed a MacGregor plaide on her bed. On top lay a sgian dubh with the MacGregor crest. The lion’s head with crown was a powerful symbol, as was the slogan; “’S Rioghal Mo Dhream, Royal is my race.” Touched deeply by the gesture, Anna smiled through tears.
Duncan escorted her to the seat next to him at the table that evening. So close they frequently brushed hands, arms and legs, each random touch sent a jolt of awareness through her. It was a delicious torture to sit close to him yet not get carried away. This arrangement allowed them to enjoy both mealtime and the company of family, while being acutely mindful of each other. Family? At some point, she realized indeed the MacGregors had become like family.
Chapter 14
Anna met Duncan at the stables to depart for Graham Village at first light. Two large carts loaded with crates of produce, casks of mead and whisky, jars of honey, bundles of woven goods, sacks of grain and other goods were packed and ready. In addition, four horses they had trained stood tied to the back of the wagon, intended for sale. Two men on horseback and two in each wagon accompanied them. One man in each wagon drove, while the other wielded a large crossbow.
“’Twill take a day to reach the MacFarlane lands, then another to Graham territory. The main village is a half-day ride from their border,” Duncan explained.
He nodded toward the plaide she had draped around her shoulders. “It suits ye.”
“Aye, ’tis growing on me,” she answered in her best burr. His smile lit his whole face, and her heart stirred to know she brought him happiness. Wrapped in the same tartan he always wore created a tangible connection between them, making her feel as though she belonged.
She considered what it would be like to belong to him and he to her. Simply thinking about their kisses and caresses produced a warm, tingling sensation deep inside. She considered what it would be like to share his bed, to bear his children. Such thoughts had once brought a sense of dread and fear, but the thought of being tied to Duncan in such a way fostered a sense of longing.
The beautiful, lush green of the Highlands had definitely gotten into her blood, even if her blood hadn’t thickened enough to fully embrace them yet. She fingered the soft wool about her shoulders, grateful for its warmth. “Duncan, why do we need eight swords to protect two wagons? Are we not traveling through ally territories?”
“Aye, we are. Even though we stick to friendly lands, bandits sometimes waylay unprotected travelers.”
She shrugged. Their numbers afforded an opportunity to get to know some of his men better. However, it did reduce opportunities to be alone with him. Probably for the best, as she found it a challenge to ignore him riding just a few feet away, while she needed to concentrate on staying watchful.
The first day’s journey proved uneventful. The men set up camp near a stream while Duncan and Anna hunted for the evening meal. A brace of hares and three grouses later, they headed back to camp, lingering as they took advantage of their time alone before rejoining the men. A mournful whine interrupted their kiss. Pulling out of Duncan’s arms, Anna listened for it again.
“Did you hear that?”
“Aye, but ’twas so faint, I am not sure from where it came.”
They waited for the cry to repeat. The whine came again. They followed the sound to a rock overhang and a small cave. In the cave lay a litter of wolf pups. All were dead save one. The pup opened its mouth and keened again. Anna scanned the area for signs of an adult wolf. None were about.
“What has happened to the mother?” she wondered.
“She must have been killed. She wouldnae leave her pups to die were she alive.”
Cooing soothingly to the remaining pup, Anna scooped him up, holding him to her. He nestled into her tunic and whimpered. Her heart twisted, as she knew the pain and helplessness of losing family. Reaching for Duncan’s water skin, she poured a few drops into the pup’s mouth and he lapped greedily. She wrapped him in her tunic.
“Ye mean to keep him, then?” Duncan arched a brow.
“Let us see if he survives, but yes, I