The Seer - Hildie McQueen Page 0,7
a slice through yer throat.”
When he turned, Alasdair was pleasantly surprised. The beautiful lass with fiery eyes stood at a ready stance with a small dagger in hand.
If he’d learned anything over the years, it was not to underestimate an angry woman. “I see yer prepared to follow through with yer threat. I am afraid to find myself at a disadvantage as I am not sure what I did that warrants yer ire.”
Her eyes hardened and nostrils flared. “Ye have to but breathe in my direction, sir.”
This time Alasdair couldn’t help a smile. “I will endeavor not to breathe milady. Now if ye don’t mind, tell me why ye are spying?”
If she was the spy the men feared, he would find out soon enough. Unfortunately, he had to touch her in order to do so. Although he currently didn’t sense any reason to distrust the beauty, it was best to be sure.
Her chin lifted just a bit. “I was not spying.”
“So ye make it a habit to stand behind trees for no reason then?” He took a step toward her and she didn’t move. Thankfully neither did she lift her dagger higher. Instead she studied him, her gaze roving over him from his face down to his boots. “Ye seem familiar to me.”
“That would be because I saw ye arguing with some men last night at the tavern.”
He’d not meant to reveal that and the fact he did made him grind his teeth.
“Ye were there.” Her statement was almost like she attempted to picture him. Other than the night before, Alasdair was sure never to have met the woman. “Interesting.” She left the word hanging in the air between them.
Alasdair took another step closer. “Do ye know the gentlemen with whom I met?” He was perfectly aware that one of the men was her brother. It mattered not what their relationship was. In his experience betrayal within a family was unfortunately very common.
Her gaze slid toward where he’d been with the two warriors, but she didn’t reply. Instead she lowered the dagger.
“I will be on my way then.” Alasdair turned toward where he’d left his steed. The beast was nowhere to be seen. He let out a breath and whistled. When that went unanswered, he called out, “Blasted horse, come here!”
“Blasted? Is that yer horse’s name? Perhaps if ye were nicer, he’d not hide.” The woman came to stand next to him. It was interesting she did not act at all intimidated by him. Most people, especially women, were wary when he was about. Although quick witted, his stern demeanor and disfiguring scar down past the side of his left eye to the top of his cheek could be a deterrent.
The horse ambled through the trees, not seeming to have a care in the world.
“If my life were in danger, I’d be dead by now,” Alasdair mumbled, glaring at the horse who began to nibble at the grass.
The woman studied the horse a soft smile playing at the corners of her lips. “I must take my leave. I would say it was a pleasure meeting ye, but that would be a lie.”
Alasdair reached for her and touched her upper arm. The woman gasped, but remained frozen, her widened eyes meeting his.
The warrior, the man he’d met with twice already, and Guiles appeared next along with other shadowy figures. They were in a cave. There were murmurings and whispers, urgency thick in the air.
“Ye are part of the resistance,” Alasdair stated. “Now, I do find that interesting. That ye felt the need to spy on the men I met with. Could it be ye are the one they fear dwelling among them?”
She moved back, her upper lip lifted in a snarl. “Ye had no right to do that.”
Tense seconds passed as they stood at a stand-off. In truth, he’d not sensed she was the one who spied. The reason for her being there was not clear. It could be she was ensuring no harm came to her brother. However, it was not uncommon for sibling rivalry to be taken to extremes.
A part of him trusted her. At the same time something about the woman brought out a strange protective reaction he’d never felt before. Then again, it could be he was struck stupid by her beauty.
“How can ye be around people?” She asked. “I believe most to be kind, however so many have dark secrets and horrible thoughts that ye can sense.”
Her question was valid and despite the truth of her