The Scot's Quest - Keira Montclair Page 0,58

think we can take our rest and follow on the morrow. Everyone agree?”

“Aye,” Els said. “I still don’t like that he’s off on his own without any of us, but for all we know he simply left Cameron land because he thought it best to stay on the move. To keep the English guessing. He has guards with him and could be headed home now.”

Alick nodded. “It sounds as if he came to help Robert, then left when he found out he wasn’t needed. And he had Grant guards with him, aye?”

“Aye,” Derric replied. “He said six or eight.”

Emmalin said, “I’m exhausted. Can we not sleep for a wee bit before moving on?”

“Aye,” Joya agreed. “I’ll not get back on that horse again right now for anything.”

Since Branwen was also in agreement, they found a spot under a copse of trees. Alasdair had brought a tent for cover because his wife was along, and Els had a tarp for the others to sleep on to help them stay dry. They clustered together, the three married couples cuddling close. As usual, the guards had found a spot on the periphery for their own camp, and three of them stood guard. The watch would shift in a few hours.

That left Dyna and Derric. She’d already made it clear she didn’t want to get too close to him, but surely she wouldn’t deny herself the benefit of his heat.

Derric came up behind her and whispered, “We’re in a crowd of your cousins. I’ll be on my best behavior, but you know you could use my warmth. You said you liked it last eve.” He knew she was not one to make any declarations in front of anyone, but he didn’t understand why she would turn him away. It wasn’t as if he’d make a display of them or run about telling her cousins what had taken place last eve. He liked his bollocks just fine where they were. “I’ll say naught, just settle.”

She sighed and stared up at him, pondering her choices.

Although he’d spoken for only her ears, her hesitation must have been obvious to the others—along with the reason for it—because Alick said, “Don’t be a fool. You’re fully clothed in the middle of your cousins.”

“Aye,” Joya said, “and his sister would kick his arse if he touched you inappropriately.”

Dyna glanced at Joya, finally agreed, and lay down close to him.

But she wouldn’t let her skin touch his.

Close as they were, they might as well have been a mountainside apart. The ice she gave off was as frosty as ever. He thought they’d settled everything, so why was she denying him?

Could he have been mistaken about how she felt?

Chapter Twenty

Alexander Grant was tired. Tired of searching over half the Highlands for the person he sought. It wouldn’t be long before someone from his clan found him and he’d be forced to go back to Grant land.

But he couldn’t.

He was done watching his clan be tortured by the English.

The last plan he’d made had failed—the Scottish sheriffs hadn’t been stationed near King Robert like he’d thought. His confidant had done as promised, but he couldn’t keep asking for help.

It was time to complete this mission.

He awakened early that morn and stood on his favorite vantage point, looking down at the snow-topped Highland mountains he so loved. He only knew one person who liked this view more than he did.

His companion joined him. “’Tis a view I’ve always loved, but you know that. We’ve seen much happen in the Highlands over the years, and I still treasure every single trip I’ve made across this point.”

Alex clasped the man’s shoulder. “Aye, we’ve seen much. I’d hoped to see Scotland back in control of the Scots before I leave this land. I hope King Robert will be successful. This move I’m about to make should seal that for all of our countrymen.”

The other man pointed. “Look below. The ones you’re searching for are there, I believe.”

Alex squinted, cursing his loss of vision. “I cannot see that far any longer. I must depend on your eyes.”

“Trust me that the man you are looking for is ahead of us. ’Tis time for us to move.”

Alexander Grant smiled and squared his shoulders. “Lead on. We’ll end this.”

***

Dyna awakened early and intentionally made enough noise to rouse Derric. He sat up and said, “You couldn’t leave us be for another hour, Diamond?”

“Nay. We have to move on.”

Derric rubbed his eyes and stared at her. “You’re certain we must go now?”

“Aye,