Both men nodded and nudged their heels into their mounts to urge them higher up the mountain and westward.
“Are your other men safe and waiting for ye or have they moved on?” Relief had filled her to see Graham and Magnus unscathed from their recent escape but concern had dampened the sentiment when the rest of Alexander’s kin had been missing. While they’d been at Neal keep, she’d noticed on more than one occasion that the group of seven men were a tight knit bunch—more loyal to each other than any clan and from the stories they told, they seemed to always travel as one.
“Whilst we fetched ye, the rest have tended to other matters we pray will show us the best way to help ye forever escape the clutches of your brother.”
Catriona pondered this answer for a long moment, drawing in a deep breath as she drew her arisaidh closer about her.Help me escape.But what about everyone else? Her cheeks heated as the memory of both her father and Calum’s deplorable behavior filled her with nauseating guilt. She couldna desert her clan to such a horrible fate. She swallowed hard and ground her teeth as she clutched the lip of the saddle tighter. Her mother shouldha killed her father during one of his drunken stupors. Killed the wicked disease at its source before it had consumed Calum.
“I have to save my clan,” she said, shifting to look Alexander in the eye, praying he’d understand. “I canna leave them to Calum.” She couldna bring herself to say more. She couldna bear the shame nor what Alexander would think once he learned the truth about her twin and how he’d come to be such a monster.
Alexander studied her for a long moment, dark brows knotted together, eyes narrowed, and black hair whipping in the wind. “Ye ken there’s only one way to ensure that Calum is stopped and his followers dispersed?”
Catriona knew with a sick sense of finality what Alexander meant but she couldna put it in words. After all, her poor demented twin had become evil incarnate because of her. “I ken it well, Alexander.” She looked away and swallowed hard, her throat aching, but she didna fear the onslaught of tears because she had none left to cry when it came to her family.
“Dinna fash yourself, dearling,” Alexander said with a soft kiss to her temple. “We’ll see this through and save all we can, aye?”
Catriona nodded and forced a smile.
“Besides,” Alexander whispered against her cheek, his warm breath tickling her skin. “All that truly matters is that ye’re back in my arms, aye?”
“Aye.” She released the tensed breath she’d been holding and snuggled back against Alexander’s chest. A sudden weariness made her ache to give up the battle and rest. How long had it been since she’d slept? So much had happened, she couldna remember the last time she’d actually closed her eyes and lost herself to the blissful oblivion of sleep. A long, hiccupping yawn overcame her.
Alexander cradled her head back against his shoulder and kissed the top her head. “Close your eyes, lass, and steal what rest ye can whilst we ride. I’ll keep ye safe.”
Safe. She relaxed against him and nestled her cheek more comfortably into the dip of his shoulder. Aye, she was most certainly safe from Calum now but how safe was her heart from Alexander? Her eyes popped open, and she caught her breath. He’d greeted her most ardently in the cave but could that have merely been his relief at finding her so he’d be rid of the guilt of losing her to her brother? She thought back to the keep and the tender moments they’d shared. He’d seemed truly fond of her but would that fondness grow into something more? Something strong enough to keep him ever at her side?
He’s a mercenary. A man of travel.Catriona caught the corner of her lip between her teeth. She was wide awake now but slow to wish herself free of Alexander’s arms and the thump of his heartbeat against her cheek.I could travel with him. Tend to his wounds whenever he was injured.The idea sounded laughable even to herself. What mercenary, what warrior for hire, wished to travel with a woman and all the trappings required for her to travel with him?
Nay. Alexander had no need of her. But since he was most assuredly a man of honor, he’d ne’er allow himself to leave her behind. A burden. She’d be a burden he’d grow to resent. Catriona closed her eyes again, squinting them shut against the burning signal of oncoming tears. 'Twas true she’d ne’er cry for her family ever again but she had tears a plenty left for Alexander.
