Page 162 of Moon Craving

"You dare to imply--"

"I'm not implying anything." Niall rubbed his hand over his face. "Just leave it,

Guaire."

"I won't leave it. Our lady deserves better than you are giving her."

"I would protect her with my life."

Abigail believed him; there was nothing but sincerity and an inexplicable sadness

in his eyes.

"She is more than a responsibility to you." Guaire was not giving any quarter. "She

is your friend. Or at least I thought so."

"I believed so as well."

"What? So you don't believe it any longer?"

"She deceived my laird. She hurt him. She deceived me."

"She had her reasons."

"They don't matter."

Abigail feared her husband shared his warrior's belief.

"They do."

"She doesn't need my friendship, she has yours."

Abigail could not stand it any longer. She headed toward the two arguing men. So

intent was she on reaching them she did not immediately take note of the vibrations of the

ground. When she did, she instinctively moved to the side, turning to see what was

making the earth shake.

Talorc's giant black stallion was almost upon her. She'd moved away from his path,

but not enough. Realizing it, she dived to the ground, rolling farther away from the deadly

path of the beast.

She felt the rush of air as he charged behind her. Now that was what she called

close. Shaking a little from the near mishap, she stood and dusted off her plaid. Only then

did she notice the soldiers running toward her.

Niall got there first. "Are you harmed?"

"No." She tried a tentative smile that was not returned. "Just a little shaken."

"Several of the clan yelled a warning, but you did not hear." He didn't appear to be