Page 105 of Bond of a Bewitched Highlander

Cat made an exaggerated sad, disappointed face. "You cannot mean that. Why did you leave Brodie for Talnaroch when the curse began? Could you truly not tolerate Brodie shifting?"

"That had naught to do with that," Elsea assured her. "When I was at Inverslaig Castle for my cousin's wedding, just after the witch placed the curse, she gave me vivid and horrifying nightmares. She showed me all the ways she would slaughter Brodie, slitting his throat, stabbing him. So much blood. At first, I thought it was real. I thought she had already killed him." Tears filled Elsea's eyes.

"That evil bitch," Cat hissed.

"She shifted into a bat and flew out the window of my bedchamber. She could reach him before I could warn him."

"Did you tell Brodie?"

"Aye, but he refuses to listen. He thinks 'tis a made-up excuse. 'Twould be difficult looking into his eyes while I explain how I ended up in the earl's path. Anyway, I could no longer bear the traumatic nightmares, watching Brodie being murdered over and over. The fear for his life. After the wedding, at the banquet and cèilidh, I drank too much wine and other spirits, perhaps laced with poppy. Somehow, I ended up seated beside Talnaroch. The witch must have orchestrated it. Most of my memories of that night are haziness and shadow. I woke up the next morn in Talnaroch's bed."

Cat drew in a sharp breath and covered her mouth.

"Aye, 'twas the bottom of the barrel. I had intentionally ruined my life. The next time the witch showed up, she demanded I write Brodie a missive explaining that the betrothal was over. She was thrilled and smug. I was near destroyed when Brodie came to see me, demanding why I had betrayed him."

"I feel so horrible that she forced you to endure that. 'Twas nay your fault." Cat blinked at the sheen of moisture in her eyes. "Do your brothers know you're here?"

"Nay, Brodie wants me to stay until the selkie abductions stop. If they ken I'm here, they'll come and retrieve me."

"Why did you take such a grand risk to help Brodie and the selkies? Riding for twenty miles or more to follow the earl?"

"Did you nay do the same when you went to find Torr, except you walked twenty miles."

"Aye, but 'twas to prevent my marriage to a despicable beast and attempt to break Brodie's curse."

"Well, I had to help the selkie women," Elsea said. "I had to stop the rape and terrible abuse they must be suffering at the earl's hand. When I couldn't have Brodie, I had naught else to live for."

Concern darkening Cat's aquamarine eyes, she took Elsea's hand. "What do you mean?"

"I needed a real purpose that meant something. Not just to secure an alliance for my brother. I wanted to help people and make a difference. I knew I could never make amends to Brodie, but I could for myself."

"You have, my friend. You have made it up to Brodie, whether he knows it or not."

Elsea shook her head, remembering how Brodie's gaze was always vexed and accusing, even after the beautiful experience in the cave. "I destroyed what we had beyond repair."

"Do you still love him?" Cat asked softly.

Elsea's chest tightened, stalling her breath. Should she answer that question? It was no secret. She had told Finnian. And she had told Brodie multiple times.

"Aye. More than life itself."

***

A SHARP KNOCK SOUNDED at Brodie's door, interrupting his conversation with Torr.

"Enter," Brodie said, leaning back against the pillows.

Cat stormed in, glaring at him. "Can I have a word with you, brother?"

Oh hell. Had Elsea told her about the cave incident? He returned her glare, for he was not taking a scolding from his wee sister.

"If you'll excuse me." Torr stood and proceeded toward the door.

"Where are you going?" Brodie demanded. He needed backup. Torr could calm Cat down far better than Brodie could. He would only rile her more.

"To find a dram," Torr said with a slight grin. Blast him. He didn't want to witness the tongue-lashing Cat was going to deliver.

"Bring me a bottle," Brodie said. Finnian had withheld most of the whisky, only giving him watered-down tripe.