Page 146 of Bond of a Bewitched Highlander

"Nay. I want to," she whispered.

"Why?"

"Well, in case you're nay aware, you're precious to me. I wish to cherish every inch of you."

"Och," he breathed. "You are the precious one, love."

She burst into sobs and turned away.

"Saints, what's wrong? Come here." He tugged her close and gazed into blue eyes awash with tears. He stroked the wet, silken skin of her face. "Why are you crying?"

"Because... I thought I would never hear you say such beautiful words to me again. 'Tis my dream come true."

"Well, I'm saying them because you're my dream come true. I tried to get over you, but 'twas impossible. That was why it hurt so bad. You captured my heart the first moment I saw you, and I will never be free."

"I feel the same way, and I'm so sorry." Her throat sounded constricted, and she could barely get the words out. "By betraying you, I almost destroyed myself, too."

"You did it to save my life." He pushed strands of hair behind her ear. "I know that now. I would've done the same thing if I believed I was saving your life. I would do anything for you."

She kissed the side of his forehead farthest from his wound. He pulled her closer and kissed her lips, then observed her at close range, love and adoration shining from her eyes. She leaned her elbows on the mattress as he stroked her face.

"I thought I loved the curse and being a selkie," he said. "But now I see I was trapped and deceived. 'Twas an oppressive, dark place. While swimming in the ocean, I felt free but... lonely. After we destroyed the curse, I realized I hadn't experienced true happiness since it began."

She nodded, her eyes glistening. "Nor did I. 'Twas soul-crushing desolation."

"You're the one who broke the curse, lass. I never thought I'd say this, but I thank you for that. I thank you for being bold enough to express your love, even when rage consumed me. You were extremely brave to open your heart like that, even when I was being vile and hurling insults."

She shrugged. "I knew you were in pain and that I had caused it. I was the only one who could do something about it."

"Well, you got through to me and sliced my stubbornness to ribbons." He grinned. "Besides that, you're a brave female warrior to rescue the selkies, nay once but twice, and to dispatch that bastard."

"I had to. Failure was not an option."

A knock sounded at the door, annoying Brodie. He frowned at it.

She rose. "Come in."

'Twas Gavin, Torr behind him. "How is he doing?" Gavin asked.

"Braw," Brodie said behind her, sitting up. "Going hunting in a bit."

Elsea smothered a laugh. "I'll be back in a little while." She exited, and he was disappointed to see her go. But he knew she needed to rest and clean up.

His two best friends—brothers—grinned at him. "I like your new hairstyle," Gavin teased.

"It becomes you," Torr said.

Brodie grinned and lay back against the stacked pillows. "'Twill grow back soon enough. Want to pour us a dram? Finnian near wasted all the whisky, drenching my scalp with it."

"Aye, 'tis strong in the air." Torr poured three drams and handed them out.

"Slàinte mhath," they said in unison, raising their glasses.

"Look at you, smiling for the first time ever." Gavin sat on a nearby chair.

Brodie snorted. "Nay the first time ever. I smile all the time."

"'Tis a boldfaced lie, but I'm overjoyed the curse is finally banished from all of us." Gavin sipped from the small glass.