Page 98 of Bond of a Bewitched Highlander

Ruskin helped him clean up and put on a fresh shirt, an old one in case he bled on it. The faster he moved, the faster he would be back in action. He tried to stand but almost blacked out.

"'Tis too soon, lad," Finnian warned, grabbing his arm and urging him to the bed again. "Sitting is enough for this day."

Brodie sat for a few minutes, thinking of the selkies. What if the whoreson returned to the island this night to capture more females?

"Can you send Kenneth up here? I need to speak to him forthwith."

"Of course, but promise me you will remain seated." The old man pointed a finger.

Not used to being ordered about, Brodie rolled his eyes. "I promise."

"I'll watch him," Ruskin said, adding a piece of driftwood to the fire.

Finnian nodded and left the room.

A few minutes later, his tall, brawny sword-bearer entered and bowed, his brown eyes concerned. "Chief. How are you doing?"

"I'm improving. Listen, Kenneth, I need you to take a dozen or so men out to Rònmòrach Isle and help guard the selkies. Talnaroch may try to abduct the females again."

"Of course."

"Take enough food and supplies for several days. Arrange for a second group of guards to relieve the first group after a few days. Tell Chief Scarth I'm recovering, and I'll return as soon as I'm able. The selkie males will need help if the bastard earl has hired more soldiers. Besides, that damned witch is helping him, which gives him the advantage."

Kenneth nodded, dark brows lowered. "Aye, chief, do nay fash over it. We'll protect them."

"Be on the alert for strange occurrences. You can never predict what the witch will do."

They talked a few more minutes, then Kenneth left.

Since Brodie couldn't be out there, he was glad the selkie males would have the assistance of his clan. At the same time, he hoped his clansmen wouldn't have to fight the earl's men. He did not want them injured either.

His stomach was settled enough for him to eat a few minutes later, when Elsea entered with a tray of food.

Saints, but she was lovely today, her blue eyes bright, slightly cheerful, but concerned as she observed him. Part of her blond hair was braided and pulled back, making him think of warrior braids. Aye, she was a wee warrior, considering all she had endured.

"Are you dizzy?" she asked in a soft, intimate tone.

"Nay much."

Ruskin moved the bigger table closer to him, and she set the tray on it.

Brodie picked up the spiced wine glass and drank, then glared with utmost dread at the black pudding and haggis. Normally, he liked both, but his stomach threatened to rebel. What if he retched in front of the lass? He would never live it down.

"I can only tolerate broth," Brodie muttered.

"Your mother insisted I bring the haggis and black pudding," Elsea said.

He exhaled. "Of course. I would expect nothing less."

He took a bite of the warm, buttered bread and chewed. 'Twas tolerable. The more he ate, the better it tasted.

"Did you put butter on this?" he asked her.

"Aye. Do you like it?" Her gaze searched his face.

"'Tis good. I appreciate it."

"Do you want anything else?" Her tone was so kind, her gaze so affectionate. Both lanced at his heart, and he thought about how she had declared her love the night before, more than once. He tried to block the memory.