Page 43 of Alec

“I know.” Her lips began tingling, as if hinting they wanted to be next in line for kissing; even better if they could relive the end of that shared dream. “Mae couldn’t bring herself to get some help, but shame and self-loathing was also part of her illness. I’ve accepted that she was a very sick woman.”

His eyes darkened. “Yet you still dream of that house, and her.”

“She was a nightmare that lasted for seventeen years.” It was always hard to admit that, as it made tears burn in her eyes. “But I spent too much of my life living in fear of her. I want to be free now, Alec. That’s all. Everything I’ve done since she died is to find my own way in the world, and what happiness I can have.”

“Such led you to me and mine, and the curse that imprisons you with us.” He looked sad now. “You’ve been made a prisoner again.”

“No. I fell into a wonderland, where I found you.” She touched his mouth with her fingertips. “You and this terrible bed.”

He took her hand away, pushing his fingers into her hair as he put his mouth to hers. The kiss, if it could be called that, came as light as a sigh across her lips, and made her tilt her head back against his palm.

“If you’re going to kiss me, I won’t hold back, and neither will you. I would really like to know more about the woman of your dreams, too. Then we will miss dinner, and probably a few other meals.” As much as Olivia wanted to do this, she knew others needed him now. “You have to find whatever hurt Elspeth, because it will attack someone else. I want to help.”

A horn sounded from outside the castle, making Alec stiffen.

“’Tis too early for the MacBren.” He helped her to her feet. “Bolt yourself in here.”

“Ava said all females are supposed to meet in the great hall when we hear that horn,” she countered. “I promised her I would.”

“Och, that woman.” His mouth flattened, but he held out his hand. “Very well. I’ll take you there.”