Page 31 of Highlander’s Evil Side

Fraser sighed, drawing her attention back to him. She watched him turn around, hope seizing her. Perhaps he saw reason; he was listening to her words. He released the reins and stepped towards her. Beitris blinked up at him as he pulled the blankets around her and stroked her cheek. “It will have to wait,” he said gently. “We cannot lose those crops. The whole of the clan depends on that village.”

“The clan depends on ye.” Beitris’s hands fisted, angry that Fraser wasn’t thinking about his health. His gaze shifted away from her, making her even more frustrated. Where was the man from before, the man who wished to listen to her? Had he suddenly disappeared? “I’m going with.”

Fraser's gaze lifted, his eyes widening as if she had just told him she was going into battle. “Nae, Beitris, ye must remain here.”

Beitris shook her head adamantly. “Nae, I want to go with ye. What if something happens?”

Fraser nodded. “Exactly, what if something happens to ye?” He took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself, Beitris, which is why I need ye to remain here, with my mother.”

Beitris clenched her jaw, scowling back at him. “I can take care of myself. I can help ye. These are soon to be my people, too.”

“I can’t permit ye to do that.” Fraser sighed. “I need ye here, Beitris, away from danger. I need to know that yer safe.”

Beitris tugged her hand from his, taking a step away from him. After everything they had been through together, he didn’t want her by his side, aiding him in leading his clan. Her heart twinged, taking another step away from him. He saw her as weak, nothing more than a decorative item.

Fraser wasn’t much different than the other men she met, she realized.

“Fine,” she said, turning on her heel and stalking past Helga and into the keep.

“Beitris, wait!” Fraser called, but she refused to stop. She felt her hand being grabbed, and she whirled around, unsurprised when she met Fraser’s gaze.

“How can ye not understand?” she asked angrily. “We were just attacked by brigands and now with the villages to the west.” She shook her head, hating the way her voice cracked. “Too much has happened.”

“I know,” said Fraser, resting both hands on her shoulders. “I do not want to leave ye, Beitris, but I must. I need to take care of my people. I am the laird. They rely on me.”

Beitris pushed his hand away, tears spilling from her eyes while she stepped away from him. “Then go, if ye must.”

“Beitris.” Fraser stepped towards her. “Staying here is the safest place for ye. Ye have already done so much for me. Too much.”

Beitris shook her head and spun around, bursting into a run. She didn’t stop until she was at her chambers, flinging the door open. Her anger paused as her gaze met the shelves nailed into the wall, her books resting on the thick slats of wood, staring back at her.

Beitris’s legs gave out. Her knees struck the floor, and she covered her face, allowing the turmoil from the day to take control of her. She sobbed into her hands, allowing the tears to come forth and the worry to shudder through her.

Fraser was injured, and she feared for his life. He needed someone by his side, taking care of him, ensuring his safety. Just because she was a woman didn’t mean she couldn’t help. She pushed herself off the floor and stumbled towards the window. Wiping away her tears, she watched Fraser lead his men out of the gates, taking with him Scott, Kenneth, Gavin, and a few others. He needed a healer. Hopefully, his men would realize that. Hopefully, they would look out for him, care for his wound.

“Do not fret, child.”

Beitris flinched. She turned, finding Helga standing at the threshold, watching Beitris with a distant look.

“He will be back sooner than ye think.”

Beitris frowned, watching Helga turn away. Her faint footsteps echoed through the hall, wafting towards Beitris. Confusion made her pain and worry worsen. How could Helga have so much faith in her son? She knew he was injured. Even she told him to see a healer. How does she know her son will come back alive? Beitris wondered, an eerie shiver running down her spine as she turned back to the window.