Page 28

She pointed around the hovel as she listed what they’d accomplished.

“I have packed up all of the remaining food, and after we finish the pottage tonight, I will scrub out the pot⁠—”

“I will scrub out the pot,” I told her sternly.

She merely rolled her lovely brown eyes.

“And that will be ready to go, assuming we can eat the last of the bread to break our fast. I have the oats in a separate bag for bannocks, although I should warn you that Ewan will complain after the second time he’s forced to eat it⁠—”

“I can’t complain any more than you!” Ewan called from across the room, where he was bundling dry tinder. “I promised!”

I switched to Cataline’s other leg.

“This afternoon I’ll smoke as much of the meat as I can manage by tomorrow, and we can hunt on the way. Are ye willing to buy provisions⁠—”

“Not here.” Cataline’s face had gone even paler as she glanced at her son and lowered her voice. “I do not want any hint at where we disappeared to.”

John.

I wanted to gather her in my arms, to swear I’d protect her again, but I could see her watching Ewan, so I merely nodded.

“We’re going to head for the Bladesedge stones. There’s a circle on Islay, but if we’re going to have to cross the sea, I want it to be in my world, where I ken the ferrymen, no’ here.”

The human world and mine mirrored each other exactly, which is why I knew I could easily find my way home.

“Two nights to the stones, and we’ll have plenty of time to rest before the veil thins.”

Exactly at midnight on the first night of the full moon, the stone circle would fill with a mist for an hour, allowing travel back and forth.

“Once in my world, we can take as much time as ye need, but I will need to push us until then.”

“I understand, and I agree,” she sighed, slouching back against the chair. “Tomorrow morning I will bundle as many blankets as the horse can carry⁠—”

“And I’ll fashion the largest into a tent to protect us,” I promised. “But the air isnae as frigid as it could be, and the closer we get to the coast, the less the chances of snow. ‘Twill no’ be a comfortable two nights, but we will survive.”

Her eyes were closed. “I am glad we have one more night on a bed, at least.”

I vowed to rub her back as often as she needed.

That night, I promised myself I wouldn’t keep her awake, since she would need to be well-rested on our journey. Still, when she scootched her sweet little arse up to cradle my cock, I couldn’t stop my groan.

And when the minx made a sound suspiciously like a giggle, I began to suspect she did it on purpose…

Cataline’s arse was a temptation I couldn’t resist. The moment she pressed that sweet, round curve against my cock, I knew I was lost. My Kteer snarled in approval, my blood roaring in my ears as I reached for her.

She was already breathless, her body warm and soft against mine, and when my fingers found her breast, she arched into my touch with a quiet whimper. The weight of it filled my palm, heavy and full. I squeezed gently, testing, remembering what she liked and she gasped, her nipple tightening against my callused fingers.

Gods below, she was perfect.

I rolled her nipple between my thumb and forefinger, feeling the thick bud stiffen further. A drop of warmth welled against the wool of her chemise—milk—and I groaned, unable to stop myself from bringing my fingers to my mouth. The taste was sweet, rich, and my cock throbbed painfully in response.

Cataline turned her head, her breath hitching as she watched me lick her milk from my fingers.

“Maardok—”

I didn’t let her finish. My hands were already working at the laces of her chemise, tugging the fabric loose until her breasts spilled free. The glow from the embers flickered across her skin, casting shadows over the full, heavy curves, the dark nipples already glistening with more milk.

My mouth watered.