She met his gaze, her chin lifting slightly though her hands still trembled. “And what if there’s nae other choice? I couldnae just stand there and let them?—”
“Enough,” Marcus interrupted, his voice sharp but not unkind. “Ye did what ye thought was right, and I’ll nae fault ye for it. But next time, ye leave the fightin’ to me. I’ll always come for ye.”
There was a flicker of emotion in his eyes—something raw and unguarded.
“I’ll try,” she whispered, her resolve softening just a little. “But ye’d better be quick, Marcus. I’m nae one for waitin’.”
A faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth despite the tension in his features. “Aye, lass,” he said, his voice low and steady. “I’ll always be quick when it’s for ye.”
Marcus picked her up in his arms and placed her on the horse then sat behind her, his arms cradling her as they rode.
“Why were ye two alone in the forest?” he asked, his voice tight with concern. “What if somethin’ worse had happened?”
Annabeth glanced up at him, her expression serious. “We were gatherin' herbs for the villagers, Marcus. Supplies have been growin’ scarce, and we’ve been doin’ what we can to help. It seemed safe enough at the time.”
Marcus frowned, his mind working through the possibilities. “Next time, ye’ll come get me,” he said firmly. “I’ll accompany ye to the forest. I daenae want ye goin’ off on yer own again, especially nae with what just happened. If I cannae do it, I will have guards go with ye.”
The sound of thundering hooves echoed, and Marcus put his hand on his sword until he saw Eli and four guards come into view.
“Laird! What goes?” Eli shouted.
“All is well. I am nae injured, and the lass is shaken but nae hurt. See to the men back there I have left for dead. Find out what ye can about them. I want names, and when ye are done, burn the bodies and burn the camp.”
“Aye, ye heard the Laird, with me!” Eli shouted the orders, and the group of men rode past Marcus and Annabeth as they continued back toward the castle.
They reached the moss grove in silence, and Marcus could feel the tension still hanging between them. Annabeth moved toward the spot where she had dropped her basket, eyes scanning the ground for it. “This was the man who suggested the women go with them,” she muttered, pointing to the dead man.
Marcus turned to face her, his fists tightening at his sides. “That bastard,” he muttered under his breath.
His mind raced, and the fury that had once subsided surged back to life.
I should’ve made that man regret ever layin’ a finger on Annabeth, and now, I’m nae sure if the anger will ever fade.
Inwardly, Marcus cursed himself for his restraint. He should have been more brutal, more vicious when dealing with those scoundrels.
Marcus sighed and glanced out at the woods, his thoughts still heavy with what could’ve happened.
I couldnae live with meself if they'd taken ye, Annabeth. I’ll kill anyone who dares come close to ye.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
As Annabeth sat behind Marcus on his horse, the steady rhythm of the horse’s trot carried her thoughts away. She could feel the warmth of his back beneath her fingertips, the strength in every movement. His presence was solid, grounding her, and a strange comfort filled her chest.
This man is strong,she thought.Strong enough to protect me. He rescued me.
Her thoughts turned inward as they rode, and she found herself replaying the moments of the rescue.
The way he held me, when he placed his doublet on me...
A shiver ran down her spine as she remembered the tenderness in his touch, the care he’d shown her despite the danger.
I wish he would say somethin’. Did he come to rescue me because he was the first man Elena found, or did he come because he cares for me?
Her heart skipped at the thought though she quickly shook it off.
Nae, I shouldnae think like that.
Still, the question lingered in her mind, unanswered and growing heavier with each passing moment.
