Chapter 22
The narrow road ledthrough knee-high shrubby heather, gorse, and grasses. Waves crashing onto the shore grew louder, and the wind lashed Cat's hair against her cheeks. She pressed the side of her face to Torr's back and tightened her arms around his waist, savoring the strong, vital feel of him. She craved holding him for hours, but he might not become her husband for a while yet—days, weeks. She groaned.
Torr turned. "What is it?"
"Naught... except I'm worried. And I wish to marry you without delay."
"'Tis what I want as well, lass. 'Twill nay be much longer before we have Brodie's blessing."
She prayed he was right.
Not wanting the guards to see her embracing Torr, she pulled back before they neared the keep. Riding behind him would be suspect enough.
When they reached the portcullis, the guards recognized them and allowed them entrance.
In the cobblestone bailey, she glanced around and thankfully saw none of the MacPeters. Just a few of her own clansmen and guards. Torr dismounted and lifted her down.
"I pray Brodie is here," she whispered.
"Catriona!" her mother shouted as she quickly descended the steps of the keep. She ran forward and dragged Cat into a tight embrace. "Oh, my darling. I was so afraid you were dead. Thank the heavens, Gavin and Torr brought you back."
"Wonderful to see you, Ma. Indeed, I am well. Is Brodie here?"
Her mother drew back. "Nay. He has been gone longer than you have."
"Blast! What of MacPeter and his clan?"
"They are gone."
A horrid thought occurred to Cat. "Has he been searching for me?"
"Nay, but some of our clansmen have." Her mother glanced at those who accompanied her. "How did Gavin and Torr find you?"
"I went to them for help."
Standing nearby, the two men bowed and greeted her.
Her mother curtsied.
"Gavin is the chief of his clan now, and this is his new bride, Lady MacTavish."
"Please call me Dani." She gave a brief curtsy.
"A pleasure to meet you." Her ma's gaze darted between Gavin and Torr. "I thought you were both afflicted with the curse."
"We used to be, m'lady," Gavin said.
"Both their curses have been banished," Cat said, thrilled to say the words. "Brodie's curse can be, too. 'Tis why they came with me... to rescue him from the evil hex."
"Well, I would be overjoyed if someone would help him, but none of us know where he is."
"We'll find him, m'lady," Torr said with solemn confidence.
"I pray you will," Ma said. "Come in and refresh yourselves. You must be starving."
"We would prefer to search for Brodie before dark," Gavin said.
"Suit yourself, but you must allow my daughter and your new bride to come inside and rest. They look exhausted."
