"Nay. Of course not. But the witch infuriates me."
She nodded, agreeing with him but refusing to disclose that the witch frightened her—if she could truly cause a fire from a considerable distance, in addition to turning into a wolf herself or creating wolf illusions. Cat could not comprehend it all. But with Torr by her side, she felt safe. He was incredibly protective and capable.
"Do you wish for me to ride you again?" She ate a bite of the stew.
He lifted a brow, his eyes darkening. "Aye. 'Tis the fastest way to travel since our horses were stolen."
She thought of poor Rosie. "We must get them back."
"I'll deal with that once we get to Blacktower."
She took a sip of ale and swallowed. "'Twould be easier for me to hold on if you wear a bridle."
He scowled. "Nay, I hate bridles."
"But I feared I'd hurt you, holding onto your mane so tightly."
"'Twas nay painful. In fact, as a kelpie, I rarely feel any pain or cold."
"Very well, then. Whatever you wish." She continued eating, then glanced up to find Torr watching her intently with that slight frown. Was it their topic of conversation or something else?
"Why do bridles disturb you so much?" she asked.
"All kelpies despise them."
"Hmm. Do you know many other kelpies?"
"None. But I have read stories of others." He paced from one side of the small chamber to the other.
She had a feeling he wasn't telling her everything. She wished he would sit by her on the bed, kiss her sweetly, and seduce her. But he seemed far away. He had distanced himself.
Picking at her food now, she sighed and contemplated their failed mission. "Well, Elsea is not the one to break Brodie's curse."
"Did I nay tell you?"
Torr looked so superior she wanted to throw a chunk of bread at him. "Indeed, oh wise one. She is in love withGarrett, the guard, and nay interested in Brodie." Cat took a bite of the tough bread and chewed while she tried to think of women who had visited Farspag that Brodie might have liked. "Where shall we find him a woman?"
Torr shook his head, looking irritable again.
"You and Brodie used to travel about together," she said. "There must have been a woman somewhere he showed interest in."
"Of course. Brodie showed interest in near every wench we encountered between the ages of sixteen and sixty."
She snorted. "You jest."
"Nay by much." Torr glanced out the window. "The gloamin' is drawing nigh, and I must return to the wood, else I'll shift in this chamber. 'Twould be a grand predicament."
"Indeed." She knew his annoyance wasn't directed at her, but she still disliked his mood. "I'll be out in a quarter hour."
"Very well."
She waited for him to kiss her, but he abruptly turned and slammed out the door.
"Humph." Had she not pleased him with her kisses and sensual play earlier?
She would have to learn better kissing skills. The love potion Finnian had given her popped into her mind. She dug the vial out of her pocket. 'Twas empty, but mayhap she could acquire more. She recalled Finnian had poured only a small amount from his larger bottle. Aye, that was the answer!
***
