Page 94 of Forbidden

“Are you hurt?” Duncan asked. “Did those carrion eaters touch you?”

The caress of his fingers on Amber’s pale cheek made her want to weep for all that could never be.

Soul mate and enemy in one.

Her beloved foe kneeling next to her, concern darkening his eyes while currents of warmth and pleasure coursed through her at his simple touch.

“Amber?”

The last frail reed of hope was splintering in front of her eyes. Though Duncan had shown traits of Learned schooling, and the Scots Hammer had never been Learned, she could hardly deny the deadly skill with which Duncan had wielded the hammer.

There could be no more doubt, no more denial, no hope of error, no excuse not to tell Erik that he had saved the life of his greatest enemy and brought that enemy to Amber.

Who had then betrayed Erik by keeping her deepest fears of Duncan’s identity secret.

I can betray Erik no longer.

But how can I betray Duncan, my love, my enemy, the very blood in my veins…

Powerful arms lifted Amber. Gentle lips brushed her cheeks, her eyes, her mouth. Each caress was a separate knife turning in her soul.

“I am…unhurt,” Amber said raggedly.

“You’re very pale. Have you never seen battle before now?”

She fought for breath, saying nothing.

“Dinna worry, precious Amber,” Duncan whispered against her cheek.

Unable to speak, she simply shook her head.

“You aren’t frightened, are you?” he asked. “I can protect you from worse than that worthless lot of outlaws and thieves. You know that, don’t you?”

Amber laughed almost wildly. Then she turned her face into Duncan’s chest and wept.

Duncan of Maxwell, the Scots Hammer. Aye, I know all too well that you can protect me.

From everything except the prophecy.

And from myself.

That most of all. How can you protect the heart from the very flesh surrounding it?

Soul mate.

Foe.

Lightning split the day from sky to ground. A savage peal of thunder came right behind.

“The horses,” Amber said.

“Stay here,” Duncan said, setting her down. “I’ll get them.”

As Duncan turned away, Amber saw a patch of red on his tunic.

“You’re wounded!” she said.

He kept walking.