Page 113 of Bond of a Bewitched Highlander

"Talking to Finnian. Getting his opinion on everything. I wished to talk to you about... certain matters."

"Oh, hell. Here we go," Brodie grumbled.

Gavin laughed.

"Go on then. Get it over with."

"You'll probably ignore me, or argue like you did last time."

Brodie nodded. "Most likely."

"I just...." Gavin paused, looking troubled.

"What?" Brodie asked after an extended moment, wishing he could escape this discussion but knowing he couldn't.

"I ken your pride was wounded, but I wish you could release the grudge and the rage."

A hollow ache echoed in Brodie's chest, making it hard to breathe.

"You imprison yourself," Gavin said. "You're causing your own downfall by not forgiving. Even if you never get back together with her. 'Tis not about that. Forgiveness need not include reconciliation."

Brodie thought about simple forgiveness. "Will we ever forgive Wilona MacRae for cursing us?"

Gavin frowned and considered. "If she were to stop her evil deeds. But I doubt she will. Clearly, she has nay forgiven us for what she perceives as murder."

Brodie shook his head. "Exactly."

"Her lack of forgiveness will cause her downfall."

Brodie frowned at that, glaring.

"You need freedom, Brodie. Freedom from the witch and the curse. Freedom from the rage you hold on to."

"Forgiveness and anger aside, according to you, I must love and trust a woman in order to break the curse. Elsea is the only available woman here at the moment, and I cannot trust her."

Gavin eyed him carefully, his perceptive pale blue gaze narrowed and looking too deeply into his mind. He sat forward. "You still love her, brother," Gavin said in a compassionate tone. "Do you not?"

Brodie looked away, trying to mask his true emotions.

"The love you and Elsea shared two years ago... I envied it at the time," Gavin admitted. "When Dani showed up at Caithmore, I was granted my wish, my deepest dream. She gave me what I'd craved. I love Dani more than life itself."

What could Brodie say to that? He had not put a name to what he felt for Elsea. It was such a raw emotion, both brutal and blissful, like their encounter in the cave.

He cleared his throat and took another sip of the whisky. "Lust, mayhap."

Gavin snorted, then tilted his head, giving him a doubtful look. "I think 'tis more than that. Has she apologized?"

"Aye."

"Can you not forgive?"

Brodie shrugged. "Some of my fury has weakened."

"'Tis a step in the right direction."

"She risked her own life to help the selkie women," Brodie admitted. "She is caring toward them, and I appreciate that."

"Is she caring toward you?"