Page 129 of Bond of a Bewitched Highlander

"Out at the islands," Elsea said. "And the earl might have fewer men now, since Brodie and the selkies fought against them at Dunrhyne when they rescued some of the females. A few of the earl's men were killed, and some fled."

Elsea thought of the females the earl had kidnapped before she'd gotten involved. She'd wanted to see if they were at Glenhaish. If she went home now, and if she could slip out, mayhap she could check the castle without her brothers knowing.

"I'll go home."

"Elsea," Cat whispered, face blanching. "Are you sure?"

"I must. I would never want to put all of you here at Farspag in danger. Will said the knave would attack. I wouldn't wish Brodie to have to fight him and be injured again."

"But he is nay even here to tell you goodbye."

Will frowned. "Do nay tell me you're betrothed to MacCain again!"

"Nay. I'm not."

"But—" Cat began.

"I wish Brodie to stay safe." Elsea gave her a meaningful look. "'Tis not his fault Will signed the blasted betrothal agreement." She then glared at her brother, wanting to tell him she would break the contract, but she did not want to anger him further. If she kept him in the dark, he would let down his guard, and she could do as she pleased.

"Since Torr and Gavin are both here helping Brodie and the selkies," Elsea said. "And you're on the earl's side, you have made an enemy of our own cousin. The earl is lower than a worm. How can you support him? Would you also support him if he raided Kincreag and kidnapped all the women?"

"Nay, of course not," Will growled. "But I will not allow you to break the betrothal."

"Indeed?" She lifted a brow.

"Do nay challenge me, Elsea," he warned.

She gave a faux smile. She must not appear too contrary, or he would lock her up. He was nothing like their father. He was weak, being pushed around by the earl. Da would not have stood for it. In fact, he would not have gotten them into this situation to begin with.

"Da would've allowed me to sign my betrothal agreement in person."

"I am not Da," he grated.

"Clearly."

Will gave Elsea a narrow-eyed glare. "He coddled and spoiled you the whole of your life."

"The earl will likely punish and abuse her for even being here," Cat said.

"I'll keep her safe at Kincreag."

"After you force her to marry him?" Cat challenged.

Will blew out an exasperated breath as if the women were the daft ones. "Nay."

"Well then, after they are married and she moves to his castle, he will beat her," Cat said. "You cannot protect her then. He's only marrying her for the dowry, anyway. He does nay care about her."

"I ken you have a love match with our cousin, Lady Cat," he said.

"And you have a love match too, do you not, m'laird?"

"I do, but 'tis rare, you must admit."

"Exactly. And you are the only person who can ensure Elsea has a love match and a happy life."

"She had her chance with your brother, but she ruined it. 'Tis on her head."

Elsea rolled her eyes. "When do we leave?"