Page 144 of Bond of a Bewitched Highlander

Will lowered his brows in understanding and outrage.

Elsea supposed he believed the selkies' testimony more than her own. Fine. She rolled her eyes. Maybe he would trust her word more in the future.

"They are now safe, thanks to these honorable men and Lady Elsea, all heroes in our eyes." Scarth bowed in deference, as did the rest of the males.

"We were more than glad to stop the knave," Brodie said.

"Aye." Elsea smiled. "I'm thankful all the women are safe."

"Come, we'll take you to our healer," Corran said to Brodie, leading a saddled gelding closer.

"I thank you, but I'll go back to Farspag on a galley," Brodie said. "The wind has calmed, and the snow has stopped. Finnian is an outstanding physician. He can see to my injuries and everyone else's."

"I'm coming with you," Elsea said.

"Sister?" Warning flared in Will's eyes.

"You're welcome to come, too," Brodie told him.

"I cannot. Corran," Will said. "You go with her and act as chaperone."

Her obstinate brother frowned. "Why me? I think Kieran would enjoy it more."

"Kieran sleeps through everything," Will growled.

"I have no need of a chaperone," Elsea said. She hated it when they discussed her as if she wasn't even there. "Cat, her mother, and Dani are all at Farspag. Brodie is too injured to take advantage of me. Besides, Cousin Torr is with us. I'm sure he can protect me from Brodie's advances."

Torr grinned, and Brodie snorted.

Will's face reddened, and he muttered, "Very well. We will come to Farspag in a sennight to retrieve you."

"Aye, please do come to Farspag before the week is up." One corner of Brodie's lips lifted, and the rebellious look in his eyes almost dared Will to retrieve her.

She hoped and prayed Brodie planned on keeping her. She loved him more than life itself and never wanted to be away from him again.

***

ON THE GALLEY, AS THE men rowed toward Farspag, Brodie sat on the thwart beside Elsea, his arm around her. Near overcome with exhaustion from the blood loss again, he forced himself to sit upright. He pulled Elsea against him and kissed the top of her head. "Did you get all your weapons?" he asked.

"Aye. Your men brought them to me."

Earlier, she had said the bleeding in his scalp had stopped, so he considered himself on the mend, despite the lightheadedness.

Around midday, they arrived on the shore below Farspag.

Gavin climbed the cliff behind Brodie so he could catch him if he grew dizzy and fell. Torr assisted Elsea. At the top, Brodie wrapped her hand around his elbow and, though he was unsteady, led her toward the curtain wall and portcullis. The guards had seen them coming and opened the side gate.

The ladies and other clansmen met them in the bailey to greet them.

Exhaustion weighing him down, Brodie climbed the steps toward his chamber, Elsea holding on to him.

"If I fall, you cannot catch me."

"I will," she said with fierce conviction.

In his chamber, Finnian showed up in short order, wearing his spectacles.

"Lie down, lad, so I can examine your head. They said you were shot!"