Page 151 of Bond of a Bewitched Highlander

"He's gone now, but he opened the door. Probably heard all the shouting and groaning and wondered if we were dying."

"Bollocks." She covered her burning cheeks with her hands.

Brodie guffawed.

"'Tis nay funny," she whispered.

"He'll keep it a secret."

"Are you certain?"

"Nay." Brodie shrugged. "But after we're wed, he'll hear a lot of screaming and groaning if he lurks outside the door."

"Goodness. I wish I could be quiet."

"Nay," he said fiercely. "I love it when you scream in pleasure."

She laughed, burying her face against his chest.

He wrapped his arms around her. "Mayhap I can make you scream a few more times this day."

"Argh. If you were not injured, I would punch you."

He rolled her over and gave her a wolfish grin. "I'll get on top this time."

"You're not well enough."

"We'll see."

***

THE CHILLY WIND OFF the sea gusted through the bailey a week later as the guests dismounted. Brodie greeted his foster father, Lunn MacTavish, a hearty, muscular man in his late fifties. Will, Corran, and Kieran had traveled with him, along with Elsea's maid and several more servants and guards.

"Welcome." Brodie shook their hands. "How was your trip?"

"'Twas snowing harder farther inland," Will said.

"Good to see you're recovering," Lunn said, his silvery hair and short beard blowing in the wind.

A week ago, before they had left Glenhaish, Gavin had talked to Will, asking him to go inform his father of the events leading up to the Earl of Talnaroch's death. Lunn was the former MacTavish chief, and some of the privy council members were his allies and friends.

"How did it go with the privy council?" Brodie asked.

"All is well, lad," Lunn said. "We explained how the earl had kidnapped all the women from one of the island clans. A battle ensued, and he was killed while fighting."

"If they wish to question everyone, we'll simply tell the truth," Will said. "No man can get away with such heinous behavior."

Brodie nodded. "I thank you."

"Our messenger informed Chief MacRae of his sister-in-law's demise," Lunn said. "And the location of her burial. I doubt he will wish to exhume her remains. He kens of her curse and witchcraft."

"I watched the guards bury her near the wood at Glenhaish Castle," Will said. "They placed three heavy boulders and horseshoes upon her grave."

Would that prevent the witch from escaping her grave? Brodie hoped she was well and truly dead.

"Looks like you have recovered from your injuries," Lunn said. "How are you?"

"Braw. My head is healing. They're stuffing me with haggis and black pudding."