Page 46 of Bond of a Bewitched Highlander

He paused, releasing a long breath. "'Tis a long story. When your memory returns, you'll ken."

Why did he not want to tell her? "My memory might never return."

"I think it will."

An image flashed through Elsea's mind, stunning her. Da lay in bed with his eyes closed. His pale face appeared battered and bloody. She gasped and covered her mouth.

"What's wrong?" Brodie's concerned gaze sharpened.

"I remember... when Da passed." Cold darkness and agony cut through her. "He had so many injuries. Did someone do this to him?"

Brodie shook his head. "William said he was on his horse, traversing a mountain pass, when the path gave way."

She hated that her mind was blank. "I cannot recall that part... just Ma in tears, standing across from me. Where is my mother? Is she all right?"

"As far as I know."

"When did you see her last?"

"A few months after your father's funeral."

Bewildered, Elsea shook her head. "How do we know each other?"

Brodie hesitated, then looked away. "'Tis best that we nay discuss this now."

"Why? I need to know the truth."

When he shook his head, pain flashed through his eyes. "You must remember in your own time, at your own pace."

Something about his dark eyes was so captivating, she could stare into them forever.

"'Twould be too much for you now," he continued. "You just remembered about your da. That's enough for today."

Could it be something horrible? Why did he not wish to reveal it?

"Finnian thinks you will regain your memory. 'Twould be best if you could stay here until you recall why you were on the birlinn last night."

"I want to know that, too."

"You said that someone kicked you down, and you hit your head. Do you recall who it was or anything else?"

"Nay, 'twas dark, and I have no memory of how or where I boarded the birlinn. Did I ride my horse from Kincreag?"

"I have nay inkling. Let me know if you remember anything else or if you have more nightmares about the witch."

A chill passed over Elsea. "Should I heed her warning? Could she break in here and kill me?"

"With her magical abilities, Wilona MacRae can shapeshift into various animals, birds, and insects."

Elsea's mouth dropped open. "Surely you jest. I thought they were legends."

"Nay, they're real," he said with confidence. "What do you think of shapeshifters?"

Elsea had never considered the subject. "They must be evil."

"Or cursed."

She nodded, then thought of something. "When I awoke from the nightmare, my window was open."