Page 65 of Bond of a Bewitched Highlander

"Are you mad, in truth?" Brodie growled.

"I wanted to help the poor females who are probably being horribly abused."

"Go on."

"They rowed out to an island. I stayed on the boat, listening and watching. Sounds of battle echoed in the distance. Within a short time, they carried bound female selkies on board and... piled them in beside me. The poor women were crying and wailing." Elsea blinked back stinging tears.

Brodie's jaw clenched, a muscle twitching, his eyes fierce.

"When we were out on the sea again, they raised the sail and the powerful wind blew us back toward the mainland. The men were busy drinking and celebrating in the front of the galley. I used my sgian dubh to cut the bindings on some of the women, as many as possible. One of the men caught me releasing them and kicked me down. My head hit a wooden thwart. I blacked out, then I woke up in the cave with you."

Shaking his head, Brodie scowled. "Why the hell would you take such an enormous risk? The knaves could've easily killed you."

Could he be at once concerned for her safety and enraged enough to throttle her at the same time?

"To help, as I said." She didn't want him to know about her private need to make amends.

"Even though 'twas madness, I thank you for freeing the females," he said in a calmer tone. "Where is the bastard taking them? Did he say?"

"Nay."

Brodie paced. "Is the derelict castle you mentioned north of here?"

"Probably. From home, I rode northwest a great distance."

"Could you recognize the castle from a galley offshore?" Brodie's gaze remained harsh and unyielding.

"I'm nay certain. 'Twas dark when I slipped down the cliff and boarded. I'll try if 'twill help with finding the selkies."

He nodded.

Regardless of how much fury and hatred he directed at her, she wanted to help rescue the captives and prevent further kidnappings.

Brodie paced to the window and back. "Why was Talnaroch visiting your brother?"

She dropped her gaze. Should she lie or tell him the truth? Either way, he would continue to hate her. Still, her mind scrambled for a neutral response. "You will have to ask Will."

Brodie exhaled an annoyed breath. "Why is the whoreson abducting selkies?"

"His guard implied that he is selling them."

"'Tis what I feared most." Through clenched teeth, Brodie called the earl a string of foul, insulting names. "Why? He's already as wealthy as Midas."

She shook her head. "His guard mentioned debt. Besides, his favorite pastimes are gambling and buying fine horses." Remembering Freya, she gasped. "My horse! I left her out on the moor near the castle. I must go find her."

"She'll return to Kincreag. Horses have a strong homing instinct... unless someone steals her."

Her mare was a beloved pet. She had never meant to abandon her, but she'd had no choice if she wished to board the galley.

Brodie watched her for a long moment, then muttered, "You should never have followed the knave."

She nodded, still torn about her difficult decision but also annoyed at him. "I should nay wish to help others," she said, her voice bitter. "I should stay safely and selfishly at home."

"When you choose to put yourself at risk to help others, there are sacrifices to be made," he said.

"True. And I'm willing to make them." She clenched her teeth.

"The horse will probably be fine. We'll find her after this is over. No one will intentionally kill her because horses are valuable. Cease your fashing."