Page 81 of Bond of a Bewitched Highlander

"I gave in to Wilona MacRae's demands because I thought I had nay other option," Elsea said, darkness twisting through her. "The witch showed me in horrifying, gory detail how she would slaughter Brodie if I did not betray him completely and destroy any chance of a happy future. She proved that she could shift, fly to him quickly, and kill him before I could warn him." Her throat tightened, constraining her words. "I would do anything to save his life, even give up my own."

Finnian nodded, agony and compassion in his blue eyes. "The hag knew 'twas the only way to secure her curse," he said, then paused a long moment. "If you can, give him your love and trust first. Explain to him again why you did it and how it hurt you too. A hundred times over if you must. The rage will devour him from the inside out if it is given free rein."

"True." She pressed her eyes closed. Her tight throat ached. She wanted to express her feelings, but would he listen?

"'Tis clear to me he cares about you. That's why he brought you here. He even worries over which herbs are in your tisanes." Finnian grinned. "He carried you to and from the galley as if you were precious cargo, not allowing his guards to lay a hand on you. When Neil was leading you up the cliff, never have I seen such a volatile expression on the chief's face."

"Indeed? He was angry over that?" she asked.

"Jealous."

"I hope he does nay punish Neil."

"I will speak to him. But you must know, he has never gotten over you, Lady Elsea. Can you nay see it?"

"I see fury, and I fear he will never be able to forgive."

"Tha an cridhe a tha làn feirge na eallach trom ri ghiùlan." The heart that is full of anger is a heavy burden to bear.

"I agree," she said.

"He is a strong man, but... he was brought to his knees. The selkies perceived clearly that you are supposed to be Brodie's mate. You remember what the selkie lass Arabella did."

"Aye, I found it touching, but Brodie was enraged."

"Deep down, it touched him too," Finnian whispered. "That's why he was angry. He's determined to not be moved from his position. You're the only one who can unlock the door and release him from the cage the witch trapped him in. It will not be easy. He will no doubt fling insults, but you must ignore them. He would not harm you physically, lass. His threats are empty."

"He backs down when I stand up to him."

Grinning, Finnian nodded. "You see. He loves your strength. You may not have seen the admiration in his eyes, but I have."

She shook her head. "He does not look at me like he used to."

"But he will, once he forgives and releases the rage."

***

BRODIE DID NOT WISH to return to the keep, but he had to. He was hungry and needed strength to return to Dunrhyne and perhaps fight a battle with the knaves. His stomach growled when he crossed the bailey and the scents of roasted meats and bread reached him. 'Twas close to gloaming and the wind was growing stronger. He hoped there would be no storm this night.

He must eat quickly and return to Rònmòrach.

In the great hall, the clan was gathering for the meal. His gaze landed on Elsea, seated by his chair, and beside her, his mother, grinning. Damnation! More manipulation. He would ignore Elsea and all of them and focus on eating.

After crossing the room, he dropped into his chair. "Ladies," he greeted, determined that was the extent of his communication.

"M'laird," Elsea murmured.

His mother leaned forward, smiling. "Brodie, my darling. Did you have a pleasant trip?"

"Aye, thrilling," he said in a dry tone.

Elsea released a breath just below a chuckle, drawing his gaze. Her lips lifted the barest fraction, then she glanced away. Damned if she wasn't enchanting.

So, she wasn't still angry at him over his scowl? She had changed her clothes and now wore an elegant blue gown and the selkie bead necklace. It looked lovely on her.

His chest felt bruised, but not because a salmon had struck him.

He should compliment how beautiful she looked and thank her for her kindness to the selkies, but he couldn't. The words would not emerge.