Page 99 of Bond of a Bewitched Highlander

"Nay." He looked down, focusing on the bowl of beef broth on the tray. It did not smell appetizing at all. He didn't know if he could tolerate it, but he must try for the sake of his strength. He raised the spoonful of warm liquid to his mouth. Salty. It tasted better than he'd imagined. He ate most of the bread and broth but did not touch the rest of it.

He glanced at Elsea, so prim, proper, and confident. So strong. Why was she going to so much trouble to help him? And being so kind? After the way he'd... treated her in the cave?

She'd liked it, something within him whispered. Nay, she'd loved it. Most of all, he had loved the raw, primal force of it. He tried to put it from his mind, but the memories were harassing him, torturing him. Arousal threatened, making him dizzy. Hell, he was not well enough to even contemplate....

When Finnian walked into the room, Brodie said, "Can you bring me some whisky?"

"'Haps a little, watered down. Are you in pain?"

"Aye." Physically and emotionally. He needed enough whisky to knock him out for several hours.

***

THE NEXT DAY, A NOISE roused Brodie from a light sleep, and he opened his eyes. His sister's flaming ginger curls and concerned aquamarine eyes came into focus. Confused, Brodie scowled and glanced aside to see Torr, his tawny-brown hair windblown and his green eyes fierce as if they were in battle. Was Brodie having a fevered dream? Imagining things? The renewed pain stabbing his chest told him he was not.

"What the devil are you two doing here?" Brodie said through gritted teeth.

Torr chuckled. "Nice to see you, too, my friend. How are you feeling?"

"Grand. Did Ma send for you?"

"Aye," Cat said, moving closer to him. "Since I cannot give you a hug...." She kissed him on the forehead. Even though the gesture made him feel like a small child, he appreciated his sister's affection.

"When they told us how badly you'd been hurt, I was terrified," she said.

"How did you get here so fast?" Brodie asked. "How long have I been asleep?"

"At Finnian's request, Ma sent a missive, and we received it a sennight ago."

"Why?" That was before anything had happened.

"In the keek stane, Finnian foresaw impending trouble for you, and he was right," Cat explained. "Ma sent the clan messenger. We came as soon as we could."

Finnian was always warning him of danger, so much so, he'd been ignoring it. "You should not have come. I refuse to put you two in peril."

"Do nay fash over it." Torr waved a dismissive hand.

"We wanted to come back and help you," Cat said.

"I'm glad to see you both, but I have nay need of your help."

"Look at yourself," she said, raising her voice and gesturing at his chest. "You're injured."

"I'll be back to normal soon. Selkies heal quickly."

Narrowing her eyes, Cat crossed her arms over her chest.

"How bad is the cut?" Torr nodded at the bandage.

"'Tis eight or ten inches long. Finnian stitched it right after he scalded it with whisky."

Torr grimaced.

"Did you eat?" Brodie asked. "Go refresh yourselves."

"We are well," Cat said.

A light knock sounded at the door.