Page 9 of Cherished By A Highlander

“I do,” she said, interrupting him as she dusted her hands again on her apron, wishing he would take his leave and be done with it. Though as a healer, she knew he should remain to make sure his wounds were healing properly.

He didn’t know why he pursued it. She was right, it was none of his concern and not at all proper of him to ask, but he did anyway. “Do you already have a man who sees to your needs?”

“That is not only rude, but it also doesn’t concern you, Quint,” she warned.

Why did he feel that it did? And why did the spark of fire in her eyes tempt him?

His response satisfied at least one of his unexpected thoughts. “Protection. You live alone and that leaves you vulnerable.”

“I never give it thought, since my home sits secluded in the woods, removed from any well-worn path. Anyone who comes here, comes for healing, not to harm me. That was until you arrived and brought your danger to my door.”

That he could be leaving her vulnerable troubled him. On second thought, no one would dare harm her since they would be aware of the consequences… facing his wrath.

“Regardless of that, I would be remiss as a healer if I did not profoundly object to you taking your leave too soon. I have repeatedly advised you that you need to rest to fully heal, but I cannot force you to remain here. I do hope that you seek shelter and rest and do not return directly to battle. It would be extremely unwise. Your sword and blanket roll are in the cottage. I will get them for you while you see to your horse.”

Shade did not know why she felt such a loss with him taking his leave, but she did. It was unsettling, though if she thought on it, she had been feeling lonely and he briefly had filled that void.

In a short time, he was ready to leave, and Shade felt a lump rise in her throat and her heart begin to pound. She was being foolish and forced herself to wish him, “Have a safe journey, Quint.”

He looked about to step closer to her, his hand appearing as if it was about to reach out to her, take hold of her, and Shade didn’t back away and he didn’t step forward, nor did his hand reach for her. Once again, she felt foolish.

“I am indebted to you, Shade,” Quint said.

“Nonsense. You owe me nothing. Be well, Quint,” she said and turned away, heading to her garden.

Quint watched her for a moment before mounting his horse. He felt an overpowering need to take her in his arms and do what? Why did he feel the need to hold her close?

He shook his head and mounted his mare and turned her away from the cottage and into the woods. He didn’t need anyone. He preferred being alone. Though he wouldn’t have minded a night with the healer. He was in need of a good coupling and whether she would admit it or not, he believed she felt the same. When all was done, he would ride this way again and see if she changed her mind.

CHAPTER 4

Quint dismounted, his mare remaining close to him as he approached the line of trees. He peered through the autumn leaves that framed the abbey and made it look as though it had been set ablaze. The place should be burnt and the horrifying memories along with it. He didn’t doubt for a moment that the poor souls of the monks who once occupied it still walked the empty halls and rooms unsettled, confused, and searching for peace.

A gust of wind rustled the leaves, causing several to break free, take flight until finally floating to the ground.

“Did you hear that, Dru? The wind carries the anguished cries of the slaughtered monks, letting all know they have yet to rest peacefully.”

“If you were busy hearing the ghostly moans, how did you hear me, Quint? I was as quiet as could be.”

“I didn’t hear you. I smelled you,” Quint said and turned around.

He wrinkled his nose at the offensive odor that drifted off the young woman, though at first glance one might mistake her for a lad. Her hair that fell just beneath her ears and was tuckedbehind them was too dirty to tell its true color. Grime covered her face and garments that appeared too big for her slim frame.

Quint didn’t ask her when last she ate. He grabbed a small sack off his saddle and handed it to her. Shade had insisted he take enough food with him so that he did not have to hunt or fish to feed himself concerned such activity would disturb his wounds.

Dru snatched it from his hand, digging into it and shoveling pieces of bread into her mouth.

“You need to stop soaking yourself in that stink,” Quint said, waving his hand in front of his face and taking a step back away from her.

“It keeps the men away,” Dru said with a mouthful. “Animals too, though there’s no difference between the two.”

Her sleeve got pushed back to nearly her elbow as she dug for more food and as she pulled out a hunk of cheese, Quint spotted the edge of a dirty cloth wrapped around part of her forearm. “Did you suffer a wound?”

“It’s nothing,” Dru said.

Quint grabbed her arm and pushed her sleeve back. “The bandage is filthy and no doubt the wound is too. Go see the healer, Shade. She will tend to it. She tended well to my wounds.”

“Maybe,” Dru said with a shrug.

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