Page 21 of To Wed a Witch
MILES BEHIND THEM,concealed among a stand of birch trees, Bryce Sutherland and four of his retainers watched from a distance.Bryce was cold and calculating.The Ferguson party was making good time, but they were predictable in their route.Local tracks through familiar country, following the most obvious path toward Ferguson lands.
He'd been following since dawn, keeping far enough back to avoid detection while noting every detail of their formation.Over a dozen men, plus the women and child.Well-armed but burdened by the cart and its precious cargo.
The dowry alone would be worth the risk, but it was more than gold that drove him.The MacKay land should have been his by right when the MacKay laird died with his mad daughter unwed.Instead, this marriage had secured it for another generation, putting it forever beyond Sutherland reach.
Unless, of course, young Lady Ferguson found herself a widow before she could produce a male heir and the marriage was annulled.He gave a wicked grin at the thought.
After all, bandits struck travelers all the time.And if Sìne happened to need protection afterward, well, the Sutherlands were known for their generosity to distressed ladies.
He would need to choose his moment carefully.The MacKay guards complicated things because they could surely recognize him if he and his men ventured too close, but they would turn back at the border.After that, Ferguson would have only his own men to rely on.
Sutherland touched the hilt of his sword and urged his horse forward.Patience was a virtue he'd learned well over the years.Soon enough, opportunity would present itself.
***
AS EVENING APPROACHED, Bhaltair called a halt in a sheltered glen beside a clear stream.The spot offered good defensive positions and fresh water, while a stand of ancient oaks provided both kindling for the fire and a windbreak for their camp.
"The women will have the cart, as before," he announced as his men began setting up their simple camp."They are not to go anywhere without an escort.I'll post a rotating watch with the aid of the MacKay guards, just as a precaution."
Dugald nodded and didn't question him.The men had been briefed earlier of a possible threat, and they were given firm instructions not to alarm the women in any way but to remain vigilant.
"What about ye, laird?"Murphy asked as he helped arrange bedrolls around the fire."Will ye be needing a roll by the fire?"
Bhaltair's eyes found Sìne where she was settling Aidyn for the evening, and his pulse quickened at the memory of holding her through the night."I'll sleep close to the cart," he replied."Someone should be nearby in case my family have need of anything."
The truth was more complicated.After sharing their wedding bed, the thought of sleeping apart felt wrong somehow.Now with a stranger stalking their group, it had awakened something possessive and protective in him that he wasn't ready to examine too closely.He would remain close to his wife and daughter and guard them with his life.
His men exchanged knowing glances but said nothing.They'd all seen how their laird's manner had changed since his marriage, how his eyes tracked his wife's every movement with an intensity that spoke of far more than mere duty.
"Bhaltair?"Sìne's voice was soft as she approached him.
"Aye, love?"he replied.
"Aidyn has finally fallen asleep, Paisley is with her, but..."Sìne bit her lower lip, suddenly uncertain."I need to wash for the evening and was hoping to do it by the stream, but the men said I cannot go without an escort.I asked Dugald and he told me—"
"I will escort ye," Bhaltair replied."No other man sees ye unclothed but me."
Sìne blushed at his response, then nodded when he clasped her hand and practically dragged her toward the stream.
Several minutes later, Bhaltair wished he hadn't volunteered because damn him, his wife was a siren.No sooner had they reached the water than she'd made him turn his back and not peek.Next he heard the sound of rustling clothing, then a sudden gasp and a splash of water.Afraid she may have hurt herself, he whipped his head around and froze.Sìne was standing in the stream up to her waist, naked and bathing in the moonlight.Her long hair hid the sight of her breasts as she hurriedly washed, but damn, she was a sight to behold.
"Ye promised not to look!"she hissed.
And he immediately turned back around and stared at the sky.But every part of his anatomy wanted to strip off all his clothes and join her in the water.Warm her with his body as they frolicked together.
He shook his head from its errant thoughts and remembered he had to protect her.One thing was for certain, he was glad Dugald had not escorted her.Her body was for his eyes only.
Once she was finished, he heard her shivering, and soon enough she said, "I'm finished."
Bhaltair thanked mercy for the reprieve and walked her back to the campsite.As they walked toward the cart together, Sìne was acutely aware of his presence beside her and the warmth radiating from his body, the subtle scent of leather and man that clung to him.When his hand briefly touched the small of her back to guide her around a root, she felt the contact like a brand through her woolen gown.
Once back at the campsite, Bhaltair helped her get settled into the carriage.
"I'll sleep near the cart," he said quietly, his voice pitched low so only she could hear."Close enough to keep watch and also see to my men."
"Aye, I'll see ye in the morning then."
He bid her goodnight, then made his way down to the stream where he washed in the cold water to cool his heated blood.The woman was killing him slowly with her sensual ways.He needed the ice water to keep him alert and on his toes.If he did not get a hold of his lustful attraction to his wife, it would be a long trip home indeed.
