Page 58 of Awoken
As she traveled, Leanna’s thoughts often returned to the people they’d left behind. Craeg had made a mistake in giving them shelter. His offer had been well-meant, but he hadn’t thought how some members of his band might react to having her and Ross among them.
His friend’s rash and foolish act had cost them all dearly.
The image of Craeg continuing to fight, even with an arrow sticking out of his side, made a cold knot form in Leanna’s belly. The man was brave, but would it be enough? Would MacKinnon slaughter them all?
Leanna shoved the thought aside, her heart pumping now.
We’re not safe yet, either, Leanna reminded herself as she wiped sweat from her eyes.
She knew she wouldn’t be until she was far from the Isle of Skye. While she remained here, she’d always have the threat of MacKinnon hanging over her like a great shadow, dimming any happiness.
Ross was supposed to bring her home to Duncaith, and they were certainly heading in the right direction to do so. However, she knew she couldn’t do that to her kin.
With MacKinnon hot on the trail, and incensed now, Leanna realized that she and Ross would need to change their plan. Her uncle would be forced to protect her—and doing so would launch the MacDonalds of Sleat into a full-scale feud with MacKinnon.
I can’t do that to them.
Leanna swallowed as the thought of never seeing her mother and sisters again thickened her throat. Of course, as a nun at Kilbride she’d already struggled with that realization. But once she’d decided she wouldn’t return to the abbey, a kernel of hope had taken seed in her breast—the hope that she’d be able to live at Duncaith amongst those who loved her.
But MacKinnon’s reach was long. She wouldn’t be safe from him, even there.
Where would I go instead?
Leanna’s feet slid out from under her then, and she pitched forward onto the steep slope.
Muttering a curse under her breath, she pushed the question aside. Now wasn’t the time to start planning the future. She was getting ahead of herself.
Now was all about survival.
She and Ross had to somehow get across these mountains and into MacDonald land. They had to lose themselves in the wilderness. Once they were far enough away from MacKinnon, she could start focusing on what lay ahead.
But, for the moment, she had to focus on putting one foot in front of the other.
27
Till the Last Breath
ROSS KNELT AT the edge of the stream and splashed ice-cold water over his heated face. It was so chill that it took his breath away—yet it was just what he needed. The cold cut through the fog of exhaustion that dragged at his limbs.
They’d now traversed the mountains. The rest of the journey would, hopefully, be easier.
Sitting back upon his haunches, Ross glanced over his shoulder at where a small figure lay upon her back, spread-eagled upon the mossy bank. Leanna’s face was flushed, and her breast heaved. Her pale hair spread out in a cloud around her.
Night had long fallen, although a full moon cast its friendly light over the world, illuminating Leanna’s exhausted features.
“Are ye well?” he croaked. It was a foolish question really, for she’d just thrown up from exhaustion, but he wanted to make sure that it was only tiredness that ailed her and nothing else.
“I’ll live,” she rasped back. “I think.” With a groan, Leanna rolled onto her side, her gaze fusing with his. “Do ye think we’ve outrun them?”
“For the moment.”
Ross had turned back to the stream and was splashing more water on his face. Gasping, he shook his head and felt a little more of the fatigue slough away. He needed to keep a clear head; he needed to think.
“We’re in MacDonald lands now, Leanna,” he said after a pause, glancing her way once more. “We need to decide which way to go.”
A pause followed these words, and he saw a shadow move across her hazel eyes. He realized then that the gravity of their situation had finally settled upon her. She knew there was no going back to Duncaith.
He’d feared he’d have to explain that to her, but he saw he had no need to.
