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asked with heated reflection.
"Nay! I would not give that demon the time of day! 'Tis
just that I do not want him to be between us."
Rowan sighed heavily. His heart leapt with the knowledge
that she wanted him and not his brother. Though she had told
him as much, it still had been nagging him since he had found
out about the pursuit. A broad smile swept across his
handsome face as he wiped away a stray tear that had
escaped down her cheek.
"My brother has naught between us. The fates have
chosen to put us together. I for one will not dispute that fact.
As far as I am concerned, you will be the lady that graces my
hall until I take my final breath. I will not take no for an
answer," he whispered huskily, gathering her back into his
arms and laying a gentle kiss upon her soft lips.
"I am afraid, Rowan," she said quietly as she ended the
kiss and turned away from him. "What will your people say
when they see me?" she stated more than asked as she
suddenly felt ashamed of who she was and what she could
do. She glanced down at her tattered clothing and felt
unworthy to stand by his side. There was no denying her
ancestry. But to which world did she truly belong?
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"They will think that I have chosen well," Rowan said softly
as he came up behind her and gathered her close to his
chest. He lowered his lips to her neck and nuzzled it. Her soft
moans brought a smile to his lips as he turned her around to
face him.
"You need never be afraid as long as I have breathe in my
body. We have shared something special Kira. I would like to
explore it more thoroughly."
He was right. She could not deny the strong emotional pull
they had between them. Her heart beat with a slow joy she
still did not dare hope for. Life was full of uncertainties. For
the moment she let herself dare to dream that it would
become a reality. That she would be his wife, not only in
name, but in his heart as well.
"As soon as Angus arrives, we will leave this place and
return to Locks Glen. Gather what you will need for the
journey for you will not be returning. Within two days time we
will be properly wed," Rowan said as he held her close against
him.
"What is this, witch? Holding out on me?" A husky voice
from behind them called out.
Rowan turned with the agility of a cat as he pushed Kira
behind him in a protective stance. All his warrior's instincts
kicked in as he automatically drew his sword from its bed at
his side and held the intruder at bay.
"Ye best watch yer tongue or I'll rip it from yer throat."
Rowan cautioned the man at the door. He knew the man was
one of Harper's by the colors he wore. This did not bode well
for Rowan. Abruptly three more faces filled the door way.
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Rowan knew instinctively that they would have to fight their
way out of this one.
"What have ye got there laddie?" one of the men asked as
he peered into the interior of the cottage.
"The witch found the corpse! Looks tae me like she brung
it back tae life," came another voice from the door way.
"Aye! 'Twould seem so. Chester, you go find Griffin. Tell
him we've found the body," the first intruder ordered one of
the men. "Be sure tae tell him we found his witch under the
body he was a looking fer," he chuckled in dry humor. He
knew that would spurt Griffin on his way. Every man in the
Glendaugh's ranks knew Griffin was hot for this piece of fluff.
He eyed her speculatively and wondered what was so
fascinating beneath those skirts that drove Griffin into such a
frenzy. He decided it was time to find out.
"I think instead of going after Griffin, you should be
worried if you'll live long enough to see him," Rowan gritted
out as he lunged forward, catching the man off guard. With
one swift slice of his sword, Rowan killed the man where he
stood, his head rolling along the dirt floor of the cottage.
The other men drew back in astonishment and drew their
swords, but Rowan was quick as lightening as he followed
them out the door. Quickly he surveyed his surroundings and
lashed out at the two guards standing on either side of him.
He heard the retreating hoof beats as the one guard had
already left to get Griffin and reinforcements. Rowan knew he
had to make short work of these men quickly or all would be
lost. His strength still had not returned fully, but it was either
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kill or be killed and he did not want to find out what they
would do to Kira if he failed to protect her.
There were three other guards at the well, surprise
plastered across their faces as Rowan slashed out at his two
opponents.
The guards at the well came to join their comrades as they
gathered in a semi-circle just out of Rowan's reach. Rowan
watched them warily, anticipating their next move.
As he struck out to the left of him, he heard a noise to his
right. He dared a quick glance and watched as Kira made
short work of one of the soldiers. Her staff in her hand, she
smiled at Rowan as she stood by his side ready for battle.
Before any words could be spoken, they were attacked.
Two guards apiece kept them busy. This was Kira's first
actual battle with a living breathing enemy. She was holding
her own very well as she heard Rowan clashing metal to
metal with his two opponents. Feeling a bit over confident
with her skills, Kira did not hear the soldier that crept up
behind her.
Rowan suddenly heard a scream from behind him. He
quickly took a step back and turned just in time to watch
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