“Should I choose you, then they will forfeit their lives.” She flopped onto her back on the mossy ground beside him. She’d loved each and every one of his kisses and even though they hadn’t joined in the way of man and wife, in that moment when his seed had rushed forth from him, she’d desperately wished that his essence had instead spurted deep inside her. “I’ve been protecting them my entire life. They are why I’ve never left the MacKenzie’s keep. I’ve never even attempted to make contact with them.”
“Explain everything to me.” He edged up onto his side, stroked one hand down her arm and looked into her eyes. “You’re carrying a burden you’ve no need to.”
“The day I was abducted by Colin MacKenzie, he decreed that one day I’d wed one of his three sons, that he wished for my fae blood to flow strongly through his line. He also warned me that should I ever defy him then he’d ensure my parents’ death. He knows naught of my skill, has never told another of my fae blood in case my parents hear of it.”
“I can warn your parents of his threat, ensure they’re kept safe behind the fortified walls of the House of Clan Matheson rather than at the village. Your mama will know if any harm is about to befall either your papa or herself. That is the beauty of her skill. She can keep them both safe if you but allow it.” He stroked a finger under her chin and down the long column of her neck. “You arenae a child anymore. ’Tis time for you to live, to bind yourself to me and to learn all about your true clan.”
“Colin always keeps his word.” Hot tears burned behind her eyes. “He’ll hurt them.”
Determination flared in his gaze. “I’ll make certain your parents take every precaution.”
“There is more.”
“Tell me. Whatever fears you have I’ll aid you in overcoming them.”
“Duncan and I are betrothed. We’re to speak vows when he returns from Ardan House in a few days’ time.” She couldn’t halt the scorching stream of hot tears from flowing down her cheeks. “I’ve made such a mess of things. I truly couldnae see past the threat to my parents’ lives, regardless of their fae abilities. If I could be taken from them, then they surely could be too.”
“I understand, and you’ve done all you could these past twenty years, what you believed would be best. No’ only will I speak to your parents, but I’ll also speak with Duncan about your betrothal and explain the turn of events. I’ll certainly never allow you to wed him, no’ while there’s still breath in my body. I will fight for you.” Firm words, and as she delved deeper within his mind, she saw the absolute truth of them. He’d never let her go, not now he’d finally found her.
“Both Coll and Duncan have known who I was from the very beginning. A few days afore my abduction, Mama took me to Colin’s stronghold after receiving a vision about his sons. She feared for them and though I cannae explain why, ’tis the truth. I trust them, and neither have ever raised arms against a Matheson and never shall. That I give you my word on.”
“I can see how great your love is for them, but ’tis you and I who are soul bound.” He rose to his feet and pulled her to hers, lifted her fingers to his lips and kissed each one. “I’ll make things right, go and see Duncan and speak to him of our bond.”
“You make everything sound so simple. What if it isnae? What if my parents are harmed, and all because I chose you over Duncan? I would never be able to live with myself if it all went terribly wrong.”
“We cannae control other people’s actions, only our own. All I ask is that you take a leap of faith and accept my aid. Dinnae give up the good fight, for I know your parents never would. Come, let’s wash up so we can dress and leave. I have much to do to secure your hand in marriage, which now includes breaking your betrothal to another and ensuring your parents are kept safe.” He leaned over the side of the pool, scooped water and splashed himself clean.
“I want to come with you when you leave to see Duncan.” She cleaned herself, righted her shift.
“War rages at present. How often do you ride for Ardan?” He set a hand at her back and steered her around the pool toward their belongings, picked up his plaid and wrapped it around her.
“Duncan has become fiercely overprotective of late. I’m permitted to come this far from the keep since we have guards positioned along the main trail routes, but—” Oh, she’d clear forgotten. “Gordon came with me this day and hunts nearby. He’ll be awaiting my call so we can return.”
“I’ll deal with Gordon.” He caught her hand, pressed it against his thumping heartbeat. “My disguise is in place and he will know me only as Rand MacKenzie until I’ve spoken with your brother. I’ll never allow another to toss me back into your dungeons and keep me away from you.”