“Is that your sister?” His deep voice sent a thrill racing through Arabel, and needy emotions roared back to insistent life. She drank in the sight of him, unable to do anything less.
“Ah, aye. Arabel is a fire-wielder and you must stay away from her.” Julia babbled a bit more then said, “Did you manage to meet the two lasses who returned with their kin from the Isle of Skye last eve?”
“Not as yet. Kenneth informed me they’re resting from their journey but should be down before too long. That’s why I’ve returned early from training.” His heart-stopping golden gaze traveled over Arabel and she nearly melted onto the floor. Then he marched past her sister toward her. He straddled the bench seat and sat with his knees touching her thigh. “It’s nice to meet you, Arabel.”
“Tis nice to meet you too, Finlay.”
“I’ve not seen you about the keep since my arrival although your sister has spoken of you.” He swept a lock of her hair behind her ear and the sweet gesture had her almost climbing into his lap.
“Finlay, you shouldnae touch Arabel so.” Julia pushed his hand away. “She is currently unable to control her skill. There is still heat emanating from her. Can you no’ feel it?”
“I can, but my shifter blood runs hotter than most. I can handle more heat than the usual person. Arabel?” He set his hand on her arm, slid his palm down and curled his fingers around her wrist. “Is there a reason why you can’t control your skill?”
“Your arrival caused the four elements to fall out of alignment. Fire, water, air and earth. I now await a realignment for all to return to order.”
“For some reason that sounds familiar.” He frowned, a glint of confusion in his gaze. “Certainly when we traveled through time, the vortex was strong and hauled us through within mere minutes.” His frown deepened. “Your skill must be rare. I’ve not heard of any other fire-wielders.”
“There have only been six born afore me who’ve held it.” Her hand twitched with the need to touch him, just as he touched her. She lifted her hand, cupped his cheek and sighed at the deliciously renewed touch of him. Warmth infused her and she stroked her fingers back and forth over his raspy bristles, her soul soaring. “You need to shave.”
“I’m terrible with a blade, always nicking myself.” He slid his hand around the back of her head, his fingers firm as he drew her closer. “You have the most glorious silken hair. The color glimmers like gold.”
“Arabel was just on her way out. Excuse us.” Julia hauled her to her feet. Goodness, her sister was such a pest. “You were going to cool down in the pool. You can talk to Finlay later.” She shooed her toward the door. “Go, now, and hurry.”
“You’ll need a guard, Arabel, even though only to the pool.” Finlay stood and tried to dart past Julia but her sister held him back. “It’s too dangerous to wander about unescorted, not with the MacKenzie’s attack only a few days away. If anything happened to you, I’d never—”
“She’ll be perfectly fine on her own.” Julia swung him to face her.
Pest or not, she should still do as Julia had said and leave. Grasping her thick red skirts, she backed away and dashed through the door.
Finlay shouted her name and she hastened her step. Too quickly she’d fallen back under his spell, right when she’d gone to such lengths to ensure his safety. She needed to keep a level head, only everything within her cried out for him.
Overhead, heavy gray clouds rumbled in as she hurried across the inner courtyard.
“Arabel, wait.” Finlay made chase, his gaze targeted on her.
“I’m sorry. I must leave.” She rushed through the gates and into the woods. The branches lining the thin forest trail caught the odd strand of her hair but she rushed on even though he continued to shout for her to halt. No stopping at the pool, or anywhere else he might know. She’d bathe in the pool deep within the underground cavern near the cove. Aye, the cavern was well out of sight and so few knew about it.
Hustling, she broke free of the winding forest path then grabbed a decent breath at the sight of the swampland ahead, a soggy terrain that could bog one down. Slippers kicked off and red skirts rucked high, she squelched across the wetland blooming with the odd marsh orchid, a brilliant burst of fuchsia-pink amongst a stunning array of everglade green. Mother had loved the marsh orchids and Father had always picked her one whenever he’d walked this way.
“I said to wait!” Hands on his hips, Finlay stood at the edge of the forest, his chest heaving as he caught his breath, his gaze on her.
Drat. She hadn’t lost him yet. His bear’s tracking senses must be strong. She’d have to try harder, move faster, and provided she could escape his sight and his mind, she could get away from him. “Turn back. I dinnae need your aid.”