A breeze glided across her back, reminding her of her gaping dress. There was little to be done. Without aid, tying it was impossible. Stealing one last glance at the magnificent Viking, she clutched her skirts and fled.
***
Tèile lifted her head from the rock and scrubbed her eyes. She blinked and scrubbed them again. Sure enough, the woman was scurrying off into the distance. Curses, what was she doing? One minute she’d been lying in Finn’s arms and now the lass was disappearing off into the hills. She had felt sure a connection was already blossoming between the two. Why would the woman wish to run off alone, toward possible danger?
Wings spread, she gave them a flutter and wriggled. The foolish man still had his back turned and had not realised she was gone. What was it with these Highland warriors? It seemed to Tèile these men and women spent half their time running from one another and fighting their feelings. Her life would be much easier if they said what they meant and got on with it. In spite of her time around humans, she still failed to fully understand them. If she did not like another faery, she told them. That was probably why the sidhe council took a disliking to her but still, it was surely better than keeping secrets?
The faery flew swiftly over to Finn and landed on his shoulder. She rolled her eyes. Humans did not see the fae unless they wanted to. Most were not able to even sense them but she could make him aware enough of her. With a smile, she jabbed one pointed finger at his neck. He made a sound of surprise and swatted, nearly crushing her with his huge hand.
Tèile scuttled back and tried again on the other side. This time she was ready and only felt the waft of air as he slapped the other side of his neck. She gritted her teeth in frustration. How long did he think it took for a woman to dress?
Snatching a small bunch of hair, she gave it a sharp tug and this time he swivelled. The scowl on his face gave way as realisation dawned. Off in the distance, Catriona could still be seen, stumbling over the rough land. Dawn began to make itself fully known, golden and pink hues streaking the sky. Her green dress might have blended with the hills but against the colourful backdrop, her silhouette stood out in stark contrast. Had they been further north and in rockier terrain, Catriona would have found it much easier to hide. Thank goodness for small mercies.
Finn snatched his sword and cursed. She hoped he had no plans to use the weapon but she noticed these warriors were strangely attached to such things. He kicked one of the men as he ran past and the man roused, grumbling. Flying alongside Finn, Tèile glanced behind to see him jump up and move to wake the others.
She turned her attention to their quarry. They would gain on her soon enough and Tèile could return to her work. If only she could figure out why the lass ran from Finn. It was hard enough trying to ensure fate fell back into alignment, but if Catriona fought it too long, it would make Tèile’s job all the more difficult. Still, one thought made her smile. It only meant she would have to be extremely sneaky. And sneaky she could do.
***
Catriona glanced over her shoulder and her breath trapped in her chest. Hair streaming behind him, sword in hand, the Viking looked every bit a powerful warrior intent on claiming his prize.
Her.
Quashing a squeal, she stumbled on. Every tiny rock and prickly plant seemed to find the soles of her feet. They were likely bleeding and raw. But she refused to stop. Not when her life depended on evading him.
The cumbersome gown grew heavy on her shoulders, no doubt weighted down by the dried salt from the sea water. Fatigue still lingered in her bones and the dull throb in her head nudged her, tempting her to stop and give herself up. However she had no doubt angered her abductor. While he had been patient and gentle with her before, who was to say if he would be kind now? Playing the meek captive might have worked to get him to trust her but she had destroyed that now. If he caught up with her, would she see the true nature of the man? Would the horrific tales she had been told come to life?
Her heart beat a sickening pace as she gulped down breaths of air. Dear Lord, but she was weary. How had she thought she could outrun such a physically capable man? Her ankle nearly buckled as she navigated the uneven path down the side of the hill and she swallowed a sob of desperation. A shout behind her sent a shiver up her spine but she continued on blindly.
Unaware how close he was until a rough hand curled around her wrist, she squealed as he jerked her to a halt. Both feet came out from beneath her and she toppled. Before the ground could greet her, powerful arms wrapped about her and dragged her to her feet. She fought and clawed against him, insensible sounds escaping. Frustration mingled with fear made her chest tight and breaths ragged. After the exertion of running, her vision grew fuzzy as drawing in air became more difficult.