To Steal a Highlander's Heart(7)

***

The faery’s pointed ears pricked up as she heard the scream. Tèile peered at the Highland warrior and waited. He stiffened but continued riding. Silly human. How had he not realised it was Alana? Surely he felt her nearby? But then they had not had much time together yet and he had changed. His heart had become hard and impenetrable whereas Alana’s remained open and vulnerable. It was a dangerous combination.

Tèile rubbed a green hand across her face. The stupid horse had spotted her climbing out of the pouch and had been startled. The animal kingdom’s ability to see faeries really was a hindrance sometimes. Until she achieved her goal, Tèile was to stay with either Morgann or Alana. She had made the wrong choice, staying with Morgann as he hunted down his ride. She should have realised Alana would never stay, in spite of her burning curiosity. Too dutiful, that girl. But her spirit was to be admired.

She just hoped the girl wasn’t grievously harmed. Tèile had little control over the human body, there were other faeries who held that power. The connection between the two humans should have been enough without her having to interfere anyway, what with their shared past, but something prevented them both from seeing what was in front of them.

Jabbing a pointed finger into Morgann’s neck as she rested on his shoulder, she chuckled as he scowled and rubbed at the spot. Served him right, foolish man. Did he not know how to treat a lady? Throwing her down into the mud and trying to tie her up was no way to secure a mate. Though Tèile had thought the moment when Morgann had lain across Alana would lead to a kiss and bring her that much closer to goal. She huffed. Silly, silly humans. They were so blind to life.

Eyes closed, Tèile sought out Alana. They were close, she felt her essence calling out to Morgann. She just needed to get him to stop. Mayhap the daft mare could help.

The faery hopped down and clutched at the horse’s mane as she settled herself near its ear and whispered.

***

Casting his gaze around, Morgann tightened his grip on the reins. Foolish lass. Didn’t she know how easy it was to get lost in the mountains? Apprehension leached through his limbs and clutched at his chest. If she came to any harm…

Ach, if she came to any harm there would be no one to blame but himself. He should have at least tried to explain or coerce her, not treat her like some prize to be bargained with. But desperation had stolen his manners and his sense. Alana could potentially right all the wrongs of eight years ago and finally bring his stepmother to justice. And he needed to act fast. He could not go on thwarting her plans forever.

Caraid’s ears fluttered and Morgann tensed. He couldn’t fathom what had come over her. She had never bolted before. Never. A sense of something ominous lingered in the air, forcing bile into his throat. Alana was hurt. How he knew that, he couldn’t say.

“Hell fire,” he exclaimed as his mount’s ears twitched again and she skidded to a halt, almost sending him toppling from her.

Gathering his breath for a moment and allowing his pulse to slow, he studied the scenery. He had assumed Alana would take the shortest and easiest route through the mountains but then how well did she even know the land? He’d heard her father kept her locked away and before then she never travelled unaccompanied. Mayhap she had little clue where to go.

And mayhap he’d terrified her that much that she’d ventured up the peaks in an effort to hide from him. God’s blood but he was a beast.

Morgann dismounted, swept his wet hair from his face and stared at the peaks on either side of him. It could take days to search each crag and boulder. A prickle swept down his arm and he felt the faint sensation of someone tugging on his shirt. When he glanced at Caraid, she appeared to be motioning with her head toward a point midway up the mountain. He scowled. God’s teeth, what was he thinking, relying on strange ‘feelings’ and the intuition of his horse?

But regardless, he patted her flank. “I’ll get her, Caraid. Never fear.”

He wasn’t sure if he was trying to reassure himself or her. Hand curled around his sword, he began the journey up the mountain, peering around every rock, heart in his throat. Images of Alana fatally injured or worse assaulted him. How could he live with himself if he was responsible for her death?

Unable to prevent himself, a faint smile tugged at this lips as he remembered the sweet lass who’d followed him around since they were young. Their friendship had developed into a firm one of teasing and laughter. But she always took him too seriously, believed too much in every word he said. Mayhap she actually believed he intended to harm her. While he admired her spirit, her naivety always concerned him.