“We may very well find one though we still must consider the soldiers in the area. No doubt they search for crofts as well.”
“Then what are we to do?”
“We have time until nightfall, we’ll think of something,” he said.
She dashed in front of him. “Time for a bit of privacy.”
“Take Odin with you and don’t be long. I’ll wait here.”
She hurried off, Odin following as he always did unless she or Bryce ordered otherwise. She went a good distance in and when she was nearly finished, she saw Odin’s head suddenly rear up. He sniffed the air and immediately took a guarded stance.
Someone was about.
She motioned for Odin to be quiet and took a moment to listen. When Odin issued a small whine, she knew it wasn’t her he was concerned about.
“Bryce?” she asked softly.
Odin whined again, and, with swift light steps, they both took off.
Chapter 27
Bryce spotted Charlotte running toward him. He ran at her, grabbed her by the arm, swung her around, and said, “Keep going.”
She did exactly what he ordered, Odin quick to change directions along with her.
When they were a good distance away, still keeping a good pace, Bryce said, “There were two soldiers. Don’t know if more followed. We need to get home fast. There are too many soldiers combing these parts.”
“It isn’t about enlarging his troops that King Kenneth seeks men and lads, is it?” Charlotte said. “It’s about him searching for the true king. He wants him found.”
“It would appear that way,” Bryce said, hating to admit the implications of the obvious.
“Your home may not be safe.”
“We are well fortified, and the Picts border our land. The king will not dare tread there.”
“Why not?” she asked. “He claims the right to sit the throne, and all know that the rightful king is born of a Pict mother. King Kenneth should have no qualms about asking those of his blood to help him.”
“Therein lies the problem,” Bryce said. “King Kenneth is no descendant of a Pict.”
“You have to get home and warn your people, so they will be prepared,” Charlotte said.
“All those who fight for the true king must prepare,” Bryce said. “Battle is on the horizon.”
They kept up a hectic pace, taking time for only one brief rest throughout the day.
His legs began to burn, his body tire, and he could only imagine how Charlotte must be feeling, the bruises from her last two altercations still fresh on her body.
He needed to find them a place to rest for the night, and as soon as the sun rose tomorrow, they would leave, setting a pace as quick as today’s.
The rain had left behind a chill that had grown decidedly colder, and it suddenly felt like winter had returned for one last sting. They had draped their blankets around them as they walked, but they could do with the warmth of a fire.
Bryce had hoped to come upon an abandoned croft where they could seek adequate shelter for the night, but so far there had been nothing. Being forced off the well-worn trail hadn’t helped. Rarely had he come across a lone cottage in the woods.
Charlotte plopped down on the ground. “I can’t go much farther.”
Even Odin looked exhausted, spreading out beside her to rest his head on her thigh.
Worried, since she had never claimed she could not go on, he knelt beside her. “Does something pain you?”
“Everything pains me.”
They both jumped at the sound of twigs cracking, and, without hesitation, stood back-to-back, his sword drawn and her bow ready. When Bryce saw that Odin hadn’t moved, his worry faded though it did disturb him that Odin lay where he was, watching a squirrel scampering about. Usually, he would be chasing it, which meant the dog was fatigued.
He hated to say it, but he had no choice. He wanted them closer to home, closer to safety. “A bit more, then we’ll settle for the night.”
Charlotte groaned but started walking, and Odin reluctantly got up and joined her.
“A couple more days, and we’ll be home,” Bryce said. “Then you’ll have a bed to sleep in.”
“And sleep I will,” she said with an annoyed toss of her head.
Bryce strode up beside her, and she stepped away from him.
“So then,” he said, “you’ll be sleeping in your bed alone?”
“No.” She grinned. “Odin will be joining me.”
He laughed. “There’ll be no dog in my bed.”
“And no woman either,” she shot back.
He moved closer to her though he didn’t brush against her this time. “Come on, lassie, you know you want to share my bed just as much as I want you to.”
She sighed. “Can you imagine the pleasure of having a bed beneath us?”
“I can imagine the pleasure of having you beneath me.”
She gave her head a tilt to look at him. “How about me on top of you? You did—”
“Stop,” he said, taking a step away from her. The vision was enough to make him grow hard.
“It’s only fair that we each—”
“Enough,” he warned, thinking how much of a handful she would be in bed and growing harder with the thought.
He stomped past her, ending the debate, though the image of her naked on top of him refused to fade away.
A few hours later, with his thoughts finally his, they came upon a cottage the land had partially reclaimed. It wasn’t what they had hoped for, but, with a little bit of work, it would lodge them sufficiently for the night.
Bryce got a fire going in what remained of the fireplace, so that Charlotte could keep warm as he worked. With the sun ready to set soon and the air continuing to cool, it would be a cold night.
Thick pine branches served as a partial roof and helped plug holes in what was left of the wattle-and-daub walls. Though it wasn’t possible to enclose the structure, his effort would at least provide them with a snug area that would keep them from being fully exposed to the cold.
When Bryce finally finished, he wasn’t surprised to see Odin curled in a ball, snug against a sleeping Charlotte. Crumbs, remnants of their meal, lay sprinkled around them. He had to smile. Hungry and exhausted, they had eaten, then fallen asleep.
He took some food for himself though he found he had less of an appetite than he had thought. When he finished, he cuddled up against Charlotte, wrapping his arm around her. He had hoped this night would end differently, but their frantic pace had completely worn them out.
He couldn’t wait to get home, spend time with her while plans were made to search for her da. She’d give him a difficult time, no doubt, when she learned that there would be no debate about her remaining home. He’d handle that when the time came.
Until then, he intended to enjoy the time he had with her. He didn’t know what the future held for them. He hoped that they would share it together. But there was so much standing between them that no matter what he wanted or how many promises he made, he wasn’t sure if he could keep them.
Except for finding her da . . . that was a promise he intended to keep.
Morning came too soon and with it another long day of travel. Bryce kept them going at a rapid pace, and night, no doubt, didn’t come soon enough for Charlotte, sleep claiming her before she had a chance to eat.
It was on the third day, the sun high in the sky with hours of travel yet ahead of them that she stopped.
“I’ve had enough,” she said. “I ache from my head to my toes. I want a respite even if it is only a short one.”
Bryce smiled, reached out, and scooped her up in his arms, then started walking.
“You can’t carry me,” she said, resting her head on his shoulder, “even if it does feel good. It’s not fair. You will grow tired.”
“I’ve told you before. You are no burden.”
“Still—”
“Shush,” he ordered. “It’s not far now.”
“We’ll be there by nightfall?” she asked with a bit of desperation.
“Sooner.”
“How soon?”
“Just over this rise.”
Her head shot up. “You can’t mean that.”
He laughed. “That happy to be home?”
“No. No. Put me down,” she said, squirming to be free.
He released her, and she stood in front of him, her hands planted on her slim hips. “I can’t meet your family looking like this.”
He glanced over her from top to bottom. She did look a bit the worse for wear. Her clothes were dirty and dust-covered, her hair lacked shine, and her face was spotted with grime, and though the bruises had faded, they were still visible. But to him, she looked beautiful.
He reached out and rubbed a spot of dirt off her chin, holding it up for her to see. “The dirt you wear and the aches you suffer are badges of your undaunting courage, wear them with pride.” He smeared the dirt back on her chin. “Besides, no amount of dirt can hide your beauty.”
The kiss wasn’t planned, it never was, it simply happened. It was quick though thorough, the kind that let you know there was more to come but not just yet.
“We should hurry,” she said when the kiss ended.
He smiled. “Eager for nightfall and bedtime?”
“Must we wait for nightfall to make love?”
His smile remained firm as he shook his head and took her hand. “How did I get so lucky?”
“You met me,” she said, her small hand closing tightly over his.
They walked hand in hand up the rise, Odin scampering ahead of them. At that moment, Bryce felt more content than he ever had, and he wanted to keep a firm hold on it and never let it go.
As soon as Odin spotted children at play, he took off and Charlotte wasn’t far behind. Bryce smiled and shook his head watching the pair. The big dog wanting nothing more than to join in play with the children, and Charlotte worried that the sight of him charging toward them would frighten the children.
His eyes rounded when he saw Reeve run forward, and his heart slammed in his chest when he watched Charlotte spot his attack charge. Odin was oblivious to it all, his only interest to play with the children. Bryce knew Charlotte would never let anyone harm Odin, and she picked up a speed that astonished Bryce and headed straight for his brother.
Bryce took off, but knew he’d never be able to prevent what was about to happen. He watched as Reeve positioned himself, ready to take Odin down with one powerful and possible deadly swing. He was amazed when Charlotte vaulted over Odin, rolled, and came up with her booted foot to Reeve’s face, sending him flying up in the air to land with a bounce or two right on his back.
Before his brother could get to his feet, Charlotte had her dirk to his throat.
Duncan was hurrying forward as was his father, Carmag, though Mara, his mum sped past both.
“Get that dirk away from my son’s throat,” Mara ordered with a sharp tongue.
“Not until your son gives me his word that he’ll leave my harmless dog alone,” Charlotte challenged.
“He was set to attack the children,” Reeve spat.
“Odin would never hurt a child. He only wanted to play with them, and if you weren’t so ready to condemn and harm, you would have learned that for yourself,” Charlotte said. “Now your word, or you stay where you are until I have it.”
Bryce joined them, grinning, though not saying a word and ever so eager to see Reeve’s reaction when he learned that a woman had bested him.
“You dare threaten me when surrounded by my family?” Reeve said, his face flushed red with anger.
“Odin is my family, and I protect him as your family protects you,” Charlotte said.
“Give her your word,” Mara ordered. “The dog already plays with the children, and they are delighted with him.”
Reeve reluctantly said, “You have my word.”
Charlotte slipped her dirk back in her boot.
“You protect him, so why didn’t your dog help you when you attacked me?” Reeve said, once on his feet.
“He knew I required no help to take down the likes of you,” Charlotte said.
Bryce cringed, though he continued grinning.
Reeve went right up to Charlotte. “You’re a cocky lad who needs to be taught a lesson.”
“Let him be, Reeve,” Mara said. “He’s just a lad, and I’ll have him whipped into shape in no time.”
Reeve laughed. “Now you’re in for it, lad.”
Charlotte turned to Bryce. “I don’t think I like your family.”
Bryce went to her, slipped his arm around her, and tucked her against his side. “I want you all to meet Charlotte, my woman.”
Charlotte’s heart soared with delight. Bryce had all but announced he loved her by claiming that she was his woman, and she couldn’t have been happier. Though she wasn’t sure about his family; they hadn’t been at all what she expected.
She remained close to Bryce’s side and wasn’t surprised to see that eyes rounded, mouths dropped open, and silence reigned, though not for long.
Duncan laughed. “You were bested by a wee bit of a lassie, Reeve.”
“She doesn’t look at all like a woman,” Reeve shouted at him.
Charlotte tensed, hurt by his remark.
Bryce gave her a comforting squeeze, and said, “Believe me, she’s more woman than any man can handle in more ways than one, which she has demonstrated on you, Reeve.”
Duncan laughed again.
Reeve whipped his head around to glare at Duncan, who didn’t stop laughing though he calmed it some.
“There must be a good tale to why you’re dressed like a lad and how you’ve come to learn to defend yourself so well,” Mara said. “I’d like to hear it. And as soon as my son sees past his embarrassment, he’ll no doubt realize you’re no longer an adversary but a woman to be admired for her courage.”
Charlotte saw the warning Mara shot Reeve, and though he remained annoyed, he did attempt to seek a truce between them.
“I’d like to hear the tale myself,” he said.
Charlotte hoped they all would understand once they knew her story. She didn’t want difficulty with Bryce’s family. It would not be wise, especially with her having longed for a family since she was young.
Charlotte left the support of Bryce’s arms, wanting to offer something of a truce to Reeve as well. “Odin looks intimidating, but he truly is a lovable animal. Let me introduce you.”
She called out to the dog before Reeve could object, and he came reluctantly, sitting next to her leg. She bent down beside him and rubbed behind his ears while he licked her face. She stood, looked down at him, and said, “Odin, this is Reeve, and he’s a friend.”
The dog walked over and licked Reeve’s hand, then walked back to Charlotte, his big eyes begging to let him rejoin the children.
“Go have fun,” she said with a laugh.
He ran off with a bark, and peals of delightful laughter filled the air as he once again joined the children.
Bryce turned to his mother. “We’re in desperate need of food and a washing, Mum.”
“Where are my manners,” Mara said, scolding herself. “Let’s get you fed first, then bathed.”
Charlotte found herself quickly ushered inside the keep and deposited at a long table in front of a massive fireplace. More food than she had ever seen at one time was soon spread across the table. And chatter mixed with laughter as ale and wine were poured and consumed.
She noticed that Reeve was a handsome one even though a scowl marred his brow, and he was tall and slimmer than his brothers, though he did not lack for muscle. Duncan was a big one, with a slightly crooked nose and a scar in the corner of his mouth, though neither distracted from his fine features. Carmag was a good-looking man with gray threading through his dark hair, and Mara was plump, pretty, and had a sharp tongue though she did smile often. It was obvious they were a strong family, teasing and laughing easily w
ith each other.
“My husband was tossed down by a woman?” Came a sultry voice that had everyone turning except Reeve.
The woman was attractive, with raven-colored hair and lavender-colored eyes and fairly tall. When she smiled, she turned even more attractive, and when she slipped her hands over her husband’s shoulders, he turned his head and kissed her.
“Gossiping tongues, you can never trust them,” Reeve said, after kissing her.
She laughed and slid in on the bench to sit close beside him.
“Reeve was tossed down by a woman?” A woman’s voice asked anxiously.
Duncan jumped up and hurried over to help the woman down the last few stairs. Charlotte realized it had to be his wife, Mercy. She was so large with child that Charlotte thought she would birth the babe there and then.
Charlotte couldn’t help but stare, the woman was beautiful, with dark hair and blue eyes, and she was petite. That they were in love was obvious. You could see it by the loving looks they exchanged.
Duncan helped his wife to sit, then sat beside her.
“How is Trey faring?” Bryce asked.
“He’s back to his old self,” Reeve said, “and gone off to help Willow gather some of her things from her farm.”
“You have yet to tell us about your encounter with this woman, Reeve,” Mercy said.
“Mercy’s right, I want to hear it all,” Tara said. “Was she a big woman; she’d have to be to get the best of you.”
Reeve hung his head.
Charlotte didn’t wait to be introduced. “It isn’t size that matters; it’s having your wits about you. Reeve made it easy for me to conquer him.”
Both women turned wide eyes on her.
“I’m Charlotte, Bryce’s woman,” she said with pride.
Chapter 28
Bryce smiled, listening to Mercy and Tara ply Charlotte with endless questions. She answered in her usual direct manner, and as she did, he could see admiration and respect for her grow.
He was glad his family liked her, well almost all his family. He figured it would take Reeve a bit of time to live down being bested by her. He’d come around eventually. He also liked that Charlotte had confirmed herself his woman, and how she rested against him without giving it a thought.
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