Fraser 02 - Highland Quest Read Free Page A

daughters being used as pawns, a means to gain land, alliances, and chattel. She thanked the Almighty on a daily basis that her parents had gone against tradition and raised her to be a strong, independent woman.
    While she’d had many suitors express an interest, once they learned of her unwillingness to comply with the old ways and her so-called gift, they abandoned her as if she had a plague. But when she met Bryce, she sensed he was different. In addition to the fact he made her heart race and her stomach flutter with excitement, he claimed to set no store in her ability to see the future and accepted her for who she was. They’d connected on more than one level, or so she’d thought.
    The fierce loyalty Bryce showed for his brothers and his willingness to kill the enemy was a stark contrast to the gentleness and concern he showed for his sister-by-marriage when he’d brought her to Buccleuch seeking refuge.
    Bryce put on a bold front and professed he wanted no woman in his life, but he’d revealed his sensitive, caring side. He did not chastise her for her temerity and spirit. Nor did he shy away from her because of her gift of second sight. Yet, in spite of his debonair demeanor, there was something that tortured his soul. If only he would open up to her and share his inner thoughts. Mayhap they could have . . .
    Fallon gave her head a shake and straightened her spine. What was she thinking? She’d spent the last few months trying to forget Bryce and she refused to allow herself to be swayed by emotion. Again. He had made his choice when he’d allowed her to leave Fraser Castle without protest. He was not here by choice and would surely depart to rejoin the cause as soon as he was able. She didn’t need him in her life. She didn’t need anyone.
    Fallon could not deny she’d had strong feelings for Bryce, but that was in the past. She’d put it behind her and meant to keep it there. A life of solitude was for the best.
    Exhausted, she laid her head on the edge of the pallet. “A short rest is all I need.” Her eyes drifted shut, but Bryce’s face filled her mind.
    Waking with a start a short time later, she glanced around the dark croft. The tallow candles had burned down to a snub and the remnants of a fire smoldering in the hearth offered the only source of light. Her uncle had added more wood and peat before retiring, but the room had grown chilly. She wrapped a length of plaid around her shoulders and huddled beneath it for warmth. Before long, her heavy-lidded eyes closed again, and she surrendered to sleep.

Chapter 2
    He made his way through a dense forest that seemed to go on forever, stumbled over rocks and fallen logs, but somehow managing to stay on his feet. Sweat soaked his brow and tunic. His chest tightened and his leg muscles cramped from the exertion. The stitch in his side caused him to double over in pain more than once, but he had to keep going. He paused for a moment to catch his breath then continued to run as if the Devil were dancing on his heels.
    The sound of a waterfall echoed in the distance. He envisioned a stream rushing over a bed of smooth stones, prisms of sunlight dancing across the cool, clear surface. He could almost taste the icy liquid sliding across his tongue and down his desiccated throat.
    “Only a wee bit farther.” Those words became his mantra.
    When he finally broke free of the woods, he came to an abrupt halt. His mouth gaped open at the sight, his thundering heart drowning out the noise around him.
    A meadow, dotted with fragrant heather, stretched in all directions, as far as the eye could see. The sweet floral scent reminded him of his childhood, of carefree days romping and wrestling in the grass with his brothers, and the familiar aroma of his mother’s hair.
    Tears ran down his cheek, and he scrubbed them away with the sleeve of his tunic. Cupping his hand over his eyes, he peered up at a cloudless azure sky. A hawk circled above him, looking for prey.