Prescribed for Love Read Free

few more hours from his home, Alasdair led his horse ove r to a nearby stream . Deciding to also partake in refreshment, he reached into his p ouch for a couple of oatcakes. As he took his first bite , the witch emerge d from the trees and stumbled toward his location . Alasdair really could not understand why she wore such ridiculous attire. He had not noticed before that her shoes had odd points on the back. Maybe this helped with her short stature, but her gait was made difficult as the slippers sunk into the ground with each step . He wondered how she had managed to run without falling after she had first dismounted.
    Once again seeing her exposed legs, Alasdair could not help but think of the rest of the body hid by her gown . After having the witch nestle d into his person for so many hours, he had become acutely aware of her equally well-shaped figure . It was almost as if her form had been contrived by magic to induce a man’s desire. Alasdair could not recall the last time a woman had raised such an immediate hunger in him.
    As the witch finished her approach, Alasdair saw hunger reflected in the witch’s eyes, but hers was of an entirely different kind . He shook his head slightly to clear his thoughts and offered her the second oatcake—the actual object of her hunger .
    “Thank you,” said the witch. “I didn’t catch your name by the way.”
    “ Alasdair MacLean.”
    “Mind if I call you Al? ”
    “If Alasdair is nae to yer l iking, ye can call me MacLean.”
    “Alright then … Mac it is!” He cringed at the shortening of his name . However, the witch seemed unconcerned with his irritation . Once she finished her cake a few moments later, she asked, “So Mac, where are we going?”
    “To my home, Duart Castle,” he replied .
    “And why are we he aded there?”
    Alasdair did not immediately answer; he was not sure he should let the witch know the entirety of his problem. He was worried about her actions if he revealed she was his last hope. He did not need the witch trying to take advantage of his misfortune . After a few moments of internal debate, he decided to tell her only the most basic of information. “My sister has become verra sick. I hope ye may be able to help her, ” was his reply.
    “Oh, that’s terrible. I’m so sorry. I hope she has not suffered too much. ” She paused for a moment before continuing, “ I’m not sure if I am your best option, but I wi ll definitely do as much as I can for her. ” Alasdair was not sure what to think of the witch’s reply . On the one hand, he was pleased by her show o f concern for his sister. On the other, the belittling of her skills worried him. The rumors said she was a healer with an ability to heal that far surpassed any other. Alasdair sincerely hoped she was not trying to manipulate him into some ridiculous form of payment. I will need to keep a close on eye her.
    “I thank ye,” replied Alasdair , “ But for now, let us hurry back so ye can see to her .” Anxious to return , he called his horse . Mounting first, he reached down to help the witch up, this time behind him . As unlikely as it was, if her body was designed by magic, he did not want to risk falling under its spell . If he was going to keep a close watch on her, he could not afford any distractions. Turning once again for home, h e hoped his fears were unfounded and simply a result of his paranoia .
    ***
    Their ride continued, once again in silence, until they reached their destination. Cat was dumbstruck by the monstrosity of the castle in front of her. I t had clearly been built for protection —there was no thing whimsical about the place . The structure gave its inhabitants a distinct advantage with its strategic location atop a hill overlooking the surrounding area . The stone walls were thick, their only decoration s consisting of brutish looking men with gruesome weapons. Unfortunately for Catriona , tho se men appeared skeptical of her presence. They eyed her