The Highlander's Time

in true form and if the sparkle of anger dancing in her eyes was any indication, she'd gladly run him through. Wrapping her in his embrace, he drank in a lungful of air then expelled it slowly. If Jenny had been injured, by God, the ground would run red with Wulfson blood.
    “I'd sleep with one eye open this eve, milord.” A crofter teased him.
    Iaen chuckled with him, but sobered quickly. 'Twas the feel of her nuzzling his chest that brought up all his fury. “Jenny, go with Oswald. I promise I'll not be long.”
    He gritted his teeth when he saw the tears swimming in her eyes. “You've naught to fear.” Tucking an errant curl behind her ear, he brushed his fingers down her cheek.
    “What if I'm worried for you?”
    “'Twill take more than an arrow to lay me low,” he lied, he hoped convincingly. “Go, milady. I'd know you are safe.”
    “Okay.” She released him with reluctance.
    He whistled for Serendipity. The loyal filly trotted to where they stood. Lifting Jenny into the saddle, he sent her a wink of reassurance. “Until later, milady.”
    She managed a nod but she looked so unhappy his heart hurt for her. “I'll be waiting.” Her fingers wrapped around the high pommel as Oswald led her away.
    Iaen waited until he was sure Jenny was out of earshot. Racing back up to the top of the moor, he stood on the dry winter grass. Bracing his feet wide, he propped his fists on his hips. This insult was inexcusable. He scanned the border. “If you want me, here I stand!”
    Behind him, he heard the crofters make the trek.
    “Wulfson!”
    His sword sang from its home. Holding his blade aloft, he ground his teeth together. Anger surged through his veins. The arrow hadnae been meant for him. Nay. 'Twas meant for Jenny. Why would Laird Wulfson want to harm Jenny? “Meet me like a warrior, you coward!”
    His challenge echoed over the land. Afore the final reverberation fell off, Iaen's battle cry rent the air twain.
    Spinning around on the heel of his boot, Iaen headed for the Laird's cottage and Jenny.
    His gaze slid to the sun dipping low on the horizon, he sighed. 'Twas too late to head for home and sound a warning. It also didn't help that he couldnae leave Jenny unguarded in the crofter's cottage his sire had stayed in when he hunted for the holiday banquet. He'd followed the tradition of taking on a hunt the same way his sire had, and stayed in the cottage. In a way, it took him back to his childhood.
    Some of his happiest memories revolved around coming to the border for these few days.
    A shrill whistle rent the air. His stallion trotted over to meet him at the base. With his footsteps rustling the grass, he gained his saddle. He noted a young boy standing near whom he suspected was his father.
    The filly.
    Aye, Serendipity could make the trip in half the time with a light rider . “Lad, I need you to take a message to Castle Kincaid. Can you do it?”
    The boy didnae look to his father, but took several steps forward. He nodded.
    Iaen waited for the boy to finish his short trip and addressed him when he stood beside his warhorse. “I'm sending you on an important task.” Offering the boy his hand, he pulled him up behind him. “Listen to me carefully, lad. This is what I need you to do.”

    ***

    Jenny was as antsy as all get out. Her reaction to Iaen's wound was unforgivable. Hell, she hadn't even had the common sense to wait until they were in the privacy of the cottage before she let loose on her anger.
    He was probably going to kill her for acting like a twit and she couldn't muster up a drop of self-righteous indignation. She was his lady. The nodding, gently smiling countenance who didn't lose her temper with the lowliest member of the clan. A fresh blast of warmth crept up her face. Pressing her palms to her cheeks, she heaved another sigh.
    She'd really screwed up this time.
    If she was geared like Lila, she'd have found a way to blame Iaen. Her already guilty conscience wouldn't let her go down that road. It wasn't how she'd been raised either.
    If you make a mistake, fess up and hope to God it wasn't too late .
    It was a bit of her mother's advice she'd taken to heart. Dammit . If she knew Iaen better, she could come up with a way to make it up to him. In the very least, she could project his response to her stupidity.
    Shifting her head when the door opened, she bit her lip at Iaen's frowning face. “I'm sorry about yelling at you,” she apologized in a rush. “I don't know what's