“ ’Tis all right, lass. We won’t allow any harm to come to you,” Gannon said, mistaking her shudder.

Somehow she believed him. As ludicrous as it was to place any stock in these men when they were abducting her from her own home, she did believe that no harm would come to her as long as she was with them.

With that in mind, she relaxed in Gannon’s hold and leaned her head over as they started forward at a slow pace. Her sleepless nights tending Alaric were beating a dull rhythm in her skull. She was tired, cold, and hungry, and there was absolutely nothing she could do about any of it. So she did the only thing that made sense.

She slept.

Chapter 6

CHAPTER 6

“You could have at least found a more accommodating woman to steal,” Caelen grumbled to his brother Ewan.

Ewan grinned and glanced sideways where his men bore Alaric’s litter between them. Alaric hadn’t woken once, and it concerned him, but it was obvious the little spitfire had cared for him well. Which made her perfect for what he had in mind.

“She has a fine hand at healing and that’s all that matters,” Ewan said, not wanting Caelen to begin a diatribe against women.

As he spoke, he looked over to where Gannon rode with the woman in front of him. She sagged all over Gannon’s chest, and it was all Gannon could do to keep the limp burden on the saddle before him. The lass was fairly drooling out one side of her mouth in her deep sleep.

“It would appear she’s gone without rest in her vigilance with Alaric,” Ewan murmured. “We need that kind of dedication. With Mairin’s time drawing ever near, it would make me feel better to have a competent midwife on hand. I’ll take no chances with her safety or that of our child.”

Caelen frowned but nodded his agreement.

Gannon slowed his horse as the lass shifted and nearly fell out of the saddle. Gannon grasped her at the last moment, and her eyes flew open as she righted herself.

Her disgruntled look made Ewan want to laugh. She was a prickly little thing. And not at all happy with the honor he afforded her. Why she’d want to continue living alone and in squalor was beyond him. Not when he offered her a revered position with his clan.

“Have you experience with birthing children, lass?” he called out to her.

She shot him a frown and her eyes narrowed. “Aye, I’ve delivered a babe or two in my time.”

“Have you any skill at it?” he persisted.

“Well, none have died if that’s what you’re asking,” she said dryly.

Ewan pulled up his reins and held up a fist for Gannon to do the same. He pinned the little wench with the full force of his glare.