As she drifted into sleep, she realized that on the morrow, she would begin a completely new chapter in her life. And she wasn’t sure quite what to make of that.

Chapter 7

CHAPTER 7

When Keeley opened her eyes, all she could see was the broad chest of a man. Warmth surrounded her, as did two steel bands she finally figured were arms. She let out a sound of exasperation. So much for keeping her distance from Alaric McCabe. During the night he’d pulled her against him so that not even a breath separated them.

Resigned to her circumstances, she wiggled her arm between them and ran her fingers over his forehead. She frowned and pressed her lips together in worry. He was still hot. Far too hot for her liking.

She twisted and turned her head, staring up at the sky to see that it had just begun to lighten with the first shades of dawn. Around her the camp stirred and men moved quietly, readying the horses and packing the equipment.

When she caught sight of Laird McCabe, she called out softly to him. He stopped and then walked over to stand over Alaric.

“We must hasten,” she said. “He needs a warm chamber. He’ll not get better until we can see him out of this cold, damp air. His fever still burns this morning.”

“Aye, we’ll leave immediately. We aren’t far from McCabe land. We’ll have him to the keep by midmorning.”

As he walked away, Keeley relaxed against her warrior and allowed his warmth to bleed into her flesh. ’Twas a pleasurable sensation to lie in his arms. She sighed and ran her hand over his chest.

“You must get better, warrior,” she murmured. “Your kin won’t like it if I’m unable to make you well again. ’Tis the truth I’ve suffered enough trouble. I’d like very much to have a peaceful life from here on out.”

“Mistress, ’tis time to go,” Cormac said.

She twisted again to look up at the man standing over her and Alaric. She frowned when she saw his impatience. As if she’d just been content to lie about all day.

She glanced pointedly down to where Alaric’s arms circled her body and then back up at Cormac.

Soon Cormac, aided by Caelen, gently pulled Alaric away and positioned him on the litter that he’d been borne on the day before. Before Keeley could do more than push herself to her feet, she found herself tossed up to Gannon who was already astride his horse.

She huffed in irritation as she bounced against the warrior’s chest. “I do wish the lot of you would quit tossing me around like a caber. I’m more than capable of mounting a horse myself.”

Gannon grinned. “ ’Tis much quicker this way, lass. Just stay where we put you and there’ll be no trouble.”