Branded by a Warrior Read Online Free PDF Page B

connected. Broderick thought it v ery odd, and strangely disconcerting. After being jaded, he had kept women at an arm’s length, feeling the connection to Elisabeth was an unwelcome surprise.
    Hearing something in the hallway, both Conn and Isla lifted their heads and stared at the large wooden door. Smiling at his dogs, he ruffled the hair on their heads and stood up. Walking over to his door he pulled it wide and heard the mumblings of one of the most beloved member s of his castle.
    Seeing her white hair appear out of the shadows he held open the chamber door and directed her in, “She’s injured badly Rhona, we must do whatever we can for her, anything you need from me, just ask.” H e explained as he closed the door after her, following her over to Elisabeth’s side. 
    Old Rhona was a trusted member of his castle servants; she had been his mother’s personal maid and eventually the boy s ’ nurse maid ; she was o ne of the only women he trusted. The elder came up to his chest; she was full of spirit and wit. Plump and bossy, she kept the MacMillan boys in line after their parents were killed. A full head of sparkling white hair, Rhona saw after much of the castle daily happenings.
    Broderick watched as old Rhona waddled across his room, her white hair plaited in a long rope down her back. He watched her sit down the bucket of hot water and walk directly over to Elisabeth’s side, her eyes on the fallen lass only.
    “Oh Broderick, what a bonnie lass! How bad is her injury? Kendrix didn’t elaborate, he’s se arc hing for your blasted healer , and we have no idea where that old crow has run off to now . ” Rhona quickly whispered as she knelt beside Elisabeth brushing another red curl off the sleeping lass’ face.
    “She’s lost so much blood Rhona, it’ll be a miracle if she lives,” he admitted, even though he made a n oath, he gazed upon her face wondering if she was strong enough to pull through this injury. The amount of blood she had lost was worrisome, even a man his size could easily die from the same injury. He absentmindedly rolled his signet ring between his fingers as he stood there and watched.
    “She’ll live Br oderick, I can tell, she is special . There is a touch of destin y with this lass, treat her well, ” she offered cryptically never taking her eyes off the woman lying on his floor , “Now, shall we see how bad the damage is? She could have additional injuries upon her body. We’ll have to strip her and get her out of that soaked tunic, I’ll need your help. G rab some fresh linens and cloth from your wardrobe, I’ll need a fresh tartan to cover her un til the healer arrives . ”
    Confused by her words he did as he was bid , he trusted and respected Rhona, anything she needed- she would have it . Nodding, he crossed his room in search of the items the wise elder requested. Unchaining h is sable fur from his shoulders he threw it over the chair. The snow had melted and left him wet and cold from his journey , pushing aside his desire to change, he focused on seeing to the young woman he brought home first . Sighing loudly, h e was glad to be home, his room was a warm welcome from the blizzard brewing outside. Running his hands through his long dark hair he shook off the wetness as opened his wardrobe wide. P ulling out fresh linens and an extra tartan plaid , he grabbed the collection and walked back over to help Rhona.
    He knew he had a long night ahead of him, closing a wo und that size would take hours, let alone cleaning it and changing the lass. Closing his eyes he was thankful she wasn’t awake for this, it would be agonizing even for a grown man. Ignoring his hunger pains, he mentally prepared for a grueling night.
    Joining Rhona back by the fire he saw she had already begun to cut the young lass out of her bloodied tunic and plaid. Efficiently cutting away the soiled clothing, Rhona peeled off layers of clothing and tossed them into a pile.
    “Ye sure y e want to be