Highlander's True Love: A Cree & Dawn Short Story Read Online Free PDF Page B

few plants she thought Elsa might want.
    Cree hesitated at first, then said. “Stay right here until one of my warriors join you.”
    She nodded.
    He shook his finger in her face. “I mean it, Dawn. I will not worry about you when there is work to be done.”
    She promised with her finger tracing a cross over her heart, then gave him a quick kiss before he walked off. She had no intentions of disobeying him, she had done enough of that already and the day was young yet. She became engrossed in her foraging and did not realize the warrior had joined her until she almost stumbled over him.
    It was only when she saw that the sun had moved in the sky that she realized a couple of hours had passed. It had been a while since she had spent some leisurely time in the woods and she was pleased to have had this time to herself.
    The warrior followed her back up the path and she smiled when she caught sight of Cree deep in talk with William. The sight of him never failed to thrill her or touch her heart. She truly loved this man and that love grew stronger every day.
    He turned and stretched his hand out to her. She ran to him and he wrapped his arm around her.
    “Time to go,” he said and hugged her close.
    Cree kept a conversation going as they rode at a leisurely pace, focusing on their new home while purposely avoiding the problem that had presented itself this morning. He was not ready to discuss it with her and he was not ready to admit that there was something familiar about Tallis, though he could not place it. In time, he would remember and in time she would tell him the truth—he would convince her of it.
    “Land needs clearing for the village and each section of the village will be built at different intervals. I plan on having Elsa’s cottage close to the keep in case you or the children are in need of her.”
    Dawn was wise to her husband’s ways and was aware that he talked as he did to distract her from thinking of anything else. She did not mind, for she loved when he shared plans with her and asked her opinion, which he did both—often.
    She gestured with a question that he was quick to answer and they shared their return journey home in relative compatibility.
    They barely reached the rise that led to the village when one of Cree’s warriors rode toward him at a fast pace.
    Cree brought his horse to a stop, raising his hand to let the others know to follow suit. Then he waited until the approaching warrior reached him.
    The warrior brought his horse to a sudden halt a few feet from Cree and did not wait to be granted permission to speak. “A troop of fifty or more is but a short distance away and they carry more weapons than necessary for a mere visit.”
    “Have trackers been sent out to see if more follow?” Cree asked.
    “Aye, Sloan had them sent out as soon as word came of the troop’s approach and I was sent to inform you,” the warrior said.
    He did not bother to ask if his men were in place, he knew the answer. His warriors were well trained and whether a small or large troop approached, their actions would be the same. They would prepare to defend their home to the death.
    “Then let us be ready to greet them,” Cree said and turned to Dawn. Without a word, he leaned over, grabbed her around the waist, yanked her off her horse and onto his, dropping her in front of him and keeping a firm arm around her before taking off down the rise.

Chapter Six
    All was in readiness when the troop arrived at the keep. Warriors stood ready as did villagers, everyone familiar with their assigned task should an unexpected battle break out. Anxious and alert eyes followed the troop through the village and to the stairs of the keep where Cree stood waiting on the top step.
    Dawn stood inside the keep just behind the tall door, keeping it slightly ajar so that she could hear what was being said. Cree had ordered her, most vehemently, to remain in the keep until he instructed otherwise. She understood that he was