Authors: Spirit Of McEwen Keep

J. Lee Coulter (8 page)

BOOK: J. Lee Coulter

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What is that noise? And why am I drenched?
Still not quite awake, Kyla recognized her husband’s snoring and snuggled closer. A few moments later her eyes popped open in alarm and she let out a scream as she felt the blankets being lifted behind her.

Conan shot straight up and fell out of the bed in a tangled mass of damp sheets. He could hear his brother roaring with laughter as he fought his way out. Suddenly his struggles ceased as he realized it was Kyla’s scream that woke him.

“Kyla? Ye be well?” He held his breath as he waited for her response while he removed the sheets from his head.

Glancing nervously at the stranger in the room she answered him. “Aye. Although I be a bit hungered…and thirsty
…and cold!”

Conan scrambled to snatch up a dry blanket and swiftly covered her near-nakedness as he snarled at his brother.

“Avert your eyes Alex afore I pluck them out!”

“I already did.” He laughed. “As I can see, me services are nae needed here any longer so I believe I will go break me fast. I will tell Nab that two meals are required here this morn.”

“Alex!”

“Aye.”

“Ye have me deepest thanks.”

Gesturing with his hand he replied, “I ken it. I just be glad that I arrived when I did.”

Conan took Kyla in his arms once they were alone and showered her in kisses.

“Do nae ever scare me like that again lass! I thought I would lose ye!”

“Ye act like I stabbed myself! Twas nae me fault that Faither is insane! Where is he…by the way? And Maither?”

“I fear that I lost me mind when I thought ye dead and I…killed him. I could nae seem ta stop myself.” Conan studied her face intently
as he gave her the news but saw only relief mirrored there. “As for Iona…she is gone. The eve ye were stabbed she had come ta say goodbye. She said the Lord was calling her home. Tis sorry I am that ye did nae get ta spend more time with her.”

“But I did! She was with me as I slept. I remember now. We had a grand visit!”

Conan held her close as he replied, ‘I am glad me love. Mayhap now her spirit can truly rest in peace.”