Page 34 of Return to Me Always

For a moment, I thought we might kiss, but I was so scared to make that first move. I had no idea how Tyler felt about me. I wasn't sure he even liked me, let alone had any stronger feelings for me.

Tyler let go of my hand. "We should get some sleep."

Moment over.

A short time later, I curled up in my sleeping bag, dejection overwhelming me. I needed to squash these feelings about Tyler because the last thing I wanted was heartbreak in addition to all my other problems right now.

***

The sound of swords clashing filled my ears, vibrating through my body. My horse bolted at the loud noise. But I was able to get her under control only a short distance away.

I watched through the trees, not daring to breathe. Malcolm was on the ground, fighting for his life.

The death blow was about to descend on him.

"No," I screamed, surprising both men and causing an end to the fight as Malcolm scrambled up and fled into the forest.

The shocked face of Tyler stared back at me through the leaves.

Gasping, I woke up, only to have a hand clamped over my mouth. It had to be Tyler's palm. But why?

I fought the feeling of suffocation as my breathing accelerated along with my panic. Tyler slowly removed his hand to leave one finger on my lips as if to say, "Shh." Seconds later, he dropped his arm completely.

Just then, I heard something. Outside.

Oh, no. Please not Malcolm.

The rustling noise moved closer while my heart took off in a gallop. In the darkness, I was totally blind, and I wished to God I could see Tyler. I could only sense his taut body near me, between me and the opening to our tent.

Whatever was out there came even closer so only thin fabric separateditfrom us. I held my breath, hoping with all my soul it was just an animal and that my dream wasn't a premonition.

The noise moved to the back of the tent. On my side now. Holy shit! It had to be an animal, right? Every muscle in my body tensed, ready to jump up at any second. My hammering heart seemed on the verge of a heart attack.

Whatever it was drifted to the front again then slowly moved farther away. When the sound disappeared completely, Tyler's hand found mine, but he still didn't speak for several moments.

"Just some kind of beastie checking us out," he finally whispered.

"Are there bears in Scotland?" I asked over my still crazy heartbeat.

Tyler chuckled. "No."

"What about wolves?"

"No."

I could hear the amusement in his one simple word, but I was less than amused. "Well, then, what the hell was it?"

"Probably just a badger. Something small."

"What about mountain lions? Bobcats? Cougars?"

Tyler just laughed again. "You sure have an active imagination." He let go of my hand and settled back down. "Try to get some rest?"

"Yeah, sure," I squeaked out. "No problem."

Snuggling into my sleeping bag once more, I tried to get comfortable while attempting to calm my whirling mind. Nothing like being awakened from a nightmare only to be plunged into another.

"All right over there?" Tyler asked.

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