Page 97 of Wedded to the Heartless Highlander
“Erica,” he breathed, his voice trembling. “Are ye hurt, love?”
She shook her head, tears streaming down her face as she threw herself into his arms. “I thought—I thought I’d lost ye.”
Hunter held her tightly, pressing a kiss to her hair. “Ye will never lose me. Nae now, nae ever.”
For a moment, they stayed like that, the world around them fading away. He felt her hot tears on his chest as she cried—the stress of the evening had taken its toll on her.
Angus had gone back to the lake to bring the horses to the clearing, and he was walking up toward them when Hunter pulled Erica back and took a good look at her. Her hair was wild and unruly, just like her spirit, and he took a moment to watch her let out her anguish.
She was breathtaking.
“Ye were strong tonight, lass. Ye were perfect.”
Erica smiled and let out a chuckle that eased the tension in her shoulders. Hunter watched as she relaxed and leaned languidly against him. He scooped her up into his arms and carried her to the horse, exhaustion taking over as the rush of anxiety dissipated.
“Take me home, husband,” she demanded softly.
“Ye are all right, wife. I’ll take ye home to Lily.”
The ride back to the castle was filled with silence, broken only by the rhythmic pounding of the horses’ hooves on the dirt path. Erica sat up in the saddle, though her body was weak and heavy. Her mind reeled from what had just happened.
Angus rode ahead, vigilantly keeping watch. Hunter’s breaths were slow and even against her ear. Though James was dead and the danger was finally eliminated, the weight of his actions clung to her, threatening to pull her under.
When they finally reached the castle gates, the sight that greeted them nearly brought Erica to tears. Standing in the courtyard, illuminated by torchlight, were Lily, Calvin, and Kara’s younger brother, Smith.
Lily rushed forward, her arms outstretched, her eyes wide with relief. “Uncle Hunter! Aunt Erica!”
Hunter dismounted quickly, catching her as she launched herself into his arms. He held her tightly, his stoic mask cracking as she clung to him.
Erica slid down from her horse, her legs unsteady, and Lily turned to her, throwing her arms around her waist.
“Ye are back! Ye are both back!” Lily sobbed, burying her face against Erica’s belly. “I was so scared!”
Erica kneeled down, pulling the girl into a fierce embrace. “We’re here, Lily. We’re safe now. Ye are safe.” Her voice wavered, the stress of the night bubbling to the surface.
Smith, who was standing a few steps back, shuffled nervously. “Lady MacKinnon,” he said, his voice trembling. “I… I’m sorry I didnae do more. Mr. Morris held me captive?—”
“It’s nae yer fault,” Erica said firmly. “Ye were brave, Smith, just by stayin’ strong. Thank ye for keepin’ Lily safe.”
Hunter glanced at Calvin. “Any trouble while we were gone?”
Calvin shook his head, though his expression was grim. “Nay, but the lass was worried sick about ye two. And we had our hands full keepin’ her calm.”
Lily nodded fervently, her tear-streaked face tilted up to her uncle. “I thought somethin’ bad happened. Calvin wouldnae let me go after ye.”
“Because it wasnae safe,” Calvin interjected, his voice gentle but firm. “Your aunt and uncle took care of it, did they nae?”
Hunter ruffled Lily’s hair, his face softening. “We did. And ye did exactly what we needed ye to do by stayin’ here and bein’ strong.”
Lily sniffled and leaned into him. “I’m glad ye are both home.”
Erica’s heart ached at the tender scene, but her relief was short-lived. Her gaze flicked to the side, where a guard stood quietly, awaiting orders. Kara’s name was on her lips before she could stop herself.
“Kara,” she said, her voice low but determined. “Where is she?”
Hunter stiffened, and his gray eyes hardened as he looked at her. “In the dungeons.”
Erica’s heart sank. “Hunter, nay…”
