Page 21 of Trapped By the Wicked Highlander
Needing air, she wandered outside into the garden, the fresh scent of dew-kissed leaves filling her senses. As she walked along the stone path, she spotted Hunter ahead, crouched low beside a large hound. The beast’s coat shimmered in the morning sun, its amber eyes sharp yet calm.
Hunter looked up, noticing her hesitation. “Ah, Cassandra,” he greeted with a soft smile. “This here’s Leonora—ye’ve nothin’ to fear. She doesnae bite.”
Cassandra’s breath caught as the hound turned its gaze toward her. “I… I daenae like dogs,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Hunter’s brow furrowed with gentle understanding. “She’s gentle as a lamb, I swear it. Would ye like to try and pet her?”
Cassandra took a small step back, her fingers clenching at her sides. “Nay… I— I cannae,” she said, the fear in her voice unmistakable.
Hunter straightened, his expression softening with concern. “It’s alright, lass. I dinnae mean to frighten ye.” His voice dropped low, steady and reassuring. “I’ll keep her back.”
Cassandra swallowed hard, feeling foolish for her fear. “Thank ye… I daenae ken why I react this way. Bad memories, mayhap.”
Hunter nodded, his gaze never leaving her face. “Bad memories have a way of lingerin’. But ye’re safe here, Cassandra—nothin’ will harm ye under me watch.”
Cassandra’s throat tightened as she took a hesitant step closer to the hound. Leonora’s amber eyes watched her calmly, offering no sign of aggression.
It’s just a beast, nothin’ more. A beast and a brute.
She reminded herself, inching forward until she stood within reach. Slowly, she stretched out her trembling hand and let her fingers graze the hound’s soft fur.
“There now, good lass,” Hunter said, his voice low and warm with approval. His smile deepened as he watched her hand rest gently on the hound’s head.
“See? She’s gentle as a lamb, just like I said.”
Cassandra let out a shaky breath and withdrew her hand, though a spark of pride flickered in her chest.
“Aye… she’s nae as frightenin’ as I first thought.”
Hunter’s smirk grew wider. “That’s the spirit. Now, since Leonora’s taken a likin’ to ye, why daenae we walk a bit? Fresh air will do ye good.”
Cassandra shook her head, her focus snapping back to her responsibilities. “I cannae, Hunter. I need to check on the patients—there’s still much to do.”
Hunter’s expression softened with understanding. “Ye’ll be glad to hear most of them have stirred, and some are sittin’ up now. Elena’s stronger than she was yesterday—Jessica said she even asked for broth this mornin’.”
Relief flooded Cassandra’s heart, but the weight of duty still lingered.
“That’s good news… but I must still see them with me own eyes.”
Hunter stepped closer, his tone gentle but insistent. “Just fifteen minutes, lass. If ye keep runnin’ yerself ragged, ye’ll fall ill yerself. A healer needs rest as much as her patients.”
Cassandra hesitated, chewing her lower lip. He’s right, she admitted silently, exhaustion tugging at her bones.
“Aye, ye make a fair point. Overwork breeds sickness, I ken that better than most.”
“Good,” Hunter said, offering his arm with a boyish charm. “Come, then. Just a wee walk through the garden—nay more, nay less.”
Cassandra hesitated then walked beside him. The warmth of his presence sent a ripple of unease through her, though she forced herself to ignore it.
“Fine,” she murmured. “But if I lose track of time, I’ll be blamin’ ye.”
They began their slow stroll down the winding garden path, Leonora padding quietly at his side.
“I’ll take the blame gladly if it means ye’re breathin’ easier.”
They walked in companionable silence for a moment, the sun casting dappled light across the cobblestone. Birds chirped softly from the hedgerows, and the sweet scent of lavender filled the air. Cassandra found herself relaxing despite the tension that lingered in her chest.
“How long have ye served as a healer?” Hunter asked after a pause, his voice thoughtful.
