Page 64 of A Virgin for the Highland Beast
The rhythm of hoofbeats joined the nocturnal symphony, a tale of escape and hope as they rode towards the promise of home.
As they rode, the rhythmic thudding of hooves against the earth was the only sound that disturbed the stillness. Emma leaned back against Hunter. She raked her fingernails down his thighs as his grip around her waist tightened.
The sun was beginning to rise, casting a warm glow over the horizon. Hunter couldn’t help but feel grateful for this moment, despite the chaos and danger that had brought them here.
Climbing to the top of the hill, Hunter’s eyes fell on his home. Its familiar weave of stone and timber cutting a proud silhouette against the rising sun. It was a sight that would usually fill him with a grim sense of obligation, but not today. Today, the cloud that had hung heavy over the land seemed to dissipate, as if the very air breathed signs of renewal.
As they drew closer, the stronghold he had once viewed as a cage now welcomed him as a sanctuary, a place of rebirth and new beginnings.
Everything appeared different through eyes that had seen darkness and now yearned for light. It dawned on Hunter that bringing Emma back safely was more than a duty. It was a vital thread in the fabric of his future.
Hunter felt the weight of the past ease from his shoulders. A smile traced his lips as he recognized that Emma was not just his wife in title—she was his partner in spirit, the true and faithful companion he hadn’t known he needed until now. With her by his side, he was ready to turn the page, to embrace this new chapter of his life.
“Oh, Emma, thank God ye’re safe,” Isobel gasped as Hunter and Emma crossed the threshold.
“Is Nora all right?” Emma asked.
Hunter glanced at the top of the steps and nodded.
Nora came down in a flurry of fabric and emotions. “Emma? Ye’re back,” she gasped, covering her mouth with her hands.
“Aye,” Hunter answered.
“And Geoffrey?” Lydia asked, her voice laced with fear. “What about our cousin?”
Hunter glanced at Emma as he swallowed hard. “Ye’ll never have to worry about him again.”
24
“How does this feel?” Hunter asked. Emma glanced over her shoulder to find him dipping his hand into the wooden tub. “If it’s too cold, I’ll fetch another pot of hot water.”
“Hunter,” she said, her tone soft.
She placed her hand on his shoulder, trying to reassure him. There was a pain in Hunter’s eyes as he glanced at her. A pain that made her want to pull him close and whisper sweet promises that she knew she’d be able to keep.
“I ken what ye’re doin’, and ye dinnae have to do that,” Emma continued, hoping to persuade him to give her a few moments of peace.
Ever since they stepped foot into the castle, Hunter had refused to leave her side. But Emma knew there was nothing more for her to fear. Hunter had done well in destroying her enemy and thus killing her demons.
“I’m nae sure what ye mean by that,” Hunter stated, his voice holding a bit of playfulness to it.
Emma tilted her head, trying to catch his gaze. “Come now, ye have nothin’ to fret over. Ye took care of the threat, and I’ll nae be goin’ anywhere,” she said, trying to ease the fears that he refused to face.
“I ken that,” Hunter said as his eyes roamed over her. “But ye have to understand, I kenned yer cousin.”
“Hush now,” Emma said. “Ye dinnae have to tell me anythin’ ye’re nae ready to tell. I understand Geoffrey was a vile man, and ye rid the world of him. Ye’ve kept yer promise.”
Emma’s arms ached for Hunter. She wanted to pull him to her and comfort him with her kisses. But every time she stepped close enough to wrap her arms around him, Hunter stepped back. It was as if he were uncertain about her.
The rejection of his touch made Emma’s heart ache. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she turned her head away. After everything they had been through, she couldn’t understand why he rejected her still.
“I’ll be right outside the door if ye need me,” Hunter said as he made his way to the door.
Emma’s hand shot out, her fingers curling around his forearm, stopping him from going anywhere.
“Will ye stay wit’ me?” Emma asked.
Hunter turned around, and as his eyes met hers, she felt a surge of heat wash through her.
