Mortal Magick by Patty Taylor Read Free Book Online Page A

presence of her new attraction to this man washed over her. Catching sight of his broad, muscular chest, she glanced away, heat coursing through her cheeks.
    “I’m afraid I dinna’ even know yer name,” he said, his brogue helping to sooth her.
    “My name’s Keara McMasters.” Taking a few deep breaths, she struggled to capture her composure before she gazed back at his handsome face. “I think the shock of everything finally hit me.”
    Her legs wavering, the Highlander grabbed her arm. His thick eyebrows raised as his gaze met hers. She straightened, latching on to his broad arms.
    “I know this is going to sound crazy, but can I ask you something?”
    “Aye.” His mouth set with an irresistible boyish grin.
    “Was that a mermaid and a selkie that just rescued you and Colin?” She watched his expression, waiting for him to laugh. After everything she’d seen so far today, it shouldn’t have come as a surprise when he didn’t seem shocked by her question.
    “Aye, ‘twas Ben Varrey . The selkies summoned her help.” He glanced back over his shoulder to check on Colin. “‘Tis a good thing, too. I didna’ realize how deep the lad had been pulled under. Without yer help, he wouldna made it.”
    “I thought I heard a strange voice. Did I imagine it, or did you hear it, too?”
    He clenched his jaw and his face quickly went grim. “Nay, lass. Ye werna imaginin’ the blasted voice. Well, ye needin’ be worrin’ yerself about that just now. I think ‘tis best if I take ye and Colin back to the knoll and get something hot in yer stomachs.”
    His gaze lowered to the front of her shirt and peered at one spot.
    By the Goddess, my clothes! She squirmed under his close inspection. Heat raced from her neck to her cheeks. She peeked down to find the skimpy nightgown ripped and soaking wet. It clung to her body, her nipples strained against the flimsy fabric. Embarrassed, she grabbed the cover out of his hands and shielded her breasts. Head bowed, her cheeks burned.
    Duncan shuffled his feet and cleared his throat. His face donned an appreciative smile as he held his hand out to her. “Ye’ll be all right now, Miss Keara. Ye’ve had a hard day. Ye both need to get next to the fire and get out of those wet clothes. Well, what do ye say?”
    Her fingers touched the warmth of his outstretched hand, her body relaxed, and she knew she was finally safe.
    “Speaking of clothes, I hope you still have the rest of mine?” She noticed a slight grin appear on his reddened face.
    “Aye, lass, I do at that. At least what’s left of ‘em.”
    She peered up at him, her eyebrows raised. What in heaven’s name does he mean by that?

Chapter 6
    After she and Colin discarded their wet clothes and changed into dry garments, Duncan led her down a pebbled path to a nearby stream to freshen up. With bow and arrows strapped over his arm, he strode off to hunt for fresh game. Glad for some privacy, she wanted to wash the dried smudges of caked blood from her skin. It was well past noon, but the day had sped by.
    Keara knelt beside the narrow flowing stream and drank from her cupped hands. Fresh cold water trickled through her fingers, dribbling down her chin. Birds perched in towering trees ruffled their feathers. She closed her eyes and listened to the pleasant music they sang. Their melodious tunes sailed above the soothing chorus of the babbling brook. She fought back tears wondering how long before she’d make it back home.
    Her mind was spinning from the morning’s incidents. Visions of the mythical mermaid and seal-woman raced through her head. The creatures were only legends. But she’d seen them with her own eyes and watched how they helped rescue Colin.
    By the Goddess, they were real. If she didn’t know better, she’d swear she was stranded in some sort of fairytale world.
    Something giggled. She glanced around the stream and trees but saw no one. It must’ve be her imagination getting the better of her since