Sins of the Highlander by Connie Mason Read Free Book Online Page B

we’ll not show them your heels,” Rob crooned to the stallion as he reined him back. “There’s a good lad. There’ll be no running.”
    If the horse panicked and bolted, Elspeth and Rob would likely be sheared off his back by a low-hanging branch. And a man or woman afoot before a wolf pack had very little hope.
    The wolves began calling to each other in short yips and howls.
    Rob unwrapped the plaid that snugged Elspeth against him. “Can ye reach my boot knife? ’Tis on the right side.”
    Elspeth leaned down to fetch it and saw a big gray fellow dart closer, matching their speed.
    He slipped through the trees like a wraith on silent paws, his long tongue lolling. His teeth flashed in the stippled moonlight. Even in this dimness, Elspeth could see the wolf’s ribs protruding from his shaggy coat.
    “They’re starving,” she said.
    “Aye, most all the cattle and sheep in the Highlands have been sold off to the Lowlands for the winter,” he said woodenly. “Like as not, this pack’s not seen a meal for some time.”
    She felt for the knife in Rob’s boot and drew it out, careful not to let the haft slip from her fingers.
    “I’ve got it,” she whispered.
    “Cut the rope that binds ye to me,” Rob said calmly, then his tone turned harsh with disgust. “Ach, I should have remembered there were wolves in these woods during these months.”
    “If ye hadn’t stolen a man’s bride, ye’d have no need to remember such a thing.”
    “Ye’ll be sure to let me know if always being right ever begins to pall, won’t ye?” he said as they continued to trudge along. “Tell me, lass, when ye were a little girl, were ye the sort to play outside, or did ye sit by the fire and spin all day?”
    Elspeth’s eyes widened as she sawed through the rope at her waist. Didn’t the man realize what was happening?
    “What on earth does that have to do with our current predicament?”
    “I was just wondering if ye’ve ever climbed a tree, because I think the skill might come in handy verra soon.”
    “Oh, aye.” Perhaps Rob wasn’t so mad after all. “I can climb a tree like a squirrel.”
    Elspeth heard the metallic rasp of metal as Rob unsheathed his claymore.
    “There’s an oak overhanging the path in ten paces,” he said. “If I give ye a boost, do ye think ye can swing up to that thick branch?”
    The wolves began a howling chorus around them. They’d located the only fresh meat in the forest, and it was time to sing about it.
    “Give me a boost, and I’ll fly up to it,” Elspeth said, drawing her legs up under her so she was hunkered on Falin’s back instead of sitting astride. He danced sideways as he felt the unusual movement of his riders.
    “Ho there, lad, easy now.” Rob kneed Falin forward.
    One of the wolves found some bravery and lunged at Falin’s haunches. The stallion kicked at it. Rob kept Elspeth from toppling off by balancing her hip with one hand.
    The predator rolled and slinked away, snarling but unhurt.
    “Do ye want the knife?” Elspeth asked.
    “No, keep it,” he said. “Just in case.”
    In case . Elspeth didn’t want to contemplate what that meant. As they drew near the oak tree, she slid the small blade down the busk of her bodice, between the boning.
    “Get ready.” Rob’s voice was steady and reassuring, but her heart still pounded like a smith’s hammer.
    She pushed the cloak off her shoulders, letting it drape over the stallion’s withers, so her arms would be free. Cold was the least of her worries.
    She’d have only one chance to leap to safety.
    They drew even with the oak.
    “Now!” Rob shouted.
    He hefted her backside, and she sprang up and grabbed at the branch with both hands. The rough bark dug into her palms, but she didn’t let go.
    The sudden movement made the pack dart in, snapping at Falin’s heels. He bucked and reared and danced backward on the path.
    Elspeth was suspended over nothing but air, with writhing, furry bodies below. She swung