The Witch and The Warrior by Karyn Monk Read Free Book Online Page B

across her chest and regarded them triumphantly, masking her profound relief. Clearly just the suggestion that they would feel better had had an effect on them, which was what she had hoped would happen. Luckily, the weather had complemented her little performance.
    â€œCan you cast that spell on anyone?” asked Cameron, still excited.
    â€œNot everyone,” she replied carefully. “And my spells don’t always work.”
    â€œWhat do you mean?” demanded Alex.
    â€œThe success of a spell depends on many things,” she replied evasively. Although it was essential MacDunn believe she had powers, she did not want him to think she could simply say a few words and fell an entire army. “My powers will not work on everyone.”
    â€œI don’t give a damn if they work on everyone,” he growled. “As long as they work on one person.” His expression was harsh. “Cameron, take the first watch. The rest of you get some sleep. We ride at first light.”
    Brodick produced an extra plaid from his horse and carefully draped it over Isabella’s unconscious form. Then he lay down just a few feet away from her, where he could watch over her during the night. Ned and MacDunn also stretched out upon the ground, arranging part of their plaids over their shoulders for warmth.
    â€œDo you sleep standing up?” asked MacDunn irritably.
    â€œNo,” replied Gwendolyn.
    â€œThen lie down. We still have a long journey ahead.”
    She had assumed they were going to bind her to a tree. But with Cameron watching her, she would not get very far if she attempted to escape tonight. Obviously that was what MacDunn believed. Relieved that she would not be tied, she wearily lowered herself to the ground.
    Tomorrow would be soon enough to find an opportunity for escape.
    The little camp grew quiet, except for the occasional snap of the fire. Soon the rumble of snoring began to drift lazily through the air. Gwendolyn wondered how they had all managed to find sleep so quickly in such uncomfortable conditions. The fire had died and the ground was damp and cold, forcing her to curl into a tight ball and wrap her bare arms around herself. It didn’t help. With every passing moment her flesh grew more chilled, until finally her entire body was shivering uncontrollably.
    â€œGwendolyn,” called MacDunn in a low voice, “come here.”
    She sat up and peered at him through the darkness. “Why?”
    â€œBecause your chattering teeth are keeping me awake,” he grumbled. “You will lie next to me and share my plaid.”
    She stared at him in horror. “I am fine, MacDunn,” she hastily assured him. “You needn’t concern yourself about—”
    â€œCome here.”
    â€œNo.” She shook her head. “I may be your prisoner, but I will
not
share your bed.”
    She waited for him to argue. Instead he muttered something under his breath, adjusted his plaid more to his liking over his naked chest, and closed his eyes once again. Satisfied that she had won this small but critical battle, she vigorously rubbed her arms to warm them, then primly curled onto the ground.
    Her teeth began to chatter so violently she had to bite down hard to try to control them.
    â€œFor God’s sake—” swore MacDunn.
    The next thing she knew, MacDunn was stretching out beside her and wrapping his plaid over both of them.
    â€œDon’t you dare touch me!” Gwendolyn hissed, rolling away.
    MacDunn grabbed her waist and firmly drew her back, imprisoning her in the warm crook of his enormous, barely clad body.
    â€œBe still!” he ordered impatiently.
    â€œI will not be still, you foul, mad ravisher of women!” She kicked him as hard as she could in his shin.
    â€œJesus—” he swore, loosening his hold slightly.
    Gwendolyn tried to scramble away from him, but he instantly tightened his grip. Realizing she was hopelessly