Chapter 13

Kathleena awoke stretching luxuriously like a cat as a stream of bright sunlight spilled across her eyes. Every muscle in her body ached and still she couldn't stop the deep smile of remembered joy from crossing her radiant face. She was now a woman, in all ways. Barnabas had shown her such incredible pleasure before... Tossing the next unwanted thought from her mind, she glanced at the time and her smile was quickly replaced with a frown. Merde! (Damn!) She'd overslept.

With a sigh, Kathleena flung off the coverlet knowing she couldn't linger longer than necessary, no matter how much she wanted to do so. She'd have to endure their outrage sooner or later. Washing quickly she donned an attractive soft blue gown and carefully picked her way to the morning room, pondering what she would say to her generous benefactors about her wanton behavior of last night. Overhearing their boisterous conversation trickling out into the hallway, Kathleena listened for a moment and sighed with thanks. They weren't speaking of her, Dieu Merci!

Giving Page a sensual smile over the rim of her teacup Tierra shivered, reliving in her mind's eye their wild lovemaking last night. With a shake of his head, he gestured to the doorway where Kathleena stood at the threshold, head lowered hands clasped before her. "Good morning," she offered uneasily.

Her hostess rose and she braced for the tongue lashing that was certain to come. Instead, Tierra grasped her hands gently. "Good morning to you, Kathleena. Come in, my dear and break your fast with us. Would you care for a cup of coffee?" At her nervous nod, Tierra smiled at Courtney and the maid served her immediately. "Now, what would you like? Doubtless, you are rather hungry this morning." Clearing his throat, Page cast his beloved a quelling glance and, immediately recognizing her blunder, Tierra fell silent, a deep blush reddening her cheeks.

Taking a choking sip from her cup, Kathleena gathered her thoughts and swallowed hard past the lump that was quickly forming. "I am so very sorry for my actions last evening. I've not shown you the respect you deserve and I-"

With a raise of his hand, Page effectively quieted her. "We think no less of you. Honestly we don't. Take whatever happiness you can find, wherever you can find it." Shaking her chestnut tresses, Kathleena couldn't believe his words and yet his voice sounded so sincere. Lifting her gaze to his, she stared deeply into his eyes, finding nothing but the truth in his astonished expression. The sudden realization hit her hard and she covered her face with her hands. "No! Dear God, what have I done?!"

Dreading a repeat of yesterday, Page stood and gently grabbed ahold of her shoulders in an attempt to ease her fear. "Kathleena, I know you are afraid to look at me because of some unknown punishment, but—"

Shaking her head violently, she sobbed, "I have lived with this for too long. You don't understand! You can't!"

"Then tell us," he urged. "Tell us and we will understand. We'll try to help you."

"No!" Kathleena screamed in panic, her voice muffled for her face was still buried in her hands as if she was fiercely guarding herself. "If I do, he will kill you both!" Mon Dieu, every word that came out of her mouth was putting their lives at more and more risk. Tearing herself away, she ran from the room as the couple stared at each other in mute shock. Darting past a very surprised James standing at the entryway, she flung open the doors and flew down the weathered steps. Dear God, where should she go? What could she do?

"Barnabas," she whispered. No. He wouldn't be able to help her in any case. On the contrary, she could only harm him. Kathleena simply had no other choice. She'd put too many people's lives in danger. She must leave. Now!

Running to the stables she spotted Rory, the stable lad. He stared at her, at the tears in her eyes. "Miss Tell, be somethin' wrong?"

"Deidra. Please ready her for me. Quickly!"

Although concern clearly shown in his hazel eyes, he knew it wasn't his place to refuse. This lassie be an odd one. "Aye Miss, ri'away." He watched her from the corner of his eye as he prepared her beast. She tapped the sill as she stared impatiently from the window, fearing the pair would come before she made her exit. As he prepared her mount, Rory remarked offhandedly, "Beggin' yer pard'n, but if yer plannin' on ridin' ta'day, ye won't be gettin' far wearin' that."

Glancing down at herself, Kathleena groaned. The boy was right and yet she knew she couldn't return to fetch her cloak. She tossed her head at her mare. "Is she ready?"

Surprised, Rory nodded automatically. "Aye, but I'm tellin' ye, ye won't last long out there. Ye'll probably get consumption."

"Then let it be so. I simply don't care!" she rounded on the young man, furious. Kathleena's soft eyes actually brightened at the possibility. Perhaps that would be for the best. Surely anything would be better than what Duncan had planned for her. First, she vowed, she would find the cave, find Barnabas. She had to bid him goodbye. She needed to see his face one last time even if it was during the sleep of death. Pushing passed the boy, she led Deidra from the stall and mounting quickly, galloped east, praying she would find it… and him.

Not five minutes later, Page flew into the stable clutching Kathleena's ermine cloak in one hand and slapping his riding crop against his thigh with the other. "Rory," he growled ferociously, "which way did she head?" Seeing Mr. Vogel, the lad nearly collapsed with relief. "East, sir, she headed east," he replied with a huge sigh. Nodding curtly, he motioned for Broderick to be readied, muttering under his breath, "The chit is clearly deranged." Silently Rory couldn't help but agree. Less than five minutes later, Page was charging his stallion from the stable following her mare's hoof prints in the hard packed snow.

Shivering with cold, Kathleena foolishly galloped Deidra into the blustery wind, huddling close against the horse's muscular neck, absorbing her warmth. She surely would die if she couldn't find her way. Why, oh why had she fallen asleep on her return to the manor that night? With a sigh, she knew why. Barnabas' nearness was so comforting to her. She felt incredibly safe in his arms. Suddenly she paused at a chilling thought. Would Barnabas be resting at the cave if she did find it? Perhaps he'd found a new resting place. Determined, Kathleena shook her head. No he would be at the cavern. He must be! He must! Prepared to urge Deidra faster, Kathleena drew up short. Barring her way sat Page atop his graceful steed, breath steaming in the air from flaring nostrils of both beast and rider.

From years of habit, she turned her gaze and then quickly decided against it. What was done couldn't be undone. Trotting to the bay, Page hurled her her cloak in fury. Rather than be slighted, Kathleena gratefully drew the warm material about herself sliding her arms in the long sleeves, arms which had turned blue with cold.

"Are you absolutely senseless, woman? What in God's name are you doing? Where are you going?"

Clutching the fur more tightly around her shivering frame, she merely shook her head. "I've already told you. I -I can't explain. Only that he—"

"Oh yes, again the infamous "he". Who is this he, Kathleena? This he who will kill both Tierra and myself if you told us what is happening? That is the word you used, isn't it? Kill?" Page's eyes narrowed furiously. "I truly begin to wonder if there actually is a "he" or is this just another excuse to avoid any explanations for your preposterous behavior."

Suddenly a rider atop a black stallion joined them. Page's eyes widened in surprise. Kathleena was not so moved. "I assure you sir, I am quite real." Although he'd spoke cordially, Duncan turned obsidian eyes toward her, eyes filled with unspeakable rage. "Isn't that correct "dear"? He sneered mockingly.

"And just who are you, sir?"

Pinning Page with a look of astonishment, he laughed maniacally. "Who am I? Surely you jest." Noting the man's continued look of confusion, he turned to her. "Do you mean to say that my fiancé has not spoken of me?" He placed a hand over his heart. "Why Kathleena, I am simply crushed."

She winced at his hated words. With brows lifted a good inch, Page looked at her. "This is true?" At her reluctant nod, he rounded on her. "Was this the "secret" you were keeping from us? You've come to meet your betrothed?"

"You don't understand," she pleaded her eyes brimming with tears, " I couldn't —"

"You're right! I don't understand."

Duncan smiled evilly as he watched on in avid amusement. Her whole world was falling apart. How he reveled in her misery.

"Why didn't you simply tell us what you were about? And Barnabas—" At the mention of his name, Kathleena's head shot up, her blue eyes full of inexplicable fear. Giving him a barely perceptible shake of her head, Page fell as silent as a stone.

"Barnabas?" This from Duncan. "Who is Barnabas?" he demanded sharply, his eyes narrowed viciously.

Staring at her, Page realized she was terrified of this man's nearness. The woman was actually trembling and it was not from the cold. Then why in God's name was she marrying him? "Your fiancee was missing for nearly a week, sir. My brother, Barnabas helped with the search." The lie came quickly and easily to his lips. His thoughts in a whirl, he made an attempt to clutch her arm until a pistol was produced from Duncan's belt. Immediately Page lowered his hand. What the hell? "What is happening here, Kathleena?"

As Duncan brandished the pistol to the level of Page's heart, Kathleena screamed, "No, please!" Trotting her horse forward to block her friend's body with her own she cried desperately, "I've told him nothing! I've told no one!" Hoping beyond hope that he accepted her words to be true, she turned to Page. "Leave!" At his steadfast refusal, she clutched his hand and gasped in terror as Duncan pulled back the hammer of his weapon, the loud click freezing her blood. "Please! I beg of you. There's no time! Leave here now!" She winced as the vile man maneuvered himself and was now aiming the gun pointedly at Page's head.

"I can't! Dear God, Kathleena. He will kill you!"

"No," she shook her head, turning back to face her nemesis, cringing at the devious sneer pasted on his handsome lips. "No, he will not kill me, I promise you." It was not time. Unimaginable, mind numbing pain, yes, death, no. Once again, she turned to her friend. "I will return, you'll see," she whispered with a slight smile. "Now, you must go!" Seeing that he still hesitated, she added, "I can't have your death on my conscious and he is certain to kill you. Go home to Tierra. Please."

Sadly she watched as Page, his shoulders slumped, turned Broderick and bolted down the road. "That was quite a touching scene." Duncan lined the silhouette of the retreating man in his sights. Aghast, Kathleena daringly brushed the gun aside. "Vous êtes un salaud absolu!." (You are an unmitigated bastard!)

Although his hands itched to strike her for her insolent remark, Duncan restrained himself. Later and with incredible pleasure. For now, he taunted cruelly, "Ah, so the prey finally speaks." Casting him a contemptuous glance, she turned away. "You must tell me how you have managed to regain your voice. If you refuse," his tone was thick with obvious anticipation, "I shall simply have to beat the information from you."

Turning in her saddle, the Frenchwoman looked at him, a shapely brow lifted a good inch in surprise. "Surely you know how my speech was restored."

Finding himself at a loss, Duncan retorted angrily, "How the hell would I know?"

Was it possible his mother hadn't told him? If that were the case, the witch was truly an enigma. Kathleena had fully expected Angelique to take great pleasure divulging secrets, adding more fuel to his fury. Did she genuinely despise her son so much? Despite her sudden show of bravado, Kathleena trembled as an unholy light seemed to cause his eyes to glow. "I am truly glad that you are able to speak again." At her silence, he added nastily, "How long I have wanted to hear you scream in agony at my hands."

Facing him squarely, she hissed, her voice dripping with utter sarcasm, "Well, it shouldn't be much longer now, should it?"

Taken aback at her indifferent attitude, Duncan slowly trotted Wyvern up to her. How can this be? Where is her fear? As mean as a snake and just as quick, he struck her sharply across the face, the sound like a gunshot in the still clearing. The blow came from nowhere and Kathleena nearly tottered from her seat before righting herself. "Fear me, you bitch!" he hissed maliciously.

"I can't," she said bravely, swiping a pale hand across her bloody lips. "It isn't time for me to die. I will live though whatever you do to me and I will heal as I have done many times before." Kathleena was truly shocked at the words that flowed from her mouth.

Duncan could do nothing more than stare at her for a moment, speechless, and then he laughed maniacally. "You believe that so strongly, do you?" Attuned to her every nuance, he saw the shudder course through her body and smiled evilly. "Why the hell should I continue this charade? Perhaps I shall simply choose to kill you now and wed Claudette sooner rather than later."

"Then my pain will finally be at an end, won't it?" she threw back at him. From what fount this continued courage was coming, she herself didn't know. Perhaps her dealings with Barnabas had changed her in some profound way. Whatever the reason, she realized it felt good, damned good to see the look of uncertainty on his face for once.

Grabbing her arm, Duncan snarled in rage. "You cannot be that damned blasé!"Looking directly into his handsome eyes, Kathleena shrugged dismissively. Furious, he threw himself at her, slamming her from her horse to the frozen ground below. The breath knocked from her lungs, she stared up at him, the very depths of hell itself in his eyes. "Now we shall see how unfeeling you are about this situation, my dear, and the pleasure will be all mine. That, I promise you!"