The Bewitching Twin (9 page)

R
ogan knew the time approached. Soon Aliss would ask him to take her home. She had fulfilled her part of the bargain and now it was time for him to fulfill his. That, however, he was not going to be able to do, and when she discovered why, he wondered if she would forgive him.

He sat at the table in front of the hearth wondering what he would do. He had not counted on Aliss and her bewitching ways.

He had waited as the days passed and the people grew well. Waited for the time she demanded to be returned home.

He had also noticed that she kept her distance from him after discovering the cause of the illness. She no longer stood close to him, reached out to take his hand, seek out a kiss, or rest her head on his shoulder. She distanced herself from him day after day, moving further and further away until it felt as if she had already departed.

He rubbed his head. This was not going as he had planned. It had seemed so easy when he had first made preparations—and now? Now Aliss was no longer a means to an end. She was a woman who intrigued him, excited him and soothed him.

Damn, but he was in trouble. He leaned his head back and groaned.

“What is wrong? Do you not feel well?” Aliss asked, dropping her basket by the door and anxiously hurrying over to him to feel his forehead. “You are warm.”

“I am fine,” he argued.

“I will fix you a brew.”

She walked away from him and he reached out and snagged her around the waist, drawing her to him to rest his head on her chest.

“You keep your distance from me. Why?”

He could hear her heart beat slow then fast then slow and fast again, and he hugged her waist.

“I am not sure.”

Honesty again. It speared his heart for he was not being honest with her.

“I miss touching you, kissing you.” Honest words from him and spoken from the heart. When he looked up at her, her green eyes had softened and her arms drifted around him.

“I am confused.”

“Have I done that to you?” he asked, concerned, reaching out to grasp her arm and slip his hand down until his fingers locked with hers. He brought them to his lips and kissed them.

“You make me feel—”

“Cared for?”

He felt her shiver and he stood, wrapping his arms around her.

She pushed him away and took a step back. “You know I leave soon.”

“So was our bargain.”

“It is still so.”

“If you still want it so,” he said.

“It can be no other way.”

“Why?”

“My work—”

“Is an excuse,” he said.

“It is important.”

“Above all else?”

“I thought you understood.”

“I understand more than you realize.”

She shook her head. “Do not make this hard for me.”

“Kiss me,” he demanded.

“No!”

“Why?”

She turned her head and he pounced on her, grabbing her by the shoulders. “Tell me why.”

She closed her eyes. “Because I am afraid I will not want to stop. Please. Please let me go.”

“You will simply walk away?” he asked as if he did not believe her.

“What choice do I have?” She stepped around him and hurried out of the cottage.

That she would soon leave Rogan had weighed heavily on her mind. She had never expected to admire the Wolf. He was a courageous warrior, but even more, he was a man who cared deeply for his people and protected them however he could. He was also a man who had loved a woman, lost her, and was not afraid to love again.

She drifted along the edge of the woods, the sun near to setting and the warm night air whispering across her face like a lover’s kiss.

Her hand went to her lips and she thought about the kisses she had shared with Rogan.

“How do you feel when you kiss him?”

She smiled at her sister’s familiar voice in her head. Leave it to Fiona to remind her of how important a kiss was. How could she ignore how she felt when Rogan kissed her? It was like he weaved a magical spell around her and entranced her.

She liked the feeling and would think about it throughout the day. Would those memories be all she had? Would she never know a kiss like that again?

Did she want to?

Not from anyone but Rogan
.

Her answer came sharp and swift and made her realize that she could never kiss another man. What was she thinking? She would only be disappointed, and besides, she did not want to kiss another man.

She began to pace. She had not thought this through. She would return home only to face the prospect of finding a suitable husband. How could she find one after sharing kisses with Rogan?

Other men would pale in comparison. She would never be satisfied with another man. Would she pine for Rogan the rest of her days? Would she wonder if there was a chance for them to love each other?

She kicked at the dirt, frustrated with her situation, when she was struck by a thought. If she felt this strongly about leaving Rogan and his kisses, why not marry him? It would be a good solution to her problem. She would not be saddled with a man she did not favor. She could wed a man whom she actually cared about, maybe a man she could eventually love.

He also did not mind her healing work. He had been an encouragement to her through the ordeal of healing his people. He would not demand she tend to him and forsake her passion to heal.

Of course, there was the problem of convincing Tarr of her decision. After all, Rogan had speared his arm with an arrow and he had attacked Tarr’s land on two occasions.

However, Tarr had stipulated that the decision was hers to make.

She pushed her doubts aside and concentrated on her situation. Tarr might capitulate if he believed her in love and allow her to wed Rogan. Or . . .

She shook her head, rejecting the sudden notion. It might not be a wise choice, though it would prove the most effective. No one could stop her from wedding Rogan if the marriage took place here. The deed would be done, their vows consummated.

No one could object. It would be over and done and they would be bound to each other for life. Did she want that? Did she want marriage to Rogan?

She had not wanted to marry at all, but she would wed regardless of her own desires. Why not wed Rogan?

The debate raged in her head and try as she might, a solid answer was not forthcoming. She found reasons to wed him and reasons not to. The point of the whole matter, though, was that she was going to wed, one way or the other.

What choice did she really have?

“Aliss!”

The shout spun her around and she rushed forward to meet a harried Anna. “What is wrong?”

“Laurel is in labor and calls for you.”

Aliss smiled. “Good, a happy occasion for a healer.”

“I have delivered only one babe,” said an anxious Anna.

“Deliver one, deliver them all. Worry not. I will teach you what to expect, what to watch out for, and what a privilege it is to bring a babe into this world.”

Rogan stepped out of the cottage as they passed the door.

“We need to talk,” she said and stopped for a moment. Anna rushed past her. “But first I must birth Laurel’s babe.”

Rogan grabbed hold of her arm. “Tell me now.”

“I have no time.”

“Now!” he insisted.

“I wish to marry you,” she said, and yanked her arm free to hurry off.

Rogan stood staring after her then suddenly broke into a grin. It faded rapidly with John and Derek’s frenzied approach.

“We have a problem,” Derek said.

The sky was filled with thousands of tinkling stars and Aliss was certain they twinkled in happiness for her and Rogan. It was after midnight when she returned to the cottage.

She had left Anna to tend Laurel and her newborn son. The delivery had gone smoothly. The proud father, Peter, kept tight hold of his tiny son, repeatedly telling him how much he loved him, while the new mother rested comfortably.

Aliss was anxious to talk with Rogan and see what he thought of her proposal. She had had no time to give her swift decision thought, and now, as she considered it several hours later, she wondered over her own sanity. But what was done was done.

She was disappointed to see John waiting outside the cottage.

“A problem two fields and a hill beyond,” John said, letting her know that Rogan would not be returning soon.

“He is safe?”

John nodded though he averted his eyes.

“You are sure?”

“Rogan will return,” John said, his head held high and his eyes on Aliss.

His response relieved her and she entered the cottage, turning briefly to say, “I am safe here in the village. There is no need for you to stand guard.”

“Rogan commands, I listen.”

There was no point in arguing with the young man. He would obey his chieftain, as he should.

As she snuggled beneath the covers, a strange thought came to her. Was John protecting her or making certain she did not leave?

R
ogan returned home to an empty cottage the next morning, his mind in turmoil. The news he had received had been unexpected and to make certain it had been correct he had gone to see for himself.

To his regret, the message had proved true. He had perhaps four maybe five days left with Aliss before hell descended on them. Aliss had given him the perfect opportunity with her proposal to settle the matter to his advantage. But what would happen when she learned the truth?

Dusty and dirty from his tiresome journey and plagued with a weighty mind, he decided a dunk in the river would refresh him. Then he would find Aliss, accept her proposal, and pray he had made a wise choice—for them both.

He grabbed clean garments from his room and a towel and headed to the river.

Rogan washed the grime from his body, dunking himself repeatedly in the cool water and scrubbing every inch of his flesh. He wished he could cleanse his mind and heart as easily.

He had waited a long time to lay claim to what was rightfully his and had thought it would be an easy task. He had not counted on the healer stirring his blood or haunting his thoughts. Most of all, he had not expected a marriage proposal, the easiest of solutions to his problem.

Rogan stretched his way out of the water, raising his arms up to the heavens, expanding his chest to ease his aching muscles then swinging his head to shake off the water that soaked his long hair.

He gave one final stretch, extending his arms out to his sides and dropping his head back, and released a howl that trembled the woods.

Refreshed and revived, Rogan smiled and walked toward the river’s edge, stopping when he caught sight of Aliss standing not far off on the grassy knoll.

Her eyes were wide, her mouth hung open, and her cheeks were tinged red.

She had been watching him and he had no qualms about letting her continue to watch him. He walked slowly out of the river, the water level dipping lower and lower, exposing his navel and gradually drifting farther and farther down.

He was not surprised to see her turn her back to him in a flash when the water had dipped close to exposing all of him.

He kept his laughter silent and hurried to dress, noticing Aliss shift from foot to foot, plop her hands on her hips then drop them to her side, then cross them over her chest, then sigh heavily enough for him to hear her.

She was anxious, all right, enough that she chanced turning around on his possible nakedness.

“Have you given thought to my proposal?” she said, her fingers twisting the material of her skirt.

He approached her, tucking his brown and black kilt in at his waist and feeling her jitters as he got closer. “I have.”

“I think it is a fine solution to my problem. You had said that when the malady was discovered, we could focus on finding a solution to my situation.”

“I did—”

“It is a crazy thought, I know,” she said with a shake of her head. “Though the more I thought about it the more it seemed to make sense. At least I hope it does—to you. It took me a while to rationalize it, but once I did, it struck me as the perfect choice. It made all the sense in the world.”

Rogan remained silent since Aliss seemed unable to stop talking.

“I require a husband who will respect my penchant for healing and not deprive me of it but encourage me, which you do. Of course, I would like to reside near my sister and hope that there is a way we can resolve that issue. It certainly is a practical solution for me, and a beneficial one for you. Your clan will gain strength and respect being united with the Hellewyk and Blackshaw clans.”

She finally stopped, took a breath and stared at him. “You must think me foolish or perhaps desperate and perhaps I am. But I realized that I give everything I have to my healing work—my mind, heart, and soul. I wonder if there is anything left to give to someone. Therefore, I am not certain that I can love someone the way your wife loved you. And I do not know if you would settle for less. However, I felt compelled to be honest with you about the reason for my proposal.”

She spoke the truth to him, yet he could not do the same with her?

“It is not necessary you answer me at this moment. I understand if you are hesitant. The choice will alter our lives greatly and rushing into—”

“I will marry you.”

She stared at him. “Why?”

He laughed and shook his head. “I thought that was what you wanted.”

“I do. I do,” she assured him. “It is just that I want to make certain you realize how much this union benefits both of us.”

“I am well aware of the benefits and I accept your marriage proposal most willingly.”

Aliss sighed with relief. “We will marry—”

“Immediately.”

“I had thought to have my sister and family present but . . .”

“You know that is not possible. Tarr will never allow you to marry me,” he said, and walked away from her to fetch his shirt on the ground nearby.

“Tarr assured me the choice of a husband was mine.”

Rogan shook his head. “Tarr would never have imagined you choosing the Wolf.”

Aliss’s shoulders sagged. “You are right. He thinks of you as his enemy.”

“Then it is wise that I am your husband before I meet him. We must be wed properly so that Tarr cannot claim the marriage invalid, and that means our vows must be consummated.”

Her cheeks blossomed like a fresh red rose. “Is there anyone who can perform a valid ceremony?”

“Yes,” he said, walking over to her. “We will be wed by nightfall tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?”

“There is no reason to wait. Besides, our bargain was for me to return you home once you healed my people.”

“I go home?” she asked incredulously.

“Give me a week or two to prepare the ship and men and then we leave.” He almost choked on his false words.

Aliss clapped her hands in glee. “I can’t believe I am going home.” She laughed. “And returning home a married woman.

“I have much to do before tomorrow. There is a celebration to prepare.” She ran off laughing. “I will tell everyone that the healer weds the Wolf.”

Rogan watched her run, skip, and laugh with joy. She was happy, but for how long?

He sat by the river’s edge lost in his thoughts.

Was what he was doing fair to Aliss?

Should he have told her the truth before accepting her marriage proposal?

He would chance losing her that way, but either option could mean loss.

He would be bound to her once he wed her and no one could separate them. There was a chance that with time she would come to understand and forgive him for deceiving her.

What else could he really do?

He had a debt to settle and nothing would stop him from settling it. He had waited too many years for this moment.

“So you wed her.”

Rogan turned slowly, not surprised that Derek sounded as if he accused him.

“She is a good woman,” Derek said, his arms crossed. “She enlightens the people of the sudden nuptials with sheer happiness.”

Rogan walked up to him. “Spit out what you have to say, Derek.”

“She has been unselfish with her skills and has healed us. Is it fair to use her like this?”

“I have no choice.”

“Don’t you? Or have you convinced yourself you don’t so that you don’t feel like such a bastard for lying to her?”

“Wedding her was never part of my plan,” Rogan said.

“Then why is it now?”

“Why do you defend her so?”

“She healed me when I thought for sure I would die.”

“You never told me you thought you would die,” Rogan said.

“There were nights I thought that if I closed my eyes I would never open them again. Aliss held my hand and convinced me that I would live to love many women.” Derek laughed. “She understood each and every one of our fears and helped us combat them while she fought the enemy within us. She never gave up on any of us. She did everything to ease our suffering. I wish to do the same for her.”

“I would never hurt Aliss.”

“You do by marrying her,” Derek argued.

“She must wed, you know that. Should I let her wed someone who would forbid her to heal?”

Derek shook his head. “I would not wish that fate on her.”

“Then trust my decision.”

“Do you?” Derek asked.

“It is the decision I arrived at and the one I will see through to the end.”

“I hope it is a wise one, for Aliss’s sake and for yours,” Derek admitted.

“Finally, words I want to hear,” Rogan said with a slap to Derek’s back. “And ones that I wholeheartedly agree with.”

“As does most of the village. You should know a large celebration is already being planned.”

“I am pleased,” Rogan said. “I want the day to be special for Aliss. One she will always remember.”

Derek looked about to protest once again.

“You have always stood by me. Do I need ask if you will continue to stand by me?”

“No,” Derek said firmly. “That is a question you need never ask me.”

Rogan nodded, pleased that his friend remained his comrade. “Let us go share some ale, and while preparations are made for the celebration, we shall also prepare.”

The two men walked off, not noticing the pair of green eyes in the shadow of the woods that watched them depart.