Read Loved By a Warrior for Free Online

the swelling went down.
    A fire needed to be started to cook whatever game Reeve caught. She didn’t hesitate. She got to her feet and ignored the pain that rippled through her ankle. This was not going to be easy, but when had her life ever been easy. Just like so many other times, she had no choice. She would not cause them to linger, placing them in more peril. She hobbled around collecting sticks and fallen branches and went to work on starting a fire.
    She was pleased with her efforts, Reeve returning to find a fire and spit ready to use.
    â€œYou did well,” he said, taking the already skinned and cleaned rabbit and placing it on the pit stick to cook. “You’ve saved us time. If we can keep a steady pace, we can reach my friend’s before nightfall. Then three more days, and we’ll reach our destination.”
    That brought a smile to her face. Pain or no pain, she had to keep pace with Reeve. She could rest when they reached the croft; and hopefully the swelling would be down by morning and the pain diminished.
    Excited at the thought of finally starting anew, she asked, “Can you tell me about the clan where I will make my new home?”
    â€œIt would be a good idea for us to discuss that now.”
    â€œYou are sure they will accept me?” Tara asked apprehensively.
    â€œI haven’t a doubt,” he said.
    â€œYou know them well then?”
    â€œVery much so,” he said with a nod.
    â€œThey are friends of your clan?”
    Reeve grinned. “Actually, you’ll be making your home with my clan.”
    Shock and a spark of anger had Tara jumping to her feet. A stabbing-hot pain shot through her ankle, and her response was instinctive. She let out a yell and then sunk, like a stone thrown into a river, to the ground.
    Reeve was at her side in an instant. “What’s wrong?”
    â€œNothing,” she said stubbornly through gritted teeth.
    â€œYou’re in pain,” he said. “You were hurt in the fall, weren’t you?”
    â€œIt’s nothing.”
    â€œYou’re lying.”
    â€œHow dare you—”
    â€œShow me the injury,” he demanded.
    â€œNo,” Tara said, folding her arms tightly across her chest.
    Reeve leaned his face so close to hers that their noses touched. “Tell me, or I will find it myself.”
    â€œYou wouldn’t dare,” she challenged.
    â€œDo you truly believe that?”
    Tara glared at him.
    â€œShow me, or I will begin to touch you, starting from the top and working my way down.”
    If he had intended to work from the bottom up, she would not have considered capitulating. And if that didn’t annoy her enough, then her traitorous body certainly did, tingling at the mere thought of his exploring touch.
    His hands reached out, and she quickly grabbed hold of them. “My ankle.”
    She released his hands and raised the hem of her dress, knowing he would do so if she didn’t. It was easy to see which ankle was injured, and he gently took hold of her leg. He shook his head, saying nothing. He then attempted to ease the boot past the swelling, and she winced.
    It had swollen even more, and now the leather refused to release the injured foot.
    â€œWhy didn’t you tell me?” he asked, annoyed.
    â€œIt would have slowed us down.”
    â€œAre you in such a hurry to reach your new home?”
    â€œI had been until you told me that it was your clan you were taking me to,” she said, knowing it would not do.
    â€œMy clan is comprised of good people. You will be welcome there, though . . .”
    â€œYou have doubts,” she said at his pause, and shook her head at the obvious mess she had gotten herself into.
    â€œI do not, though I think it wise we don’t mention that you are a—” He pursed his lips tightly, as if he didn’t want to continue.
    â€œSay it,” Tara insisted. “I am a death bride. Death Bride.