Fraser 03 - Highland Homecoming Read Online Free Page A

friend, Jayden Sinclair, when Odin sensed there was something amiss.”
    “Odin?” He wasn’t alone? She sucked in a gulp of air and anxiously scanned the room for another man, but saw no one.
    “My horse.” He picked up a tin cup from the floor. “Would you like something to drink? I can fetch you some water.” Before she could answer, he ambled across the croft, took something from a pot hanging over the fire, then returned to her side.
    She did not know this man, but she was so parched. She stared at the small tankard he held in his hand and dragged her tongue across her cracked lips. She shook her head. While she desperately wanted a drink, her instinct told her to refuse anything he offered. For all she knew, he might be trying to poison her or to addle her wits so she could not fight off an assault.
    “I made an herbal brew tae warm you, but suit yourself. I dinna plan tae force it on you,” he snapped and slammed the cup on the table, the precious liquid sloshing over the sides. When he turned to walk away, she grabbed the hem of his tunic.
    “Wait. I am verra thirsty and would welcome your offer.”
    This time when he handed her the cup, she drank greedily, emptied the vessel to the last, then handed it back to him. “Tapadh leat.”
    “You’re welcome. I’ll get you some more. Do you want something tae eat or would you like tae rest a little more afore we leave?”
    “I dinna know you and am not going anywhere with you.”
    “Well, I canna leave you tae fend for yourself. A lass alone wouldna last a day.”
    She stiffened her spine and glared at him. “I dinna need you tae take care of me. I can . . .” She stopped mid-sentence and squeezed her eyes shut, hopping to block out the banging in her skull and swallowed against the bile rising in her throat.
    “Are you all right?”
    Calloused fingers brushed her cheek, and she detected a hint of concern in his voice. “I’ll be fine. But I dinna know where I live.” She had no idea who she was or where she belonged. If he left without her, where would she go?
    “You have nasty bump on your head. I’m sure the events of your life will all come back you in a short while. Have you at least remembered your name?”
    “Nay, but for some reason the name Lauren comes to mind. I wish I knew for certain.”
    Alasdair tilted his head to one side and smiled. “A bonny name for a comely lass. Dinna fash over it right now. Mayhap Jayden or his father will be able to help. They are likely acquainted with all the neighboring clans and must know where you belong.”
    “And if they dinna recognize me?” She nibbled on her lower lip. She wasn’t sure what to think. If they were friends, mayhap they could solve the mystery of her identity. However, if they turned out to be her enemy, it would be better if they did not know who or where she was.
    “We’ll deal with that if the need arises. For now, I will call you Lauren.” He smiled.
    Her heart jumped and she didn’t fancy the lascivious way he was staring at her. As if he was remembering her without her kirtle. She lowered her gaze and twisted the plaid covers around her finger. “I dinna mean to be a bother. I’m sure you’re right. Once my head has cleared, things will—” She closed her eyes again and swallowed against the sudden upheaval churning her belly. Her head pounded and the room began to swirl.
    “Are you hungry?” Alasdair asked, apparently oblivious to the turn in her condition.
    “Nay, but I . . . I fear I might be sick.” She brought her hand to her mouth and inhaled deeply through her nose.
    Alasdair’s face paled and he sprinted for a wooden bucket beside the door, returning as she emptied her stomach.
    Since she’d had nothing to eat and very little to drink in two days once the herbal brew was ejected, retching and dry heaves replaced the vomiting.
    Alasdair handed her a damp rag to wipe her face. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
    “Could I have some water,