Highland Sons: The Mackay Saga Read Online Free Page A

narrowed and his lips turned up in the barest hint of a smile.
    There was no indifference now.
    Bane’s gaze followed Kenzie as she stepped lightly onto the garden path. She removed her hood, then freed her hair from under the cloak so it cascaded down her back. Her face tipped upward, as if seeking the smallest warmth of the sun. Within the castle walls she acted reserved and, well, confined. But outside was a different story. Nature was her element.
    With deft footing, she traveled the path, avoiding the uneven stepping stones and brambles that reached out to snag her clothing. She let him catch up, and when she glanced at him, he thought he saw both joy and sadness in her face. “The gardens were beautiful once.”
    “Aye, in recent years we’ve not been able to spare the men. This war has brought more than the gardens to a sorry state. ‘Twill take more than your mother’s way with plants to bring them back.”
    “I’d not be so sure. My mother has a gift.”
    “Is that anything like your gift with the wolf?”
    She stood very still. “Meaning?”
    “Meaning, I dismissed your ability to calm your mare—she was known by you. But that wolf was a wild animal in pain.”
    “He knew I was there to help.”
    “Did it now? And how would it have known that?”
    “I’m not sure.”
    Her earnest expression and beautiful violet eyes seemed to beg him to understand. But her explanation didn’t make sense.
    “I’ve known how to approach animals since I was a child. Each animal is different. Most people forget that.” She gave a slight shrug. “I don’t.”
    “I’m not sure I understand. I work with animals every day, but I’d never seen one act like that wolf.”
    “Aye, but do you really see them? It’s much the same way with my mother. She can tell what a plant needs from looking at it, and because of her care, the plant will flourish.” She reached a hand out to him, then dropped it and shook her head. “You should be honored, ‘tis more than people you care for on Mackay lands.”
    “You’d increase my burden?” It was enough to have a duty to his clan, let alone the land and animals.
    “Nay. Caring for them ‘tis not a burden.”
    Her face lit with mischief, making him forget what they were talking about. He shook his head. Something about animals.
    “Let me show you.” She took his hand and drew him to the back of the garden, bordering the wilderness area. Several thistles had gone to seed. She retrieved a handful of the seeds, then held her palm and fingers very flat. “Now, I’d ask you to stand here, and be very still.”
    After moving away from him, she raised her hand above her head and made a whistling sound. At first nothing happened, then he noticed finches gathering in the area. Before long, they perched on the edge of her palm, pecking at the seeds.
    One of the tiny birds landed on her shoulder. She grinned at the creature as it clung to her plaid. “Wee John, ‘tis glad I am to see you.”
    Wee John? She’d named the birds as well? He’d never met anyone like her. It wasn’t her beauty, but her face alight with wonder that had him holding his breath.
    He used to find joy in nature as a boy—before his father’s death forced him to manhood. But even then, he didn’t posses the pure emotion he saw on her face.
    The seed was gone, but the one finch stayed on her shoulder. Kenzie lowered her hand, peered at Bane with devilment brimming in her eyes, then laughed. “You should see your face.”
    She motioned him over. “I’d like you to meet Wee John.” With her index finger she stroked the bird’s head. “His mother was killed, so I watched over him till he could take care of himself. I’d not thought to see him again.”
    Bane came to stand beside her. He could have sworn the bird gave him a reproving glare before it departed. “And the other birds?”
    She gazed up into his face and shrugged. “They were hungry. I knew that, and they didn’t fear me.”
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