Chapter 14 #3
"The men might have taught them. They've been isolated for many centuries, but they're highly intelligent and quick learners."
After the clansmen leapt off with a splash in the shallows and dragged the galleys ashore, a burly guard carried Finnian.
Brodie leapt off, then lifted Elsea into his arms, her light weight a seductive distraction.
Again, he attempted to avoid looking at her and inhaling her entrancing heather honey scent, then set her to her feet on the dry sand.
He held on to her upper arm, making sure she didn't fall on the uneven sand.
Chief Scarth and Lady Una, along with the rest of the tribe, approached in human form, dressed in their finest. Lady Una looked to be about a decade older than his own mother, with threads of silver running through her black hair.
All the women wore intricate shell and sea glass necklaces and bracelets, which they reserved for special occasions.
Standing beside Elsea, Brodie made introductions all around. The selkies appeared intrigued by Finnian and his excellent health at such an advanced age.
Scarth approached with Una on his arm. Together they bowed deeply.
Elsea curtsied.
"A great pleasure to meet you, Lady Elsea. We are most grateful to you for saving the lives of our tribeswomen," Scarth said in Old Gaelic.
Frowning, Elsea focused on his words, then looked to Brodie. He translated into Modern Gaelic.
"Chief Scarth and Lady Una, 'twas an honor. I was more than happy to help."
Brodie interpreted her words to them.
Smiling, Lady Una stepped forward, drew a lovely shell and sea glass necklace from the leather pouch on her belt and held it aloft in a circle as if to put it over Elsea's head.
"Oh, how kind of you." Elsea leaned her head forward, and Una placed the necklace on her. "How beautiful it is," Elsea breathed, taking the beads into her hand. "I thank you so much."
At the slight sheen of moisture in her eyes, Brodie looked away, wanting to curse aloud at how everything about her moved him. He held his tongue and ground his teeth.
The rest of the selkies, both male and female, took Elsea's hand, bowed over it slightly, and thanked her.
She copied their gestures, inclining her head. "You're more than welcome. I'm glad I could help," she murmured to them with a beaming smile that near took his breath away. 'Twas the same smile she used to bestow on him. The smile that had beguiled him and stolen his heart.
What had he done to deserve such punishment? He'd never harmed her. He'd treated her like the most delicate glass.
Arabella approached, the last to greet Elsea.
With a sharp inhale, Brodie tried to drive away his torturous musings. "Arabella was the one who helped you in the sea after you were knocked out."
"Oh, I thank you, Arabella. I'm most grateful to you for saving my life." Elsea curtsied.
Arabella studied her, then copied the movement.
"I was pleased to return the favor." Arabella's curious gaze shifted back and forth between Elsea and Brodie, and an impish smile lifted her lips.
She took Elsea's hand and Brodie's, then placed them together, closing his fingers tightly around hers amid tingles like tiny bolts of lightning. Arabella grinned wider and walked away.
What the devil was that? Brodie frowned after the selkie.
Elsea yanked her hand away and headed toward the galley.
Immediately, he regretted the frown, but what was Arabella about? He ground his teeth.
As they were preparing to take their leave, Scarth approached Brodie and shook his hand, Una beside him. "We wish for you the wisdom of the king of fish, the salmon," he said in Old Gaelic. "May all your days be blessed, my friend."
With a respectful dip of her head and a serene smile, Una added, "May the wind of fortune sail you... and naught but peace, happiness, and love enter your home."
A tingle of mystified perception going through him, Brodie forced himself to bow. "I thank you both. 'Tis an honor to count you and your tribe as friends." Why was this happening now? Scarth had never spoken of blessings before, and Una rarely talked to him. The females mostly kept to themselves.
Brodie glanced aside, and Finnian sent him a mischievous grin.
Had he told Scarth of the salmon that had slammed into him in the galley?
Brodie frowned, searching the faces of those around him.
No one paid him any attention now. Elsea waited farther down the beach, near the galleys, facing away.
Aye, he supposed his frown had offended her. Damn it all!
Opposing forces warred inside him, but he tamped them down and approached Scarth. "Finnian will keep a watch out for those who attack you. I thank you for your warm welcome. If the weather is good, I'll return this night. If you could, choose a dozen or so men to accompany me to the castle."
"We'll be ready," Scarth assured him, then smiled. You could've told me she's your mate, my friend, he said telepathically.
She is nay my mate! Brodie returned, the words exploding from his mind.
Scarth and Una exchanged a glance, then gave him knowing smiles.