Page 68 of Awakened By Time

“But he doesnae want me. He’s already said as much,” Brenna said.

“He needs you in order to get what he wants. I don’t believe that he’d let you go even if your father agreed to his terms.” Zeke combed his fingers through her hair as she bent over his leg tending to the bleeding. “He seems like the kind of man who takes pleasure in tormenting his victims and that’s what scares me about this whole thing.”

“Put pressure on it,” Sara said, showing Brenna what she meant.

Brenna sat next to Zeke and did as Sara had done. Zeke could see she was upset by all of this, although she was very good at hiding it. Brenna wasn’t the sort of girl who sought sympathy. As Zeke had become aware, she was the exact opposite. She wanted to be looked on as strong and capable, even if on the inside she was just as frightened as any of them.

“What do you think’s happening at the castle?” Sara asked.

“I’m sure, Laird MacKenzie will have them escorted away from MacKenzie land. He’ll warn them of the consequences of returning uninvited. I hope Dougall and Logan aren’t charged with seeing to it,” Helene said.

“I hope not,” Sara agreed.

“I’m so sorry I’m causing this trouble,” Brenna said.

“This isn’t your fault, Brenna. It’s your father and Munro. They’re the problem.”

“Aye. Zeke is right. Our only concern is for yer safety,” Helene said.

“Will I ever be safe here? Will I ever be safe anywhere?”

* * *

“That should takecare of things,” Dr. Ferguson said, packing his instruments back in the bag. “Ye’ll be as good as new in no time at all. And if I’ve done me job well, ye’ll have nary a scar to show for it.”

“Thank you, Dr. Ferguson,” Zeke said.

“Ye’ll be off to see the Jeffords soon, willnae ye?” Helene asked.

“I will. I’m leaving tomorrow. Robert has arranged an escort for me. I’m looking forward to it.”

“’Tis been a pleasure and a blessing having ye here while the lasses gave birth.” Helene smiled warmly.

“Anything to help Edna. I was happy to put their minds at ease. They really didnae need me,” he said.

“They felt as if they did, and so it was good ye were here,” she replied.

“Edna has asked me to come back any time I’m needed and I will do that. I imagine you two ladies will be needing me soon enough,” he said glancing from Sara to Helene.

“How did ye know? I’ve told no one,” Helene said.

“What? You’re having a baby?” Sara bounded from her seat and bear hugged Helene.

Dr. Ferguson laughed at Sara’s antics.

“Wait a minute, you included me in that statement,” Sara realized.

“I did.”

“What’s going on here?” she asked.

“Edna,” was his response.

“I love that woman!” Sara said. “I didn’t even know I was pregnant.”

“Ye will. Very soon. And as I said, if ye need me ye’ve only to let Edna ken it and I’ll be back.”

Helene and Sara danced around the room, hugging one another. “We’re going to be mother’s at around the same time,” Sara said. “Our children will be the same age!”