Page 11 of Wendy Meets the Highlander Hamish (Scottish Highlander I Never Knew #5)

A s Wendy woke and started to go about her day, two particular worries weighed on her mind like heavy stones.

The first was her growing infatuation with Hamish.

His rugged charm and captivating smile had ensnared her heart, leaving her distracted and consumed by his presence.

That wasn’t really a worry, the worry was that he didn’t exactly feel the same way she did.

He had kissed her, yes, and he’d held her hand and walked with her.

Even seemed interested in her life prior to coming here, but was his fascination with her simply because she came from another time, or was it because he actually liked her as much as she liked him?

The second concern gnawed at her even more profoundly than the first. She felt a deep objection to the plan to capture the kelpie with iron.

It was more than just a practical strategy; it struck her as morally wrong to imprison such a magnificent creature.

The idea of restricting its freedom with cold, unyielding iron filled her with unease.

Especially knowing that that metal would, if left on them long enough, kill the creature.

As Wendy paced the library, Catherine came in and stopped short at seeing her pacing. “What’s up?” she asked.

Wendy stopped and turned toward her. “I’m frustrated.

Cam had Hamish make this iron bridle to put on the kelpie, you know the one that they think has been causing all the trouble?

And I’m upset about it because being a Fae creature, I know the iron will hurt it very badly or might even kill it and I don’t want that to happen.

I told Hamish it would do that, and he’s aware, but he says he’s got no choice. ”

“Okay, so is there any other solution? What are the pros and cons of using it?” she asked, sounding logical.

Wendy frowned. “It will stop the kelpie, I suppose that’s a pro, and no humans will die, that would be a pro, but I keep thinking that if the bridle is used and it kills the kelpie, then the Donalds are making a mortal enemy of the kelpies, and they will retaliate in kind.”

"If that's how you feel about the outcome to all of this, then don't hide it.

I know that Cam seems like a hard man to talk to sometimes, but he is usually open to hearing ideas at least. You might be on to something that they can't see," Catherine said.

“Though you might want to start thinking up some solutions too, that could help your case.”

Nodding, Wendy said, “Thanks Catherine. I’ll see what I can do.”

Leaving the cozy library, Wendy went to find Hamish. She checked in his blacksmith shop, but Ewan said he was off practicing with the guards, so she left and went that direction.

Wendy found Hamish in the midst of a rowdy practice.

His strong, bare chest glistened with a sheen of perspiration, and the muscles in his arms rippled with each strike and parry.

Her heart skipped a beat as she watched him, struck by the raw intensity of his athleticism and the allure of his rugged masculinity.

Suddenly she forgot why she had sought him out in the first place.

Her mouth watered and her heart raced as she watched the sheer magnitude of his power with that weapon.

He was every fantasy she’d ever had come to life.

As the practice came to an end, someone directed Hamish’s attention toward her and Wendy did her best to keep the drool to a minimum as he turned and smiled at her.

Picking up his tunic, he pulled it on and crossed the practice field toward her. “Lass, what brings you out here this fine day?” he asked, smiling at her. “Nae that I donnae wish to see you. Tis a most pleasant treat.”

Wendy felt a blush start in her toes move rapidly up her body, heating her all over.

“I came to see you. I've been thinking about this plan of Cam’s to trap the kelpie with the iron bridle," she started, gathering her courage. “I keep thinking that it’s the wrong way to go. Killing the kelpie with iron is going to harm the Donald clans alliance with the Fae. You’re going to make them a mortal enemy and the fact that they live a bazillion times longer than we do, and the fact that they are known to hold grudges, means that you could potentially be looking at a war between the Donalds and the Fae for a very long time.”

Hamish, who had been nodding along as she spoke, now looked deeply troubled. He seemed to contemplate the weight of her words. After a thoughtful pause, he replied, "You make a good point, lass. We can't risk such a vendetta. It's a matter that needs to be brought to Cam’s attention."

Wendy felt a sense of relief that he finally shared her concerns. His support buoyed her spirits. “Can we go together and talk to him?”

“Aye, lass, we can do that.” Hamish gestured for her to start walking and they headed back to the castle together.

They walked side by side into the building and down the stone hall to Cam’s office. Hamish knocked on the door and waited until Cam called out for them to enter before opening the door.

“Here we are, lass,” he murmured as he allowed her to go in first.

Cam looked up as Hamish and Wendy entered, his piercing blue eyes settling on them.

He gestured for them to sit, and they took their places at the large table, Wendy feeling somewhat overwhelmed by the gravity of the setting.

Cam leaned forward, his voice firm but tinged with curiosity.

"What brings you both here today, Hamish? "

Hamish cleared his throat and began, “T’was a thought that Wendy had. I think she should be the one to bring it to your attention because I think she could be right.”

Cam’s brow furrowed. “Is this about the kelpie problem? I know you have an interest in these creatures, but?—”

“I do, you’re right, but I also consider you all now my family,” Wendy, taking a deep breath, looked over at Hamish for assurance.

As he nodded, she continued, “I know you’ve had Hamish make that iron bridle and you want him to use it to capture and control the kelpie that’s attacking people.

I understand the need to get it to stop doing what it’s doing, but I don’t think this is the right way to go about it.

Cam furrowed his brows but remained composed. "Aye, the kelpie is a dangerous creature. It has claimed the lives of three of our kin. We must deal with it before more lives are lost."

“I get that, I really do. But the iron will hurt and could possibly kill the kelpie, and I don’t think you’ve thought out the repercussions of doing such a thing,” Wendy argued.

Cam's expression hardened. "This is nae a matter to be taken lightly. It has taken too many lives, and we cannae wait for it to strike again. We must end the threat now."

Hamish sighed, “Cam, you need to listen to her. She has a good point.”

“You could be making an enemy of the Fae if you do this, one that will last generations because the Fae are immortal, unless killed with iron.”

Cam gave a heavy sigh. “I’m nae ignorin’ your warning, Wendy.

I know this could lead to a dire situation between us and the Fae, but we’ve no choice.

We’ve tried everythin’ else to drive the kelpie back into the loch and tis nae working.

If you have a better solution, then please share it. Otherwise, this is all we’ve got left.”

Wendy felt a sense of frustration and helplessness wash over her. She didn’t have any other solution right now. She was still looking. “If I could have a little more time…”

Cam shook his head. “I cannae risk more people’s lives lass. When that bridle is ready, I need you to head out there, Hamish.”

“Aye, Cam. I understand,” Hamish replied with reluctance in his tone.

“I know tis not ideal, but I can see no other way.”

As they walked out of Cam’s office, Wendy knew she had to find a way to deal with the kelpie as quickly as possible, before Hamish finished it and left with that bridle.