Its all right, Old Mary said and Dawn turned to her. She smiled at Dawn and waved her hand for her to move aside, though she only moved so far. She had no intentions of letting Torr get too close to Old Mary.

Torr advanced only one step. I mean no disrespect, but I want answers. If Dawn is my sister I will protect her with my life.

Dawn looked at him perplexed. She had always wished that she had had siblings, though Lila and Paul were like a sister and brother to her. Here, however, was standing a man who could be her true sibling. And she had to admit that when she had first met him, she thought him a good man and she still did.

Please tell me what you know of the combs, Torr said.

The combs belonged to Dawns mother.

And you know who that woman is? Torr asked anxiously and Dawn waited just as anxiously.

Old Mary sighed and tears sprang up in her eyes. You are a man of your word, Torr?

That I am, Torr said proudly.

Then you will understand and respect what I have to say. A tear ran down her wrinkled cheek. I made a promise many years ago, I gave my word, and I will not break it.

Torr appeared as exasperated as Dawn felt. Old Mary had the answer, she could settle this whole ordeal with a few words and yet... a promise was a promise and Dawn understood why the woman refused to speak on it.

What I can tell you, Old Mary said and had Dawn and Torr listening closely, is that you will have answers soon, but the matter itself will not be so easily resolved.

Is there"

There is nothing you can do to persuade me to go back on my word, Old Mary said before Torr could finish. I am tired and need to rest, though first I will speak to Dawn alone.

Torr looked to Dawn. I will wait outside for you.

Dawn nodded, knowing it mattered not if she wanted him to wait, he intended to.

As soon as the door shut, Old Mary reached out and grabbed Dawns hand, tugging her closer.

Dawn bent down to listen.

You must not yet tell Cree that you carry his babe.

Dawns eyes popped wide, the old woman surprising her again with her knowing. She nodded, though her advice wasnt necessary. She hadnt planned on telling Cree about the babe yet. She actually didnt know when she would tell him, though no doubt a time would present itself.

It took a strong heart and much love to do what your mother did that night you were born. Remember that. Old Mary released her hand and closed her eyes, and Dawn knew she would say no more.

When she reached the door, her hand stilled before grabbing the latch and she turned to stare at the old woman who looked to be sleeping peacefully.

That night you were born.

Old Mary had been there at her birth. Had her true mother given her to Old Mary to see that she was kept safe? The old woman knew much and Dawn intended to find out just how much.

Elwin waited outside for her, rubbing his bruising jaw and keeping his distance from Torr. Dawn didnt see Bree anywhere and assumed that Elwin sent her to tell Cree what had happened, which meant he would be here soon. And there was no telling what would happen then.

Torr offered her his arm but Dawn shook her head. It wouldnt be wise to have Cree see them walking arm in arm.

At least let me escort you back to your cottage, Torr said.

And since Dawn knew he would do so whether she agreed or not, she nodded.

My father is thrilled with the possibility that you may be his daughter, as am I thrilled with the idea that you may be my sister. I know you may not feel the same way, after all your life has been here in Dowell. I can, however, assure you"

Dawn waved her hands back and forth in front of her and shook her head, forcing Torr silent. She kept her gestures tempered so that he could understand her, though her heart beat wildly and her stomach roiled at the thought of leaving her home and the people she loved. She could not imagine not sitting and chatting endlessly with Lila or watching as baby Thomas grew and seeing how Flanna faired with Turbett or how Dorrie and Elwin did. But most of all she could never leave Cree. That was one thing she didnt gesture to Torr.

I understand you have friends here but you would have something with father and me that is so much more precious... you would have your freedom.

The thought stunned her and Torr saw that it did, so he continued.

You would be a peasant no more and able to make choices.

Shes made her choice.

Dawn and Torr stopped and turned to see Cree only a few steps behind them, wearing a murderous scowl. And then without thought or provocation, Cree charged forward and landed a blow to Torrs jaw that sent him flying backwards to land in a snowdrift.

He stood over the fallen man and shook his fist at him. Next time Ill drive a sword through your heart if you see Dawn again without my permission. Now get up so I can finish beating the shit out of you.

That wont be necessary, Kirk said joining them and going directly to his son to extend him a hand. Torr will abide by your wishes, but again let me warn you that if it is proven that Dawn is my daughter, it will be you who is made to stay away from her.

Torr got to his feet and didnt say a word. He and his father walked away leaving their threat hanging heavy in the air.

Cree took hold of Dawns arm and all but propelled her to her cottage. She felt as if she skipped along the ground, he had her moving so fast. He slammed the door behind them after they entered the cottage, then he whirled her around in front of him, his grip still firm on her arm.

Before he could say a word her hands started moving, explaining how Old Mary asked to see her and how Torr simply showed up there. She finished with what she hoped would abate his anger that Old Mary was there at Dawns birth.

Cree released her arm. I cant fault her for having an honorable nature and staying true to her word, though it doesnt help us. Though this news may very well shed light on why someone is trying to kill you. The most plausible reason would be that someone doesnt want your true heritage known.

Dawn had never given that possibility thought. She had been too caught up in the consequences of what it meant to be Kirks daughter to think of anything else. But what Cree said made sense.

This information will help in tracking the culprit. His hands moved to hug her waist. There is much going on and now with Kirk Gerwan and his wife showing up... He let his words drift off, his eyes having settled on her lips that were red from the cold and he decided to warm them.

His kiss sent a jolt through her, not that it was unexpected. She had seen the way he had stared hungrily at them. The jolt was to her passion, shocking it so suddenly that it rippled repeatedly through her body as if building toward a climax and all he had done was kiss her.

She had grown tired of berating herself for being wicked and wanting him so much. She loved him and making love with him was one way of expressing it and she so much wanted to express herself right now. And she did. Her hand drifted between his legs and she wasnt surprised to find that he was hard. She stroked him until he grew even harder and then she pushed him to sit on a chair. She straddled him giving herself enough space to fumble with the ties of his leggings.

She wasnt quite fast enough for him. He throbbed unmercifully and needed to be inside of her as fast as possible and so he pushed her hands away, freed himself and grabbed her around the waist to plant her on top of him in one swift thrust.

He couldnt hear her gasp, but he saw it in her startled express and her wide open mouth, which he instantly claimed, his tongue delving in deeply. Damn if she didnt feel good and taste good and he lingered in the pleasure. After a few minutes he reluctantly tore his mouth off hers and brought her up and down on him harder and harder.

She dropped her head back and though her cries of pleasure were silent he felt each and every one of them as her finger tapped his arm harder and harder.

He slowed her pace for a moment and she brought her brow to rest against his and then she pushed his hands off her waist, lifted her head and grabbed the chair posts on either side of Crees head and began to bounce up and down on him.

Damn if he wasnt ready to spill inside her with each forceful bounce. And when she stopped and grinded against him in slow circles he thought hed burst, and damn if he didnt when she switched to bouncing again.

He dropped his head back and let out a moan that probably reverberated right through the cottage walls and surrounding area. What made it all the more pleasurable was that dawn climaxed right along with him.

When she collapsed against him, his arms went around her and he held her close. He didnt want her getting off him anyway. He knew that with a bit of shifting she could very well come again since she always had multiple climaxes. And he smiled when she shifted once, twice, and grabbed his arm as she came again.

Damn, but he loved this woman and the thought that she could be taken away from him filled him with a helpless fear he hadnt experienced in a long time. He couldnt lose her; life would be worthless without her.

A knock had Cree cursing, though not nearly as badly as he would have if he had been interrupted a bit earlier.

Youre needed, my lord, Elwin called out.

A moment, Cree yelled back.

Dawn went to lift herself off him but he stayed her with his hands at her waist. He brushed his lips over hers and whispered, You are mine.

The last time that she told Cree that she loved him did not go well and he warned her not to love him, but that was not possible. And she wanted him to know once again how she felt.

She pressed her hand to her heart and then pressed it to his heart and leaving it there she kissed him gently.

He sighed and shook his head. You shouldnt love me.

She pressed her hand to her heart again and then to his.

He swiftly lifted her off him, stood, and went to the door. Before he lifted the latch he turned to her. You shouldnt love me, but Im so glad you do.

The door closed with a click behind him and Dawn smiled. At least this time he hadnt gotten angry with her and that gave her hope. She would tell him that she loved him more often and perhaps, just perhaps, one day he would tell her the same.

Chapter Fourteen.

The men have been dispatched with extra supplies and one of the women Elsa has been training as a healer has gone along in case anyone needs tending, Sloan said joining Cree at the dais the next morning. It should be two or more days before they return.

Good, it gives us time to prepare for them, Cree said. Ive spoken to the men who continue to hunt for the intruder. They have searched the entire keep three times and have found no one.

Sloan scratched his head. Why would the person purposely break through the boarded door? He would alert everyone to his presence. It makes no sense.

Perhaps that was his intention, to let us know that he is among us and yet undetectable. The idea did not sit well with Cree. He worried that it might have something to do with those who meant Dawn harm.

Sloan lowered his voice. Here comes your intended looking penitent, if you can believe it.

Cree looked to see Lucerne approaching the dais, her head bowed and her hands clasped together and pressed firmly against her stomach. She was a strikingly beautiful woman and the deep red velvet dress she wore paid homage to her creamy skin. It was a shame that her callous nature did not match her fine features.

She stopped close to the table and bowed her head. My lord, I wish to thank you for releasing me from my punishment so that I may see to the preparations for my parents arrival.

Dont make me regret it, Cree said, or reinforce it.

I realize that you are lord and master and that I must obey you as a dutiful wife should. It is my hope that you will come to recognize my strengths and allow me to ease some of your burdens.

Time will tell. And Cree hoped time would help in finding a way of getting out of this marriage to her. He abhorred the thought of having her as his wife, though perhaps it was more that he hated the thought of marrying anyone other than Dawn.

Now if you will excuse me, my lord, I will see to having quarters prepared for my parents.

Flanna already has the servants working on the task, Cree said and saw Lucerne bristle. Tell her what more you need and she will see it done.

My father also likes his food prepared a certain way. I would like to discuss his preferences with the cook if you will permit it.

Discuss it with Flanna and she will relay your suggestions to Turbett. Cree could see that she wasnt pleased, though she had little choice in the matter.

As you wish, my lord, she said. I assume the McCluskys will be gone before my parents arrive?

They will be staying on for a while yet.

Lucernes eyes went wide. Why?

That doesnt concern you.

She bristled again and her eyes narrowed. It is imperative that Bree be returned to me right away. I require her assistance in preparing my mothers quarters.

You have enough servants at your disposal, you dont need Bree, and besides, Bree is part of my clan now and obeys me.

Red splotches popped out along Lucernes neck and up over her cheeks. Bree belongs to me. You cannot do this.

I already have. Now go and see to your duties.

Cree had dismissed her and Lucerne could do nothing but to take her leave. She turned and walked off not in a flourish but with strong, determined strides.

That woman is going to be a problem, Sloan said.

Cree turned to him. Do you forget how often you have warned me that it is my duty to wed her?

That was before I learned what a manipulative, lying, and malicious bitch she is. And the more I learn about her, the more it makes me wonder if she had put something in your food that night you took ill.

Crees brow scrunched in thought.

Dont you recall that your meal was different than the rest of ours? I teased you and asked if there was something special about that day since you always ate what we all ate.

I hadnt given it thought.

I did, especially after Bree told us about Lucerne wanting something from the healer to prevent pregnancy. She evidently knows about potions and such stuff, though Ive wondered her reason behind it. What had she hoped to gain by making you ill?

Cree had a thought he didnt care for and he voiced his concern. Perhaps it wasnt intended for me. Talk with Bree and see if she knows if her mistress is acquainted with poisons. Have you found Bree a suitable daily chore and cottage yet?

Im not sure she wants to be on her own right now. She still worries that she will be returned to Lucerne. And she is taking good care of Old Mary.

Let her stay with Old Mary and look after her for now. Id rather the old woman not be alone.