Dawn shook her head and gestured slowly and clearly enough for Kirk to understand that to her he was not her father, for a father would not cause his daughter such pain. He obviously understood her since he recoiled, as if slapped in the face.

I am your father and as a father who loves his child I do what is best for you whether you believe it or not. Im offering you a chance for a good life, please think about it.

Dawn refused to resign herself to Kirks plan and she let him know it. And she let him know that Cree would come for her and take her home.

Kirk stood. By then you will be wed and there will be nothing he can do about it. Get some rest we leave in a few hours.

Dawn wished she had a voice, for at that moment she had never wanted to scream so much in her life. How dare Kirk McClusky walk into her life claim that he is her father and force her to wed a stranger for her own good. She was exhausted and furious at being dictated to, her life decided for her.

She turned her back on the two men, not being able to look upon them without growing angrier. She wanted nothing to do with either of them. She wanted to go home to Cree and tell him all she had learned and see if they could find a solution to this ever growing dilemma together.

With the ruse Kirk had played on Cree, she feared he wouldnt reach her until it was too late. Could she somehow delay their departure? She was relieved when she turned to see that both men were gone. She had been so engrossed in her thoughts she had not heard them leave.

The bed beckoned but she shook her fatigue away. She couldnt waste time on sleep; she had to remain alert and ready in case she had a chance to escape. Her stomach suddenly protested and she realized that though she didnt feel hungry, the babe thought differently and needed nourishment, and so she grabbed a chunk of bread and cheese.

She had just washed it down with hot cider when the door flew open and Torr stormed in.

Were leaving now, he snapped and grabbed her cloak and tossed it to her.

The sudden departure could only mean one thing. Cree was on the way. She slipped on her cloak and hid her smile as she preceded Torr out the door.

She once again was planted in front of Torr on his horse, eliminating any chance of escape. They kept a relatively fast pace considering the snow on the ground and she worried that Cree would not be able to find them. She thought of possible ways to slow them down, feigning feeling ill the most obvious, but quickly discounted it. She doubted anyone would believe her.

Thoughts of the babe suddenly filled her head. He would be a bastard like her. Would she need to worry for his life as Kirk did for her? Would there be those who would want him dead? Lucerne would certainly feel him a threat.

More importantly what of Cree? He had told her to take the potion Elsa had given her to prevent her from getting with child. Was it because he did not want a bastard child? If that proved true, would she be better off accepting Kirks offer and wedding his friend? Her son would then be safe and well protected.

The thought of never seeing Cree again was like a knife to her heart and she couldnt help but think that her mother must have felt the same when she bid a final farewell to Kirk. But could she be as strong as her mother had been?

Tears stung her eyes. She loved Cree with all her heart, but she also loved his babe that she carried. She never had a choice before. There had never been any place for her to go. Now she had another option, one where she and her babe would be safe. She didnt want to have to choose, but she might not have a choice.

The horse was suddenly drawn to a stop and she glanced up and couldnt help but smile. There a few feet away in the clearing sat Cree on his stallion and spread out behind him was a sizeable troop of his warriors.

She noticed that a few of the McClusky warriors blessed themselves and she could understand why. Cree was all in black and wore the most evil look, as if he were ready to kill each and every one of them singlehandedly. His jaw was set tight, his nostrils flared, and his dark eyes appeared filled with venom. He was beyond angry.

Kirk rode up next to Torr and looked to Dawn. Think on what your future would be with him against what I offer you.

It will not matter, Torr said surprising his father, though not Dawn. She understood what he referred to. Cree will not let her go and we do not have enough warriors to battle him.

Cree guided his horse forward while his men waited where they were. When he got a few feet in front of Torr, he stopped and glared at the man. You have something that belongs to me. And let me warn you that if you should decide to start a war over this, I will massacre every last one of you, and then claim your land as mine.

I want no war with you, Cree, Kirk said, though I do want what is best for my daughter.

Dawn has what is best for her... me.

Do you love Dawn? Kirk asked.

Dawn felt her breath catch. Cree had never told her he loved her, though she never doubted he did. He showed his love in many different ways and each time he had told her that she belonged to him, it seemed as if he was saying I love you. But it would be wonderful to actually hear him say it. She almost laughed at the ironic thought, after all, he would never actually hear her say the words.

Thats between Dawn and me, Cree snapped.

When a man loves a woman he has no problem admitting it.

I will not discuss this here and now, Cree said sternly. Return what is mine and I will let you live.

And what if she doesnt want to go with you? Kirk asked.

Cree shot Kirk such a lethal look that Dawn half expected to see him fall off the horse dead.

She doesnt have a choice, Cree said, as if it were a decree.

But she does, Kirk insisted. I have provided her with one. I will openly accept her as my daughter and I will provide well for her. I know someone who would wed her. It would be a lucrative marriage for her.

Cree appeared ready to lunge at the man. His dark eyes cut into him like sharp daggers as he said, Listen well, McClusky, Dawn is mine and always will be mine. And I will let no one, and I mean no one"not even the King himself"take her away from me. So you would do well to release her, for I long to run a sword through you and my patience wears thin.

Dawn felt Torrs arm tighten around her waist, though it was for only a moment. He did not like that Cree threatened his father, which was understandable. And if something wasnt done fast, she feared there would be much bloodshed.

She took matters in hand to settle the volatile situation and began gesturing over and over that she wanted to go with Cree. It wasnt a permanent choice, for she still had the babe to consider but it was a choice to end this standoff without blood being spilled. And it wasnt a lie, at this moment she wanted to be with Cree.

Your daughter has spoken, Cree said and brought his horse next to Torrs.

Dawn pushed Torrs arm off her and reached out to Cree. He leaned over, slipped his arm around her waist and in one powerful lift he scooped her away from Torr and sat her in front of him on his stallion.

She could have sworn she felt a sigh of relief low in his chest as she rested against him.

Are you all right? he whispered.

She nodded and her hand gripped his arm, as if letting him know that she was relieved to finally be returned to him.

Cree turned to Kirk and Torr. You are no longer welcome on my land.

Dawn squeezed his arm. She certainly had not agreed with Kirks plan but it had made her realize that he had done it out of love. And besides Cree had to be made aware of what Kirk had told her.

Cree raised a questioning brow when he looked at her. And she pointed to Kirk, then to her and then repeatedly patted her lips.

Cree looked to Kirk. You have told her things that I should hear?

I have and it would be beneficial for you to know as well.

Follow me back to the village, Cree instructed.

I do not think that is a good idea, Kirk said. When you hear what I have to say you will understand my concern. There is a cottage where we can stop and talk, if that is agreeable to you.

Cree nodded and before he turned his horse away, he looked to both men. Know this, if you dare try to take Dawn from me again, I will kill you on the spot.

Dawn shivered as they rode off, for she knew he meant it.

He wrapped his cloak more tightly around her and hugged her close. She snuggled against him drinking in and relishing his familiar scent. She was surprised that he remained quiet. She thought that he might question her about what had happened but he said nothing, though his hand squeezed at her waist now and then as if making sure she was really there with him.

After riding only a short distance the lull of the horses steady gait felt much like the rhythm of a cradle and Crees warmth was like being wrapped in a soft wool blanket. And no matter how hard she tried, she couldnt keep her eyes open. But then she hadnt gotten much sleep and before she realized it sleep claimed her.

Cree felt the moment Dawn dozed off, her body going limp against his. He was glad she slept. He had worried upon seeing her, thinking she looked tired and pale. He wanted to get her home, tuck her in bed and circle the cottage with guards, so that no one could get near her ever again.

He was still trying to contain his rage upon hearing that Kirk intended to arrange a marriage for her. He had felt like lunging off his horse at the man and strangling the life from him. It took all his willpower to remain in control and not succumb to the overwhelming desire to hurt the man who had caused him such anguish.

But Kirk had answers and he was grateful that Dawn had made him aware of that. He wanted to know everything, for somewhere in it all he intended to find a way to make Dawn his wife.

Chapter Twenty.

Lucerne isnt Gerwans daughter? Cree asked wanting to make certain he had heard Kirk correctly, for it could be the very thing he needed to negate the marriage agreement.

They no soon as entered the cottage when Kirk began to explain everything. Cree had listened intently as the tale unfolded and with it the knowledge that there might be way out of this dilemma. He had kept a firm arm around Dawn the whole time tucking her close against his side. And the more he had listened the more he had liked what he heard.

Thats correct. Gerwan has no heirs, Kirk confirmed.

Whose daughter is Lucerne?

Kirk shrugged. I wouldnt know.

Ann Gerwan would.

Kirk glared at Cree. Ill not have Ann placed in harms way.

That is why you dont want to return to the keep. You dont want to be there when Gerwan arrives.

Kirk nodded. It could be a problem not only for Ann, seeing me after all these years, but also seeing the daughter she had given away. Im assuming that she doesnt know that Dawn is here.

Regardless, she is the one person who could shed the most light on the situation.

And in the process condemn herself, Kirk said shaking his head. There is no telling what that bastard of a husband would do to her if he found out that he has no legitimate heirs and that he could very well be stripped of his title and lands.

Im not a fool, Kirk, this all can be handled quietly until we know exactly what were dealing with. Ann Gerwan may be more prone to confiding in you, if you approach her confidentially and ask for the truth. And dont tell me that you dont want to see her again. Its obvious that you still love her.

He has a point, Da, Torr said. It might be wise to do as he suggests.

But dont the villagers think I abducted her? Kirk asked. How do we explain that?

Thats easily explained, Cree said. You were worried for Dawns safety and decided to take her away from the village until my return. I met your courier on route to find Dawn and I was appreciative of you protecting her and we returned to the village together.

What of everyone in the village knowing that I claimed that Dawn is my daughter?

Long lost daughter, Cree corrected, which could work well for us. With so much attention called to her it just might be more difficult for those who wish her harm to get near her.

There is another problem that must be addressed, Kirk said seriously. As Dawns father I could not allow your liaison with her to blatantly continue.

Dawn pressed closer to Cree and his arm tightened around her. She had listened to the exchange with interest, but once again she felt left out of it, as if these men alone would determine her fate. The thought did not sit well with her, nor did the thought that Cree and she would be kept apart.

Thats not your choice, Cree said.

Yes it is my choice and you are fully aware of it, Kirk said calmly. What type of father would I be if I stood by and did nothing? You, yourself, would have no respect for me.

Dawn and I will not be parted, Cree said vehemently.

Dawn had listened to enough. They discussed her fate right in front of her and yet never bothered to ask what she wanted. Colum had forced her on Cree to begin with and now the man claiming to be her father insisted on taking her away from Cree. But no one ever gave her thought.

She stepped out of Crees arms and moved away from. He went to reach for her and she brushed his hand away. A deep scowl warned he wasnt pleased with her action and she sent him a scowl back letting him know that she wasnt pleased as well. His brow shot up as if he could not believe her reaction.

Dawn pointed to each one of them and then tapped her chest hard, then her ear and once again pointed at them letting them know that they better listen to her. The three men stared at her shocked or compliant it didnt matter; she intended to have her say.

With tempered gestures so that they could understand her, she began, though it didnt take long for those gestures to turn adamant and become obvious to all that she was angry. She let them know that she was tired of being dictated to and that she would be making her own decisions from this moment one. And if any of them didnt like it, she didnt care. She would do whatever she had to do to take care of herself. She had been doing so before they had come along and she would do so again.

Kirk was the first to speak when her hands turned silent. I am proud that you are so courageous and have such an independent nature, but you are in danger and in need of protection.

Fathers right, Torr joined in. If someone wasnt out to harm you I would agree with you and so would have Teressa. Her nature was much like yours. But you are in danger and must keep that in mind.

Dawn felt a twinge of sorrow for never having gotten to know her sister. It would have been nice to have spent time with someone just like herself. They no doubt would have understood each other better than anyone could have.

We cannot waste any more time here discussing this, Cree said. I want Dawn safely back home before Gerwan arrives. We can settle this there.

Kirk and Torr agreed and before Dawn knew what was happening they mounted their horses and were on their way home.

Dawn knew Cree well and she could tell he was annoyed. While his scowl was not as deep, a slight scrunch between his brows had remained. And when she rested her hand on his arm that wrapped snugly around her waist, she felt the muscles there bunched tightly. She waited knowing any moment he would have something to say to her.

Sure enough, he leaned down and whispered, Nice little speech, but it changes nothing. You are mine and will remain mine.

It wasnt that she didnt like being his, after all she did love him, but annoyance stirred in her at being dismissed so easily. Didnt he even give thought to what she had said? Did he not care what she wanted? Was his wants his only concern?

Agitated, she felt the need for a bit of distance from him and moved away from where she leaned against his chest and without realizing it removed her hand off his arm.

Cree yanked her back against him and rested his face next to hers as he whispered, Do not pull away from me. I do what I do to keep you safe. If you are angry with me for that then so be it, but that will not change... not now, not ever.

How could she stay made at him for wanting to keep her safe? His actions continued to prove how much he cared for her, though she wished he would pay more heed to her wants. Perhaps she hadnt made herself heard enough.

She tapped his chest and turned to look at him.

Dont bother to argue with me; you wont win.

His words angered her. It sounded as if he delivered a final edict. She cocked a brow and jabbed him in the chest.

Not here, not now, he said with a snarl.