Read Online Highlander's Passion (The Matheson Brothers Book 2) by Joanne Wadsworth - Free Book Online Page B

now. The choice to end what is between us will be mine, and mine alone.” She would gladly give up her life so he could have his.
    Another wave of cold-fire swept through her. The searing cold iced her blood and numb, she shook and fell to her knees. Her heartbeat faltered, lost a beat and made her gasp for breath.
    “Arabel, no!” Finlay dropped down beside her, a mere breath away, his anguish tearing through him and her in turn. “Look at me, my sweet. Don’t leave me,” he pleaded. “If you die, then I die.”
    “Nessa cannae save the villagers on her own. She needs the ‘power of three.’” She lifted one trembling hand to cup his cheek and he jerked back, raw pain slicing across his face as he was forced to do so. “Mated ones dinnae kill each other. You cannae ask me to take your life, because that is surely what will happen.”
    “You have to believe in us and hold the hope all will be well. There’s nothing we can’t do if we tackle our issues together.”
    “You believe in the impossible.” And she couldn’t, not when his very life hung in the balance. Another wave of loss struck her and her cold-fire continued to consume her. She slumped onto the ground, her pulse so weak and her breathing so labored.
    He rose to his feet and shot a look at Isla. “I can’t watch her die, and if she lives, at least I’ll still have some hope that an answer can be found. Compel us as she’s asked.”
    “Are you sure?”
    “There is no other choice. Just make sure my woman warms herself, and don’t let her out of your sight until she has. Keep her safe on the eleventh. No one harms her.”
    “I’ll make sure of it.” Isla grasped his shoulder and glanced between the three men. “Are you all sure?”
    “Aye,” Iain said as he moved to stand by Finlay’s side. “If Arabel believes that taking her own life is acceptable, then we’ll need more time to change her mind, which will be up to you since we’ll have no clue what’s going on. Compel us.”
    Kirk too nodded and stepped in beside Finlay. “That goes for me as well. Do what you must, Isla. I trust you.”
    “I’ll do all I can.” Her sweetly hypnotic voice rose and flowed through the room. “Finlay, Iain, and Kirk, remain perfectly still and listen to me well. Julia has a twin named Arabel. You’ll not recall you’ve met Arabel before this moment, although you will remain very aware of her deadly skill and the need to take care around her should you come into contact with her. You’ll not ponder or think about her overly much. She is no one to you, no more than another woman who resides here within this keep. She is no one of interest or importance. No one to draw too much of your curiosity. You will also not see or acknowledge the mated mark on Finlay’s neck. It will be as if gone. Do you hear and understand me?”
    “Aye,” all three men said, their dazed gazes focused on her.
    “Good.” She looked deep into Finlay’s eyes and murmured, “I’m sorry, Finlay, but no matter how many times you might meet Arabel while we’re here in this time, each instance will be as if the first and all other times shall be forgotten.” Isla knelt next to Arabel before the fire. “Is there anything more you need me to add which I might have forgotten?”
    “Nay. You’ve covered it all, and I thank you for your aid.”
    “Then correct your cold-fire, while I’m watching. I won’t release Finlay and his brothers from my command until you’re back under control.”
    “Of course.” Eyes closed, she focused fully on herself and sent small tendrils of her fire’s heat back through her body. Her blood slowly warmed and her control returned, little by little. It took several minutes but once done, heat flushed her cheeks and warmed her fingertips. She lifted her lashes, rose from the ground and nodded at Isla. “’Tis done.”
    “I wish I hadn’t had to do as you asked, but I’ll give you fair warning. You must hold the hope as Finlay has