Sea Wolf Magick (Highlander Magick Series Book 2) by Patty Taylor Page A

her skin. She gasped and touched her finger to the mark. It was smooth with a silky feel to it. She reached over and squeezed the old man’s hand. “It’s healed. Please, McGregor, I knew from the look in your eyes the first time you saw it that you’ve seen this symbol before. Haven’t you?”
    “Aye, lass.” McGregor lowered his head and sighed. He reached in his pocket for a pipe, reminding her of wee Darby. “I know the Captin’ already told ye, ’tis the mark of the Maras. Ye must have patience. Ye see, lass, ye bare many marks. Not just this one. Tis the Captin’s place to explain the rest to ye, not mine.”
    Beth bit her lower lip and stood pacing the floor. Lightning cracked and thunder rumbled overhead. The ship rocked back and forth, throwing her off balance. McGregor gripped her by the shoulders and led her to the bunk. “Try to understand, lass. I will tell ye this: fate must have something verra special in store for ye. I’m afraid ye canna run away from what destiny has already planned. None of us can.”
    “You don’t understand, McGregor. I was returned here to right a terrible wrong.” She wiggled and straightened herself on the mattress. With the back of her hand, she wiped the perspiration beading on her forehead. “I was born a healer to help people that other members of my family hurt a long time ago.”
    McGregor cupped her chin in his calloused hand and raised her face to meet his gaze. “Och, lass. Ye must have faith. Maybe ’tis time fate has yet another surprise in store for ye.”
    The storm was over. Quinn took a deep breath of crisp, salty air. A brisk breeze brushed the locks of wet hair away from his forehead. “Ye can take over now.”
    “Aye, Captin’.” His crewmember Rusty stepped behind the wheel.
    It had been a rough day and a long night. Sunrise was fast approaching. Quinn whisked beads of water from his chest. His plaid was soaking wet, enough to wring the water out of. All he wanted now was to go to his cabin and sleep.
    The image of Beth’s lovely body sprawled comfortably in his bunk sprang to his mind. His inner wolf stirred. Blood raced through his veins, as he was eager to climb in beside her and awaken her she-wolf.
    He shook the notion from his thoughts and headed toward a dark empty cabin for a good rest. Hungry and exhausted, his mind still wavered back to the woman. What kind of a Captain would I be if I didna at least check in on her and make sure her fever’s broken?
    Quinn quickly pivoted and headed toward his own quarters. He clutched the jingling keys in his hand, trying not to wake her, and turned the knob. Quinn stopped short and took a deep breath.
    Beth lay sound asleep on her side. His gaze momentarily glued to her slender bare legs spread-eagled across the covers. His stare traveled to the bottom of his shirt, which was barely touching her thighs. Her lavish breasts pressed against the material, rising with each even breath. Long locks of raven hair swirled like waves around her head on the pillow. He spotted the birthmark on the back of her neck. Like a raven drawn to prey, Quinn couldn’t help himself. He quietly strolled to her side, his hand stopping mere inches from her body, directly above the peculiar symbols.
    Beth stirred beneath his fingers. She batted her eyelids and sighed. Her eyes flashed amber and locked with his gaze. Her hand grabbed his wrist, and her body slid to the far side of the bed, making room for him. “Wait. We’re grown adults. Besides, this is your bunk, and you did save my life. I know you must be exhausted.”
    Now wide-awake, Quinn’s blood raced. He leaned over and kissed her forehead before taking a step back and unwrapping his soaking wet plaid. With a thump, it fell to the floor.
    “Just don’t get any ideas. I’m still angry that you won’t take me home.” Her cheeks blushing, she turned her attention from his naked body and focused on Kalista while he climbed in beside her.
    “I wish I knew all