Highlander's Guardian (16 page)

“It does no’ hurt?”

“No’ one bit.” She leaned forward, her hands either side of his face as she rocked back and forth, faster and faster until the pressure built to a crescendo in her core.

“That’s it. Come as you please. I’m right here with you.” He caught her bobbing breasts between his lips and drew one nipple deep inside his mouth. The tension of need within her wound tighter, and with one decisive flick of his finger over her clit, he sent her soaring from her body.

Writhing, she gave into the whirlpool of emotions taking her. She convulsed around him, crying out his name as she flew, and as she rode the waves, he rolled her onto her back and sank balls-deep inside her with a fierce groan.

“You hold my heart in your hands, Annie.” He moved gently inside her, so tenderly bringing them both back down. “You have ever since the day you were born. I was there that day. I waited with my father and yours as your mother brought you into this world, and when I heard your first cry, I snuck into her chamber and to my mother’s side as she aided the midwife. You were swaddled in white cloth, your big blue eyes wide open and sweet dimples showing either side of your tiny mouth.”

Tears misted her gaze. “You’ve never told me that afore.”

“There are many things I’ve yet to tell you. You were the girl who captivated me as a lad, and now the woman who’s owns my heart. I will always be wherever you are.”

“And I will always be wherever you are.” She kissed him and allowed his words to sink deep inside her heart.

They’d been together from the very beginning, and they’d be together until the very end.

He was the one man she could never live without.

Later that night, the last thing Colin wanted to do was leave the warmth of Annie’s arms and ride out to the faerie stones, but no more could he delay. Ian and Murdock would be waiting for word of their chief and what had transpired since the masquerade. If he didn’t go soon, they might well try to come to him.

He shoved his feet over the side of the bed, opened his traveling satchel and pulled out clean leather trews. With his fur vest donned over his tunic to ward off the night’s chill, he slid his sword belt on and sheathed his wrist daggers.

Taking care not to wake Annie, he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead and whispered, “I’ll be back soon.”

At the door, he took one last look and with her sensual image entrenched in his mind, he slipped out of the room and strode to Arthur’s chamber.

He knocked and his man opened the door already dressed for a ride in his tan leather jerkin and boots. “Ian and Murdock will be waiting.”

“Aye, I expected you. I hope the garrison guards will no’ wonder why we’re riding out so late, and mere hours after we’ve returned.” He closed the door and they headed to the stables.

“Then we’ll ride first toward the city. It isnae unusual for a warrior to enjoy a night at the establishments open at such a late hour. Look eager.” He couldn’t have suspicions being raised now he’d ensured his innocence.

Arthur mounted and then leaning closer, said, “You’ll have to hope Annie does no’ hear about your sudden penchant for the night life.”

“She has more trust in me than that.” With an exuberant hoot, he galloped through the gates with Arthur at his side. He also intended to be back well afore she awoke, and he would gladly convince her then of how very much he longed only for her.

Once they’d cleared the guardsmen’s sight, they changed course and veered into the forest. The trail they followed that lead up into the hills was the same route that led toward The King’s Tavern where he’d collected Annie from, although the faerie stones were slightly off to the south east. Damn. James. He’d left without thinking to check if MacDonald had returned to the palace in the hours since he and Annie had.

“You look worried,” Arthur called as he pounded next to him.

“Have you heard if James MacDonald has recovered from his chest illness?”

“I didnae see him during the evening meal in the great hall, but aye, word is he’s returned.”

“Then ’tis best we find Ian and Murdock then leave as soon as we can.” Urging his destrier to a faster pace, he bolted out of the darkened forest and along a grassy ridge bathed in the moon’s glow. He rode hard until the mystical stone circle appeared.

The massive slabs of stone shone a ghostly white in the dark of night, a clear warning to all to keep a respectful distance, and there, tucked in a hollow near the trees just beyond, a fire flickered.

Ian and Murdock rose to their feet and signaled them all was well.

Colin slowed his horse, pulled up and dismounted. He slung his reins over a low branch and grasped his clansmen’s forearms. “’Tis good to see you both made it safely away from the palace.”

“We ensured our MacLean plaids were seen, except no alarm was raised and none of the guards followed us.” Ian motioned for him to sit. “Warm yourself afore the fire. We’re eager to hear news of Lachlan.”

Colin eased down onto a squat stone and stretched his legs toward the fire’s heat. “The chief’s been removed from the tower and now resides in a heavily guarded chamber in the palace, although negotiations have gone on hold while the king deals with a skirmish at the borders.

“What of your return to the great hall? It must have gone well for you to be here.” Ian perched on a log next to Murdock while Arthur picked up the wooden pail propped against the tree and set it before their horses. Their mounts lapped the water.

“It went well, but soon after we returned, we discovered Annie had gone missing and that Hugh MacDonald had abducted her. The man was waiting for the prime opportunity to take her, and the moment it presented itself, he did.”

“You caught him up?” Ian picked up a stick and prodded the burning embers.

“Aye, and the MacDonalds have been dealt with. Hugh was tossed into the cells and now awaits the king’s punishment. Annie is safe, and in the morn, the four of us will be escorting her back to Duart. I need her where she can no longer find trouble.”

“You dinnae wish for Murdock and I to stay?”

“Nay, the king’s men are well aware they’re searching for two of our clansmen, and though you are no’ known as Malcolm and Munroe, if they find you, they may well decide your presence here in the city is proof enough to throw you into the cells. I also need your sword arm on the journey back to Duart. I want my wife to have our full protection.”

“Your wife?” Ian cocked a brow. “About time. My congratulations.”

“You have mine too,” Murdock added with a grin. “That is one union we need to celebrate.”

“Which we will, on our return to MacLean land.” Colin stood. “We leave immediately.”

Aye, the sooner he had Annie back behind Duart’s walls, the sooner he’d be able to breathe without his fear for her his constant companion.

* * * *

Colin was gone? Annie dressed and hurried into the great hall in the hopes of finding him amongst those breaking their fast. His side of the mattress had been stone cold, as if he’d left her bed some hours before, but that couldn’t be. He wouldn’t leave without first speaking to her.

She entered the great hall and searched the crowded room. A feast had been laid out and the trestle tables overflowed with platters of cooked meat, boiled eggs and bread. She sidestepped around the perimeter, hands clasped in her sapphire skirts, but Colin was nowhere to be seen.

“Annie, there you are.” James strode toward her, looking hearty and hale in tan breeches and a rich brown silk doublet over a white tunic, his red hair a mass of unruly curls.

“James, you look well. When did you return?”

“Late last eve, although I’ve heard gossip this morn which we need to speak about.” He extended his arm. “I need a word in private.”

“Of course.” She took his arm. “Mayhap outside?”

“Aye, after being stuck indoors for days, I could use the fresh air.” He guided her through the balcony doors, down the short flight of stairs and along the stone path surrounded by thick lavender bushes. “There is much we need to speak about.”

“Did you hear about my news?” A gust blew and made her hair tickle her face.

He tucked the strands behind her ear. “If you’re speaking of Hugh and his abduction, then my men informed me. I dinnae condone his actions, but Hugh has been reckless of late, particularly since his wife’s death.” He walked toward a rose arbor with a wooden slatted seat underneath it and motioned for her to sit. “I also heard you’d spoken handfast vows with Colin MacLean. Tell me that isnae true.”

“’Tis true.” She sat and faced him, her hands folded in her lap. “Which means I’m sure you’ll understand why I must say nay to your proposal.”

“The MacLeans of Duart are trouble and Colin MacLean more than any of them.” Looking into her eyes, he took her hands in his callused ones. “Annie, a handfast isnae as binding as a marriage and the vows can easily be broken. Did you speak them for fear of what had happened between us? That you remained unchaperoned at the tavern?”

“I was worried rumors would surface, but that’s no’ the reason I bound myself to Colin.”

“I’d never have spoken against you.” His gaze pleaded her understanding. “I’m naught like my cousin, and my offer still stands. Is there any possibility you might be persuaded to join with me? Together we could form an unwavering alliance.”

“You were kind to me while I stayed at Dunscaith, and for that I’ll always be grateful, but I am very happy with the man I’ve chosen.” Or she would be if she could find him.

“I fear you’ve made your decision too fast. I certainly wasnae given the opportunity to—”

“James MacDonald!” Colin, his face thunderously dark, stormed down the path. “Get your hands off my wife.”

“Colin, nay. It isnae as it seems.” She dived between the men as they came at each other and shoved one hand against each of their heaving chests.

“He was touching you, Annie.” Colin swung her in behind him, raised his sword and glared at James. “What is it with you MacDonalds that you cannae leave what’s no’ yours alone?”

“You cannae speak. She’s your ward, and now you’ve taken advantage of her.”

“Please, let’s discuss this like rational adults.” She gripped Colin’s sword arm, his very immoveable sword arm. Oh goodness. He had to listen to her. “Colin, put your weapon down. James means neither of us any harm. He does no’ even raise his blade.”

James grunted and eyed her. “You truly care for him?”

“With all my heart.” She smiled even in the tense moment. “I’m so sorry, James. The only man I ever wish to wed is the one you see afore you.”

“Damn it,” James grumbled, his palm firm on his belted sword hilt.

“James, I’m most grateful for your friendship, but that’s all I’ll ever seek from you. Please, I hope you can understand.”

“What of Anne? She longs to see you. She’s your kin.”

“I long to see her too. She’s like the sister I never had, and I hope in the future I can safely visit with her. Certainly we could meet at Dunvegan since the next Highland Games are to be held there. Do you and your brother intend to go?”

“Alex and I would never miss the chance to challenge the other clans, and aye, the games will be a safe place to meet. Anne has certainly never experienced the festivities and talks about it constantly. Her MacLeod kin hold a special place in her heart.”

“Then I’ll see her there.” Relief poured through her and she sniffed and wiped a trickling tear from her cheek. “Even with all that’s happened these past days, there is still hope that in the future you and Alex, and Anne and I will be able to work on restoring some form of bond between the clans. Colin too once I persuade him. I miss Anne. Tell her I’m now as happy as she is. That I’ve found the man I’ve always wished for. She’ll understand what I mean.”

“I’ll pass on your words.”

“Thank you.” She squeezed James’s hands then stepped back and nestled against Colin’s side. “I consider you a friend, James, and I always will.”

“I wished for more, but since you’ve clearly made your choice, you have my good wishes.” He turned his gaze on Colin. “My brother and I are heartily sick of this feud, whether you wish to believe that or no’. Unfortunately, my cousin’s recent actions may have set the path to peace back between us, but understand this, his opinions are his alone.”

Colin eyed James, rather skeptically. “If you truly wish for peace, then in the future, leave my wife out of your pursuits.” He sheathed his sword. “And when we meet at the Games, mayhap we’ll actually enjoy some friendly rivalry.”

“I look forward to coming up against you.” James nodded at her. “Farewell, Annie.” He walked away.

“Leaving you alone is dangerous.” Colin tipped up her chin, his molten gaze burning. “That shall no’ happen again for a very long time.”

“Well, that I heartily agree to.” She arched into him, enjoying every moment of his undivided attention. “I believe I hear our bed calling. Do you heartily agree to us returning there?”

“I prefer my bed on Mull, and I cannae wait to get you there.” He swung her into his arms and kissed her. “You’re my destiny, Annie. You always have been.”

“As you’re mine.” She cradled his face in her hands. “I love you, and only you.”

Oh aye, their destiny had bound them together from the very beginning, and it would throughout all time.