Highlander's Kiss (11 page)

“There isnae any pain. I would have told you if that was so.”

“I’ll check all the same.” Gently, he separated her locks and she shrugged her shoulders and indulged him as he wished.

“Is all well?”

“The wound is healing beautifully. I brought you something.” He reached over, lifted his shirt off the sand and picked up a bright fuchsia-pink flower that had been lying underneath it. “This is for you. I found orchids growing in the marshland.”

“Oh my.” She clasped a hand to her chest and touched the orchid. Tears misted her gaze as she reverently stroked its velvety petals.

“Why are you crying? Did I do something wrong?” He gently wiped a trickling tear away.

“Nay.” He would have no idea what such a gift meant to her, but just seeing the orchid sent a flood of warm memories through her. She opened her mind fully to his and shared all she could. “Each time Father walked through the swampland nearby on his way to this cove, he would pick Mother a flower and gift it to her. Mother always tucked it behind her ear or slotted it into her braid. This is a most beautiful and precious gift.”

“I had no idea.” He slipped it from her fingers and slid it behind her ear. “I’ll always pick you one as well, whenever I cross the swampland.”

“I will treasure this gift, more than you will ever know.” She wriggled her bottom into his groin and dropped a kiss on his lips. “Might I show you just how very much I’ll treasure it?”

“I’d like nothing more, but I need to feed you first.” He picked up the cooling meat, slid his dirk from his wrist sheath and cut a chunk off. He tore the meat into small slivers then slipped a morsel between her lips and ate a bite himself. He continued to feed her, until her belly was full and she held up her hands.

“No more for me. I need to cool down and wash this steamy heat from my skin.” She slipped off his lap, stepped into the basin of cool water and eased back until her head rested against the rim. Taking care not to wet the back of her head, she kept it out of the water. “Come and bathe with me.”

“Bathing will likely lead to so much more and I’ve already taken enough advantage of you.” A low rumble sounded deep in his throat, his shifter gaze burning an even richer golden hue. Slowly, he stood and prowled the chamber, from wall to wall before halting in front of her. “You need to hop out.”

“Or mayhap you need to hop in.” Hands on the basin’s smooth base, she pushed up a little and floated on the surface, her breasts bobbing high. “Once we leave to begin our search, there will be little chance for such an intimacy as this. There is also plenty of room here for two.”

“I shouldn’t.” Except he shucked his weapons and trews, his cock springing free and rising thick and high. She quivered with need as he slid into the water in front of her, his legs sliding in underneath her body as he rested his head back on the rim opposite hers.

“Touch me.” She stretched toward him, pressed her toes to his chest.

“You are teasing me beyond my endurance.” The clear surface rippled as he gripped her legs, ran his warm hands over her calves then slowly skimmed up her legs. Heat raced along the path he touched, his sweet caress moving higher, over her bottom, his hands kneading in firm circles as he traced all the way back down again. “You’re a temptation I’ll never be able to turn away from. I can’t believe you’re all mine.”

“As you’re all mine.”

“Aye, always yours.” He captured her feet and placed them firm against his chest. She giggled as his crisp chest hair tickled her sensitive soles. “I can already see the urgency of getting a large bath installed in our bathroom at Ivanson. Would you like that?”

“I would love it.”

“Whatever is mine is now yours.” He lifted one of her feet, massaged her heel, the high arch and around her toes then set her foot back against him and massaged the other. Kneading with delicious strokes, he worked up and over her lower limbs.

She sighed, her long hair swirling around and settling overtop of her breasts.

“Don’t dip down any lower. Keep your head out of the water.” He flicked her hair away from her breasts and tweaked her nipples. “And no covering yourself up either.”

“I didnae mean to.” A sizzling tingle radiated from the sensitive tips and rolled through her. “Could you do that again?”

His gaze roamed over her pebbled nipples. “You like it when I pinch your nipples?”

“Aye, there is naught I willnae like at your hand.”

“I intend to offer up far more than just my hands in pleasuring you.”

“As I intend to do the same with you.” She pushed up, sat astride him and clutched his shoulders, the cool water sluicing down her body as she did. His shaft, so thick and long, saluted her from the water and she fondled the tip then stroked to the root. “Never leave me.”

“I won’t. You’re my true mate.”

“Show me.” She touched the tip of her nose to his. “I need this.”

“You distract me as no other can.” He kissed her, hot and hard until he drove every thought from her mind and there was only him and this very moment in time. Gripping her waist, he lifted her up, kissed and licked her neck then drifted lower across the upper swells of her breasts. He rolled one nipple between his lips and as she arched back, he sucked her nipple deep inside his mouth which sent a torrent of tingles racing through her. He bunched his arms around her, his golden eyes twinkling. “I have other places I wish to devour right now.”

“Then dinnae let me stop you.” The water swished around her as he laid her back down and rested her head gently against the rim once more.

He ran his hands up her legs, lifted them over his shoulders and dragged her closer. Water ran off her and splashed into the pool and with his head bent, he kissed along her inner thighs, his breath puffing hotly against her skin. “If anything hurts, then tell me.”

“I promise I shall.” She grasped the sides of the pool and softly sighed as he slid his fingers along her folds and rubbed her nub. “More,” she whispered. Never had she been so brazen, but he was her mate and she wished to be open and honest with him, to have no secrets. She’d share her greatest desires, just as she shared her body with him.

“I don’t consider you brazen. Demand whatever you wish.” He spread her legs even wider then licked her flesh with his tongue, his gaze on hers as he built her pleasure to a pinnacle she could barely hold onto.

“You’re reading my mind?” Sweet sensations rolled through her and she searched under the water and skimmed the hard length of his cock. She caressed his hot flesh then pumped him in time with how he licked her. “Please, come inside me, Tavish. I dinnae wish to come alone.”

“Are you certain you’re not too sore?” He released her legs, lifted her against him until his cock brushed her entrance below.

“Never too sore for you.” She pushed down on him, melding their bodies in a way she completely adored, until he filled every single inch of her, both body and mind. “Mmm, now this is what I want.”

“You are going to be the end of me. I can see it now.”

“I certainly hope so.” Aching for more, she moved, lifting up and dropping back down. She picked up her pace and he thrust into her, harder and faster, each of his deeply penetrating strokes exactly what she needed. From the inside out, he’d taken her over and she never wanted it any other way.

“Julia, I can’t hold on much longer.”

“Neither can I.”

He flicked her nub and she flew over the edge. Heavenly spasm after spasm rocked through her as he came too, his seed shooting straight to her core. Together, they tumbled right over the edge and into oblivion.

Aye, never would she let him go.

Heart and soul, he was hers, for all time.

* * * *

As Tavish held Julia tight against him, he worked to settle his breathing and slow his pounding heartbeat down. He wished he could keep her here in this magical place forever, only Tor would soon begin to worry if didn’t return and so too their mission to find her parents must begin. He kissed her, claimed her mouth once more, just as he’d claimed her body then searching her mind, sought to ensure she’d felt only pleasure and no pain as he’d taken her. Hell, he was insatiable. He and his bear, both.

“I like insatiable.” Julia smiled lazily as she gazed into his eyes. “I also enjoy reading your thoughts as you enjoy reading mine. Mostly though, I’m rather glad your bear enjoys devouring me.”

“My bear wishes to devour you over and over and never stop but unfortunately we’ve been gone for far too long and we need to return.” He rose from the water with her in his arms and even though he detested releasing her, he set her down on her feet.

“Aye, Arabel too will worry if I’m gone for too much longer.” She tugged her linen shift over her damp skin, shimmied into her rich burgundy gown and covered up every delectable inch of her skin. Slippers on, she belted her white crocheted girdle at her waist, the tassels swaying to her knees.

He dragged on his clothes, strapped his sword and wrist daggers in place then cupped her shoulders in his hands. “Ensuring your safety and wellbeing comes first on this trip. It can be no other way and if I feel your safety might be in jeopardy, I’ll bring you straight back home. If any harm came to you, I’d never forgive myself. Do you understand?”

“The encampment will be teeming with warriors and although right on our border with the MacKenzie, ’tis still secure and within our Matheson hands. We’ll also have the Fae Angel of Love on our side during our search.”

Cherub would certainly speed things up with her swift way of travel and he didn’t doubt she’d watch over Julia or allow any harm to come to her. He released her with a nod, tossed sand onto the fire, doused it and collected his tartan and war coat. At the tunnel entrance, he held out his hand for her. “Ready to leave?”

“Aye, I cannae wait to begin our search.” Brushing her skirts, she joined him with an excited smile.

“Neither can I.” He ran his fingers through her long golden locks, tidying her hair then fixed the orchid tucked behind her ear. With his hand in hers, he led her down the darkened passageway, motioned for her to slip through the gap where it forked then walked outside.

She bounded onto the beach and twirled around. The morning sun shone and the rays lit her golden locks and beautiful blue eyes. Such happiness invaded his soul at seeing her so happy and her clear love of this most enchanting place.

“Into the skiff with you.” He caught her around the waist and swung her on board while overhead two seagulls squawked and dove into the breakers. Both heaved back up, one with a fish flapping between its beak and the other cackling as it made chase. The wind whispered across his skin, bringing with it the salty scent of the sea and the promise of all he and his clan fought for, this land and their people within it.

“This is such a beautiful place, Tavish, and I love being here with you.” She sat at the stern.

“We’ll return, however often we can.” He uncoiled the rope, stored it under the skiff’s bench seat and pushed the boat into the water before hopping aboard. Hell, he’d much rather drag his woman right back into their steamy cavern and send her flying again to the heavens but instead he gripped the oars and rowed until he cleared the bay then raised the sail.

Julia smiled at him, her burgundy velvet skirts fluffed around her and her lips lifted in the most delicious way. “Homeward bound, my fierce protector. We have a great mission ahead of us, the most important I’ve ever undertaken.”

“Aye, homeward bound we go.” He’d been gifted with the most precious woman and he’d make damn certain every hope and dream she harbored was fulfilled. Finding her parents was at the top of that list. To give her what her heart most desired would drive him throughout the coming days. The MacKenzie better well have told them the truth, that he’d never slain Aleck and Adair. He sent a prayer soaring skyward that they lived.

Through the gates of the House of Clan Matheson, Julia led Tavish after they’d moored their skiff at the sea-gate. Blue skies shimmered overhead and the sun shone and spread its warmth across the land. Her body still ached from her night spent in Tavish’s arms, although she adored the change and snuggled her mind deeper into his. Joining as one with him had been so wonderful, then creating the merged link of the mind, such a gift. ’Twas a connection she never wished to give up, couldn’t believe was all hers to share with him.

In front of the keep, two lads loaded a cart with supplies for the warriors at the encampment, while across the inner bailey near the far curtain wall, a good fifty shirtless warriors wielded swords in a battle of strength against one another. Finlay, Kirk and Tor were amongst them, the three men training together as a team. They fought with immense skill, the clash of their claymores reverberating through the air, their moves graceful yet holding great strength. “We’ve arrived in good time. The men still train and the cart isnae yet fully loaded.”

“Then I’ll join Tor for a bit, warm up my muscles before we leave.” Tavish palmed the hilt of his mighty sword. “Stay for as long as you can. I don’t care to have you out of my sight just yet.”

“I will.” On her toes, she kissed his chin. “Be careful, because if you suffer even one scratch, I willnae be happy. Certainly whoever harms you will be wishing he never had.”

“I’ll be sure to inform one and all.” He clasped her hips and rubbed his body against hers, his warm and fresh scent wrapping around her. “Right now I’m still feeling a whole lot territorial.”

“I like territorial.” She palmed the mark on her neck then touched the mark she’d given him on his. Gently, she rubbed her thumb back and forth over it and smiled. “Go and train, so that then we might leave.”

“Aye, my wife.” Grinning, he stepped back, slid his sword from its sheath and strode toward his brother and cousins. Swinging his blade in a wide figure eight, he warmed up at the edge of the training men, his moves quick and precise. His shoulders were packed with muscle, his arms so thick and strong and giving evidence of the hours he spent training each day. Everything about him intrigued her, from his gentle healing touch to his fierce fighting stance.

She crossed to the center well draped in ivy where she could watch him with more ease and rested her bottom against the rimmed edge near the swaying pail.

Tor backed away from Finlay and Kirk’s battle and advanced toward Tavish, his weapon held high. “Glad to see you’re back. If you hadn’t returned soon, I would have come in search of you.”

“I needed some time away with Julia.” Tavish thrust his enormous sword against Tor’s as if it were an extension of him and not a massive blade that took such great strength to wield. “We’ve completed the bond and created the merged link of the mind.”

“Congratulations.” Tor beamed as he swung and their two blades crashed hard. “You hear that, Finlay, Kirk? Our clan now has another newly mated pair.”

“That’s the best news.” Finlay called out as he battled with Kirk. “Iain and Isla too will be thrilled.”

“All I can say is I’ve never felt so at peace. Now, it’s time to set out and find Aleck and Adair and if they’re alive, to bring them back home.” Tavish landed one hard blow after another and Tor met each of his fierce strikes with one of his own. “My mate needs her parents returned to her, and without delay.”

“Once the cart is loaded, we’ll head out with the traveling party.” Tor swung and Tavish caught his high strike and pushed back.

Tavish glanced at her. “Go and pack if you wish.”

“Just keep your eyes on the fight.” She blew him a kiss.

“The sight of you is far more appealing than the sight of my brother.”

“Watch out.” Chuckling, Tor swung and Tavish caught his hit. “She might be more appealing but I‘m the one with the weapon.”

“Then let’s battle.” The two fought, both moving with such grace and stealth. Sweat glistened on their brows and dampened their tunics while the clash of their blades ricocheted all around the yard.

“Julia!” Arabel dashed out of the keep and hurried toward her, the white ribbons tied around her corseted blue gown rippling in the breeze. Her sister swamped her in a huge hug, her sweet vanilla scent encasing her. “I’m so glad you and Tavish are back. Is all well?”

“Very well.” She touched the mark Tavish had given her and smiled. “There’s been a development.”

“You completed the bond?” Her sister jiggled from foot to foot as she spotted the mark.

“We did, and we now have a merged link of the mind.”

“Oh, that’s wonderful news. I’m so happy for you.”

Cherub shimmered into view near the cart, her skin sparkling in the morning sunshine. She waved out to them and walked across. “I’ve been out looking for you, Julia, well you and Tavish.”

“We spent the night at the underground caverns farther along the loch. We completed the bond and as we did, our auras finally behaved and came into alignment.”

“That’s the best news.” The wind lifted, fluttered Cherub’s navy skirts and blew a lock of her blond hair across her cheek. Smiling, Cherub hugged her. “Congratulations. Once you’ve packed, we’ll ride out. Kirk enjoys roaming the countryside on horseback when he can, rather than having me whizzing us through the air all the time.”

“I cannae wait to leave.” She kissed Arabel’s cheek. “I’ll keep in touch with you during the mission, however that can be arranged.”

“I’ll be waiting for news.” Arabel tipped her head toward the keep. “Go and pack.”

“I shall.” With her burgundy skirts in hand, she rushed inside and bumped straight into Matthew. She gripped his shoulders to keep herself from toppling over. “I’m so sorry, Matthew. I wasnae watching where I was running.”

“Little has changed since you were a bairn.” In his brown tunic and trews, his gray hair thinning at the top, he plucked a red-skinned apple from the woven basket he carried over one arm and offered it to her. “For you, my wee Julia. I’m driving the cart to the encampment and glad I am you’ve returned in time. Tor told me about your mate, a clever man that Tavish is, a healer of great ability. Tor said they call him a doctor in his time.”

“Aye, that is true.” She snuck the apple from his hand, rubbed it on her skirts until the red skin gleamed. She took a bite and the sweet apple juice ran down her chin. Wiping it away, she murmured, “Mmm, delicious. Thank you, Matthew.”

“You’re most welcome. I’ve heard about the plan to find Aleck and Adair. All within the keep are speaking of it.” He tipped his head toward the stairwell. “Be quick now. The sooner we leave, the sooner we can find your parents and bring them back home.”

“Save me another apple for later.” Munching on the sweet fruit, she dashed up the winding stairwell. Yesterday, she’d stood on the MacKenzie’s battlements with Cherub as they’d confronted Jeremiah, and now she was to join their warriors at the encampment and begin searching for her parents. Jeremiah’s words echoed through her mind.
They’re alive and far from here. When they first arrived, I was the one to personally escort them to their new accommodations, and they’ve remained there the length of their imprisonment. You can be certain though that when the deadline expires and Julia hasn’t been brought to me, then their death will be assured. I’ll see to it myself.

She had to believe her parents lived, that they’d find them in time. No other thought would she consider.

In her chamber, she rolled her shoulders and inserted her never-ending resolve.

“Good morn, my lady.” Effie rose from the hearth where she’d cleaned the fireplace. She dusted her hands against her aproned sides and motioned toward the side table where a tray sat with a steaming cup of tea and an earthenware plate holding three of the cook’s mouth-watering raspberry and honey tarts. “I was in the kitchens when one of the lads brought the news of your return. I brought you a tray. Do you wish for a bath?”

“I’ll forego a bath, but thank you for the tea. Could you lay out my violet riding habit then pack a bag for me? I’m riding to the encampment along with the warriors this morn.”

“Aye, my lady. I’ll pack all you might need.” Effie wandered to her golden curtained ambry and foraged through her clothing. She laid the riding habit, a broad-brimmed hat, and sturdy black boots on the bed, then swept a traveling bag down from the uppermost shelf and carefully folded an assortment of outfits inside.

Apple finished, she crossed to her dressing screen with its length of twine hanging across the inside, slid the orchid Tavish had given her from out behind her ear and strung it up, the bloom facing downward so it would dry. Once it had, she’d store the gift in her keepsake box. This orchid would remind her of the night that had passed, of when they’d completed the bond and joined in all ways.

“Load the cart with additional weapons to send to the men.” Finlay’s booming voice filtered through her window, ringing with authority from the lower courtyard. Gilleoin couldn’t have left their clan in better hands than those of Finlay and Kirk’s.

She swished to the window and gripped the stone sill.

Amongst the battling warriors, Tavish wielded his blade with such precision, his biceps rippling and his tunic pulled taut across his wide shoulders. Her fingers tingled with the need to touch him again, to glide over his golden skin and slide through his silky black hair. The hem of his billowy white tunic fluttered free over his leather trews and gave glimpses of his trim waist as he fought. Goodness. She longed to be back in their cavern with him, to have his warm and fresh scent swirling around her, to see his golden shifter eyes spark with desire as he sent her soaring far beyond her body. She’d been gifted with a soul bound mate who’d stolen her heart, a man of many talents, from his dedicated ability to heal to his fierce need to protect. His pure white aura with its sizzling red edge tugged upward and a single stream slipped free and floated on the breeze toward her. She opened her window wider and held out one hand. The tendril swirled in and around her then settled on her palm. Her heart lifted as the tendril kissed her skin with its warmth then soaked into her very being.

“We’re almost there, Matthew.” Finlay squeezed the elderly cart driver’s shoulder then jumped onto the rear of the wooden cart filled with blankets, clothing, armory and other supplies for the warriors camped to the east. Finlay glanced at the cook’s son as he stacked a large sack of oats onto the rear. “Alan, bring the loaves of bread the cook set aside this morning, the beans and the fresh fruit the younger lads picked from the grove as well. There’s room for it all.”

“Aye, sir.” He rushed off to do Finlay’s bidding.

Tavish and Tor sheathed their swords and strode over to Finlay while Kirk bounded over to Cherub and Arabel as they chatted. Kirk swept Cherub off her feet and her giggles abounded.

At the cart, Tavish tucked the goods into the corner and made more room for the loaves, beans and fruit Alan and another lanky lad returned with. Both lads, brothers with barely a year between them, had brown hair and breeches a good two inches too short on their legs. Their pale blue aura, now tinged with a golden glow, depicted their desire to travel to the camp with the warriors although they were still too young. Mayhap in another year or two they could join the warrior men.

Tavish clapped both the lads on the back and thanked them, a sweet gesture and one that caused their auras to glow brighter with pride. They grinned and ducked their heads under the praise then jogged back toward the side door of the keep.

She smiled too, picked up her tea from the table and sipped the cooling brew then popped a sweet tart in her mouth. So delicious. “
Do you have a sweet tooth, Tavish?
”

He glanced toward her window on the third floor, locked his gaze on hers and grinned. “
I do, and a terribly persistent one at that. How long until you’re ready to leave?
”

“
I’m about to dress. Do you wish me to have the maid bring your bags downstairs? They’re still sitting by my door.
” She swiped another tart, leaned out the window and whispered, “
Catch
,” as she
tossed the sweet pastry to him.

He caught the tart one-handed and popped it into his mouth. “
I’ll be up in a moment. I wish to change myself.
”

“
I’ll lay some clothes out for you and have the rest of your belongings sent down.
” She scooped his bag stuffed with clothing onto the bed, foraged within and pulled out a blue tunic with the Matheson clan crest embroidered on the front pocket and tan rawhide trews. He could wear his war coat as he rode, should he have a need for the added warmth.

“Is there aught more you need, my lady?”

“Only for you to take these bags downstairs and ensure they’re packed with the provisions going to the camp.” She snuck the last tart and munched.

“Of course.” Effie bundled the bags in her arms and closed the door with a dip of her head as she left.

She shed her gown and shift, flapped out the cream riding shirt Effie had left for her to don and gasped as warm arms wrapped around her from behind. She turned in Tavish’s hold and looked into his glittering gaze. “Your clothes are on the bed. Effie took my bags and yours downstairs.”