Highlander's Passion (The Matheson Brothers Book 2) (7 page)

Ahead at the dais, two men sat, both identical to Finlay in every way, from their shoulder-length locks of midnight-black to their wide chests and towering height. Or almost identical. A mark in the shape of a bear’s claw graced the neck of the warrior attired in black leather pants and a fur vest over a white tunic. The same mark given to Ivan, Gilleoin’s second-born son. The singular claw mark gave proof Ivan’s future line would be shifter alone. While, Kenneth, Gilleoin’s firstborn son, held the claw-and-star mark symbolizing his dual shifter-fae blood. ’Twas wondrous to see Gilleoin’s shifter lines had survived more than eight-hundred years, although now they were on the cusp of extinction and such a loyal line of shifters should never be allowed to fall.

“That’s Iain, my eldest brother, with the mark of the claw,” Finlay breathed in her ear. “His mate, Isla, sits beside him.”

Isla, clothed in a richly colored gown of gold with white silk edging the bodice and cuffs leaned toward Iain, her long brown locks swaying forward. She whispered something then nipped his lobe. He growled, sent her a wickedly hot look that spoke of intended promises then kissed her cheek.

“How long have they been mated?”

“Not long, although it took Iain five years to track her down. She was concerned about joining with him, that she’d lose her own clan, so she ran each night the full moon rose. You would have heard the prophecy your grandmother first spoke of at Kenneth and Ivan’s birth, right?”

“Aye, all our clan are aware of it, would never set it aside. ’Twill be told to all future generations, word for word.” She slid her hand into his and recited the prophecy. “
Gilleoin’s sons will separate when they come of age and rule their own clans, yet there will come a time far in the future when a mated bond forms between the two clans. Only then must Gilleoin’s descendants once again merge, and the ‘power of three’ be unveiled.
” She squeezed his fingers. “You and your brothers are the ‘power of three.’”

“And you and Isla and now a part of that. The ‘power of three’ aren’t complete without their chosen ones at their sides.” He kissed the tip of her nose.

Nessa had often spoken of why the ‘power of three’ was needed. That if not for them, then in the future, Gilleoin’s descendants would be like the leaves that fell from the trees. They would scatter too far and wide then turn to dust, and in doing so, Gilleoin’s shifter race would be no more. Only she’d never once imagined she would become a part of it all. As Finlay’s mate, there was none other than her to give him bairns, to ensure his line continued to grow from strength to strength. Only how was she to do that when joining with him would ultimately lead to his death? She shuddered with fear.

“What are you thinking?” He stroked the inside of her palm with his thumb, a sweetly gentle caress that sent tingles racing across her skin.

“’Tis naught.” She focused on her heat and keeping it contained. Causing a heat wave in front of so many would do nothing but bring about harm. She had to maintain her control.

“That’s not the answer I seek.” He tugged her into the darkened alcove near the chief’s solar where they were assured of a little privacy. “You’ve nothing to fear by sharing what’s in your heart with me. I want to know everything, all that you think, all that worries you.”

“I’ve always wanted bairns, but known I’d never be a mother. I still cannae see how such a thing could be.”

“Arabel, you’re the one I’ve been searching for, the one I would never have ceased searching for. There is no other woman for me other than you. I give you my word we’ll tackle each coming day together. Good times and bad, we’ll always stand by each other’s sides.”

“I cannae deny these feelings I have for you, the deep need to protect you, although the only way for that to happen is if I let you go afore I no longer can.”

A bubbling laugh floated toward her. Isla gazed into Iain’s eyes with such a wealth of love. Their bond was strong, but then Isla couldn’t kill her mate as she could kill hers.

“Look at me.” Finlay planted his hands on the paneled wall either side of her head and leaned in. “From the moment they met, they were inseparable, and Iain desires only Isla’s happiness, her safety and wellbeing, just as I desire yours.” He surrounded her, his delicious scent wrapping around and comforting her. “We’ll find a way around your skill, but you need to keep the faith that we will. They’ll be no letting go, for either you or me.”

“This is difficult. I never expected to embark on a relationship, particularly one as strong and as all-consuming as the mated bond. You are relentless, and you’re also driving me to complete distraction.” She grasped his tan shirtfront and tugged him with her into the chief’s solar, thankfully devoid of their chief since Gilleoin still remained at the village. The side antechamber held a chunky wooden desk, a tall chest with ornately carved feet and an array of chairs and benches around the perimeter of the room. She halted in the center and said, “Those of us who are fae must uphold ourselves to the sacred laws of our people. There have been six fire-wielders afore me, and the law states that should a fire-wielder cause the death of another through intimacy, then they forfeit their own life. ’Tis a law I will uphold.”

“You’re my mate, and as I’ve told you, there isn’t a chance you can bring harm to me, just as I can’t bring any harm to you. There will be no loss of life, either yours or mine.”

“You cannae change who I am, but I assure you, I will protect you, with my dying breath if I must.” She leaned in and nipped his lower lip. “This is an impossible bond, one I want, yet I’m completely frightened to embrace.”

“We’ll embrace all the challenges ahead together, and no matter how impossible our bond appears right now, being with you is all I desire and I’ll fight for that right.” Grimacing, he scrubbed a hand across his forehead then frowned.

Something brushed against her mind then pushed as if trying to find a way in. Ouch. She rubbed her forehead.

“I’m sorry. That’s me. My mind is trying to forge the merged link but is coming up against a solid barrier. A barrier I don’t care for.”

“Gilleoin and Sorcha have such a merged link. They can speak to each other at will along a pathway known only to them, mind to mind.”

“It’s a skill inherent in my shifter blood. The fact I’m trying to forge a telepathic link with you is absolute proof you’re my chosen one, not that I needed it.”

“Can you pull your mind back?”

“Of course.” The pain abruptly ceased as he did. “Everything within me desires to be a part of you, Arabel, to speak with you at ease, no matter where you are.” He slid one hand around the back of her head and gently drew their foreheads together. His warm breath whispered across her lips. “Has the pain receded?”

“Aye, ’tis gone.” She rubbed her forehead against his and her fire once again flared. She twisted out of his hold and paced the room. “My control isnae what it should be and ’tis only getting worse.”

“I hate it when you force a separation between us.” He growled under his breath but thankfully remained right where he was and didn’t bring her back to his side.

“Is everything all right in here?” Kirk strode into the solar in a blue tunic with his clan plaid belted at his waist, sheathed wrist daggers glinting from under his cuffs. He stopped before them, one hand resting on the hilt of his mighty sword as he eyed Finlay. “You and Julia seem to be having a rather intense conversation.”

“This isn’t Julia but her sister Arabel.” Finlay stroked the mark she’d given him on his neck.

“Oh, my apologies, Arabel.” Kirk glanced at her. “I wasn’t aware you and Julia were twins. She mentioned a sister, but not an identical twin.”

“’Tis quite all right. My clansmen mistake us from time to time, as I imagine your kin do with you and your brothers.”

“Constantly. It’s a never-ending issue.” He crossed to the corner padded chair, sat and eyed Finlay. “Last night and this morning I’ve sensed waves of both contentment and frustration emanating from you. What’s going on?”

“I’d like to know the same.” Iain walked in with Isla at his side and closed the door behind them. He trod to the desk, moved the quill and ink bottle and perched on the front edge. “It’s near impossible to focus with your constant mood changes, Finlay, and I need an answer.”

“Then to explain, allow me to introduce you all to my mate.” Finlay caught her hand. “Arabel is Julia’s sister and Nessa’s granddaughter. She also holds the fae skill of fire.”

“You’re a fire-wielder?” Isla’s clutched one hand to her mouth. “Fire truly comes forth from your fingertips?”

“Aye, it does.” She tugged free from Finlay and crossed to the open window overlooking the inner courtyard. The morning sun beamed through and played over the stack of wood set neatly to the side of the fireplace. She needed to expend this excess of heat roaring through her. She walked to the hearth and lowered to her haunches, her sapphire skirts settling about her. Swiftly, she brought her fire forth and it licked over the wood and chased up the flue.

“That’s incredible.” Awe crossed Iain’s face.

“Her fire is incredible, but it’s also very deadly.” Compassion filled Isla’s eyes as she looked at her. “There have only ever been seven fire-wielders born, and the rare and deadly skill is the only one to ever die out amongst the fae.”

“Only seven? Are you sure?” The news sent a shockwave spearing through Arabel, one she couldn’t halt. The sudden chill of it penetrated her from the inside out and her cold-fire roared to life.

“I’m certain, and any form of intimacy isn’t permitted for a fire-wielder.”

“No, that I won’t accept.” Finlay planted his hands on his hips. “There must be a way to get around her skill.”

“I agree.” Iain tapped the desk, his gaze narrowed. “The mated bond wouldn’t have formed between Finlay and Arabel otherwise. They are a match in every way even though it doesn’t appear it.”

“I feel cold, very cold.” Arabel shivered. Feeling cold was one of the worst signs for one with her skill. Excessive cold-fire, when it generated within a fire-wielder, could take over and kill them from within with its blaze of cold. She rubbed her arms, focused fully on her skill and drew her fire’s heat through her in an attempt to curb the cold-fire. ’Twas tricky to get the balance just right and not overexpose herself to her own heat. She must maintain what was required to keep her body and blood warm but not send her hot fire racing through her. Eyes squeezed shut, she attempted to gain back the control she’d lost by the rapid heaving of her emotions. A little hot fire at a time, enough to ground her as she permitted its internal release.

“What’s happening?” Finlay crouched in front of her.

“No! Leave her be.” Isla seized his arm and pulled him back to his feet. “Finlay, you can’t touch her right now. Her cold-fire roars and could take her life. See how she shivers as if with a chill. That is the sign a fire-wielder is consumed by their cold-fire. I’ve read about it in my clan’s history books.”

Another surge of cold-fire rose and iced Arabel’s fingers and toes. She shook, her lips pinched tight together as she stood once again and faced her mate. “It is as Isla says. When emotions of grief or loss flare too strongly within me then I’m susceptible to certain dangers. Only me. You need no’ fear for your own life or those around you when my cold-fire rears.” At least her cold-fire couldn’t seep from her as the blazing heat of her hot fire could.” She nodded at Isla. “Do you hold any information on the last fire-wielder?”

“It’s said she passed away during the battle at the village on June the eleventh.” Tears filled Isla’s eyes and she leaned against Iain’s side. “At least that piece of history we can change.”

“We’ll be changing a hell of a lot more than that.” Finlay let out a fierce growl and clenched his fists. His pain and desperation to change what he couldn’t tore at her heart. This destructive path he’d embarked on had to change, and she’d ensure it, whether he wished it or not.

“Isla.” She glanced at the woman. “As one of my fae kind, you must uphold the sacred laws of our people, and as such, there is something I must ask of you, that I require of your skill.”

“Anything.”

“I cannae see a resolution to our problem. Finlay and I might be mated, but ’tis a dangerous bond to allow to take. You must compel him to forget me, his brothers too since they appear to stand as one, and if you choose no’ to, then I willnae tend to this cold-fire which still consumes me. I certainly willnae be the one to kill my mate, which would happen in only a matter of time since he is so insistent on joining and completing the bond. Killing him isnae an option.” She’d been a fool to believe she could be different from the six fire-wielders before her, that it might be possible to have it all, or to at least try and see what would happen.

“Damn it, Arabel.” Thumping his chest, Finlay glared at her. He was close, too close, but at least he wasn’t touching her. “You are not dying on the eleventh during the battle, or here this very day. Nor are you having me compelled to forget you. You are my mate, and I’ll never let you go.”

“We’ll make sure you don’t lose her, Finlay.” Kirk grasped Finlay’s arm. “We’ll keep her safe, all of us, and you too.”

“Finlay.” She desperately wished to touch him, but since this might be her only chance to ensure his safety, she had to take it. “I cannae burn you, and I have come far too close to doing so already. History has decreed our future and ’tis unchangeable. You need to accept what will be and live as your destiny has proclaimed. You are here to save my fae people in the battle, not me, the last of the fire-wielders. You cannae allow your future shifter clan to fall into extinction. That is where there is hope, not here between us.”

“I have no intention of living without you.” A fierce rumble left his chest.

Isla sobbed and tears flowed down her cheeks. “Arabel, the last thing I want to do is to take Finlay’s chosen one from him. It goes against all that I believe in. The bond is so precious.”

“So is his life, which will be very short should he remain with me. Although I must apologize. I’ve asked you to do something which is unfair. I see that 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.