Highlander's Seduction (The Matheson Brothers Book 3) (5 page)

Tears misted her gaze and trickled free. She sniffed and he frowned.

“You’re not crying are you?”

“Nay.” She wiped the tears away but more rose and slid free.

“Damn it. You are. I can sense your lies.” He traced across her cheeks and growled again when he encountered the wetness. “Please, don’t cry. I never meant for my words to bring you any pain.”

“They are good tears.”

“No tears are good.” He shoved to his feet and lifted her to hers. “What can I do to bring those giggles back?”

“Mayhap ’tis what I can do for you instead that will lighten my mood. Clothe yourself and I’ll take you somewhere special.” She stuck her slippers on, swung her cape over her shoulders and tied it in place.

He donned his clothes, boots and weapons, and she tried desperately not to sneak a long look at his deliciously hard body while he did.

Once he was dressed, she stepped up to him, wrapped her arms around his waist and settled her cheek on his wide chest. “I’m about to take you for a look at my world, and when I do, you’ll experience a sense of weightlessness as we move through the sky. I’ll also extend my cloaking to cover you. I can do so with others when needed.”

“Wait.” He shook his head. “I just realized. You must have been the one who opened the portal that brought me and my brothers through into this time. Isla too.”

“I was. You never once thought it was me?” He’d said he’d heard the legend of the Fae Angel of Love.

“I didn’t put the two together until right now. I didn’t see you within the portal.”

“Aye, just as you cannae see me in this moment.”

“Right. The legend remains strong.” He nodded. “Will this experience be similar to that trip through the portal? There was a ton of wind swirling about and a whole lot of freefalling.”

“I’m sorry that occurred, but it willnae this time. When one holds onto me while traveling through a portal, there is only the enjoyment of the flight. There will be no need for a portal though right now, just a pleasant night drifting through the sky. You will soar as I will, as if on the wings of a bird.”

“Well, that sounds like the kind of ride I wouldn’t want to miss out on.”

“Then make sure you dinnae let go of me, otherwise there will most definitely be a whole lot of freefalling involved.”

“Letting go of you right now will be impossible, not now that I’ve finally found you.” He dipped his head, planted a kiss on her ear then groaned. “I was aiming for your mouth.”

“My mouth is here.” She lifted onto her toes and touched her lips to his. “Kiss me, Kirk, and we shall soar to the stars together.”

“Mmm, and I only wish in more ways than one.” He kissed her with a wild passion she couldn’t help but respond to, and slowly, she lifted them higher and dipped and dived through the air, as in control of her element as she could be when he continually sent her thoughts awry.

Aye, the mated bond was a precious thing, and she only wished she never had to lay hers with him aside. Her mate was her match in every way, a man she could so easily fall in love with.

She bobbed over the village and drew in a deep breath. Below, smoke curled from several of the thatch-roofed houses and wisped into the night sky. Children dashed about the cottages, barefoot as they played tag, their squeals reaching her and tugging at her heart. Around a fire pit in the center of the village, both young and old chatted. Her people would always need her, just as she’d always need them. She wasn’t just a time-walker but their princess. That she could never forget.

One night. She’d continue to enjoy this one night, cherish and hold it tight.

That she could do.

High on the castle’s battlements, Nessa stood, her plaid wrapped around her as the dawn sun peeked over the ocean’s horizon. A radiant haze of red speared through the lightening blue sky and the twinkling stars above disappeared one by one until only one star remained. Eyes closed, she made a wish on it for Cherub—that the Fae Angel of Love who’d now been soul bound to another, just might find a way to make things work so she’d need never be alone again.

Aye, Cherub had said she couldn’t take a mate. She’s been gifted with the greatest of their fae skills, one that required every ounce of her time and intense dedication. Bringing soul bound mates together brought her great joy and she reveled in all she did. So too would Kirk. He was a man who’d stand by his mate and aid her in whatever way he could. He would protect and care for her, ensure her safety and that her dedication to her duty never faltered. Cherub needed Kirk just as much as Kirk needed her. If only her friend would open her mind to all the possibilities, then her joy in all she did would grow even stronger and deeper.

With her inner sight focused on Cherub, she sought aid on what she needed to do to convince her friend to take a chance on her newly discovered bond. Images swirled and she grasped ahold of them, only none were of Cherub but instead their enemy, Colin MacKenzie, the Chief of MacKenzie.

Colin MacKenzie stormed the darkened lower passageways of his castle, his captain at his side. The MacKenzie clenched his fists, his shaggy brown hair plaited into war braids and knotted together with a thick strip of leather at his nape. “I willnae be defeated, and certainly no’ by Gilleoin,” he muttered. “I want control of the waterways between us and the Isle of Skye and for that I need his Matheson lands on the tip of Loch Alsh. I will hold dominion over that land, and by whatever means I can ensure it.”

“Gilleoin protects those within the village with his very life.” His captain spat the words through the gap in his buckled front teeth.

“Aye, the fae have mingled with his Matheson line and he does no’ care to give up the added abilities his offspring now carry. Worse, Gilleoin and his progeny will continue to grow from strength to strength if I dinnae put a halt to it.”

“What’s your plan, Chief?”

“There is only one plan.” He punched one fisted hand into the other. “Afore the village was to be burnt to the ground, which you failed at ensuring, I was after one woman. Find her and bring her to me. She is the answer I seek. She alone will be able to provide what I need to ensure my plan reaches completion.”

“Aye, Chief. I’ll go and bring her back myself.” The captain strode away and Nessa’s vision dissolved.

The Chief of MacKenzie wouldn’t be halted in his drive to take their land. The man was a menace, one relentless and fierce menace. Except which one of the fae women from the village could he possibly be after? She needed to find out. She hurried down the stairs and into the bailey. Finding Gilleoin and imparting all she’d just learnt was imperative.

With her cloaking veil extended over Kirk, Cherub bobbed through the dawn sky as the sun’s rising warmth flared across the land below. A wash of golden-yellow bathed the forest’s treetops and shimmered across the castle’s fortified walls, while in the distance behind it, the hills rose lush and green with a wealth of new growth.

She smiled at Kirk over her shoulder as he tightened his hold around her from behind, not that he could see her or even she see him while they were both cloaked. “This land is so stunning with its lochs and bens and grassy moors. There is nowhere on Earth quite as beautiful as Scotland.”

“I take it you’ve traveled far and wide?” His warm breath feathered across the top of her head, his question one of a hundred or more he’d asked her during the night. She’d done her best to answer those questions she could, in fact had thrived on having someone to share such a deep and meaningful conversation with. Her questions for him too had been endless, and he’d graciously shared all she’d asked of him.

“I’ve traveled the whole world over, many times and of course throughout the ages, but the Highlands are my home.” This night with him had been magical, yet the end of it now lay in sight and even though she didn’t wish for that moment to arrive, it unfortunately had. “Do you wish to collect your skiff from the village, or shall I return you to the castle instead?”

“The castle. One of the warriors at the village will return the skiff as needed. Where do you intend on going once we’re back on the ground?” Another question she’d need to be evasive with.

“I intend to bathe and change, break my fast then tend to my day’s work.” No knowledge of where, even though she’d be within her chamber and inside the same castle walls as he would be. Certainly the temptation to blurt out the truth was strong, but then where would she be? Where would her people be? Thoughts of Amelia and her decision to forego her duty after accepting her soul bond with Olaf, swamped her. She couldn’t choose such an all-consuming bond and allow her people to go uncared for. They came first and always would.

With her resolve set in place, she breezed lower as she swept toward the castle’s postern gate.

“You’ve gone quiet all of a sudden. If you’re tired and wish to rest, then allow me to join you.” Husky words, and the hope in his tone shimmered through. “Or if you’ve a need to work, I’ll join you in your duties. It matters not to me. I just wish to be wherever you are.”

“I have so much to do this day, and for now, my duties will keep me here in this time until I’ve seen to the new matches being made. So many of the villagers were saved in the recent battle and new soul bonds have now formed across the ages.”

“My place is at your side, just as yours is at mine. What will it take for me to convince you of that?” He squeezed her, the length of his warm body pressed against hers, so sweetly precious. She longed to remain right here with him, but that was a dream she couldn’t harbor. “I will never leave you, Cherub.” He nipped her ear, turned her around to face him then nibbled along her jaw in a slow and leisurely trail toward her lips. “Or ever give up on you.”

“I cannae accept the bond as Amelia did.” She brought them both down onto the forest trail just out of view of the gate where Gilleoin’s warriors patrolled the battlements.

“You’re not Amelia and I’m not Olaf. Choosing the bond doesn’t mean you have to give up your duty. I thrive on a challenge. Aiding you in bringing soul bound mates together would become as much as my calling as it is yours.”

“I’m sorry, but I cannae take the risk and possibly...” She needed to go, and before he actually managed to sway her mind. Swiftly, she became as one with the air and slipped out of his arms.

“Damn it, Cherub. I speak the truth.” Swinging his arms wide, he searched for her. “Don’t leave me. There isn’t anything we can’t overcome if we do so together.”

“Thank you for an unforgettable night.” Tears blurred her vision as she drifted higher. Leaving him hurt, bad. “Stay safe, Kirk.”

“Come back here now.” He thumped his chest, anguish slashing his face. “Your leaving, it cuts my very soul in two.”

“As it does for me, but I cannae promise you anymore than I already have.” The farther she moved away from him, the deeper her chest throbbed. Mated pairs should never be separated, that she knew to the depths of her heart, and here she was allowing that to happen. “Just know that I detest this, just as much as you do.”

“Then don’t leave me, because if you do, I will hunt you down, that I promise you.” He growled under his breath. “My chase has only just begun. You’re mine, the other half of my soul and I’m not giving you up.”

“You must. Farewell, Kirk.” She’d taken one night for herself and now she needed to forge ahead. Over the curtain wall, she streamed then through the bailey and up to her open window on the third floor. She fluttered inside, her heart a heaving mess as she materialized in her chamber. Remaining cloaked, she gripped the windowsill.

Outside, a fierce roar echoed and Kirk stormed through the postern gate into the inner courtyard. He marched toward the training warriors, on a direct course toward his brothers. Iain and Finlay were both identical to Kirk in every way, from their shoulder-length locks of midnight-black hair to their wide chests and towering height.

At the sight of Kirk’s clear frustration, his brothers left the warriors and steered Kirk toward a quiet corner of the yard, right underneath her window.

“What’s happened?” Iain, the eldest of the three, gripped Kirk’s shoulder as he eyed him. “I got a blast of contentment along our brotherly bond last night, and I still sensed only satisfaction from you until a mere minute ago.”

“I was far beyond content until my mate disappeared, right into thin air.” Hands clenching and unclenching at his sides, Kirk blew out a long breath. “I found her as soon as I reached the village, although I’ve yet to actually see her. Cherub is the faerie king’s eldest child. She’s also known as the Fae Angel of Love and is one of only three time-walkers born to the fae. She can cloak herself and remain unseen, or if she wishes, move into mist form and become as one with the very air itself. So too her duty to her people is strong and she ensures those who are soul bound and separated across time, are brought together.”

“I’ve heard of her.” Iain nodded.

“As have I. Dad’s spoken the tale of the Fae Angel of Love from time to time.” Finlay sheathed his sword in his side scabbard, his blue tunic fluttering free over his belted plaid. Sheathed wrist daggers glinted from under his cuffs, just as they did from under Iain’s.

All three of these men were warriors of great strength, although what made them the most powerful was the depth and devotion of their brotherly bond. They would do anything for each other, even lay down their life. That she’d learnt during a small number of secret visits to Kirk’s home over the past few years. She’d had a need to take one of her wounded people to Dr. Tavish, their clan physician, for his highly skilled aid, which she’d been unable to procure for her clansman here in the past. Twice, in her cloaked form, she’d snuck out of Tavish’s medical room to watch the brothers since Nessa had told her that one day they’d be known as the ‘power of three.’ Her curiosity in them had been strong, and now would always remain so because of her bond with Kirk.

“I’ll need a plan of attack, and I need it now.” Kirk ground one booted foot into the stony yard. “I won’t lose her.”

“And we won’t let you lose her either. We’ll help you find her.” Iain crossed his arms. “What else have you got on the elusive Fae Angel of Love?”

“I’ll detail all I’ve learnt.” Kirk slid one hand into his pants pocket and removed the strand of hair he’d taken from her, his gaze softening. Around one finger, he curled it. “Amelia is another time-walker, a close friend of Cherub’s. Amelia lives here at the village and is wed to a man named Olaf. They have a son named Joseph who holds the skill of foreknowledge. Amelia and Olaf are soul bound and when they joined, Amelia spoke a spell that ensured Olaf’s soul became tied to hers, so for however long she lives, is however long he lives. Amelia also gave up her mantle when they joined as one, which means Cherub is the only time-walker here on Earth who can continue to do what must be done.”

“Wait.” Finlay frowned. “Are you saying that once you catch your mate and you join together, you’ll be an immortal as she is?”

“Aye, except Cherub has no intention of joining with me. Too many of her fae kind rely on her, even more so now than ever before. Since we saved the fae village, both our clan and Murdock’s have seen a new wave of unmated males sensing their chosen ones, and even though I assured her I’d never halt her in her duty, would do all I could to aid her, she’s still seen what’s happened to Amelia and has no intention of trekking down the same path.”

“Then you’ll need to keep on reassuring her, until she believes you, and we’ll do whatever it takes to make certain she knows you speak the truth.” A fiercely determined look crossed Finlay’s face.

“Here, here,” Iain decreed. “We may be the ‘power of three,’ but we aren’t complete until we’ve all joined with our chosen ones.” He squeezed Kirk’s shoulder. “Let’s train and then begin our search for her. Take comfort in the fact that since you’ve found her once, you can find her again. Even the Fae Angel of Love can’t hide forever.”

“Searching for her will be a mission since she can flitter about unseen.” Kirk pocketed her strand of hair then swung his sword free, his determination once again soaring. “I’ll never give her up though, not until my dying day. I just have to figure out a way to convince my mate that I speak the truth, that I’d never fail her.”

“Your intentions are pure, your word always true.” Finlay swung his blade in a wide figure eight. “She’ll come to learn that as well. We’ll make sure of it.” He motioned toward the training area and the three of them strode back to the battling warriors and joined the fray.

Could she possibly have it all? Would Kirk truly aid her in her duty and not halt her in the least? His brothers had stated empathically that he would. Olaf had certainly never made such a promise to Amelia. He was a gentle man, a fisherman and not a warrior. Amelia too was a sweet and tender woman, a nurturer who longed to care for her husband and son. Amelia had been deliriously happy when the bond between her and Olaf had taken form. Olaf was her match in every way, and when she’d given up her mantle, Amelia had been more than ready to settle down in one place rather than travel through the endless streams of time.

She would never be able to settle in that way, not when she thrived on the coming hunt. Finding those who were soul bound and bringing them together across time was a thrill she’d never relinquish. A level of doubt in her decision to forego their bond rolled through her.

Kirk twirled his blade, his shoulders and arms so thick and strong and packed with muscle. Her fingers tingled with the need to touch him again, to stroke those muscles then slide her fingers through his silky black hair and tousle those gorgeous locks into complete disarray. She’d been gifted with a soul bound mate she completely adored and she couldn’t halt the rush of hope that rolled through her. Mayhap she should talk to Nessa about her decision and see what she thought. A seer could see so much more than any other and she certainly trusted her friend and her wise judgment.

Below in the yard, Kirk advanced on Iain, his weapon held high. The two swung and their blades clashed, steel ringing loud against steel. Finlay jumped into the fight and the three battled, each landing one hard blow after another. They trained swiftly and without hesitation, so in tune with each other’s strikes that they moved gracefully yet powerfully as one.

“My lady?” A knock sounded. “It’s Effie. Are you in?”

“I’m coming.” She opened the door and uncloaked her form. Only two maids ever served her when she stayed here, Effie or Maggie. Both lasses held a touch of fae blood and were loyal kin. They certainly tended to her needs and did all she asked of them. “How did you know I’d be here this morn?”

“Nessa said you arrived last eve at the village and to bring you a tray and a bath.” Effie carried a tray holding a steaming bowl of oats and a trencher of sliced meats inside and set it on the side table. “She’ll be up shortly.”

“Wonderful. I need to speak to Nessa.”

A shuffle sounded in the passageway and she cloaked herself as two lads, not of fae blood, heaved a tub between them. Barefoot and with sooty marks on the knees of their loose-legged brown breeches, they set the tub before the fireplace. Another maid entered, set a drying cloth and bar of soap next to the tub then left with the lads.

Effie knelt at the hearth, tore strips of bark from a log and brought a flame to life striking flint with a dagger. She added a log or two and the fire soon roared and spread its heavenly heat throughout the room. The maid rose and dusted her hands against her aproned sides as she crossed to the golden curtained ambry. “What do you wish to wear this day, my lady?”

“The pale blue gown, please. Leave it on the bed if you could.”

The maid removed a gown of silk, one of her favorites that matched the color of her blue eyes to perfection. Effie draped it over the black fur cover at the end of her bed then set the matching pair of slippers beside it.

The lads soon returned with pails of steaming water and Effie directed them then added vanilla scented oil and a sprinkle of dried rose petals. Done, she walked to the door and dipped her head to Nessa as she arrived.