Sea Wolf Magick (Highlander Magick Series Book 2) (9 page)

Gunther’s fingers shook, taking the gem from Quinn. He placed it inside Beth’s hand and closed her fingers around the cold stone. Barely above a whisper, the gentle giant muttered the word, “Gift.”

“I can’t accept this.” Beth sat shaking her head no, cradling his head in her lap, tears streaming down her face.

“Ye must.” Quinn gripped Gunther’s shoulder. “It’s his last wish. He wants you to have it.”

Gunther smiled, squeezed Beth’s other hand, and nodded his head. “Gift . . . cave.”

Beth leaned down and kissed his forehead. “Thank you, my friend.”

Gunther’s head slumped to the side, and his eyes closed for the last time.

Like water bursting through a broken damn, a rush of emotions washed over Beth. She hugged Gunther’s head to her chest and wept.

Chapter 12

Beth knelt and placed a gathered bouquet, filled with colorful goldenrod and toadflax wild flowers mixed with foxgloves and variegated ferns, on top of Gunther’s fresh grave. Their heads bowed, the men stood between Gunther’s and Finley’s final resting places. Quinn steadied McGregor by holding his arm. They’d picked a spot on the outskirts of the forest where the shade would shelter their graves from the hottest time of day, and the breathtaking heather spread wild through the meadows. Due to his prior wishes, the older deceased crewmember, Dudley, would be laid to rest at sea, once they returned to the
Sea Wolf
.

“Because of me, three good men are dead.” Beth rose, rubbing her hands up and down her arms.

“Nonsense, lass.” McGregor patted her shoulder. “If anyone’s to blame, it’s the bloody Maras Queen.”

“McGregor’s right, Beth.” Quinn squeezed her trembling fingers inside his own and spotted the tense lines on her face relaxing. “Finley was just a young lad. He didna stand a chance against her evil wiles. Gunther was a true warrior with a kindhearted soul. He sacrificed himself to save his friend’s life.”

Seagulls calling overhead and waves washing on the shore broke the sullen silence on their trek back to the sandy beach. Beth pointed to a school of playful dolphins leaping from the water.

They stopped in front of the bobbing boat tied to a dead stump. Quinn gripped the side of the rig while Beth stepped inside. She lifted McGregor’s crutch and lent him a hand. Quinn waited patiently until both were seated before shoving the boat further in the water and jumping inside. He grabbed the oars and rowed, heading for the
Sea Wolf.

The rest of the crew stood waiting at the helm. They helped McGregor on board first, and then Beth. Quinn looped the rope and fastened the hook into a knot before clambering up the corded ladder. Several of the men assisted McGregor to his cabin while the others heaved the rowboat back on board.

Quinn watched Beth wander to the spot where old Dudley was murdered. His men did a good job making sure the bloodstains had been wiped clean before Beth came back aboard. Quinn returned in time to find his remaining crew coming around after being drugged. Leaving a few men on board to guard the ship, the rest followed him back to land. They quickly filled the deadly trap with fresh ground and stones so no one else would fall to a terrible death.

Beth gathered a shawl around her shoulders and darted for Quinn’s cabin. He didn’t try to stop her. She had witnessed enough death and burials for one day.

He strolled over to the rest of the crew waiting to put the old seaman named Dudley, to rest. The mourners gathered around their friend’s body wrapped in a heavy tarp. The men quietly retreated after the service and returned to their duties.

Quinn stopped, deciding to give Beth some privacy. Without even realizing what she was doing, she’d turned into her she-wolf to save his life. He would check in on her later after she had some rest. There was still something important they needed to do before they left Shetland Islands.

Like ugly black clouds hovering over a haunted castle, the dismal silence enveloping the ship was eerie and unsettling. Beth raced across the deck to the top of the steps that led to Quinn’s cabin and stopped, watching Quinn join the others gathered around the old man’s corpse. She choked back the tears ready to explode and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand.

The image of Gunther’s reassuring eyes focused on her, while taking his final breath bore in her mind. She bolted down the narrow stairway like a frightened rabbit and shoved the door open.

“Kalista?” Beth called, eager to see her winged companion. The dragon’s presence was comforting to her. She grabbed the leather pouch from inside her pocket, strolled over to the feed bowl, and dumped the contents inside. A handful of squiggling shrimp waved their long whiskered antennae in the air. “Come on, Kalista, I have a surprise for you.”

A tapping sounded at the door. She turned to see McGregor standing in the doorway, leaning on his crutch. “May I come in, lass?”

“What are you doing up? You should be resting in bed and keeping off that leg.” Beth rushed over and grabbed his arm, helping him to the chair.

“I thought ye might need some company.” A loud sigh escaped from his scratched lips as he settled in the chair and laid the crutch on his lap. “’Twas a brave thing ye did this morning. Ye not only saved the Captin’s life, but you managed to bring your wolf into the world for the first time, all on your own. ’Tis quite an accomplishment at that. Beggin’ yer pardon for me saying so, lass, but she’s a strikin’ beauty that one. Aye, she is at that.”

“Thank you, McGregor.” Her cheeks warmed. Spotting him eyeing the jar of honey, she pushed it along with the basket of cheese in front of him. “I can’t take any credit for something I didn’t even realize I’d done. The wolf did it on her own—it wasn’t me.”

“Aye, but that’s where ye’re wrong.” McGregor tugged at his bandaged leg. “Your wolf knew ye were in danger, but ye had the strength to let her surface. Ye’re the first witch I ever met that was part-wolf too. Don’t ye fret none, lass. The Captin’ will find a way to rid this terrible curse of the Maras.”

“I hope you’re right. But there’s not much time. Without poor Gunther’s help, we may never find that hidden cave now.” Beth brushed her hair behind her neck and rested her hand on her shoulder. “Finley said he knew how to cure me of the curse, but he never told me how.”

She glanced at the empty spot next to the dragon’s bowl. “Where’s Kalista? I haven’t seen her since yesterday?”

McGregor’s face paled, and he lowered his glance toward the floor.

A tight knot twisted in Beth’s stomach. Her legs buckled, and she gripped the back of the chair to keep her knees from hitting the wooden planks. McGregor’s softened gaze met hers. “Please tell me Finley didn’t harm Kalista. I couldn’t bear the thought of that right now.”

McGregor gripped her shoulders. “The wee rascal’s fine. I saw her land on board and fly off again right before we all passed out from Finley’s concoction. Kalista could take care of herself against Finley. I promise ye, lass. She’ll be back when she’s ready. That dragon would never leave Quinn’s side for verra long.”

“McGregor’s right.” Quinn stood in the middle of the doorway, his arms crossed against his broad chest. “I would know if something happened to Kalista. Her heart still beats, I can feel it.”

McGregor struggled to stand. “I was just telling Beth she should be proud of the way she handled herself back there. Not many women could have done that.”

Beth wrung her hands and squirmed under their stares. She made her way to the desk, removed Gunther’s glistening gift from her pants pocket, and laid it on the table next to Quinn’s unique stone. The two were almost identical in color. She barely heard McGregor say goodbye, she was so mesmerized by the magic of the sparkling gems.

“I came by to tell ye to get ready. We have a wee journey ahead of us tonight. Make sure ye bring yer shawl and extra clothes. I’ll be back shortly after I finish talking to my men.” Quinn smiled at her and handed a grumbling McGregor his crutch.

She waited until the door clapped shut and dashed to grab some heavy shirts from Quinn’s drawers. For the first time in days, she felt happy, reminding her of how she felt when watching the tiny finches fluttering around her feeders. She didn’t know why, but she felt a surge of hope.

“Are ye ready?” Quinn slipped up behind her and turned her to face him. “Do you think ye’re up for the long night ahead of us?”

“I never heard you open the door. I guess it’s a wolf thing.” She grinned, handing him a blanket from the bunk. “To answer your question, well, that depends on what you have in mind.”

Like a teenage boy getting behind the wheel of a car for the first time—but in this case, she would imagine a young Highlander lad getting his first dirk—Quinn’s eager expression and charming grin warmed her heart. Leading her by the hand, they headed up the creaky steps and stopped in front of two of his crew. He took the blankets and jumped overboard.

Beth squealed. Her fingers clutching the side of the ship, she leaned over to see Quinn standing in the middle of the rowboat. He waved his hands above his head and motioned for her to join him. Two of the men lowered her down on the rope ladder. Quinn grabbed her around the waist and helped her to the seat. The water swished around the oars as Quinn rowed away from the
Sea Wolf
.

“Where are we going?” she asked, the fresh air filling her lungs. Icy tingles ran up and down her spine.

“Have a wee bit of patience, lass.” Quinn leaned over, covered her legs with one of the blankets, and patted her knee. “I dinna want to ruin the surprise. Ye’ll find out soon enough.”

Chapter 13

The Island of Yell

Quinn glanced to the hazy night sky in hopes the heavens would grace them with a grand show. Like a mother protecting her young, the Island of Yell nestled a secluded spot in her bosom where humans never venture.

Hairs bristled on the back of his neck. His blood heated with excitement. Tonight was the start of a promising beginning for Beth.

Aye, who was he tryin’ to fool? Tonight marked a new beginnin’ for himself. A quest he couldna ever hide from again. He couldna hide the truth any longer. He was fallin’ in love.

“Quinn.
Quinn
?” Beth’s soft voice broke the soothing rhythms from the oars breaking the waves. She touched his arm. The caress of her fingers sent ripples through his arms. “You haven’t said a word since we left the
Sea Wolf
. Are you sure everything’s ok?”

“Aye, lass.” Her eyes sparkled like the twinkling stars overhead. The sweet fragrance of violets suddenly filled the air. He grinned, recognizing the scent as one of the signs that his destination was getting near, and he rowed faster. “We’re almost there.”

From the corner of his gaze, Quinn spotted a shiny wet nose pop over the side of the boat. It nudged Beth’s arm. Beth squealed and scooted her body closer to him, grabbing his arm.

He chuckled. “Och, lass. Dinna be afraid. ’Tis just a nosey wee otter comin’ to greet us. Ye’ll get to see more of their playful antics ahead.”

More otters circled the boat, several swimming on their backs while others took turns poking their coal black noses over the side, eager for Beth to stroke their heads.

Beth giggled between many “oohs” and “awws.”

“I love them. What darling creatures.”

The otters formed a line and guided the rowed boat through a narrow opening between two massive towering cliffs. The echo of the gushing waterfall filled the air. Quinn laid the oars inside the boat and sprang into the cool water wafting below his knees. He lugged the rowboat to the sandy beach before scooping Beth in his arms and setting her on shore.

Holding her steady until her feet touched the ground, he grabbed her hand with a squeeze. “Come. I have somethin’ special to show ye.”

They skipped across a winding trail of stepping stones, careful to avoid the thick blanket of perched oyster plants woven between the rocks. The sweet perfume of violets mixed with sprays of cool water intoxicated the night air. The lavish moon plants flourished in fairy-petal umbrellas colored in hues of blues, pinks and purples that popped through minty green leaves, which led the way to a giant boulder centered directly in front of the waterfall.

Quinn hoisted Beth and sat her on the rock. With a leap, he bounded beside her and pointed to the sky. A display of rainbow colors danced above their heads. Beth leaned back. Her head resting against his chest, she whispered, “It’s breathtaking.”

Like flickering candles, the colors from the lightshow flashed glistening reflections on the spraying waterfall. The otters twisted their bodies in the water like rolling barrels and swam on their backs.

Seals bobbed their velvety heads above the water and sprang to nearby boulders. Their huge, inquisitive eyes were almost like those of humans. They stretched their bodies and basked under the rainbow-colored night show, waiting until the last seal had surfaced.

Several young women joined by a few muscular men finished peeling their way through their shedding skin, exposing their stunning, naked bodies. The creatures seated themselves, tucking their skins protectively beneath them. A handsome blond male smiled and nodded. Quinn nodded and waved in return. Several of the females giggled and stared at Beth.

Beth leaned up, and her mouth dropped open. She raised her hand to her lips and muttered, “Do you know him?”

Quinn held her close. “Yes. It has been many years since my last visit here. The selkies honor us both this night by their presence.”

Quinn wiped trickling tears from Beth’s face. “I didna bring ye here to make ye cry, lass. I was hoping . . .”

“Shh,” Beth whispered, and placed her fingers over his mouth. She brushed her warm lips against his. Her hands pushed against his chest, and her eyes locked with his. “I know why you brought me here, Quinn.”

Quinn’s wolf struggled to come to the surface. A growl rumbled deep from his chest. He straightened and pulled back from her, fiery blood raging through his veins. “I promise, lass, I will never hurt ye. Nor will she. She already proved that by savin’ me life. Ye willna have any trouble bringin’ her here now.”

He hugged her close, and her body shivered against him. She raised her head, her blue eyes turning amber. Her hands wrapped around his neck. His hands slid down her arms, guiding her to lie back, as she kissed the hollow of his neck. Her breathing became short panting gasps. His senses reeled, arousing his own hungry passions.

Quinn leaned his head back and closed his eyes. By relaxing his limbs, it allowed the muscle spasms in his arms and legs to take full control.

Beth’s body quivered next to his. He gripped her shoulders and leaned his head above hers. “Relax, Beth. Dinna fight it. Take some deep breaths. She’s coming.”

Beth squirmed beneath him and stripped her clothes off before flinging them recklessly in the air. The heat of her body ignited his wolf’s passion like glowing embers sparking a fire. Her groans turned from whimpers to low growls. She raised her head, and stretching her hand to his face, her teeth protruded into sharp fangs as she growled and rolled out from beneath him.

Quinn howled at the sky. Another cry soon accompanied his lone call. He opened his eyes to study the exquisite white she-wolf standing beside him. Her gaze locked with his. She was his kindred spirit—they were destined to mate for the rest of their lives.

The overwhelming hot flashes Beth had endured this past year now made sense. What she’d struggled with trying to cure was only nature’s way of telling her something. The intense heat flowing through her body felt invigorating now. She stared into the black wolf’s eyes—Quinn’s eyes. Her reflection stared back at her. She pawed the ground with her broad white foot and lowered her head. Like a playful young pup, she jumped from the boulder and raced to the beach, stopping once to see if Quinn had followed her.

The wet sand oozed between her paws. She stood beside Quinn, admiring the stunning image of the black and white wolves’ reflections in the crystal water. The very thing she feared now made her heart bubble with joy. She was free. A true creature of the wild. Her senses heightened, she could spot nimble starfish crawling across the sand and hear the leaves rustling in the trees.

A black nose prodded her side, urging her to play. They ran side by side across the sandy beach and scrambled up the steep cliff until they reached the top. Far below, the selkies giggled and played in the water with the otters. Beth closed her eyes, enjoying the cool breeze that caressed her face.

Quinn strolled toward a rich blanket of green sod surrounded by heather. She followed, and they both lay, crossing their paws. Quinn’s golden eyes locked with hers.

His shiny black coat shrunk into leather-tight skin. He smiled, his hand caressing the side of her face and slowly inching across her back. His fingers weaved between her dense coat. Her enormous body towering above him, she wavered, feeling her defenses weaken. A gust of desire overwhelmed her, and she melted in his arms, fully naked and human.

Flesh against flesh, a distinct harmony flowed between them, their minds acting as one. No words needed to be spoken. She welcomed the heat of his flesh against her, the passion aroused from his touch stirring her senses. Beth buried her face against his throat, his pulse beating wildly. His hands moved slowly down her neck, his fingers exploring her breasts and stomach before stopping at her thighs. She kneaded her fingers in his back, her body squirming beneath him. His hardness pushing against her, her skin tingled with fire and ice. She gasped and raised her hips to meet him.

The aurora borealis shimmered overhead. Beth melted against him, her body aching for his touch. Like the gushing water from the waterfalls, her body burst with desire and responded in tempo as their bodies became one. Drawn to a height of passion she never dreamt possible, one look in his eyes confirmed he felt the same.

She couldn’t deny her feelings toward him any longer. She had fallen head over heels in love with the man.

A squeal sounded overhead. Sounding like an eerie cry for help, the screech reminded her of the peacocks’ calls at night back home. Like tiny falling feathers, a blanket of snow crystals drifted from the sky and covered their bodies, releasing a fresh thirst of passion in her bloodstream. Quinn smiled down at her, his groin growing hard and pressing against her.

“Och. The wee rascal has found us and showered us with a gift.”

Beth tried to sit up. Quinn maneuvered her on top of him, steadying his hands on her hips, sending currents of desire racing through her body. She lowered her face to his, and they shared a lingering hot kiss. Beth moaned, and rolled on her back, her body aching to feel his touch. Surrendering to their cravings and uniting again as one, Beth cried out in pleasure with Quinn’s final thrust.

They held each other close. The warmth from Quinn’s body and the soft-spoken tone of his thick Scottish brogue comforted her. She would savor this night for a long time to come.

Beth sat straight up, gasping for air. Her heart raced like someone squeezing a balloon, ready to burst, and realization suddenly hit her.

Quinn gripped her arms, the lines creased on his forehead. The massive muscles in his shoulders rippled across his back, and his eyes filled with concern as they searched hers. “What’s wrong, lass?”

“I have the gift of sight. I can feel it. This bloody curse is going to come between us . . .”

She hesitated, biting her lower lip. Her fingernails cut into her palms as she finished the sentence silently to herself.
One of us will soon die.