To Wed A Highlander (19 page)

Makenna cried out as he slipped another finger inside her before going lower still to caress the sensitive flesh just below her warm, wet channel. He stroked and caressed until her body was overrun with uncontrollable shudders. She was going mad, and then the world exploded.

At that moment, Colin drove deep, seeking the release and reassurance only she could provide.

His entry brought Makenna back to earth only to drive her wild once again. She wrapped her legs around his waist and joined him in passionate rhythm, meeting each of his thrusts. A force even more powerful than before was building within her, becoming more fervent, more intense with each plunge.

Colin eased himself partway out of her channel and then pressed forward again. She lifted herself against him, silently demanding that he move more quickly. He complied. He thought he had remembered what it was like to be with Makenna, but he had been wrong. The sensations moving through him were so intense, it was impossible to breathe.

He tried to slow down. She looked so small, and he didn’t want to hurt her, but his desire had become painful, a torture Colin could no longer deny release. Again and again he plunged back into her with long, sure movements. Each time she stretched and then closed around him.

The world had disappeared and all that remained was Makenna. He heard her cry out and then felt her small convulsions as she surrendered to the wonder of their lovemaking. Colin clung to Makenna as he erupted inside her, barely aware that the exultant shout echoing in the room was his own.

For long moments, Colin didn’t think he would ever be able to move again. He wasn’t even sure he wanted to. He felt magnificent, all-conquering, and all-powerful. More so than he ever felt on the battlefield. He longed to tell her so, to tell her how much she meant to him, but his throat was so constricted with emotion, it disabled him from saying anything.

Makenna lay in Colin’s arms, truly happy for the first time since he had left her side. His head was upon her chest, his breath ragged. She reached up and stroked his hair lovingly.

There was no denying that the man had invaded her soul. Never would she want another.

Makenna had always wanted to fall in love, but never had she dreamed it would be with Colin. She had thought his love for her sister would protect her from such a foolish, vulnerable feeling. When he had left two weeks ago, she stayed up each night waiting for him, wishing for his return. She had talked herself into believing that it was their lovemaking, not Colin, she missed.

How wrong she had been. Every time they had joined, she had given a piece of herself to him. Tonight, she had given him her heart, completely, wholly, and without doubts.

Now she understood. Love was forever. It would not disappear with the body. Not when it consumed the soul. While Colin would always love her sister, she would always love him.

Colin rolled to his side and pulled Makenna’s backside against him. He kissed her hair. “What are you thinking?”

She squeezed her eyes shut and lied, “I was just wishing my clan would open themselves up and learn how wonderful you are.”

“Right now I only care what you believe. Now hush, and go to sleep, for I doubt I will last the night before needing you again,” he whispered into her hair.

Makenna nestled closer to him. His voice resonated contentment. He was happy, and it was because of her, not her sister. Her love would be enough for the both of them. She would make it be enough.

Makenna inhaled the fresh morning air as she walked across the courtyard to the Black Tower. The air was fresh and clear. It felt warm, but the color of the grass was starting to change, as well as the leaves on the village trees. Fall was on the wind and winter would soon follow.

Colin left early that morning with Dunlop, but only after he had brought them both to satisfaction yet again. Makenna smiled to herself remembering his good-bye kiss. It had taken some time and only ended with Dunlop asking if there was something wrong.

A door opened from the Black Tower, and Gannon emerged. Makenna waved to him to get his attention. He met her halfway and arched his brows knowingly. “I see your husband found you last night.”

“And why would you think that, Gannon?” Makenna countered with just a hint of challenge.

Gannon gestured for her to turn and walk with him toward Canmore Tower. “Because if he had not, I have no doubt that your husband would have returned to my quarters and not in the good mood I had first encountered him in.”

Everyone knew Colin was especially foul upon returning from a trip. Maybe he really had been pleased with her efforts. “He
was
in a good mood, wasn’t he?” Makenna asked merrily.

Gannon nodded. “Oh, aye. Quite unexpected, his reaction was.” Gannon had been even more surprised at his own reaction to last night’s events. He had been the Lochlen steward for over two decades and loyal to the Dunstans his whole life. Having a Highlander as his laird seemed so wrong, especially with the overly indulged Lady Makenna as his wife. But life had been taking unexpected turns the past few weeks and with each new corner, his confidence in Alexander’s decision grew.

Makenna patted the wrinkled skin of the old man and beamed him a grin. “I told you moving Colin into the solar was a smart decision. It demonstrated allegiance.”

“If you say so, milady.”

“I do.”

“Well, as your steward, I have an announcement for you. As of this morning, you now have a chambermaid. She will tend to your room, see it cleaned every morning, and ensure that there is fresh water in the decanter. Vanora is too young to be sleeping outside your chambers. Consequently, she cannot tend to you as a lady’s maid, but—”

Relieved that Colin and she would still be alone at night, Makenna hugged his wide body and kissed his cheek. Gannon blushed profusely. “I, uh, I sent Vanora to the solar. You must have just missed her.”

Makenna knew she had embarrassed the hardened steward but didn’t care. “Shall we go meet her, then?”

“Aye, but you go alone. I have work that must be tended to.”

“Should I come as well? I can meet with Vanora and then join you in the Pinnacle Tower, or will you be in the kitchens?”

Gannon waved his hand. “No, no. Meet with Vanora, but then
take the day off.”
He raised a finger and gave her a direct look. “Now, milady, I believe you encouraged…no, forced is the better word…everyone—including myself, the cook, and the baker—to take most of the day off yesterday.”

“If this is about the soldiers again, Gannon, I told you, if they can fend for themselves while at the training camps or when they travel, they can fend for themselves one or two days a month to allow those who support this keep a well-deserved break. I warn you now that I will order such rest again. Aye, I know winter is coming, but if we do not take time to enjoy life every once in a while, then—”

“Milady!” Gannon shouted. “You have convinced me!”

Makenna’s brows furrowed. “Then what is your argument?”

“You! I discovered
you
did not partake in the same break. Doreen told me this morning that she caught you trying to weave something.”

“You shouldn’t believe everything Doreen says, Gannon.”

“I don’t, but I know it was true.”

“They were blankets. And no, they were not pretty, but they will keep someone warm…or warmer.”

“I am sure they will. But it is your turn for a respite, milady. And don’t bother arguing with me. I’ve known you since you were a wee thing, and you cannot intimidate me as you do so many others. Tomorrow you may run this castle as you are so quickly becoming accustomed to doing, but not today. And if I find you sneaking into the keep and lifting a finger to do anything that does not bring you pleasure, then I shall tell the laird in detail exactly how you have been acting as auxiliary staff to keep this place running. I am beginning to wonder if I should tell him anyway.”

Makenna halted and grabbed the steward’s arm. “No, Gannon. Colin does not need to be burdened with my trials. He just needs to know that his keep is not falling apart while he focuses on the security of his people. He does not need to know how, just that it is.”

“Well, I’m not eager to receive the scolding he would give me for letting you work the way you do.”

“Bah, you
let
me do nothing.
This
lady of the castle goes where she is needed, Gannon. Pride keeps a lady from her hands and knees when that is where she is needed most.” Makenna paused and looked the steward straight in the eye. “You promised me your silence on this.”

“Aye, and now I’m telling you to rest. You have been running yourself too hard. My promise will matter little if you pass out from exhaustion.”

The old steward was impossible to bargain with in this mood. “This isn’t advice. It’s blackmail,” Makenna accused.

He smiled, knowing he had won the argument. “Call it what you wish, milady. Vanora and then relaxation. I mean it,” he replied solemnly as he turned toward the kitchens.

Gannon hoped Makenna would go riding, which would take her away from Lochlen for several hours. That would give him enough time to meet with Lela and the others and give them his decision. While he still had doubts concerning the wisdom of a Highland laird, he would not actively work against the man. It would be up to McTiernay to prove himself, and if Lela and her associates wanted to plan and work to his destruction, the laird best watch his own back.

Makenna stood for a second in disbelief watching Gannon retreat. Had she changed that much? Two months ago, she would have argued with Gannon until she had no more breath before caving into his or anyone else’s will. Now she practically fell over at the mere push.

Marriage was making her soft. She wondered if Colin was also experiencing changes to his personality. “Probably not,” she huffed and headed toward Canmore and the new maid. “The man is like his sword, hard and…”

Makenna stopped, her eyes huge with inspiration. She knew of a way for people to see Colin as their laird
and
a Highlander at the same time. She had the solution all along. With Gannon not expecting help, today provided the perfect opportunity to begin.

Picking up her skirts, Makenna rushed to her old room in Forfar Tower and sprinted up the stairs, completely forgetting about Vanora.

Dashing into the room, she rushed over to the unlit hearth and lifted a small board in the flooring. Picking up the key, she moved to the huge floor-standing chest and unlocked it. Using both hands, she shoved the heavy teak lid open. The chest was not an elaborate piece of art like Colin’s, but it was sturdy, and it contained the one thing that would prove to all that Colin belonged at Lochlen.

Makenna reached in and pulled free the velvet bag. Clutching it, she dashed back down the stairs and out the outer gate, completely unaware she had been followed.

“Can you do it? Can you, Camus?” Makenna beseeched, careful to keep her voice down low.

Camus pushed his once red, now silver hair back and retucked it behind his ear. Makenna could never find someone to tell her Camus’s age. He had lived at Lochlen since she could remember and had always looked the same. Withered, but strong. He was wiry and his bronzed skin had become loose and wrinkled, but he still somehow managed to appear quite appealing to the opposite sex. More than once over the years, Makenna had interrupted a visiting widow supposedly stopping by his shop to learn about swords and their value. She could not remember half the excuses she had heard, but not one had been believable.

“Well?” Makenna asked again.

“What you ask is not a light thing,
laochag,”
Camus cautioned. He knew she was now the Lady of Lochlen, but to him, she would always be the daughter he never had.

“I know it is not,” she replied brusquely. “I remember all you taught me of the importance about swords and their owners.”

Camus sighed and walked to the small bench laden with tools and materials used for sword making. “Aye, and Colin already has a sword. A good sword, I might add. It will be hard to make its equal.” He knew, because he had forged it.

Makenna walked over and placed her hand on Camus’s arm. “But you can. You made my Secret. You have the skill and knowledge to make such a sword. I just know it.”

“My arms guild is very busy these days. The laird has been adding men faster than I can arm them. I have two new apprentices, and they require much oversight. I don’t believe it possible.”

Makenna would not be deterred. “It is possible! Or at least it could be if you tried. I will not seek this task from another. Too many don’t know this trade. It would be like asking the…the blacksmith to make such a piece.”

Camus was fully aware that she was goading him, but her words still sparked his ire. “Blacksmith! Makenna, I taught you better. It is not just a matter of my time, but the sword itself. Just because I spent hours building a piece will not ensure the laird’s willingness to take it. It is a personal area we invade here, Makenna. Men like to commission their own weapons, detailing their specifications. No man would just accept such a thing. He would consider it an insult.”

Makenna dug into her gown and pulled the velvet bag free. “Not if you made it using these. I know they will make all the difference. Not only to Colin, but to my people.”

Camus drew his brows together and took the offered bag. Loosening the strings, he peered inside. His jaw slackened. “Are these…?”

“Aye, they are.”

“And no one knows?”

“Not a single a soul. I took them just in case our clan needed them. They can do my father no good in heaven. I didn’t tell anyone…well, because I couldn’t risk Ula or Rona learning of it.”

“Aye, you were right to do that. And the laird?” Camus asked.

Makenna shifted awkwardly. “Honestly, I forgot about them until this morning. I would have told Colin, but things were so chaotic with my father’s funeral, and—”

“And so your answer is no.”

“He will know if you agree to my request.”

Camus stood and began to stroke his chin. He had fashioned Colin his last sword and knew exactly what the man preferred in size and weight. If he made a similar, maybe even better sword adorned with the Dunstan colors, it could be just the symbol to rally the clan. It certainly was worth a try.

“Aye, you just may be right at that,
laochag.
I hope the laird knows what a treasure he received the day he married you.”

“It was I who got lucky, Camus.”

Camus shook his head. Makenna never did understand her full value as a woman. He didn’t know when his gangly, awkward little warrior had changed into a beautiful lady, but she had. It was clear Makenna still had yet to make the realization. In time, with Colin’s help, she would.

“The Dunstan clan is fortunate the old laird was so wise and obstinate in putting you two together. I’ll accept your offer. I believe Alexander would have wanted it.”

Makenna pointed to the bag. “Can you keep that safe?”

Camus chuckled. If a man had asked that question, he would have lost an arm or at least a hand. Makenna was the only one who could insult his abilities and leave standing. “Aye, your bag will be safe with me.”

Makenna beamed and planted a kiss on Camus’s cheek for the second time that day. “Thank you!”

Camus waved for her to go. The open affection she gave him was a bit overwhelming, and he knew he was in fear of tearing. “Now get out of here and stop bothering an old man. I have work to do. See me in about a month.”

Makenna blew him another kiss and then glided out the door on a wave of happiness. She hadn’t progressed two steps before colliding with Gorten.

Makenna stumbled and looked up into the stern face of her guard. His light brown hair was pulled tightly back, which only accentuated his angular features. His deep-set hazel eyes had chips of gold that sparkled with irritation. That alone might have alerted her to his mood, if it were not his most common expression. “Gorten! Good grief, I did not see you. How are you this fabulous morn?”

He wanted to say fabulously annoyed, but seeing the level of delight in her face, he realized his carefully prepared lecture would have little effect. “I am well, milady, though somewhat troubled that you left the keep without letting Brodie or me know.”

Makenna blushed at the light censure. “My apologies. It was not at all intentional, I assure you. I had a matter of some import with Camus this morning, and I totally forgot to let you know where I was going. However, I would like to make it up to you.”

Gorten snorted and crossed his arms. She was playing her bewitching games again, and this time with full force. He had half a mind to order her back to the solar and have Brodie fetch the laird. The other half of his mind was curious to know her proposal.

His mouth moved only slightly, but it was enough for Makenna to know she had some room to influence the stern guardsman. “Let me go fetch my Secret, and I shall meet you at the stables. How would you like to spar with me on this fine and glorious day!”

Gorten hated to admit it, and would never do so aloud, but he had missed training with Makenna. She was not a strong opponent, but she was skilled and sneaky with a sword. Sparring with her improved his speed and his ability to think and predict movements. “I shall escort you to the tower and then to the stables,” Gorten answered gruffly.

Makenna did not mind; she knew Gorten was as eager as she was to partake in her version of a relaxing and fulfilling day.

“You missed!” Makenna teased as she dodged yet another strike of his sword.