Dragon Knight's Sword (36 page)
“I wish to speak with ye about Finn and Nell, Brigid. I have made a promise to both that they are now under my protection. They will be coming with me to Urquhart Castle. I cannot ask ye to take on this responsibility with me.” He let out a sigh. “Yet, I was hoping ye had come to like them...”
She slowly turned back around, wincing at the movement. “
Like
? Oh, Duncan, I love them both! They will be our family—
our children
.”
His heart soaring, Duncan lunged across the bed gathering her gently into his arms and onto his lap. Tenderly, he wiped away a tear that had escaped with his thumb. “I do not deserve ye, Brigid, but hear me well, no one will take ye from me—
ever
. Ye are
mine
,
leannan si.”
The tenderness in his voice melted her senses, his grip tight.
“Always yours, forever mine,” Duncan avowed, before his lips touched hers.
Chapter 51
Seattle, Washington—Present Day
“Listen and believe, for the story I am about to tell you is one of truth, and if you so choose to believe, then you are one of the rare and special ones.”
Lisa fought the wave of sadness as she blindly watched the rain tapping at the window in Brigid’s bedroom. How many days had she stood in this room as the day turned into night, and still no word from her friend,
or
from the professor? She had called the college, but they told her Professor McKibbon had left his teaching post, and returned home to Scotland.
Even the cottage where Brigid supposedly stayed told her she had left to return home.
Yet, there was no recorded flight information confirming she did return home. It was as if Brigid vanished from the face of the planet. Even Scotland Yard was of no help, claiming the caretakers of Rowan Cottage said she had a marvelous time, then left. The only other option she could formulate was to hop on plane to Scotland and search every place her friend had been.
Leaning her head against the cool windowpane, she murmured, “Where are you, Brigid? At least call me.” Sighing, she hugged herself as a shiver of cold air brushed past her.
The bell on the downstairs door chimed, letting her know she had a customer.
“Darn! I thought I locked the door.”
She had taken to closing the store early most days, and on some, she did not bother opening, instead putting her focus into finding Brigid.
“Well, I hope these customers don’t stay too long,” she snapped. Descending the stairs, she pasted on her best smile.
The moment her foot took the last step into the room, she froze at the sight standing in front of her. Mouth gaping open, she reeled at the most gorgeous man that ever walked the earth. He was beyond gorgeous with his tight black jeans, black tee, and black leather jacket. His blond hair was pulled back to reveal a set of pale blue eyes. However, it was his size, thinking he had to be over six foot five, maybe six, that stunned her. His presence loomed over her, reminding her of a Viking god.
Thunder shook her out of her trance, but not before hearing a low rumble of laughter—from
him
.
“Why do you lassies always think of me as a
Viking god
?” He cocked his head to the side, giving her the most dazzling smile.
Lisa swallowed. “How do you know that’s what I was thinking?” she asked blushing.
The Viking god strolled over to her. “It’s a...
gift
.”
Thunder boomed again, and Lisa took control of her senses. She had no idea who this man was, but uneasiness crept up her spine. Taking a few steps backwards, she decided some distance between them would be best. Stepping on the other side of the counter, she peered behind him, hoping someone else would come through the door.
“Is there something you’re looking for?” she blurted out.
The Viking god scanned the store, his brow furrowing, taking everything in.
“Nae.” He brought his blue gaze back to hers. “I bring ye a message.”
Lisa swayed. “
Brigid
?”
The Viking god moved with such speed that it seemed to Lisa more like a blur, and the next moment, she was cradled in his arms.
“You all right?”
Shaking her head no, she inhaled deeply of male, leather, and something else.
Cupping her chin, he raised it to gaze directly into her eyes. “Brigid is well, lass, and verra happy.”
Pushing away from him, she shot back, “Then where in the
hell
is she?”
“If you must know, she is with Duncan Mackay and they are”—he paused in thought—“most likely married now, or soon to be.”
“Duncan Mackay?” Lisa started to tremble. “Not the Mackay of the thirteenth century?”
“The one and only.” He stood smiling at her, arms crossed in front.
“You’re
insane
!” she spat out.
His brow drew together in thought. “Aye, she told me you would say that.”
Turning, he walked toward the door.
“Wait!” Lisa lunged for his arm. “Where is she,
really
? Please, whoever you are, don’t do this! If this is some kind of joke, it’s a sick and twisted one. I realize how much she loved living in the past, but you and I both know that it’s impossible.”
He leveled his gaze at her, and Lisa could have sworn the color of his eyes shifted.
“Brigid is indeed alive and living in the thirteenth century with Duncan. She was chosen to travel the veil of time to help Duncan restore his honor and to return the sword. She told me to tell you, all your answers will be found in the book of ancient clans—the leather bound one.”
“I know of it. So?” Lisa threw up her hands in frustration.
He took her face in his hands, lightly brushing a kiss against her lips. “My name is Conn MacRoich, and I am a Fenian warrior for the fae.” His kiss sent shivers down her body.
Conn’s gaze bore into hers breathing the last, “
Believe
...”
Lisa closed her eyes expecting another kiss, when the next, she felt nothing but cold air. Snapping her eyes back open, she blinked in disbelief.
Her Viking god—Conn MacRoich—had vanished.
Her heart racing, she tore up the stairs halting before Brigid’s open bedroom. Scanning the bedroom, she saw it. Taking slow, shaky steps, she stopped and stared at the book. How many times had she seen it lying there these past few weeks, and never once looked inside?
With trembling hands, she picked up the large tome. Holding it against her chest, she veered over to the bed. Opening it up, she took her finger over the names that were written down until her finger stopped on the one that held a hope of promise. “Mackay Clan of Urquhart,” Lisa whispered. Flipping the yellow pages carefully, she searched for the Mackay clan. Her palms became sweaty, and finally when she could not stand it any longer there it was, the Mackay’s and their clan’s crest—
The Dragon Knights
.
Lisa scanned the page until she came to the one name she wanted to see—Duncan Mackay. “Duncan Mackay, born in the year 1175, married to...” Lisa gasped, peering closely at the writing. “...married to Brigid Moira O’Neill, (birth unknown) in the year 1205. They had two children, one son, Finn, the other a daughter, Nell. Deaths unknown, but legends tell of them living well into advanced age.”
“You did it, Brigid.” Lisa choked back a sob. “You
really
did it!”
Lisa spent the next hour clutching the ancient text to her chest rocking back and forth between fits of laughter and tears.
Epilogue
Winter Solstice—1205
“Forever and a day,” said the knight to his lady. “For that is my pledge to thee.”—Duncan’s vow to Brigid
Laughter rang clear through the crisp snow-filled morning of Duncan and Brigid’s wedding. They had chosen to celebrate their union on this feast day of light. Neither wanted it held indoors, so they chose a place outside Castle Creag. It was partially up the mountain where they could glimpse a portion of the great glen through the snow-covered pines, and one large enough to hold many people. The day was gray, but the beauty of the landscape and those of everyone shone brightly, creating an enchanting scene.
Cathal had officiated. At the end, he gave them a druidic blessing, giving them length of lives and light on their journey, which was interwoven into each of their souls.
Brigid smiled, hugging her fur cloak and hood more snugly around her. A loud ruckus of laughter ripped through the air from Duncan as he responded to something Cormac had said to him, then punching him in the shoulder. Cormac put up his hands in mock surrender.
There were so many clustered together, but her intent was focused on one man—
Duncan
. He looked magnificent in his cloak of dark blue, trimmed in silver, and fastened with a silver brooch. Sienna and Matilda had made it, and his face did not hide how he felt when they presented him with the gift.
She heard shouting from the children nearby, and she reflected on those she would never give Duncan. Yes, she had healed; however, her heart would always ache just a bit. Then there was Finn and Nell. Her love for them was fierce, and she found instant motherhood not only a challenge, but also one of great joy. They were strong children. The trauma they had endured left both with scars. Nell had nightmares on occasion, and Finn had become more reserved. With time and love, she prayed they would heal.
They never did find Lachlan, infuriating not only the wrath of Duncan and Cormac, but also Cathal. He had decided come spring, he would seek out the druid elders. His own brother bent on evil was still a bitter pill for him to swallow. There were still many unanswered questions, but for now, they would just have to wait until springtime.
“Spring,” she murmured, when Duncan and the children would set out for Urquhart Castle. The snows were too heavy to travel, and he reasoned it would be best to stay through winter. The wind whipped gently at the folds of Duncan’s cloak, and she caught a glimpse of his sword belted low on his waist, her proud Dragon Knight.
“Thank you, Guardian, I believe I chose wisely.”
Their gazes locked, and heat flared within her, as his eyes roamed over her body from the distance. Striding over, he pulled her into his arms, his breath a warm caress across her face.
“Happy, wife?”
“Very,” she proclaimed, angling her head back to look into the eyes she loved so well.
His torc glinted from beneath his cloak, and Brigid reached out to trace her finger along the dragon’s head. “I was thinking that perhaps after we are settled at Urquhart we should pay our respects to the great dragon.”
He drew her closer against his body, placing his head on top of hers. “Aye—we should. Though, now I think it best to take ye back and warm ye.” He brought her chin up and tweaked her nose with his finger.
“Stop that,” she protested, batting his hand away.
“It is like ice.”
Brigid tried to wiggle her nose. “Just a bit, yet I’m warm here in your arms.” She placed her hands underneath his cloak to be closer to him.
A lustful gleam was in his eyes as he bent down to capture her lips with his, plunging his tongue deep into her mouth. His kiss was raw and needy, and Brigid responded with equal fervor. Instantly, they heard howls of laughter and bawdy remarks emanating from the men.
They broke off their kiss with Duncan turning to give them his fiercest scowl. What followed were more hoots and hollering. Turning his gaze once more to his beloved wife, he whispered into her ear.
Brigid reached out and placed a finger along his lower lip, watching as his smile turned sensual. “Take me to bed, Duncan.”
“With pleasure,
leannan
.”
Scooping her up into his arms, he whistled for Brandubh who promptly came forth from the trees. Placing her on top, he swung up behind her, grasping her close. Her hood had fallen back, and she leaned against his hard body.
“Always yours, Brigid.”
“Forever yours, Duncan.”
A word from the author...
I am a constant daydreamer and have been told to remove my head from the clouds. Yet this is where I find the magic to write my stories. Not only do I love to weave a good tale, but I have a voracious appetite for reading.
I have traveled to England, Scotland, Ireland, and France. There are those who know me well when I say, “My heart is in the Highlands.” I believe I have left it there, or perhaps in Ireland.
When I’m not writing, I enjoy playing in my garden—another place where magic grows. Of course, there is time spent with my family. They are the ones who keep me grounded.
I enjoy hearing from readers and you can find me at:
http://www.marymorganromancewriter.com
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