Highland Mist (19 page)

Saints, he had to stop this. He couldn’t do this to her. She needed better than this.

“Nay,” she cried when he began to rise from her.

He realized just how bad off she was, probably as bad as himself thanks to the Beltaine. He couldn’t leave her like this, and even though it was going to kill him, he would see it through. He raised her gown to her hips while he took her mouth in another kiss.

She sobbed and arched her back when his hand cupped her sex. She was hot and moist, ready for him, but he controlled his raging cock and slipped a finger inside her.

Her hips rose and rubbed against him. He withdrew his finger and slowly entered her again. She moaned and grabbed the covers. His thumb found her most sensitive spot and began to rub as he increased the tempo of his finger.

She clenched around him and cried out as the climax hit her, but he wasn’t done. He continued until she was completely drained. Only then did he raise his head. Never before had he wanted only to please a woman, but somehow Glenna changed things.

His body thirsted to plunge into her, needed her with a desire he had never experienced. With his breath coming faster and faster as he controlled his passion, she gave him a smile and traced his lips with her finger. That simple touch nearly sent him over the edge.

Glenna’s soft, innocent touch only ignited his passion higher. His tongue yearned to pull her finger into his mouth, to taste more of her flesh. Instead, he closed his eyes and prayed to keep his body under control. When he opened his eyes, he found her fast asleep, a hint of a smile on her sweet lips.

He arranged her gown and shifted her until she was lying on the pillow. He covered her and left before he sank into her and rode her as he had dreamed of doing. He strode to his chamber, and with every step wished he could have stayed with her.

Outside the castle, Beltaine still thrived and would until morning. His chamber door clicked into place, echoing in his lonely chamber. He dropped into his favorite chair and gazed into the fire while his thoughts turned to Glenna.

“A drink, laird?”

For just a moment he thought it was Glenna. He jerked around and spotted Effie. His eyes narrowed. “What are you doing in here?”

“I used to come every night, laird,” she purred, and ran her hand along his shoulder.

He stood and faced her. At one time he had thought her pretty, but now there wasn’t anything attractive about her. Her once-merry eyes were now tinged with cruelty.

“I didn’t invite you.”

Her gaze strayed to his crotch. “I know when a man needs tending, laird, and you most certainly need it.”

His body screamed for release, but the thought of lying with Effie turned his stomach. “It’s been a long time since you warmed my bed. You’re the one who refused me.”

She shrugged and tossed her head, sending red hair falling around her. “I’ve changed. I wanted marriage.”

“You still want to be married.”

“True,” she smiled, and licked her lips.

Two years ago he would have had her on the bed already, but a lot had happened during that time. For one he had come to know Effie had one thing on her mind….marriage.

To him.

“Why are you here?” He crossed his arms over his chest and gave her his most stern expression that he saved for his soldiers.

“I’ve missed your touch. Isn’t that enough?” She ran her hands wantonly down her body and walked toward him.

“Nay. I’ve no need for you in my bed this night.”

Instantly her demeanor changed. Gone was the seductress. In her place was a woman scorned. Her lips peeled back in a sneer, and her eyes flashed angrily. “You don’t know what you’re missing.”

He walked to the door and held it open. “Don’t come here again without my permission,” he said as she glided past him.

A shiver ran down his body. His mother would have called it a sign of something bad coming, but he knew it was nothing more than Effie’s cold nature.

But in the back of his mind he wasn’t so sure.

He slid the bolt into place. Why all of a sudden did Effie want him again? After a year of her practically ignoring him? He ran his hand through his hair and sat. The fire crackled and sparked and reminded him of Glenna. He blew out a breath and stretched his legs out to cross them at the ankles.

She wanted to live with the Druids. But there was no way he could let her go. He didn’t want to think about why he didn’t want her to go.

Mine
.

Aye, she was his. His body told him that whenever she was near. He longed for her touch, to have her run her hands down his body, to have her surrender herself completely to him.

He would just have to convince her that the Druid way wasn’t her way. It would be difficult since Moira would make sure Glenna was reminded that the Druids were in her blood.

His thoughts crept to Moira’s words of a prophecy. He searched his memories but could only remember one. The centuries-old prophecy of three Druids bringing about the downfall of the MacNeil had been known to him since he was a lad.

When he had realized he couldn’t be a Druid priest, he had shut out everything he had been told, even going so far as to not use his skills. But now he needed to remember everything he had been told.

Something told him it was vitally important that he remember. In the meantime he needed to figure out a way to keep Glenna near. And then it came to him. She had saved Ailsa and himself as well as his entire clan.

He laughed. She didn’t even know what that meant to a Highlander, but she was about to find out.

* * * * *

Aimery grinned and stretched his arms above his head. His all-knowing power had picked up on Conall’s decision. Finally the Highlander would admit his soul was mated to Glenna. It had taken him long enough, Aimery thought ruefully.

His smile slipped. But there were still many obstacles to overcome, and some they may falter over. He sighed and rubbed his eyes. How long would he allow his Fae to sit back and watch the humans make the wrong decisions?

Not long. The Druids depended on the Three to save Scotland and their way of life. Time was fleeting in this, even for a Fae.

His eyes narrowed as he picked up on the evil stalking MacInnes Castle. Aye, it was time the Fae investigated this evil.

* * * * *

Glenna stretched and rolled out of bed to find she still wore her gown. Memories of the previous night flashed through her mind and she sank back on the bed. Her heart raced at what she had done, but she wouldn’t take it back. Conall had showed her something she hadn’t dreamed could be achievable.

She had also seen something she had never thought possible. Faeries had touched her, talked to her. Magic flowed in her veins, and with a little work she would be able to control it so innocents would no longer be hurt.

She smiled and rushed to freshen up, ignoring the sun shining bright through her window and the chatter of birds. She splashed water on her face and brushed her hair before plaiting it.

A look out her window showed Conall training with his men. Then, as if he knew she was looking, he raised his head and smiled at her. Her stomach fluttered, and she turned away before she embarrassed herself. The smiled stayed on her face while she straightened her chamber. She spotted the fireplace and the ash that still smoldered. She drew everything she had learned and concentrated. A spark fluttered and for a moment she thought it would erupt into a hearty flame. Instead it left only a thin trail of gray smoke that wafted up the chimney.

After she had brought Conall’s torch to life in the tunnel, she should be able to start this small fire. She squared her shoulders and tried again. Nothing. Not even smoke this time. She rose and stared at the ashes.

Frustration coursed its way through her. How could she be one of three great Druids when she couldn’t use her powers? She plopped down on the bed but jumped right back up as fire erupted, sending sparks everywhere.

She grinned. It wasn’t exactly as she had planned, but it was a start. Now if she could only learn to put it out.

* * * * *

Gregor leaned his head to the side until he heard his neck pop then he arched his back to stretch out the kinks from sleeping on earth packed with rock.

The Beltaine feast had been impossible to ignore. Something about the Druids and the mystery surrounding them had brought him out.

He had heard tales of how the Beltaine affected people, but he hadn’t been prepared for the sight of all the naked glory. He had caught a brief glimpse of Conall and wondered if he had found such a willing bed partner as the one who lay next to him with a grin upon her face. Gregor had eagerly followed her into the woods, but if he had hoped to feel anything more than physical release he had been disappointed.

The woman moaned and rolled onto her side, her red hair ablaze in the morning sun. What kind of man had he become if he wasn’t disturbed that the woman had whispered Conall’s name instead of his?

This wasn’t the life he had hoped for, but what else could be expected after his family had forsaken him, and his clan turned against him? This was as good as it was going to get. He had better realize that instead of becoming concerned with Conall and Glenna’s feelings.

* * * * *

Ailsa waited for Glenna in the great hall when she walked down to break her fast. “How did you sleep?” the child asked.

“Wonderful,” Glenna answered, and was mighty glad she wasn’t prone to blushing.

“Did the laird tell you what I told him?”

“About what?”

“When MacNeil came and I ran into the bailey. There was a cloaked man who said the laird wanted to see me. It’s why I ran toward him.”

Glenna sat with the bread halfway to her mouth. A cloaked man? There was an enemy inside Conall’s castle. She continued to eat and listen to Ailsa chatter about nothing in particular when suddenly Glenna found she couldn’t move.

Her stomach clenched and rolled as though it was about to lose its contests. She swallowed and tried to breathe evenly. Panic threatened to envelope her, and knowing Conall wasn’t nearby to lend his aide made it worse. Whoever had such hatred for her was very near.

Her eyes drifted around the hall. It was empty except for a lone woman. Effie stood about ten paces from them. And to Glenna’s amazement, Effie wasn’t looking at her. She stared at Ailsa.

There was no way she would sit and watch Effie harm Ailsa. Glenna thought back to Moira’s words and how she could control her body’s reaction to the hatred. With every ounce of strength she had, she rose from her seat. Effie’s eyes darted away from Ailsa and it freed her.

Glenna grabbed Ailsa and ran from the hall. Once outside, she took in huge gulps of air and leaned against the wall still holding Ailsa’s arm.

“Glenna?” Ailsa asked. “Are you all right? You look almost green.”

“I’ll be fine in a wee bit.” She tried to smile but didn’t think she managed it by the look of doubt on Ailsa’s face.

Without another word Ailsa turned and ran. Glenna started after her and gasped when Ailsa ran through the middle of the training soldiers to Conall. A few words spoken to her father and he strode to Glenna with Ailsa in his arms.

“She tells me you are ill,” he said, and gave her a quick look. “You’re pale. What happened?”

Glenna moved her eyes to Ailsa, and Conall nodded. He set her down and told her to go play. He straightened. “Did someone say something to you?”

She shook her head. “I began to feel sick and knew someone was close by. When I looked up, Effie was standing near us. Except she wasn’t looking at me.”

His eyebrows drew together. “Then who was she looking at?”

“Ailsa.”

“That child has done nothing to her. Why would Effie abhor her?”

Glenna shrugged. “You would know more than me.”

“Effie didn’t even know I had a child. There’s no reason for her to harbor hate for Ailsa. Angus and I’ve been looking into who could’ve shot the arrow.”

She thought of the cloaked man Ailsa told her about and of Effie. “Did you find out anything?”

“Nothing. I can’t believe someone in my clan would want to hurt my daughter. She’s innocent of anything.”

“What about Effie?” Something told her the cloaked man didn’t fire the arrow.

He chuckled. “Effie wouldn’t have done it. It was a man. Ailsa told me of a cloaked man who sent her to me.”

“I know. She also told me. I still believe Effie had something to do with it. I don’t like the idea of a traitor in your castle.”

“Neither do I,” he stated. “Women don’t get involved in these things. It was the cloaked man, and I’ll find him.”

But she wasn’t so sure, and she had to make Conall realize that.

“Angus is already questioning the clan,” he continued. “We’ll have the culprit soon.”

She lingered until he walked away before she straightened from the wall. She turned to find two women waiting for her, their faces anxious as their eyes darted around them.