Highlander's Faerie (Highlander Heat Book 5) (10 page)

“Lachlan isnae here and two of Lachlan’s captains saved MacIan’s life that night and stayed Lachlan’s hand when he would have beheaded him. That at least gives me a little hope that not all the MacLeans are a bloodthirsty lot.”

“We’ll need to remain alert, to be prepared to attack if they raise arms against us.” Archie leaned forward, elbows to his knees as he clasped his hands. “’Twill be an interesting night ahead.”

“I have Duart in sight,” Josiah bellowed from the bow, their warrior on lookout. “A guard awaits us.”

“Dinnae raise your sword unless ’tis in defense.” John gripped the rudder and turned them inland where the castle rose out of the misty dark with forbidding height into the night sky. “We’ll be seeking the MacLeans’ hospitality this eve. Although, everyone is to remain armed and prepared.”

At the edge of the sea-gate, a warning shout hailed from one MacLean warrior to another then echoed up the trail to the guardsmen patrolling the barbican.

“Now, ’tis time to make it past their welcoming party.” John strode to the front of the birlinn and as they neared the shore he called out to the MacLeans, “We’ve come at Finlay MacLean’s invitation.” Or close enough. “He traveled with one of our kin, and we wish to ensure Katherine MacLean arrived safely.”

Four MacLean warriors waded into the water and gripped the sides of their birlinn. The head man’s penetrating gaze drilled into him. “Ye’ll need to await confirmation from our captain afore being permitted on our land.”

A warrior with black hair and a two-handed claymore strapped to his back stormed down the trail and bounded onto the stone landing. ’Twas Arthur MacLean. He’d met him on the battlefield a year past, an adversary he’d never forget. Arthur had a strong sword arm and neither of them had been able to gain an advantage over the other.

Arthur’s green eyes glinted. “Well, if it isnae John MacDonald,” he bit out. “What takes you so far from your shores and brings you to Duart?”

“You have one of our kin, a woman by the name of Katherine. We seek your hospitality, and to ensure she’s come to no harm during her unexpected trip.”

“You can be assured she is safe and well. The chief’s wife tends her.” He jerked his chin toward Islay. “Feel free to leave. None here will bar your way.”

“That I cannae do.” He grasped the edge of the birlinn and heaved himself into the water. Surging through it, he slogged toward Arthur. “I ask that you honor the Highland code of hospitality and allow us to rest here for the night. We in turn will not raise our swords after the obvious abduction of one of our kin.”

“Katherine assured me she came willingly.” His gaze slid over John’s men on the boat then came to rest on his brother. “Archie MacDonald. ’Tis unusual for both of Angus MacDonald’s captains to leave Dunyvaig unguarded. Your trip must have been in earnest.”

“After the way Katherine was taken from our land, surely you didnae expect us to sit idly by.” Archie jumped into the water and splashed toward John.

“The lass is still a MacLean.” Arthur rolled one sleeve and exposed the dagger sheathed at his wrist.

John hauled himself up onto the landing and planted his hands on his hips as water sluiced down his body and pooled at his feet. Gaze on Arthur, he growled under his breath. “Katherine is under my protection and until I see her with my own eyes, I willnae leave.”

“You MacDonalds are a stubborn lot.”

“That we are.” John waited, holding steady.

Arthur narrowed his eyes then snorted. “Damn it. If I extend our Highland hospitality to you and allow your visit, then it’s with the understanding your time here will be short. Your weapons will also be removed and stored in the armory.”

“You cannae expect me to agree to that stipulation considering our recent battle. Our weapons remain on us although you have my word they’ll remain sheathed.” This was not the time to argue, although he couldn’t allow his men to go inside the enemy’s walls unarmed. “A short visit suits us rather well.” He extended his hand to Arthur. “Do I have your agreement?”

“Aye, but dinnae make me regret my decision.” Arthur shook his hand then motioned toward the castle. “Welcome to Duart. Enter at your own peril.”

“My thanks.” He released a long breath then over his shoulder, called to his men, “All ashore. We’ve been offered Arthur MacLean’s hospitality for the night.”

Josiah secured their birlinn to the landing. His man and two others would remain on board for the night, guarding their only avenue of escape out.

He followed Arthur up the trail and entered the keep. In the great hall, thirty or more MacLean warriors surged around and surrounded them. No surprises there, except Highland hospitality was a sacred obligation and as Arthur hadn’t been able to turn them away, so too must he respect what they’d been granted. He’d have to take great care not to overstep any boundaries, and although he’d promised only a short visit, he certainly wasn’t leaving without his woman.

“I need to see Katherine MacLean.” He was at Arthur’s mercy with that request.

“I’m afraid she’s already retired to her chamber. You will have to wait until the morn.”

“I see.” Hell. It grated on him to do so, but he had little choice.

Arthur offered him and his men pallets around the hearth then strode across to his warriors who’d settled down across from his men.

He’d expected naught less and would have set the same precautions in place. Near the stairwell, he chose a pallet, unraveled his plaid from over his clothing and laid down. If only he could ascend those stairs and join the woman he’d crossed the sea for. Katherine was so close yet his chest ached as if she still remained miles away. Frustration burned in his gut as he settled in the darkened corner, pulled his plaid tight around him and with his hand on his sword hilt, watched over all.

* * * *

Unbelievable. Arthur had just led John and his men through Duart’s gates and into the keep, their swords still at their sides. Katherine stepped away from her window and paced her chamber. “I can’t believe John’s come.”

Margaret closed the wooden shutters with shaky hands. “Arthur wouldnae permit the MacDonalds entry unless they requested our hospitality. Even then, I’m surprised your kin would ask such a thing considering Angus was tossed into the dungeons after requesting the same only a few short years ago. I worry whenever our clans are cloistered so closely together. Things usually never end well when that occurs.”

“John’s always been against my decision to travel here.” She hauled on the nightrail the maid had left for her on the end of the bed. “He’ll be furious he’s had to step onto the enemy’s land.”

“Fury wouldnae drive a man to follow a woman, or request sanctuary under his enemy’s roof to do so. I will go and speak to Arthur and make sure all is well.” She crossed to her and gripped her hand. “Remain here. The guard outside your door will ensure you’re no’ disturbed throughout the night.”

“Some time alone might help sort out my thoughts.” She had to come up with a plan now John was here. His arrival had changed everything.

“Rest and sleep well.” Margaret kissed her cheek. “We’ll talk again in the morn. I wish to know more about you and your desire for peace.”

“Thank you for all you’ve done for me tonight. It’s truly appreciated.”

“You’re most welcome.” With a gentle smile, she closed the door behind her.

Why had John come? She climbed under the thick fur bedcover and burrowed into the soft down mattress. Heat pulsed through the room from the fire, but a chill still swept through her. She ached to go to John. The distance separating them was small but it pulled at her like the widest chasm. Only she couldn’t forget he belonged to another. Damn it. This was all such a mess. Why the fae thought she could bring about peace, she had no idea.

Katherine tossed and turned throughout the night. She thumped her pillow and groaned. It shouldn’t be this difficult to put her impossible desire for John out of her mind. He’d agreed to a contracted marriage with another. As the hours passed, sleep continued to elude her, as did a plan.

Giving up on finding both, she shoved the bedcovers aside and nabbed one of the gowns the maid had hung in her ambry. She’d talk to John now and at least discover why he’d followed her when he’d been so insistent he’d never attempt a trip to Mull.

With the mountainous folds of rich blue fabric in hand, she eased the gown over her head. The layers slithered down her body and brushed the polished floorboards. She pulled the front laces together along the edge of the low-cut neckline, slid her feet into the matching slippers and before the looking glass, ran a brush quickly through her hair. After a pinch to her cheeks, she rolled her shoulders and inserted her resolve. She was a strong woman. She could handle one single Highland warrior.

She yanked the door open. Across the passageway, the guard straightened from a resting position against the wall and stared at her through stringy black hair. Behind him, a single candle-lit wall sconce cast an eerie glow over his leather vest studded with bits of steel.

He palmed his side sword. “’Tis a mite early to be leaving your chamber, my lady. Dawn is still some time away.”

“I’d like to see my kin and it appears it can’t wait. Could you take me to John MacDonald, please?”

“Aye, as you wish. This way.”

She adjusted the long lace sleeves of her gown and followed him down the drafty stairwell. In the darkened great hall, the trestle tables had been moved to one side to accommodate the additional number of men sprawled across pallets. The guard motioned her toward the corner then took a position near the doors where he could survey all.

She edged toward the pallet in the shadows and knelt. John lay on his side, his dark hair a wind-tossed mess as was the growth of stubble hazing his jaw. He looked rumpled and such a sight for sore eyes.

Leaning closer, she pressed her palm against his chest and embraced the heat that reached her through his padded leather cotun. All the turmoil within her settled with that one simple touch.

“Katherine.” One hushed word, filled with pain as he opened his eyes and stared at her. “Come here.” Gently, he tugged her down beside him, wrapped his tartan around them both and buried his nose in her hair. “How could you leave me?”

She stroked her thumbs over his high cheekbones. “I’m sorry.”

“Explain yourself.” He edged up onto one elbow and gestured to Archie on the pallet at his feet to keep watch over the hall.

Archie nodded and scanned the shadowed depths of the room lit only by the light of the fire.

“Don’t be mad at me,” she whispered.

“I’m far beyond mad.” He tucked her underneath him, lowered his mouth to hers and kissed her.

One taste was all it took to cloud her senses. She swept her hands around his neck, dragged him closer and with her heart beating frantically against his, kissed him with all the longing she’d held back since that morning they’d parted. “I’ve missed you, so much.”

“Then dinnae leave me again.” He urged her lips apart and plundered the depths of her mouth, their tongues tangling in a heated duel.

Oh, sweet heaven. She wanted more. Trailing one finger along the waistband of his pants, she encountered hard, hot skin. Skimming lower, she brushed the head of his cock straining against his leather pants for release.

“Katherine.” His groan rumbled against her ear and made her tingle all over. “We need to speak, in private.”

* * * *

John grasped Katherine’s hands and stayed her touch. His damn cock throbbed and would spear through his trews if he didn’t halt her. Kissing her, tasting the warm honey of her mouth and holding her in his arms again was a divine torture he never wanted to give up.

Across the great hall, the guard who’d escorted her downstairs remained at attention. Taking her above-stairs for their coming conversation wasn’t an option, not when the guard would stop him before he’d even reached the first step. The antechamber off the hall would have to do. They needed to talk, and she needed to understand the predicament she’d placed him in. Aye, she would be leaving with him at first light, and he’d accept no other outcome. Now to make his feisty little faerie understand that’s exactly what would be happening.

“Come, as quietly as you can.” He stood and lifted her with him then opened the door at his back and led her into the side room. Near the window, the antechamber’s bright yellow plastered wall held a silk banner embroidered with the MacLean clan crest, and under the moonlight shimmering through, eight lavishly upholstered chairs sat around a gleaming center table.

“Did you travel safely?” Katherine pushed one of the leather bound ledgers scattered on the smooth tabletop into the middle then perched on the edge.

“As well as could be considering I should never have left Islay’s shores in the first place.” He barred the door so they wouldn’t suffer any interruption, closed the window’s wooden shutters then crossed to the hearth. After kneeling on the thick woven rug of blue and green wool, he built a fire to roaring life and once the solar warmed, patted the space next to him. “Come and sit. This conversation may take some time. Are you well?”

“Yes, but tired. I only arrived here a few hours before you.” She clutched her rich blue skirts and sat cross-legged in front of him. Slippers kicked off, she palmed her flushed cheeks.

“Come closer.” The sprinkle of freckles across her nose made his fingers itch to trace them. He removed his sword, set it on the rug within easy reach then gripped the mat underneath her and dragged her closer when she didn’t move.

“Wait.” She clasped his arms.

“Nay, dinnae deny me.” He seized her knees and kept her locked close. “I’ve missed touching you, having you in my sight. From the moment the MacLean warrior took you, I have no’ been able to rest.”

“Why did you come? You were so adamant you wouldn’t.”

“Where you are, I need to be.” There was no other answer for it. “You shouldnae have run. Why did you?”

“Hearing about Madison was the last straw. It put everything into perspective for me.”

“Madison who?”

“Madison MacDonald. The girl you agreed to enter into a marriage contract with.”

“I did no such—” Damn. He’d forgotten all about the lass from Dunscaith. “Who told you about her?” No one other than Mary, Archie and he knew of Angus’s desire for one of his captains to wed his second cousin from Skye.

“Mary did.” Tears pooled in her deep blue eyes and stirred every protective emotion within him. “She told me Angus’s desire was to strengthen the bonds between the two MacDonald clans. Apparently Archie gave an adamant no, but you said yes.”

“Aye, although those talks disintegrated when the feud escalated and Angus was captured. The lass is barely of age.”

“She’s now sixteen and very much of age. Mary also said such talks are binding.”

“Naught was formally contracted.”

“That doesn’t mean your word isn’t binding.” She cupped his cheek, smoothed her palm along his jaw as a tear trickled free. “Don’t you see, John? She’s the one you’re meant to marry and spend the rest of your life with. She’s the one.”

“I dinnae have any feelings for her.” He wiped the tear away, scooped her up and settled her in his lap. “’Tis only for you I do, and no one will keep you from me, no’ even yourself. You may have come to Mull, but you willnae stay here. Your place is with me, at Dunyvaig.”

“I’ll never change your future. It’s not right for me to do so.” She pressed her chest out and the top rise of her breasts swelled against the soft blue fabric embroidered with silver thread. He traced one finger along her soft skin and over the pebbled tips of her nipples poking the cloth.

“My future is with you and was from the moment we met. What’s no’ right is refusing to accept that we belong together.”

“Madison is the one you will marry.” Adamant words, ones he wouldn’t accept.

“Nay, Katherine, I willnae marry her.” Aching for a closer touch, he swept the edge of her bodice to one side and filled his palm with the warm flesh of her breast. “You’re the only woman who holds my heart. Without you, I cannae live. Dinnae you feel the depth of our bond? What’s between us cannae be denied.”

“Yes, I feel the depth, and at times to the point of pain.” She thrust her fingers into his hair and stroked his scalp.

“There is only pain when we arenae together. You cannae force me to marry another when ’tis you I need to survive.” He dipped his head and grazed his teeth over her nipple. “Being apart from you these last few days has been hell. I never wish to experience such a loss again.”

“But Madi—”

“Nay, enough.” He took her mouth in a slow and tender kiss. “I need you as greatly as I need my next breath. You and only you.”

“I need you too, but that doesn’t make us being together, right.”

“The fae bound us together. You are the woman I live for, the woman I wish to be joined with for all time. I want all of you, heart, body, and soul.” Heat surged through his blood and he tipped her onto her back and sucked one sweet luscious nipple deep inside his mouth.

“John.” She moaned and arched into him. “That feels so good.”

“You are a part of me, as I long to be a part of you, and I’ll do all I can to prove it.” He moved to her other breast and imbibed on the tight bud. “I need to claim you as mine, to ensure you never leave my side again. ’Tis also the only way I can get you safely away from Duart. I cannae take the risk of inflaming this feud.”

“But I just got here.” She pressed her hand against his chest, right over his heart.

“And you shall leave again. You’ve crossed centuries to come to me, and when you left Islay, it near wrenched my soul in two.” He was prepared to do all he must to ensure she understood the depth of his commitment. He tugged his cotun and tunic off. “I’ll never allow you to remain here on MacLean land, and their hospitality ends when dawn breaks.”

“I still haven’t figured out what I need to do with the fae’s mission. Bringing about peace without changing history isn’t going to be an easy task.” She shoved against his bare shoulders, rolled him onto his back and straddled his hips.

“There’ll never be peace. Tell me again, word for word, exactly what the fae asked of you.” This mission meant the world to her and he couldn’t easily dismiss it.

She closed her eyes and said, “
You and your twin are two halves of one whole, the beginning and the end. You must complete what your sister has set in motion. Keep your warrior protector close. To bring peace, you must unite.
”

“And what exactly did your twin set in motion?”

“She had to ensure history remained on course, that Archie didn’t kill Lachlan MacLean but instead placed him into the king’s hands.”

“And what does that have to do with coming here to Duart?”

“Nothing, but—”

“Then there must have been something else Marie set in motion that you need to complete. What else has she done?”

“I—I—” She gasped and covered her mouth. “She wed a MacDonald and joined the clans by her marriage. Oh, surely I haven’t misunderstood the fae’s request all this time?”

“The fae also told you to keep me close and to bring peace, we must unite. Could she possibly have meant the peace needed within my own clan, within me? I’m certainly no’ at peace, no’ unless we unite. A fact I intend to remedy, right now.” From his tartan, he tore a strip off, clasped his right hand with her right, and wrapped his plaid around their hands. Bound together, he would ensure the peace they both sought.

“What are you doing?” She wriggled her fingers.

“’Tis a handfast. The vows we speak now will bind us together as man and wife for a year and a day, and as soon as we return to Dunyvaig, we’ll be wed proper. This is the only way I’ll be able to leave Duart without there being a fight. I alone am responsible for your welfare.”

“The fae also said I had to wear the amulet so I was provided safe passage as I returned to my MacLean kin. Why would she ask me to journey here if I wasn’t supposed to?”

“Mayhap she knew it would take all of what you and I have been through for you to recognize what is right afore your eyes. You’re a MacLean, a daughter of this clan, and I’m a MacDonald. If you wed me, you’ll strengthen and unite the clans exactly as you wished for.”

“Goodness.” A flare sparked in her eyes. “Right after the fae told me to travel to Mull she said,
‘If that is what it will take for you to see the truth, then that is what must be
.’”

“Aye, then do you now see the truth? You and Marie are two halves of one whole. The beginning and the end should always come full circle and your sister wed my brother. Join with me now and continue to strengthen the ties between our clans, as I wish to join with you.”

“But I can’t. We’re in the middle of an argument.” She blew out a long breath. “Getting hitched like this is all kinds of wrong.”

“I promise you, we’ll no’ be arguing after we’ve spoken our vows. No’ when I’ll be buried deep inside you and—” Blood surged to his cock and it lengthened and stabbed her inner thigh. His trews had to go. He loosened the ties at his waist and freed his shaft.