Kahleena MacCarthy ~ To Meet a Highlander (24 page)

             
“Aye, lass. Pull my hair. Scratch me. Bite me.” Zarik placed two fingers in his mouth, then slid them through the slickness between her legs. She was more than ready to take him. He noticed Tsarina's surprised look as he brought them to his mouth and licked her taste from them. Unable to play the cat and mouse game they'd been passionately playing any longer, he looked into her eyes and slowly pushed his cock into her.

             
Tsarina felt herself stretching as he pushed into her. She did pull his hair harder, though it wasn't her intent, she just couldn't help herself.

             
Zarik let out a moan once he was fully inside Tsarina. “Ye're so tight, lass.” He moved faster, harder. In and out. Soon he'd pulled her legs around his waist and was pounding her as though his life depended on it. At last he felt her nails dig into his back. Zarik rode her harder until she screamed with release. Sweat ran from her forehead. Could it be his own? A few moments later he felt his release rising as well. As he came he spoke words he knew she'd not understand, but he needed to speak in order to free his own soul. “Tá mo chroí istigh ionat, táim i ngrá leat.” (My heart is within you, I am in love with you.) He couldn't believe it himself, but he knew it was the strange feeling that had been taking him over since he first laid eyes on her.

**

             
Tsarina stretched as she woke up earlier than usual. She was pleasantly surprised to find herself curled up in Zarik's arms. He hadn't left her. She was sore, though. Tsarina smiled realizing she hadn't even been this sore her first time, she'd lucked out with the size of her husband's tool.

             
“Good morning, wife.” Zarik gave a rare smile that held no malice or arrogance. “You look surprised, lass.”

             
“I am, I figured you'd be long gone away from your room by now.”

             
“Ye sure that's all ye were thinking? Ye are blushing. Aye, well, if ye say so. So, are ye disappointed that I am still here?” Zarik raised an eyebrow. Did his wife really find him so annoying, especially after the night he'd given her?

             
“No. I'm just surprised is all. Pleasantly surprised.” Tsarina tried to cover her embarrassment. She found she was thrilled that he had stayed in bed with her and not escaped her as soon as she fell asleep.

             
“Mayhap we have time for a small repeat of last night?”

             
“What? No. I mean, it's not dark.”

             
“Seriously, ye've only made love in the dark?” Zarik's eyebrow shot up as Tsarina nodded. “Ye dinnae ken what ye've been missing. Let me show ye.” Zarik reached over, tugging the covers below Tsarina's breasts. “Ye ken, I cannae see these as well at night.”

             
“Made love? Zarik, where I come from you have sex and if you do it with the same person more than a dozen times, you've had a long relationship.” She tried to smile as Zarik's eyes scorched her breasts with their unwavering gaze.

             
“Well, then I've been the first to make love to ye then.”

             
Tsarina sighed deeply.

             
“What is it, lass?” Zarik cringed inwardly as he asked. He wasn't good with emotion. He wasn't good with feelings. He sure didn't want to act caring. But, was there a choice? He'd destined himself to this fate when he took her from Galen at the ceremony.

             
“Nothing's wrong. It's just that you have to love someone in order for it to be making love. That's all.”

             
So, she didn't love him. Zarik wasn't used to women not falling at his feet, professing eternal, undying love. He was the one to laugh and walk away. Perhaps Tsarina was his punishment. “Lass, I dinnae expect ye to love me yet. But, mayhap, in time, ye could.”

             
Before Tsarina had a chance to reply, there was a knock at the door that drew them both out of their conversation. “Aye.” Zarik replied.

             
“Good morning, Zarik. Argus and I would like to formally greet the both of ye as man and wife.” Niall spoke clearly through the door.

             
“Aye, a moment please so that my wife can be decent.” Zarik gave her a look and she was instantly out of bed and looking for clothing.

             
She didn't have the time to feel self conscious. As she turned, she saw him cutting his arm, without so much as even a flinch, the one that had been spared the slit yesterday during their blood vow, with a dagger. Gasping, “What are you doing?”

             
“Shhh, lass. 'Tis yer virgin's blood.” Zarik had a wicked smile on his face as he let some drip here and there on the coverings, even making sure to smear some areas. “Ye'd not have them thinking I wed someone unpure, now would ye?”

             
“I thought you didn't care.”

             
“I dinnae care, but they will.” Zarik spared a glance for the door, then hurriedly pulled on his brais. “Come in, Da.”

             
Tsarina was left standing, trying to hide her shock as Niall and Argus entered the chamber.

**

             
Argus was first in, rushing to their bed as he spoke. “We must fly the sheets or, well, make up some reason as to why they are not being hung.” Argus blushed slightly. He knew he shouldn't imply anything negative toward his soon to be Chieftain’s wife.

             
“Do ye wish to insult me, old Druid? I believe not in your powers and have no issue with running through a disrespectful old man.” Zarik's temper soared, as it often did around anything concerning Tsarina.

             
“Now, lad, he meant no disrespect. He was just letting ye know that he'd always protect you and Aurlaee, no matter the situation.” Niall tried to smooth the situation over. His son had always ran hot or cold, but it seemed even worse since the arrival of his new bride. Perhaps, for all their sakes, this wedding would have a positive effect on his moods.

             
“The sheets are fine, Argus. Ye may fly them if it pleases ye.” Zarik shrugged, though noticing his father looking at the arm he slit just moments before.

             
“It is custom, Zarik. Nothing to do with Argus, nor his preferences.” Niall let out a sigh. “However, we must speak of yesterday. Yer wife's brother is no happy. Ye ken?”

             
Before his father could finish, Zarik interrupted. “I care not what mood Trystan is in. Tsarina is of no concern to him. She is mine. He'll need not worry over her. I'll see her safe, fed and clothed.”

             
“I ken that. But there still is the matter of his anger and hatred toward ye. He feels ye are no good for his sister.”

             
“He may feel as he wishes. It doesn't change anything. I'll not kill him,” Zarik looked at his wife as he heard her gasp. “because of my wife. But I've no problem kicking his arse.”

             
“Zarik, when ye are laird, ye'll need patience. People will be difficult. Ye cannae always simply beat them up or run them through.” Niall hoped his son would learn tolerance and understanding, but feared he may pass to the next life before his son ever lost his need for battle and violence. “Well need be discussing yer position verra soon as well.”

             
“Either way, it shuts them up and solves the issues at hand. Besides, ye ken I dinnae want to be laird. I'm better suited for battle. Even as laird, I'll no be giving it up.”

             
“Sometimes ye have to allow others to do in yer place. Ye trust Drostan and Caelan. And there's yer brother, Tor. Any would be good at leading the MacKinnon warriors. Being a laird is part knowing when ye have to be in charge and when to let others step in for ye. Ye cannae do it all, Zarik. No one can.” Argus spoke as he carefully attached the sheet to the side of the window of Zarik and Tsarina's chamber.

             
“You can't be serious. You're putting that outside? For everyone to look at?” Tsarina had been silent and knew from the looks of the men, they'd forgotten she was even in the room.

             
“Aye, lass. It must be done.” Argus replied.

             
“So, the sheet from your wedding night was as well?” Tsarina crossed her arms as she spoke.

             
“Nay, lass. But I'm never to be laird. Zarik is the Chief's son and soon to be laird. It is a ritual we have always done.” Argus looked over to Zarik for back up.

             
“I would think you would leave a laird or soon to be laird their privacy. Besides, is a woman that's not a virgin not good enough to wed a laird?”

             
“Lass, as laird, yer time is rarely yer own. Nothing much is private.” Niall sounded much older all of a sudden. It was as though he finally felt he could tire since his son was now married.

             
“A laird is always given the best stock.” Argus let out with a mutter. He liked Tsarina, but sometimes she was simply too different. Would she truly be the best thing for Zarik? In any case, it was far too late now.

             
“I'm sorry, Tsarina. It's just the way it is. I ken ye wouldnae understand, but to not do so would have the entire clan questioning yer purity. It'll only be out for three days.” Zarik gave her a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. However, rather than seeing anger in his eyes, she only saw lust. “Argus, I do trust Caelan and Drostan. We've had each others back's for years now. However, the training and the battles are a burden. I'd not set them upon another. Especially since they happen to be a burden I rather enjoy. Now, Tor, he's no so much made for battle. He truly fits laird better than I do. I'd not take offense, Da, if ye were to give him the title rather than me. And, since me bride got stolen, I dinnae think she married me for me title.” Zarik shot her that roguish grin again.

             
“Aye, well. 'Tis a matter for another time anyway.” Niall said as he nodded to Argus. As they made their way to the door, he couldn't help but to ask, “Will the two of ye be joining us for any meals this day? Or would ye prefer they be sent up?”

             
Tsarina blushed as Zarik nodded his approval to take meals in their chamber.

Chapter 17

             
“Now, what has ye so rattled? I ken it has to be more than simply the sheets. 'Tis not even yer blood. So, why worry?” Zarik asked as he pulled Tsarina over to the bed with him.

             
“It's still personal. And why would you cut yourself? Seriously. Why, Zarik? Are you some kind of mad man? No one wants to be cut by accident, yet you willingly cut yourself twice in the same number of days.”

             
“For ye, I'd do it each day if there was a need.” The words escaped his mouth faster than he could stop them. Once they were out, there was no way to take them back.

             
“What will you do about Trystan? You really won't hurt him. Will you?” Tsarina, tried to ignore his comment. It seemed his words shocked him as much as they did her and she had no mind to get into a long conversation about feelings, or in his case, his obligations.

             
“Yer brother thinks he can take me.”

             
“No.” Tsarina interrupted. “He knows well enough he can't handle a sword. Hell, I doubt he's even ever touched one.” Would her husband kill her brother? Would she be forced to stay with him if he did?

             
“I'd not kill yer brother unless it was my life or his.” Even then, he knew he'd think about it. It would break Tsarina's heart to lose her brother. He might just allow her brother to win. The thought of that took him by surprise. It was always victory and honor and no submission. What had this woman from another time done to him.

             
“Let me talk to him first. The two of you need to find some sort of common ground – for me.” Tsarina shot a pleading glance toward him. “Anyway, I need to get a little closure on a bet, of sorts, we made back in our own time.”

             
“Bet?”

             
“Almost like a gamble. You know?” Tsarina smiled under her lashes. “Anyway, he had told me that I was living a daydream because I said that I had been born in the wrong time. That I belonged in long ago Scotland. Anyway, Trystan told me that if my medieval highlander in a kilt showed up for me, he'd put on a kilt. I plan on holding him to that.” She was going to have a little fun with her brother today. It was high time they got back to the way things used to be between them. They were apart for a year. A marriage shouldn't destroy their bond.

             
“I thought we'd be doing other things today.” Zarik shot her a look filled with desire. “If ye go down there and arenae up here, people will be talking about our lack of bedroom time.”

             
Without a backward glance, Tsarina made her point. “Either way they'll talk of it. I'd prefer them to have nothing to guess on. If I'm out there, they can't assume anything we've done. It's better that way. Right? This was simply a marriage of duty. You had said so.”

             
Zarik watched the chamber door close after his wife. How would he let her know he regretted those words more than anything in his life? Should he even let her know? The power she'd have over him then could be dangerous to her, his clan and himself.

**

              “Trystan, wait.” Tsarina called as she ran down the steps of the keep into the great hall. She had no easy task of getting away from her husband today, but by after the lunch meal, even he was itching to get some sword practice in. There was no reason to lock themselves up and do nothing but have sex anyway. Evidently, according to Zarik, that is exactly what was expected.

             
Besides, she was sore and was straining really hard to walk naturally. How embarrassing for anyone to notice.

             
Tsarina noticed that Trystan hesitated. He even stopped, looked at her and turned to leave. “Trystan. Really? Stop. What are you afraid of?”

             
“Afraid?” Trystan did stop and walk the rest of the way to her then. Looking more than a little angry. She thought that for once, she may have pushed him too far. Her parents had always told her it would happen one day. “I'm not afraid of anything. What I have is a sister that doesn't want to listen to anyone that may know better for her. A sister that claims to love her only family member, but tries to defy him at every turn. A sister who married the one man she needed to stay away from. A sister that won't allow anything good to happen to her.”

             
“Damn. Would you stop? Did you, my overbearing brother and
formerly
only relative, ever stop to think that maybe I know what's best for me?” When he started to speak, the glare Tsarina shot him would have turned most anyone to stone.

             
“Oh, so you think he loves you now? One night in bed with you and he's going to fall at your feet and pledge to give his life for your safety and well being?” Trystan, though obviously still fuming, softened his look. “I would, Tsarina. I'd do anything to see you safe.”

             
Shocked by her brother's admittance, she tried to see if what had worked with Zarik would work with Trystan. Ignore. Ignore. Ignore. She was in no mood for a battle of sentimental feelings. “No, don't interrupt. Even if I don't know what's best for me, Trystan, it's
my
life. I'm allowed to make mistakes. Everyone makes them and it's how you live. You take chances, you make choices. Sometimes they're the right ones, sometimes they were right at the time but not for long, sometimes they're even not right at all. But it's life.”

             
“Wait. Formerly?” Trystan fumed. He seemed to not catch anything else she said.

             
“Yes, formerly. Have you forgotten I just got married and inherited more relatives and an entire clan.”

             
“A man that doesn't care about you. If he cared for you or your safety, he'd have pushed you to go back home and made that old Druid get you there. Where it's safer.”

             
“That Druid's name is Argus.” Tsarina was offended for Argus. “And anything could happen in our time too. People are healthy and happy and the next morning they're dead in their bed from a heart attack. Or they've been shot by their spouse – who they'd been happily married to for fifteen years. Give me a break. No world and no time is safe. We aren't guaranteed to ever see tomorrow. No matter our age or the time or country we live in. They all have their own dangers. Can't we just get us back?”

             
“Tsarina, so much has happened. There's so much I can't deal with.”

             
“Can't or won't, Trystan?” Tsarina watched the emotions cross her brothers face as her heart felt as though it were being ripped out. Was she losing her brother? “I miss you.”

             
Tsarina could tell Trystan was struggling with himself. “I just don't know, Tsarina. Maybe I should see if Argus can send Galen and I back.”

             
“Galen is happy here. He doesn't want to leave. I'm sorry I'm not enough for you.” Tsarina fought a losing battle as she tried to fight to keep the tears from falling.

             
“What's going on?” Zarik's voice boomed as he hurriedly crossed the hall over to Tsarina and Trystan.

             
“Zarik, I thought you were out training?” Tsarina didn't want anything to get worse. Her husband and brother did not like one another. Clearly.

             
“I decided I wanted to see my wife, but, aye, I was there for a while.” At that moment, Tsarina noticed that Zarik was, in fact, sweaty and smudged with dirt. Zarik reached over an wiped a betraying tear from her cheek. “What's wrong?” Then, looking over to her brother, “What have ye done now?”

             
“Why is it me? Why not ask me what she's done to me?” Trystan was pissed.

             
“Oh, aye, ye be needing to find yer wee bullocks? Ye need me to have someone be a nurse maid to ye? Have ye no sense of honor?” Zarik stepped closer as he spoke.

             
“Now, wait you two.” Tsarina placed herself between them, a hand on Zarik's chest. “Please. Zarik, I don't want the two of you fighting. I just miss my brother. The way he used to be. It's something we need to work out as brother and sister.”

             
“I'll no be having him upset ye. It's no his place. He's no yer boss and he has no claim to ye.”

             
“Exactly.” Trystan crossed his arms and glared between his sister and her husband in disbelief. “Tsarina, you've lowered yourself to no more than a common household possession. I can't bare to watch it.” Trystan turned to walk away and immediately felt a strong hand on his arm.

             
“Nay, ye'll not be leaving till she's had her say. This may not have been a romantic love match, but she's still me wife and she'll be respected as such. If ye donnae do it, I'll see to it that ye do.” Zarik's voice held no room for disagreement. Wisely Trystan didn't try to push the matter.

             
“How sweet. Chivalry really isn't dead in this time period.” Sarcasm seethed in his voice. “Wait a few centuries. Then women really push for their rights.” Trystan rolled his eyes as he waited for his sister to say something. He didn't like to hurt her, but he'd promised his parents that he'd always look out for her. He was currently failing. Big time.

             
“I'll just get to the point, brother.” Tsarina knew she spoke her words too venomously, but she felt betrayed. The brother who had said he'd always be there for her was turning his back on her because she didn't agree with what he thought she should do. “Remember that day you swore that you'd wear a kilt if...”

             
“Now, wait, dear sister.” Trystan interrupted. “You don't have that on me. I said if he
showed up at our door pleading to defend your honor with his dying breath
or something to that effect. In any case, he's not on our doorstep, we're on his. And he's not pleading undying love to you and to defend your honor with his own life.”

             
“Now, wait. I'd defend her honor with my last breaths. It's what we do. Love or nay in a marriage, we defend our women. Hell, the women of the clan as well. It's a man's duty to give his life for the life of a woman.” Zarik thought his comment showed their loyalty, but the glares he got from Tsarina and Trystan showed that he had dug himself further into whatever hole he had already placed himself into.

             
“You would throw my sister in with any other woman of your clan?”

             
“Aye, she's a woman. No?”

             
“But I thought she'd be ranked higher than a common serving girl since she's your wife Mr. Soon to be Laird.”

             
“She does rank higher. I only meant that we defend all women. 'Tis the duty of a man.”

             
“All women equally then?” Trystan had crossed his arms over his chest at this point.

             
“Yer sister would be the first I'd defend, Trystan. I know not why it is ye wish to confuse my words. Ken that yer sister will have my protection above any other.”

             
“Still.” Trystan shrugged. “You haven't confessed your undying love to her. So, there's to be no skirt wearing from me.”

             
“It's not a skirt.” Tsarina found her voice. She knew she was having a difficult time controlling the hurt she felt. Zarik would never love her. It was something she had known, but it seemed to get more and more difficult to accept. She must love him. For him, it was simply honor and doing his duty. It could easily be mistaken for love. How many would die for someone else, especially without loving them. One could convince themselves it was love. But it wasn't. And it would, in the end, likely do her more harm than good to pretend it was so. “If you two will excuse me, I think I'll be going back upstairs.” Tsarina spun to make her way back up to her chamber. Her old chamber, the one she'd used since she had arrived. Zarik's really didn't feel like hers. “Alone.” She finished with a look at Zarik. “Perhaps you should cool off in the loch.”

             
“Aye, lass. Perhaps. I have a feeling it would be much colder were I to follow ye.” Zarik watched her climb the stairs, knowing she shouldn't be unescorted. They were far too high. But arguing with her now seemed pointless. He'd hope she could manage the steep stairs without a man's arm for guidance.

**

             
Zarik was out the doors as soon as Tsarina disappeared from his sight. Heading toward the loch, he somehow found himself watching some of the men practice with their swords – the training he'd skipped mostly out of today. Well, it was the day after his wedding after all. He deserved a little space. Although he'd have preferred to remain in bed all day with Tsarina.

             
“Zarik, should ye not be doing something more fun?” Drostan joked as he slapped him on the back.

             
“Aye, weel, I've been tossed on me ear it seems. She wanted to be alone after a spiff with her brother. I just dinnae ken him. What's done is done. Why must he be an arse about it. There'll be no changing it?” Zarik ran his hand through his thick hair.