Mark of the Highlander (The MacLomain Series: Next Generation, Book 1) (11 page)

And even though every moment in his arms was having an overwhelming effect on her body, McKayla couldn’t help but ask, “What’s next for me? My anger may have faded some but I’m still scared. If you got me here, why can’t you get me home?”

“Dinnae be scared.” He cupped her cheek. “You’re safe here on this land. You’re safe with me.”

It was impossible not to be aware of every
single
inch of him. And it didn’t help that she was recalling every tingle, heart palpitation, every bloody emotion he’d made her feel while they were still back home. She had to stop this, or she might go nuts. If she hadn’t already. McKayla inhaled deeply and tried to remain focused. But Colin here, in this place, this time, aroused her even more. She was screwed. Her body and mind were both betraying her. She shook her head and closed her eyes briefly before opening them. “Safe,” she murmured. “Maybe partly.”

She might be safe from would be assassins, but she definitely wasn’t safe from
him
. And it seemed his body was responding to hers equally. Colin’s voice deepened. “It’s been a verra long time since I’ve had you, lass.”

Oh hell, she really was in trouble now. McKayla’s eyes rounded and she pulled away. This time he let her go. “You didn’t have me.
Trevor
did. And I don’t think that’s something we should be worrying about right now, do you?”

But she only took one step back, finding it impossible to look away from the hungry desire in his eyes. Had Trevor ever looked at her quite like this? In this predatory fashion? For the life of her she couldn’t remember, didn’t think so. But he must’ve. Though they stood a good foot apart they might as well have been entwined with all the attraction crackling between them.

“You may find this form more enjoyable.” He arched a brow and though he didn’t move toward her, his words certainly yanked her back against him. “More muscles. Far more strength. A tireless perseverance that I promise will make you weep.”

“Tireless,” she whispered.

“Perseverance,” he promised. “Determination.”

She licked her lips and tried to look away. Impossible. He looked so bloody good standing there in a plaid with the mountains cheering him on and the highland wind working fully to his advantage. The idea of sleeping with him made fire ignite beneath her skin. She recalled having sex with Trevor and knew Colin would undoubtedly put his shifter self to shame.

But her mind refused to push away images of her and Trevor together. And with those thoughts came old pain. Pain she didn’t want to relive. “Let us not forget that
Trevor
chose to end the intimacy.” She narrowed her eyes. “You said it was to keep me safe but it’s gonna take me time to forgive you for that. I loved you. More than you will ever know.” She shook her head and took a deep breath. “You have no idea how hard it was for me to transform those feelings into something platonic. But I did. This. You.” She made a loose gesture in his direction. “Reignites old wounds.”

Colin nodded and instead of continuing to undress her with his practiced eyes he grabbed her hand and pulled her towards him. However reluctant she followed, mainly because she had nowhere else to go.

“So let’s start over, Kay, sorry, McKayla.” He cast her a sidelong glance. “I promise not to call you that until I earn back your trust. I don’t deserve that level of closeness. Not yet. But I promise you one day I will. I want to earn back not only what I lost when I ended our relationship but what I lost because of all the lies. While I beg for my clan’s forgiveness, allow me to ask for yours as well, a thousand times over.”

A small shiver rippled through her. Did he really crave her forgiveness as much if not more than those who raised him? His very family? It was hard not to be humbled because she knew he was being truthful. She wasn’t being naïve, not this time. He meant it. Regardless, he wasn’t getting off that easy. “Let’s work at rebuilding the friendship and not worry so much about the relationship, okay?”

Colin nodded and led her into the forest. “Seems like a good start.”

That sounded like he intended the friendship to be a mere formality and for them to pick up where they left off. If he thought she was jumping back into a relationship, he was in for a rude awakening. “Friends, Colin. That’s all I want right now.”

“Aye,” he agreed. “Friends. Once earned.”

Again, something about the way he said it made her think he was a lot more arrogant than he thought he was. About to say as much, her tongue caught when the pine-ridden woods thickened and sunlight streamed through the trees, dappling the pine-needles beneath. While New Hampshire, even Massachusetts woodlands, possessed a certain beauty, McKayla was instantly caught up in the utter enchantment that was medieval Scotland’s forest. “What part of Scotland are we in?”

“Cowal Pennisula, Argyll,” Colin replied, nostalgia in his voice. “The year is 1254.”

Even though she should be nervous if not downright terrified it was impossible not to think of all her research. She’d landed in the exact year of her book! “William Wallace is yet to be born.” Awe infused. “But he will be twenty or so years from now. The guardian of Scotland. How incredible, is that?” McKayla was like a kid in a candy store. She couldn’t take it all in fast enough. So many thoughts were crowding her mind.

“So that means his father Malcolm is alive as we speak. Young but alive!” She shook her head. “And Robert the Bruce! I mean
Roibert a Briuis
. According to records, he’ll be born exactly twenty years from now. Wow.” She looked around, more and more aware of where she
really
was. “I’m standing in Scotland
before
such great men are even born with knowledge of what incredibly important lives they’ll lead. It’s a little overwhelming.”

“Aye,” Colin said, hesitating.

“What? Why are you looking at me like that?”

“You remember what they fought for right lass?”

“A number of things, including freedom. I mean the Bruce led this country in the Wars of Scottish Independence against England. Who could forget that?”

“Many. Scottish history is like all history, remembered by those with a passion for remembering. But that’s not what I’m getting at.”

McKayla looked at him, again astounded by his bearing, by the plaid and boots, the small braids woven into his hair. Yet now his expression was bleak, eyes troubled. Then it occurred to her. Scotland,
his
Scotland, was not his or any other Scotsman’s right now. She’d been firmly plunked in the time that led up to the bold actions and fierce fighting of men like Wallace and Bruce. The English were causing havoc in this country, more so now than any time before.

Shame on her for being so self-centered. “I’m so sorry, Colin. It’s one thing for me to research this time in your country, another altogether to meet someone, you, who lives or who’s lived in such trying times. Forgive my excitement. I was out of line.”

“Nay,” he said easily. “My time.
This
time-frame, is what you spent months researching. Dinnae think for a second I would fault you for your passion. ‘Tis half of what makes me adore you as I do. McKayla, you were brought here against your will. At the verra least, I want you to enjoy what my country has to offer. Few cherish it as you seem to. Your appreciation will be most welcomed by the MacLomain clan. For this country is part of who we are.”

Offering a slow nod and a tentative smile she said, “Thanks for that. While I might still be mad as heck at you, it’s safe to say being able to see the land I wrote about firsthand is…well, special.” She took a deep breath. “So long as I get home safe…which I will, right?”

“If I have to die getting you there, aye, I’ll get you home, lass.”

Her smile faded. “Well, I’d rather you not die trying.”

“Then I willnae,” he said, eyes solemn even as they twinkled.

Which brought to mind what should have worried her from the start. “I know the first time I traveled back in time it was because of the Lucid Dream mask. How did it happen this time?” She shivered, recalling the thunder before she was deposited here. “And are my cousin’s okay?”

“‘Twas my clan,” he replied. “And I know not why but suspect we soon will find out. It was more than I deserved that they allowed you this time to acclimate.”

“Me?” she said weakly as understanding dawned. They’d brought her here with him on purpose. “Right.”

“But dinnae overly worry. That we are permitted to stroll back alone says much about the level of threat against us.”

Level of threat? Dear Lord. McKayla again worked on breathing evenly. “What of my cousins?”

“They’re safe with Ferchar. Nothing will get near them.” He squeezed her hand in reassurance. “The enemy is after me, not them.”

McKayla cringed. The idea that there were assassins eager to take out Colin scared the hell out of her. And even though he wasn’t saying it she knew she was in as much danger from this
enemy
as him. Words faded away when the forest soon thinned and something she’d only ever imagined existed slowly appeared. When they reached the edge of the woods, her jaw dropped. Spread out far and wide was a deep green field speckled with purple heather. Children giggled, women worked and warriors trained. But, it was what lay beyond that froze her in her tracks.

A castle.

Not just any castle, certainly not like the worn-down tourist attractions back in her time period, but a thriving, majestic stone castle. With double moats, dozens of wall walks and turrets, it was by far the most impressive thing she’d ever seen.

“Holy hell,” she whispered, not caring in the least if she swore.

Colin pulled her closer but said nothing. When she glanced his way she saw a man full of nostalgia. He was a Scotsman who looked upon his home with pride, love and something else, something undefinable. Perhaps remorse? Did he regret leaving it all behind? Would
she
end up being his biggest regret? For wasn’t
she
part of the reason he’d left it all behind? McKayla realized that there remained so much she didn’t know about him. Yes, she could say that about Colin but she knew he was Trevor too and that her friend repressed great pain.

“‘Tis more bonnie than I remember.” He shook his head and whispered, “Why didnae I see it before?”

“Sometimes we have a hard time seeing what’s right in front of us,” McKayla said gently. “Your judgment was clouded by youth. A mistake we’ve all made.”

“‘Twas but three winters ago, lass. At least in this time period. And given my position twenty-first century outlooks hold no place in my betrayal.”

Though stung by his sharp response, McKayla didn’t allow herself to be offended. Not now. The warring expression on his face told her he wasn’t fighting her, but old demons, ones that belonged to him, his clan and Scotland.

Several long moments passed before he snapped out of whatever spell he’d inflicted upon himself. He brought her hand to his lips, kissed the back gently and said, “Would you like to come to my castle, see my clan, and a time that’s long gone?”

Caught off guard by the old-fashioned gesture, she could only nod. Because it clearly wasn’t long gone for him…if anything this time was his in every way possible.

They started to walk but McKayla stopped, suddenly aware they might have a problem. “What about my clothes? Look at me! I’m wearing shorts, a tank and…” She cringed. “Platform sneakers.”

“Aye, ‘tis sexy.” He winked. “Was all this for me?”

He was going to be the death of her. Cheeks burning, she shook her head. “It was gonna be hot. I dressed appropriately.”

His gaze roamed over her with appreciation. “Then I pray to the gods for hot days.”

She felt like an idiot. “Ugh, seriously?” Pointing at the castle she said, “I can’t go there and meet your mother dressed like this. What’ll she think of me?”

“My Ma?” His grin grew wider. “Is the last person you should be worrying about. Between the lasses casting stones and lads wanting to cast something else altogether, I think ye’ll be just fine, lassie. We Scots like a wee bit o’ excitement.”

“No, Colin.” Though it remained hard to wrap her mind around it, she had no other choice but to ask. “You’re supposedly a wizard right? Then conjure me up a more appropriate outfit.”

Colin looked at her with regret. “Aye, I am a wizard. But, nay I do not possess that particular power.”

Hands on her hips, McKayla narrowed her eyes. Really? Colin had to be pulling her leg, because this wasn’t happening. Of all the wizards she had to get
this
one. What wizard couldn’t cast a spell with the wave of his hand?
This one
! If she clenched her teeth any harder they might just crack. “You mean to tell me, you can shape-shift from Trevor to Colin, but you can’t change my clothes with a flick of your hand?”

Colin’s lips thinned and he shook his head. “Never could pull it off.” His expression lightened. “But the good news is the MacLomain’s are verra familiar with time-travelers, hence my Ma, so you’ve nothing to fret over.”

“Fret over? Are you kidding me? If you talked more like Trevor that’d be helpful. Try “worry about.””

“You’re just nervous.” he shot back, a glimmer in his eyes. “It’s all good. Just relax and follow my lead, eh?”