Highlander's Faerie (Highlander Heat Book 5) (12 page)

Black dots danced before her yes, and then nothing.

John clenched his fists as he waited for Katherine to return. What the hell was taking her so long? His men were past ready to leave and so was he. He crossed to Arthur at the base of the stairs. “I need to collect my wife.”

“She should’ve returned by now. I’ll escort you upstairs.” Arthur gestured for him to go first and he scaled the winding stairwell.

All was quiet on the second floor landing, each door leading off the darkened corridor firmly shut.

“’Tis the third door on your left,” Arthur instructed.

John stopped at the door, turned the knob and strode inside. The fire had long gone out and the morning’s sunshine streamed in through the window and lit the chamber with its large burgundy canopied bed and curtained ambry. A dressing screen next to the side table remained folded against the wall and next to it, Katherine’s leather traveling bag had been dumped and overturned. He hunkered down and scooped it up. “She’s no’ here.”

“She didnae pass by me.” Arthur strode to the wall and wiped a smear of blood from it. “’Tis fresh.”

John snarled, a low and deadly rumble. Katherine had been taken, and not of her own free will. “What tricks do you play, Arthur?”

“None, and damn it, this has to be Finlay’s doing.” Arthur slammed one fist into his open palm. “He can be rash and reckless at times.”

“Where will he have taken her?”

“I’ll check with the guards.” Arthur raced out the door and John made chase. In the great hall, Arthur ordered several of his men to begin a search.

Archie gripped John’s shoulder. “What’s this all about?”

“Katherine’s gone, taken by Finlay.” To his men, he gritted out, “We are no’ at war, but I want my wife back. We’ll do all we can to ensure it.”

Arthur marched across to him. “Finlay was sighted leaving through the postern gate a few minutes ago, although his destination is unknown. He could be anywhere.”

John sprinted out the door and his brother and men followed as he raced toward the bay. If Finlay was on the run, his options were by land or sea and he’d already proven he had a penchant for using the sea as a means of escape. He hailed Josiah and his men who’d remained on board. “Katherine is missing. Have you seen any sign of her or the warrior Finlay MacLean.”

Josiah held onto the center mast and pointed toward the tip. “A nasal-helmed warrior just sailed out of the bay after carrying something bulky on board wrapped in a thick brown fur.”

“That’ll be them.” John bounded into his boat and bellowed to his men as they followed him, “All to oars! There can be no delay. Chase the MacLean.”

“We’ll catch him, brother.” Archie grabbed the ropes and tossed one to him as their warriors sank their oars into the waves and rowed them out of the bay.

“There were signs she struggled against her captor, Archie, and if MacLean harmed her in any way, I’ll kill him.” John gripped the birlinn’s rope alongside his brother as the crosswind filled the sail with a hearty slap. The birlinn shot off like an arrow and his men stowed their oars.

With his feet braced wide along the side of the boat, he pulled his rope until the sail tightened. As they hit the tip, the wind blasted through and the galley rose half out of the water. He and Archie leaned farther back to counter the move and his men moved into the perfect positions to ensure their balance and that they picked up even more speed.

They skimmed the high waves, the massive square sail pulled as taut as he’d ever seen it. Ahead, the MacLean’s skiff came into view along the waterway toward the south. Finlay too stood on the side of his skiff as it careened over the waves, the wind taking him swiftly toward MacLean land on Jura. “I’ll lose her if he makes it to Jura’s northern shore. There are too many places he could hide.”

“Then we’ll make sure that does no’ happen,” Archie shouted over the crashing of the waves.

John eyed the MacLean’s skiff, his heart a pounding mess as movement stirred within the hull. Katherine shoved the fur off her head and pushed one hand out. “There she is.”

The wind tore at him and the sea-spray battered his face. He’d allowed his wife to be taken from him again, and it should never have happened.

A huge wave rose and as they crested it, he gripped the rope tighter, his arms and legs burning as every muscle strained to control the wind power harnessed in the birlinn’s tight sail. “Hold tight,” he barked.

The bow rose sharply upward then slammed back down. The impact sent several of his warriors flying to the other side, but none were tossed overboard.

“’Tis slippery,” Archie yelled as he grappled to keep his footing.

A woman’s scream echoed across the raging waves as the MacLean’s skiff pitched sideways and hit the icy water. A wave rolled and twisted it over. It popped bow up and sank. Gone, swallowed whole, and by the same rogue wave that had almost toppled them.

John’s heart stopped beating. He tossed Josiah his rope, tore off his cotun and weapons as his brother did the same.

He dove into the frigid water and allowed the raging waves to close over him as he kicked downward into the murky depths.

* * * *

Katherine’s head shattered with pain as icy, turbulent waters surged and dragged her under. She’d barely come to when Finlay had roared the skiff was going down. The crashing waves tossed her about. So deep.

The fur bedcover, still half wrapped around her, tore at her chest and legs. She wrenched it free and it jerked away into the swirling vortex of nothingness. She yanked out the gag and black hazed her vision. No. Clawing with all her might, she fought toward the surface. The sea wouldn’t take her, not now she’d finally found the man who was hers. She had to get back to John.

An arm cinched around her waist.

She lurched around and stared into the most piercing golden eyes. John firmed his hold on her and pushed them upward through the twisting current, and in a flurry of bubbles, they broke the surface.

“J-John?” She gulped in great drafts of air. “Is it really you?”

“’Tis I. You were down so deep.” He cupped the back of her head and drew her closer. His dark hair floated around his neck as he treaded water for them both.

He was real, his body solid, his flesh warm and his hold tight. She clutched his shirtfront as over his shoulder, a birlinn bobbed on the water. Cheers erupted from his men on board and a few others in the water surrounding her. “F-Finlay came to my chamber.”

“I know, love. I made chase as soon as I could.” He swept her hair back from her forehead and touched a spot that throbbed. “You’ve got a nasty gash that needs tending.”

“You’re not hurt are you?”

“Nay, no’ a scratch. Let’s get you out of this cold water.” He cut a fast path through the churning waves toward the birlinn, gripped her waist and boosted her upward.

Josiah reached, grasped her hands and lifted her up. Another man smothered her in a thick MacDonald tartan and then John was there, sopping wet as he scooped her up and carried her to the stern. He sat on the wooden bench and cradled her on his lap, his fingers biting into her sides. He shook, whether from anger or fear, she wasn’t sure.

“It’s all right.” She wound her arms around his neck and plastered herself against him. “Where’s Finlay? And where exactly are we?”

“Off the coast between Mull and Jura.” He glanced at Archie as he hauled himself into the birlinn.

“Heave,” Archie called to one of his men in the water. He reached over the side and grunting, lugged a body on board. Water sluiced from the hefty chainmail wrapped around Finlay and his head lolled back on an impossible angle. Two men carried his body to the bow and beyond her sight. Archie strode toward her and knelt at her feet. “Did you suffer any injuries?”

“What happened to Finlay?”

“There was naught I could do. He broke his neck in the fall.” Ever so gently, he lifted her hair from her forehead and muttered under his breath. “Damn him. He hurt you.”

“Are you sure Finlay’s dead?” She shivered uncontrollably.

“Aye, we’ll bury him on Jura. For now, we’ll set sail afore any more MacLeans have the chance to catch us up.” He strode away.

“No one is supposed to die because of me.” She grasped John’s shirtfront.

“His death was a surety the moment he stole you away. What happened to him isnae your fault.” John tore a strip from his tunic’s hem, wrapped it around her head wound and knotted it lightly.

Hot tears burned behind her eyes.

“Katherine, nay.” John tipped up her chin. “Look at me. You’re no’ to blame yourself for his death.”

“I’ve changed history. He isn’t supposed to die because of me.” She tucked her cheek on his chest and shivered inside the tartan.

“A warrior’s life is never long and he chose his own destiny.” He tucked her drying hair behind her ear. “Rest while we sail. I’ll watch over you.”

“Don’t stop talking to me.” Her eyelids drooped. All that had happened over the past few days caught up with her and darkness edged her vision. “I need to hear your voice.”

“You need to rest more than…”

She battled to focus on his drifting voice. He was all she’d ever dreamed of, and now safe again in his arms, she let go and allowed the dark to pull her under.

* * * *

Waves slapped against the birlinn’s sides as the boat rocked and dipped, the sound tugging Katherine further toward wakefulness.

“Go back to sleep.” John’s voice floated over her then his lips brushed her cheek. “Sleep.”

She stretched and pushed her eyes open. Night had fallen and the moon, hidden behind a dark layer of cloud, cast John’s face in shadow. “Where are we?”

“We’ve no’ long left the northern tip of Jura. Archie brought the birlinn into shore and buried Finlay on MacLean soil. The wind is easing now, so we’ll need to make landfall somewhere safe for the night. You’ve naught to fear. We’ll soon pass from MacLean land to our MacDonald soil. You’ll be safe.”

“I’m always safe when I’m with you.” She cupped his stubbly jaw. “I’m not sure I ever thanked you for coming to my rescue.”

“I gave you my promise of protection and ’twill always stand firm.”

“So I’ve learnt.” She edged up and kissed his chin.

“You’re such a complete distraction.” His gaze held deep longing and it pulled at her heart. “Kiss me again, my sweet imp, and this time dinnae miss my lips.”

“And you’re a demanding man, but I love that.” She licked his lower lip and as he groaned, she grinned. “I’ve heard distraction is good for the soul.”

“So is a little peace.”

“Well, you know me. I’m all for a little peace.”

As the wind died away, the men lowered the sail and rowed. They passed into the southern portion of Jura’s waters and after rounding the tip, cruised into an isolated bay. Beside Katherine, John lifted his face to the night sky, his eyes closed as he breathed deep. She did the same, taking in the scents of salty sea and Scotland’s freshest air. She was home, or at least now very close to home.

Ahead, along the rugged and untouched coastline, moonlight bathed the woodland’s treetops a silvery hue. “This is such a beautiful place.”

“Aye, and the place where we’ll rest for the night.”

They came ashore and the men set up camp, hunted game then roasted their meal over an open fire. Her belly rumbled as the succulent aroma of cooked goose pervaded the air.

She sat close to the fire on the blanket John spread out, her knees snuggled to her chest as the fire’s brilliant orange and red flames warmed her through. Her gown was almost dry, although the salt encrusted fabric irritated and made her want to scratch her itchy skin.

“Are you all right?” John settled in behind her, his legs either side of hers.

“I could really use a wash and a change of clothes.”

“There’s a loch no’ far from here. We’ll bathe after we’ve eaten.” He tugged her back until she rested against his chest. Gently, he twined a lock of her hair around his finger, his warmth fully enclosing her. “You have the most beautiful hair. ’Tis so pale it shimmers like gold.”

“It does?”

“Aye,” he purred in her ear, “and I want to see it lying across my pillow, each and every night.” He selected one of the sticks of meat from the fire, tore off a chunk and slipped the morsel between her lips.

“That could be arranged, provided we ever see a bed.” She plucked a piece of meat from the skewer and fed him.

In silence, they ate as the other warriors did the same. A few men remained close to the fire while half a dozen others strolled down to the water’s edge and washed up. These men were islanders and seafarers. They lived and breathed the sea and were most content when closest to it.

Archie bounded from the beached birlinn, a couple of bags in hand and his tartan slung over his shoulder. He set one of the bags at his feet and passed the other to John. “That’s yours.”

“My thanks.” John placed it behind him.

Archie chose a skewer then perched on a low boulder and glanced at her. “How do you fare?”

“Much better. I want to thank you for coming to Mull for me too. I never meant to cause such trouble.”

“You’re my sister-by-marriage, and with your handfast to my brother, now my sister twice over. I will always be here for you.”

John slid her hair over her shoulder and dropped a soft kiss on her neck. “We’re your kin, more so than the MacLeans will ever be. Which means there’ll be no more traveling to Mull.”

“Now, that I can promise you. I’m content to remain on Islay with you, although”—she shuffled around and faced him—“do you think there’s a way to get a message to Margaret, to let her know I’m all right? I’m certain she’ll worry.”

“I cannae give you any promises, but if the opportunity ever arises, I’ll send word. Have you eaten your full?”

“Yes.”

“Then let’s bathe.” John gripped her waist and set her on her feet as he stood then nabbed his bag.

She flapped out the tartan blanket they’d sat on, and with it wrapped around her for added warmth, followed him into the moonlit recesses of the forest.

John prowled ahead, keeping an eye out along the densely wooded trail. He strode with such purpose, his leather pants clinging to his powerful thighs and molding his tight butt. He was so delectably gorgeous with his white tunic fluttering free. A gentle breeze whispered through the trees, lifted his shirt hem and gave glimpses of his golden skin lit by the moonlight. “We’re here.” He held up a low branch and she passed under it.

“Oh, this is beautiful.” The loch, small, private and perfectly round was encircled with towering trees and its dark, glassy surface, beckoned her to come and swim. “How did you know this loch was here?”

“When we need to make landfall, this cove is a favored place to make camp.” He unwrapped her blanket from around her then laid it on the ground under a tree. “Do you need aid with removing your gown?”

“No, not since the ties fasten in front, but still I’d love your help.” She removed her slippers and stepped up to him.

“This is one task I’m always up for.” He picked up the front ties and unlaced her stays, his warm breath feathering across every inch of skin he exposed. Slowly, gently, he slid his hands under the fabric covering her shoulders, eased the garment down her arms and skimmed it over her hips. The crinkly blue velvet swished into a puddle at her feet and exposed all of her. “Now, this is beautiful.”

“Are you coming in with me?” She backed up a step and his hungry golden gaze sent tingles racing across her skin and heat pooling in her below.

“There is no’ a soul who could stop me.” He divested himself of his weapons, a sword and sheathed wrist and ankle daggers, then lifted his tunic over his head. Chest muscles flexed and rippled as he shucked off his boots and pants. As he stepped forward, his silky dark hair wisped with blond slid sensuously over his broad shoulders.

She could watch him forever, exactly like this. Every inch of him was hers, and she longed to join with him.

“What are thinking?” He scooped her into his arms and walked toward the mossy edge of the loch. As his erect shaft grazed her bottom, her nipples beaded tight.

“That I’ll have to insist on more than just bathing. Are you up for a little adventure?”

“Always.” He strode into the water and when it lapped at his waist, he slowly lowered.

She gasped at the shock of cold and clamped her hands around his neck. Down they went and under the surface. She released him and came back up, water streaming through her hair and over her breasts. “Oh goodness. You could have warned me you were about to do that.”

“Aye, although you’re the one who just requested a little adventure. I was simply supplying it.” He leaned in and kissed her, taking her breath away a second time with the heat of his mouth on hers.

“Then did I mention I also like to play?” She shoved a wave of water at him and backed away. “Catch me if you can.” She ducked her head and dove. Kicking toward the center of the pool, she remained below, although not for long. He snaked an arm around her waist and hauled her to the surface far sooner than she’d thought possible. She dragged in a deep breath. “I see it’ll take quite a bit to catch you off your guard.”

“More so now than ever afore.” He pressed his powerful body against hers, their legs entwined and his cock nudging her entrance.

Her heart beat frantically at having him so close, and the desire-filled look in his eyes, made her nipples tighten and throb. She ached for his mouth on them. “Come inside me.”

“Aye, I long to. Soon. I wish to love all of you first.” He lowered his head and kissed her, his lips so warm and silky soft, then with the smoothest of caresses, he licked across her tongue and fired all her senses.

She encircled her arms around his neck, wrapped her legs around his waist and ravished his mouth as he ravished hers.

“Your passion inflames my own, Katherine.” He carried her toward the loch’s mossy edge and lifted her up. Cool air washed over her body as he laid her shoulders back on the spongy surface, her bottom still in the water. Gently, he cupped one breast and rubbed the tip until the peak hardened even further. “You have the sweetest, pinkest nipples. I dream of devouring them at night.”

“Kiss them.” She pressed her breasts together. “I love feeling your mouth on my body, all of my body.”

He held her gaze as he lowered his head and lapped her nipples. The hot stroke of his tongue sent shards of pleasure rippling through her. “Like so?”

“Exactly like so.” Arching into his mouth, she drowned in the storm of sensations. Then he raised her legs, hooked them over his shoulders until her bottom lifted out of the water and fully exposed her to him.

“Ah, you also have the sweetest, pinkest flesh below too. So lush, and just waiting for me to taste.” He plunged two fingers deep inside her and pumped as he captured her clit between his lips. The dual attack had her crying out. She bucked as pleasure swept through her.

She was going to lose her mind, but before she did, she’d make certain he lost his right along with her. Under the water, she searched and found his cock and with her fingers wrapped around his thick shaft, she worked him in long pulls.

“Katherine.” He groaned her name. “I love how you touch me.” He circled his fingers inside her and as an explosion of heat swirled, her orgasm built, hard and sharp.

“John, inside me. Now. I can’t wait any longer.” She whimpered and writhed against him.

“Aye, now.” He released her legs, lifted her against him and filled her in one deeply penetrating move. Then he took her over, driving her toward the edge as he thrust in a wild and raw beat.

Unable to hold on, she came apart, her inner muscles dragging and throbbing around him. Blissful spasm after spasm shook her body as she held him to her. He was her Highlander, the warrior she’d traveled through time for, and the man who’d forever be hers.

* * * *

John was lost as Katherine’s hot channel pulsed around him. He roared, his release exploding violently along with hers as he spilled his seed deep within her.

Theirs was a miraculous union, his soul interlocking so tightly with hers they’d never be separated. “My wife,” he whispered against her lips. “You hold my heart in your hands.”

Tears misted her gaze. “And you hold my soul in yours.”

“As I always will.” They’d be together until the very end, and he’d make certain of it.

Cradling her in his arms, he waited as his breathing settled and his pulse slowed. Gently, he carried her out of the water and laid her down on the tartan blanket, and throughout what remained of the night, he lavished more attention on every single inch of her.

’Twas the most enchanting night as he learned her body and what brought her the ultimate pleasure, and even though the first rays of dawn stole it from him, it would only be the first of many.

At dawn’s break, they rose and dressed.

Katherine donned one of his spare tunics and a pair of his breeches and though the pants were too big, she secured the soft cotton around her hips with a belt. The sight of her in his clothing stirred him, had him itching to undress her and take her all over again. Thank heavens the fae had bound her to him. He would have a lifetime to love her and he didn’t want to miss a moment of it.

After packing her gown away in his bag, she eyed him. “That’s one intriguing look on your face. What are you thinking?”

“That I adore the fae.” He tucked his shirttails into his leather trews and strapped his sword belt and weapons on.

“They’re a mischievous bunch, and I once heard from a very reliable source, that they like to tinker and play.” She passed him the bag and shook out their blanket.

“As well as provide missions.”

“I’m not sure I’m up for any more missions.”

“You’ll need to be. I have one of my own for you.” He ran his fingers through her silky white-blond hair and tidied her waist length locks as best as he could. “One I intend for us to undertake together.”

A mission that included their vows being spoken before a clergyman this day. ’Twas time to live his life with the woman of his dreams, and with her tucked under his shoulder, he returned, boarded their birlinn and set sail for Dunyvaig.

Aye, she was his woman. His faerie.

He’d keep her safe, and never let her go.