His Heart's Desire (25 page)

With a plan in mind, she turned on the light and blinked at the brightness. Her eyes were immediately drawn to the sketches of Braden. Her trip this last time to Scotland had netted her a great deal, including the old drawing of her love. These were now her talismans and she looked in awe at the oldest one that came closest to matching the portrait she’d loved since a little girl. The same portrait she’d carried with her all those months ago when she’d gone to Scotland with the intention of exorcizing him from her life an
d heart so she
could
find love.

She quickly dressed in a skirt and peasant blouse, then grabbed her Louis backpack and move to the wall where the sketches now hung. She took them down and once again rolled them carefully, before slipping them into her bag. She also grabbed the family book and tucked it in beside the drawings. Although it was the middle of the night, she called Summer and asked if she’d be willing to take care of Snaggle, then grabbed her keys and bag and headed into the night.

Cat pulled Constance’s card from her pocket and noted the address. After she walked three blocks, she began to wonder if she’d find Morgana at home. Dodging a group of women who sounded like they were celebrating a birthday, she turned onto Bourbon Street and continued on her way, darting and weaving through massive crowds partying and having a good time. On every street corner she noticed a horse-mounted patrol person watching over the festivities with what looked like controlled boredom.

When she came to the corner where The Cat’s Meow was located, she walked a half a block further until she came to Mystic Morgana. She smothered the laugh that wanted to erupt at the whimsical name for such a black-hearted person.

That wasn’t fair and in normal circumstances, Cat acknowledged she would probably feel sorry for the woman. But these weren’t normal circumstances, and Cat had her own issues. And it was Morgana’s fault she was in this mess. Actually, she had more issues than
Vogue
and
Vanity Fair
magazines combined, but that was neither here nor there. She hoped to rectify that soon.

Ringing the doorbell, she waited for a response. Cupping her hands next to her eyes, she peered into the dark store, noting the various crystals and candles and other items used for both voodoo and Wicca. Impatient, she sat on the ringer. Cat heard the bell and knew that if they were
in there, they could hear her.

Glancing at her watch she noted that it was almost midnight, the witching hour, and her excitement and anxiety warred within her making her stomach a little nauseous.

She conceded that it was very possible they were out having a good time and she’d have to return the next day. But, darn it all, she was ready to go now. She had no idea if Morgana had to prepare for such a spell, or even if there was a spell that would do what she needed.

In the process of turning and going home, a light clicked on in the back and Cat waited anxiously as sh
e spied Morgana coming her way.

“Well, this is a change. How much did you have to drink to work up the courage to come here?”

“I’ll have you know that I’m sober and it may have taken awhile but I concede that I was behaving rashly when I sent you away the other day.”

Morgana stood with her hands on her hips staring at her, as if she’d grown a second or maybe third head. “What can I do for you?”

Cat wet her lower lip. “I need to talk to you.”

Morgana studied her for a moment before she opened the door wide enough for Cat to pass. Now that she was face-to-face with her nemesis, it was proving a little more difficult to ask this than she thought it would.

Morgana wended her way through the shelves and back to the beaded curtain. She held them back and indicated Cat should climb the rather steep stairs. With a mental shrug Cat did so and stepped into a very spacious room. Constance was sitting on a floral couch watching re-runs of the
Golden Girls
.

“Cat. What are you doing here?” She stood and padded over to her.

“I’m sorry to be calling so late but when this idea hit me, I didn’t bother to check the time.”

“Sit. Sit. Can I get you anything to drink?” Constance asked.

“Oh, for God’s sake, Connie, she isn’t here for a social visit. I have a feeling this is strictly a professional one.”

Cat bristled at Morgana’s unfriendly tone and decided to ignore her for the moment. Instead, she addressed Constance’s question. “No, thank you.”

Constance offered a smile and indicated for her to take a seat. Constance followed suit by sitting in a bean bag chair.

“So what brings you to our doorstep? Did hell freeze over and I didn’t get the weather bulletin?”

“No. I was thinking tonight and I wanted to ask you how it was Meagan got swept back in time with Alec.”

Morgana shrugged her shoulders. “She was locked in an embrace and, since these things are scientific, I assume she was bonded to the spell with her boyfriend.”

“Hmm. And you said you sent them directly back to the moment of their ambush?”

“Yes.”

“Okay, how did you do that? Pinpoint the time and all that?”

Morgana crossed her arms. “Are you asking me about my trade secrets? Because no self-respecting conjuror gives away their technique.”

Cat prayed for patience. “I think you owe me this much. Answering my questions doesn’t cost you a thing.”

“Tell her, Morgana, or I will.”

Morgana huffed a sigh and sat down on a ladder-back chair. “Our ancestor, the original Morgana, kept a detailed journal of what happened. I used this when formulating my spell.”

“Could you perform a spell that would send me back in time to the exact moment I would have died?”

Constance gasped. “Do you have any idea how dangerous that could be? You could be killed the instant you materialize.”

“I know that, but it’s the only way I can think to spend my life with Braden. Since Cruella over there,” she nodded her head in Morgana’s direction, “saw fit to take him away from me, I’m willing to do what I can to be with him.”

Constance clasped her hands to her heart. “That’s so romantic.”

“It’s so stupid is what it is,” Morgana intoned with a bored voice.

“Can you help me or not?” Cat asked.

“You understand that I can’t guarantee total success. You could be dropped down after the ambush is over, you could die the moment you arrive but, most importantly, once you’re there, it’s for good. I can’t bring you back.”

Cat listened to what she said. She’d already acknowledged these risks earlier but hearing them spoken caused her a moment of panic. She looked from one sister to the other and nodded. “I understand. Can you help me?”

Morgana took her measure before she, too, nodded her head. “Yes, I can.”

Constance clapped her hands together. “This is so romantic. And, Morgana, you’ll feel ever so much better once you set to rights what you broke. You watch, it’s a karma thing.”

Morgana went downstairs and came back a few moments later and laid out various candles and lit some incense. She stood before Cat and warned. “This is your last chance to say no before I start. Once I start, I can’t stop the spell and if you so much as mutter, it could throw the whole thing off and you could end up in the Dark Ages.”

“I understand.”

Morgana then lit the five candles she’d brought up. Constance stood beside her sister and they linked hands and began to chant in Latin. At first Cat didn’t feel anything except the burning of her nostrils from the incense. But soon still gave away to a breeze and a breeze turned to a mini-cyclone, whipping her hair around her face. A roaring took the place of the calming chant and Cat was assailed by dizziness. She fought to stay upright but began to feel herself losing the battle. The last thing she felt was the sensation of falling; lights passed by in a dizzying circle, her stomach dropped like it did the last time she’d made the mistake of getting on that rollercoaster at the parish fair. Wind whistled past her head and fatigue pulled at her. She closed her eyes and prayed for a soft landing.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

Cat awoke in the middle of white heather. The sweet, yet spicy scent of the blooms instantly soothed her. The sun hung high and shone brightly and the air was chilled but smelled clean. So very clean. Big white clouds scudded across a sky so blue she’d never seen the likes of it before. She rested there in her bed of heather, trying to make sense of where she was. Carefully she wiggled her fingers and toes, realizing that nothing had broken in her fall. Beside her was a worn satchel. She flipped the thing open and spied her treasures.

The ringing of metal against metal caused her to sit up. Her head spun in dizzying circles and she brought her hand to her head and pulled it back, seeing blood. Her blood. Never one to be able to deal with blood and guts, the gentle spinning of her head caused nausea to burn like acid in her throat. What the hell happened to her?

She must have passed out again because the next time she woke it was to find herself cradled in strong arms. Heat from the man’s body radiated through her, chasing the chill from her sore muscles. She felt as if she’d done some serious Pilates after climbing a huge mountain. There wasn’t one muscle group that didn’t ache. She made a mental note to start hitting the gym.

“I think
she’s coming around, Braden.”

That voice. She knew that voice. She forced her eyes open and squinted against the bright sunlight. Turning her head, she gazed into the dark brown eyes she’d loved. “Braden?”

“Aye, lass.”

Tears welled in her eyes and burned her throat. The spell had worked. She’d traveled back in time. She sat up with help and threw her arms around Braden the moment she was upright. He crushed her to his chest and she welcomed the tight hold. Nothing had ever felt so good, so right. “You’re alive,” she whispered, as tears slipped down her cheeks.

Braden pulled back and cupped her face. “What did you do, lass? How did you survive the killing blow?” He gently touched the painful knot on her forehead.

Cat didn’t know how to answer this question. Did Braden remember their past? Did he remember coming to the future? She had to tread carefully because she didn’t want to be accused of witchcraft. All her good intentions to broach this carefully slipped away like fog under the burning sun. Unbidden, her words slipped from her parted lips. “You remember coming to my time, right? You remember being trapped in the fade and using a painting as a portal to me?”

He bent and kissed her mouth. She tasted whiskey and something else smoky and sensual. He tasted like her Braden. He gently rested his forehead against hers. “Aye, mo chridh, I remember it all. And the painful separation.”

Cat nodded. “After you disappeared with Alec and Meagan, I grieved. Lord above, how I mourned you. I could do nothing but cry. I’ve never hurt so bad in all my life. But at the same time I refused to believe I’d lost you. No one remembered you, the painting was gone and I didn’t have a picture of you. Summer didn’t know who Meagan was and I couldn’t believe you’d all vanished without a trace. I even went so far as to return to Scotland and tried to find a way to get you back. Elspeth didn’t remember you and the castle wasn’t open to visitors anymore. But I met your family.” She smiled. “Braden, Ciaran who was Alec, and Katherine who looked exactly like Meagan were there, but they weren’t you. Before I left, Braden gave me something.” She held up her hand. The ring glinte
d and sparkled in the sunlight.

“You have my ring?” Braden brought her hand to his mouth. “I love you, Catrìona. You’re my heart’s desire. No one but you.” He took tender possession of her mouth, claiming her as his own. She relished the feel of his lips against hers. This kiss was better than any they’d shared yet. This was a kiss of homecoming. Her heart had finally come home.

They broke apart and Braden placed a kiss on her sore head. “I want to get you home to Castle Ross before dark. Come.” He stood with her in his arms and made his way to his horse. Carefully he handed her to Alec, so he could mount the beast with ease. Once he was astride, Alec handed her up to him.

“Welcome home, lass. Meagan will be ecstatic to see you.”

“Thank you, Alec.”

Cat looked from him to the surrounding land. From this vantage point she had a good view of the clearing. A battle had been waged and bodies littered the field.

“Don’t look there, Catrìona.”

“But this is where you were ambushed; I died here the last time.”

“You didn’t die this time and that’s what’s important.” Braden hugged her close before wrapping her with his plaid.

“No, no, I didn’t.” She turned. “Is Meagan adjusting well?”

“Aye. She and Alec are married now.”

Cat’s heart was light. “Where is she?”

“At the keep, awaiting our return.”

Cat’s head was aching and she was tired. Deciding it would be best if she got a little sleep, she rested her head against Braden’s chest. His heartbeat
lulled her to her sweet dreams.

Sounds of activity roused Cat from her little nap. Carefully lifting her head, she gazed about in wonder. Castle Ross stood majestically before them. The inner bailey was abuzz with commotion and cheers rent the air as their laird rode proud
ly to the center of his people.

“I have successfully brought you your mistress. Catrìona MacDougall will soon be my wife and you will honor her as I do. If she gives a command, you will
obey as if I gave the command.”

Cat startled at his words. She never expected such a public declaration. Her gaze must have given her thoughts away because Braden leaned down and whispered softly, “’Tis the way things are done here in my time.”

She nodded in acceptance while she watched the people of Ross land cheer and celebrate. They seemed actually pleased that she’d arrived.

“Do they not care of my half-English blood?”

“Nae, lass. What matters to the people of Clan Ross is the goodness within a person’s heart.”

“So simple.”

“Aye, not everything in life is meant to be difficult.”

Braden slipped from the mount and held out his arms for her. She slid into them with ease and was surprised when he claimed her lips in a quick kiss in front of his clansmen.

Without ceremony, he made his way up to the immense oaken doors and made his way into the great hall. Two huge stone fireplaces sat at either end of the room, doing little to dispel the coolness of the air.

Everyone stopped speaking upon the return of the laird. Everyone, that is, except Meagan. She squeal
ed and rushed over to his side.

“Cat! You’re here!” Meagan wrapped her arms around her friend. Cat did the same, so glad to see she was safe.

“What are you doing here, Meags?”

“Living, if you can believe it!” she laughed. “Oh, I’m so happy to see you here.”

Cat was equally thrilled to see her best friend. Somehow this made everything better.

There was so much Cat wanted to ask Meagan but a quick look over her shoulder proved that, although Braden was normally a patient man, she didn’t think he was going to let the two women play catch-up. And frankly, Cat was more interested in finishing her reunion with the man she had defied time to reach.

Braden took any decision she was about to make out of her hands. He swung her back up into his arms and Cat had just enough time to tell her friend she’d speak with her later.

Not stopping, he moved to a series of stairs she hadn’t seen before. Each time she’d been in the castle before, eight hundred years had pa
ssed. Things changed over time.

Braden carried her down a long corridor lit with torches then entered an expansive room. Cat inhaled deeply and his scent was everywhere. This was his personal space.

“You must be tired and I want you well rested for the upcoming night. I went without having you in my arms for too long to let another night pass without holding you close.”

Cat shivered at the promise in his voice. “I guess this is the ending of our journeys.”

Braden smiled. “Didn’t you know that an ending is a new beginning wearing a disguise?” He kissed her.

When she came up for air, she smiled. “No, I wasn’t aware of that. Thank you for clarifying for me.” She smiled and traced a finger down his dear face.

A knock at the door caused Braden to turn and call, “Enter.”

“Pardon me, my laird, but will you be requiring anything right now?”

Braden gave Cat a searching look before he smiled. “Aye, have the bathing tub I designed brought up and have it filled. My lass requires a bath.”

The very thought of a warm soak excited her a great deal. She could only imagine how nice it would feel against her bruised and battered body. “How did you know I’d desire a soak?”

“I know you, Catrìona. Heart, mind, body and soul.”

His words offered comfort. Even though she’d traveled a great deal to be with him, a small part of her had worried that his personality might have changed or that their circumstances would have a great affect on their relationship.

Three men struggled under the weight of what looked like a claw-footed tub. Her gasp of surprise caused Braden to look at her. “Are you all right, lass?”

She nodded but couldn’t say anything. Already this time period would be easier to deal with since she had her bathtub. “How
. . . how did you do this and why?”

Braden leaned over and spoke in a hushed voice so as not to be overheard by his clansmen. “I enjoyed this particular item in your time; I wanted one for myself. It took months to craft but was well worth the time and effort.”

Soon maids were carting up steaming buckets of water, filling the tub with delicious heat.

When the last bucket was poured, the maid turned. “Do you require anything else, laird?”

“Nae. See that we aren’t disturbed.”

The door closed quietly behind her and Braden turned with fire burning in his expressive dark brown eyes. “Your soak awaits you, my love.”

Cat stood and divested herself of her period clothes. She couldn’t come up with the name for the long dress she wore and she fingered the fabric, surprised by how finely woven the item was. With a mental shrug she put the dress down on the bed and raised her head.

Braden stood beside the tub and the look he was giving her set her blood boiling. The carnal promise in his eyes took her breath away. For the first time she studied him in return, noting the bare expanse of chest, chiseled and manly, and it made her mouth water. He was without a doubt the sexiest man she’d ever seen, and he was hers.

She held his gaze as she walked over to him, nude and exposed, enjoying the almost feral look in his eyes. When she was close enough to feel the heat of his body touching her skin, she trailed a finger down his chest. A light sheen of sweat covered his skin. Braden’s muscles twitched under her caress and, emboldened by his response, she leaned over and kissed him right above his heart. His sweat and personal scent mingled into a potent aphrodisiac and she had to hold herself back from wrapping her body around his. Instead, she pulled back and stepped into the beckoning water.

Slipping beneath the silky water, she sighed in appreciation and rested her head against the back of the tub.

“You’re so beautiful.” Braden knelt beside the tub and when she opened her eyes, she knew her bath was not going to be like she had thought it would. Suddenly it was going to be better. So much better.

*
* *

Braden couldn’t keep himself from touching her and he leaned over the side of the tub and claimed her mouth with a burning hunger. His tongue traced the fullness of her bottom lip before he explored the sweet recesses of her mouth.

He felt as though she gave herself over to the kiss. It was explosive and she wanted to be closer to him. She raised her arms up and put them around his neck, pulling him closer.

Braden’s lips demanded no quarter and he wanted to have them as close to her as he possibly could. He didn’t want anything coming between them, even if it was a bathtub. Without a second thought, he scooped her out of the tub and pulled her up against his chest. He then turned and headed toward his bed. When they reached the raised dais, he placed her in the center of the bed and pulled back long enough to shed his wet plaid. He then crawled up alongside her and pulled her back into his arms. His mouth took control of hers again, devouring her. He nibbled
, sipped, and ate at her mouth.

Cat reveled in Braden’s passion. He seared her and left her burning for more. She was more aroused at that moment then she had ever been. She felt his rock hard erection against her stomach and squirmed against him, trying to ease the ache that was building at her center.

“Mo chridh . . . slow down,” Braden groaned, before he reclaimed her lips in another soul-stealing kiss, his hips flexing with the same movement as his tongue.

Cat didn’t want to wait another minute. Slow was not how she wanted it right at that moment. She spread her legs and gently cradled Braden against her femininity. She needed, wanted him deep inside her. She gripped his buttocks and undulated underneath him, then pulled him home.

They both moaned at the sensations that speared through them at Braden’s penetration. They rocked against each other, both enjoying the feeling of being as close to each other as possible.