Highlander's Kiss (13 page)

At the forest’s edge, another group of warriors aimed their arrows at a white ribbon tied around a wide trunk a hundred feet distant. Each warrior stepped forward to take his turn with the bow. With impressive accuracy, arrow after arrow thunked into the thin strip of silk.

“I’ll go and join the training men before the evening meal. Catch you two later.” Tor nudged his destrier past them then galloped toward a makeshift corral of beams hammered between the trees.

Near the central blazing fire pit, two apron-clad women wearing brown woolen kirtles chopped vegetables and meat on a trestle table and tossed the food into two large blackened pots bubbling on the fire. The heavenly scent of seafood stew wafted around him as he pulled his horse to a halt next to Kirk and Cherub who’d dismounted and spoke to one of Gilleoin’s captains.

“Mmm, that smells delicious.” Julia rubbed her belly. “The dinner hour nears and I’m famished.”

“Wait there so I can aid you down.” He jumped from his horse, swung Julia from her mount and set her on her feet beside him. Holding her close, he stroked up and down her arms and reveled in being able to touch her so freely once more. “How are your legs?”

“My legs are fine since I ride often, and adore it.” She untied her brimmed hat and swished it back and forth with two fingers at her side. “Although I would like to freshen up.”

The wind lifted her golden locks and unable to help himself, he threaded his fingers through the long strands and breathed her white rose scent in. “Even though there are so many warriors swarming this area, you’re not to wander off on your own.”

“I am never alone, not now we have our merged link and you can reach me as you please.”

“Julia.” Cherub waved out. “Come and join me in the ladies’ tent.”

“Coming.” She reached up on her toes and kissed his cheek, her chest brushing his as she did. “I shall see you soon.”

“You will.” He grasped her bottom, his hands getting lost within the mountainous folds of her skirts as he kept her close. “I wish for a proper kiss before any parting.”

“That was proper.”

“Then I wish for an indecent one.” A peck on the cheek would never do.

“I think not.” Giggling, she slipped out of his arms and dashed across to Cherub.

“By the way,” he called out, “where you sleep, is where I sleep.”

“I would never expect aught less.” She smiled at him over her shoulder as she cut a path along the grassy forest verge toward the far tent, her beautiful blue eyes drawing him right inside her. Hell, he’d love to be able to take her away from here, to spend days upon days with her, just the two of them and preferably with no interruptions from the outside world. He missed their cavern.

Sighing, he scanned the area. Guardsmen patrolled the entire encampment. His mate would be perfectly safe here, even if not in his direct line of sight. It was time to find her parents—who damn well better be alive—and kick some enemy butt along the way.

Bringing Aleck and Adair home was the one plan he intended to see come to fruition. The sooner, the better.

Julia heaved the thick tent flap to one side and ducked inside after Cherub. Being separated from Tavish, no matter the short distance between them, sent unease churning through her. She crossed to the center pole, hung her hat on a hook then shrugged off her riding jacket and strung it over the top. “’Tis no’ easy being separated.”

“Give yourself a few minutes to get used to it. You’ve just completed the bond too which will make any separation particularly difficult.” Cherub wandered toward the corner pile of brown fur pelts, tossed her feathered bonnet onto a wooden crate holding a clay lamp next to it then plopped down on the furs. “Reach out to him along your link as you need to. I can assure you that he too shall be feeling the loss as you are.”

“
I miss you,”
she whispered to the man who she couldn’t imagine living without.

“
I miss you, too. Kirk’s counseling me on the intensity of the bond, on how best to deal with the new and strengthened emotions rolling through me.
”

“
What are his recommendations?
” More unease speared through her and she frowned. ’Twas as if Tavish were on the move, the distance between them growing farther by the second. “
Where are you?
”

“
Kirk and I are running a perimeter check. I’m deep in the woods and about to shift with him. Knowing what scents to expect in this area is vitally important to our bears. That way I can better ensure your protection, and that of our warriors in camp.
”

“
I see.
” She sat next to Cherub. “They’re running a perimeter check.”

“Kirk just informed me too. Shifters are driven by their bears. Their need to ensure our protection rides them hard.” Cherub shuffled around and faced her. With her legs crossed under her navy skirts, she rested her hands in her lap. “Let’s talk about the days ahead and the best way to move forward in finding your parents. We’ll search each and every one of the MacKenzie’s holdings by air.”

“What is the greatest number of people you can move through the skies?”

“I’ve transported as many as six afore, but I could push to seven, mayhap even eight. Truly, it comes down to however many can hold onto me. That is the number I can safely transport.”

“Does doing so sap your strength?”

“A little, but naught I cannae handle. A short rest in between trips allows me to recuperate sufficiently.” Frowning, she squeezed her fingers. “These coming days will be difficult, particularly since we’ll be crossing the enemy’s land, but we’ll return here to the camp each night and ensure we have a safe place to rest. Never forget you’ll have all of us by your side and there is naught we wouldnae do for you. I pray that Aleck and Adair live, that we’ll find them safe and well.”

“It feels as if the hundred yards I can offer in pinpointing them mightn’t be enough.”

“Yet we shall make the most of it and ensure that hundred yards works in our favor. ’Tis better to have you on hand than to be searching for them with complete blindness. Can you tell the difference between each of their auras?”

“Both are a gentle hum, although my mother’s is slightly higher in tune.”

“
Julia?
”

“
I’m here.
”

“
Sorry, I just needed to hear your voice again.
”

“
Where are you now?
”

“
Trailing the forest’s edge. There are four guards positioned along this line of the border, not enough. Once we return, Kirk will dispatch another four men to double the number.
”

“
Be careful as you track.
”

“
I shall.
”

“Mayhap we too need to stretch our legs as our men are doing.” Cherub rose to her feet and tugged her to hers as she did. “There is a glorious loch no’ far from here, one I’ve swam in a number of times. Let’s take a walk and enjoy the fresh air afore dinner is served.”

“I’d love that.” And she couldn’t be in more capable hands. No one came up against the Fae Angel of Love and won the battle.

Cherub opened the tent’s flap, peered outside then grinned over her shoulder at her. “All is clear.”

“Are we supposed to be sneaking out?” The sun lowered further, dancing along the edge of the horizon.

“I sneak everywhere. ’Tis habit, and I dinnae doubt that Kirk has asked a guard to watch over us.” Cherub cloaked them both as they stepped out of the tent. “Let’s enjoy this moment of freedom while we can.”

“You are a terrible influence on me.” She couldn’t help but smile. “A terribly good influence.” Her heart lightened as they left the tent behind. The wind rose and blew all around and the clanging of swords dulled as they moved deeper into the woods. Overhead, through the odd gap in the dense foliage, a last flare of brilliant red lit the skies as the dark descended. An owl hooted somewhere up ahead and she ducked underneath a low branch and gasped. Surrounded by towering trees, a beautiful loch, small and private and perfectly round, shimmered with the reflection of the rising moon over its smooth, glossy surface. Stars twinkled high above and added to the enchanting scene.

Along the water’s edge, they wandered, the odd boulder protruding from the embankment of soft moss. At the far side, a rocky ledge curved around the edge with tall pine and elm trees rising strongly behind it. “This loch is beautiful.”

“Even more so than I remember.” Cherub lifted her skirts, bounded up onto the ledge and held out a hand.

She accepted the help, hopped up beside Cherub and after toeing her riding boots off, she scrunched her violet skirts to her knees and sat on the stony edge. With her feet dangling in the cool water, she softly sighed. “This is why we fight so fiercely to hold this border, to keep these kinds of lochs and hidden treasures within our hands.”

“Aye, the MacKenzie is driven by his greed to have it all, but we’ll never hand one inch of our land over to him.” Cherub plopped down next to her, her vivid aura beaming a sweetly precious white glow with gold sparks rimming the edge. Cherub’s aura tugged toward the east, suddenly and quite strongly, as did her own aura of rainbow colors.

“I believe we’re about to have company, bear company.”

“Are you sure?” Cherub glanced all about.

“I’m very sure.”

“Drat.” Cherub frowned then shook her head. “They are very smart bears with a homing beacon that points directly toward us. Although I still cannae believe they found us quite so quickly.”

A low growl rumbled then two big bears, their pelts a stunning silky black, lumbered out of the thick tree line and prowled toward them, their noses to the air.

The bear in the front, who had to be Kirk, rose up onto his hind legs, slapped his paws down on the top of the ledge and heaved himself up. He brushed in behind Cherub and she turned, wrapped one arm around his neck and rubbed her cheek against his. “My mate is currently telling me off.” Cherub winked at her. “What of yours?”

“
You shouldn’t be here, Julia.
” Tavish’s bear clomped toward her, his golden gaze targeted on her and no other. He bounded into the water before making the ledge and disappeared under its darkened surface. A flare of bright lights deep within the water shone then her man emerged right in front of her, the water lapping the golden skin at his waist. He shook his wet head and drops flew.

She giggled and wiped her face. “I’m with Cherub, which means I’m perfectly safe, as you well know.”

“Thank you, Julia.” Cherub stood and hands to her hips, eyed Kirk in his bear form. “See, at least there is someone here who appreciates that I’ve lived over a thousand years and looked after myself and my kin the entire time.”

Kirk prodded Cherub’s hand with his muzzle then lapped her palm.

“Dinnae try and sweet talk your way out of this argument, my tempting bear.”

Kirk’s bear nibbled on her fingertips.

“Or eat me. I am no’ your next meal.” She dipped her head and kissed the top of his furry head. “Goodness, you are hard to stay angry at for long.” Cherub glanced at her. “Mates are beyond impossible at times. I’ll speak to you later. Kirk wishes for some alone time afore the evening meal.”

“Thank you for bringing me here.”

“You are most welcome. On the morrow, we shall head out at first light and begin our search. Be ready, both of you.” Cherub nodded at Tavish, cloaked both her and Kirk in his bear form and in a rush of wind, swept out over the loch. Their auras disappeared into the dark, the beautiful streams twirling around and blending together until they whisked away on the wind.

Leaning in, Tavish set his hands down on the ledge either side of her, the water beading on his chest and running in rivulets down. “Some alone time with you is exactly what I need as well.”

“Where are your clothes?” She pressed one hand to his warm chest, the heat he emitted washing over her.

“Within the trees.” He pointed to the closest and tallest of the massive pine trees. “Just a little way past that one. Care to join me for a dip?”

“I’m under doctor’s orders not to get my stitches wet.” She nuzzled his cheek where she sat and the sizzling red edge around his white aura exploded with a hungry blaze of starburst gold.

“I’ll make sure you don’t defy your doctor’s orders and get your head wet, the rest of you, not so much.” He eased her shirt hem free of the waistband of her riding skirt and lifted her shirt over her head. The cool night air brushed her skin and puckered her nipples. Gently, he eased her breasts together and licked the puckered tips with a hearty swipe and a fierce growl. “Rid yourself of your skirt as well. I’ll be able to scent if anyone approaches. We’re safe here, well out of sight.”

“As you wish.” She rose to her feet, tugged the ties of her riding skirt open and shoved her heavy skirts to the ground. She stepped over them and halted as Tavish’s golden gaze devoured her, from her head to her toes and everywhere in between.

Heat shimmered through her, a wash of warmth that pooled between her thighs and made him sniff and let out a hearty growl. Claws slicing out and in, he slid his hands around her calves and hauled her forward. She toppled over the edge and fell into his arms. Laughing, she wound her hands around his neck. “It appears you intend on taking advantage of me.”

“Absolutely.” With her cradled against his chest, he slogged through the water toward the mossy bank, the darkened surface rippling outward and the cool water lapping at her breasts. Carefully, he sat her on the embankment, tipped her shoulders back onto the moss and swept his hands under her bottom then dragged her forward a touch. With a sizzling touch, he caressed her lower cheeks. “I’ve always been one to make every opportunity count, and right now I’ve a desperate need to be as one with you.”

“As I have with you.” She speared her fingers through his wet hair and nipped his lower lip. “This is the second most magical place in the world, the first our cavern. I wish to discover every magical place there is on this land, and only with you.”

“Then that’s what we’ll do.” He eased in between her legs, his erection rising out of the water, the plump head deepening to a rich plum color that had her licking her lips.

“You’re my fierce protector.” She rocked against him, her shoulders resting on the spongy moss as her lower body dipped under the water.

“You’re so beautiful, your body a feast I long to indulge in.” Head down, he ran his tongue around one nipple then the other. The aureoles beaded further and with one hot stroke across each sensitive tip, he sent a bolt of heat straight to her core and made her whimper with need.

“Again,” she pleaded.

“I love it when you get all demanding.” He grinned then swirled his tongue around the tip, his heated touch so deliciously divine.

“I never want this moment to end.” The sight of his mouth on her, his silky wet hair brushing her skin and the moonlight streaming over them from above, sent her desire for him soaring.

“I can sense what you need along our link. Brace yourself, my love, because I intend to send you catapulting to the stars.” He sucked her nipple deep inside his mouth and a torrent of tingles raced through her.

“That feels sooo good. Your touch sends me to another realm all unto itself.” She traced the ridged bands of his belly. Hard muscles honed to perfection rippled, layer upon layer, and as she brushed the head of his cock, his shaft, so thick and long, pulsed in her hand. Slowly, she caressed the tip then fondled him all the way to the base and palmed his balls as they tightened and drew upward.

“You own me, every inch of me.” His big arms bunched around her. “I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

“As you own me.” She squirmed forward, brought them closer together and rubbed her breasts against his chest. The smattering of dark hair tickled and tightened her nipples and she sighed with delight. “Mmm, this I love. Kiss me, Tavish. I miss having your mouth on mine.”

He captured her mouth, his kiss long and dreamy, the stars above them twinkling in and around the moon and adding to the beauty of the moment. Goodness, she needed him, so badly.