Highlander's Kiss (5 page)

“If you remained at my side, neither my bear or I would have an issue.” Tavish swept in beside her, pushed open the door and motioned for her to move ahead of him into the great hall.

A good hundred of his clansmen sat eating at trestle tables, their boisterous chatter lightening her heart. “Now, this is wonderful to see. There are so many shifters. In my time, there is only Gilleoin and his two sons, my cousins, Kenneth and Ivan.”

“Ivan’s line alone lives here at Ivanson, while in this time Kenneth’s firstborn line continues to hold Matheson Castle, your home.” He captured her hand and slipped it through his crooked arm. “We have around two-hundred clansmen in all, although not all are present here today.”

“Where are the others?”

“Many are out and about seeing to their duties. We have specialist teams who work high level government cases. Even though we keep our shifter status to ourselves, there are a few trusted people outside of our clan who are aware of what we can do and keep our secret.” He leaned closer. “Our numbers are slowly dwindling though. Unfortunately it’s been over five years since our last clan birth.”

“Isla is expecting twins with Iain, so your clan shall have two new births in a few short months.” She slid her fingers down to his wrist and tangled them with his. She shouldn’t touch him so, except she just couldn’t help herself and his aura calmed when she did. Easing his frustration seemed to ease hers. “Iain and Isla are currently in Stirling with Gilleoin and Kenneth, as well as with Nessa. Iain and Isla were so eager to see all that they could while the chance presented itself.”

“What took them all to Stirling?”

“Gilleoin was summoned by William, the King of Scots, and had no choice but to go and attend him. He left Finlay and Kirk in charge of his castle and lands until he returns. They are doing a most admirable job. One can tell they are your chief’s sons.”

“All three of Michael’s sons are born leaders.” He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her fingertips. “I still want to kiss you.”

“I’m sure the urge will abate.” It had better, otherwise she might very well begin giving into him since she liked his touch so much. She turned her attention back on those within the great hall. Ahead at the dais, Michael Matheson, the Chief of Clan Matheson, sat dressed in a tan leather vest over a collared shirt, his sword gleaming at his side. Megan sat next to him in a cherry-colored ankle-length skirt and blouse. Kirk sat near his father, his plate brimming with slices of cooked meat and bread and he cut a sliver of meat and fed it to Cherub.

“Come and choose what you’d like to eat then we’ll sit with Kirk and Cherub.” Tavish steered her toward a side table filled with an array of steaming foods. He picked up two plates and passed her one then loaded his plate with crispy bacon, hot scrambled eggs and cooked tomato slices. She selected the same, although a much smaller portion. With her plate filled, Tavish set a hand at her back and guided her across the room to the dais and pulled out a chair for her next to Cherub. She set her plate down while Tavish sat next to her and Tor sat on his other side.

Cherub smiled and squeezed her hand, the sleeves of her regal plum gown accented with gold satin fluttering over her wrists. “How do you fare this morn?”

“I’m very well. Tavish stitched my wound and I felt not a pinch of pain as he did.” She leaned closer, lowered her tone. “Although I’m afraid Tavish seems to be under the impression that we’re mated, even though his aura tells me otherwise.”

“His aura does no’ tug toward yours or vice versa?” she whispered back.

“Aye, that is exactly what I’m saying.”

“How strange.” Cherub appeared confused. “Do you feel aught toward him? I ask that because the air itself brings me the secrets it holds, including the call of those who are soul bound. A few days past I actually caught Tavish’s soul’s need for yours, and I’ve yet to be led astray.”

“You did?” She snuck a look at Tavish. He and Tor spoke to each other and she breathed out then leaned back toward Cherub. “Well, I must admit I do feel desire for him, but I cannae tell him that. ’Twould only raise his hopes. One’s aura does no’ lie, or at least not an honorable man’s aura. Tavish is clearly honorable.”

“Hmm.” Cherub patted her hand. “Let me think on this new development a little and I’ll see what I can uncover.” She straightened then motioned toward Kirk’s parents. “You’ve met Michael and Megan afore.”

“Of course.” She smiled at them. “Thank you for the clothes, Megan, but with Cherub’s return for me, I shall no’ be needing them. Michael, I would love to see your home but I fear I willnae be here long enough to do so.”

“Since you’re mated to Tavish, I’m sure there will be here plenty of time over the coming days and weeks ahead for you to see everything.” Michael cut into his sausage and took a bite. “You’re always welcome at Ivanson Castle. I hope you’ll now consider it your home.”

“I heartily agree with that welcome.” Smiling, Megan picked up the tea pot in the center of the table and filled a cup and passed it to her. “I can’t wait to show you and Arabel around, that’s when Cherub finally brings my new daughter-in-law here for a visit. There’s honey in the bowl before you if you wish your tea sweetened, my dear. Milk is in the jug.”

“Thank you.” It seemed everyone believed she and Tavish were soul bound, his word alone ensuring it was so. And Cherub too had sensed the bond. She added a spoonful of honey to her tea and sipped the sweet brew as she mulled it all over.

Cherub nudged her knife and fork toward her. “You need to eat, then we need to talk further about why Kirk and I are actually here. There’s been a development since you last left, one regarding Colin and Jeremiah MacKenzie.”

“I can eat while we talk.” She picked up her fork, speared a bacon slice, chewed and motioned for Cherub to continue. If there’d been a development with their enemy, she wished to hear about it.

“I’m afraid I bring some quite startling news. We received a missive from Colin MacKenzie and in it he states”—she cleared her throat—“that your parents are alive.”

“Surely you jest?” She dropped her fork and it clattered against her plate. “What kind of game does Colin MacKenzie think to play?”

“Those were my thoughts exactly when I first read the missive.”

“What’s going on?” Tavish slid an arm around her shoulders, his full attention on her. “You’re very tense.”

“Cherub has received a missive from Colin MacKenzie and in it he states my parents are alive. A lie for certain.”

“There’s no chance his words could be true?” He glanced at Cherub for confirmation.

“’Tis unlikely, Tavish, although we cannae discount MacKenzie’s new demand. Earlier this morn, Kirk and I actually visited the MacKenzie’s lair and ran another full and complete sweep of his dungeons and keep. There was no sign of Aleck or Adair.” Cherub set her elbows on the table and pressed her hands together. “The only thing we know for certain is that the MacKenzie wishes to hold supremacy over us, in whatever way he can. He also wants to ensure fae blood runs in his direct line, which is why his demand included a request that Julia be wed to Jeremiah in a marriage of alliance afore her parents are released.”

“I wish to see this missive.” She needed to read Colin MacKenzie’s demand for herself.

“Of course. I brought it with me.” Cherub pulled a folded piece of parchment from her pocket, one wrinkled from being scrunched up and handed it to her. “Finlay has spoken to Arabel and she is both furious and distressed. She worries for you and what you might do.”

“My sister knows my feelings well. If our parents live then I will do whatever it takes to free them.” She unfolded the parchment and read,

“
A marriage of alliance is what I seek. Bring Gilleoin’s niece to me, the aura reader Julia, and following her marriage to my son Jeremiah, I shall forthwith return Aleck and Adair Matheson into your hands.

You have a fortnight to answer this summons. Expect their death if you dinnae.
”

Julia tapped the paper. “’Tis all as you’ve said, Cherub, although any possible marriage of alliance will never bring a halt to the war between our clans. MacKenzie must certainly know that.”

“There also isn’t a chance I’ll allow you to marry another man.” Tavish plucked her from her chair and dragged her onto his lap. “That I can promise you.” His aura spiked with black, his anger rising hard and fast. “Do we understand each other?”

“I miss my parents, Tavish.” Hot tears burned behind her eyes. “Even though I’ve no desire for a marriage of alliance, if there’s the slightest chance the MacKenzie has spoken the truth and they’re actually alive, then I would do whatever it took to see them freed. There is less pain in accepting an unwanted marriage than in losing my parents all over again.”

“I feared this would be what you’d say.” Cherub sniffed as tears pooled in her own eyes. “Even though we found no sign of your parents at the MacKenzie’s keep, we still need to search our enemy’s lands. They spread from Loch Alsh all the way across the mountainous plateau to Loch Broom in the north. Colin MacKenzie has holdings elsewhere too, as well as alliances with other clans with whom he might have asked to hold his captives for him. So too all we have is a fortnight in which to find them.”

“A fortnight will have to be enough.” She rolled her shoulders and firmed her resolve. She’d do whatever it took to discover the truth. “Cherub, you’re aware I can hear the gentle hum of my parents’ auras when they’re close. I’d never mistake the sound for another’s. I need to be present when the search begins.”

“How close do you need to be to hear the hum?” Cherub squeezed her hand.

“Quite close, within a hundred yards.” She snuck off Tavish’s lap and pulled Cherub to her feet. “We must go. There is little time to waste.”

* * * *

“Wait.” Tavish shoved to his feet. There wasn’t a chance he’d let Julia go anywhere without him, not now he’d finally found her. “I’m coming.”

“I willnae pull you away from your kin. Your clansmen need you. You’re their doctor.”

“Don’t you feel the strength of the mated bond already taking a firm hold between us?” He cupped her cheeks in his hands and looked deep into her eyes. “Where you are, is where I need to be.”

“I—I—” Such pain and anguish swirled within her gaze. “I’m sorry.” She snuck in behind Cherub. “We must leave, with all haste.”

“I agree.” Cherub winked at him, and far too impishly for his liking. “Tavish, ’tis time to see if you two are truly soul bound. I highly recommend you dinnae fight the pull. We will need your aid in this search if you’re willing to offer it.”

“Of course I’ll offer my aid, and what pull?”

“Cherub, this isn’t a good idea.” Kirk stood, his sword gleaming in a baldric across his back as he snagged one arm around Cherub’s waist. “We need to take Tavish with us. A mated male knows when he’s found his chosen one, and by the way, you really should have told me these two were mated.”

“I’m thinking only of Tavish right now, my tempting bear. ’Tis all about the chase, remember?” Cherub disappeared, right along with Kirk and Julia. They vanished, right into thin air.

He was up for any chase.

The wind swirled and the front doors flew open and banged shut.

Now he knew exactly what pull Cherub referred to, the pull of the vortex which would take him through time. He raced outside in full pursuit, Tor one step behind him. In the center of the inner courtyard, dust churned into a swirling mass. Sprinting, he yelled into the rush of wind, “Tor, I have to follow where she leads.”

“Then I’m coming along for the trip.”

He dove into the dark abyss, Tor right at his side, just as he’d always been in life. The churning darkness swept him and his brother away. He’d never allow Julia to escape him, not even through time itself. His hunt for his mated one had begun and it was a chase he’d never relinquish. Finding Julia and completing the bond with her would drive him. She was his chosen one and he intended to prove it to her, however he must.

Lightning slashed and thunder boomed within the pitch black. The wind heaved and twirled Tavish about. Traveling over eight-hundred years into the past would be a trip unlike any he’d ever experienced before. Searching within the misty gloom, he saw not a soul, not even his brother who’d been right beside him as he’d jumped. “Julia! Tor!”

“Here.” Tor flew toward him and clasped his forearm. “It seems we’ve lost the others.”

“I also don’t know exactly how long we’ll be in this vortex, or where we’ll come out. I’ll need your aid in finding my woman.”

“You’ll always have it.” Determination slashed Tor’s face, likely the same fierce expression that lined his own. “Maybe we should pick up our speed.”

“Let’s do that, together.” He clasped Tor’s forearm in return and with unwavering intensity, dove deeper into the churning, murky dark with his brother.

“Tavish!” Ahead, Julia tumbled and turned in the fierce wind, her cream gown lit with gold flashes as lightning sizzled all around.

“I’m coming.” Like an arrow zooming toward its target, he zeroed in on her and nabbed her around the waist. Tor, still gripping his forearm, swung around her other side and grasped his other forearm. Together, they kept Julia safely pinned between them. “Are you all right?” he bellowed over the rushing wind, his heart a wildly beating mess.

“I am now you’re here.” She wound her arms around his neck and clung to him, her long golden locks whipping around them both. “If one holds onto Cherub when traveling then one never experiences this kind of mad free-fall.”

“You let go?”

“Aye.” She burrowed her head into his neck and nipped his ear. “For some reason, I knew you’d dive in after me. I had to find you.”

“You knew because like me, you too feel our bond taking form. You’re my mate, mine to protect and care for.” Something he intended for her to learn, and fast. “We’ll search for your parents together. I’ll never leave your side. That I promise you.”

“It appears we’re slowing down.” Tor stared ahead through the dense fog that loomed.

A cloying mist rose up and swirled all around them. Lights flickered, as if the stars themselves had escaped the sky then an unearthly force sucked them all apart and they plummeted into the frosty depths of a loch.

Chilly water closed in over Tavish’s head and he kicked through the murkiness in search of Julia. Her cream gown glowed under the water and he grabbed her around the waist and powered upward. They broke the water’s surface right alongside Tor. White-capped waves crashed over them and he gulped in air and held Julia tighter to him in order to protect her from the rougher waters as best as he could.

“Look, land,” Tor yelled as a seagull squawked overhead then flew down and skimmed the choppy waves toward shore.

“Welcome to my home, and to the year twelve-hundred and ten.” Julia motioned toward a four-story castle a hundred feet or so inland. Its massive gray tower house overlooked the loch and the castle’s fortified walls were topped with battlements and guardsmen roaming the ramparts. A forest rose tall and strong behind it, the wooded land sweeping around toward the entrance of the loch where it jutted to a point. Smoke curled into the air from thatch-roofed houses cloistered tightly together and surrounded by a high stone wall. “That’s the fae village, Tavish.”

“I almost can’t believe I’m here.” He shook his head as he tried to take it all in. This was where their shifter clan had first begun, so far across the Highlands from his own home at Ivanson. At the sea-gate landing, four moored birlinns bobbed with the incoming tide, and on the tip of the landing Cherub and Kirk stood, both waving out. “I see we have a welcoming party.”

“Oh no.” Gasping, Julia clutched the back of her head.

“Is something wrong? Are you hurt?”

“Nay, but I got my head wet and you said I wasnae supposed to.”

“It could hardly be helped.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Do you care to show me your home?”

“Since you’ve arrived for a visit, it would be rude of me no’ to. Let’s swim in.” She slipped out of his arms, caught a cresting wave and rode it in toward land.

“Wait up, woman.” Hell, she was a slippery lass to hold on to. He took off after her and he and Tor caught the next wave and cruised with it into land. Once his feet hit the sandy sea floor, he slogged through the water and scooped Julia off her feet before she made the beach. “No more disappearing with Cherub, or swimming away from me. For a mate, you’re certainly a handful to keep in my sight.”

“Julia.” Cherub rushed from the landing onto the pebbly shore and hugged Julia as he held her in his arms. “You should never have let go of me. Are you all right?”

“I’m absolutely fine. Dinnae worry over me.” Julia snuggled into him and his chest pumped out. As much of a handful as she was, he wouldn’t want her any other way. Her feistiness drew him toward her, her devotion and love for her clan as well. Lucky didn’t even begin to describe how fortunate he was to have been gifted with a mate such as the woman he held in his arms.

“At least you’ve all arrived safe and well.” Cherub glanced at Kirk. “Since everyone has arrived without any issue, you and I should continue on. We need to update Gilleoin and Nessa about the MacKenzie’s decree, then get started on a search plan. There’s little time to waste.”

“I agree. We’ll go now, head to Stirling then return.” Kirk eyed him and Tor. “It’s great to have you both here. I’ll catch up with you as soon as we’re both back.”

“You do what you need to.” Tavish nodded, his grip on Julia firm. “Travel safely.”

“We will.” Kirk wrapped his arms around Cherub and the two of them disappeared in a rush of wind.

Julia tapped his chest. “You can put me down now. I need to find my sister and assure her all is well.”

“I prefer to carry you.” His bear growled at the thought of releasing her. “That way I’ll know exactly where you are. We’ll find her together.”

“Julia!” A woman hurried down the winding castle trail toward them, her golden locks streaming behind her in the fresh breeze, a lass who looked identical to his mate in every way.

“I take it that’s Arabel?”

“Aye, please, set me down, Tavish. She’ll believe I’m injured if you’re carrying me about.”

“I’ll set you down on one condition, that you promise not to disappear on me again.” He’d keep her within arm’s reach, no matter what she promised.

“I’ll do my very best.” She kissed his cheek and smiled. “I can see you’re going to be a very demanding mate.”

“You better believe it.” Warmth rushed through him. Had she actually acknowledged their mated bond? Carefully, he set her on her feet, knelt and wrung her soggy skirts out.

“Look at you,” Arabel tsked as she arrived and hauled Julia into her arms. “You’re soaking wet. How’s your head?”

“All stitched, although I’m no’ supposed to get the stitches wet.” She motioned toward him and his brother. “Meet Tavish, my doctor, or he was my doctor afore he gave me notice he would no longer tend to me. Next to him is Tor, his brother.”

“’Tis lovely to meet you both.” Arabel smiled wide. “Welcome to the House of Clan Matheson.”

“Thank you.” Tavish wound one arm around Julia’s shoulders and in her ear, murmured, “By the way, I will be tending to you, although not as your doctor but as your mate, which you can be assured will be with the greatest attention to detail.”

“Your mate?” Arabel’s eyes widened and her mouth popped open. She darted a look between him and Julia. “Tavish said you’re his mate. Do you care to explain?”

“Tavish believes I’m his chosen one, although his aura does no’ tug toward mine, nor mine toward his. I should have seen it do so by now.” She tipped her head toward him, a curious look on her face. “Although you’re not the only one to believe we’re mated. Cherub too said she’d sensed your soul’s call toward mine. I also cannae deny that I find it very difficult to be parted from you.”

“It’s extremely difficult for me to be parted from you too.” He tucked her closer under his shoulder, even though all he truly wanted to do was kiss her, then lay claim to her in every possible way. The mated bond had formed between them and of that he had no doubt.

“Well, this is an interesting turn of events.” Arabel grasped Julia’s hands and squeezed. “Speaking from experience, as one half of a mated pair, these shifter men know when they’ve found their chosen one, no matter what your auras say. Now”—Arabel took one step back and rubbed her hands together—“allow me to dry all three of you.”

“That I would love.” Julia clasped her skirts and stepped away from him. “Arabel is a fire-wielder and holds one of the deadliest of the fae battle skills. You’ll both need to hold perfectly still while she moves around us and dries us all.”

“You make me sound far more dangerous than what I am.” Arabel smiled as she smoothed her palms over Julia’s shoulders and along her front then circling her, swished across her waist and down her skirted legs until her gown flapped dry in the breeze. Arabel circled him and Tor next, sending a delicious wave of heat over them both.

“That’s incredible.” He plucked at his now dry shirt. “Even my feet are all cozy and warm within my boots. That’s a spectacular skill.”

“Well, it does come in handy from time to time.” Arabel linked arms with Julia and motioned for him and Tor to follow her as she walked up the grassy trail winding upward toward the castle. To Julia, she said, “Finlay will be thrilled to see his kin, as well as rather surprised. Did Cherub and Kirk drop you all off then leave for Stirling?”

“Aye, they’ve gone to update Gilleoin and Nessa, then they’ll return as soon as they can.”

They all passed through the arched gates with its raised portcullis and armed guardsmen in their Matheson belted plaids. The bailey’s stone walls rose tall around them while up ahead, the front doors held the carved image of their clan crest emblazoned on the front, just as the front doors of Ivanson Castle did. Tavish stepped inside and entered the great hall with its sweeping ceiling rising to a high crown. Iron chandeliers hung from the wooden beamed rafters, while large tapestries of hunting and landscape scenes graced the walls.

“This way to the chief’s solar.” Arabel led the way around the edge of the great hall.

He passed two maids clearing trenches and tankards from the trestle tables while a lad swept the area around the wide arched stone fireplace. Logs crackled in the hearth and sent the fire’s heat wafting toward him.

“Finlay, I’ve brought you some guests.” Arabel stepped inside a side room and held the door open for them as they entered.

“Well, well, it’s Tavish and Tor.” Before a chunky wooden desk, Finlay grinned as he eased out of his chair and stood in tan pants and a brown leather vest studded with steel, his sword sheathed at his side glinting from the light beaming in through the narrow window behind him. “What a surprise to see you two here.”

“Cherub brought us, which was a bit of a bumpy trip, but we got here all the same.” Tavish caught Julia’s hand and lifted it to his lips. “I’ve found my chosen one.”

Finlay’s grin widened. “That’s the best news. You have my congratulations.” He set the quill he held in hand down, strode around the desk and clasped his and Tor’s shoulders. “I take it then you’ve both heard about the MacKenzie’s missive?”

“We have, and we’re here to aid in the search for Aleck and Adair.” He stroked Julia’s arm. “I’ll never allow my chosen one to wed another man.”

“Neither will we ever allow it.” Finlay nodded. “And on the search front, this morning I sent an additional twenty men to our warrior encampment on our eastern border with Colin MacKenzie, while another twenty will head out tomorrow. I’ve been considering the encampment as the base point from where we could begin our search. Not only do we have a strong presence there but the camp sits in just the right position to allow for multiple search routes to be taken, across land and sea, and also with Cherub on board, through the skies as well.”

“That’s a wonderful idea.” Arabel sat next to the fireplace and raised her hands to the sizzling flames.

“I agree. The encampment offers us a prime position.” Julia leaned her cheek against his shoulder. “So too I would like to be included in the search team. I can hear the gentle hum of my parents’ auras when I’m close to them.”

“Exactly how close do you need to be?” Finlay asked her, his gaze flaring with interest.

“Within a hundred yards.”

“Well, that’s a hundred yards more than what we currently have in pinpointing their location.” Finlay perched on the arm of Arabel’s chair, rested a hand on her knee as he said to her, “I can’t be a part of the search team since I need to remain here. I’d also rather you stay with me. I’m not sure I could handle having you too far from my side. Your help too in ensuring the keep runs smoothly, is invaluable. Do you mind staying?”

“Aye, I’ve no wish to be parted from you either, and I cannae aid in the search quite like Julia can.” She squeezed his fingers. “We’ll remain together.”

“Then Cherub and Kirk, Tavish and Julia and Tor will make up the first search team,” he instructed as he glanced at each of them in turn. “You’ll make the camp your base and join with Cherub as she takes you through the skies. Another team can head across MacKenzie’s land via horseback, and yet another via the loch. We can sort out the finer details once Cherub and Kirk return. I take it they’ve continued on to see Gilleoin and Nessa?”