Mark of the Highlander (The MacLomain Series: Next Generation, Book 1) (21 page)

While she might not have held his heart, she’d certainly held his attention. In truth, he didn’t find fault with her for taking another to bed. It had been around the time he’d met McKayla. Colin suspected Nessa sensed another woman had captured his interest. Because, as it turned out, the lass had a way with black magic. Not just dark magic but one step further…a form of magi that went far deeper and was exceedingly dangerous. He’d shared all of this with Malcolm, from the dark spells she weaved, to her taking a lover while they were betrothed.

Malcolm had been equally disturbed by the information. Or so he thought.

Restless and intent on leaving, Colin never imagined Malcolm would pursue Nessa. Not after he’d told him who she
really
was. He’d been so sure William would have had her packed up and shipped home.

But his cousin had fallen in love. And no one knew better than he did how love could make you do crazy things.

It made him sick to think of how easy it was for Nessa to turn from one MacLomain to another. Did she truly love Malcolm? He could only pray that if she didn’t, it wouldn’t destroy him. For that would only add to his regrets.

With a heavy sigh, Colin walked up the stairs and into his sister’s chamber. Hands braced against the eave of the window he stared out over the trees and thought not of Malcolm and Nessa but of his sister. He still remembered standing outside this very room the night she arrived. Never had a child come into the world so silently.

It seemed almost a sign of what was to come.

But Torra had not always been silent. There was a time…

“There, Col!” A peel of laughter rippled across the room. Colin turned and watched through the eyes of time as Torra ran across the room into his waiting arms. He scooped up his three year old sister and kissed the bridge of her nose. Though only ten winters, he was tall and strong, so he sat her on the window sill with ease.

“And what are you up to today, my wee bonnie lass?” he asked.

With huge sage green eyes, she tossed her black hair and said, “Building castle
all
mine.”

“Oh, aye?” With a chuckle he asked, “And how many rooms will it have?”

Torra held up one finger and smiled.

“Just one then?”

She nodded, quite sure of herself.

“But where will everybody sleep?”

“Just me.” Then she seemed to consider that and held up two fingers. “And room for you.”

“Well what about Ma, Da and Bradon?”

After giving this a moment of thought she issued a grin that reminded him of Iain, crooked and mischievous. “Stables.”

Colin laughed, shook his head and kissed her cheek. “Well, I’m glad I get to sleep inside your castle.”

Her little arms came around his neck and she held on tight. Sad, he once more turned and looked out the window. That little girl was long gone and the connection they’d shared lost…or so it seemed. Even after she turned twelve winters and had changed, forever locked inside her own mind, she still allowed him to visit. But though they sat for hours, silence reigned. The young, bright happy girl she’d been had vanished. In her place someone who almost seemed an oracle.

How else could they explain her uncanny foresight?

“This room was the only part of that summer that I didnae especially like.”

Nessa MacLeod.

Colin gritted his teeth. “Naturally, ‘twas not about you.”

“Aye, true ‘twas the only place that was
not
about me.”

He shook his head. “There was no love betwixt us, Nessa.” Colin turned and frowned. “But for what it’s worth I am sorry that I left as I did. Despite your indiscretions, no lass deserves such.”

Though he knew she
did
deserve it, Colin was determined to make things right with everyone he’d wronged. Even her.

Nessa leaned against the doorway. “You dinnae mean a word you say, Colin MacLomain. You didnae then and you dinnae now.”

He made to speak but she continued. “You know as well as I that love blossomed.” Her tone grew bitter. “Until you met
her
. What else was I to do when I found out about it?”

“How did you know about her, Nessa?”

“I could
smell
her on you,” Nessa hissed. “How did I know? My magi of course…and your actions. One day you’d have me in your bed, the next no more.”

“You were not without company to keep you warm,” he replied caustically. “Ours was never a love match, even you knew that.”

“I didnae!” she replied harshly. Upset that she’d reacted so strongly, she inhaled deeply. “I loved you verra much. ‘Twas my magi that turned you away. I knew it then.” Her eyes, almost desperate for a second, met his. “And I know it now. We dinnae have a choice about the gift that is ours. You know that better than anyone. ”

“Nay, but we always have a choice about how we use it,” he ground out. “And you didnae use it for good then, and I suspect you haven’t used it for good since. Tell me then, if we had such a great love what heartache did you suffer when turning your attentions to Malcolm?” He crossed his arms over his chest. “It must have been a terrible feat indeed.”

Nessa stood up straighter. “Malcolm has been good to me. I would never hurt him.”

“Do you love him?”

“Enough so.”

Colin’s stomach soured. He didn’t have to ask to know she’d already been unfaithful to his cousin. She knew nothing of love. Malcolm deserved better. Nessa took what she needed from whomever she needed it. Why hadn’t Malcolm listened to him? Was love truly that blind?

Whether or not he’d wanted to, Colin said he was sorry. That was all she would get from him. More than done with the conversation he made his way toward the door. Nessa, of course, didn’t budge an inch.

“Think what you will of me,” she whispered. “But I was not the first to betray.” Her eyes roamed over him. “‘Twas you all along.”

Physically no, but mentally yes. In truth, he’d not lain with McKayla until after Nessa had been unfaithful. But he’d already given away his heart. So aye, he had betrayed Nessa first. But regardless, none of it mattered now. She was married to another MacLomain. 

“Colin.”

Nessa rolled her eyes and glanced over her shoulder. “Your new wife doesnae like me being alone with you, my laird.” She smirked. “Does she not know I am married?”

“You might be married, but you don’t act like it,” McKayla said, halfway up the stairs. “It’s clear enough that you’ve angled yourself so Colin will have to touch you to exit the room. And then there’s the passion in your voice when you speak to him.”

A trickle of laughter escaped Nessa’s lips but fizzled away when Malcolm appeared at the bottom of the stairs. His eyes went from Colin to her. “Come, lass. Something is happening.”

Colin stemmed out his magic and muttered, “Bloody hell!”

“To say the least,” Malcolm replied, his tone dry.

“What?” McKayla asked Colin after Nessa and Malcolm left.

He shook his head. “Ferchar has come.”

Startled, she looked down the stairs then at him. “How do you know?” She frowned. “Never mind. Magic right?”

Colin nodded and took her hand. “There’s more.”

“Okay,” she said slowly as he pulled her down the stairs. “Care to share.”

They stopped at the railing overlooking the great hall. “He didnae come alone.”

“Oh my God!” McKayla waved her arms and yelled. Was this an illusion? A trick to lull her into a false sense of security? Because right now, she couldn’t believe her eyes. And only God knew how bad she wanted this to be real. With them here, she knew everything would be all right. Because together, there was nothing they couldn’t handle.

“Seth, Sheila, Leslie, up here!”

Nearly tripping on her dress, she held up the obtrusive material and flew down the stairs. They all seemed stunned but were waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs. McKayla flew into Seth’s arms.

“Do you have any idea how worried I’ve been?” Seth asked.

She nodded and squeezed him tight before pulling her cousins in for a group hug. They held onto one another for a long time, afraid if they let go they might slip back through time leaving someone behind. 

“I can’t believe you’re here,” McKayla gushed.

“Neither can we,” Sheila replied, wide-eyed as she looked around. “It’s still kind of hard to believe.”

“It might be for a bit,” McKayla said. “But it’s okay. Everyone is really nice.”

“So it seems.” Leslie frowned, her sharp eyes taking in everything from the medieval men, many of whom were already staring back with appreciation, to the castle itself. “Where exactly are we again?”

“Ferchar’s old castle,” Seth said, eyes bright, not a shred of fear in his excited regard. “Thirteenth century Scotland!”

“Though I’m totally thrilled,
why
are you here?” McKayla asked, unsettled.

Her concern didn’t lessen any when she realized the hall was being cleared out save immediate family. She didn’t have to turn to know Colin stood behind her. Seth’s narrowed gaze gave it away.

Seth stared down Colin. “I’d like to know the answer to that myself, Colin. Why are we here?”

“We’ll soon find out,” Colin said, promptly kissing the back of Sheila’s then Leslie’s hands. Both stared as he urged them to follow.

Sheila pulled McKayla close and whispered, “Wow, sweetie! He looked great back home but something about this place seriously agrees with him.” Her eyes lowered. “And check out your dress.
Love
it!”

If only she’d seen her dress last night. But that conversation was better left for later.

McKayla had to hand it to her cousins. They seemed to be taking all of this in stride.

But like her, what choice did they have?

Though she felt so much better with all of them here, McKayla couldn’t help but be worried. If Ferchar brought them to medieval Scotland he had a very good reason for doing so. What had happened? Were they in danger? Without doubt. Nervous, she watched as Colin stood with Ferchar, Iain, and William in front of a fireless hearth. The air became so oppressive even the low flames had been doused.

The younger men and Ilisa sat at a trestle table.

Colin urged all to join them.

When he sat at the head of the table she naturally assumed the men would sit alongside him, but that wasn’t the case. “Come, lass, next to me.”

So McKayla’s family ended up on one side of the table and Colin’s family on the other with Ferchar sitting at the opposite end. Tensions were impossibly thick as Seth sat to her immediate right flanked by her cousins. The only one who appeared at ease was Bradon, his interested gaze sliding over Sheila and Leslie. Sheila looked right back and smiled. Leslie, however, was less than impressed as her critical gaze traveled over each and every one of the MacLomains.

“What has happened affects us all,” Ferchar began.

Seth being Seth didn’t hesitate to ask, “What exactly
did
happen? Typically I like to be asked first before being yanked through time.”

When Bradon arched a brow at Colin, no doubt wondering about Seth’s forward behavior, her husband simply shook his head.

Seth
had
to be the last person he wanted to see here.

Well, he’d just have to get over it.

Ferchar’s response was directed at Colin. “A magical wall has formed. One so strong I’ve never seen the likes of it. I had but two choices. Keep them there or bring them here. Gods know Caitlin can protect our son.” His less than impressed eyes grazed over the others. “These three however will better serve here and will be far safer.”

“Better serve?” Leslie said. “Who precisely are we serving? Because I don’t recall being asked.”

“No,” Sheila agreed, her eyes swinging to Leslie. “But you could focus on the scarier thing he said…we’re safer here.”

“Was it Keir Hamilton then?” Colin asked.

“Aye, ‘twas the name given.”

Colin exchanged a look with Iain and William.

William had already filled Ferchar in on what was happening. “His interest lies with McKayla and those she surrounds herself with. They are future MacLomains and ending them is a fervent goal.”

“Excuse me but I am no MacLomain,” Leslie informed.

“Not yet,” Iain said.

“Pardon?”

“What he means is that if you’re here then you’ll someday be one, lass,” Bradon informed, a twinkle in his eye.

Leslie squashed that twinkle with a few select words. “Over my dead body.”

Bradon cocked a brow.

“I’ve been dead, it’s not fun,” Seth muttered. But McKayla could tell he was enjoying all of it.

Leslie only frowned.

“But why is Seth here?” McKayla asked. “I can assure you he’ll never be a MacLomain.”

“Can you?” Ferchar asked. “Did Seth never tell you about his encounters with Adlin MacLomain? Did he not tell you that he descends from the Broun lineage?”

Both Colin and Iain looked at him. Waiting.

Iain, eyes narrowed, looked closer and whispered, “You’re of Calum’s kin.”

“Who’s Calum?” McKayla asked.

“Arianna’s cousin.” Iain looked at Ilisa. “He’s your uncle’s distant offspring.”

Ilisa and Seth looked at one another, surprised. She spoke first. “Bloody hell, we’re a good looking lot!”

Sheila stifled a small burst of laughter.

Seth grinned and nodded. “We are, eh?”

“So it seems we are stronger in numbers?” Colin said.

“Most assuredly,” William said, his gaze shifting to Ferchar. “But I still dinnae ken how you managed to move all of you through time when Coira is closed off.”

Eyes softening, Ferchar said, “He barred your wife first. The magic he used gave me forewarning. Now we will stand strong with more power than he can even imagine. He cannae beat us. And once he falls, so too does this gate he has erected.”

“We believe he made an appearance last eve,” Iain said.

McKayla looked at Colin, confused.

“All know of your nightmare, lass,” he explained. “And while we’ve only recently learned Colin MacLeod exists, we aren’t sure he was the one who met you through the fire.”

“Colin MacLeod?” Seth asked, taking her hand. “The guy from your book? Are you serious?”

“I think the word you’re looking for is hero, not guy,” Leslie corrected.

“Does it really matter?” Bradon asked.

Her eyes cut to him. “Proper terminology
always
matters. At least where I’m from.”

“Long story,” McKayla murmured to Seth then looked at Colin. “So you think it might have been Keir Hamilton in the fire?”

“We cannae rule it out,” Colin said.

William frowned at Ferchar. “You have much faith leaving your family alone. I wish I shared such confidence.”

“Unwavering faith,” Ferchar said. “As should you, my friend. Between Coira, Annie and Arthur, no enemy would dare tackle such a front.”

“But you’ve just a wee bairn and wife.”

Ferchar’s chest puffed up some. “Och, but he’s a bloody special bairn.”

“Is he ever,” Seth muttered.

“What do you mean by that, lad?” Iain asked Ferchar.

A fatherly pride lit his eyes. “There’s something special about this next generation. Though we are the last of the four original great MacLomain wizards, I suspect Adlin was just feeding our egos. It seems our bairns are stronger and better equipped to deal with this ever changing Scotland and all its in-betweens.”

“What of my wife?” Seth asked. “Is she in danger?”

“Nay, not in the least. If she were, I would know,” Ferchar responded. “As I said, the MacLomains are at the heart of this. Keir Hamilton’s eyes have turned our way and his wrath is formidable.”

“Which brings us to why you are here,” Colin said.

“Aye.” Ferchar’s eyes locked on the younger clansmen, Malcolm, Bradon and Colin. “Without warning, his armies will come as a swarm upon our land and shores.”

“How do we best defend ourselves?” Colin asked.

“Position those with mediocre magic on the borders alongside half of the clan’s strongest warriors,” Ferchar responded.

“The rest of the warriors will surround the castle. The strongest wizards will stay inside the walls,” William added.

“It makes no sense to put the most important of the MacLomain lineage in one place,” Malcolm said.

“Assuming we’re the most important.” Bradon looked at his father. “Where will Torra be?”

McKayla looked at the MacLomain men. Colin’s sister was very important. That much was clear, and though she was upset he hadn’t told her about Torra, she felt the same pang of urgency Bradon seemed to have.

“In the dungeons below,” Iain said, his eyes meeting Seth’s. “With him.”

Ah, perhaps the real reason Seth was here. But it made her heart skip a few frightened beats. “Why?”

“Because there is dark magic, then there is downright evil,” Colin said softly.

Seth snorted. “You must have loved saying that.”

The corner of Colin’s lip inched up a fraction but fell when McKayla shook her head.

“No way, not going to happen.” She plunked her and Seth’s entwined hands on the table. “He’s my friend.” When everyone looked at her with resolve she stood her ground. “As wife to the MacLomain laird, I assume I have some say in this.” She made a point to look at all who mattered. “Am I wrong? If so, can we call Arianna down and see if she disagrees?”

Iain and William chuckled.

“What?!” Seth, Sheila and Leslie said simultaneously.

Seth snatched his hand away from hers. “You’re wife of
who
?”

“Oh, right,” she muttered and shrugged. “I’m married.” McKayla glanced at Colin then the others. “To him. Last night. Sort of.”

Sheila’s eyes rounded and a wide smile broke over her face. “Really?”

Caught up in the joy her friend offered she couldn’t help but grin. “Yeah, so it seems.” But then she saw the dark looks on Seth and Leslie’s faces and felt the need to explain.

“Just here…” she trailed off. “But not at home.”

“You know I wasn’t happy with what Trevor pulled but wow, sweetie. He married you here? That says something!” Sheila nodded, grinning.

“Yes, that he’s a master manipulator,” Leslie remarked.

“And a total douche,” Seth added.

Oh heavens. McKayla eyed all three of them, not sure how to respond, but then Colin’s eyes narrowed on Seth. “Why dinnae we get back to why Mr. Evil is going to protect my sister.”

“I’ll bet my evil beats your good any day,” Seth challenged and then looked at Iain. “So I’m a warlock. That’s clearly why I’m here. As long as I know my wife is safe, it’s all good. Tell me how to protect your daughter and I will.”

Iain nodded his thanks but it was William who spoke next. “Colin’s mentor fled from a great darkness.”

Colin’s frown deepened. Iain’s eyes locked on his son and he said, “Whether or not you knew, your mentor fled from a man born of pure evil. We suspect ‘tis the verra reason he joined the assassins who execute in the name of good. You see his Da raised him on death and black magic. And while your mentor might have been strong in the magi, he could not touch his Da. For Keir Hamilton possesses the strength of our founder and brethren, Adlin MacLomain, with one difference.” His eyes once more turned to Seth. “He is a warlock.”

“I never did ken the difference between a wizard and a warlock,” Bradon said.

Leslie’s expression was nothing less than smug. “Does it really matter? Both titles sound ridiculous.”

McKayla looked at her cousin. What in god’s name was she doing? Baiting Bradon? It most certainly mattered but it seemed Leslie was determined to retaliate against Colin’s brother.

Instead of flirting like McKayla fully expected him to do, Bradon sat back, crossed his arms over his chest and said, “Are you not sitting in a castle surrounded by medieval Scotsmen who are indeed wizards? One would think you sharp enough to keep your thoughts to yourself, instead of verbalizing them.”

“
Verbalizing
. Wow such a
big
word.” Leslie folded her arms over her chest as well. “If I knew you understood such words I never would have—“