Mark of the Highlander (The MacLomain Series: Next Generation, Book 1) (23 page)

“Sheila,” McKayla chastised.

“What? She is.”

“Please don’t bicker. I’m not in the mood.”

Startled, they looked at McKayla.

“I don’t think you’ve ever been so straightforward with us, cousin,” Leslie said.

“Probably not.” She sat on the bed next to Sheila. “Sorry. I’m just a little edgy.”

“No surprise,” Sheila said, compassionate. “This is all totally crazy. You must’ve been so frightened when you traveled back. At least we knew what to expect. Ferchar has been awesome.”

“Did Caitlin talk more about our magic?”

Leslie nodded. “Enough so. Though I still find it hard to believe.”

Sheila’s brows drew together. “You’d think traveling back in time would’ve made it all more real for you.”

“To a degree,” Leslie murmured. “But it will take time to process I suppose.”

“You’re allowed to be off kilter,” McKayla said. “I certainly was. It’s been one unbelievable thing after another.” She patted Sheila’s hand. “Our Sheila’s always been good at new things. It’s a gift.”

“Speaking of good things.” Sheila grabbed McKayla’s hand. “How or should I say
why
did you agree to marry Trev…I mean Colin so quickly? I know you’ve always loved him but still, big move. If it wasn’t for the heart-melting way he’s constantly looking at you or that super steamy kiss outside, I might be more concerned.” She hesitated. “Should I be more concerned, sweetie?”

“No, it’s okay.” Her heart kicked up a notch as she shared. “Yes, it was unexpected and sure I wasn’t too happy at the beginning, being tricked and all, but you both know he’s the only man I’d ever want to marry.”

“The same man you wanted to marry years ago had he not left you,” Leslie reminded.

“We’ve since worked through all that,” McKayla said softly. “And now you can see with your own eyes why.
This
is his home and time. We were worlds apart.”

“I might be able to forgive him for lying to you, even leaving you,” Leslie said. “But now he’s put you in extreme danger with his foolish actions. That I can’t forgive.”

They stared at one another. Though she knew Leslie loved her it was hard to see that such anger remained. Though it might be a lot to ask she wanted them to care for him as much as she did.

“Well, as I told Colin, I’m all about forgiving,” Sheila said. “We all make mistakes. I like to think that if we at least make an effort to right our wrongs it should be rewarded. And I’d say it’s clear he’s making the effort.” A warm smile blossomed. “And it’s obvious he’s in love with you. He pushed you away to protect you. That’s pretty darn selfless.”

“If he wanted to protect her he should have stayed away from her to begin with,” Leslie remarked then sighed. “No matter. What’s done is done.” She sat on McKayla’s other side and took her free hand. “I won’t pretend I like him but I
will
be cordial for your sake. You deserve to be happy and me being difficult works against that end.”

She squeezed their hands. “I love you both and am so glad you’re here.” McKayla bit the corner of her lip. “Which doesn’t mean I’m not wicked worried about you and would rather you be safe at home…if I really thought it was safe.”

“We’ll be fine,” Sheila said. “Did you see the size of the men around here? Especially Colin and his family? They’re taller than Seth! At 6’4, he always looked pretty huge to me.”

“And they all seem…” Leslie cleared her throat. “Strong enough.”

“Do they ever,” Sheila agreed. “Muscles everywhere. Gorgeous faces. And those eyes. All of them!”

“I doubt pretty faces and stunning eyes will do much to protect us,” Leslie said dryly.

“What do you suppose Ferchar meant about us becoming MacLomains?” Sheila asked, interest apparent. “I can’t imagine pairing up with Malcolm or Bradon. But maybe one of the others around here.”

“Malcolm made it clear he’s married,” Leslie reminded. “So he shouldn’t even be on your radar.”

“Pretty sure I just said both of them were off the table.”

McKayla worked hard not to sigh. “I’d say Bradon’s free for the taking. But definitely steer clear of Malcolm. He’s got a wife that will kill you before she’d look at you.”

“And like I said, good for her,” Sheila huffed and stood.

Both stared curiously after her. Sheila didn’t typically get snappy.

“Well, Bradon might as well be married for all his availability,” Leslie remarked. “I strongly suspect he’s likely already fathered multiple children from multiple women. Total player.”

“You’re probably right about that,” Sheila said, studying her dress.

McKayla slid a glance at Leslie. Honestly, she was surprised her uptight cousin had noticed Bradon at all. She typically focused on a man with nothing but financial success in his future. But the more she thought about it the more she realized Bradon had made a point of targeting Leslie several times. It seemed her cousin had not been oblivious.

“I can’t believe we’re getting ready to put on these dresses.” Sheila held hers up to her chest. “They’re magnificent.”

McKayla eyed what they’d been given. Not as simple as what the women wore for day dresses but not nearly as extravagant as her wedding gown, they were lovely.

“I’ve been paying attention,” Leslie said as she began to undress. “I think you did a great job describing medieval Scotland in your book. Yes, there are some noticeable differences, ones I think we should address during edits, but most of it is very similar.”

“I totally agree,” Sheila said as she started to get ready.

In little time, all three were dressed.

Her cousins looked beautiful. Stunning. Sheila with her thick curling dark auburn hair and soft blue eyes was in a dress that matched. As if hand-picked to draw out her wide, oval eyes, the color was perfect against her ivory skin.

Where Sheila was stunning with her carefree almost princess-like looks, Leslie was her dark, magnetic counterpart with luxurious black hair. The tallest of the three, with a willowy yet curvaceous figure, they’d be hard pressed to keep any hot-blooded Scotsman away from her. The dress she’d been given was such a unique shade of green that it enhanced and magnified her pale green eyes.

“You two are breathtaking,” she said, smiling.

“Not nearly as much as you, cousin.” Sheila shook her head, eyes as wide as ever. “That dress…you… look incredible.”

Even Leslie stared. “Whoever picked this out for you knew exactly what they were doing.”

Though the pale crème dress felt sumptuous she knew they humored her. They’d always been more attractive. “You guys are sweet.”

“And I love the white streak in your hair. Great highlight!” Sheila said.

“What highlight?” McKayla asked, fingering her hair, cross eyed as she tried to look at it.

“It’s just a sun streak,” Leslie clarified. “But I agree. It looks fabulous.”

Unsure, she started to question more but she was cut off.

“She’s always been clueless about her looks,” Sheila said to Leslie.

Leslie nodded. “Yes.” She took McKayla’s hands. “Every single man you’ve ever allowed to get close has absolutely loved you. The rest wanted to, but couldn’t get near enough. When are you going to realize how beautiful you are?”

“Yeah, okay.” McKayla blushed. “Whatever you say, but thanks.”

Sheila touched her hair. “You’ve always had fairytale looks. The sort the rest of us can only dream of. If your face and hair aren’t enough, you have that perfect little body.”

Embarrassed, McKayla pulled away and changed the subject. “We really should head down. I’m eager to see some swordplay.”

She conveniently set aside the fact that it soon might not be play.

It was late in the day when they arrived downstairs. Though the drizzle had stopped the skies roiled black, brooding and angry over the highland mountains. Wind whipped and flipped their hair even before they made it to the door.

Nearly every man who passed stared. She was surprised to realize that even though she’d married their laird, none were above admiring her just as thoroughly as her cousins. Leslie and Sheila appeared to be handling themselves accordingly. Sheila grinned, allowing one or two men to walk alongside for a bit. Leslie, not entirely opposed to the attention smiled, especially when a particularly handsome Scotsman winked and put his hand over his heart in passing.

Despite the looming storm and upcoming battle, the courtyard teemed with activity. The kitchens and most especially the stables were busy. The smell of freshly baked breads and roasted meats permeated the air, mixing with the scent of hay and ocean. A smith sharpened blades, the screech of metal against metal constant. Horses with heavily armed warriors trotted by, the clank of hooves creating a deep rumble across the drawbridge.

“This place seriously blows my mind,” Sheila said as she looked around.

“Completely,” Leslie agreed. “Better than any movie or book has portrayed it.” She nudged McKayla’s arm. “Except yours of course.”

It was an odd yet refreshing thing to see Leslie playful, if only for a moment.

They’d nearly made it beneath the second portcullis when she stopped short and her breath caught.

“Holy hell!” Sheila said.

“Now there’s something you don’t see every day.” This from Leslie.

Seth and Colin raced horses hard and fast toward one another. Horrified, she watched as one whipped a blade at the other. For her it seemed everything went into slow motion. In truth, the weapon flew fast and true, right through the heart of the other.

And one man fell.

Heart in her throat, McKayla ran. Please don’t let him be dead. She’d never forgive this. They’d always had issues with each other and now the worst had happened.

Falling to her knees, she pulled Seth’s head into her lap, frantically looking for the knife that should be protruding from his chest, the blood that must be spilling. But there was nothing. Instead, Seth’s eyes popped open and he sputtered, “Friggin’ awesome!”

Colin chuckled and she looked up with a frown. “What the…”

Her husband, once more shirtless and glistening with sweat, grinned down from his steed. “Now, lass, you didnae think I’d kill him just yet, did you?”

Seth sat up and coughed, a wide smile on his face. “Love this whole horse riding thing. And the medieval weapons. Unreal. Leathan will never believe this.”

McKayla thought of his Scottish cousin and fellow paranormal investigator. “Nope, he probably won’t.” Irritated but used to dealing with Seth’s near death escapades, she shook her head and eyed his chest. “By the way, what happened to the blade that should’ve taken you out?”

There was no need helping him to his feet. Seth stood in an instant, a grin still splitting his face. “All magic. Mock practice.”

Sheila and Leslie were as winded when they looked from Colin to Seth.

“I think he’s wanted to do that to you for years,” Sheila commented.

“You’ve no idea.” Colin said.

“As I said, all the men you’ve allowed to get close have loved you,” Leslie said so softly she barely caught it.

It occurred to McKayla they were referring to Seth. He’d heard because his unwavering gaze met hers. “Once upon a time,” he murmured. “But then I met Alana.” He winked, his blue eyes warm, encompassing. “And I had to let you go.”

Leslie and Sheila exchanged a triumphant look. How long had they been sitting on this tidbit of information? She supposed it didn’t matter now. The love she and Seth shared was right where it belonged…as close friends.

When Colin shifted his horse, Seth was forced to take a step back. He held out his hand to her. “Come, my love, allow me to enlighten you a bit more.”

McKayla stared up at her highlander. Eyes wild, victorious, he waited. All along he’d known of Seth’s feelings. No wonder the inherent dislike. But somehow in the time they’d spent out here battling, maybe even because of the blade he’d just thrown, the last of his frustration was spent. Or maybe he’d finally seen the love in Seth’s eyes when he spoke of Alana.

She reached up and took his hand. Easily over sixteen hands tall, he pulled her up effortlessly onto his impressive horse. Plunked down not in back but in front of him, he adjusted her skirts and pulled her neatly back against him. A sharp thrill shot through her. Hands against the blazing heat of the steed, pure power flexed beneath her as Colin steered the horse away from the others.

“I’ve never been on a horse,” she whispered, heart thudding heavily.

His deep voice rumbled against her back, warm breath close to her ear. “I know.”

And he had no intentions of easing her into it.

McKayla squealed when the horse launched forward. Never was there a more profound feeling than that of flying across the wide meadow with a highland castle off to her left and jagged, majestic mountains rising into the incoming storm to her right. The speed and wind brought tears to her eyes and joy to her heart.

Even when the tree line loomed, they barely slowed.

A whole new rush blew through her when the horse entered the forest, navigating the trees with unbelievable precision. Eventually they slowed to a trot until Colin stopped in front of a raging river. The sensation of flying remained and she laughed. “That was incredible.”

“I used to dream about doing this with you,” he said and tilted her head so he could kiss her. This time his lips didn’t linger but his eyes did, roaming her face. “We will make many more memories like this.”

God, she hoped so.

“Aren’t we supposed to stay close to the castle? Won’t we be in danger here?”

“Nay.” He pointed across the river into the woods then spanned his arms in both directions. “We’ve already got thousands of warriors on our borders and allied clans further out. He’s not here yet, lass.”

Though he might say all was well, McKayla sensed they took a risk. While she knew it didn’t need to be said she wanted everything out in the open. “I never knew Seth had such strong feelings for me.”

Colin eased her down from the horse then followed. “‘Tis not something that needs further scrutiny. All is as it should be.”

When she looked at him, McKayla realized he meant every word. Any jealousy that might have been was gone. She was more than content to let the matter rest. “Shouldn’t you still be training him?”

“Bradon and Malcolm will take it from here. They are just as knowledgeable.”

McKayla nodded, trusting in his decision.

“This is where my Ma and Da were married.” He nodded at the river. “It was but a stream then.”

“It’s a pretty spot.” She gazed up at the tall pines towering overhead. “They share a great love.”

“As do we,” he murmured. They walked hand and hand back through the woods, his steed trailing along behind them. The ring, as it did whenever he was close, heated. She twisted it, wishing Seth would remove it. Did he even remember he’d put it there?

“So we aren’t staying out here long after all,” she remarked.

“Nay, just long enough to have some time alone. There’s been so little of it.”

Her heart fluttered when a harsh realization settled over her. “You’re afraid we won’t have much more.”

“‘Tis logical to feel such before any battle, lass.” He pulled her hand closer, eyes steady on the ever darkening forest. “Though I dinnae intend to die, if I do ‘twill not be with the wish I’d but stolen a few more moments alone with you.”

Thickness swelled in her throat but McKayla fought the emotion. The last thing he needed right now was for her to get sappy. “Then let’s make these moments count.”

“My verra thought exactly.” With a devious grin, his near somber mood lightened and he said, “Perhaps a little light to lead the way?”

“It’s not nearly that dark yet,” she began but trailed off when a little box with spidery legs crawled out from behind a tree. The flashlight! Now she did tear up. Unable to stop herself, she went over and picked it up.

When McKayla turned back, she froze. Hand over her mouth, she shook her head.

Trevor.

“McKayla,” he said quietly.

As handsome as ever he stood there looking at her…an old friend, lover and as it turned out, so much more. Words didn’t need to be exchanged. She understood why he’d shifted. His door to the life they’d shared was closing and with it, who he’d been.

But who he had been was not who he was supposed to be.

She knew it was time to let Trevor go.

Crossing to him she set aside the flashlight, cupped her best friend’s familiar face and whispered, “I love you.”

“And I love you, sweetheart, more than anyone, anywhere at any time,” he murmured.

“You know you’re making me find my calm center, right?”

His brow arched. “Am I?”

“Aye,” she said softly and leaned her head against his chest. “I want
you
back. Not the man you always pretended to be.”

His arms came around her and he kissed the top of her head. “When it came to you I never once pretended.”

But for the first time and what she knew to be the last, McKayla felt him change beneath her very fingertips. She breathed in the unmistakable and delicious scent of Colin MacLomain. This time when she pulled back, he cupped her cheeks and stared into her eyes. Unmistakable desire didn’t just flicker but consumed his concentrated gaze.

Recognizing his intent she mouthed, “Here? Now? Should we?”

He offered no response but lifted her and walked forward.

Suddenly not concerned in the least if the timing was appropriate, she wrapped her legs around him. The next thing she knew he lowered her onto a patch of grass by a small stream that stemmed from the nearby river. She gasped when he cupped a large handful of water and trickled it up her exposed leg. Each drop explored her steaming hot skin.

He moved down and slowly, thoroughly, searched out each adventurous drop. Unable to do anything else, McKayla hid beneath her lashes and buried her hands in his hair. Uninhibited, she all but steered him where she wanted him. Pushing her skirts up around her waist, he willingly complied. His tongue flicked and teased until his mouth found her pulsing center. In near agony beneath his talented appetite she arched against him, again and again as she chased the pinnacle he kept out reach.

Close, almost there, she groaned and grasped at the grass.

Determined to keep her perched at the edge of release, he nibbled, stopped, then nipped again. Bordering on the precipice of what felt like insanity she shook her head. In an instant he moved up, taking her legs with him. Pressed wide and tight, he moved into her swiftly, his wicked eyes watching her every reaction.

Body blown into a mad mixture of chaos and sharp, spearing release, she stared wide-eyed through the canopy of pines. Tears ran down her cheeks as an orgasm ripped through her with such speed that she couldn’t escape it. As she rode the waves of her pleasured prison, he found a rhythm that almost drove her mad.

He moved in and out. Faster. Harder. A mind blowing pace that she didn’t think she could take for much longer. Before she could voice her concern, bright lights shattered before her eyes. She cried out, her body vibrating and trembling uncontrollably against his.

Now he had to work against her muscles as they clenched and locked tight around him. Sweat glistened as he breathed heavily. He slowed just enough to allow her body a scant moment to untwist and float back down from wherever it’d been.

Every last nerve was mouth-wateringly heightened when he thrust then slowed. Thrust then slowed. Again and again he did this, creating an energized rhythm that didn’t for a second let her cherish any of the previous euphoric orgasms. No, he drove her toward something even higher.   

Better.

Much more thorough. If that was even possible.

She never dreamed it could be like this.

Colors already swam in her vision. But now they ignited and exploded all around. Gripping the ground above her head, Colin’s jaw clenched and his eyes closed. His muscles locked up so tight that when his release came, his body jerked and thrust against hers. She twisted and drifted in such pleasure and sweetness, floating, as if she were in another world.

A world made of man and warrior, of love and flawlessness. 

Pressed into the warm summer ground, she breathed in the scent of grass mixed with the blistering sensual scent of their entwined, fulfilled bodies. When his cheek came against hers, he seemed as eager to inhale her as she was him.

“I think I must’ve loved you before I was born,” he whispered against her skin.

It was hard to imagine it any other way.

When he finally pulled back, she flinched. Her body had been well used. Before she had a chance to acclimate, he lifted her, smoothed her skirts and then swung her into his arms. McKayla wrapped her arms around him, exhausted and grateful. Truth be told, she highly doubted she could stand on her own. 

It was only once she was again cuddled and content high astride his horse that she said, “Wait, where’s our flashlight?”

Colin chuckled, steering his steed back through the wind-whipped, darkening forest. “No worries, lass. ‘Twill find its way home.”

She smiled. “Good, it’s a handy little thing.”

When they departed the woods and entered the field a large fire struggled, its sparks and smoke rebelling against the mist and highland winds. The ocean, with white-tipped waves, crashed against the distant shore.

“It would seem that plume of smoke is a beacon,” she mentioned.

“‘Twould, wouldn’t it?”

McKayla glanced over her shoulder at him then once more at the fire. “So I suppose that’s exactly what it is.”

Colin gave no response but eased the horse back into a trot. This time they didn’t fly across the field but enjoyed an easy pace that soothed her heated cheeks and allowed her time to regain strength in her legs.

When they made their way back to her family it was to find Seth now kilted and sparring with Bradon. McKayla burst out laughing. Leslie and Sheila stood nearby, goblets in hand, and grins on their faces.

Sheila looked up, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes as she looked from Colin to McKayla. “Did you have a nice ride?”

McKayla didn’t miss the innuendo and rolled her eyes as Colin helped her dismount. But she was feeling more alive and far more spunky than usual.

“Faster and more intense than I ever would’ve expected.”

Her cousin giggled and Leslie cast them a bemused sidelong glance.

“Wow, look at Seth,” Mckayla exclaimed. “He looks every inch the Scotsman.”

“You should see him fight. He’s got skills,” Leslie said. “And he’s almost giving Bradon a run for his money. Looks to me like he’s having one hell of a good time.”