Trapped Under his Highland Spell: A Scottish Medieval Historical Romance (Tales Of Highland Might Book 4)

by Ava McArthur

  He stroked her cheek with the back of his fingers; tingles rushed through her like a tidal wave. He stood tall, yet not out of reach.

  “Well, we are married now. I’m happy that my wife is such a lovely lass.”

  “And I’m happy that my husband is such a cheerful man, and handsome tae,” Moira replied, unable to hide the trembling anticipation that came with her words. Niall smiled and took her hand, bringing it to his lips. He placed a soft kiss and then gazed deeply into her eyes. The air seemed to shimmer, and inside there was a deep ache. Moira knew that something was going to happen, and even so, she was wholly unprepared for the fire that erupted within her soul.

  Niall tilted her chin up and they kissed. It was such a simple gesture and yet it set her entire world aflame. A soft moan escaped her lips as she curled her toes in response to the sensations that were coursing through her. Suddenly she knew she was not a girl any longer. The kiss sparked something deep and primal within her, something she hadn’t even realized she was missing from her life, and something that she was now never going to let go of.

  She kissed Niall back, feeling the tenderness of his lips and the burning heat that prickled on his skin. When they broke apart, his eyes were swimming with desire. He exhaled slowly, and he was still so close that she could feel the warmth on her own lips. She leaned in to kiss him again, but as she did, she was taken by surprise.

  He wrapped his arms around her and whisked her around, practically throwing her on the bed. She fell onto a thick blanket and Niall fell upon her too, this time atop her. She cradled his head and welcomed his weight upon her. They kissed deeply, closing their eyes as their hands explored each other.

  Moira felt as though her body was going to explode with heat. She loved the feeling of him so close to her, and yet they were still separated by these troublesome clothes.

  Niall leaned back and rested on his knees, pulling Moira with him. He gestured for her to turn around and began to unlace her dress. One by one, the threads were pulled away until her skin was freed and her dress slipped away like a whisper in the night. Niall placed his hands on her shoulders and kissed her neck.

  Moira leaned back, sinking into him. He turned her around and placed her trembling hands on his shirt, helping her pull it off. She revealed a slender body, toned in all the right places. As her fingers ran down his flesh, she noticed how warm it was, how inviting it was, and knew she had found a second home.

  As she pulled away his final garment, her mouth dropped open at his manhood. There was something alluring about it, something that seemed forbidden and shameful, and yet seemed so right and natural as well. Her hand reached out to touch it and when her fingers caressed the soft tip, he moaned. His hand ran from her waist across to her own intimate area, the damp delta in between her thighs that burned as it had never burned before. They kissed again, coming together in a sensual blend of lust and desire. Her body fit perfectly into his. His hands moved like an expert’s as she tried her best to keep up.

  The uncertainty and the unknown of the situation didn’t matter. Her body was driven by instinct, and that was all she needed. As her hands moved down to the thick thatch of hair at the base of his manhood, she took delight in the way his body shuddered. While she toyed with him and got used to the mysteries of his body, his fingers explored her.

  It was strange at first, to feel the curling motion reaching deep inside her, but she quickly grew used to it as the pleasure surged within, flowing like a tempestuous river. Her eyelids fluttered as she arched her back, glad for his arm that wrapped around her waist as otherwise, she would have fallen. Her mind grew hazy, and as his fingers moved inside her, she could well have believed that magic existed.

  Their kisses grew deeper and more fervent. He kissed her neck and chest and breasts, while she traced a line along his collarbone with her lips. She breathed in all of his masculine essence and clung to him, never wanting to let her go. It was magical and fantastic, and she couldn’t believe that she had ever had any doubts about marrying him.

  He was a dream come true and all her fears were eradicated by this intimate fire. He may not have felt exactly the same way as she did, but that didn’t truly matter. She could still feel his desire, and if it wasn’t true love, he felt then it was at least something similar, and that would be enough for her.

  Niall pulled his arm away and she fell back, laughing at the unexpected motion. The bed enveloped her, and she looked up at Niall with doe eyes. He positioned himself over her, never taking his gaze away. He kissed her deeply as she felt his body moving over her, his hard arousal getting ever nearer, until suddenly she felt a warm burst of pain, and then he was inside her.

  Moira’s eyes opened wide as the world became new to her, as her virtue was surrendered. She wrapped her arms and clung to his back as she breathed deep, shuddering breaths. His powerful form melted into her as their bodies became one, their tongues dancing as they traded orgasmic pleasure. Her back arched, her insides scorched by his passion. It seemed as though it would never end, but then it did, and that was the sweetest part of all.

  6

  Moira awoke the following morning with hope and love in her heart. So far, her time with the Calbraiths had been more like a fairy tale than she had expected, and she couldn’t wipe the grin off her face. Niall was already awake.

  “I was just watching ye sleep. Ye looked so beautiful, I didnae want tae wake ye,” he said, and then kissed her.

  “I’m nae sure I want tae wake up. I feel like I’m dreaming,” she admitted.

  “Oh this is all real, and sae was last night,” he whispered. They shared a giggle. Moira blushed at the memory of what they had done. As it turned out, she enjoyed sex more than she thought she would. The pain hadn’t been as intense as others had described, and the pleasure, well…that was something that could change a life. Even just thinking about it made her head swim.

  They lay in bed for a while. She nestled up to her husband and enjoyed the feeling of his long arms wrapping around her, but eventually, the world called and life needed to be lived. Thankfully Niall wasn’t going to abandon her to his duties just yet; he revealed his intention to take her on a tour of her new home so that she might make herself familiar with her new surroundings.

  They got dressed and ate breakfast, and then were on their way.

  The lands the Calbraiths owned were not as expansive as she was used to. Their keep was set in the midst of woodland, and while there were some fields, there were only a handful of animals grazing nearby. Paths led away from the keep, running all across the Highlands. One went to the nearby shore, and a lot of the trade was for seafood, so the smell of fish was difficult to escape. Niall walked with confidence; when he showed her his home, he spoke with pride.

  “I’m just glad that we hae been able tae move on from the bad times,” he said after they had been speaking for a while. “The wars that hae existed between our people…I cannae help but feel as though they hae held our clans back.”

  “Aye, I feel the same. We always lived in fear of an attack.”

  “As did we.”

  All her life, Moira had thought of the Calbraiths as the vicious enemy, as men and women who wanted nothing more than to destroy and steal anything they wanted, but the reality was that they were much like the Monroes.

  They had lives and ambitions, and some of them were afraid as well. A part of her wondered how there had even been war in the first place when they had been so similar, so afraid of the same things. But that didn’t matter now. The threat of war was no longer a pressing concern because of her marriage.

  “I wanted tae say something else tae ye, Moira. It was something I also said tae Marcas. I wanted tae apologize for what happened with yer Uncle Roderick. My father was a fool tae trust him. He was blinded by his ambition, but I knew there haed tae be a better way for our clan tae prosper. If Roderick could betray his own blood, then what would stop him from turning his back on us? But Da wouldnae listen to me.” He spoke
with a great heaviness in his voice.

  “What happened tae him?” Moira asked.

  Niall arched his eyebrows and scratched his chin. “After what happened with Roderick, he was ashamed. He felt as though he had let the clan down and he couldnae show his face again. Word got out about Roderick’s disappearance, and Da decided tae make the same choice.

  He said that he haed made a great error and that he could no longer lead the clan. He said it was time for someone else tae take over, for someone tae find a new path. Sae he gave the clan tae me and then he left, saying that he hoped he could make up for his dishonor elsewhere. He was always a man of principle but still, sometimes I wish he would hae stayed.”

  For a moment, Niall looked younger than his years, and his easy confidence vanished. Moira knew the look well. She had seen the same thing in Marcas and in herself.

  “I know what it’s like tae lose a parent. No matter how old ye get, there’s still a part of ye that wants tae be with them.”

  “Aye, truer words hae never been spoken. I know of yer loss. I’m sorry that he died in battle with us. That’s what I hope tae avoid with this alliance. We must move forward,” Niall said. He was saying all the right things and yet…was it that easy? The enmity between the clans had existed for generations. Was it going to be as simple as Moira and Niall banishing the past to where it belonged?

  “I haed a lot of fun at the wedding, although I was disappointed tae nae spend time with Jamie and Isobel more,” Moira said.

  “I’m sure ye will get the chance. Jamie prefers tae keep tae himself,” Niall said.

  “All I’ve seen him dae is eat,” Moira said, laughing lightly.

  “Aye, he likes tae keep his strength up, that one. Sometimes I think he was born at the wrong time. All he’s wanted ever since he was younger was tae be a warrior like the heroes of old and fight in a war, but I dinnae want any wars tae happen. But that doesnae stop him from training. He seems tae enjoy himself though.”

  “And Isobel? She certainly seemed popular at the wedding.”

  Niall wore a wry smile. “She’s always been trouble, but she doesnae mean any harm. She just likes tae enjoy life. I think she was the one of us who was happiest when Da said he was leaving. They never saw eye tae eye.”

  “Why nae?”

  “It all gaes back tae our childhood, really. Grizel used tae tell us stories, silly wee things tae pass the time. Anyway, Da never had any time for them and thought she was a strange old hag, but Isobel…well…Isobel couldnae get enough of the stories. She believed everything Grizel was telling her, no matter how impossible it seemed. Isobel would never forgive Da for denying everything.”

  “And what about ye?”

  Niall had a pensive look on his face. “I think that if there were ever any spirits in the world, they died out a long time ago, or they’re keeping tae themselves. I never haed much time for the stories. Some of them I didnae mind, like the ones about the heroes, but all this talk of spirits?” He shook his head. “I agree with my da on that, but I dinnae argue about it as much as Isobel. She can believe what she wants tae believe.”

  “There are times when I like tae believe there’s more tae the world than we can see. I dinnae know if I agree with Grizel and Isobel, but there are times in the night when the moon is high and the stars dance in the sky that I can believe magic exists.”

  “Well, then ye and Isobel should have a lot tae talk about,” Niall replied with a wide smile. Moira nodded as they continued to walk, greeting various people as they went. Occasionally they stopped as a cart was pulled along, carrying goods to be traded with nearby towns.

  “Why dae ye give Grizel as much freedom as ye dae if ye dinnae agree with what she believes? Why dae ye hang all the wreaths up?” Moira asked, as it still puzzled her why Grizel was given such an important role in the clan.

  Niall chuckled. “There are a few reasons. One of them is that Grizel doesnae listen tae anyone but herself. She does what she wants, and unless I want tae force an old woman out of the clan, I hae tae let her hae her own way. She’s harmless, really, and she was always kind tae us when we were children. I cannae find it in my heart tae turn her away. Where would she gae? She would nae be able tae look after herself.”

  “The spirits could look after her,” Moira offered.

  “Aye, that they could. But I cannae trust her safety tae things that may nae exist. She is still a Calbraith, and it would be wrong of me tae turn her away. But the truth is that it was something my mother wanted.

  Mam believed in the spirits tae, and she was very close tae Grizel. Unfortunately, Mam died, and she asked Grizel tae always watch over us. I think it frustrated Da that Mam made this request, as it meant that he couldnae turn Grizel away. I keep her tae honor my mam.”

  Moira was touched by his tender emotions. She reached out for his hand and squeezed it gently, offering him a smile.

  “I know what it’s like tae lose yer parents. For a long time, Marcas hae been my only family, but I suppose I hae a new one now.”

  “Aye, that ye dae,” Niall said. Moira couldn’t help but fall in love with him every time she looked at him. To think that she had fallen in love with a Calbraith man. In the years that came before this, she would never have thought it possible.

  As they continued on the tour, Moira found herself glancing towards the woods, wondering if there was anything deeper to the mysteries they held in their dark depths. It was easy to dismiss the talk of spirits as crazy and wild, but Moira liked to think there were unseen forces that moved in the world, that there was more to be known and discovered.

  7

  Moira enjoyed spending time with Niall. He always said exactly the right thing, and time with him passed swiftly. They shared an easy intimacy, and even though they had only known each other for a short time, it felt as though they had known each other all their lives. She was grateful that she could call him a friend as well as a husband, but he was still the laird of the clan and had many duties to perform, leaving Moira with some time on her hands.

  At home, she would have spent this time wandering about the fields, tending to the flowers, and spending time with her niece and nephew. The thought of them brought a wistful smile to her face. As happy as she was with her new life, she missed them terribly, and she knew that if she had the chance to go back to them now, she would surely take it.

  While she was happy to enjoy her own company, she wanted to make the effort to make new friends, especially with her new siblings, so she was delighted when Isobel asked Moira to accompany her on a trip to a nearby town to fetch some fabric for a dress that she wanted to make.

  Moira accepted instantly, and they were soon walking through the woods towards the shore. Isobel was a beautiful girl, and even though Moira was married, she was still envious of Isobel’s natural beauty. Her hair was a tawny brown, lighter than her brother’s. It was long and flowing, and braided into a ponytail that swung like a pendulum against her back. She had a shapely body and knew how to put together an outfit that would accentuate her figure. She had soft lips and dimples when she smiled.

  “Is it strange for ye tae live with us?” Isobel said.

  “In a way it is. I hae only know one home, after all,” Moira replied. “But ye hae all been sae kind and Niall haes been wonderful. He’s really made me feel like I belong here.”

  “Aye, he does hae a way with people. And he’s happy tae hae ye here as well. He’s been wanting a wife for a wee while now, but he always said he was waiting for the right one. I suppose he’s found the right one in ye.”

  “I hope sae. I want tae be a good wife for him and make sure that we hae peace.”

  Isobel nodded and then reached into her pouch and pulled out some seeds. She walked to the side of the path and placed them in the crook of a tree.

  “What are ye daeing?” Moira asked with curiosity. Isobel rose from her crouching position and returned to the middle of the path.

  “I’m feeding the forest. Grize
l says it’s important tae remind the forest spirits that we are still here tae take care of them. Whether animals or spirits take the offering, it is still gaeing tae the forest. It’s important tae nae forget the agreement we made.”

  “What agreement is that?”

  “Grizel told me a story that a long time ago, when men first came tae this land, they made an agreement with the forest that they would share their resources. But over time, men got greedy and forgot. This led tae the spirits being angry, and it’s up tae us tae repair the broken bonds. But most people dinnae believe in the spirits anyway. Sae every time I come through these woods, I leave a small offering in the hope that the spirits will see that nae everyone haes forgotten them.”

  “Niall did sae ye liked the stories about spirits.”

  “They’re nae just stories,” Isobel said, her eyes flashing with wild passion. “I hae seen the spirits myself.”

  “Ye hae?”

  “Oh, aye! Well, ‘seen’ is perhaps a strong word. But I hae felt them. Grizel took me deep intae the woods one day. We waited all day, and then I felt them around me. Oh Moira, it was magical—” She cut off her sentence and looked at Moira warily. “Most people dinnae believe me when I tell them. They think I’m a fool, just like Grizel.”

  “I dinnae think ye are a fool at all,” Moira reassured her. “How can any of us know what really lives and breathes in this land? It would be arrogant tae think otherwise.”

  Isobel smiled widely, and any fear that lingered instantly vanished. “I’m glad ye think sae! I was sae hoping ye would be open-minded. Whenever I tell anyone about the spirits, they look at me as though I am a fool. Especially the men. They all try tae woo me because they think I’m pretty, but none of them agree with me, and I’m nae gaeing tae choose anyone who is like my da.” There was a spiteful tone to her words. Moira was curious to hear more.