To Win a Highland Scot: A Time-Traveler’s Highland Love, Book 3

by Gill, Tamara

  Titania smiled. The Macleod clan was not strong enough to win a war against the O’Cains. There were more of them, and they were bloodthirsty for Macleod blood.

  The laird’s in particular.

  She raised her glass, toasting the newly married couple. "Enjoy your time, my mortal dears, for it will be as fleeting as your life."

  Chapter 30

  The festivities for his marriage to Maya continued over the next few days, with Samhain tomorrow. Numerous bonfires, stacked high with wood, lay about the castle, both within the keep and the estate's land.

  His people came in from his lands to Druiminn. His soldiers happy to revisit old friends they hadn't seen in several months. Some of his men slipped away into the forest or cottages when wanting to be alone with their ladies.

  Boyd woke early this morning, wanting to train with his men. As hard as it had been to drag himself away from Maya, her warmth and the comfort she gave him, he needed to return to normal life. He was laird, the chieftain to his people. He could not remain secluded in their room forever.

  His spies on Macleod land's border had stated that the O’Cains looked to be building an army of men and preparing to march.

  They would be here any day, but Boyd was prepared. He'd expected the move from his enemy. Dougall O’Cain was never satisfied with what he had. He was always looking to gain more. To take what was not his.

  Well, he may march toward Druiminn, but he would lose even if Boyd died fighting to save those he cared about, his land, his wife, his people.

  Douglas strode up to him, a grin on his lips. "Ach, so the laird has joined us at last. We dinna ever think to see you again."

  Boyd chuckled, wishing he had stayed wrapped in Maya's arms or kissing his way down her soft stomach to the patch of dark curls at the apex of her thighs. He smirked with the knowledge they had grown back since the first time he had seen them.

  A woman's legs, wrapped about one's head, was the sweetest satisfaction one could have. As much as he enjoyed sparring, verbally and physically, with his men, he knew where he'd prefer to have been this early in the morn.

  "You know I have to ensure that you all know how to fight. What with the O’Cains’ eagerness for war, I thought it best that I help you train."

  Douglas barked out a laugh, but his eyes clouded with concern. "We received a report just this morning talking of our foe. I'm glad to see you so soon. The numbers are not good, Boyd. We're outnumbered from the last count. By several hundred."

  Boyd adjusted his stance, unease running down his spine. That was not the news he was hoping for. The O’Cains were more astute than he thought them to be. Normally the rabble clan could not organize a gathering, nevertheless a war.

  "Most of the clan will remain here until after Samhain. They will expect to enjoy the revelry, but mayhap we'll need to speak to the soldiers, keep them from imbibing too much good food and wine. If the O’Cains are preparing to march, ’twould only mean they will come to us when they think we're least expecting it. Least prepared."

  "And still drunk on mulled wine and beer," Douglas stated, frowning as they watched several clansmen cross swords with each other. The clang of metal on metal music to Boyd's ears.

  "What of the women? The castle isn't fortified enough to keep them from harm should the worst befall us on the field."

  Boyd turned to Douglas. The idea of Maya or anyone under his care harmed at the O’Cain's hand brought forth in him a wave of anger so great it threatened to consume him. But Douglas was right. Druiminn was a single tower castle. With no impregnable outer castle wall to keep those inside safe, any who stayed within her walls was vulnerable.

  Should they survive the forthcoming battle, he would ensure that the castle had modifications, be built upon, and made harder to seize, a second tower perhaps, hidden passageways that would enable those who lived within its walls a way of escape when under attack.

  "We'll have boats prepared to evacuate the women and children should the worst happen. They can travel by sea to Duart Castle, stay with the Macleans. They will be secure there and cared for."

  Boyd thought over Douglas's idea, unsure it would work. The women could not stay here, not if they were under siege, but that option may not be open to them. "That may be impossible. O’Cains have been ravaging the lands down near Loch Bracadale and Minginish. They have ships, some of which could be near the isles. They'll not think to assume we're watching those ports. No," Boyd said, dismissing the idea of the women and children escaping by boat. "We shall station men at Druiminn and hide them in the forest if need be. Have the men today prepare several sites suitable to enable that."

  Douglas nodded, but Boyd could see the worry in his eyes, the same that he held. That the O’Cains may have the advantage at this moment, and there wasn't a damn thing he could do about it. "Send our fastest rider, find out where Donald Mor's men are. We'll be needing them if we're to win."

  "From the last report, they are at least ten days away, Boyd. Mayhap if we travel to Glendale, the land is flatter there, and there is a source of fresh water, good for the men. Make Clan O’Cain come to us. With Mor's men set to land at Loch Pooltiel, if we can hold the O’Cains off long enough for them to arrive, we may stand a chance of winning this battle."

  Boyd thought over Douglas's words that were wise indeed. "We ride to Glendale the day after Samhain." Boyd looked back at the castle, thinking of Maya. Leaving her here, with only a skeleton army to protect her and the womenfolk left him uneasy. But, there was little he could do about it. He certainly couldn't take her with him, as much as he would like to keep her within view at all times. It was too dangerous, too hard, and he would be distracted, knowing she was back at the base, alone and without protection.

  What if the O’Cains worked their way around their forces, got their filthy hands on her? Boyd fisted his hands at his sides before walking over to where the weapons lay ready for use. He clasped a training sword in his hand, adjusting his grip as he got used to its weight, the feel of the weapon in his hold.

  One of his soldiers came before him, circling him with his weapon, ready for a fight. The poor lad should not have picked this day to spar, for Boyd was in the mood to draw blood, even with a wooden sword and from one of his own men.

  Maya watched Boyd from the steps of the castle, Jeane next to her. His cousin clicked her tongue in censure as Boyd sparred with several men, all of them bleeding, either from their noses or small slices from Boyd's sword. How that was even possible since he was using wood, she could not figure. She cringed when his sword connected with one of the men's forearms, making the soldier grimace in pain.

  Maya studied him, wondering why he was so angry. What point he was trying to make.

  Boyd didn't hold back, his swings strong and sure, his body sweating, dusty, and utterly delicious to watch, no matter how bloodthirsty. Still, to be out there fighting against Boyd wasn't even something Maya would consider. He looked a little crazed and unstable.

  "The O’Cains are close, aren't' they?" Maya said to Jeane, more a statement than a question. This had to be the reason for Boyd's unease. He was worried for his clan, for her.

  Jeane pursed her lips, staring out at the battling clansmen. "Aye. I heard Douglas mention that they've been causing strife on Skye and that their end goal is Druiminn. The main O’Cain army may already be on their way."

  "To here?" Maya gasped, fear curling around her heart at the thought of those men coming to pick a fight. Not just any fight, but one that ended in one loser and one conqueror.

  Oh, if only she had read up on her history of the Macleods more, she would know who won this battle. With Jeane here, a distant blood relative of Boyd's, she didn't know if the current clan Macleod hailed from her bloodline or Boyd’s.

  What if Boyd was killed? She clutched her stomach, nausea wrenching up, as uncontrollable as the forthcoming war. Maya ran down the steps, rushing to a nearby bush, and vomited. Boyd was no longer immortal. He was mortal now.

 
; How had she not thought of that before?

  Which meant he could be killed. That when he fought the O’Cains, he could die, and it would be her fault. His love for her had put him in danger.

  She retched again, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand as comforting arms pulled her away. Boyd wrapped himself about her, soothing her with Gaelic words she couldn't understand but wished she did.

  "What troubles you, lass?" he asked at length, his hand making round, soothing strokes on her back.

  Tears pricked her eyes, and she clutched at him like a terrified child. The idea that within weeks, possibly days, Boyd could be in danger made her stomach churn with renewed vigor.

  "When were you going to tell me that the O’Cains are marching toward Druiminn?"

  He sighed, setting his chin on the top of her head. "I dinna want to worry you, Maya. ’Tis in hand, and we'll battle miles from here. I'll ensure you and Jeane are safe."

  She shook her head, leaning back to look up at him. She needed to see his face, to see if he was serious and true. "I don't want to be parted from you."

  A look of determination settled on his features, immovable and solid like his castle foundations. "I'm afraid that is not an option. You will stay here, or I'll lock you in until I return."

  "You wouldn't dare," she gasped, never having heard him speak to her in such a way before.

  He stepped back, crossing his arms over his chest. "Doona test me on this, lass, for you will find my word is as true as the sun and moon in the sky."

  Chapter 31

  Chapter Thirty One

  "Come now," Jeane said, stepping between them when they both remained at crosses over Boyd's words. "No more disagreements. The Scots have enough of those already."

  He wouldn't attempt to lock her in the castle. What if they did need to escape? Leaving them locked away for the O’Cains to come in and do whatever they wanted wasn't safe at all.

  Foolhardy more like.

  "I will not leave you." Maya was determined to get her way. To stay here without Boyd would be far more dangerous, in her opinion anyway. A small voice whispered that she was being unreasonable, that she should not go to war or be anywhere near one, but she also needed to keep watch on Boyd. Make sure nothing happened to him, that he survived.

  The thought of him dying was an unbearable thought to begin with, but the idea of being miles away from him should something like that occur was worse.

  "This is not up for discussion. The women and children stay at Druiminn where you will be safe." He looked up at his castle. His lips thinned into a displeased line. "Well, as safe as one can be in such a castle, but I'll ensure you have other options should the Macleods fall to the O’Cains."

  Jeane made the sign of the cross, mumbling a prayer. "Doona say such things, Boyd Macleod. You'll curse us all."

  Boyd sighed, throwing them a placating look, trying to appeal to their reasonable side. Maya didn't have a reasonable side. Not when it came to living without the man she loved. "I will not be able to focus should I know you're nearby, in danger by being so close to the battle. You must stay here. There is no choice."

  "Of course," Jeane said, clasping Maya's arm and trying to drag her away.

  Maya didn't move. "What if something happens to you? I won't be there."

  "Nothing will happen to me, Maya lass. The O’Cains are no match for us."

  Jeane growled, glaring at Boyd. "There you go again, tempting fate, lad."

  The whole situation wasn't fair or needed, not in Maya's opinion at least. Why couldn't the stupid O’Cains fuck the hell off and leave Boyd and his clan alone? What was wrong with people in this time that they needed to fight with everyone all the time?

  It was absurd, and she was damn well sick of it.

  Maya shook off Jeane's hold and pushed past Boyd, starting for the castle. She needed to be alone. To think and plan. What would she do if Boyd did lose and the O’Cains returned to Druiminn to take their spoils? Whatever would happen to them?

  She couldn't stay in medieval Scotland then. As much as she loved the Macleod people, Jeane and Boyd, this wasn't her time. Without the man she loved, living and breathing in it, she could not stay here then.

  If she were being made to stay at the castle for the battle duration, she would stay in the tower, within hand’s reach of the tapestry. Within reach of returning home, safe from the O’Cains' wrath and destruction. If only she could take everyone with her too. Boyd especially.

  Samhain came, and the bonfires lit up the surrounding land. The castle, too, was alight with every candle and sconce burning. The air outside was surprisingly warm, fresh, and clean, and the heavens would soon be out, twinkling over them as if wanting to be part of the celebrations.

  Boyd stood to the side of the main bonfire, now well alight within the bailey. Maya stood away from him on the opposite side, a scowl on her brow and displeasure in every word she spoke to him since their argument this afternoon.

  It was not how he wanted to spend the last evening with his lass, but then, he also needed her to understand that she would follow his command. That there was no discussion on the matter.

  "You look to be getting the silent treatment. ’Tis a shame for a soldier to go off to war with bad blood between him and his wife."

  Boyd ground his teeth at Douglas's words. He could not allow her displeasure of him to continue. The lass had to understand his reasons for her to remain, and if she did not, well then, he would make her.

  Mayhap make her...

  "Aye, I shall secure her understanding. When we ride at first light tomorrow, there will be no hostility between us."

  "I wanted to ask before we departed for Glendale if you would give your blessing to me marrying Jeane."

  Boyd turned to stare at Douglas, frowning. "You asked her weeks ago, why seek my approval tonight?"

  "Because I want your approval and to marry her tonight with your blessing. I dinna seek it before, and I should have. ’Twas wrong of me."

  Boyd smiled, clapping him on his back several times. "Thank you for asking, and aye, of course, you have my blessing and best wishes for your marriage tonight. But," Boyd said, pointing toward where the clan priest stood with several men and women, a large tankard of ale in his hands, his eyes glassy and unfocused already, "I would suggest you get married sooner rather than leave it until later. The father looks to be well in his cups."

  Douglas looked over to where the priest stood and started off without hesitation. Boyd smiled, watching his closest friend and clan guardsman seek the priest's assistance to marry Jeane. He supposed that meant that Douglas would be family soon. He would have to ensure they had a larger home allocated to them on the land when they returned from battle.

  It pleased him that his clan was happy. This night at least they were. Boyd left them to their celebrations, wanting to go over the plans for the next several days. He strode to his solar, wanting to look over the maps, the men, and the abilities one last time before they set off in only a few hours.

  A maid brought in a pitcher of beer, bread, and stew. Boyd sat and ate, thinking of all the ways the O’Cains could attack them at Glendale and what to do should that happen. A multitude of battle plays that he saw in his mind's eye and combatted in return. Down several hundred men, they needed to act smart and quick if they were to stand any chance of winning.

  The door to his solar creaked, and he looked up to find Maya standing at the threshold. She looked tired and worried. Little gray circles sat beneath her eyes, and he knew she hadn't slept well the night before. Hell, he hadn't slept well either. It had been the first night that they had not come together, made love, and given each other pleasure.

  He had not tried to seek her approval or her acquiescence. She needed to think over his stance and agree to it in her own time. Or at least, get used to the idea that he would not be moved and what he said was law.

  She didn't say anything, just stared at him, but he understood the silence that fell between them. T
omorrow morn when he parted, it could be the last time they ever saw each other. How could one fill such a space with meaningless words when words would never be enough? Not to encompass what he felt for her and she him.

  "Come here, lass," he whispered, needing her more than air. She all but bolted across the room and flung herself into his arms. Holding him with an immovable embrace.

  Boyd sent up a silent prayer that his clan, his men, the women and children left behind at Druiminn would be safe. Would survive the next several weeks and be rid of the O’Cains when all of this was over.

  He wanted to start a family with his wife. He wanted a future with her, so much that he knew tomorrow when he rode from Druiminn, his body and soul would not be complete until he was back here again.

  He tipped up her face, kissing her hard, showing her without words all that she meant to him. She was his sole reason for living, his future that he wanted with a desperation that scared him.

  An emotion he did not need the night before riding into battle.

  He could feel the dampness of her cheeks, the tears that fell unheeded. His heart crumbled in his chest, knowing that tonight could be their last together.

  "Maya," he said, pulling back. He reveled in her beautiful dark-blue eyes, wanting to remember them forever. "If something were to happen to me, you must not stay. You need to return to your time. I canna die if I know that you would stay. Place yourself in harm's way, when for you at least, there is a way out."

  Her lip wobbled, and it near broke him in two, but she nodded, just the smallest bit, and relief poured through him like a balm. No matter the outcome, his lass, his love would be safe.

  Would live on somewhere in time, even if he did not.

  Chapter 32

  Chapter Thirty Two

  They arrived at Glendale two days later and set up camp across the river Hamra. Boyd walked through the clan's camp. Each of his men was busy with preparations for the forthcoming battle. They sharpened swords, checked armor, viewed the lay of the land, and planned.