“Damn,” Sheila murmured, eyes wide and a silly grin on her face. “That was one hot kiss.”
“Aye,” Ilisa said. “Highland men dinnae mess around.”
McKayla’s cheeks burned but she couldn’t help but agree. “No they don’t.”
A light drizzle began as they made their way back to the castle. Leslie shuddered, her disgruntled gaze looking out beyond the courtyard. “Will they really light a fire with a hurricane coming? It seems pointless.”
“Aye.” Ilisa shrugged. “The weather isnae here yet. There’s time enough for a burn.”
“I assume we won’t be standing out in it,” Leslie quipped.
“Afraid you might melt?” Sheila shook her head. “I love the wild weather. Don’t mind getting wet in the least.”
Within a few minutes they’d been shown their quarters which were close to McKayla’s. Each were given appropriate clothing before Ilisa made true on her promise and vanished to go practice her swordsmanship.
“We’ll join you soon,” McKayla assured. The MacLomain lass, all-to-eager to be with the warriors nodded and waved, not overly concerned as she vanished down the hall.
Leslie and Sheila grabbed their clothes and joined McKayla in her chamber.
“Look at this room,” Sheila said, awed. “It’s immense. And that bed!” She winked at McKayla. “Well used already I’ll bet.”
Leslie looked out one of the windows. “So much land.”
McKayla joined her. “Beautiful isn’t it?”
With a loose shrug, her cousin said, “You know me. I’ve always been more of a city girl.”
But there was a level of appreciation in her terse reply.
Sheila thumped down on the bed and giggled. “Bounces a little too. Not such a bad thing.”
Leslie shook her head. “Is there no end to your tactlessness?”
“Not really.” Sheila continued to smile. “But better to be fun and tactless than miserable and annoying.”
“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 st
unning 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.
Chapter Thirteen
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 alr
eady 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.
Mark of the Highlander (The MacLomain Series: Next Generation, Book 1) Page 21
