His Heart's Desire

by Kristi Ahlers

  “Sure, although I’m not so sure I should be the one to teach you how to drive on the left side of the road. In my country we drive on the other side. But I’m sure we can find you a credible instructor.”

  They drove a little bit more before Catrìona said, “We’re almost there. Do you want me to drop you off so you can have privacy, or do you want me to stay?”

  “Stay of course, lass. I have nothing to hide from you.”

  He shook his head. Catrìona had such strange ideas. He’d been hanging around for centuries, watching as the world changed around him. Lasses had gone from being caregivers to being powerful in their own right. This large change in a woman’s place interested him and he wondered, briefly, why she would be acting submissively where this was concerned. Was it because she didn’t know her place in his life? This could very well be the reason. He’d address this issue later when they were alone and not pressed for time.

  “I just didn’t want to interfere in case there was some sort of ritual or something that had to be performed.”

  Braden chuckled. “You have quite an imagination.”

  “Well. I’m rather new at bringing dream men into reality. Truth is, I wasn’t supposed to bring you here. I was supposed to be helping you to go to the next realm.”

  Braden was puzzled at this. Another place. There was nowhere else he wanted to be than with his Catrìona. “I don’t ken what you’re saying, lass.”

  “You were supposed to stop haunting me and go on to heaven.”

  Braden chuckled. “It doesnae work that way, sweet. I have unfinished business here in this realm.”

  “Oh? What kind of business? It’s not as if there are clan wars to be fought any longer.”

  “True. But there is a vow I made that I must see to.”

  “A vow? What kind of vow?”

  Braden didn’t know how to answer the question. He had a feeling that although he knew Catrìona on many levels, he wasn’t terribly sure she’d appreciate his vow to see revenge against the family that killed her. No. That wouldn’t go over well at all.

  “A promise I made, and I plan to keep. No reason to worry about it.”

  Catrìona gave him a quick glance before she returned her attention to the road.

  “So. Is life on this side of the veil as you expected it to be?” “Aye. It’s strange to be here, seeing and touching things I’ve only been able to look at. I confess to being rather intrigued by computers.” Braden thought those were the most amazing inventions yet.

  “How exactly did it work for you to see me?”

  “The portrait was a portal. When your great, great, great-grandmother painted me, it allowed me a window into your world.”

  “Hmm.” She nibbled on her lower lip. Braden wanted to lean over and nibble on the soft flesh himself.

  His erection was swelling again within the confines of his denim jeans, and it was an altogether uncomfortable experience. He really wanted to be in the hotel room, with Catrìona spread before him without a stitch of clothing between them.

  Braden wanted to take all the time in the world and learn the secrets of her feminine body. She looked the same, but there were subtle differences. He wanted so much to be with her, and yet he knew there were things that needed to be sorted out first. How long could he stay in this time period? Was he here to stay, or would fate yank him back to his shadowy world sitting between worlds neither living nor dead?

  “So that you would pass into my world from a painting?” Catrìona was giving him a questioning look.

  “Aye. I would sort of move into your world. It’s hard to explain.”

  “But my dreams. I’ve dreamt of you for years. Those weren’t dreams, were they?”

  “Some were your memories from your other life. The others were not dreams but rather a distorted reality.”

  Catrìona didn’t say anything else for the remainder of the drive, and Braden was glad for this. He didn’t have any answers she’d be able to understand or even accept. Hell, even he had questions, and he’d been living with this cursed existence for eight hundred years. He had to give her credit though. She was handling the whole thing with him stepping out of her dreams and into her physical reality very well. He didn’t want to do anything or say anything that would scare her.

  Once they pulled into the car park of the castle, Braden was eager to walk the grounds of his home. Many changes had been wrought to what he once knew as his keep. Additions had been added to the original structure, but the weathered stone called a siren’s song to him. He found it strange, yet wonderful, to finally be staring at his home. Without saying a word, he moved past the admissions booth and through the garden gate.

  “Wait, Braden. We must pay before we enter,” Catrìona called out to him. He turned and saw her digging around in what she called a backpack to hand a person a wad of paper. He turned back to his home and waited for Catrìona to catch up with him. He was not going to hand money over to enter his own home.

  “So much has changed here and at the same time so much is the same.” He looked down at Catrìona. “Why did you give that man money? This is my keep.”

  “It is now a tourist attraction that is part of the National Trust, Braden. People now pay to visit this historic castle.” She elegantly brushed a tendril of hair from her cheek.

  “I dinnae understand what you’re saying, lass.”

  Catrìona blew out a breath. “I’ll have Elspeth explain it to you. Maybe your clan still holds some rights to the land.”

  Braden felt a frown cross his brow. “Aye, we still hold this land. ‘Tis Ross land, and we would never cede our rights to anyone.”

  “Shh. Calm down, Braden. We’ll get some answers, I promise.”

  Braden linked their hands together and lifted one to his mouth. He placed a soft kiss on the back of her hand, inhaling her sweet fragrance. “Thank you, my Catrìona.”

  Walking up to the large oaken door, he ran his hand over the wood, touching it reverently. He pushed the heavy door open and they stepped inside. Sunbeams illuminated the great hall. Braden took a deep breath, noting the various scents that called back memories of another time— peat, heather and lavender in the rushes that used to cover the stone floor. These scents were mixed with leather, ale and the sweat of his clansmen. The fresh scents of pine and sea air were everywhere. The various notes of a piper danced on the air, and he relished the memories they brought to him. These were things he’d long ago forgotten or ignored.

  Catrìona stood beside him, silent but comforting at the same time. He wrapped his arm around her waist and walked further into the space. “This was where my clan would gather for meals and conversation. There was always someone here in the great hall.”

  He strode with determination to the raised dais and up to the laird’s chair. “This was my seat. I could see my entire clan from here. The wee ones were playing with the dogs among the rushes.”

  Catrìona nodded her head. “I’ve had very vivid dreams of this room.”

  Braden looked down and was unable to keep himself from touching her. He brushed his finger down her petal soft cheek. “You were here upon occasion. When my duties would not allow me to visit you at your uncle’s keep, I would send for you to stay here. There was always a proper chaperone, since I didn’t want dishonor brought down on you.”

  They stood together in silence before Braden shook himself back to reality. “Take me to Elspeth.”

  “Braden Ross, ‘tis you!”

  Braden turned at the sound of his name and barely had time to brace himself before a grey-haired sprite launched herself at him.

  “You’re returned to us. Oh, the Trust will be so happy to hear you’re here.”

  “The Trust?” Braden looked at Catrìona. “What is this Trust?”

  She shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t . . .”

  “The castle and lands were held in trust by the government. We’ve been waiting for you to return from your travels in order for you to take over the
running of the castle.” Elspeth patted Braden on the chest.

  She looked at Catrìona. “And how was the first night with your laird and his friend? Did you get all your questions answered?”

  “If anything, there are now more questions than answers. I thought I was releasing him to the fade, not bringing him and Alec to our time.”

  Elspeth had the good grace to blush. “‘Tis not my fault you didn’t light the candles in their proper order, lass. Fate had a hand in this. And, make no mistake, your souls were meant to find each other now.”

  Cat smiled. “I could have sworn I did as you told me.”

  Elspeth laughed. “We all make mistakes, dearie. The point is things turned out as they should.”

  “Yes, you did. So are you saying all the wealth and lands of Clan Ross are Braden’s?”

  “Why, of course, dear. He’s the Laird.” Elspeth turned back to Braden. “Why don’t we return to my cottage, and we’ll have a cup of tea and a coze.”

  “We would like that a great deal.”

  Elspeth turned and linked arms with Catrìona. “We’ll get the confusion all cleared up so you can both get back to the business of living life together as you were born to do.”

  Braden liked the sound of that, and he followed the two women down to the thatched roof cottage at the end of his property. He remembered this place well and was glad to see the diminutive structure had weathered the winds and rain of time.

  On more than one occasion he found himself staring at the rounded perfection of his Catrìona’s backside. Yes, he had to agree with Alec on the way women dressed today. All those lovely curves they had were now a visual feast for the eye. Catrìona’s, in particular, were delicious, and he couldn’t wait to make her his.

  They entered Elspeth’s small abode and found seats around an equally dainty table. After the ritual of pouring the tea was complete, Elspeth took her seat and smiled at them both. “Oh, ‘tis fine to see you both together again. After all these years.”

  “Centuries, Elspeth. It has been centuries.” Braden offered a smile.

  “Aye.” Elspeth took a sip of her tea. “The Trust will be having its monthly meeting in two days’ time. We’ll inform the chairman of your return.”

  “I no longer want my keep to be a . . .” He looked over at Catrìona. “What did you call it again?’

  “Tourist attraction.”

  “Aye, a tourist attraction.” He nodded as he turned his attention back to Elspeth. “I wish to reside here since it is mine.”

  “Of course, Laird. We’ll speak to the trustees about this at the meeting.”

  “I wish to take up residence today. There is no reason for us to stay elsewhere. We must conserve our coin.”

  “I don’t see any problem with that. Your part of the keep was never opened to the public. Only the great hall, kitchens, chapel and women’s solar were used in the tours.” Elspeth stood and went to the corner cupboard. “Here are the keys to your keep.”

  Braden took them and smiled. “‘Tis good to be home.” Turning, he faced Catrìona. “Let’s return to your inn and retrieve our belongings. We’ll sleep in my castle tonight.”

  Braden took another look at the stone keep. For the first time in centuries, he felt peace and completion. Nothing had ever felt so right, and he wished he could freeze time so he could enjoy this perfect moment.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Cat drove them back to the hotel in silence. She didn’t know what to make of the afternoon so far. There were still not many answers to the million questions dancing the tango in her head, but there was nothing that could be done about that right then.

  “Do you think Alec will be back from his wanderings yet?”

  Braden smiled. “Aye. I imagine he’ll be waiting for us to return. He’ll be thrilled to know we can stay at the keep.”

  “Are you sure? I don’t think your castle is wired for digital cable,” she teased as they drove into the car park of the hotel.

  “This is true. He’ll just have to learn to live without this modern invention for the time being.”

  Cat didn’t say anything, but she had a feeling that was going to be easier said than done. Alec, like all modern men, had a thing about the remote control.

  Together they made their way to her room and found Alec reclined on the bed with a bag of chips and what looked like a rather depleted six pack of Cola.

  “The food in this time period is rather extraordinary. These are called potato crisps.” He held up a bag. “I wish to get more of these.”

  Cat resisted the urge to laugh. Oh, Alec was going to get along fine in this century. He’d already managed to do what males the world over did. They dominated the remote control and ate the junk food.

  “Is there anything left or did you eat it all?” Braden asked.

  Alec frowned. “I left one bag of crisps and a bottle of Cola.”

  “It’s fine. I’ll just run back to the store and get some real food.”

  Braden was shaking his head. “No, we’ll have food delivered. You’ll not be spending your hard-earned coin on Alec and me. We will take care of things.”

  Silently Cat let out a sigh. She really didn’t have much cash left, and she didn’t want to have to break out the plastic.

  “Verra well.” Alec sat up and dusted the crumbs from the chips onto the ground. “Have you made arrangements to have a television installed in my chambers?”

  Catrìona bit her lower lip in an attempt to still the laughter welling in her chest.

  “Nae, Alec. I have not. Good lord, man, you’ve lived centuries without this box. I imagine you will be able to survive for the time being without it.”

  The next few moments were spent packing and gathering her things. Cat didn’t want to leave anything behind. She pulled out her painting and smiled. The artist had indeed done a fabulous job at bring Braden to life.

  “Okay. I’m ready.” Cat turned and faced the two men in the room.

  Her eyes met Braden’s, and she offered a small smile. “I probably should call my friends and let them know that I’m going to be out of touch for a couple of days.”

  Alec quickly found his space on the bed, with remote control in hand, and Braden sat as she picked up the phone. “I’ll be quick, I promise.”

  Cat didn’t know whom she should call. Summer was no doubt with their other friends, Lacy and Skylar. She quickly dialed Summer’s home number and listened as the phone rang and rang. The answering machine picked up, and Cat left a quick message and reminded Summer to pick her up at the airport in a week.

  “All is well now?” Braden moved close and picked up one of her bags. “We can depart?”

  His body language indicated he was ready to go. Standing at the door with suitcase in hand left little doubt in her mind. Alec, on the other hand, looked quite comfy on the bed.

  “Yes.” Cat moved over to Braden and waited for him to open the door. Alec grumbled behind them as the trio made their way down the corridor.

  With a little jockeying around, Cat managed to get her suitcase, Braden, Alec’s swords and plaids, and the clothing she’d bought them into the compact’s trunk.

  Once everyone was strapped in, she started the car and headed back towards the castle.

  Cat wasn’t thrilled about spending the rest of her time there. For one thing the structure was large, cold and a wee bit foreboding, and secondly she had to drive the crummy road.

  “Are you all right, lass? You seem verra quiet suddenly.” Braden touched her on the arm.

  “What?”

  “You seem troubled.”

  “Ah, no. Just concentrating on the road.”

  “I know I promised you answers that you haven’t received yet. But you will get them.”

  “I know, Braden.” And she did. She knew she’d get the answers, but more than half of her was afraid of those answers. Life had become terribly complicated.

  This time the drive to the castle was a little bit faster than the prev
ious trips. She was getting to know the road and didn’t have to go as slow as she had in the beginning. Pulling into the car park, she found a spot close to the keep and killed the engine.

  Braden got out of the car and moved back to the trunk. Alec followed quickly on his heels and stood with legs braced apart as he took it all in. “Aye, ‘tis good to be home.”

  Cat easily understood their feelings. There was something about being gone for a while and returning to where your heart resides. Strange as it was, she felt a connection to this mystic land. And deep in her heart she knew why.

  Braden and Alec made their way into the keep, both commenting on things that had changed over the course of eight centuries. She listened with half an ear as she took in the wonder and splendor of the castle. Free of tourists, the building had a new feeling to it. Now, she took a moment to look at the priceless tapestries that graced the stone walls and other objects d’art that sat on antique tables and shelves.

  “Our clan has done well for itself, has it not, Braden?” Alec gazed about the long corridor.

  “Aye. I will be meeting with the Board of Trustees tomorrow.”

  “What is this board you speak of?” Alec fingered a vase before moving on to the next shiny thing that caught his eye.

  Cat laughed as she watched this. He was almost childlike in his curiosity.

  “‘Tis a group of clansmen that have been watching over our lands and coffers.”

  “Ah.” Alec rubbed his hands together. “I’m going to go and seek my chamber. Is there a lass to help me?”

  “You need a woman to find your chamber?” Braden shook his head. “Things haven’t changed that much.”

  “No, I would like company.”

  “Company?”

  “Aye, company. ‘Tis going to be a long and lonely night without cable.”

  “Oh, for the love . . .”

  “I’ll take that as ‘nae’ on the woman.” Alec frowned.

  Cat couldn’t help it. She started to laugh. She was more bent out of shape and confused than these two men. If this had happened to her, she was sure she’d have freaked out coming to a new time and different way of doing things. That didn’t seem to be the case, however, with her bonny Highlander and his cousin. It was almsot business as usual with them. When she looked, both men were staring at her with comically confused expressions on their face.