Highlander's Bride: Medieval Romance (The Fae Book 1)

by Joanne Wadsworth

  “And as I certainly wish to be thanked.” He took her with him as he sat on the rear seat, tucked her securely on his lap and kissed her until he had no breath left in him.

  “Oh my,” Kyla panted against his lips. “I adore your kisses.”

  “I love you.” He snatched the tartan that had fallen from her and tucked it more securely around her, tipped her chin up and kissed her all over again. Holding her close, his heart lifted and soared free.

  “I love you too, Ronan Matheson.” She snuck one hand under the hem of his damp blue tunic and with wandering fingers, trailed over his thumping heartbeat and the hard planes of his belly.

  “You’re my heart, the other half of my soul, my everything and all.” He rocked her in his arms, closed his eyes and reveled in the moment, his chosen one snuggled deep within his mind and her presence bringing such peace to his very soul.

  Chapter 8

  Waves slapped against the galley’s sides and the boat rocked and dipped, the movement and sound pulling Kyla toward wakefulness, a very good and contented wakefulness. Held protectively in her mate’s arms throughout the night, she’d fallen asleep and nowhere else did she long to be other than right here with him.

  “Go back to sleep.” His voice floated over her, his lips brushing her cheek and his body surrounding hers. “Sleep.”

  “I’m no longer tired.” Stretching, she wriggled upright and pushed her eyes open. The skies had lightened, the night having fallen away and the new day’s rising sun glimmered along the horizon. Beautiful pinks and yellows speared bright through the pale blue. Scotland’s rugged western coastline lay to their left while to their right the blue-green waters held a long line of land rising from it. The northernmost tip of the Isle of Skye. “We’re almost halfway home. We’ve made good time.”

  “Aye, that we have, and with no sign of Jeremiah.”

  “Even better.” Grinning, she surveyed those on deck. Her MacKenzie clansmen sat on the seats, the odd one snoozing across a bench, while above them the square sail was pulled taut by the brisk breeze. She cupped Ronan’s stubbly jaw and he lifted his face to the wind and eyes closed, breathed deep. She did the same, taking in Scotland’s freshest air and the scent of pure freedom. Aye, that freedom was now all hers, as well as Fiona’s.

  “Red Point lies ahead. To shore we go!” Duncan stood at the bow and winked at her, his dark hair blowing in the wind as he stood in command of his vessel. Her brother loved sailing these seas, had always been more at home on the water than he’d ever been on the land. “We’ll stretch our legs, eat, and catch a few hours’ rest. Sound good, little sister?”

  “Oh, aye.” She’d dearly love the reprieve from being at sea, that’s if she could secure some adequate clothing rather than just this borrowed tunic from Cedric. Halfway up the aisle, Fiona sat clothed in baggy brown breeches tightened around her waist with a leather belt and a billowy white shirt overtop. Borrowed clothes from one of the men.

  “Are you hungry?” Kisses feathered over her brow.

  “Mmm, very hungry.” Bottom snug in Ronan’s groin, she nuzzled into the small V at the neckline of his blue tunic now dried by the wind. She nipped his skin, the taste of him completely intoxicating.

  “I meant for food.” He wriggled underneath her and groaned. “Hold still, love.”

  “I cannae hold still.” And going by the hardening of the bulge within his pants, he too held a definite hunger for her. She tentatively touched the heaviness of his shaft through the soft black leather and another husky groan rumbled from deep within his chest. “Do you hurt?”

  “Immensely, and that part of me has no’ ceased aching since you fell asleep in my lap.”

  “An ache I shall tend to the first moment I can.” She rubbed her palm over him some more and nibbled again on his neck, grinned as he growled low a second time.

  “Lower the sail and all to oars,” Duncan ordered, and not soon enough for her liking or Ronan’s either considering his harried thoughts.

  Along the rugged coastline, the forest butted right up to the sea and sunshine bathed the treetops a golden hue. They cruised into Red Point beach, found a clear spot on the sand where the men set up camp, hunted game then roasted their catch over an open fire that sizzled and warmed her through where she sat before it. Her belly rumbled as the succulent aroma of cooked goose and fried fish pervaded the air.

  “No’ long now.” Ronan shrugged on a fur vest and settled in behind her, his legs either side of hers.

  She leaned back against his chest, her tartan snugly wrapped around her and the fire’s brilliant orange and red flames flickering bright. Never had she been so content, well except for her itchy skin. Salt encrusted the black cloth and it scratched and irritated. “I would dearly love a wash and a change of clothes.”

  “We can bathe after we’ve eaten. I’ve been to this place a time or two afore and there’s a small pool of water in the forest which is very private.” Gently, he swept her hair to one side then buried his nose against her neck, his touch making her want to rub up against him in every single way. “Your skin is so silky and soft, your hair such a striking shade that it shimmers like burnished gold in the morning light.”

  “It does?”

  “Aye,” he purred in her ear. “I want to see your hair spread over my pillow as the sun rises each morning, and your skin, I want to explore every inch of it, day and night.” He selected one of the sticks of meat from the fire, set it aside to cool down then once it had, he tore off a chunk and slipped the morsel between her lips. “I intend on beginning that exploration very, very soon. How fast can you eat?”

  “I can inhale my food if needed.” Giggling, she plucked a piece of meat from the skewer and fed him. “What of my parents?”

  “’Twill be best if I send a messenger with a missive for them instead of riding to see them myself. You can add your own words to mine. Just dinnae ask me to leave you right now, no’ after all that has occurred.” He continued to feed her and as they ate, the other men did the same from where they sat scattered about the beach and along the grassy bank edging the forest.

  The galley sat half-beached on the sand and Duncan foraged about onboard, snagged a couple of bags then bounded onto the sand and strode toward her. He set one of the bags at her feet then perched on a low boulder wedged in the reddish-gold grains next to her. “I’ve borrowed some clothes from my squire and they’re in that bag. They should fit you. How do you feel?”

  “I’m fine, and I’m also truly sorry that Jeremiah caught me unawares at Carron. He didnae give me the chance to call out a warning.”

  “Jeremiah will never take you from us again, and the moment we return, I’ll ensure the underground tunnels are blocked off completely so that none can ever enter through them again.” Duncan chose a skewer and bit the meat off. “With your abduction, Jeremiah has declared war against Coll and I, which means building up our ranks is now of the utmost importance.”

  “You can include me in those ranks.” Ronan tightened his hold around her waist as he eyed her brother. “I’ve no intention of deserting you and Coll when your need is so great.”

  “You have my immense thanks.” Duncan nodded as he ate. “Glad I am to have you as my brother now, and you can be assured neither my men or I will ever raise arms against a Matheson.”

  “We have so many lost years to make up for.” Ronan extended his hand and Duncan shook it.

  “That we do.”

  “’Tis wonderful to see you two getting along so well.” She beamed, her happiness overwhelming her. Having her nearest and dearest right here with her was a dream, and once Coll returned from his mission, even more so.

  “I would do whatever it took to make you happy.” Ronan dropped a soft kiss on her neck. “Have you eaten your full yet?”

  “Most definitely.”

  “Then let’s bathe afore we must set sail.” He gripped her waist as he rose and set her on her feet then slung both their bags over his shoulder.

/>   With her tartan wrapped snugly around her, she followed him as he strode along the densely wooded trail into the deeper recesses of the forest. The dampness of the earth and the fresh scent of the tall pines swirled all about. Birds twittered from high in their nests, while small creatures scurried about within the undergrowth. She danced along the trail as Ronan walked a few steps ahead of her. Each stride he took was made with such purpose, his leather pants molded to his tight buttocks and powerful thighs, and as a gentle breeze whispered through the trees, it lifted the hem of his blue tunic underneath his fur vest and gave a glimpse of his golden skin and trim hips.

  “We’re here.” He held up a low branch and she passed underneath it.

  “Oh.” She gasped at the stunning sight. The clear glistening surface of the small loch reflected the brilliant green and gold foliage of the trees towering all around, the sunshine dappling through in patches. “This is perfect, and so wonderfully private.”

  They’d finally been granted some time alone and she didn’t intend to waste a moment of it. She dropped her tartan, seized the hem of her borrowed tunic and lifted it over her head. Black cotton swished to the ground and barefoot, she bounced toward the water. On the mossy edge, her toes curling into the lush softness, she peeked over her shoulder and beamed at her mate. “Are you coming in?”

  “Hell, yes.” One low growl as he dropped his sword belt and prowled toward her, his gaze sweeping down the long length of her back then getting stuck on her backside. “You have the most luscious bottom I’ve ever beheld. Have I ever told you that?”

  “Nay.” She wiggled her bottom at him. “I’ll race you to the other side. Catch me if you can.” The loch beckoned and she dove then almost lost her breath at the frigid impact with the water. ’Twas chilly, not that she’d allow that to bother her. Under the water, she kicked then broke the surface and grabbed a decent breath of air. Under she went again. Such pure bliss saturated her. This truly was a most magical—

  A hand clamped around her ankle and Ronan dragged her back to the surface.

  “I want that bottom of yours in my hands.” With the water lapping his bare chest and his golden eyes burning a toe-curling hue, he stroked over her lower cheeks, captured her mouth with his and kissed her, so hungrily, so greedily. “I have my beautiful bride back in my arms once again, safe and well and her creamy skin sliding against mine. This is what I’ve longed for since the moment you were taken from me. Never again will I allow you far from my sight.”

  “Aye, I will enjoy having you keep a close eye on me.” Fingers digging deep in his slick dark hair, the odd strand of pale blond now poking through, she returned his kiss and devoured him, just as ravenously as he devoured her.

  “I need you, Kyla.” The clear surface rippled as he scooped her higher against him, his feet touching the base as he walked her backward toward the edge, the cool water lapping her breasts and making her already hard nipples stiffen even further. He caressed her lower cheeks and she rocked against the hard length of his cock prodding into her belly.

  “Is this for me?” Between them, she curled one hand around his thick shaft.

  “Aye, my body is yours, just as your body is mine.” Carefully, he sat her on the embankment, her legs dangling in the water. He tipped her back onto the moss, stroked around her breasts in slow circles and licked his lips. “I’ve been denied my wife and you hold a feast I shall always crave.”

  “I adore bathing with you.”

  “You’re my chosen one, always mine.” He eased her breasts together and licked each nipple, the hot and heavenly stroke of his tongue making her body heat with a need only he could bring to glorious and full life. “You’ve enchanted me, Kyla, stolen my will to be anywhere else but here with you.”

  “You say the sweetest things.” She stretched out on the moss, sinking deeper into the lushness of it. “I have no wish to be anywhere else either.”

  “Now we’re together, we remain together.” He swirled around the tip of her nipple with his tongue, flicked the hard nub then sucked her nipple deep inside his mouth.

  An avalanche of sensations raced through her and she clutched his shoulders and held on.

  “Do you know what I want?” He swept her legs apart and eased between them, his gaze searching hers.

  “Aye, and I want the same.” She shoved her elbows under her and lifted up, traced the ridged bands of muscle lining his stomach, his hard muscles honed like carved stone. His abs bunched under her fingertips and as she moved lower and reached the head of his cock, his shaft saluted her from the water. Such pure joy flooded her. She wrapped her hand around the heaviness of him, fondled the head and glided down to the root. Every inch of him was hers to love and cherish, and she certainly would, for the rest of her life. “I want so much, everything you’re willing to offer me.”

  “I intend on lavishing attention on you, and I’ve no wish to stop.” He tipped her back onto the moss once more, lifted her bottom higher and fully exposed her to his ravenous gaze. “My mouth waters at just the sight of all I’m about to devour. You’re a temptation I never intend on denying myself. Are you ready?”

  “Aye, and take your time.” She didn’t want to miss a moment of this.

  “I shall, my bride.” With a groan, he separated her folds and lapped her with his tongue. Pleasure rippled through her and she almost drowned in the storm of sensations to her most sensitive flesh. He suckled her nub, his fingers driving deep inside her and she lost all control, cried out and bucked hard.

  Nay, she needed to hold on, to ensure he too felt pleasure just as she did. Under the water, she swept around and found his cock. She wrapped her fingers firm about his shaft and pumped him in long pulls, right in time with how he stroked into her.

  “Kyla.” He growled her name, circled his fingers inside her in a scintillating way that caused an explosion of heat to build, so swift and so hard. She couldn’t hold on a moment longer.

  “Come inside me, Ronan. I need you, desperately.” Whimpering, she writhed against him.

  “Aye, you’re ready for me.” He lifted her up and dropped her down over top of him in such a fast and deeply penetrating move she almost hurtled from her body. She certainly barely held on to her sanity.

  “Oh, goodness, so good.” She panted, aching for even more. “Faster.”

  He drove into her again and again, his pace incredibly wild and raw and exactly as she desired. Her inner muscles contracted and she soared far from her body and flew to the heavens, blissful spasm after spasm rocking through her. Never had she felt so wholly as one with her chosen one. He was hers, always hers.

  * * * *

  Such a wildly desperate need for his woman rushed through Ronan and as Kyla’s hot channel pulsed around him, he thrust balls-deep inside her and roared, his release exploding powerfully along with hers. She was the only woman he’d ever desire, ever crave, and no one would steal her away from him again. He’d make certain of it.

  “My mate, my wife, my lover.” Against her lips, he whispered the words flowing from his heart, theirs such a heavenly union, one that had joined them together body and soul. “You hold all that I am within you, have become the very air I breathe and the sustenance my body needs.”

  “As you hold all that I am within you.” Tears misted her gaze. “The day I was abducted from the village was the day I gave up the hope I’d ever have a future such as this. Being with you is a dream I never imagined could be possible. Promise me forever.”

  “I promise you always and forever.” From this day forth, wherever they traveled, they’d only do so together. A promise given, and one that would blaze forever within his heart. “Soul bound mates walk the same path. Wherever one goes, so too does the other.”

  With his woman cradled in his arms and his breathing slowly settling, he carried her out of the water and laid her down on the lush grass underneath the heavy foliage of an elm tree. He needed to ensure he left not one inch of her untouched by his mouth or body, that she
experienced all the pleasure he could give her. Rocking over top of her, his cock lengthening all over again, he looked deep into her eyes. “I love you.”

  “Make me yours again.” She dug her fingers into his back, scraped her nails gently down his flesh and he arched into her possessive touch.

  Aye, he would. He wanted his chosen one, and with a hunger that held a firm hold on him and would never be appeased. Licking and nibbling, he devoured her breasts, swirled downward and kissed around her belly button, trailed over her hips and along her inner thighs. This was exactly what he needed and when her soft cries for more rang in his ears, he grinned and got drunk at the very heart of her.

  “Too much.” She gasped and clutched his shoulders, but he gave her no reprieve.

  At her sweet folds, he lapped and rolled around in heaven then once certain she truly couldn’t take any more, he lifted up and thrust his cock deep within her.

  Sheer bliss took them both, her beautiful breasts rubbing against his chest and her channel gripping him like a fist and dragging him in.

  He shuddered as he came, his essence spilling from him and pumping into her, her utter satisfaction at their joining saturating his senses along their merged link, a connection they both clung to.

  How had he been so fortunate to have found her after all these years? ’Twas a dream to finally be with her, to know none could ever take her from him again, that he had a lifetime of loving her ahead of him. Slowly, he eased his rocking and she stretched underneath him, her creamy skin glowing under the sunshine streaming through the canopy high above.

  With her face in his hands, he captured her mouth and kissed her, sharing his love and all the emotions she’d brought to such fierce life within him. Never had he expected to be gifted with such a woman, their bond forged at the very deepest level.

  Aye, they would have an eternity together, his chosen one a woman he’d never release, although as the horn blared moments later from the direction of the beach, the call for their leaving having arrived, he had no choice but to pull himself from her body. He muttered fiercely as he did, but still, this day marked the beginning of the rest of their lives, would be the first of many and the moment he had her back at Carron Castle, he intended on loving her over and over.