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

by Joanne Wadsworth

  He rose to his feet, lifted her to hers and as she searched through the bag of clothing Duncan had given her, he donned a clean shirt from his sack, tucked the hem into a pair of tan rawhide pants and strapped his sword at his side and daggers at each wrist.

  “I hope these fit.” She pulled out a white tunic and a pair of lad’s breeches, held them up against her. “Duncan’s squire has gained height and filled out of late.”

  She donned the billowy tunic, which would do fine, but the beige pants she tugged on were far too big and he removed a belt from his satchel and secured the soft cotton around her hips with the black leather. All he wanted to do was undress her and take her all over again, but instead he packed away their belongings, ran his fingers through her silky golden-red locks and tidied her hair before he ushered her back along the forest trail to the beach and their awaiting kinsmen.

  Onboard the galley, the seas calm and the wind fresh, he tucked his chosen one safely under his shoulder as they cruised back to Carron Castle. Aye, he’d finally found the woman who held the other half of his soul, and now he’d always keep her safe. She was his to cherish, his to love, his to always adore.

  Chapter 9

  Kyla waited in the shadows of Carron’s curtain wall for the guard above the postern gate to turn around and return the way he’d come. A month ago, she and Ronan had spoken their vows before Brother Henry who’d traveled to them from the priory. Her mate hadn’t wished for her to leave the sanctuary of Coll’s keep and had kept her contained right here ever since. Barely had he allowed her more than a stone’s throw from his sight or that of a guard’s, and although she understood why, she now desperately longed for a moment of freedom. Surely ’twould be possible since she’d spent so much time with Muirin of late in growing her ability.

  She could successfully control another’s thoughts, had practiced on Cedric several times and he could no longer break her hold. She’d had him dancing up a storm in the courtyard last eve, and for nigh on twenty minutes. The sight of him kicking up his feet had made both her and Fiona fall into a bout of giggles and she’d only released Cedric from her control when Ronan had demanded she take pity on the poor man. In all truth, she could ensure her own protection and all within this keep were well aware of it. Glad she was too that they’d all accepted her fae blood, had welcomed Ronan amongst them. Never had she been so content, or currently impatient.

  She tapped one foot as she continued to wait then released a long sigh as the guard finally marched in the other direction and disappeared from her sight. Through the gate, she hurried and dashed along the grassy trail toward the woods. The sun hovered on the horizon, the cool evening breeze washing over her, while across the meadow near the water’s edge, dust swirled into the air from the training warriors, their swords clanging and men grunting. They’d soon end their late training session, dive into the loch then return to their barracks to change for the evening meal. She had a half hour, mayhap even an hour to enjoy a swim at the pool and then sneak back into the keep before anyone noticed her missing.

  “Kyla!” Ronan shot out from amongst the battling men and chased her, his tan leather pants riding low on his hips and his white shirttails fluttering free. “Halt, now.”

  “Nay, I want a swim and I’ve no wish to wait.” She snatched the fluttering ribbons of her golden gown as she ducked into the forest. Racing, she bounded over snaking tree roots and sent fallen leaves whisking about, the pool she adored so very close. “I can look after myself and you know it, Ronan Matheson.”

  “Got you.” He swung her up into his arms. “I’m aware you can now look after yourself, but you’re still mine to protect.”

  “Put me down.” She slapped his chest. “And you are far too fast for your own good. How on earth did you spy me leaving the keep? You were supposed to be running an errand out by the stables, not training with the men.”

  “My battle skill has never been stronger since Muirin has aided me in extending my senses. Her knowledge is vast, more so than I could have ever conceived. I might also have misled you a little about my errand. It wasnae at the stables.” Grinning, he strode along the trail then emerged from the trees before the pool she completely adored.

  “Tell me about your errand.” She slapped his chest again for good measure. “Lying is unacceptable.”

  “My errand brought me right here to this pool.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “I caught sight of you trying to escape right after preparing my surprise for you.”

  “What surprise?” Her heartbeat fluttered within her chest. She adored his surprises and they’d been plenty this past month, all within their chamber and each ensuring they both found such intense pleasure.

  “Look ahead.” He tipped his head in the direction he meant.

  Across the far side of the pool, a fire burned within a small pit of stones and the smoky aroma of cooking meat wafted toward her. “We’re to eat out here?”

  “I caught a goose, skinned and cleaned it, then set it to cook over the fire. I thought you might enjoy some time outside under the stars with me. We can eat then swim.” Overhead, the sun began its descent and sent a blaze of red into the darkening blue, the fiery color turning his golden eyes a smoldering hue.

  “I love being outside with you.”

  “Good.” He set her down on his tartan spread before the fire, eased in behind her and rested his chin on the top of her head. “If you wish for more freedom, I can grant it. Your skill is far stronger than ever afore and I’m a little less on edge now because of it.”

  “More freedom would be perfect.” Skirts tucked under her legs, she leaned back against him and embraced his warmth as the skies darkened even further and the moon rose within the heavenly blanket of black above.

  “No more sneaking out though. You’ll tell me where you wish to go, or if I’m no’ about then a guard, although you cannae wander any farther than this pool. Do we have an agreement?”

  “We do.” She rubbed her back against his chest and surrounded herself in his heat. “Have you received any word from my parents yet?” The day they’d returned from Rhue, he’d sent a messenger with a missive detailing all that had occurred and she’d written a letter as well which had gone with his note. If only she could cross the distance separating her from her parents and connect to their minds with her skill. She itched to be able to do so, hoped it would be possible soon. Muirin had said ’twas only a matter of time should she continue with her training, of which she’d been determined to master.

  “No additional word, other than their original reply. They know you live, that you’ve spoken vows with me and that I’ll remain right here at your side guarding you. The moment they can travel safely to Carron’s shores for a visit, they shall.”

  “Now that I know I might be able to see them soon, I can barely stand the wait.”

  “So I’ve noticed. Here, the meat looks cooked.” He leaned past her, set the skewered meat to one side of the fire to cool, slid her hair over her shoulder and nuzzled her neck. “While it cools, I’ll distract you.”

  “Oh, I do love a good distraction.” More than loved it and as he eased back and took her with him to lie flat on the ground, his form of distraction turned into a slow and sensual seduction that soon sent her flying from her body and soaring amongst the brilliance of the stars as they came out to play.

  ’Twas the most enchanting night, his surprise the best she’d ever had.

  * * * *

  A week later and on the tips of her toes, Kyla tried to shove past Ronan’s broad back as they waited at Carron’s sea-gate landing after she’d successfully reconnected with Mama after Muirin had aided her in extending her skill’s range. Their long-awaited conversation had lasted right through the night, both of them talking over the other with all the news they’d wished to share, a lifetime of such, then after speaking to Mama, she’d connected with Papa and tears of giddy excitement and joy had streamed down her cheeks.

  Now, with a sudden break in the warr
ing across their lands and the isles, her parents had been able to board a galley Duncan had captained to their village. They were here, really here.

  Papa, in a forest-green tunic and leather pants, aided Mama out of the vessel, her golden-red hair now holding the odd strand of gray but her face as youthful as ever.

  With a squeal, Mama cried out, her teal gown with its long lace tapered sleeves flapping as she rushed along the landing toward her.

  “Mama, Papa!” She ran right into Mama’s open arms and another flood of tears streaked down her cheeks, Mama’s too as they mashed their wet cheeks together. “I’m so glad you’re both here.”

  “We’ve been waiting for what feels like forever to see you, my sweet. You look so well.”

  “And tall.” Papa chuckled and wrapped his arms around them both. “You’ve grown somewhat. A wee lass you are no more.”

  “Tell me how your new husband is treating you.” Mama dotted her forehead with kisses, each one making her heart swell fuller with love.

  “Extremely well.” She smiled mischievously over her shoulder at Ronan, who stood with his chest pumped out and his grin wide. “Come here, my mate.”

  “Welcome to Carron Castle, Grace, Isaiah.” He joined them, gripped Papa’s hand and hugged Mama. “Thank you both for giving me your daughter. I consider myself the most fortunate man alive.”

  “’Tis truly a miracle our Christina—I mean Kyla has now been found and most grateful I am you’ve brought her safely back to us.” Mama squeezed Ronan tight then cupped her face, peered into her eyes. “Since I never saw your death, I always held the hope that you lived. I certainly wish I’d heard that the Chief of MacKenzie had taken in a lost child and claimed her as his foster daughter. That news never reached us.”

  “He kept it very quiet, only those within his keep ever aware. Have you explained all to Papa?”

  “I have now, and we’ll both keep Coll and Duncan’s secret safe. One day they will be ready to share the truth with one and all, but until that day arrives, neither of us shall whisper a word.”

  “Then come. ’Tis time for you to see Carron Castle.” She looped her arm through Mama’s and led her along the landing and up the stone stairs, her heart overflowing with happiness, Papa and Ronan one step behind them.

  Aye, this day marked a new beginning, one in which she now had her parents back.

  No more lost kin. Never again.

  ’Twas time for the fae to live.

  Chapter 10

  Sprawled naked across Ronan’s chest within their golden canopied bed at Carron Castle, the warmth from the crackling fireplace washing over her, Kyla had never felt so blissfully at rest, no matter the late hour of the night.

  “I’m surprised Isaiah and Grace finally allowed us to leave the great hall.” Ronan played his fingers through her hair, his muscled body rippling with strength underneath hers.

  “You tossed me over your shoulder and carted me upstairs so fast you didnae even give them a chance to wrestle you to the ground as they did last eve.” A week her parents had been here and during that time they’d all become so much closer.

  “I’m getting faster, wiser, and more devious.” He caught her hand and threaded their fingers together before running one thumb over her sparkling sapphire and diamond ring, the gold band having been adjusted by the armorer and its fit now perfect.

  “Speaking of being devious.” She wriggled up, hooked one leg over his hips and straddled him. Such intense emotions swamped her, the most wondrous of all being love. It filled her heart and overflowed it. “I’m expecting.”

  “Pardon?”

  “We’re going to have a family of our own.”

  “Are you certain?” He stared at her flat belly then with slightly shaky hands, rested his palms gently upon her, his touch so reverent. “I see naught.”

  “I’m very certain since I’ve no’ had my courses since you returned to claim me. We will be parents ourselves afore too long.”

  “Incredible.” A smile lifted his lips as he traced around her breasts then lifted up, his elbows pressed into the mattress as he swept his tongue over one nipple and then the other. “Your breasts are fuller. That I most definitely noticed.”

  “They are?”

  “Deliciously so.” He sucked her nipple deep inside his mouth and flicked the tip with his tongue before toppling her onto her back and thrusting inside of her so fast, she almost came from his fiercely powerful stroke alone. She certainly fought to hold onto her control, her body tingling the entire length where they touched.

  Gasping for breath, she arched her back, tried to speak only he moved so deeply inside her that she hadn’t a chance of forming a word. With no other choice, she gave herself fully over to their love, held onto him in every way, with both her body and her mind.

  Aye, since the day of her birth, she’d been bound to him and would be until the very end of time. Her mate, her chosen one, the man who’d made her his bride.

  Chapter 11

  Standing cloaked and unseen on the battlements of Carron Castle, Cherub gazed out over the rippling waters of Loch Carron with Kirk at her back, his deliciously strong arms wrapped snugly around her. The full moon blazed within the midnight sky and the air swirled and brought to her all the secrets it held.

  Soon a new day would dawn, one overflowing with an abundance of hope as never before. Ronan and Kyla, currently ensconced in their chamber while the rest of their kin feasted in the great hall, had begun to bridge the gap between two warring clans, and now ’twas most certainly time for the fae to live. Duncan and Coll included.

  “Ronan has completed his hunt. Where to next, my elusive imp?” Kirk twirled her around to face him then smothered her in his heavenly heat, his body a shield of strength around hers. “Do you sense any more lost souls this night?”

  “I do, and that of two men, one right here at Carron Castle and the other still searching MacKenzie land in his quest to gather more warriors to his cause.”

  “You mean Duncan and Coll?”

  “Aye, they’ve been so loyal to their fae kind even though I never knew it, and they shall be the ones to lead clan MacKenzie forward into a new future, although soon they’ll feel the urge to seek out their chosen ones and when they do, you and I will be right here on hand to guide them in the right direction. ’Tis time they learnt more about their mother’s Matheson clan, that we fae always stand beside our own. Beth may no’ be here to care for them, but we are.”

  “Then this is one mission I cannae wait for.” He seized her mouth with his, his desire flaring hot and strong, the same as her desire flared for him.

  “Neither can I.” She laughed and sent them both soaring high into the skies and toward the radiant stars above, her heart and soul singing at the incredible joy of having her chosen one with her. This is what she wanted for all of her fae kind, for them to bind their mates to them, her duty one she’d never release.

  Aye, aiding both Duncan and Coll in their coming hunts would be a chase of the most delicious sort. What a journey those two men had ahead of them, one of discovery and love, of learning when to battle, and when to accept fate.

  Sweet love. May it soon be theirs too.

  Coming Next in This Series

  Highlander’s Caress, (Book 2)

  Duncan’s Story

  (Available late May 2016)

  Love these characters and want more?

  Don’t miss The Matheson Brothers and Clan Matheson series where I bring you stories from across time and those within the Matheson fae village.

  Begin with The Matheson Brothers, (3 Book Series)

  Then continue with Clan Matheson, (3 Book Series)

  In particular, you can read about Ronan and Niall’s initial capture in Highlander’s Sword, Annella and Alec’s story.

  * * * *

  If you don’t wish to miss any of my upcoming releases, both within this series and others, then feel free to sign up to my newsletter to catch those dates. http://mad.ly/
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  Author’s Note

  In the twelfth century, clan Matheson settled around the area of Loch Alsh, Loch Carron, and Kintail, and gave their allegiance to clan MacDonald whose chiefs were the Lords of the Isles. Clan Matheson became a large and powerful clan with a force of around two-thousand men, although by the middle of the sixteenth century they’d diminished greatly in size and influence due to the blood feuds raging across the isles at that time. This warring left them to possess less than a third of their original Matheson property on Loch Alsh.

  It's also well known in history that clan Matheson also forged an alliance with clan MacKenzie during the middle ages, which meant at times the two clans fought side by side, yet also against each other when clan Matheson found themselves stuck in the middle of the feuding between the MacDonalds and the MacKenzies. Within this series titled The Fae, my hope is to capture the difficulties faced between these two great clans, and all while spinning stories in my own unique way.

  Certainly across all the series I’ve written involving the three clans of Matheson, MacKenzie, and MacDonald, I’ve tried my best to show how their feuding and alliances made, moved back and forth throughout the years. I dearly love all these clans, can understand their struggles and losses, their conquests and wins, as well as how they attempted to remain as honorable as they could throughout it all.

  This story is woven with as much accuracy to the period and locations as possible, although any mistakes made are mine alone. Please feel free to search for any of my other works. I simply adore strong heroines, and have a ton of fun matching them with their honorable alpha heroes.