A Heartbeat Back to the Highlands

by Deborah R Stigall

  His eyes narrowing into plotting slits, Ronan nodded slowly as he turned on his heel. Heading toward the doorway, he tossed his words over his shoulder at Dagun still standing by the wall. “I think it’s time I looked forward into the Mirrors…and found out more about Mistress Harley’s past.”

  *******

  “I miss the warmth of the mortal’s beating heart.” The deep voice echoed in the cave by the sea, drowning out the sound of the lapping waves.

  “We agreed to release the mortal to this time. Ye know we canna keep them imprisoned forever.” Bheara’s melodic voice trickled thru the crevices of the cavern, like water thru a sieve. “Besides, what of the one ye’ve been watching and nurturing? Soon…she will be ready to join ye.”

  A rumbling rose from deep within the stones as though something powerful were struggling to bubble to the surface. “I have as yet been unable to win her heart. It would be so much more pleasing were she to join with me willingly.”

  “Then trick her. Ye know her weaknesses. Surely ‘twould be no feat for the God of the Sea.” Bheara’s voice washed thru the cave, taunting in its tone.

  The rock formations of the cavern suddenly started trembling, as the ground beneath the waves shuddered and rolled. “Dinna think I don’t know what ye’re about, Cailleach Bheara. Ye but wish for the return of your adoring little human. I know ye havena’ missed how he yearns for the one we brought to this time.”

  The spray of white foam shot thru the cave as though fighting to crowd inside. “Brid has forbidden me to reclaim my sweet Ronan. I dare not touch him lest she banish me from this realm. But there is no protection for the one he desires….and the one you seek is yet to be punished for breaching the fundamental law as set forth by the Fates.”

  A deep rumbling laugh filled the salty air, reverberating thru every tunnel and turn. “We will work together, you and I. In so doing, we’ll each gain what we desire.”

  “Aye..my love…we’ll each have our mortal amusements to bide us thru the epochs of time.” Then the tide reversed and the Gods slowly left the cave, as quickly as they had entered.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Ronan slowly lowered his arms to erase the images from the Mirrors of Time. His face shadowed with what he’d just seen, he inhaled deeply as he thoughtfully rubbed his chin. He’d seen how Harley had been deeply hurt by the cur who she’d nearly wed. No wonder she was so leery about trusting men. That one had not only broken her heart but shamed her in front of friends and family as well.

  Ronan felt the bile rising in his throat as he’d watched MacCallen trap her with the guise of an elderly man. As he watched Harley’s soul sucked into the locket, he felt his irritation with his sister reopen like a festering sore. Aveline was lucky they had been able to restore Harley to her natural form…else her transgression against the Fates would’ve been deemed even worse than it already was. Ronan paused as he wondered what punishment Aveline faced….and why nothing had as yet been done.

  He loved his sister dearly, but he also knew that with great powers…came great responsibility. That basic fact had been ingrained upon all of the MacKay children at an early age. But apparently with headstrong Aveline, the lesson had been lost.

  Now that he’d seen Harley’s life, Ronan knew exactly what he had to do. Harley needed to be wooed. Both her trust and her heart would have to be won and he was just the man to do it. Ronan didn’t know when he’d decided that he had to make Harley his own. Perhaps it was when he opened his eyes to find her lying in his arms upon her release from the locket. Or maybe it was the way she’d fought him on the beach. He smiled as he remembered her fire. Whenever it was, he knew he had to have her and what he felt for Harley was more than just a passing desire. She was his other half…his one true mate…and he didn’t need the MacKay curse to know it.

  Making up his mind, Ronan took the stairs two at a time up to Harley’s room. Pausing at the door, he swallowed hard before rapping his knuckles on the door. From the muffled stirrings, he could tell she must’ve been lying down, with his senses he could nearly see thru the door. Shuffling his feet, he waited impatiently for her to make her way to the door.

  “What do ye be wanting?” Ellen demanded, jerking the door open to his startled face.

  Frowning at finding himself facing the elderly maid, Ronan peered over her grizzled head into the room. “Where’s Mistress Harley? I thought she came up to her rooms after the evening meal.”

  Her hands on her hips, one still clenching a folded towel, Ellen pursed her lips as she peered down her nose. “The mistress has gone for a stroll of the grounds….she thought it might help her sleep.”

  “A stroll of the grounds? Alone?” Ronan frowned. Cocking his head, his eyes narrowed as he glared at Ellen’s smug face.

  “I didna’ say she went alone….now did I?” Ellen reprovingly clucked her tongue as she shook her head. Hiding a sly smile, she turned to finish smoothing back the coverings on the bed.

  “Then who was she with?” Ronan sputtered, following Ellen as she flitted about the room.

  “’Tis none of my business. Your father is always telling us not to indulge in idle gossip. A wise man, the Laird. He knows how tales can fester and boil until they scorch some poor innocent soul.” Ellen ignored Ronan as she filled the pitcher on the stand with hot, lavender-scented water.

  “Ellen….’tis not idle gossip if you’re the one to see the lass and know who is accompanying her on her stroll.” Ronan tried reasoning with the frustrating older woman who seemed determined to test the limits of his patience.

  “No…no…” Ellen shook her head as she plumped the pillows on the bed. “If ye wish to know who’s keeping Mistress Harley company, ye’re going to have to find out for yourself.”

  Her back to Ronan, Ellen tucked her chin, smiling as he left the room with an exasperated snarl. It was good for the boy to have his blood stirred. It would make him appreciate the lass once he got her.

  Storming into the outer bailey, Ronan scanned the yard to see if Harley was about. He knew she usually checked in on the little mare before she went up to bed. But the only movement in the shadows was the rising wind blowing about a bit of straw. Harley and her companion had evidently gone into the gardens for her evening stroll. The thought of Harley meandering thru the moonlit gardens with some other man set his blood to boiling. If Latharn or Faolan were edging in on his woman, he’d have their heads on a pike.

  As he rounded the vine-covered wall, he heard the low murmuring of voices. Keeping to the shadows, he leaned in closer to hear what the evening strollers had to say.

  “So, you’re telling me that condoms haven’t been invented?” Harley sat on the bench beside Rachel, idly plucking the leaves of an herb into a bowl in her lap.

  “Oh no…these Scots have no idea what a condoms about.” Rachel shook her head. “The most effective thing I’ve found is a bit of sea sponge soaked in oil of tansy. If not for that little trick, there’s no telling how many little MacKay’s would’ve been running about.”

  “A sponge soaked in oil? You’ve got to be kidding me.” Harley frowned down into the bowl, wistfully remembering the ease and effectiveness of a tiny little pill.

  “Well….I’ve also heard some of the midwives talk about beeswax. But I’m just not too sure I’d trust that in the heat of the moment. If you know what I mean?” Rachel leaned over, nudging Harley with her elbow as her lips curled into a conspiratorial smile.

  “Actually…that’s the problem. I don’t know what you mean.” Harley squirmed with embarrassment on the bench, her cheeks flaming in the light of the moon.

  “You’re still a virgin?” Rachel said, her eyes widening in surprise.

  Tossing her hands in the air, Harley snorted in irritation. “Why is everyone so surprised?”

  Ignoring the question, Rachel frowned as she turned to study Harley’s face. “Who exactly do you mean by everyone?”

  Setting the bowl on the ground, Harley rose from her seat to pace back a
nd forth in front of the bench. “Your son seemed shocked as well. Said something about my age! What exactly have you told them about the future?”

  Shielding her smile with her hand, Rachel rubbed her nose as she watched Harley marching the garden path in agitation. “Might I ask how the subject of your virginity came up with my son? Or is that the reason for all the questions about birth control?”

  Stomping her foot, Harley planted her hands on her hips, bobbing her head with every word she spoke. “I was saving myself for the man I was to marry….for the one who truly loved me. The only problem is…the reason the jerk turned out to be so understanding was the fact that he was screwing my best friend!”

  Her face growing serious, Rachel nodded in understanding as she stood to wrap a consoling arm around Harley’s shoulders. “It’s a terrible thing when the one you think you love hurts you. Your fiancé sounds a lot like my first husband.”

  Her eyes widening in surprise, Harley was about to comment when she noticed a slight movement by the wall. Nodding at Rachel to look over into the shadows, she whispered behind her hand. “Someone’s watching us.”

  Following the line of Harley’s gaze, Rachel studied the shadow by the wall. One corner of her mouth pulling up in a smile, she exhaled as she recognized her son. “Ronan, it’s rude to eavesdrop. Didn’t we discuss this breach of manners when you were a child?”

  Emerging from the shadows with a sheepish grin, Ronan shrugged his shoulders as he tried to explain. “I was merely checking on Harley…to make sure she was safe…during her evening stroll.”

  Smiling in understanding, Rachel nodded her head as she bent to retrieve the bowl of herbs. “Then I’ll leave you to accompany her the rest of the way. I’m sure your father is wondering where I am.” Winking at Harley, she mouthed the words sea sponge before she turned to go.

  “Sea sponge?” Ronan asked as he watched his mother walking up the lane.

  “Never mind,” Harley sputtered, the heat returning to her cheeks. “How did you know I was out here? I thought you were in Emrys’ study.”

  Offering her his arm, Ronan smiled his most disarming smile as he waited to escort her along the lane. “I finished what I was researching but then I found that I was a bit lonely. I was hoping you wouldn’t mind having some company for a while.”

  Taking his arm, Harley shot a sideways glance at the innocent look plastered on Ronan’s face. Ronan MacKay lonely? He had to be kidding. The man could have any woman in the castle he wanted….and probably did have them….on a regular basis.

  “I’m honored.”

  Struggling to keep the sarcasm out of her voice, Harley decided to see just how far she could push the Highlander’s ego. “I’m sure a man like you has a woman in every port. Especially the port he calls home. You seem to be spending all your time here at the castle. Is she one of the kitchen maids?”

  His jaw muscles rippling as he ground his teeth, Ronan struggled to hide his aggravation. The little minx was baiting him. He could tell she was choosing her words carefully to see what it would take to make him react to her barbs. “Actually, up until just recently, I had no interest in any of the women here. It’s rare for me to stay ashore this long.”

  Inhaling the cool night air, Harley struggled to control her smile. She’d scored a direct hit with her question. She hadn’t missed his flinch nor the fact that he was talking thru tightly clenched teeth. Glancing around, she realized they were no longer in the garden but had actually made their way thru the farthest gate. Now they were strolling along the path nestled against the side of the castle overlooking the sea.

  Pausing at the point closest to the edge of the cliff, Harley felt exhilarated as she listened to the waves down below. “It’s so beautiful here. How could you ever leave with all of this around you?”

  Gently taking her hands, Ronan pulled her to face him, forcing her to meet his gaze. “Perhaps I was searching for someone to share it with…and until I found her….I had no respite from my wandering ways.”

  Her breath catching in her throat, Harley nervously licked her lips. “Have you found her?”

  “Aye…I’ve found her. She’s all I ever wanted and more. There is just one problem standing in my way.” Ronan drew closer, cupping her face in his palm.

  Her heart pounding, Harley could barely breath as he gently ran his thumb across her lower lip. If he didn’t kiss her soon, she was going to die….or pass out. Or maybe if he did kiss her, she was going to die…or pass out. There was no thinking straight when he was so near.

  “So what exactly is standing in your way….between you and this person you’ve been searching for?”

  Barely brushing his lips across her mouth, his voice grew husky as he whispered against her cheek. “The lass cannot see that my heart is pure…and she willna’ let me show her how wonderful it could be.”

  Her eyes closing, Harley exhaled with a soft moan as she pressed her body into his. “How wonderful it could be?”

  “Aye…wonderful to share a life together…one heart…one soul….one love.”

  With those words, Ronan claimed her mouth with his, deepening his kiss to possess her completely. He crushed her against his chest in a possessive embrace, shuddering as her body molded to his. Finally raising his head, he searched her heavy lidded eyes as her head fell back against his arm. “Trust me, Harley. That’s all I ask. Let me show ye how easy ‘twould be to love me.”

  “I want to trust you,” She whispered against the night breeze, her voice trembling with emotion. Reaching up to brush the wild strands of hair from his eyes, she felt she was drowning in their green depths. Ronan was so different from any man she’d met before. Could she possibly trust him with her heart?

  Curling his arms closer about her, Ronan whispered against her mouth. “I swear to ye, upon my very heart and soul, I will never hurt ye.”

  She laced her fingers in his hair, pulling him harder against her mouth. She needed him to take her, needed his caress. With every demanding thrust of his tongue, she gladly relinquished her soul.

  With a slight groan, Ronan finally raised his head, glancing to the angle of the moon in the sky. “The hour is late. I’d best be getting ye back to your room. Ye must be ready for bed.”

  Breathless, her eyes half closed, she snuggled deeper into his arms. “I’m definitely ready for bed.” Her mellow voice was heavy with passion as she stretched to trail kisses against his throat.

  Reluctantly putting her from him, Ronan wistfully smiled as he tenderly kissed her forehead. “I’ll be leaving ye to your room…by yourself.”

  Frowning, Harley searched his face. He was leaving her by herself? Here she was about to melt down into a puddle of molten desire and he was going to leave her throbbing?

  “Why won’t you stay?”

  Tucking her hand into the crook of his arm, Ronan’s nostrils flared as he drew a deep breath. “I willna’ join with ye until I’ve had more time….more time to gain your trust.”

  Huffing her hair out of her eyes, Harley clenched her teeth as they walked silently back to the castle. Ronan MacKay had to be the most infuriating man she’d ever met. Here she was…finally ready to divest herself of her virginity…and he turns all noble on her! Glancing up at him out of the corner of her eye, she couldn’t believe how calm he was. Hadn’t he felt anything when they kissed? Didn’t he want her?

  “Is something wrong with me or is this just payback for the times I’ve left you high and dry?” Harley snatched her hand from his arm, blocking the path so that he could go no further.

  Throwing his head back, Ronan’s deep laugh echoed across the bailey. “I assure ye, Lass. The only thing wrong with ye is the fact that I’ll not be able to go to sleep until I’ve had a swim in the cold waters of the sea.” With a mischievous glint in his eye, he caught her up in his arms, lifting her feet off the ground. “And maybe ‘tis a little bit of a payback for the times ye’ve….how did ye put it? Left me high and dry?”

  With a sigh of rel
ief, Harley placed both her hands on either side of his face. Softly brushing her lips across his, she lowered her voice to a sultry whisper. “Then while you’re swimming, would you do something for me?”

  “Anything,” he murmured against her mouth. He was helpless against her charms.

  “Find me some sea sponges….a lot.” Then with a laugh, she wriggled out of his arms and bolted up the steps to her room.

  With a look of confusion, Ronan shook his head as he admired her backside running up the stairs. “What is it about sea sponges?”

  *******

  Sitting alone on an outcropping of rocks, Aveline stared out across the ocean. She hated the sea. If not for its power over Ronan, she would’ve never ended up in this mess. If not for the blasted call of the sea, Ronan would’ve stayed at the castle like a good brother should. Then she would’ve never had to search thru the ripples of time to try and find a woman capable of keeping him at home.

  Glumly glancing up at the gathering clouds, she pulled her plaid tighter about her shoulders. It had been over a month since Harley had arrived. Ronan still wasn’t speaking to her for her meddling in Harley’s life. Her parents were still extremely displeased as well…and worried about what repercussions they could expect from Aveline’s actions. With every act involving the tapestry of time, there were rules that were set in stone. Aveline had tossed caution to the wind when she’d manipulated another’s life and dallied with time and space.

  Aveline didn’t notice as the waves seemed to rise higher on the beach. She didn’t realize they seemed to be pulling toward her. Her eyes widened in surprise when the shooting spray finally formed into the shape of a voluptuous woman.

  “Cailleach Bheara!” Dropping her gaze, Aveline bowed her head as soon as she recognized the Goddess in her human form.