My Dark Highlander

by Badger, Nancy Lee

  “Funny story, there. My house burned down this morning.”

  “Oh, no! I’m so sorry.”

  “And I’m sorry your employee didn’t show. You ought to fire his ass.”

  “I will no’ stand here and be disparaged. ‘Twas ye and yer problems that kept me away.” Jaden-Tog appeared at her elbow. He had thoroughly washed his hair, face, and beard, and wore a different jacket, this one light brown, like the hide of a White-tailed deer.

  “Nice…jacket.”

  “Found it the kid’s section of a clothing vendor’s tent, though I dare no’ believe they would dress a goat in something so fine.”

  “A kid is a goat’s offspring, but here it means…never mind.” Both women laughed, then Jenny looked from Wynda to the brownie. “You work here?”

  “He does, but if he was helping you, I understand. Your house burning down, and all.” She rested on her elbows and leaned out the cart’s open window. “Jaden, can you work today?”

  The brownie glanced at Jenny, and she shrugged. She bent down and whispered in his ear, “I don’t know Gavin’s plans. I can contact you when I do. Wynda needs you.”

  He nodded, then smiled up at his employer. He disappeared around the back of the cart, and a door slammed. Water ran, and some type of food hit the fryer. Wynda smiled at Jenny.

  “I was worried I’d have to wash those pans and fry all those potatoes by myself.”

  “Thanks for the meat pie. It was delicious. Could I have one for Gavin, and another for Rae? I’ll pay you back.” She shouldn’t think of being nice to Gavin, after his hurtful words. Wynda winked, and probably thought they had slept together, and Jenny didn’t have the strength to steer her in another direction. When Wynda handed her two water bottles, along with two warm meat pies, Jenny smiled.

  “Thanks.”

  Jenny headed back to the tent where she’d left Gavin in a huff. She could say she was checking in on Dorcas. “Yes, that’ll work.”

  “Are ye conjuring another spell, this time to break my heart?” Gavin leaned against an oak tree, with his face shaded by the golden canopy of leafy branches. He had settled his brawny arms across his wide chest, and one booted ankle crossed the other. His plaid was clean and his boots had been shined. A sheathed sword hung from his belt on one side, the dirk from the other hip. Shadow encased his hair, features, and mouth, but his chin rose in defiance.

  “A spell? I’m no witch.”

  Pushing away from the tree, he strutted toward her until his chest touched hers. The meat pies balanced in one hand to the side, and the bottles of water in her other. Her nipples tightened at his close proximity.

  He sniffed. “Food?”

  “I brought you a meat pie and some water.”

  “Aye, ye do care for me, love.”

  She laughed, hiding her pain. “I brought one for Rae, too. Not sure when he last ate.”

  “ ‘Tis kind, lass. My thanks.” He stepped to the side and she handed him the small meat pie on a paper plate, and a bottle.

  Leaving him to his breakfast, she slipped passed the wide open tent flap. The closed sign was gone, and Rae had lit more lanterns. The rich glow of the flames brightened the room, and several customers shopped among the tables. Rae looked up from where he chatted with a young woman, and nodded toward the back room.

  Praying she’d find Dorcas awake, she smiled when Dorcas waved at her. “I am so glad to see you awake. How do you feel?”

  “I hear I have ye to thank, lass. Whatever gave ye the idea I was poisoned, and that a certain brew would save me?”

  Jenny thought about what had happened. “I read auras. Yours told me something more than illness had made you sick. When Izzy, Skye, and you talked about potions and herbs, I listened.”

  Dorcas sighed and fidgeted, until she sat upright in the bed. Jenny set her items on the table, and fluffed a down-filled pillow, placing it behind her bony shoulders.

  “I smell something heavenly, but me stomach is still queasy.”

  “How about some water?” When Dorcas nodded, Jenny opened the bottle, and placed it in her hand. Dorcas’ long, thin fingers wrapped shakily around the plastic, lifted it to her dry, cracked lips, and drank.

  “Aye, ‘tis nearly as sweet as the water of life.”

  “Huh?”

  “Whisky, lass. ‘Tis what all Scots call their whisky.” Dorcas chuckled, swallowed a few more sips, then set the bottle on the nightstand. “I need to sleep. Ye did me a great kindness, and I shall pay ye back whenever ye need my help.”

  “I don’t need anything, but Gavin needs to get back home.” Chewing on her bottom lip didn’t help the situation. “He has obligations. He wants to get his father under control. The man has tried to capture or kill me several times.”

  “Aye, Angus is making a mess of things. Rumors circulated before we returned here. I am too weak to help capture him, but I might be able to thwart another attack. Does he use potions?”

  “Yes. Gavin thinks he visited a witch. If Gavin ever finds her…”

  “Lana comes to mind. She’s in love with Angus’ son, and most likely felt she was helping her future father-in-marriage.” Dorcas settled lower into the bed

  Shock tore through Jenny. A witch had set her sights on Gavin? Was this witch the kind of woman who would sit on the sidelines, or did she want Gavin so bad, that she had helped Angus Sinclair with his plans?

  “Dear Lord, my life is a quagmire,” she whispered, but needn’t have bothered. Dorcas snored softly. Jenny pulled the wool plaid blanket to the frail woman’s chin, and returned to Rae. He exchanged money with the woman she’d seen him talking to, then laughed at whatever she’d said.

  “Probably asking him on a date.” At least that woman was simply sizing him up as a bed partner, or possible candidate for husband. To Gavin, Jenny was only an obligation.

  “I brought you a meat pie. Dorcas took the water. Sorry.”

  “Doono’ feel sorry. I am glad the old witch lives. ‘Twas yer potion that awakened her. Ye be a remarkable wit…woman.”

  “I just listened and learned, then gave it a try. Make many sales?”

  “Aye. After ye left, and Dorcas perked up, she asked me to open her business.”

  “I saw Wynda.” Saying nothing more, Jenny waited to see how he reacted. His cheeks reddened, and his hands dropped, covering what she assumed was a male physical reaction.

  “Wynda? What did she say?”

  “She was looking for her employee. Were you aware that the brownie hanging around us works for her?”

  He bit into the meat pie, and his eyes slowly closed with pleasure. He chewed and swallowed with orgasmic bliss. “Aye. I doono’ know how they met. Will he stay behind when ye and Gavin leave?”

  Me and Gavin? Now, there was the question of the day. “I’m not sure of Jaden-Tog, but I see no reason I should go back.”

  “But, lass…Gavin loves ye.”

  She chuckled, while tears threatened to fall. “If only it were true.”

  ***

  Gavin hesitated outside the open tent flap. Jenny’s words cut deep, and he crushed the paper plate in his fist. Marching across the busy walkway to a trash receptacle, he tossed away the reminder of Jenny’s thoughtfulness, as he tried to understand her words.

  She did not believe he had feelings for her? After everything he had done to keep her safe? Their intimacy was unlike anything he shared with other women. Those others were for scratching an itch after a battle, or to keep him warm on a cold winter’s night. Jenny meant more to him, and he had honored her wish not to take their lovemaking farther. Had he neglected to make her see how she affected him?

  He was not good with platitudes, another good reason he should not be laird of their clan. He was a Highland warrior, best at killing quietly with a blade, or for spying on enemies at night. Many called him a dark Highlander due to his success in shadows.

  “Another time and place.” Since the sun was high overhead, he strode up the lane and toward the c
rowds near the wide meadow. Many athletic events were going on in the fenced-in area. Thousands of people watched from the sidelines. Several loud thwacks echoed over the mountainside.

  Walking through the crowds, he ignored several women who winked at him. A wall of planks, higher than a man, stood braced in an area to the far northern end of the field. Men, dressed in ancient plaids, or modern kilts, threw hatchets at round straw-filled targets set on stilts in front of the wall. Several weapons missed the target, slamming against the wall.

  Here was exactly what he needed. Stress and pain required an outlet, so he headed to the open gate where an older man issued weapons. Rae had passed Gavin some wadded up paper money, and he handed over several bills in exchange for a modern axe. Hefting it in his left hand, he agreed that the weapon was lethal, if thrown correctly. He joined one of several lines, listened to the instructions, and waited his turn. The need to fight burned low in his belly, but trying his hand at a target would have to satisfy his rage, for now.

  As he stepped to a white line, magically spread in the grass, and concentrated on the target, he spied a flash of deep purple from the corner of his eye. Had Jenny come to discuss their obligations? Or, had his father shown his face? As he squared up his shot and listened for the all clear signal, a quick sideways glance was rewarded with Jenny’s sweet smile.

  With danger abated, and the command given, he imagined his father’s forehead in the center of the target, as he released the weapon. The axe flew straight and true, and landed in the middle. A rush of pure pleasure sped through him. His sire was evil, and he would never allow him to hurt Jenny again.

  After retrieving his weapon, he walked to the gate. Several other competitors patted his shoulders, until Jenny caught up with him.

  “Got a minute?” she asked.

  “Walk back to the witch’s tent with me.” Her sultry fragrance filled his nostrils, making Gavin’s groin tighten, and his gut clench. The deep-seated yearning to taste her honeyed lips made his head spin, and he wrapped his hand around her delicate wrist.

  “I didn’t know you were left-handed,” she said, following him down the lane.

  To what did she refer? His right hand held her wrist. Pulling her against his chest, he dipped his head, capturing her mouth, and drank his fill. A moment passed, and she sighed.

  He smiled, as he pulled back a hand’s breadth. “I am not left-handed. I practice with both. One never knows when yer fighting arm could turn useless.”

  Crowds laughed and cheered for the athletes, while the aroma of meat pies and fresh Scottish shortbread enveloped them, as they walked back to Dorcas’ tent by way of the food vendors. A sunbeam enveloped her head, and a gentle breeze batted her silky hair. Reaching out, he caught a strand between his fingers.

  “So soft. Ye be a verra’ beautiful woman. I wish ye could believe how much I care for ye.”

  Jenny’s eyes widened, but she did not smile. Her teeth worried her bottom lip, a lip he yearned to press his own lips against, once more. Her mouth was delectable, and he was starving.

  His stomach growled.

  “Geez, I heard that from here. Want a bridie? Fresh from the oven.”

  Jenny blinked, and Gavin turned toward the voice. Wynda smiled down at them from her vendor cart.

  “That’s very kind of you,” Jenny said. She lifted her hem, and strode closer. “I don’t know what a bridie is, but I am hungry.”

  Wynda laughed. “A bridie is even better than a meat pie, in my honest opinion. Meat, onion, and spices wrapped in a flaky crust. Looks like an apple turnover. Add a little Worcestershire sauce, and it’s a meal.”

  Jenny turned to Gavin, and leaned close. As her breast pressed against his arm, his breath stuck in his throat.

  “Do you have any money? Currency? She already fed me, earlier, but I had nothing to pay her with.” Jenny’s face paled, as if she suddenly recalled that she indeed owned nothing. Her home and all her belongings were gone.

  “Aye, lass. Will this do?” The wad of cash brightened her eyes, and her cheeks pinked.

  “I will not ask where you came by that, but let’s eat.” Jenny looked up at Wynda. “Four bridies and two waters, please.”

  “Coming right up.”

  The food and drink arrived in moments. “Have you guys seen Rae? I thought he planned to stop by.” Wynda asked.

  Gavin looked to Jenny, who smiled. “He’s working in Dorcas Swann’s herb and potion tent. Dorcas took ill, so he’s helping out.”

  “Sorry to hear that. Her being ill, I mean.” Wynda’s cheeks pinked prettily, and Gavin looked at Jenny. What was going on?

  “We best be getting back,” Jenny said. Her plate was already empty, so Gavin gobbled his meal.

  She turned back to Wynda. “Can Jaden-Tog come with us for a bit?”

  Wynda nodded, and the back door slammed. As she turned to talk to the next customer, the brownie materialized at their side.

  “I shall meet ye in the old witch’s tent.” He disappeared in a mini cloud of dust.

  As Gavin and Jenny walked toward the tent, he glanced at her. “Care to share what that conversation was about?”

  “Wynda is in love. I think Rae is, too. I wonder how we can get those two together.”

  Gavin shook his head, and worried that Rae’s mind was not attentive to their problem. Jenny was still in grave danger.

  They entered the tent, and he waited until several customers finished their transactions, before approaching Rae. Jenny slipped behind the curtain they had re-hung.

  “Business is good?” Gavin asked Rae.

  “Aye. Dorcas feels much better, as well.”

  “Good to hear. I fear my sire had a part in that. Ye and I need to capture him, and soon. Are ye with me?”

  “Ye think he poisoned the witch?”

  “Aye, or someone he controls. Dorcas has the power we need to return to our time, so she is also a target. I lost my potions on the trip here.” When Rae’s eyes slid to the grass floor, Gavin thought he would refuse. The mission was dangerous, but the need was great. “We doono’ want him to blow-up the festival, aye? All these vendors might lose their livelihoods…or their lives.”

  His statement worked. Rae’s hand flew to the sheathed dirk at his side, and he straightened his back. He looked less like a farmer and more like a Highland warrior, which is exactly what the situation called for.

  “We need to lure him somewhere safe, but far from crowds, too.” Jenny had returned to his side, and her small hand rubbed Gavin’s arm. His groin tightened, and his intake of breath made Rae chuckle.

  “Aye, lass. Do ye have an idea?” Rae asked.

  “Faerie Falls. Up the trail behind my house, or what’s left of my house.” Jenny sighed, dropping her hands to her sides.

  Gavin missed the warmth of her touch, and stepped closer, before halting his movements.

  “Aye, ‘Tis a fine location. Many of his tricks created fire or smoke, so a trap near a water source sounds safe. How shall we get him there?”

  “Use me as bait,” Jenny said.

  CHAPTER 26

  Jenny flashed a smile that she hoped hid her total terror. The evil Sinclair had captured her, nearly killed her, but getting him away from people, so no one else died, was paramount. “Since I’m the bait, I think I’ll go for a swim.”

  “I shall help, as well,” said Jaden-Tog.

  Gavin’s left eyebrow rose, and he crossed his arms. “How do ye plan to help the situation?”

  “I am a thief, as the lass pointed out earlier. Yer sire is helpless without his potions, aye?”

  Gavin smiled down at the brownie. “Sinclairs are no’ helpless. I may have wounded him, but his sword arm still works.”

  When Gavin glanced at Jenny, her insides did a little hallelujah flip. He wanted her, he desired her, and the feeling was mutual. But first, she wanted to help capture his father, and get the evil bastard out of her hair.

  “I’ll need something less heavy to wear. Be right b
ack.” Stepping behind the makeshift curtain, she was happy to see that Dorcas was awake. Jenny poured another tankard of the healing liquid, and helped her drink it down.

  “Thank ye, lass.”

  “You look much better. Dear Lord, you scared us all. Who poisoned you?”

  “I let down me guard, lass. I bit into an apple I found in a small basket of fruit. Rae found it inside my cart, and we thought ye had placed it there afore we traveled to this time, and place.”

  “Sorry to say, it wasn’t me. Must have been one of Sinclair’s spies. He blew up my house, and killed a man.” She dug through a pile of gowns Dorcas had offered her and Wynda, and found a simple, dark blue cotton skirt. A white peasant blouse looked like it would fit. “May I have these?”

  Dorcas nodded.

  “I didn’t say borrow, because I think they’ll get wet or burned if I fail.”

  “I heard yer plans. Angus is powerful, but shall be less so, if the brownie does his part. Gavin and Rae can handle one lone warrior. Take him home, and be done with it.”

  Jenny shimmied out of the dusty blood-stained purple gown, and laid it with the others. As she stepped into the skirt, she thought how losing Gavin would be the coup de grace; the final blow of her odd, eye-opening year. Her chest squeezed at the thought of never seeing him again. No more heated caresses, and no more tasty kisses.

  Pulling the white shirt over her head, she tucked it into the skirt, and twirled the lightweight fabric. If she was forced to jump into the river, she had a better chance of survival wearing this than the heavy gown.

  “When the time is right, use the stones to speed ye on yer way.”

  The stones? Rummaging through her discarded gown, she located the stones Jaden-Tog had given her. “These?”

  “Aye. Use yer powers, and read the aura of the trees. When ye find the one that shimmers like gold, like the sun itself, throw the stones. A portal shall open, and take yer friends where they need to go.”

  “Does everyone know I can read auras?” Jenny shoved the stones in her pocket. She didn’t change out of her dusty ankle boots, since she could easily kick them off, if she ended up in the stream. The water scenario made her think of Randy. “Poor Randy. Gavin’s father killed him.”