10 Timeless Heroes; A Time Travel Romance Boxed Set

by P. L. Parker, Beth Trissel, L. L. Muir, Skhye Moncrief, Sky Purington, Nancy Lee Badger, Caroline Clemmons, Bess McBride, Donna Michaels

  Thick and straining, his erection pressed against her bottom.

  Tempted as she might be, Caitriona had not forgotten her visit last night. It had been no dream. And she would not hide anything from Alan now. “Fionn came again.”

  Alan’s grin fell away. “His timing is becoming predictable. And, what did he say?”

  “He told me what we must look for next. A stone for its strength. A rock that faces toward ‘Eire…Ireland. It will seem the rock looks for a long lost lover.”

  “A rock looking for a long lost lover?”

  “Aye, ‘tis what he said.”

  Alan carefully helped Caitriona stand then stretched. “Was he that vague then?”

  “Aye.” She sighed.

  “Then he speaks much like, Adlin. Perhaps the MacLomain can better figure this out.”

  Caitriona agreed. If anyone could, it was Adlin. Hand in hand they headed back in the direction from which they’d come. She pursed her lips. “There was one more small thing. A message for you actually.”

  He steered her closer as they walked, ensuring she tripped on no roots. “Really? Pray tell.”

  As always, a blush burned her cheeks. “He said that he does not watch over your physical love for me because his is the love of a father.”

  Alan chuckled. “The love of a father, aye? What a truly moral god.”

  She nodded. “Makes perfect sense. Are we not all children of God? Or the gods in your case. What interest would procreation be to them?”

  Caitriona was surprised when Alan didn’t continue to jest about this latest bit. It seemed just the sort of thing he would have had the most fun with. But when the two returned to the others, a small fire, and game roasting invitingly, he still wore a pensive frown.

  Everyone appeared refreshed. She suspected perhaps they had not been alone in the method in which they’d relieved their stress. Adlin and Mildred munched on meat, a plaid thrown over their shoulders. There could be no doubt that the love he felt for her was most genuine. Such a different thing to see him young and worshiping a female. Because it could be nothing else but absolute adoration as he gazed at and laughed with Mildred.

  Where they were more discreet with their affections, Arianna and Stephen were not. At present Stephen lay on the ground with his Broun lass straddling him. Both laughed riotously as Arianna teased him with a piece of meat... or so one would think. It was obvious enough as she rocked her hips trying to haphazardly keep it free from him that she teased him another way altogether!

  A warm and genuine smile came to Mildred’s lips when she saw Alan and Caitriona. “Good morning. How’d you sleep?”

  Caitriona smiled in return. She really did like this lass from the future. They seemed of a similar nature. “Well, much thanks.”

  “Such a pretty name, Caitriona,” Mildred remarked as they sat. “Perhaps a bit old fashioned for my time though.” She pondered through munches before her eyes lit up. “Caitlin! Now that stems well from your name.” A silly little smile was tossed Adlin’s way. “Perhaps if I ever have a child I’ll name her that.” She shook her head. “No, my grandchild. I will let my husband name our child. That’s only right.”

  “Thank you. I would be honored.” Caitriona smiled wider. It seemed Mildred became a wee bit giddy after a night of lovemaking.

  When she glanced at Alan to see what he thought she was surprised to no longer see his expression pensive but downright jaw-dropping. Wide-eyed he stared at her and whispered, “Caitlin?” He shook his head as though what she said was impossible. “Caitlin Seavey?”

  The meat fell from Mildred’s slack fingers. “No, not Seavey.” Now it was her turn to look completely shocked. “How do you know that name?” She looked at Adlin, borderline panicked. “How could he possibly know Jim’s last name? My dear friend from back home. How could this man know of him?”

  Arianna and Stephen ceased their banter and sat up, concerned.

  “‘Tis uncanny, I agree,” Adlin said, his light blue eyes developing storm clouds as he took her hand. “But coincidence can be found anywhere.”

  Alan wasn’t convinced, passion in his voice. “She had just returned to her own time when Caitriona saved me from certain death.” He glared at Adlin. “You helped her get there. Her name was Caitlin Seavey,” he repeated. “She was my friend and she fell in love with your kin, Ferchar MacLomain, nephew to Iain.”

  Adlin’s face seemed to have turned to stone. “Enough.” He tossed an exasperating look at Alan, shook his head and pulled Mildred into his lap. “Shss, my love,” he whispered. “Please recognize how this is all chance. You must not get upset. It does no good.”

  Caitriona looked at Alan and shook her head. She mouthed, “No more,” to him.

  The Stewart ground his jaw and held his head in his hands.

  This Caitlin Seavey had meant something to him. Could it be she still did? The thought upset her stomach.

  Mildred asked Adlin, “Does this mean that I somehow end up with Jim? Why else would my grandchild bear his name? I don’t want to lose you, Adlin.”

  “If she is your grandchild. ‘Tis verra unlikely,” he replied. “This means nothing until it means something.” He cupped her face and looked deep into her eyes. “And if it ends up meaning something we will worry about it then, aye?”

  Whatever Adlin did pushed calm into the lass because she quieted beneath his gaze. Yet Caitriona sensed Mildred was no puppet to magic. The feelings she felt for Adlin were profound and theirs was a love, however complicated and heartbreaking, that was profound and would somehow endure.

  Speaking of profound love, hers was just as much for Alan and jealousy was something they could not afford. So she took a deep breath and decided it best, no matter how jarring, to switch topic. “Fionn visited me during the night. I now know what we must seek.”

  Arianna, almost as if she hoped to break the uncomfortable tension, said, “A wizard and a god all in one night. You are a special lass indeed!”

  Only Stephen smiled and put a tender hand on Arianna’s knee. His considerate gaze met Caitriona’s. “It seems only my love can find light in all this turmoil. Tell us, what did Fionn say?”

  Caitriona made sure Adlin was listening when she recanted her tale. At the end she asked, “Do you know of any such rock?”

  Adlin appeared contemplative, Mildred silent and much calmer in his arms. “Nay, but we will find it.”

  Alan, his statement quiet but strong, said, “But she did not tell you the last part.”

  “Why would I?” She asked, troubled. “‘Twas said for your ears alone.”

  One black brow quirked. “Are you sure?” He shook his head. “I think not.”

  Caitriona sighed and told Adlin the last part.

  “It does make perfect sense,” he agreed. “The gods would look upon us as children. They would turn from us when we procreate.”

  Alan nodded. “Of course they would. But have not the old folktales spoken of gods procreating with mortals? What if Fionn was being quite literal?”

  “Literal?” Adlin mulled the word over for less than a breath before his wide eyes turned her way. “Literal, indeed!”

  Caitriona’s stomach turned even sourer. What was he saying?

  “What do you mean?” Arianna chimed in.

  “By God,” Stephen sputtered and shook his head. “It cannae be.”

  Everyone was completely focused on Caitriona now.

  “Perhaps it can,” Adlin said, his arch wizard gaze in awe as he looked at her. “It seems quite likely that her real Da was no Broun at all but a Celtic god named Fionn Mac Cumhail.”

  Chapter Nine

  Alan caught her before she hit the ground.

  “Well, I’ll be!” Mildred said and instantly poured water from a flask into her hand and patted Caitriona’s cheeks. Though she didn’t look at Adlin she spoke to him. “This does make our little problem rather minor, huh?”

  Adlin, despite the potentially devastating news Alan had moments b
efore delivered, answered in kind. “I suppose it rather does, lass.”

  All leaned over Caitriona, concerned. Not only did their eyes cluster in for a closer look but so too did their opinions.

  “She doesnae look well at all,” Arianna said.

  “She is a strong lass. She will pull through,” Stephen said.

  Mildred continued to dampen her cheeks and forehead. “I certainly hope so.”

  “I never did like finding out how important I was,” Adlin said. “This information will take some time for her to get used to.”

  “Are you sure she’s Fionn’s daughter?” Arianna asked.

  “How else can it be?” Stephen replied.

  Were these people insane? “Enough!” Alan said. “Back away.”

  The passion in his voice seemed to stir her and Caitriona’s beautiful brown eyes opened a crack. Though her voice croaked, her words were clear. “The MacLomain has lost his mind.”

  He couldn’t help but smile down at her. “Has Adlin not always been a wee bit mad?” Alan stroked her hair and leaned closer, his words gentle. “But I dinnae like you fading away because of his words. Come now.” Slowly, he lifted her into a sitting position, watching her intently the whole time.

  Caitriona’s color appeared to be returning, set aside the red from embarrassment. “I am sorry.”

  “Nay,” he whispered and pulled her onto his lap. When Adlin offered a flagon, Alan put it to her lips. “You have nothing to be sorry for.”

  She took a few long swigs. “My Da was a miserable man. You know how I dealt with him.”

  “How was that?” Arianna blurted out, intrigued.

  “Shot him in the back.”

  “Nay!” Arianna exclaimed, impressed.

  Alan frowned at the flagon. “What is in that?”

  Adlin shrugged. “Just a bit of whisky.” He coughed and cleared his throat, muttering, “And mayhap a bit of magic.”

  “Have you not caused enough trouble?” When Alan tried to take away the drink, Caitriona shook her head and took another long swig.

  “Trouble? Me?” Adlin replied. “You were the one who spouted off at the mouth about Seaveys and such. Got my lass in a good snit.”

  “I was in no snit!” Mildred exclaimed. “Just genuinely concerned about losing you.”

  “She seems good and blutered in no time,” Stephen mentioned, shaking his head.

  They all looked at Caitriona who offered a somewhat goofy grin in return. “Not in the least! I am but a demi-god with twigs for rings and love for Caitlin Seavey.”

  “Oh goodness,” Mildred said. “She really is drunk.”

  Alan sighed and shook his head. “How much magic was mixed with the spirits?”

  “Enough to loosen up my lassie is all. She was terribly tense last eve,” Adlin reported.

  “What!” Mildred smacked his arm. “You didn’t need to booze me up, chum.”

  “Booze her up?” Arianna laughed out loud. “I like that!”

  “You would,” Stephen said, grinning.

  “Enough!” Alan roared this time.

  They all went silent. Except, that is, his lass. She shook her head and said, “Chum me up and ring Caitlin instead.” Caitriona’s words slurred and her wobbly eyes narrowed on Alan. “Would you not marry her if you could?”

  Bloody hell. He cupped her head in his hands and put his lips close to hers. “I dinnae marry. ‘Tis for those who let the one god into their hearts. My devotion is to the old gods. Never can the two mix.” Alan kissed her softly. “But know this, if I did believe in one god and he required a marriage, you would only ever be the one for me.”

  “So romantic,” Mildred whispered, a hand to her chest.

  “And it can be done,” Adlin added. “I can marry any in the name of the one god, even those who worship the old gods.”

  Stephen shook his head and the MacLomain quieted.

  But Caitriona seemed comforted by either his or Adlin’s words. “Aye, ‘twould not be bad, forcing a sense of peace between a twig and a Caitlin.”

  Even Alan couldn’t help but smile. “Peace has been found. Caitlin is with Ferchar and I am with you. Everyone is truly happy.”

  Caitriona grinned and wrapped her arms around his neck. “‘Tis wonderful news.”

  Alan pulled her against him. Though she might be blutered, her true feelings had come through. Shame on him for getting so upset over Caitlin Seavey. Any lass with half a mind would be wounded. He knew he would if she spoke so passionately about another.

  “Forgive me,” he whispered into her mind.

  Her eyes drifted shut but first she murmured, “In every life.”

  Then she was out cold. This time she didn’t faint. Nay, this time she passed out because of being truly blutered. He laid her on the grass and made sure her cloak was tucked securely around her. When he turned all stared down at her. Thankfully it was not with pity or he would have slain them all where they stood. Nay, there was nothing but respect in their eyes.

  “Hers is a kind heart. It will be an honor to name my granddaughter after her,” Mildred said with a solid nod.

  “Hers is a kind heart and still she shot her own Da in the back” Arianna added. “That takes amazing courage.”

  Stephen shook his head and handed Alan another flask. “She loves you lad. No greater gift than a strong lasses love.”

  He took a long swig and sat.

  “All of this would make sense if she was Fionn’s daughter,” Adlin said, his demeanor shifted to serious as they all sat. “The magic, rings, all of it.”

  Before Alan could speak, Adlin shook his head and continued. “Ken this though; I have never met one who is half god, half mortal. They are, indeed, those only spoken of in folklore. If she is the child of such a powerful Celt god then I cannae begin to predict what she might be capable of. And if she is only just learning that she is a demi-god, her own reaction to such a thing is bound to change the verra root of who she is now. It will rapidly shape who she will become.”

  Alan felt overwhelmed by helplessness. Not long ago he’d learned she was his twin soul. That took a lot of getting used to. Now this. Caitriona might lay curled up, safe, not far away, but she would not remain there. He would not be able to watch over her forever. He would not be able to protect her. Sad, he looked at Adlin. “If she is of the gods, she will live on after I am gone. How do I protect her then?”

  “Here and now,” Mildred said, her heart in her eyes as she squeezed Adlin’s hand. “Like us, you need to stop fretting over everything you can’t do and focus on what you can.”

  “‘Tis true,” Stephen said. “I knew the lass Caitlin Seavey. Not that long but long enough.” Even though Alan flinched, Stephen continued. “Caitlin, like Caitriona, is a survivor. You saw what she endured. She struggled, lost in time, in this Scotland that is so damaged. Nearly raped, she watched friend and foe killed in front of her.”

  The Broun held up his forefinger. “One thing kept her going. Love. I know. You know. We were there and saw it in her eyes. It gave her strength and courage but above all, she never thought for a moment about whether she would protect Ferchar in the end. You saw her on that cliff. She protected. As did you.”

  Stephen took Arianna’s hand and pulled it close to his chest. “Love will keep your path clear, my friend. Trust that.”

  Arianna twisted a dagger in her free hand and nodded at Caitriona. “And know this, while love will see you through, so too will my blade.”

  “And mine,” Stephen agreed.

  “All of us will help you see this through,” Adlin said. “Your journey and prophecy is now ours.”

  Alan set aside the flagon and watched her sleep. “You have my thanks.” They meant well yet he still felt lost. However, now was not the time to dwell, but to focus on what would come next. “When will the Sinclairs realize we are here?”

  “Soon,” Adlin said.

  A hand fell on his shoulder. It was Adlin’s. The wizard’s voice was soft. “She
will awaken soon. As fast as it had an effect, the whisky will have the opposite effect just as swiftly.”

  Good to hear. But he didn’t have to like it. So he sat back and tore off a bit of meat, ready to eat when Caitriona sat up and said, “Alan?”

  He glanced at Adlin, truly amazed. He hadn’t been jesting. “You must have moved quickly with your lass if this is how long it lasted.”

  Adlin shrugged and threw in a wink for good measure. “I’ve talents besides magic, lad.”

  Alan again crouched in front of Caitriona and made his best attempt at a smile. “How do you feel?”

  She thought for a moment before her clear eyes met his. “Good, actually.”

  Relieved, he helped her up. “Come, sit. Are you hungry?”

  Caitriona looked at everyone as if she didn’t know how they got there. “Aye, verra.”

  Alan handed her some meat and eyed them all. If one said a word to further distress her he’d have all their heads. It appeared they were all willing to comply with his visual threat because each and every one resumed what they were doing.

  Adlin became busy picking apart meat for Mildred. Mildred found his method of picking apart her meat quite fascinating. Stephen threw another log on the fire and Arianna set to stoking it. Alan, meanwhile, made sure Caitriona ate and drank water.

  When at last she finished eating and enjoying random conversation in a startlingly unaffected way, Caitriona looked at Adlin and asked, “So if ‘tis possible I am a demi-god, how do I go about understanding such a thing?”

  Suddenly, they’d all been given permission to speak and none held back.

  “First, let us truly figure out if you are,” said Adlin.

  “And if you are, it matters naught. I will stand by you,” Alan said.

  Stephen added, “Things will become clear soon.”

  “They always do,” Mildred said.

  “Enough!” Arianna said and they all stopped. She looked back and said, “Do you not realize you are bombarding the lass?”

  “But you—” Stephen began.

  “I what?” Arianna asked then brushed aside his response before he could give it, focusing on Caitriona. “Either you are or are not half god. Doesnae matter really.” She shrugged but kept her eyes steady. “Here is what you will do with us. Head north until you find this stone you seek. When you have found it, more answers will come.” She nodded her head toward Alan. “He will protect you. We all will protect you. Stephen and I are already on a great adventure, as long as we are together we dinnae care where it takes us.”