by Willa Blair
“Brodie.” Latharn’s voice fell deadly quiet. He infused his simmering emotions into every word. “Didn’t your wife once think herself in love with this Gabriel? Weren’t they even betrothed to each other at one time?”
Brodie’s lips thinned into a scowl of disgust as he frowned down into the ball. “Aye, Fiona was promised to him before I won her heart. I opened her eyes by rescuing her from the devil himself. She and Gabriel were almost as one. She thought herself in love with the beast.”
“And how did ye feel…and how do ye feel now whenever ye see them in the same room together?” Latharn challenged Brodie, interrogated him with the power of his mind as the pulsing light of the orb thrummed throughout the room. Latharn ensured the fiery flashes kept pace with his prodding tone, taunting Brodie to speak what he truly felt.
As his gaze locked with that of his beautiful wife, Brodie sneered, “I want the man’s neck snapped between my hands so I can close his eyes forever.”
“Brodie!” Fiona gasped, her hand fluttering to her throat. “I canna believe ye would say such a thing...not even about Gabriel Burns.”
Brodie ground out his words through gritted teeth. “We MacKays love with every fiber of our being. It doesna matter within what century we are born. When it comes to our mates, we revert to our most primitive emotions. When we find the one meant to be ours, we willna let her go. No one takes what is ours.”
Fiona nestled her head against his chest and wrapped her arms around his waist. “Brodie, ye know I never loved the man. I couldn’t when I saw him for what he really was. I’ve never felt for any man what I feel for you. You’re the breath that feeds my soul.”
“It doesna matter.” Latharn projected his voice louder into the room. “Brodie’s passion will never allow him to see Gabriel as anything but an enemy. This century’s manners will keep him from acting on his emotions. But the hatred will always be there.”
Fiona whirled upon Latharn’s globe. “Hate him if ye must. But can’t ye see what I’m saying? If ye cause him harm, Nessa will run back across the sea. She’s no’ a Scot. She wasna weaned upon the legends of myth and magic. As far as she’s concerned, all ye are is a dream. She has no idea that ye truly exist. If ye mean to have the lass break the curse, ye must awaken her to the legends with care.”
Latharn waved his hand across the glass with an angry swipe. Did they realize what they were asking of him? Did these two have any idea how long he’d been waiting for Nessa? Did they have any idea what he’d been through? If that bastard touched his woman… Latharn paced back and forth across the sphere, his hands itching for Gabriel’s throat.
Brodie and Fiona watched the globe and waited for Latharn’s response.
Latharn battled with their reasoning, warring against his emotions. Raking his hands through his hair, he threw back his head and roared. It was no use. He had no choice. This century had ruined true justice. Forcing his hands to unclench his fists, he calmed the energy and reduced the light play to a peaceful glow.
With a shuddering breath, Latharn forced his voice to echo out into the room. “I will not kill the man unless he provokes me. That’s all I can promise. Dinna ask any more.”
Then he shut down the aura of the globe to a flicker and it faded as he retreated into the depths of his tomb.
Chapter Ten
Nessa stared into the mirror for the hundredth time. Her mouth crooked critically to one side. As she studied her reflection, she turned first one way, then the other. It didn’t matter which way she turned. In her opinion, every angle sucked. This sweater made her look as flat-chested as a pre-pubescent boy. What the hell had she been thinking when she bought it?
Nessa yanked it off over her head, ripping her arms out of the sleeves. She tossed it on the growing pile of rejected outfits on the bed. Hands on her hips, she fixed a bleak stare into the closet at the number of bare hangers she’d strung along the bar.
She ought to strangle Trish for this setup with Gabriel. Her stomach churned into a knotted mass and she needed to pee again even though it had only been fifteen minutes since her last trip to the toilet. What was wrong with being alone? Being single wasn’t some sort of death sentence. Being alone sure caused a lot less stress. Besides, she was sure a man like Gabriel would lose interest in her soon enough. He didn’t strike her as the type of man who valued a woman for her brains.
Nessa frowned as she sorted through her last few remaining blouses, and fingered the silky cloth of one of the sleeves. She caught her lower lip between her teeth as she fingered the deep blue silk in her hand. Why in the world was he even interested in her in the first place? Whenever she and Trish were out together, his type always gravitated to the buxom redhead. Her nagging instinct to veer away from Gabriel still hammered at the back of her head. There was still something that disturbed her about Gabriel and not a good something either. But she just couldn’t quite put her finger on it.
Nessa shrugged as she spoke aloud to her reflection in the mirror. “Well, since I’m sure this is going to be not only our first date but probably our last, it really doesn’t matter what I wear.” She yanked the silk blouse off the hanger and slid it over her arms.
Nessa studied her reflection in the mirror, fluffing her dark curls with her fingertips until her bangs framed her anxious eyes. She smoothed a pink shade of gloss across her full lips and eyed her reflection with the usual disappointment. “At least I know I’ve got a beautiful brain, no matter how plain the wrapper.”
She jumped at the knock on the door and almost cleared the dresser’s top of its contents. She glanced at her watch and returned her reflection’s wide-eyed stare. Frowning into the mirror, she once again addressed the pale-faced girl blinking back at her with apprehensive eyes. “Oh great. He would be a little early.”
Nessa fluffed her curls one last time, took a deep breath, and jerked open the door. There they were again, those predatory dark eyes sizing her up as though she were a juicy, ripe tomato hanging on the vine.
She greeted him with a nervous nod of her head. “Hi, Gabriel, I see you didn’t have any trouble with Trish’s directions.” Nessa opened the door wider and motioned him inside with a fluttering wave of her hand. “Come in while I get…er...find my jacket.”
With a predatory widening of his perfect white smile, Gabriel glanced around the room. His brows rose as he spotted the clothes piled on the bed. Clearing his throat, he turned his back to the mess and gallantly bowed his head.
“Ye look even lovelier then ye did last night.”
“Thank you,” Nessa mumbled, ignoring the compliment as she searched the room for her jacket. She dug through the pile of clothes like a dog in search of a bone. She didn’t raise her head as she defended the chaotic mess. “I’m not usually this unorganized. It’s just that I’ve been out in the field all week and haven’t had a chance to sort things out.” She wished he’d quit staring at her. Why didn’t he go start the car or something?
Gabriel cocked his head to the side and clasped his hands behind his back. “In the field?” he repeated. “What is it ye do for a living that requires ye to be in some field?”
“I found it!” Nessa grunted and pulled her jacket out from under a stack of books on the chair. “I’m an archeologist. I’m in charge of a research project excavating some of the history here in Durness.”
Gabriel’s smile broadened. Scooping the jacket out of Nessa arms, he held it for her with a tilt of his head. “I’m impressed. Such a beauty and obviously brilliant as well, the stars smiled upon me when they led ye to my pub last night.”
Wow. Who wrote this guy’s lines? An uneasy feeling crawled up the base of her spine. Didn’t he realize he laid his compliments on a little too thick? Something about Gabriel just didn’t ring true. Nessa stifled a shiver as she led the way out the door. Gabriel was as overly sweet as his decadent dessert. “I’m not too sure about the beauty part, but if you’re interested in archeology, I might be able to explain a thing or two.”
“I’m interested in anything involving you. I knew it from the moment ye walked into my pub. There’s an air of mystery about ye, Nessa Buchanan. And I always have been one who loved the opportunity of solving a mystery.” Gabriel rested his hand upon the small of her back as he guided her toward his car.
Nessa fought the nagging urge to outrun his hand as she walked toward his car. He was certainly much more attentive then any of the other men she’d been out with. Could he be for real? With so much charm, he must be quite the player. She still would’ve tagged him as the sort of man who’d be more attracted to Trish. Nessa studied Gabriel as he walked around to his side of the car. She promised herself she’d figure out his angle in choosing her instead.
“Dinner is already awaiting us in the private room at the back of my pub. Do ye happen to like poached salmon, Nessa?” he asked as he headed the car down the narrow roadway leading to the pub.
Just as she was about to reply, a gust of wind blasted the side of the car. As it swerved, Gabriel spun the wheel to keep them out of the rocky ditch running alongside the road. Tires squealing, Gabriel struggled to straighten the car in the lane. He lost the battle as one of the back tires blew out with a resounding bang.
The car landed with a disheartening thud against the steep embankment. Gabriel threw the gearshift into park and yanked the keys out of the ignition. Flipping on the interior lights, he turned to Nessa, his face filled with concern. “Are ye all right?”
Nessa nodded, unlatched her seat belt, and let the strap slide back into the holder. Bending to the floorboard to retrieve the contents of her purse, she glanced up at him with a grin. “I’m fine. I’m glad the wild ride happened before we ate dinner or I might’ve ruined the inside of your car.”
Gabriel chuckled as he stretched to recover her lipstick from where it had wedged itself under the gas pedal. “I’m pleased to see ye have a sense of humor. I hope ye enjoy evening walks as well.”
“No spare tire?” Nessa asked, refilling her purse.
“No spare tire,” Gabriel admitted. “I meant to replace it weeks ago but it just kept slipping my mind.”
Nessa glanced out the window and studied their surroundings. She didn’t think the pub was all that far. The stars shimmered an invitation from the clear night sky. With a shrug, she pushed open the door and smiled as she inhaled the refreshing night air.
“It looks like we’ve got a beautiful night for a walk. You know…they say everything happens for a reason.”
As Gabriel helped her from the car, he pulled her into his arms. His voice lowered, husky with passion as he replied, “Aye, Nessa. Everything happens for a reason.” He lowered his head, brushing his lips against hers.
Nessa gave a small shriek as another mysterious blast of wind ripped him from her arms. Heart pounding, Nessa looked up into the starry night, searching the cloudless sky. She glanced around at the tops of the motionless trees. Where had the sudden burst of wind come from? Nessa rubbed the gooseflesh from her arms as she shivered and looked around. She’d never been afraid of the dark before, but tonight’s events had her spooked.
Nessa braced her feet and reached down to Gabriel to help him climb up from the stone-filled ditch. Her breath fogged in the chill night air. She grunted as she struggled to pull him up from the rocky mire. “Are you all right? Where is that wind coming from? There’s not a cloud in the sky.”
Gabriel hobbled up the embankment, wiping his hands on his jeans. He brushed at the dirt and debris on his shoulders, his voice cracked with pain as he limped his way to the road.
“The spirits must be bored with their usual amusements tonight. They must be tossing us about for a wee bit of fun.”
Nessa noticed his pained gait and his difficulty in catching his breath. She slid under his arm and supported him as much as she could. “You’re limping. Is it your ankle or your knee? And you’re having trouble breathing. Did you hurt your ribs?”
Gabriel winced. His lips tightened and he clutched for Nessa as his knee buckled under his weight. “Definitely my knee. I think I may have bruised a rib or two. I must’ve twisted it during my dive into the ditch.”
Nessa led him to the car and helped him lean against the bumper. She fished her cell phone from the bottom of her purse and steadied him with the other hand. “I’ll call Trish. She can bring the car and we’ll take you to the emergency room so they can check you out.”
“Emergency room?” Gabriel grimaced as he lowered himself against the car. “Just take me over to the walk-in clinic. Cordelia’s mother is the doctor there.”
Nessa punched Trish’s programmed speed dial number and waited. She frowned as she received the irritating beeps informing her she wasn’t getting a signal. She turned to face a different direction and scowled when her phone still dropped the call. “I’ve never had a problem getting a signal around here. Something must’ve rattled loose when it was thrown from my purse.”
Nessa frowned at the increasing pallor of Gabriel’s face and hit redial again. If she didn’t get through to Trish this time, she was going to have to do something else, even if it meant she had to jog somewhere to find Gabriel some help. It was obvious poor Gabriel wasn’t going to be able to move. It was apparent he was doing all he could to remain upright through the increasing pain.
“Dammit! I still can’t get a call to go through.” She shoved her phone back down into her purse and slung it over one shoulder. “I’m going to get you as comfortable as possible and then I’m going for help.”
As she brushed his hair away from his clammy forehead, Nessa’s heart wrenched at his misery. “Come on, Gabriel. I’ll support you as best I can. Let’s get you into the backseat of the car.”
Gabriel wrapped his arm around Nessa’s shoulders with a half-hearted laugh. “I’m afraid I’ll not be much use to you tonight in the backseat of the car.”
Nessa grinned, eased him down into the seat, and patted him on the shoulder. “Great sense of humor there, Gabriel. As soon as you’re well, maybe we’ll try this date again.”
Gabriel captured her hand and planted a kiss in her palm, then nodded with a promise in his eyes. “I guarantee the next time we’re in a backseat together it’ll be much more enjoyable for us both.”
Nessa smiled and pulled off her jacket to cover as much of his chest as the tiny garment would warm. She feared he might go into shock before she made it back. His face had turned a decided shade of gray. “You rest. I’ll be back with help before you know it.”
She closed the car door to his silent nod. With a frown, Nessa looked up and down the deserted country road. Should she go back to the inn to get the car? Or should she try to make her way to the pub? The best she could figure, they were almost halfway between the two points. As her grandmother used to say, it was six of one or half a dozen of the other.
She knew Trish had left the keys in the car and had planned on spending tonight up in her room. Nessa decided to head for the inn. Trish could help her get Gabriel into the car and for some reason, the ghostly blue light of the full moon urged her in that direction.
As Nessa settled into a mile-eating jog, she took one last glance back at the car. She stumbled as she saw the Highlander from her dreams loom over the door of the wrecked automobile. Her spine tingled. The hairs on the back of her neck prickled as though her soul had just shivered.
The Highlander raised his head to meet her startled gaze just as he reached for the handle of the door. When he noticed her, he straightened and moved away from the car. Although he took steps, he floated above the ground. Not corporeal, his form was almost transparent. The trees and bushes behind him shimmered through his body. Nessa had never seen a ghost before but she was positive that was what she saw now.
“Leave him alone. He’s hurt and I’m going for help. He’s got enough to deal with without seeing a ghost.” Nessa spoke without fear. She knew the apparition. After all, he’d been visiting her dreams since the summer she turned eighteen.
The Highl
ander’s eyes narrowed as he moved toward her. His pale hair fluttered in an imaginary wind. When he stood in front of her, he towered over her. She’d never met a man so tall. Nessa wasn’t afraid. This was her Highlander, the gentle man of her dreams.
All that was amiss was the fiery rage flashing from his eyes. She’d never seen his face filled with such fury. All she had seen was loneliness and reassuring affection reflected in his gaze. She’d always thought that must be the reason they’d always connected. Nessa had been lonely her entire life and those who should’ve loved her had only caused her pain.
“What’s wrong?” Nessa whispered up into the specter’s grim face. “Why are you so angry…so upset?”
The Highlander’s mouth tightened, his jaw rippled as he clenched his teeth. He jabbed once toward Nessa and then back toward the car then snapped his head with a negative shake.
Nessa misunderstood and waved away his worries. Her Highlander must be trying to protect her. “Look. It’s just one date. I’m sure he’ll lose interest and move on to Trish once he realizes I’m more the intellectual type. You know men never stay interested in me.”
His nostrils flared. The apparition pointed at Nessa again, then shook his head harder as he pointed toward the car. Once more, he pointed to where Nessa’s heart hammered in her chest, and then pointed to his own chest, and nodded just once.
Her eyes widened as his meaning became clear and Nessa grew more irritated the longer she stared into his snapping eyes. “A fat lot of good it would do for me to be in love with you! You’re not even real. You’re only in my head.”
He shook his head, slower this time. Her phantom placed his hand upon his heart, then once again motioned toward Nessa. He reached for her as though he wished he could stroke her cheek. His face fell, his expression changing to one of suffering pain as his hand passed through her instead of resting upon her skin.
