A Highlander's Destiny (Digital Boxed Edition)

by Willa Blair

  “Fie, lass, I kill demons for a living, visions dinnae frighten me.” Darach’s smile did amazing things to her heart.

  “Now, why dinnae ye tell me what ye saw.” His tone was patient, almost as if he were talking to a child. She should resent that, but instead it made her feel all squishy inside.

  “Blood, lots of blood. I don’t know where it was, and that usually means I’ve never been there before, but it was not good, Darach.”

  “That’s okay. Visions could mean it’s already happened as ye know or a portent of something to come.” He tugged lightly on her hand and pulled her into a sitting position. “For right now, why don’t ye go wash your face, and then I’ll help you get everything out of the oven. Then if you want to, over lunch, we can talk about what you saw a bit more, okay?”

  “Sure… I can do that.” She knew she sounded a bit off, but Darach’s easy acceptance of what he’d seen and how well he was taking her lapse into zombie status really threw Abby. Could this handsome, oh so sexy man, actually be blasé about something most people looked at as a curse, a disgusting trait that made her lesser than human?

  She slid off the couch and headed for the downstairs bathroom. One thing Abby did know, she wasn’t going to look this particular gift in the eye, but she would wait and see if Darach truly meant what he said.

  ****

  “Here, take these into the dining room and set the table, please.”

  “Why dinnae we just eat in here?”

  Abby turned and looked at the Highlander. He truly looked puzzled.

  “Well, ever since I can remember, my grandmere always made sure we ate at the dining room table for holidays. I don’t always cook for the holidays, but when I do I make sure I follow her customs.”

  “Oh…I see.”

  “It’s okay, it’s probably been awhile since you actually got to take Thanksgiving off.” Abby grabbed a couple of goblets and motioned for Darach to precede her. “I mean, I know you’re working guarding me and all, but to actually…”

  Darach smiled. “You be right. It has been a long time since I actually sat down for a real home-cooked holiday meal, or any meal to tell ye the truth.”

  “Well, then I’m glad I could cook it for you. Now, if you grab the turkey, I’ll get the rest of the side dishes and we can pig out.”

  Darach did as she asked and exited the kitchen before Abby.

  She knew her good spirits were forced. Ever since Darach told her the story of what happened to his family and to him, she’d not thought of anything else. And now she had the vision’s repercussions.

  The food she cooked would probably sit in her stomach like bayou mud, but she had to make an effort. Darach’s smile seemed genuine. Lord knew the man or immortal had gone through Hell on Earth when he was alive, but there was no point in making him feel bad for telling her.

  She wanted him to be happy, to actually experience a bit of time when he wasn’t on guard. Lord knew she knew how that felt. A respite from care for even a few minutes was more than what he’d had before. The immortal who killed the demon in front of her, spirited her to his home, and then the man who lost everything, was a hardened warrior.

  Less than twenty-four hours since they met, and she’d barely seen him show any type of mirth.

  Arms laden with dishes, she returned to set them in the center of the table. Darach stood near one of the chairs. She moved to the head of the table, and he pulled her chair out.

  “Thank you. Now please sit.”

  Darach did as she asked and then at her request carved the turkey. Once their plates were filled with meat, dressing, mashed potatoes, and string beans with tiny onions, Abby said grace.

  She took a bite of turkey, and watched as Darach did the same. As he chewed the morsel, it seemed his gaze lost some of the hardness she had grown use to.

  “’Tis good, Abby. Thank you.”

  “Hey, you’re my bodyguard, so I want you to eat up and stay strong.” The moment the words left her mouth, she wanted to call them back. His features hardened again.

  “Darach, please, I’m sorry. Let’s try to not think about anything but this dinner and our blessings.”

  “I want to talk about your visions, the one ye just had in particular. I need to ken how often ye have them and if ye have any warning before they occur.” His face remained carved into a hardened mask.

  Abby almost strangled on the sip of tea she’d just taken.

  “Why do you need to know?”

  “Because it would help me if I ken more about what ye see in your visions and if I have some type of guideline to get ye to safety and out of the public’s eye if it happens while we’re out.”

  When she raised her glass to her lips again, her hand trembled slightly. Darach didn’t seem to care that she had visions, just what they were about, and to protect her when they happened. She couldn’t believe it. Someone or the only one since her grandmere who didn’t look on her as a pariah for her gift. And maybe it was time she thought of it as a gift. If she hadn’t had the vision last night, that young woman would probably be dead.

  “Okay, I saw a dark room with lots of blood inside. I don’t know where it was or anything else. It’s like I get tunnel vision, and I zoom in on that one scene. I have no idea what happens to me after that.”

  Abby pushed back her plate, got up from the table, and pulled out a bottle of tequila. She opened it and poured some in a clean glass before moving back to the table.

  “When I was in college, I had a vision that hit me at a school dance. The guy I was with told me my eyes rolled back and I got this strange look on my face. Then he said I kept repeating the word demon.”

  Darach didn’t even flinch at her words. “So what happened next?”

  “You mean before or after he shoved me into a wall and started calling me a freak and witch?” She knew her words were bitter, aimed at the incident in her past that made her leery of trusting anyone with her secret, but she couldn’t help how she felt.

  “That son of a bit—” Darach broke off the obscenity but it didn’t prevent the rage in his gaze from burning Abby. The emotion went straight to her heart. He actually was angry that someone had hurt her.

  “So, there you have it. One minute we were dancing, the next I zoned out. The only warning I have is like everything freezes.” Abby kept her tone light as she continued, “I guess that’s not much help, huh?”

  “Dinnae worry about it. I will make sure no one ever does that to ye again.” Darach’s words made her feel more than a bit warm and fuzzy. She felt like she could dance on the roof. The smile she gave him reflected just that.

  ****

  An hour later, the food was stored in the fridge, dishes washed and left to drain, and Abby grabbed her coat.

  “So where does this teacher live?” Darach held the material as she slid her arms into the sleeves.

  “Cecil lives a few miles from here. But don’t worry, we can catch the St. Charles streetcar and be there in about ten minutes.” She finished buttoning her coat.

  “I could get us there faster.” Darach didn’t smile. It was as if he was just stating a fact and nothing remotely about being able to transport through space.

  “Thanks but no thanks.” Abby smiled and then carefully picked up the box she’d packed the food in. “It might be less noticeable if we do it the mortal way.”

  She made her way to the door. “Have you ever ridden on a streetcar?”

  Darach’s eyes widened for just a second. “No, I haven’t.”

  “Well then follow me, Immortal Man, you’ll love it.” Abby laughed at his expression as he opened and then closed the door.

  “Hey, wait a minute, I left my keys in the house.”

  “You won’t need them, no one will pass the thresholds I set.”

  ****

  A scant three minutes later, seated on the streetcar, Abby wasn’t sure how Darach could be certain no one would break into her house, but it made her feel a whole lot safer knowing h
e was on the job. Of course, he made her think of a lot more than protection when she was near him. It truly was a shame that a man, oops, make that immortal, who looked as hot as Darach, had no clue of what he did to a woman just by giving her a brooding look. What she wouldn’t give for just a taste of his lips. Just to see if he could melt every bone in her body like she feared he could. And for the first time since she met him, she felt it was okay to feel that way. He had seen her in the throes of a vision and hadn’t run screaming into the night or day.

  “Abby?”

  It took her a moment to refocus her thoughts but when she did, Darach was staring at her. Here’s hoping he still couldn’t mess with her mind.

  “Yes?”

  “Would ye like for me to carry the box?”

  “No, I’d prefer you have your hands free if you need them…you know if we run into any red-eyes.”

  “Red-eyes?”

  “Yeah, you know, demons.”

  Darach didn’t know whether to laugh or curse. Michael would probably have his head if he let loose with some of the words he’d learned over the centuries. How could the woman be so matter-of-fact over creatures that would do anything they could to get to her? Her penchant for taking demons in stride, not to mention fighting them would have to stop.

  “I ken demons, Abby. They’re dangerous, in case you have forgotten. I would also suggest ye rethink ever fighting one again.”

  The car began to slow, and he gave her no time to reply before he jumped off. If she did, she trusted him completely and would do as he told her, but if she hesitated…no…he did not want to think that way. He wanted, needed her to trust him.

  Abby laughed out loud and then flung herself in his arms. Her breath came in little puffs of cold air. Her magnolia skin glowed with the wind’s touch. Her breasts pressed against him, and he continued to hold her close…closer. He leaned down. Before he could place his lips against hers, common sense struck hard. He needed to keep his distance. His main goal should be only protecting Abby.

  “Uh, Darach, you’re smashing the box.”

  Abby’s eyes were full of laughter but he also saw what he hoped was the same disappointment riding his body. God’s teeth, he just couldn’t seem to help himself. She was a little girl and a woman rolled into one. He was drawn to her in so many ways—ways that he needed to tamp down if he was to do his job right.

  He released his arms from around her and slowly backed up. “Which way to your friend’s house?”

  “Whoa, did someone take away your toys, MacRath?”

  “I dinnae ken what ye mean.” He knew it for a lie, but he hoped Abby would not call him on it.

  “Sure you do. You wanted to kiss me, so don’t act like I dumped on your parade. You stopped—I didn’t stop you. Is it the fact I have visions? I thought you were okay with that.”

  He could feel his cheeks burn with the truth of Abby’s words. He did want to kiss her and badly…and she wanted him also—more grounds for distancing himself. Maybe when Angus was caught…no, then there’d be no reason to be around Abby. Yet, he could not let her think she repulsed him.

  “I didnae stop because of your visions. Now, let’s get your errand over with. Ye need to be home before dark.”

  Abby pointed down the block, and Darach allowed her to lead the way, but he stayed one step behind her, constantly scanning the street, the trees, and any moving or parked cars for anything out of the ordinary.

  He saw nothing, and he didn’t get any inkling that Angus or any demon had been near the three-story frame house where Barrett lived. As soon as he got Abby home safe, he would hit the streets, shake up some of the local demons that came out at night, and then launch his search for Angus.

  Darach scanned the boarding house Abby’s friend lived in and the area around it as Abby walked up the steps to the porch.

  “Which floor does he live on?”

  “Cecil told me the top one. His wife died last year, and after paying the funeral costs, he had to give up their home. He’s a nice man.”

  Abby’s concern for the teacher made Darach want to take back his terse attitude. It wasn’t her fault he wanted to make love to her.

  “Abby, I’m sorry I was such a—”

  “First class jerk, royal ass when it came to your attitude about holding me?”

  He wanted to laugh, but didn’t dare. He was grateful she was speaking to him at all.

  “Aye to both. Ye make me think all kinds of thoughts about what I would like to do to ye.”

  Abby’s eyes lit up, showering him with a brilliant hue of tantalizing blue.

  “Really, what type of things?”

  Darach dropped an arm over her shoulder and then kissed her on the nose before he gently pushed her away.

  “Maybe I’ll explain it to ye, after ye get finished with your visit.”

  “Count on it, MacRath. And I want all the details. And just so you know, I forgive you.” She gave him a saucy smile and then entered the building.

  He quickly followed and caught up with her. “Forgive me for what?”

  “For being so bossy. I don’t like being told what to do.” This time her smile was tightlipped.

  “I ken that, but ye have to ken I only do it for your own good.” When Abby didn’t respond Darach waited. A second later she opened her lovely mouth.

  “I don’t see an elevator so I guess we’ll have to hoof it up to Cecil’s.”

  “Ye want a ride?”

  “You and your transport thingy. Maybe another time. I don’t really like being dizzy.” Abby softened her answer by patting his arm.

  She hoped he understood, but traveling by having your insides twisted seven ways to Sunday wasn’t her idea of fun. It ranked right up there with flying in an airplane. And she wasn’t yet ready to be held in his arms again. She still wasn’t happy with his dictatorship even if he did couch it in such a sensual tone.

  Darach remained silent as they made their way up to the third floor. Was he upset about what she said, or was it their almost kiss? Did he regret putting a move on her? The man was giving off mixed signals, and she wanted to slap him silly. He needed to make up his mind to bypass Michael’s warning and make love to her, or stop making her think he wanted her like she wanted him.

  Of course, it signaled how crazy she was to be developing any type of feelings for someone she’d just met the day before. Ludicrous was only the beginning of an explanation for her actions. Why on earth would she even want to hook up with a man who fought and killed demons, even if he did understand her? It was a dangerous job, and sure he said he couldn’t die or probably couldn’t, but there was a time to live and die for everyone, wasn’t there?

  “What room number, Abby?” Darach’s husky baritone sent shivers deep to her core, but she ignored them. He was right, there were things they needed to do, and truthfully things they needed to talk about.

  “Apartment eight. It should be just around this next corner.”

  Abby knocked on the door and waited. No answer. “Cecil, it’s Abby. I brought you some dinner.” When that got no response, she looked up at Darach.

  “I don’t understand. He should be here. I talked to him last night before I went to work. Cecil was looking forward to me coming over. You don’t suppose something happened do you?” Her apprehension was not unfounded. Cecil, while not the oldest teacher at the school, was somewhere around sixty.

  Darach tried the doorknob, and it slowly turned under his grip.

  “Something’s wrong. Cecil would never leave his door unlocked even expecting company.”

  “I’ll check, ye stay here.” Darach’s words were spoken low, almost a whisper but not quite.

  “No way I’m I going to wait. Cecil might be hurt. I can help.” She answered him in kind, but her whisper was defiant all the same.

  His grunt signaled his displeasure, but Abby ignored the man’s snit. She was used to doing things on her own, and immortal or not, she planned on continuing the same way.


  “Well, then, make sure ye stay behind me.”

  Oh yeah, Darach was not happy.

  “Fine, now can we go in?”

  Darach pushed the door until it swung open halfway. Abby tried to see around him, but it was impossible. The man filled the entire doorframe with his body. She resisted the urge to push him out of the way. One, she wasn’t quite sure what he would do if she followed through on her inclination. Two, she doubted she’d be able to move his impressive and handsome bulk.

  Apparently satisfied nothing was going to loom out in front of them, Darach pushed the door open all the way. He turned slightly, gave her a look she could not misunderstand, and then stepped over the threshold.

  Abby waited for what seemed an eternity after Darach disappeared from view. When he returned, he motioned her inside.

  “Did you find, Cecil?”

  “You don’t have to whisper. No one’s here, Abby.”

  She exhaled loudly. “That makes no sense. He knew I was coming by. Did he leave a note?”

  Abby moved around Darach, intent on searching for a message from Cecil. Maybe he got a better offer for dinner or had to run out for a moment. If so, then it might possibly be why he left the door unlocked, if he just left thinking they would be there any moment.

  “Your friend didnae leave a missive.”

  Darach’s thickened brogue sent out warning bells to Abby. When his Scottish tone turned into an imitation of molasses it always meant something affected him strongly.

  “Out with it. What’s happened to Cecil?”

  “I dinnae kin.”

  “Well, then he could be okay, right?”

  “Nae, just because ’tisn’t a body, dinnae mean he could be all right.”

  Abby didn’t like where this was going.

  “Again, out with it. What did you find?”

  “You dinnae need to see it, Abby. I’ll call the police and report Cecil missing.”

  Something bad had happened. She knew it, and the fact he didn’t want her to see it made her blood run cold.

  “No, I won’t be protected. Cecil was…is my friend.”

  Abby detoured around him, but Darach caught her hand and followed her to a room off the living area they stood in. The bedroom was small but more than adequate for one person. The bed was unmade, but that could mean Cecil got up and left in a hurry. A chair lay on its side, and Abby wasn’t sure she could rationalize a reason for that one.