A Highlander's Destiny (Digital Boxed Edition)

by Willa Blair

  Darach looked like she’d shot him out of a cannon. So real was his shock she felt terrible. She should have kept her mouth shut. “Look, forget it. I’m fine. I love it here.”

  “I didnae realize ye would want to get out a bit more. I thought ye were content.”

  “Darach, I am content. I love you.” Abby sat on the edge of the bed and tugged him down beside her.

  “It’s like I had work before, you know, and I saw Arianna on a daily basis, kept up with what was going on outside my own door, and now I feel like I’m wrapped in a cocoon. I know you want to protect me, but couldn’t you lengthen the leash a bit?”

  In less than a second her handsome confused husband turned into an unreasonable male. “Forgive me, I didnae realize I had ye on a leash, period.” His words spoken in a harsh tone put Abby’s back up.

  “Well, you do. I want to be able to come and go. I don’t even know where I am when I’m here. I can’t teleport. I have to wait on you to beam me over to my house.” Abby got off the bed and walked to the window. “I know you don’t mean to, that you want to keep me safe, but I don’t even have the freedom those animals have.” She lifted her arm and motioned toward the wildlife in the backyard.

  Darach’s anger dwindled back down to the hurt that caused it in the first place. He had no idea Abby felt that way. All he wanted to do was protect her. Did she really think he was heartless? Had he been that uncaring and selfish?

  “Fine, wife, if ye want to go see Arianna, I will take ye.” Despite his restraint, he knew his words still sounded harsh. Hurt feelings were not something he was used to as an executioner.

  Abby turned to him, and her eyes shimmered with tears. He admired her determination. She didn’t allow not one to fall.

  “Great, I’m ready to go now.” Her voice was a faint echo of before. Gone was the straightforward woman he knew. Standing in her place was a woman who looked miserable.

  Darach could fix it by telling her he was sorry, but he wasn’t sure he was. His reasons for wrapping her up safely were good ones. She would have to learn that there would be times he knew best. After all he was an executioner and had centuries of experience. He ignored the small voice reminding him it had also been centuries since he’d been married.

  Instead of pulling Abby into his arms as he normally did to teleport her, he caught her hand. A hand he wanted to bring to his lips and kiss, but if he did then that would be backing down, right?

  A moment later, they were in Abby’s home. His wife rushed off to find Arianna, and he stood there like a block of wood. It was only mid-afternoon, and Sean probably would not be around for a bit. He might as well go out himself. It wouldn’t hurt to hunt a bit during daylight, and once Abby had her girl-talk with Arianna, he’d take her home before dark and smooth her ruffled feelings.

  Darach teleported to the kitchen. “Arianna, I will be back to take Abby home.” As for his wife, Abby just looked at him, not offering a word. He repaid her the same way by leaving without saying goodbye.

  Five minutes later he stood on the street where the little jewelry shop had been. It wasn’t there anymore. Somehow he’d figure it wouldn’t be. Michael would have taken care of making sure no one else walked into the shop by accident. He owed the archangel his thanks for giving Abby what he wouldn’t have been able to without Michael’s help. His boss definitely knew what he was doing.

  Darach stalked down the street and then decided to go visit Rae at the bar. He had a sketch of Angus that Lila’s friend had given them, but one that they did not air to the public. Maybe Rae had seen him. And if not, Darach needed to tell her about the wedding.

  The Highlander was quiet. Deserted in fact, but then again most of the regulars were still home, probably sleeping off the previous night’s brew.

  “Darach, you’re here early.” Rae’s eyes sparkled and the smile she sent him warmed his abused heart.

  “’Tis a beautiful afternoon and I wanted to get out.”

  Rae sat across from him in his regular booth. “Then why are you here and not out in the sunshine? And how is Abby?” Her questions poked his brain with their truth. Why wasn’t he with Abby?

  “I wanted to see an old friend and tell ye that Abby and I were married a few days ago.”

  At first the waitress’s face fell with the news then she extended her hand across the table. “Congratulations. I’m not surprised. I just thought you would tie the knot sooner.”

  Darach took the hand she offered and squeezed it. “Why are ye not surprised?”

  “I told you a while back the woman loved you, and it was very apparent you loved her also. So if you’re still on your honeymoon, I repeat: what are you doing here?”

  Darach blew out several deep breaths. Maybe if he talked to another woman he could make sense of Abby’s feelings.

  “I warn ye, ’tis a long story, and it dinnae make me out to be a good person.”

  Rae laughed. “I’ve got time, the regular customers won’t be here for a bit, and my boss stepped out. And honey, men are never good when it comes to figuring out women.”

  ****

  Abby drained the last of her latte, the third she’d had since she and Arianna arrived at the coffee shop. Elle had been happy to see her, and even more joyous when she told her she and Darach had gotten married.

  Now after being plied with questions about how, when, and where the wedding had happened, Elle was waiting on other customers.

  “So are you having fun yet?” Arianna’s droll question broke into Abby’s thoughts.

  “And if I say yes, will that make you happy?”

  “I’d have to call you on that one, hon. You’d be lying between your teeth. So…” Arianna popped another bite of pastry in her mouth, and chewed it, all the time making moaning sounds. “Sorry, I just couldn’t resist. These things are sinful. If I wasn’t an immortal I’d be big as a barn.”

  “Don’t rub it in.”

  “Okay, you want to tell me what you and big mad Darach fought about?”

  “How do you know we had a fight?” Abby reached out for one of the raspberry delights but pulled her hand back. She did have to watch what she ate.

  “Girl, the man’s face was like a brick wall. And you didn’t look much better. All pale and fragile looking.”

  “Oh great, our first big fight since we got married, and I come off as the proverbial female.”

  “Hey, it takes one to know one, so dish. What happened?”

  Abby took the question as an offer to spill her guts. “The man won’t let me breathe. It’s like he’s terrified if I go anywhere without him something will happen. I know he has reason to be cautious, but Arianna, it’s driving me crazy.”

  “I’m sorry, I have to side with Darach on this one. He has every right to feel that way. He’s frightened. More than I’ve ever seen him in the last five hundred years. He doesn’t want to lose you like he did his first wife, and with his senses running amuck, I think he’s doubly afraid he won’t see the threat until it’s too late.”

  Arianna’s words blasted Abby with a kernel of truth. She should have thought about Briene. The tragedy of his family’s death would have made him more anal about keeping her safe.

  “Do you think ya’ll will ever catch Angus?”

  “Truth?” Arianna’s gaze caught Abby’s.

  “Yes.” Abby answered although she dreaded the answer.

  “I don’t know. He’s been around almost as long as Darach. He’s a mean SOB and he wants Darach dead, and he’ll use anyone he can to make that happen.”

  “I’ve been an idiot. Do you think we could go back and find Darach? I want to tell him I’m sorry.”

  Arianna grinned. “Yeah, we can do that. Nothing worse than a pissed off or hurt man. They mope around for days. Just let me run to the little girl’s room.”

  “All right.” While Abby argued with Elle over accepting her money (the woman wanted to write it off as a belated wedding gift), the bell over the door jangled and in walked Nat
e.

  “Abby, what a nice surprise.”

  Abby wasn’t so sure about that, she wanted to get home to Darach, but she had brushed Nate off rather abruptly last time they spoke.

  “Hi, Nate, how are you?”

  “Fine, how remarkable to run into you here. I was going to call you. Jim’s got everything set up for your party. Won’t you reconsider and make an appearance?”

  Abby looked toward the ladies’ room. What was taking Arianna so long?

  “I really appreciate the thought and all ya’ll’s consideration in wanting to throw me a party, but I can’t.”

  Nate’s face fell, and Abby felt like a heel. As she wondered again what was taking Arianna so long, Nate’s eyes began to sparkle. “Well, if nothing else, let me and Jim take you for an early dinner.”

  Abby sighed. “No, really, I can’t. I already have plans.”

  “Bummer, but won’t you at least come out and say hi to Jim? He’s waiting on me to grab a latte.”

  Again she looked toward the back of the shop and again no Arianna. Would it do any harm to just say hello? Arianna would surely be out in a moment.

  “Okay, I’ll say hi to Jim. Elle, would you let Arianna know I’ll be right out front?”

  “Sure, Abby.” Elle threw up her hand in goodbye and continued to tally up her customers’ orders.

  The late afternoon sun cast a feeling of warmth over Abby as she looked around for Jim.

  “I don’t see Jim. I thought he was right outside.”

  Nate looked confused. “I left him here. Not sure where he got off to.” He looked around and then grabbed Abby’s hand. “Look, there he is right across the street. Come on.”

  “I’d rather not. I left word I’d be right here for my friend.”

  “Abby, please. It won’t take but a moment. Jim will be upset if you don’t.”

  “Fine, but only for a minute.” Surely it would be all right. It was broad daylight, and she knew both men. They crossed over to the other side of the street. The smile Jim gave her looked a bit pained.

  “Hi, Jim, I want to thank you about your party idea, but I can’t go. Now, I need to get back to my friend.”

  Instead of saying a word, Jim locked his hand around Abby’s arm. “I have someone who’s been dying to see you again, Abby.”

  “Jim, you’re hurting me. Let go. I told you I can’t go anywhere.”

  Jim ignored her and Nate’s added entreaties to let her go as he hustled her between two buildings and into an alley. The sight greeting her eyes chilled her blood to below zero. Demons of various sizes, numbering ten in all, waited.

  “Jim, how could you?”

  “How could I what? Oh, you mean these guys. They’re here to take you to your brother.”

  “I don’t have a brother. These are evil creatures. They’re demons.” Abby’s fear escalated. She knew where they were taking her.

  Jim laughed. “That’s crazy talk, Abby. They won’t hurt you. Your brother is a nice guy.”

  “And just how much did this supposed brother pay you to do this?”

  Jim wouldn’t meet her eyes as he spoke. “It’s not like that, Abby. I got in some trouble gambling, and he offered to bail me out if I set up a meeting.”

  “What you’ve done is sign my death warrant not to mention my husband’s and probably yours.”

  One of the demons spoke. His eyes glowed so red even the men with her noticed. Nate stepped back, while Jim stood there with his mouth open. “She’s right, now that we have the woman, we don’t need you.”

  The demon motioned with his arm and two of the creatures rushed Jim. The man she thought was her friend fought them and in the commotion Abby grabbed Nate’s arm. “Run!”

  Nate did as he was told and took off, sprinting toward the alley opening. Abby was right behind him when two clawed hands attached themselves to her arm. Her scream bellowed out and Nate stopped. “Keep running, Nate. Find Arianna. Tell her what happened.”

  Before the demons could grab him also, Nate put on a burst of speed and exited the alley.

  Abby stopped struggling and faced her captors. “I suppose now you’re going to take me to the asshole you work for.”

  The head demon leered down at her. “Yes, and when he’s finished with you, and your husband is dead, I’ll enjoy Angus’s leftovers.

  Abby spit at the creature. His words frightening her into showing courage she didn’t have.

  His reply was a fist in her face and a clap on the side of her head, and then blackness engulfed her vision.

  Michael wanted to hurl his angel paperweight out the window. Abby was kidnapped, Arianna couldn’t find her, and now they couldn’t find Darach. Oh what a tangle his people had made of things. If one hair on Abby’s head was harmed he’d, he’d…

  Do nothing! He could not interfere. The word that left his mouth wasn’t a curse word but close enough he would be answering for it anyway.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Darach teleported into Abby’s house into the midst of chaos. Arianna stood over a man he thought was called Nate. Sean was also there firing questions. Conner gave him a look that chilled him to the marrow of his bones.

  “What is going on?”

  Arianna’s face was white as cotton when she turned to face him. “Darach, I didn’t know where you were. Abby’s missing.”

  Terror almost drained the blood from his body.

  “What do ye mean, she’s missing?”

  “We went to the coffee shop. We were getting ready to leave and I went to the bathroom. Abby was still sitting there.” The immortal wrung her hands. “When I got back, Elle said she’d stepped outside with him.” She jerked her thumb at Nate.

  “When I went to find her she was gone. Then this person runs out of an alley across the street yelling like all get-out.”

  The scrawny man in question was gesturing with his hands. “I told you, I didn’t know.”

  Darach’s steps were quiet as he walked to the man. Nothing like the rapid beating of his pulse screaming in his ears.

  “What didnae ye know?”

  “That it was a trap. Jim said I was to bring Abby to him for a surprise going away party.” Nate’s eyes glistened. “I should have listened to her, she didn’t want to go, but I truly thought she would enjoy the party. Only Jim wasn’t just outside like he said he would be, he’d walked across the street. Me and Abby walked over. She said hello and was going to go right back to the coffee shop, when Jim grabbed her by the arm.”

  Tears poured down the mortal’s face. “They killed Jim and took Abby.”

  “Who took her?” Darach was fast losing his grip on his retreating control.

  “These creatures. They had red eyes and fangs and claws. Abby and I ran when they attacked Jim. They caught her and I turned back to help.”

  Nate ducked his head. “I’m sorry. I should have stayed, but she told me to find her.” He motioned toward Arianna.

  Darach wanted to kill the man, but it seemed he too was a pawn of Angus. Angus. God, his heart wanted to burst with the agony of knowing his sweet Abby was with that monster.

  “Do ye have any idea where the demons might take her?”

  “No…but wait, I know from what Jim said right before they killed him, that he’d been dealing with a man who said he was Abby’s brother. I truly think he believed it.”

  “Think mon, did Jim ever say anything at all about this man before?” Darach tried not to let his desperation show.

  “No, nothing. I’m so sorry. If I hadn’t convinced Abby to talk to Jim, this wouldn’t have happened. Abby would be safe and Jim alive.”

  Sean looked at Darach before leveling his gaze on Nate. “Jim signed his death warrant when he delivered Abby. You’re lucky you aren’t dead also.”

  “If Abby hadn’t fought with them when they caught her, I would have been.”

  Darach barely noticed when Sean ushered Nate out nor did he realize Arianna had left the room until she returned with a shot glass fu
ll of whiskey.

  “Here, drink it.” Arianna handed him the glass. “Now forget about blaming yourself. Abby loves you and wasn’t upset with you when she left the coffee place. We’ll find her. And just in case you can’t forgive yourself, I should never have left her.”

  Darach lifted his head, his first instinct was to tear into the other immortal, but he didn’t. It seemed that whatever the reason, Angus had Abby. Now he would have to wait for the demon to contact him. And that he would, Darach had no doubt. Angus loved to gloat and for him this would be a shining moment, not to mention a nail in Darach’s coffin.

  “No, ye are not to blame.”

  “Thanks Darach, I just wished I could believe it. What do we do now?” Arianna moved closer to Darach.

  Darach tossed back the shot glass of liquid. “We wait. Angus will contact me. Of that I am certain.” He accepted the clasp on his shoulder Conner issued and then prayed the demon didn’t kill Abby first.

  ****

  Abby roused to the taste of blood in her mouth. Her arms felt as if they were being pulled out of the sockets. She lifted a swollen eyelid and glanced around. She was alone, thank God.

  The demons had brought her here, and it seemed locked her up with a multitude of chains. As if she could have broken free from even one of her new silver bracelets. She wished she knew how long she’d been out. And she prayed Darach would stay away. Abby could take what Angus dished out, she closed her mind to the memory of the bodies he’d discarded, as long as Darach remained safe.

  A clink of a lock and then the slightly squeaky door signaled the arrival of a visitor. She could just guess who that was.

  The man, or demon, that strutted in had blond hair and green eyes for the moment. She was sure they would turn red when she got through telling him off. His build was okay, a bit impressive, but he was nothing like Darach and never would be.

  “Angus, I assume.” Abby manage to get out through the swelling in her split lip.

  “Yes, and you are the evasive Abigail Dupree.”

  “That’s MacRath, you asshole.”

  “My, my, it seems this time my cousin married a lioness instead of a mouse.” Angus followed his words with several steps toward Abby. She wished he’d go away. She decided to remain silent and see what he had to say. Any ammunition she could use against him would be welcomed.