“I’ve heard of her.” Iain nodded.
“As have I. Dad’s spoken the tale of the Fae Angel of Love from time to time.” Finlay sheathed his sword in his side scabbard, his blue tunic fluttering free over his belted plaid. Sheathed wrist daggers glinted from under his cuffs, just as they did from under Iain’s.
All three of these men were warriors of great strength, although what made them the most powerful was the depth and devotion of their brotherly bond. They would do anything for each other, even lay down their life. That she’d learnt during a small number of secret visits to Kirk’s home over the past few years. She’d had a need to take one of her wounded people to Dr. Tavish, their clan physician, for his highly skilled aid, which she’d been unable to procure for her clansman here in the past. Twice, in her cloaked form, she’d snuck out of Tavish’s medical room to watch the brothers since Nessa had told her that one day they’d be known as the ‘power of three.’ Her curiosity in them had been strong, and now would always remain so because of her bond with Kirk.
“I’ll need a plan of attack, and I need it now.” Kirk ground one booted foot into the stony yard. “I won’t lose her.”
“And we won’t let you lose her either. We’ll help you find her.” Iain crossed his arms. “What else have you got on the elusive Fae Angel of Love?”
“I’ll detail all I’ve learnt.” Kirk slid one hand into his pants pocket and removed the strand of hair he’d taken from her, his gaze softening. Around one finger, he curled it. “Amelia is another time-walker, a close friend of Cherub’s. Amelia lives here at the village and is wed to a man named Olaf. They have a son named Joseph who holds the skill of foreknowledge. Amelia and Olaf are soul bound and when they joined, Amelia spoke a spell that ensured Olaf’s soul became tied to hers, so for however long she lives, is however long he lives. Amelia also gave up her mantle when they joined as one, which means Cherub is the only time-walker here on Earth who can continue to do what must be done.”
“Wait.” Finlay frowned. “Are you saying that once you catch your mate and you join together, you’ll be an immortal as she is?”
“Aye, except Cherub has no intention of joining with me. Too many of her fae kind rely on her, even more so now than ever before. Since we saved the fae village, both our clan and Murdock’s have seen a new wave of unmated males sensing their chosen ones, and even though I assured her I’d never halt her in her duty, would do all I could to aid her, she’s still seen what’s happened to Amelia and has no intention of trekking down the same path.”
“Then you’ll need to keep on reassuring her, until she believes you, and we’ll do whatever it takes to make certain she knows you speak the truth.” A fiercely determined look crossed Finlay’s face.
“Here, here,” Iain decreed. “We may be the ‘power of three,’ but we aren’t complete until we’ve all joined with our chosen ones.” He squeezed Kirk’s shoulder. “Let’s train and then begin our search for her. Take comfort in the fact that since you’ve found her once, you can find her again. Even the Fae Angel of Love can’t hide forever.”
“Searching for her will be a mission since she can flitter about unseen.” Kirk pocketed her strand of hair then swung his sword free, his determination once again soaring. “I’ll never give her up though, not until my dying day. I just have to figure out a way to convince my mate that I speak the truth, that I’d never fail her.”
“Your intentions are pure, your word always true.” Finlay swung his blade in a wide figure eight. “She’ll come to learn that as well. We’ll make sure of it.” He motioned toward the training area and the three of them strode back to the battling warriors and joined the fray.
Could she possibly have it all? Would Kirk truly aid her in her duty and not halt her in the least? His brothers had stated empathically that he would. Olaf had certainly never made such a promise to Amelia. He was a gentle man, a fisherman and not a warrior. Amelia too was a sweet and tender woman, a nurturer who longed to care for her husband and son. Amelia had been deliriously happy when the bond between her and Olaf had taken form. Olaf was her match in every way, and when she’d given up her mantle, Amelia had been more than ready to settle down in one place rather than travel through the endless streams of time.
She would never be able to settle in that way, not when she thrived on the coming hunt. Finding those who were soul bound and bringing them together across time was a thrill she’d never relinquish. A level of doubt in her decision to forego their bond rolled through her.
Kirk twirled his blade, his shoulders and arms so thick and strong and packed with muscle. Her fingers tingled with the need to touch him again, to stroke those muscles then slide her fingers through his silky black hair and tousle those gorgeous locks into complete disarray. She’d been gifted with a soul bound mate she completely adored and she couldn’t halt the rush of hope that rolled through her. Mayhap she should talk to Nessa about her decision and see what she thought. A seer could see so much more than any other and she certainly trusted her friend and her wise judgment.
Below in the yard, Kirk advanced on Iain, his weapon held high. The two swung and their blades clashed, steel ringing loud against steel. Finlay jumped into the fight and the three battled, each landing one hard blow after another. They trained swiftly and without hesitation, so in tune with each other’s strikes that they moved gracefully yet powerfully as one.
“My lady?” A knock sounded. “It’s Effie. Are you in?”
“I’m coming.” She opened the door and uncloaked her form. Only two maids ever served her when she stayed here, Effie or Maggie. Both lasses held a touch of fae blood and were loyal kin. They certainly tended to her needs and did all she asked of them. “How did you know I’d be here this morn?”
“Nessa said you arrived last eve at the village and to bring you a tray and a bath.” Effie carried a tray holding a steaming bowl of oats and a trencher of sliced meats inside and set it on the side table. “She’ll be up shortly.”
“Wonderful. I need to speak to Nessa.”
A shuffle sounded in the passageway and she cloaked herself as two lads, not of fae blood, heaved a tub between them. Barefoot and with sooty marks on the knees of their loose-legged brown breeches, they set the tub before the fireplace. Another maid entered, set a drying cloth and bar of soap next to the tub then left with the lads.
Effie knelt at the hearth, tore strips of bark from a log and brought a flame to life striking flint with a dagger. She added a log or two and the fire soon roared and spread its heavenly heat throughout the room. The maid rose and dusted her hands against her aproned sides as she crossed to the golden curtained ambry. “What do you wish to wear this day, my lady?”
“The pale blue gown, please. Leave it on the bed if you could.”
The maid removed a gown of silk, one of her favorites that matched the color of her blue eyes to perfection. Effie draped it over the black fur cover at the end of her bed then set the matching pair of slippers beside it.
The lads soon returned with pails of steaming water and Effie directed them then added vanilla scented oil and a sprinkle of dried rose petals. Done, she walked to the door and dipped her head to Nessa as she arrived.
“Thank you, Effie.” Nessa closed the door behind the servants after they filed out then leaned against the door in her bronze skirts, her red locks wisped with gray coiled high upon her head. “And how is my favorite time-walker this day?”
“As well as can be considering I spent the night with Kirk.” She uncloaked and hugged her friend. “What of you, Nessa? How do you fare?”
“I’m completely intrigued and dying to know all that occurred last eve. Come and eat while we talk.” Nessa grasped her hand, walked to the side table, pulled out a chair for her and perched in the one opposite her as she sat. When she stayed here at the castle, they always broke their fast together, just the two of them. ’Twas a special time, one of the rare moments when she wasn’t alone as her duty so often demanded.
>
“Well, Kirk’s shifter senses led him directly to me, although I’m no’ surprised.” She lifted the small bowl of honey and swirled it over top of hers and Nessa’s hot oats then slid a spoonful into her mouth. Delicious, and just what he needed to warm and fill her belly. “I’m sorry I first asked you to do the impossible last eve and keep him from leaving the keep.”
“There wasnae a chance I could halt him. He whipped right by me, so eager to begin the chase. He’s been looking for you for such a long time.” Nessa patted her hand. “You must understand. The ‘power of three’ willnae be at their strongest until each have joined with their chosen ones, which means you must consider allowing the bond to take.”
“I have to admit I now feel so torn.” She bunched her hands in her lap, twisted her fingers in her skirts. “I spent the entire night in his company, even took him into the skies. I’ve never allowed myself such a frivolous time with another.”
“He’s your match in every way and all yours if you will but open your heart to him.” She gestured toward the window where the sounds of steel clanging and warriors grunting echoed toward them. “Kirk will be driven to see to your needs, to aid you in all that you do. He will also never be at peace until the two of you have completed the bond and joined as one. You must accept your destiny is about to change. You need never be alone again, Cherub. Take a step of faith and accept what should be.”
“I cannae deny I want him.”
“Then give yourself the future you both deserve.” With a heartfelt smile, Nessa stirred a teaspoon of honey into her steaming tea. “And so says the wise seer.”
“Aye, very wise, but there is also pain in living an endless life as I do. Kirk is so close to his brothers and there would be desolation as Iain and Finlay aged and passed away and he did no’. That is the kind of pain I have come to accept for myself, but ’tis also the kind of pain I would never wish on another.”
“Yet that should also be his choice to make and not yours.” Nessa sipped her hot drink. “I’ve known you for a very long time, adored each and every one of the days we’ve been friends. I would hate to think I might have missed out on all the years that have passed between us simply because you feared the pain you’d experience when the end must inevitably come for me. I know, deep in my heart, that even when I am no longer here to watch over my people, that you will be. Iain and Finlay will feel the same way with Kirk. He will always be there for their children, grandchildren and so forth throughout the ages. ’Twill be a blessing for them to know their brother will be able to watch over their closest when they cannae.”
“I never considered that.”
“Aye, you’d also be giving your mate the chance to make a wonderful difference, to bring joy to those who continued to live on. His brothers will forever remain alive in their offspring’s memory because he will still be here to impart his memories of them.”
Nessa’s heartfelt words rang deeply in her soul. She blinked away hot tears, selected a bacon slice from the trencher and chewed it. “I will consider your advice and wise words.”
“Then that is all I could ask for.” Nessa nodded. “Oh, we must also speak of another matter that has now arisen. I had a vision this morn surrounding the Chief of MacKenzie. It appears our enemy willnae stand down even though he lost the recent battle at the village. He still desires control of the waterways between us and Isle of Skye and covets Gilleoin’s land at the tip of Loch Alsh. In my vision, he spoke of finding a woman from the village afore it was to be burnt to the ground. I’ve no idea who that woman is, but he’s now sent his captain to find and bring her back. I’ve informed Gilleoin of what I’ve seen and he’s left to increase the patrols at the village and along the coastline.”
“The MacKenzie is a snake.” The man would always desire more than what he owned and controlled, his thirst for domination all that drove him. “I’ll keep an eye on him too, although I’ll need you to remain alert for any further visions.”
“Of course. I’ll keep you informed should I have any.” Nessa quirked a curious brow. “And in what way shall you keep an eye on Colin MacKenzie?”
“By the usual means.” She’d snuck into the MacKenzie’s keep from time to time to ferret out information. Caring for her kin meant ensuring their continued safety and survival and she did so by whatever means was necessary.
“You intend to visit him?”
“I will, but I’ll ensure he isnae aware I’m there.”
“Aye, you are impossible to detect, to capture, or to contain.” Nessa stood and knelt at the tub, swirled her hand through the water. “This is the perfect heat. Come. Have your bath afore the water cools.”
“I long for a hot bath.” She kicked off her slippers, tossed her fur cloak over the top of the dressing screen and shed her gown before stepping into the tub. After sinking into the glorious water, she rested her head on the rim and allowed thoughts of Kirk to roll through her mind. Nessa had told her she needed to allow the bond to take. What if she did? For a moment, a true sense of peace spread through her and wonder filled her heart and made her soul sing with hope.
“Oh goodness. I truly do want him, Nessa.” She leaned one elbow on the rim and looked at her friend. “So much I’m not sure I could walk away from him a second time should we meet.”
“You spent the entire night with him, which means deep in your heart, you’ve already allowed a certain level of the bond to take. Even the Fae Angel of Love deserves to have her own chosen one. If you claim him, just as he wishes to claim you, then you need never be alone again. He is the only one you will ever be soul bound to, and you cannae allow this chance to claim your new destiny pass you by.” Nessa knelt and lathered the soap. “Allow me to aid you in detangling your hair. It’s been whipped into a mighty mess from your travels last eve. Dip down and wet it for me first.”
“Kirk is such a temptation.” She slid under the water then emerged with a sigh. “He even showed me his bear.”
“His bear has been so antsy since his arrival.” Nessa worked the suds through her hair then bade her to rinse the bubbles out. After she had, her friend gently detangled her locks, separated her hair into sections and ran the comb through it.
A thunderous roar reverberated from beyond the curtain wall and echoed all around.
Nessa rose and glanced outside, hands curled around the edge of the windowsill. “Kirk’s gone, and likely into the forest to shift.”
“I hate the thought of causing him such pain, and honestly, to have a lifetime with him at my side and aiding me in my duty, would be a dream.”
“A dream you could make a reality if you so desire it.” Nessa passed her a folded drying cloth from the side table. “You should speak to him again afore you make your final decision.”
“What would I do without you, Nessa?” Smiling, she hopped out of the cooling water and dried herself, donned a shift then picked up the pale blue gown the maid had left and eased it over her head. The soft satin folds shimmered over her hips and swished to her ankles.
“The same could be said for me. What would I do without you? Here, allow me to lace your stays.” Nessa turned her by the shoulders and cinched her gown together. “You must come and meet Isla and Arabel as well. Iain and Finlay’s mates are a delight and mayhap if you see them and how happy they are, you’ll see that Kirk would offer you the same level of happiness. He is a man of his word.”
“Even though I brought Isla through the portal, as well as Kirk and his brothers, I did so without any of them knowing I was there. ’Tis always best that way, otherwise explaining myself leads to far too many questions when their journey isnae about me but about their quest.” She slid the matching slippers on, pinched her cheeks in the looking glass and with her ability to command her element, waved the warm air from the fire through her pale locks and dried them. From the side table, she fetched her favorite silver pins embedded with diamonds and fastened one on each side and once done, nodded at Nessa. “I’m ready.”
&nbs
p; “As am I.” Nessa opened the door.
She cloaked herself and followed the seer into the passageway. Even though so many within the castle held fae blood, she still preferred to come and go as much as possible without being seen.
She strolled down the winding stairs and entered the great hall devoid of almost a soul. A maid cleared the trenchers away from the trestle tables, while another maid shooed a large brown-haired dog guzzling scraps, outside.
At the dais, two young women chatted and sipped tea. Isla and Arabel. She’d never mistake either of them. A wide smile graced Isla’s face, and her richly colored red gown with its white silk edging the sweetheart bodice, highlighted her flushed cheeks.
“’Tis good to see Isla and Arabel so happy.” Cherub touched her heart. Isla had denied the mated bond for five long years, remaining on the run each time the full moon had arisen. As a fae-blooded shifter who held the skill to compel, Isla had managed to keep one step ahead of Iain in his fierce chase. Thankfully though, the two of them had come together and accepted their destiny. They’d completed the bond and in doing so, Isla had conceived a new merged line between hers and Iain’s shifter clans. That had been the moment when the prophecy Nessa had spoken at the birth of Gilleoin’s sons had flared into glorious life. The prophecy shimmered through her mind. Gilleoin’s sons will separate when they come of age and rule their own clans, yet there will come a time far in the future when a mated bond forms between the two clans. Only then must Gilleoin’s descendants once again merge, and the ‘power of three’ be unveiled.
Highlander's Seduction (The Matheson Brothers Book 3) Page 5
