Seven Moons Back to the Highlands

by Deborah R Stigall

  Both Caelan and Rachel stood staring at the phone as it peeled off another three rings. “Are ye not going to answer it?”

  “No I already know what they’re going to say and I don’t want to hear it.”

  Rachel walked to the door and glanced outside as the phone finally silenced its ringing by sending the caller to her answering machine.

  Watching the machine, Rachel grimaced in disgust as the message light soon began blinking.

  “Caelan I’ve really enjoyed our visit. But I’ve got some errands to run and I’ve really got to get busy if I’m going to get everything accomplished before my vacation is over.”

  Holding the door open, Rachel smiled politely as she nodded toward the porch.

  Sighing with regret, Caelan stepped out onto the porch, pausing just as he passed thru the door.

  “Rachel I know we’ve just met. But if ye need anything I hope ye know and feel that ye can call on me. I will help ye in any way I can.”

  “You’re very kind. Thank you.”

  Rachel bit her lip as she stiffly nodded wishing she could believe Caelan wasn’t just another typical male trying to complicate her life.

  Shaking his head, Caelan smiled sadly as he stepped off the porch. Emrys was right. This wasn’t going to be easy. The lass had been betrayed so many times in her past that she wasn’t about to trust anyone.

  Caelan glanced back as Rachel melted back inside the house, closing the solid wooden door that sealed off the screen door to the kitchen. He didn’t know which was worse watching her mistreatment in the Mirrors of Time or seeing the after effects of so many bitter moments in her past.

  “It doesna matter. The lass will learn to trust me.”

  Caelan stood taller as he walked across the yard, frowning as he tried to figure out how he was going to show Rachel that he meant her no harm.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Rachel blew a stray curl out of her eyes as she tightened the log chain around the base of the stump. It had become a quest a matter of honor this removing of the huge sprawling stump blocking the entrance to the field she intended to lease to her neighbor. If she allowed the man to grow his soybeans over what little acreage she had, she’d gain enough in lease money to cover the taxes and insurance for the house and remainder of her land for the entire year.

  In her current state of financial desperation, she wasn’t about to let a mere stump stand in the way of having at least two good-sized bills taken care of for the next year.

  Stepping back, hands on her hips, she cocked her head to one side as she critically eyed her handiwork.

  “Do you think that’ll hold?”

  Sam and Maizy sat off to the side, staring at the stump and Rachel with equal interest. This wasn’t the first time they’d watched their mistress play tug of war with the stubborn mass of wood although this tactic appeared much less interesting to them than when she’d hacked at it with an ax or tried to dislodge it with several poorly placed pry bars.

  “It’s going to work this time just you wait and see.”

  Nodding in determination at the noncommittal dogs, Rachel tightened the leather pulls on her gloves. Hoisting herself up into the seat of the ancient tractor, she carefully coaxed the wheezing piece of machinery to life.

  Easing forward she took the slack out of the chain, watching carefully behind her to ensure it was taut around the stump. Just as she was about to gun the tractor and yank the stubborn mass out of the ground the engine sputtered and failed.

  “Dammit!”

  Rachel quickly hopped out of the seat, pulling her screwdriver from the tool pouch strapped to her waist.

  “Such a mouth on a woman!”

  Whirling at the comment, Rachel lost her footing, sprawling on her backside in the tangle of long unmown grass. Staring up at the source of the voice, she clenched her teeth, her face flaming as she met the amused green-eyed gaze of Caelan.

  “Don’t you know it’s dangerous to sneak up on someone when they’re around machinery?” Her eyes snapping, she silently considered spearing him with the screwdriver.

  “The machinery doesna appear to be too dangerous just now.” Caelan flashed a crooked grin as he eyed the stalled tractor sitting silently tethered to the stump.

  “It’s not going to be that way very long!”

  Gritting her teeth, Rachel ignored Caelan’s proffered hand as she scrambled to her feet. At the rate her heart was pounding at his mere presence she’d probably have a stroke if she actually touched him.

  Casting Caelan a frosty look, Rachel quickly made a few adjustments to the engine with her trusty screwdriver.

  “There now if you’d be so kind as to step back a few feet I’ll get on with what I was doing.” She swallowed hard as she brushed quite close to Caelan’s warm muscular body. Inhaling deeply, the mere scent of him sent shivers of delight down her spine and into much lower more private areas of her body as well.

  Climbing back up into the seat of the tractor, she clenched the steering wheel with both gloved hands, determined to keep her mind on the stump and not on the tempting Scotsman standing a few feet from her.

  Crossing his arms calmly over his chest, Caelan’s eyes narrowed as he cocked his head to one side.

  “Are ye sure ye should be trying to yank the stump out of the ground with that chain? It looks a bit weak and the links are a bit stretched to be pulling on something as sturdy as the base of an oak.”

  “I know what I’m doing.”

  Rachel glared at him from the seat of the tractor, silently wishing he’d go back to wherever he came from. “That stump’s been sitting there for years it’s got to be getting rotten and I should be able to pop it off right at the ground.”

  Shaking his head, Caelan kicked at the chain with his boot, his eyes narrowing as he examined the links closely. “Nay it’ll never hold ’twill snap and come flying off the piece. Ye’d best let me try to find another chain or perhaps be rid of it in some other way. I could try weakening the mass with the blade of an ax.”

  “I KNOW WHAT I’M DOING.” Interrupting him, Rachel started the engine, revving it as she motioned for him to step away.

  “Stand back.”

  Shouting over the roar of the diesel engine, she released the clutch with a pop. Revving the tractor as hard as the rickety engine would go, she frowned as she glanced back at the stubborn stump.

  “One more time,” Mumbling under her breath, she slowly down-shifted the engine until it was humming under the strain of the pull. Turning in the seat, she gripped the steering wheel firmly between both hands as she slowly moved to a standing position to better push the gas pedal down as far as it would go.

  “Rachel Stop!” Caelan shouted as he saw the links of the chain pop but it was too late for Rachel to react.

  Snapping under the strain, it flew from around the stump, striking Rachel right between the shoulder blades. The impact of the chain felt as though it were cleaving her in two, her head snapping back from the force of the hit. Her back arching as she lost her footing, she pitched sideways from her perch on the wheezing tractor.

  Leaping to the side of the tractor, Caelan caught her before she hit the ground. Lunging after he caught her, he twisted to steer clear of the churning tires. Rolling with her body cradled in his arms, he grunted as his shoulders took the brunt of the impact with the ground.

  “Emrys!”

  Bellowing to be heard above the idling motor of the tractor, Caelan gently eased Rachel’s limp body to the ground.

  “What have ye done?”

  Emrys hurried across the field, his hitching gait even more exaggerated with his dodging of the clumps of grass.

  “She wouldna heed my words. The woman will not listen! Tell me the lass hasna killed herself!”

  Brushing Rachel’s hair from her face, Caelan frowned at the paleness of her cheeks below her sooty lashes.

  “The first thing I’ll be doing is stopping that infernal racket!”

  Pointing at the tractor,
Emrys mumbled something unintelligible under his breath, immediately bringing the machine to a halt a black puff of smoke spewed from the engine as it sparked in one last grumbling gasp.

  Running his hands carefully along her throat, Caelan felt for Rachel’s pulse. “She lives but ‘tis verra weak the beating of her heart is barely there. Do something!”

  Kneeling beside her body with a wheezing grunt, Emrys waived Caelan’s hands away from Rachel’s body.

  “Let me listen! Still yer tongue!” Laying his white head lightly against Rachel’s chest, he frowned as he listened intently.

  Straightening up, he held his hands over her chest, palms down and closed his eyes. Slowly raising his face to the sky, he seemed to be listening to some silent song heard only by his senses.

  “She is badly bruised but she will heal the energies are quite strong with this one.”

  Opening his eyes, he smiled at Caelan, his blue eyes twinkling beneath his scraggly white brows.

  “It appears the Fates are protecting yer lass for that snapping chain shouldha broken her back and stopped her heart. They must have great plans in the works for the two of ye I’d go carefully my fine laird.”

  “Ye have apparently been chosen and we all know how difficult life can be for those who are chosen.”

  Emrys grabbed Caelan’s shoulder to pull himself up from the ground, his ancient knees popping in protest.

  “Where do ye think you’re going?” Caelan helped him to his feet, frowning as Emrys turned to walk away.

  “I’m leaving ye with the lass prove to her that ye can take care of her. Ye dinna need me here.”

  Without another word, before Caelan could stop him, Emrys hobbled across the field, disappearing into the nearby woods.

  Returning to his knees beside Rachel’s body, Caelan carefully scooped her up and cradled her to his chest. He couldn’t believe how small and fragile she felt in his arms. She reminded him of a newborn lamb he’d once carried from a field. Watching her face closely for any sign of awakening, he slowly made his way to the house.

  Both dogs walked silently at his heels, their noses high as they watched the man carrying their mistress. Even Sam was strangely quiet, sensing that his Rachel was not well.

  Shouldering open the door, Caelan made his way through the house, glancing into each room until he found Rachel’s bedroom. Easing her onto the bed, he regretfully withdrew his arms from around her body, placing the pillows beneath her head.

  Raking his fingers through his hair, Caelan stared helplessly down at her body. Surely, she would be more comfortable if he loosened her clothes that would definitely ease her breathing.

  Nodding his head in silent decision, Caelan decided to start with her boots. He frowned in irritation at the worn and knotted laces lashed haphazardly thru the eyelets. Finally losing his patience, he pulled his dirk from his belt and cleanly sliced thru all the laces. Replacing his knife in the sheath at his side, he grunted in satisfaction as he quickly slid off both her boots. Removing her socks, he paused to marvel at her tiny feet, smiling at the toenails painted a bright red.

  Moving up to the waistband of her jeans, he swallowed hard as he unfastened each brad. Easing them down over her wonderfully curved hips, Caelan inhaled sharply as the back of his fingers ran down her silky thighs. The sight of her dainty black lace panties nearly undid him as he clenched her jeans in his hands.

  “By Amergin’s beard! The woman’s unconscious!” He chided his rock hard shaft straining against his own pants, the seam of the jeans painfully reminding him once more of how much he missed his kilt.

  He finished sliding her jeans down her legs, slowly removing each foot and placing it gently on the bed. Next he moved to her shirt, his trembling fingers struggling with the tiny white buttons closing the denim fabric. Tempted to just rip the shirt from her chest, he stopped and counted to ten to gain some control. Finally releasing the last little fiendish beast from its slot, he carefully worked her arms out of the sleeves.

  “Merciful Goddess and Blessed Fates.”

  Caelan’s breath caught at the sight of Rachel’s ivory skin, her breasts only shielded from his view by small slips of flimsy black satin and lace. His fingers trembling too much to undo the mechanics of her bra, out came the knife once more to neatly snip it apart between her breasts.

  Groaning, Caelan slid the straps slowly down her arms and worked the bra out from under her body. Rubbing his face with both his hands, he peered between his fingers at her beautiful creamy breasts.

  “This is madness,” he whispered, closing his eyes again, the vision of her rose colored nipples was permanently branded into his mind. His jaw clenched, he reached to the foot of the bed and gently pulled the blanket up over her body. Tucking it carefully under her chin, he brushed her forehead with a kiss.

  Grimacing as he adjusted his throbbing cock, he settled into the worn out armchair beside the bed to stand vigil until she awoke. Faithful Sam jumped up into his lap, circled widdershins three times and then settled down with his nose on the edge of the bed.

  )O(

  It hurt to breath. It hurt to swallow. God help her if she should have to cough or sneeze. Rachel lay as motionless as possible, not even opening her eyes for fear it would increase the pain.

  She must not be dead surely to goodness if she were dead then she wouldn’t be hurting this badly. Inhaling shallowly, she flinched at the searing jolt shooting through her body a slight moan escaped from between her clenched teeth as her lungs expanded with air.

  “I’m here, Rachel breath slowly lass. Ye’re goin’ to be just fine.”

  A large warm hand softly caressed her cheek. Caelan’s deep voice helped her to focus through the fog of torment.

  Weakly, Rachel forced open her eyes, searching for Caelan’s face.

  “What happened?”

  Gasping as talking increased her agony; Rachel grimaced and clutched the sheets in her fists.

  “The chain it snapped bringing you down with it shhhh be still now try not to talk.” Leaning over her pale form lying prone on the bed, Caelan felt frustrated at his utter helplessness to stop her suffering.

  “Emrys he’s somewhat of a healer. He said ye’re but badly bruised no broken bones ye’ll be just fine.”

  Chewing his lip, Caelan glanced around the room, vainly searching for anything that might make her feel better.

  “Pain pills.”

  Through gritted teeth, Rachel whispered as she raised her hand lying nearest the door to point toward the bathroom. She had to somehow make him understand that in the bathroom was a leftover bottle of pain pills that she’d been prescribed when getting all four of her wisdom teeth surgically removed. She’d hated how they’d completely knocked her out at the time, so the bottle was still nearly full. If she could just get him to give her a pain pill she’d drift blessedly back into oblivion.

  “Pain pills?” Caelan repeated, his brows knotting in confusion. What in the world was the lass talking about? And where in the hell was Emrys when he needed him?

  “In the bathroom cabinet brown bottle white pills will knock me out so I don’t hurt please.” Through clenched teeth, Rachel haltingly pleaded, her face growing paler as she spoke.

  Quickly deciding that what Rachel had described was exactly what she needed, Caelan wasted no more time staring blankly into her face. Rushing to the bathroom, he tore open all the cabinets digging through them like a madman. Cotton balls, tampons, toothpaste, floss all went flying as he searched for the elusive brown bottle. Finally accidentally knocking open the mirror over the sink, he found what he was seeking. Cursing as he wrestled with the child-proof lid, he finally used his knife to pry off the top.

  Shaking one of the oblong pills out into his hand, he frowned at the size of the thing. Knowing how badly it was going to hurt Rachel to swallow, he shook his head hoping she’d be able to force the tablet down. Running a bit of water into a glass, he returned to her bedside with the pill in one hand and the glass in the ot
her.

  “I found the pain pills do ye think ye’ll be able to swallow it?” Without thinking, Caelan kissed her forehead as his voice fell to a whisper.

  “I’ve got to.”

  Rachel opened her eyes, her self control nearly stretched beyond its limits. Opening her mouth, she patiently waited for Caelan to place the pill on her tongue.

  Barely raising her head, Caelan held the glass to her lips, carefully giving her just enough water to swallow the pill. As he eased her head back, Rachel flinched as the pill caught in her throat. Quickly, Caelan gave her more water to wash it down and keep her from choking. Rachel cried out as she coughed, clutching her sides against the pain.

  Sliding into the bed beside her, Caelan gathered her to his chest, holding her tightly until the spasms were over. She clenched his shirt in her hands, her face turned to his chest as tears from the pain coursed down her cheeks onto his arms.

  Caelan felt the bile rising hot in his throat, his heart wrenching as he could only helplessly hold her while she was in such pain. He would give anything if he could be the one to suffer anything for her to be at peace. The next time she placed herself in danger, he’d listen to his instincts instead of all of that twenty-first century rubbish he’d read about how women were independent and knew their own way. By the Fates, next time he’d throw her over his shoulder and keep her there until she listened to reason!

  As she lay curled in his arms, her tears gradually lessened to even breathing and her clenched fists slowly relaxed. Glancing down at her face, he closed his eyes in relief as he realized she finally slept. Ever so slightly, he moved his body over, settling more comfortably into the bed. Holding her tightly in his arms, he lay his cheek on the top of her head and joined her in dreamless sleep.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Rachel vaguely felt the mesmerizing sensation of someone softly stroking her hair. Breathing seemed to be less painful now and she could actually swallow and move her head without flinching too much. Her eyes still closed, she nestled her head more deeply into the warm comfortable shoulder supporting her body.