“Could you expand on this effort?” She glanced at the bed. “I thought you just said—”
“I did.” He cupped her cheek, brought her gaze back to his. “I meant it when I said we willnae be getting too close, but we still have to live with each other.”
She stared into his eyes. Specks of gold flickered brightly within the brown. “You have the most beautiful eyes.”
“I think no’.”
“Your lashes are so long with sweeping golden tips.” It wasn’t like her to notice such a thing about a man. Yet it was as if a fairy had waved her wand and sprinkled a magical color over them.
“Anne.” He shut his eyes then opened them.
“There’s something about—” She covered his hand. Oh, so warm. She curled her fingers between his. Deep inside, something about him niggled with familiarity. “I must be hallucinating. It’s as if we’ve met before, but that’s entirely impossible.”
“We have.” He frowned. “You seem rather confused. Mayhap you need a rest after your wandering this eve.”
“Yes, rest, and some time to myself.” Great. Time. She was currently a few centuries out of that, but a little more wouldn’t matter.
“Is there aught you need afore I say goodnight?” He turned his hand until their palms lay flush together.
That niggle exploded and she itched to get closer still. “No, I’m good.” She rubbed her hand against his, his toughened skin rough yet so soothing. Her worry eased. She was in the past, but he was here. All would be well. This was more than strange.
“Then I’ll see you in the morn. Goodnight, Anne. Sleep well.” He pressed a kiss to the inside of her palm, stepped away with a curt bow and strode to the door.
Before she could call him back, he shut it with a resounding thunk.
Gone. Her heart squeezed tight. “Alex, you promised you’d never leave me.” Her whispered words made no sense, and the honesty ringing within them made her shiver.
“Anne MacLeod?” A young woman rolled out from underneath the bed then slapped the dust from her long navy skirts as she stood.
She jumped back and clutched her chest. “Good grief. Where did you come from?”
“Under the bed.” The woman smiled apologetically. “Sorry, ’tis no’ the time to jest. My name’s Anne MacLeod too, but my closest call me Annie. I didnae mean to frighten you.”
“You’re too late for that.” Unbelievable. This woman had long hair, a shimmery shade of white-gold that swayed to her waist. She had the same shade and length, only her hair was wound up into a bun for the day. “Please tell me I’m hallucinating. Why do we look…identical?”
“You’re one of my direct descendants.” The woman edged closer. “Our lives are now tied together.”
“How? Why?”
“I’ll explain what I can. There’s fairy blood within the MacLeod line, and on the last full moon, I made a wish upon the Fairy Flag hidden within Dunvegan Castle. I asked to travel to a place where I wouldnae be forced to handfast with the MacDonald. My wish took me through a portal from my time, and I witnessed the wonders of the twenty-first century right here on the Isle of Skye. Machines flew high above, boats motored across the water at great speed, and cars raced overland on a surface of black tar. I tasted sweets I never imagined could exist.” She grinned and clasped Anne’s hands. “The moving pictures of your television delighted me, and music one can plug into one’s ears. Such miracles.”
“You’ve been to my time.” This was all real, very real.
“Aye, but only for a few days afore I was pulled back a sennight past.”
“So, the Anne they think I am is clearly you. But why am I here?”
“’Tis my fault.” She squeezed her hands. “My wish both took and gave. From my time it gave me the ability to travel forward, but for my wish to come full circle, it took the blood of my blood, and brought you to the past.”
“How do you know all that?”
“The Fairy Flag is the most treasured possession of our clan, and ’tis hard no’ to believe since I’ve seen what I now have.”
“So I’m stuck here? For how long?”
“I dinnae know. I reactivated the portal at Dunvegan because I visited there in your time. Had I no’, I may have remained in the future much longer. How did you arrive?”
“A thick fog descended as I toured these ruins then before I knew it, James pulled me through the portal. Why don’t you want to handfast with Alex?”
“’Tis a long story. Yet I couldnae defy my cousin and go against his decision. Since my parents passed, he has cared for me. If it were no’ me, then it would have been Margaret, Rory’s sister, who would have had to come. She’s too young, and my duty is to my clan. Anne, I dinnae know what will happen now. Do you have any kin who’ll miss you?”
“No, my parents passed away three years ago. They died when our house caught fire, an electrical fault.”
“Then I need to fix what I’ve started. Let me—” Form wavering, she clutched her belly. “Nay, something’s happening.”
“Annie, don’t go.” She grabbed her, but caught thin air as the woman disappeared. “Crap, that did not just happen.” This had to be a really bad dream.
Except it wasn’t, and the physical proof lay spread out before her. She was in Scotland, somewhere far in the past and about to handfast with a Highland warrior who had stirred something deep inside her. She should be petrified, and she was, but an equal sense of homecoming washed over her.
For some reason, or for every reason, she was meant to be here.
* * * *
Alone in the misty moonlight, Alex paced the barmkin. His bride had arrived on a foggy night like this one a sennight past. She’d insisted she’d been left on the mainland to make her final journey to Dunscaith alone, but why would MacLeod leave her beyond the gates then slink away into the dark? Surely he’d wish to witness their vows, to ensure they were honored.
The fact he hadn’t, had roused both his and Uncle’s suspicions. Donald had taken two of their guardsmen and set out to survey their lands, to find some sign of MacLeod’s journey since Anne had surely not arrived by sea. Now Uncle had vanished. None in the village had seen him pass through, so where was he?
Footsteps echoed through the foggy haze and he swung around.
James appeared out of the mist. “There ye are. I’ve set a guard near your bride’s door in case she decides to make her way outside again.”
“She willnae escape. Neither of us have a choice with the path we now take.”
“Aye, and equally ’twill no’ be a hardship by the looks of her. Her disposition is sweet too.” James rubbed his stubbly jaw. “Mother has enjoyed her company.”
“Mother wants to see the feud come to an end.” When he and Donald had traveled to Dunvegan and signed an agreement for the coming handfast, Mother had applauded it.
“As we all do. ’Twas strange when I found her.” James cleared his throat. “She appeared lost. She even called for Donald, as if our uncle would come to her rescue.”
“You must have misheard her.”
“Nay, I dinnae believe so.”
Alex tapped James’s ears. His brother, five years his junior at three and twenty, was a man he wouldn’t be able to tease for much longer, but he still took every opportunity he could. “Aye, these lie too flat to your head.”
“And yours flap too far and wide.” Eager to topple him, James swept out his leg, except Alex countered the move, caught his brother’s foot and tumbled him onto the hard ground. “Och, take care, I dinnae need bruises sprouting on your coming wedding day.”
“My bride will no’ be seeing your big rump.”
“Flat ears and a big rump? I think we need to have a wee sparring match with the blade.” James pushed to his feet and dusted off his hands. “Will dawn—”
The horn sounded with one long and eerie blast across the bay. Alex jumped to attention. “That’ll be Artair. I’ll take Fergus and see what he needs. Maintain a tig
ht guard on watch.”
Something was afoot and with Uncle away, Dunscaith was his responsibility.
He wouldn’t fail him.
Chapter 2
A chilling horn shrilled through the whistling wind. Anne flung the shutters open and wedged sideways out the window. Horses’ hooves pounded across the earth through the sludge of fog then faded as the horses galloped away.
“Anne, it’s me.” Mary hurried into her room. “Oh, it’s cold in here. Let me close the window.” She bustled past, drew the shutters back then gripped Anne’s hands. “Why did James find you outside? Were you truly trying to escape?”
“No, I was—”Any talk of what had actually happened would be considered the ramblings of an insane person, or even a witch considering she was in the past. Right now, she couldn’t put any of these people offside, which meant she shouldn’t speak of Annie and her conversation with her ancestor. “I was curious. I love the outdoors. That’s all.”
“Then wait until once you’re wed afore you explore. I’ll show you farther afield. How was your conversation with Alex? Do you feel more relaxed? He would never harm you, no’ when we need this feud to end.”
“I don’t fear him. Your son is…” Well he was a strapping warrior and a rather appealing one at that.
“Mayhap you fear your wedding night then?” Mary drew her toward the bed and urged her to sit. “Since your parents passed and your mother would have had this conversation with you, if you need, I could speak of what will occur.”
In truth, she wasn’t experienced. Her parents had died after her eighteenth, and not one relationship she’d had since had jelled enough for her to take that next step. “Ah, sure, go ahead.”
“There will be some discomfort.” Mary’s cheeks flushed. “I was wed a month shy of my sixteenth, and Alex arrived within the first year.”
“Is there just him and James?”
“Oh nay. Alex is the eldest, and James the youngest, but I have a daughter between. She will come home and bring her family with her for the Twelfth Night and Yule celebrations.” She clasped her hands in her lap. “Ask what you will.”
“I barely know Alex, and I’d rather…” Oh, how did she put this?
“You dinnae wish bairns yet?”
In this age, a woman who didn’t want children might seem treacherous. Plus she was protected. Best to play the part of a woman truly from this time, and really, sharing a bed with Alex did appeal. His golden eyes had been far too delicious.
“Anne?”
“Sorry. I’d like bairns, but with a handfast is it wise?”
“I’ve always wished for Alex to have a wife and kin. Should you get with child, Alex would wed you proper. I know my son.” She whispered, “The day I learnt of the agreement Alex had signed, I was terribly relieved. No matter the means which has brought you here, to me you will be my daughter.” Mary’s eyes blazed with her heartfelt declaration.
“I don’t know what to say.”
“Our lives are dictated by our men, although we hold sway where we can. I shall teach you all you need to know.”
Her chest lightened. “This place is all so new to me. I’ll do my best to get to know Alex.”
“Good.” Mary squeezed her arm. “’Twill be a long day on the morrow, so get some rest. I’ll bring a suitable gown for your ceremony then.”
“Thank you. Your kindness means—” She blinked back tears, overwhelmed by how intensely her emotions had risen. “I don’t feel so alone anymore.”
She’d hated how alone she’d been. With no grandparents, siblings, aunts or uncles, it had been just her for so long. Traveling to Scotland had been her way of searching for a link to family, no matter how remote.
“Even surrounded by so many of your own clansmen, my dear?”
Right, Annie must have plenty of other family. “Even so.”
“I understand. Nevertheless, we must forge our place where we can, and do what we must.” She rose and swished to the door. “Rest well, and no more attempts of escape.”
“Yes, goodnight.” She must be here for a reason, even if one currently beyond her comprehension.
* * * *
Alex rode hard down the trail toward the watch point Artair guarded. ’Twas hard to believe no sign had been found of Uncle.
Fergus galloped beside him, as did two other men. “What’s your plan, Alex?” Fergus shouted.
“Artair and I returned from the village. The chief was no’ seen passing through and neither was clan MacLeod.”
Anne had arrived alone, but she’d insisted she’d had an escort to the fringes of MacDonald land. He should have spoken to her about it tonight after his return, except with her escape it had slipped his mind. Later. He would raise the issue with her and demand an answer.
“The MacLeods could’ve taken the sea-route,” Fergus offered.
“Since they never came ashore at Dunscaith, they would have had to make berth at the village then hire horses to complete the journey here. They still would have been sighted had they arrived by that path.”
“So where’s our chief?”
He had no idea, couldn’t even fathom why he’d not yet returned. Although, Uncle was alive. He had to be. Eying Fergus, he grit out, “At first light, I want you to search farther than the village. Anne couldnae have traveled to Dunscaith alone. She would never have survived the trip.”
Outlaws would certainly consider the sight of a young woman traveling the forests alone fair game. He tightened his grip on his reins. No harm could befall his intended. Not only would the Chief of MacLeod see it as a means to reinstate their fight, but now he’d talked with Anne, he wouldn’t wish to see her harmed. She was an innocent, and once they spoke their vows, she was his to care for. He wouldn’t fail in that duty.
They rode on until they passed a guard stationed at the perimeter of the trail. He slowed his mount, his men following suit.
From behind the bushes, Artair slid out and hailed him over. “Alex, our tartan has been found by one of the men searching along the shore. ’Twas unexpected with it being so far from the village route.” He pulled a scrap of plaid from under his girdle and handed it across.
After fingering the weave, Alex brought it to his nose. ’Twas clear of any scent except that of the sea. “’Tis certainly a marker.”
“Aye, but why would the chief veer so far off the path? The guard stationed here at the time said he’d gone by way of the forest.”
“Then he must have changed his mind.” Alex tossed Fergus the cloth. “You’ve a new direction. If there is one marker, there will be others. Follow them until you find our chief or hear word of where he’s traveled.”
“I willnae rest until he’s found.”
“Good, neither will I.” He nodded to Fergus and Artair, turned his horse and rode back to the keep. He would have a word with his bride-to-be tonight. They did not need mistrust between them.
As he galloped toward the drawbridge, the mist rose like a ghostly veil waiting to be swept away by the coming dawn. He called out his arrival, and a lad raced to take his stead. Inside, he stormed up the tower and dispatched the guard from outside Anne’s chamber. ’Twas time.
He strode in then halted. The room held a cold bite, and Anne slept curled up within her blankets. Damn. Best to see to her comfort first. He rebuilt the fire until it blazed.
“Mmm.” Anne rolled over.
He dusted his hands as he stood. Her sweet rose scent drew him closer toward her. So seductive. A wild copse of white roses grew along the entrance of the forest path and it held the same perfume, a fragrance bidding riders both welcome and farewell.
“Mum, Dad, I’ll find...”
During the contract signing, he’d learnt she’d lost her parents. Such an innocent, her face softly curved, her nose tiny, and high cheeks sprinkled with freckles. She stretched one arm over her head and wriggled as if enjoying the toasty warmth spreading through the room.
“Mmm, Alex.” She pushed her other arm
out, dislodging her blankets.
Hell. She wore no nightrail, and her full breasts, barely covered, pushed toward him.
Eyes closed, she continued to murmur, “You promised to never leave me.”
Lust shot straight to his cock. He itched to slide the last inch of her bedding away, to caress her firm roundness. This image of her would surely haunt him.
Damn, he shouldn’t have said they wouldn’t be getting too close. A handfast gave him all the rights of a marriage but with the ease of repudiation. He could bed her if he wished. No one would gainsay him.
He stomped to the chair before the window, sat and kicked his feet onto the trunk. He couldn’t wake her, and he should have sought his bed, except Anne’s gentle breathing lulled him to sleep.
* * * *
The soft rays of dawn that pierced the horizon stirred him from his slumber. A silvery-pink hue glittered over the loch’s still waters. The night had gone and his wedding day reared. His bride. She lay so temptingly close.
Her eyelids fluttered open and she pushed herself upright, allowing those atrocious blankets to slither into her lap and expose her breasts.
“Alex? Is that you?” She rubbed her eyes.
“Aye.” He averted his gaze. “My apologies. I didnae mean to—”
She gasped and the blankets rustled. “Sorry about that. I’m decent now. I heard a horn last night then horses riding out. Is everything okay?”
He coughed into his fist then brought his gaze back to hers. “A marker was found last eve, one the chief left behind.”
“You’ve found him then?”
“Nay, but one of my men will go in search of him this morn.”
“You didn’t want to go?”
“We have vows to speak.”
“Of course.” She shuffled to the side of the bed, pulled a bundle of clothing off the side table then dove under the blankets with them. Hidden, she dressed. “Although I understand if you must go. He’s your uncle.”
Did she wish to delay their handfast? Or mayhap she was truly offering him this kind consideration. As yet he didn’t know her well enough to guess. “You will speak your vows, as I will. They come first.”
Highlander's Castle Page 2
