“Naught yet, but his mind is set. He wants you back.”
“I want him too.” She longed to be with Alex, although she was living in Annie’s world. “We’ll have to tread carefully.”
“Here we are.” Margaret bustled in and set a tray before her. Steam wafted from a mug of tea, and she longed for the warmth it would provide.
“Thank you.” She cupped the mug.
Margaret sat, gave her a nod. “Eat slowly.”
She tore the thick slice of bread into bites and tried a bit. This had to go down. She chewed and tentatively swallowed.
Her belly revolted at the intrusion of food, but she kept her lips clamped together.
Margaret rubbed her back. “I sent another lad to the healer, asking her to come.” To Mary, she said, “It must be a touch of sea-sickness. It’s no’ unusual for my cousin to suffer from it after such a long trip.”
“Oh, you should have said, my dear. No wonder you look so pale.”
“I’ll come right.” Or she better. Alex already worried enough without seeing her like this.
She prodded another piece of bread into her mouth then quickly washed it down with a sip of tea. This time her belly didn’t heave. Okay, good.
“Look at you.” Mary brushed her fingers across her cheeks. “Keep eating.”
She took another bite and again kept it down.
Margaret smiled. “That’s—”
“Anne MacLeod!” Rory yelled her name as he stormed into the keep. The Norse ancestry of their clan was never more obvious than right now as Rory, like a Viking of old strode toward her.
She wobbled as she rose. “I’m sorry for any trouble I’ve caused. Margaret found me this morning asleep in her dressing room.”
“And you’ve only just awoken?”
“Yes, I was exhausted.”
“That cannae happen again.” He grasped her shoulders then dropped a kiss on the top of her head. “Do you hear me?”
“Anne!” Alex raced into the hall, his golden eyes ablaze. “You’re back.” He heaved her away from Rory and into his arms. “Where the hell have you been?”
“I’m so sorry.” His hold, so tight, almost prevented her from taking a decent breath. “Apparently I walked in my sleep and ended up in Margaret’s dressing room. I didn’t mean to worry anyone.”
“We’ve spent hours hunting for you in the woods.”
“I’m truly sorry. I missed you.” Arms around his waist, she gripped his shirt smeared with dirt and dried nettles.
“As I—”
“That’s enough. Step away from my cousin, MacDonald.” Rory shoved between them.
“You took her from me.” Alex pushed back. “She’s mine to care for.”
“Her welfare is no longer your concern.”
“A technicality, and you know it.”
“Stop it. Both of you.” She raced around Rory and grabbed Alex from behind. “This arguing won’t solve a thing, and I”—she swayed—“I—”
Black dots danced before her eyes as the room spun, and then nothing.
Chapter 8
Alex scooped Anne into his arms as she crumpled. With his cheek near her mouth, he waited for her breath to touch his skin. A caress of air gave proof she’d fainted. The tension in his gut eased. “She breathes.”
“Pass her to me,” MacLeod demanded.
“Nay, I’ll take her to her chamber.” He marched toward the stairwell.
His mother snagged MacLeod’s arm. Good. She would gain him some time. “Alex would never harm his wife. Allow him to see to her.”
Margaret raced to Alex and whispered, “Anne’s no’ been well since she awoke. I’ve called a healer.”
“Explain her sickness.” He bounded to the second floor, kicked open her chamber door and tramped inside.
“You’ll have to ask her after she awakes.” Margaret shut the door and bolted it.
“Alex?”
Anne stirred in his arms, and gently, he laid her down. “I’m here, my sweet. What sickness is this you have?”
“I didn’t sleep walk.” Her eyes fluttered open, so big and blue. “I traveled back—I mean forward to the future, to Dunscaith where I first came through the portal on the drawbridge. I was there for ten days and discovered my parents are alive, only I don’t know where they are. I couldn’t find them.”
“Speak the truth, Anne. No more of this gibberish. ’Tis making you sick.”
She cupped his face and smiled. “I truly was there for ten days, in hospital, suffering from morning sickness. I know I said I couldn’t get pregnant, but it appears I can and did.”
“You’re—” He shook his head. “’Tis impossible.”
“Oh come on. We both know that’s entirely possible.” She arched a brow. “Tell me. What will it take to convince you I’ve been gone ten days?”
“Naught.” How could he make her see sense? Aye, a pregnancy was possible, but she couldn’t know this soon. “You’ve been gone ten hours. Every single one has burdened my heart.”
“I have never felt this sick in my entire life.” She jabbed a finger into his chest. “It’s been ten days, and each one has been a burden to me too.” She looked at Margaret. “Grab the drip and show Alex. If he still doesn’t believe me then knock him over the head with it. I’m over trying to prove I’ve come from the future.”
Anne scrambled to her knees, jerked the equipment from under the bed and shoved it into his hands. “Alex, Anne speaks the truth. She appeared out of thin air afore my eyes and this contraption was attached to her. What’s this, if not something from the future?”
What a strange contraption. The box was sturdy and the steel well-crafted like his sword, but clearly not from this time. The rest was unlike anything he’d ever seen. He couldn’t even put a name to it. “What did you need all this for, Anne?”
“It provided nutrients because I couldn’t keep any food down. Those are stored as a liquid in that see-through bag. The nutrients drip down the plastic tube and through a needle directly into my body.” She pointed to her punctured wrist. “It went in right here.”
“She speaks the truth.” Margaret backed toward the door. “I’m going to check on where the healer is. I willnae be long.”
“Unbelievable.” He followed her to the door and slid the bolt into place behind her. The evidence was real. He couldn’t deny it.
“You finally believe me?”
“Aye, I’ve seen what could only come from another time.” He shoved the thing under the bed then turned her hand over and examined her wrist. Someone had thrust a needle into her here. If only he could make them pay with their life. “Who did this?”
“It was done to aid me, not harm.”
“It shall never happen again, just as you shall never return to the future.” She carried his bairn, and the agony of her disappearance had cut into him so hard that to live without her would be akin to death.
“I don’t have any control over the portal.”
“You must have activated it somehow.” She slowly nodded, her lips pressed together as if she didn’t wish to admit what she’d done. “Speak it.”
“I made a wish upon the Fairy Flag seconds before I was taken.”
“Then no more wishes. Not one, Anne. I cannae lose you again.”
“My parents are alive.” Her eyes brightened. “I want to see them again.”
“No. More. Wishes.”
“I really want to see them.”
“You dinnae listen, lass.” He kissed her. She tasted so sweet, and damn it, he’d missed her in the worst way. She wouldn’t leave his sight again. “I’ll find a way to change MacLeod’s decision, and if no’, be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice.”
“You’re a stubborn man, but I’m glad you’re mine.” She wound her arms around his neck and snuggled. “I’m sorry about the wishes, but I can’t promise I won’t make any more. I’m a little impulsive like that.”
“You’ll obey and give me your word.”
<
br /> “Well, you could offer some persuasion. I’d totally be up for it.”
He kissed her again, plundering her mouth as he needed. Touching her, having her body pressed against his was heaven, a sensation he never wanted to give up. He yearned for her, and the bairn. So much was at stake. He must fix all that had gone wrong and get her back to Dunscaith. He spread his palm over her belly. A life they’d created beat within.
She writhed against him. “Did I tell you I missed you?”
Skin. He needed to touch her without the barrier of her clothing. He stroked her hip and down her thigh then heaved up the folds of her pretty red dress. He caressed the milky flesh of her inner thigh. Her heat pulsed, so close.
Beyond aroused, he slid a finger inside her. He rubbed her tight nub and she released a soft sigh.
“Alex, you have a magical touch and I’m about to forget where we are.” Her hips moved and she pressed harder into his palm.
“Then forget, but I must remain alert.” He stroked deeper until she panted for a breath.
“In that case before I do. I, Anne MacLeod, from the year two-thousand and fourteen, pledge my troth to Alexander William MacDonald. Oh.” She bucked against his hand. “With his wicked touch, I take him as my husband for the next year and a day.”
“Aye, and I, Alexander William MacDonald, pledge my troth to Anne MacLeod from the year two-thousand and fourteen. I give my word I shall find a way to take her as my wife, for all time, present and future.”
Easing her legs further apart, he added another finger and plunged deeper to hit the spot that would make her come apart in his arms.
She arched into his touch, urged him for more. “Alex, kiss me, please.”
He seized her mouth, kissing her with all the longing that ruled his heart. Desire drove him as her heartbeat thumped against his chest and below, her channel tightened wickedly around him.
She moaned as he kissed her, and then with his fingers alone, he drove her over the edge.
Aye, he desired all of her, and not for a year and day. Forever wouldn’t be long enough. “I’ll never leave you. I give you my word.”
* * * *
After the orgasm from heaven, Anne held Alex’s last words close to her heart. “I know you’ll never leave me. Right from the beginning, I sensed you never would. Somehow and someway.”
“Aye, you did. I heard you whisper those words in your sleep that first night.” He kissed her belly then drew her skirts down and tucked them under her legs. “You said your parents are alive.”
“Yes, and it’s about time you believed me.” She rolled toward him.
“Time travel knows no bounds. You were gone ten days instead of ten hours. Tell me exactly what you and Annie spoke of when you first met at Dunscaith.”
“I gave her my name, and she asked if I had any kin who’d miss me. I told her no, that my parents had passed away three years ago. They were lost to me when our house burnt down. She promised me she’d fix what she’d started. I don’t think she truly intended for me to end up at Dunscaith, or at least that’s the impression she gave me.” She scrambled into a sitting position then peeked past the bed curtains to the door. “Is it safe for you to still be here?”
“Mother waylaid MacLeod, and dinnae worry over me.” He planted his booted feet on the floor. “I can hold my own against Rory MacLeod.”
“I’m sure you can, but I prefer not to cause more trouble than what’s necessary.” She stroked his muscular arm under the warmth of his linen shirt. So strong, and all hers.
“You’ve been trouble since the moment I laid eyes on you.” He caught her hand and pressed it flat to his chest. “And I wouldnae change a thing. Is there aught more you’ve neglected to tell me?”
“Neglected?” She smacked him. “That’s not even remotely funny.”
“Never withhold from me again, whether I wish to listen or no’.” He kissed her, so tenderly she melted back against him. “I want to see your body grow ripe with my bairn. Do you understand?”
“Yes.” She touched her nose to his. “I want lots of—” Her stomach rolled and her sight dimmed. She fought the bile rising in her throat as Alex became a mere dot. She reached for him, but he’d vanished. Please, no.
The dark void spun her away.
* * * *
“Damn it, nay.” Anne shimmered and faded before Alex’s eyes. He tried to grab her, but from one second to the next, she was gone. He slammed his fist into the wall. She hadn’t made another wish, and she’d been back for such a short time.
“Alex.”
A rap sounded.
“’Tis Margaret. The healer’s in the village and willnae return until nightfall. How’s Anne?”
He flung open the door and ushered her in. “Gone. She disappeared, back to the future. I couldnae keep her with me.”
“What should we do? Rory instructed me to watch over her and send you down.”
Hell. He paced the room. Why had time taken her away again?
“You’ll have to go. I’ve never seen my brother so impatient.”
“Afore I do, I need to write Anne, and then we’ll do what we must until she returns.” He’d not accept any other outcome, but to have her by his side.
Searching the corner desk, he found paper and ink. Scrawling across the thick parchment, he wrote to the woman who held his heart, to do everything she could to return to him. He wouldn’t allow her to raise their bairn alone, and he’d be waiting for her, always and forever. It was a message she’d better damn well receive. Once done, he folded the paper, sealed it and handed it to Margaret. “Ensure this remains with the missive Anne wrote for her parents.”
“I’ve stored her letter in the library’s safe box. I’ll add it straight away.”
“Thank you. I’ll never forget your aid. Anne must return, and the moment she does, come and get me.” She would return to him.
“Of course.”
He closed Anne’s door, and his Mother walked toward him from the stairwell. She tugged him into a darkened recess to the side of the passageway. “I spoke to MacLeod at length of Anne’s time with us, of how much she enjoyed herself. He was insistent those memories would serve her well after we left, that it should be a fine day for sailing on the morrow. I can fake an illness if you wish.”
“Do it. Though I’m no’ sure how long your sickness will need to be.”
“’Twill last as long as you say. I feel a deep chill in my bones.” She kissed his cheek then strode to her chamber.
He marched down the winding stairs. The precious time he’d shared with Anne had taught him a great deal. Because of a wish both she and her ancestor had made on the MacLeod’s Fairy Flag, she’d traveled through time, and not only once. She would come back to him, and if she didn’t, he would move heaven and earth to get to her. Mayhap that damn flag was the key?
Where did MacLeod keep his famed talisman? ’Twas said the magical flag had been the means to which the MacLeod clan had defeated his own clan once, although that battle had been well before his time. First though, he had to deal with MacLeod. The man was known for his incredible strength, of both body and mind, but ’twas the latter he had to sway.
In the great hall, he searched the dimmed interior. Six MacLeod men stood stationed around the hall. Alan waited at the side, speaking with James.
He marched toward them, clasped his brother’s shoulder. “Finally you show yourself. We did no’ pass you at sea.”
“Alex.” James’s expression was grave as he pulled him close. “I’ve been waiting in the village for word of the MacLeod chief’s return. Alan told me Anne is here.”
“Aye.” He lowered his voice as James had done. “Mother’s unwell. We’ll stay until she’s able to travel, and once she is, we take Anne with us.”
“I heard she repudiated the handfast.”
“It was no’ her intention.”
“Then what do you propose to do about MacLeod? Let’s no’ forget there’s only one exit, and by a we
ll-guarded sea-gate at that.”
“My vow to her remains firm. First, I’ll speak to MacLeod and attempt to sway his mind.”
“He awaits you in the side room.” He motioned toward it. “Would you like some company?”
“Nay, I’ll deal with MacLeod, but I have a request of you and Alan. Find out what you can about the Fairy Flag.”
“Shall do.”
“My thanks.” He entered the lion’s den. ’Twas a small dining room with a narrow window overlooking the inner courtyard. Outside two-score of MacLeod warriors, outfitted for training, had assembled. Another score watched from the sidelines.
MacLeod stoked the fire. “Take a seat, MacDonald.” He tossed the stick into the flames and rose. “We need to talk.”
On the table, a rolled parchment tied with black ribbon looked all too familiar. ’Twas his agreement. He had an exact copy at Dunscaith. “I’m aware of what that says.”
“Read it again. You need a reminder of the wording.” MacLeod scraped out a chair and sat. “Go ahead, open it.”
“There is naught I’ve forgotten.” He took the seat opposite, unfurled the paper and scanned it. He and Anne had spoken their vows before the designated date. “What in particular would you like me to take note of?”
“’Tis a handfast, a temporary union should the marriage vows no’ be spoken, which they haven’t. And willnae.” MacLeod’s eyes glinted. “Why do you insist on having her back?”
“My vow still stands, and Anne never intended to break hers. Had you no’ come, she wouldnae have.”
“My cousin had no say over the original agreement, and she has none now it’s ended.”
“I want her back.”
“You cannae have her.”
“She carries my—” Nay, ’twas too soon for any such news in this time. “She may carry my bairn.”
“If she does, ’tis hers and will be raised here. That was agreed upon in the contract should a babe be conceived. Perhaps you should take another look at what you hold.”
Aye, he’d agreed to such, but then he’d never intended such intimacies between him and Anne. He wouldn’t stand down on his decision. “The short time I’ve been with Anne has no’ been long enough for tensions between our clans to diffuse.”
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