by Donna Grant
Slowly, she pulled away from him and slid from the bed. For long moments she stood beside the bed and stared down at him. He was sprawled across the covers, his long hair tousled from their lovemaking.
Even in sleep he looked powerful and magnificent, a force to be reckoned with.
"I love you,” she whispered, wishing she'd had the courage to tell him before.
Her hands shook as she reached for her robe now ripped and destroyed and pressed it against her body. Her gaze turned back to Frang and she couldn't stop herself from reaching over and smoothing back a lock of dark hair that had fallen over his forehead.
And before she could change her mind, she hastened from his chamber. The stone circle was empty as everyone preferred to seek their fulfilment in the forest. Only the moon saw her as she ran to her chamber naked.
Once inside, she tossed aside the ruined robe and reached for her gown. She hastily pulled it on and slipped on new shoes. Then, she turned to the book. She knelt down and pulled out the bag that contained the Book of Magic from beneath her bed.
She hoped Frang would find it and destroy it once she was gone. It had been her plan to throw it in the fire that night, but she hadn't wanted everyone to see her carrying it. And she had been afraid that she might need it.
After making sure she had memorised the spell correctly, she tucked the bag back into its hiding spot and strapped the dagger on her thigh beneath her skirts. She stood and looked around the chamber that had been her home for nearly a week.
"I can do this,” she murmured and took a deep, reassuring breath before leaving the chamber.
She let her gaze wander over the inside of the stone circle, the place where the Druids lived, learned and taught the power of their ways. Beyond she could just make out the towers from MacInnes castle. There were so many people she had wanted to say farewell to but couldn't take the chance.
Off to her left the Beltane fire still roared. She turned to her right and left the magical stone circle, silently picking her way through the forest. Several times she came upon people coupling, and it brought a pain to her chest as she thought of Frang.
Moans of desire and cries of rapture filled the night air as Druids, Fae and humans alike took their pleasure. Her body still hummed with the need Frang had awoken in her, a need she had never felt before him, a need that she would never feel again.
Her feet paused as she thought she heard Malina's voice. She wondered if her new friend had found a Fae to share in her passion that night, and she regretted not being able to hear Malina speak of it in the morning.
She managed to stay undetected and unnoticed by even the Fae. She kept to the shadows and made her way around the clearing. Upon nearing the spot she was supposed to meet Wallace, she rounded a tree and found herself staring at a couple standing against a tree, the woman's legs wrapped around the man as he pumped furiously inside of her.
Kenna's sex clenched as she wondered how it would feel to have Frang hold her thus. Suddenly, the man's eyes opened and she found herself staring into swirling blue eyes—Fae eyes. He smiled at her as she continued on, trying her best to forget the image the couple made and the cries of the woman's pleasure as she climaxed.
By the time Kenna reached the spot she was to meet Wallace, her nerves were frazzled. She jumped at every sound wondering if it was her laird or worse, Frang.
For she knew if Frang did appear, she wouldn't be able to lie to him. She'd end up telling him everything, and if the Druids and MacInnes clan were to survive, she had to keep to her plan.
"And here I thought you might be too scared to show up,” Wallace said as he rounded a tree and leaned against it.
She gritted her teeth and glared at the man had been her laird. “Aye, I'm here."
"And the book?"
She smiled in the darkness. “Tell me something, Laird, why did you want me as your bride?"
"You were easily controlled, and your knowledge of herbs was useful to me. I had thought to have already made you mine by now, but you fought me at every turn."
"Fought you?"
He laughed and ran a finger down her arm. “Who do you think sent the men to look through your cottage or threaten you in the forest?"
"The Carmichael men?"
"Ah, that was me as well. I just knew you'd come running to me after they were through with you."
"Too bad Frang ruined your plans."
Wallace laughed. “Things have a way of working out to my advantage. Now, where is the book?” he asked, his voice cold and menacing.
"I knew you wouldn't keep your word, so to ensure that you leave everyone here safe and alone, I've hidden it."
He took a threatening step towards her and gripped her arms painfully as he jerked her up on her tiptoes. “Hidden it?” he snarled. “Where?"
"I will tell you only after we've returned to your clan."
"You are a fool,” he hissed and pushed her away from him.
Kenna hit a tree with her back then tripped on her feet and fell to her side. She leaned on her elbow and looked up at the Wallace. “Are you afraid I might not keep the bargain?"
He laughed, the sound evil and malicious. “Oh, Kenna. I'm not worried about your bargain at all.” He leaned down until his face was inches from hers. “You've only succeeded in determining what my next move will be. For you see, that book is more important than anything to me."
The fear that had threatened to take hold of Kenna all night wrapped its steel manacles firmly around her and refused to let go.
"You cannot kill them all."
"I can do anything I want,” he said and pulled her to her feet. “Especially now that I have you."
Chapter Thirty-One
Frang woke and reached for Kenna. When his search came up vacant, his eyes flew open and he turned his head to find the bed empty.
A frisson of fear wrapped around his heart. With a shaking hand, he rose up on his elbow and felt the spot she had been sleeping to find it cool to the touch. He swallowed past the lump in his throat and leaned forward until his head touched the pillow she had lain on.
He closed his eyes and used his power to find her, praying that she hadn't done the unthinkable and gone to the Wallace by herself.
It didn't take long for him to locate her. He let out a roar of rage as he saw the Wallace dragging her towards his camp. He knew in his heart she was probably gone from him forever, but he refused to let her go without a fight. He jumped from the bed and hurried to put on his kilt and weapons. In two strides he was at his door and threw it open to find Conall with his fist raised as if he were about to knock.
Conall's smile fell as he took in Frang's appearance. “What has happened?"
"Kenna,” Frang said as he pushed passed his friend, grabbing his sword as he did. He found Brock and Sampson waiting for him inside the stones. “We have to move quickly. Kenna has gone to the Wallace."
Brock stopped him with a hand on his arm. “Frang. Wallace's soldiers arrived. There are thirty more, bringing his total to fifty."
"I've got many more than that,” Conall said as he joined them.
Frang sighed and looked over his shoulder at Conall. “Aye, but your numbers won't mean anything next to his magic. Don't bother mentioning Glenna, for I won't have her putting herself and the baby in harm's way."
"How did you...?” Conall started then stopped. “Frang, you cannot mean to battle this man by yourself."
"It's the only way. I cannot knowingly send men to their deaths."
Sampson stepped forward. “We could gather all the Druids. Collectively their magic is strong."
"The ones that have it, aye,” Frang agreed. “But let us not forget this is Beltane. Gathering them would be near impossible."
"Shite,” Conall cursed as he raked a hand through his hair. “Let's go then."
"Us?” Frang said then shook his head. “I go alone."
"The hell you do,” Conall ground out.
Frang watched as Sampson and Brock mov
ed to stand beside Conall, offering their aid to the laird. “I beg each of you,” Frang said softly. “Don't do this."
Conall smiled and gripped his sword. “There's nothing you can do to stop me."
"Or me,” said a feminine voice.
They all turned to find Glenna walking towards them. She glared at her husband. “Did you really think I'd let you go into battle without me watching your back?” She tsked and turned to Frang. “And you. What are you thinking facing this monster alone?"
"Glenna, he knows magic. I don't know how strong he is."
She laughed and linked hands with her husband. “After what we faced for the prophecy, this is nothing. Besides, I'll be safely out of harm's way."
Frang looked to Conall, and when Conall nodded his head, Frang knew there was no turning Glenna back. “Just make sure he doesn't see you."
"He won't,” she promised.
Frang had his doubts, but with his emotions in an uproar, he couldn't trust his instincts. He left the stones, the others following close behind him.
* * * *
Kenna had known the Wallace would react just as he had. She had counted on it. Now that she was inside his camp, she waited for her chance to use the spell she had memorised.
She winced as his hand tightened around her arm as he dragged her through his camp to an oak where he pushed her down. Kenna caught herself with her hands just before her face slammed into the rough bark of the tree.
Her breath came out in a rush, but before she could turn around, more hands grabbed her and jerked her back against the tree. She bit her lip to keep from crying out as the men pulled her arms back and around the trunk of the tree then tied them.
None of the men would look her in the eye, men she had known her entire life were now treating her as if she were an enemy. And to them, she was. She didn't want to kill them, but if they gave her no other choice she would do what she had to.
Her eyes wandered the camp taking in everything and everyone. There were at least three dozen armed men at the ready. Waiting. Her gaze moved to find Wallace standing off by himself staring into the forest as if he awaited someone.
She tried to adjust her position and only succeeded in scraping her back with the bark. Kenna sighed as tears pricked her eyes. She refused to let any of them to see her cry, so she closed her eyes and immediately thought of Frang. Was he still asleep? Had he woken and found her gone yet? When he did, what would he think?
She leaned her head back against the tree and began to repeat the spell in her head again. She didn't want fear to make her forget the words, for her laird could be most fearsome when he wanted.
A commotion caused her to open her eyes, and what she beheld made her skin crawl in revulsion. Malina stood in Wallace's arms, Kenna's bag draped over her shoulder. When Malina turned and saw her, she smiled at Kenna and shrugged her shoulder as if to say she had no other choice but to take it.
Anger surged through Kenna. She wished she could get up and confront Malina, but no matter how hard she struggled, she only managed to scrap her wrists with the coarse rope.
In the end, it was Malina who came to her.
"You should have known,” she said as she stood over Kenna.
Kenna raised her eyes and glared at the woman she had called friend. “How did you know I had it?"
She laughed. “I wouldn't have had Wallace not told me."
"I can't believe you,” Kenna spat. “You are a Druid."
"A Druid who has been waiting for five years to be given the high priest position,” she screeched. “No one would do it. All waited for Frang to return. They were so sure he would."
"And he did."
Malina rolled her eyes. “He might have, but it isn't the same Frang who's returned. He's different and not fit to lead the Druids."
"But you are?"
"Most certainly, and after tonight, I will."
Kenna shook her head sadly. “If you think that, I feel sorry for you."
"The Wallace promised me I would be leader of the Druids."
Kenna shrugged. “Believe him at your own risk."
"Don't try any of that,” Malina warned. “He already told me everything you would say to dissuade me."
Kenna struggled to think of something that would return her friend to the Druid she had been days ago. “What about the Fae you were looking forward to being with tonight? Did you find him?"
"I don't need a Fae when I had your laird."
Kenna sighed. “You're going to destroy everyone, Malina. Including yourself."
"We'll see about that,” Malina said and walked away.
Kenna's gaze found Wallace again, this time he held the Book of Magic and stroked it as if it were a lover. His eyes were closed and his lips moved as if he were speaking to it. It was then she realised just how foolhardy she had been. Had she really wanted to save everyone, she would have spoken with Frang so they could have attacked together.
"Frang, forgive me,” she whispered.
* * * *
"Glenna is in place,” Conall whispered as they approached Wallace's camp.
Frang nodded and knelt near a clump of ferns. “Good. Brock, Sampson, I want you both to circle the camp and make sure there are no surprises."
The Warriors nodded and moved off to do as ordered.
"We need more than just four men,” Conall said. “As much as I'd like to think we could take them on our own, I think we should have brought more."
"I wish we could have. If you think you can find any of your men, by all means, go and get them.” Frang looked as Conall sighed and shook his head.
"If only this had happened any other night."
"He planned it this way,” Frang said.
Conall rolled his shoulders to loosen them. “I'm ready to get the bastard."
"You'll have your chance."
No sooner were the words out of his mouth than he felt the air stir around him. He turned and found Aimery standing behind him.
"Tread carefully, Frang,” Aimery warned. “Wallace has your woman captive. She tried to outwit him, but it didn't work to her advantage."
Frang tried to calm the hatred that rose up in him. “I know."
"You need to attack before he does,” Aimery continued. His gaze moved to Conall. “We'll keep Glenna safe, so do not worry about her."
"Have you come to aid us?” Conall asked.
Aimery shook his head. “I can only protect Glenna, but I will be watching. If I can help, I will."
Frang ran a hand down his face. “Kenna."
"She wanted to do this for you,” Aimery said. “It might have worked if Malina hadn't brought Wallace the book."
"What?” Conall and Frang whispered together.
Aimery moved closer to them. “Wallace turned Malina. Her mind was easy to peer into, but now that I have, I wish I hadn't. The power she's wanted since you left has grown with each month. She waited patiently for the Druids to make her high priest, and when they didn't, her anger festered."
"Giving Wallace just what he needed when he approached her,” Frang finished for him. “Shite. Not only does he have Kenna, but he has the book, giving him more power than I had anticipated."
"He is overconfident."
Frang nodded. “Aimery, can you get everyone that is frolicking in the forest safely to the stones?"
"I will try. Be wary,” Aimery cautioned again before he faded from them.
Conall turned his silver eyes to him. “What is your plan now?"
Frang looked over his shoulder at the camp. “We draw him out.
Chapter Thirty-Two
When Frang spotted Kenna tied to a tree, he had the overwhelming urge to charge into the camp and kill anyone who had dared to touch her.
"Easy,” Conall said as he laid a hand on Frang's shoulder. “We'll get her out."
Frang stood as Brock and Sampson approached. “Did you find anything?” he asked.
They shook their heads. “All is clear,” Sampson said.
"Aye,” Frang said. “She's sided with him."
Brock's face showed his disappointment and shock. “Of all the people, I would never have guessed Malina. She never showed any outward signs."
"Those are the people you need to watch the most,” Frang said. He glanced at Kenna once more before he turned to the three men. “Glenna will be waiting for our sign. Are you ready?"
The three nodded, and they moved off to take their positions. Frang glanced around the forest. He focused inside of himself and found the calm he would need to face Wallace, for only a serene man would win against one such as Wallace.
When he was ready, he stepped out from behind a tree and faced the camp. It didn't take long for someone to spot him as men yelled for Wallace and scrambled to get their weapons.
Wallace slowly walked towards him, an arrogant smile on his lips. “I wondered when you would show up. I've a great need to see your head detached from your body."
"Why don't you come out and get it?"
Wallace laughed. “I think I would much prefer you to come to me."
"If you are as powerful as you think you are, you have no need for your shield around your camp."
"You don't know the meaning of powerful,” Wallace taunted. “I could show you more power than you ever dreamt of."
Frang laughed. “Just because you have the book?"
"Because I have the book. I have in my possession something men have searched centuries for."
"Power can be a heady thing. Did you know that each time you use a spell from the book, a piece of your soul is destroyed?"
Wallace laughed. “A nice try, Frang, but I know better."
"Do you now?"
"I know everything."
Frang unsheathed his sword. “Then you'll know that I've come for Kenna. And the book."
"You'll never succeed."
"A wise woman once told me to never to say never,” he said as he raised his sword.
