Now they were getting somewhere. Not to mention he was finally calling her Milly.
“See, that’s all you had to say,” she said just as softly. “And that makes sense. Thank you.” She considered him. “But now I think it might be best if you just came clean. No more evasiveness. I need to know...” Her eyes dropped to the ring before she looked at him again. “I need to know who you are, who we were, and what’s going on with this gem.” She perked her brows. “Is it all somehow related?”
“I dinnae think who I was before or who we were together has much to do with what the ring is doing now. I think there’s another force at work.” His eyes stayed with hers, and his next words took her by surprise. “Unfortunately, if we cannae figure out what it is, the ring will have it’s way.”
“What does that mean?” she whispered.
“It means that you will likely become part of history as the bride Wallace wed as he fought for his country’s freedom,” he murmured. “Not only does that put your verra life at risk but ‘twill rewrite history yet again, and I fear ‘twill be for the worse.”
Chapter Eight
IN SOME WAYS it was a relief to share everything with Mildred but in other ways, daunting. Adlin had always been somewhat in control of them coming back together, and now it seemed he was anything but. If her ring’s gem matching his kins’ eyes wasn’t enough, now it thought to pair her with Wallace. Worse yet, William did not seem opposed to that in the least.
“So you and I never married in our last life?” she eventually asked. “In fact, it sounds like we didn’t really have much of a life together at all.”
“Because we didnae,” he replied softly. “Our time was brief when you traveled back to eleventh century Scotland then it felt far too brief in those last few years in New Hampshire.”
“So you chose to spend your last days with me in the future rather than with your family?” She tilted her head in question. “And obviously you grew old. How is that possible if you were immortal?”
“Meeting you, my one true love, began a verra slow aging process,” he explained then told her far more. About who Jim had been before. Everything.
“Ah,” she whispered. She might not remember him yet, but it was obvious she was starting to understand how close they had been.
“Aye, I did choose to spend those last days with you.” Though tempted to take her hand, he didn’t. “You were the love of my life Milly, and in the end, there was nowhere else I wanted to be.”
Emotion churned in her eyes as she gazed at the fire. “It sounds like your family was right. You’ve sacrificed an awful lot for everyone.” Her eyes met his. “Even us for a long time too.” She gave him a curious look. “So me and Jim? Really?”
Adlin nodded. When he decided to share he didn’t hold back. Not anymore. And that meant telling her that she and Jim had married and found love in their last life. He knew they had come together again in this life first as lovers and now friends. He also knew it might have gone that way before had he not interfered. Had he not pushed her into Jim’s arms in the end.
“That’s sort of uncanny, isn’t it?” she whispered. “That I found Jim again?”
“Not when it comes to reincarnation,” he replied. “It happens more than you might think.”
“Evidently.” She sighed and took a sip of whisky. “So after all that, here we are again, and it looks like things might not go how you wanted them to.”
At least it seemed she believed everything he told her. She had not said much about William or what the ring might mean, and he was fine with that. As it was, he nearly drew his blade on Wallace in the tent earlier, and that would have led everyone down an unfortunate path indeed. Jealousy had no room in any of this, but despite his best efforts, it was impossible to avoid.
What he should be focusing on rather than petty emotions, was the bigger problem. Who was controlling that ring? A gem that should be untouchable by everyone including its makers.
“Cousin?” came a low murmur from the tent entrance. Graham brought them some cooked meat. Grateful, he thanked his cousin then asked that he keep his ears open to rumors throughout camp. He could only hope that everyone had believed the show he and Conall had put on. Again, though his cousin was problematic lately, he certainly thought fast and came through when needed.
Mildred thanked him when he handed her some meat then remained quiet while they ate. He knew she was mulling over everything he had told her. What direction all this might be taking her. Eventually, her eyes turned his way. “All things considered, I understand your jealousy when it comes to William...to a degree. I guess what I don’t understand, is what’s happening between you and Aðísla. Because it looks to me like there’s something there.” She frowned. “I know you pulled me back in time because you and I are somehow supposed to see this battle through, but why be jealous of William considering the feelings you clearly have for Aðísla?”
“Och, you’ve misunderstood that because I’ve allowed it.” He supposed he wore a sheepish expression. “’Tis not what you think it is betwixt us, lass. There isnae romantic love but the sort meant for kin. I shared a brief romance with Aðísla’s mother, Meyla in my previous life and we had a child. So she’s important to me in ways that are difficult to explain.” He shook his head. “But we arenae in love with one another. ‘Twould never be like that with us. We’re just good friends.”
“Oh,” Mildred whispered, her eyes round. “Well, I certainly didn’t see that coming.” She cocked her head. “Why is Aðísla here anyway? It’s obvious she’s different than the rest of you.”
“Aye.” He nodded and explained his Viking ancestors. “’Tis a complicated web but thanks to time travel we Scotsmen have often assisted the Vikings and vice versa.”
“Interesting,” she murmured as her brows pinched together. “So does that mean you had a child with one of your own ancestors?”
“Nay.” He chuckled and shook his head. “My MacLomains might share blood ties with Vikings but not me. Or at least I didnae in my last life. I was Irish before I became Scottish with the gods’ blessings.”
“Right,” she said, eying him then the ring. “Hence the Claddagh?”
“Aye,” he said. “But that is a long tale and better left for another day.” He turned his attention to the ring as well. “Unless, of course, it does as it should. Then you will remember everything. All the tales I told you in another life.”
“I know you believe as much and it’s always been the case with these rings but what if...” Mildred hesitated before she seemed to rally her courage and continued. “I mean what says love can’t be found between Brouns and MacLomains without the gem saying so?”
Hopeful though he should not be, his eyes went to hers. “It has never been done, lass. ‘Tis not how the ring works.”
“So you say.” She kept staring at it and frowned. “But I wasn’t even looking for love to begin with so why should this ring control something so important in my life.”
“You might not have been looking for love,” he acknowledged softly. “But ‘tis verra likely the ring would have found its way to you no matter what.” He tapped the heart holding the gem. “’Tis part of its verra essence to be drawn to an open heart. A ready heart.”
“Which, it seems, led me to you.” Her eyes met his again. “Every once in a while, I feel like I’m on the verge of remembering something, lots of things actually. Things that happened with you, Adlin. Why would that happen if I’m meant to be with William? Is it just because of the life you and I shared before?”
It better not be.
“Nay, ‘tis doubtful,” he lied because the truth was he had no way of knowing for sure. He could only pray as he took her hand. “One way or another, this ring has been with us for a long time, Milly. From when we were wee bairns.”
“Since childhood,” she murmured as their eyes held. “A ring didn’t bring us together before, did it? This would be the first time.”
“Aye.” He
stroked his finger back and forth over the ring absently. “There was no ring for us before yet still there was great love.”
“So it can happen without a ring,” she whispered.
‘Only if the ring hadn’t brought us together, to begin with,’ he nearly said but saw something in her eyes that gave him pause. Flickers of recognition perhaps? Even defiance against anything that dictated how she was supposed to feel about him.
Unfortunately, in this case, Fate was in control and not the other way around.
And, evidently, a third party who remained a mystery.
Either way, he sensed a softening in her he fully intended to take advantage of so he cupped her cheeks and kissed her. As it had been on the horse, she didn’t pull away but returned the kiss with as much ardor. Even the way she tasted was so similar to before. The way her tongue danced around his with the practiced skill of someone who had kissed him many times. They were perfectly matched and the passion intense, so it was no surprise his cock sprang to attention.
What was a surprise was her straddling him.
He could well remember the way she felt beneath him in another life. She might have been a virgin then, but she clearly was not now. While he could appreciate both versions, he had to admit he was especially enjoying her aggressiveness this time around. More than appreciative as she dug her hands into his hair, pressed her hot center against him and groaned as she kissed him.
Perhaps he would not have to worry about the ring after all.
Perhaps, somehow by the grace of God, the ring had nothing to do with this...with them.
He should have known better when she flinched and suddenly pulled back. “Ow!”
“What is it?” He frowned as she tugged at the ring.
“It just got steaming hot.” She blew on it and flinched again. “It’s burning my finger, and I can’t get the damned thing off.”
Adlin didn’t waste time but scooped her up and headed outside. Besides Wallace’s warriors posted for look-out, most of the camp was slumbering. Not Conall, however, who had been leaning against a tree, ever watchful. As Adlin moved swiftly though the dark forest toward a nearby stream, Conall was at his back, his blade drawn in protection. His cousin murmured something to one of William’s men in passing. Likely that it was only them so nobody would be alerted.
It took almost more than he was capable of not to use magic as he dropped to his knees beside the stream and submerged Mildred’s hand in the frigid water, alarmed when the water actually hissed.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered and kissed her temple. “’Twill only be for a moment. Is it helping?”
“Yeah.” She kept her hand underwater and frowned. “Why did it do that? Because it almost seemed like a direct response to what we were doing.” She squinted. “And why is it so damn bright brown now?”
“I dinnae know.” He frowned as well. “’Tis known to warm when you’re with your one true love but not burn. Not cause that kind of pain.”
Conall crouched beside them, frowning as well when she finally pulled her hand out. “’Tis certainly brighter but as far as I can see, ‘tis still the color of my eyes.” His gaze narrowed on Adlin. “And what were you two doing when you know full well she might not belong to you?”
“Belong to him?” Mildred frowned. “Sorry, but I don’t belong to any man.” Her brows drew together, and she muttered, “Any more than I can be fetched by someone.”
Adlin shot Conall a look, shook his head, then examined her finger for burn marks. None were obvious but based on the way the water reacted he would have thought the ring was red hot. His eyes went to hers. “How does it feel now?”
“Better.” She shifted in his arms. “You can put me down now. I’m okay.”
Though that was about the last thing he wanted to do, he complied.
“What do you think happened?” Conall stood as they did. “Why is her ring doing this? Did you and grandfather not create it?”
“You know we did,” Adlin grumbled as they headed back toward camp. What he didn’t mention was that he had been a mere child at the time and Grant had been the mastermind behind it. All the more reason why he needed to speak with his mentor. Because, though he had not said as much, Adlin was beginning to suspect there might have been something more to the creation of this ring. Something that was affecting everything now.
When Mildred staggered a little, Adlin wrapped his arm around her. “Are you well, lass?”
“I think so...just really tired.” She pinched the bridge of her nose. “And dizzy...”
Adlin and Conall frowned at each other before Adlin scooped her up again and headed back to the tent. He did not have to say anything to his cousin. Conall knew to get Aðísla and to be quiet about it. Outside of Wallace, this was a superstitious lot. A few minutes later, she joined them. Concern knit her brow as Adlin wrapped Mildred in a fur and kept her on his lap close to the fire.
Now she was shivering and complaining of a bad headache before her eyes rolled back in her head and she passed out. If he didn’t know better, he would say black magic was at work. Aðísla confirmed it when her eyes met his, and she nodded. “Tell me what happened.”
So he did.
Because of her blood connection to her father Valan, or better yet his long gone evil warlock of a father, Keir Hamilton, Aðísla had a special talent for recognizing black magic. Some said even the ability to use it. But that was beside the point. Right now, the truly alarming thing was that the magic seemed to have originated in the ring.
“What is it doing to her?” He tugged gently at the ring, but it would not budge. If she continued to worsen, he would find a way get the bloody thing off if it was the last thing he did.
“I am not sure.” Aðísla pressed the pad of her thumb to the area between Mildred’s eyes, also known as her third eye. The Viking didn’t dare use magic but was implementing something close to it. Something akin to dragon glamour. “There is another tied to her soul somehow,” she whispered. “He and others...connected not just to her but possibly to other Brouns.”
Conall clenched his jaw, and his frown grew heavier as Graham entered, squinted and muttered, “Bloody hell, her ring’s getting brighter, is it not?” He shook his head. “And still the same color as my eyes.” Concern tugged at his lips as he joined them and studied Mildred. “She doesnae look good. What’s wrong with her?”
Adlin shook his head, more worried by the moment. Mildred’s head lolled on his chest now, and her eyelids fluttered.
“This isn’t all him...them,” Aðísla murmured, as she sensed or saw something they could not. “Milly is fighting his hold on her. That is what is making her ill. Her magic fights him like it would an infection.” Her eyes met Adlin’s. “And she is winning. She will win this time.”
Bloody hell, where was Grant when he needed him?
Aðísla was about to pull her hand away but stopped.
“Loki’s cock,” she whispered, evidently seeing something else. “That’s where Bryce is.” Her eyes snapped to Adlin. “He saw her with this unknown foe. Her and another.”
How was that possible? Mildred had been with Adlin and his kin the whole time.
“Who?”
She shook her head. “Another woman. One from the future I’d say based on her clothing.”
“Och,” Adlin muttered, feeling more frustrated and helpless by the moment. “I assure you only Milly traveled back in time. At least to our time frame.” He shook his head. “And how could Bryce see Mildred somewhere else when she’s clearly here?”
“I dinnae think anything is as clear as we think it is,” Conall muttered as he continued to eye her ring. “As it is that ring cannae seem to decide who her true love is.”
“I am her true love,” Adlin warned, more venom in his voice than he intended. “Ye best get that straight now, Cousin.”
Conall shrugged as though not all that convinced. “I’m going to go fill my skin with water from the stream in case she wakes with thirst.
”
Adlin nodded and looked at Graham. “I suggest ye squelch rumors amongst the night watchmen before they even get started. Mayhap that she had a wee bit too much to drink and we’re seeing to her.”
Graham nodded, his eyes lingering on Mildred for a moment before he left.
“I dinnae like this, Aðísla.” Adlin stroked Mildred’s cheek. “What am I to do when I cannae even use my magic? How am I to help her?”
“You help her by staying with her.” Aðísla studied Mildred’s ring. “You help her by giving her strength as she fights her battles.”
“She has my strength,” he vowed softly. “Always. As much as I have to give.”
He had never felt such guilt as he did now. As he realized none of this would be happening if he hadn’t urged her to find the ring. To put it on. To travel back in time.
“You had no choice,” Aðísla murmured. She might not necessarily be reading his mind, but few had the ability to guess his thoughts as well as she did. “No matter where our hearts may lay, they must always lie first and foremost with our kin and country. For you, that must always be Scotland, Adlin. Even before a woman.”
Be that as it may, it didn’t change how he felt. Not for a moment.
“Cousin,” came Blair’s soft voice as she ducked into the tent with a damp cloth and a skin of what he suspected was water. His bet was she intercepted Conall when she realized what was happening and he would likely not see the Hamilton laird again until morning. His speculations were confirmed when she crouched, looked Mildred over and murmured, “I assured Conall I would see to Milly and that ‘twas no longer appropriate for anyone but ye and us lasses to be in here whilst she rested and recovered.”
“Many thanks.” Adlin took the cool scrap of plaid from Blair and pressed it against Mildred’s forehead. Her color seemed to be returning to normal, but she still shivered.
Sworn to a Highland Laird Page 11
