Beyond The Veil: A Paranormal & Magical Romance Boxed Set

by Multiple Authors

  Attraction.

  Lust.

  But a connection like those found in the past between MacLomains and Brouns? True love? He just didn’t know. Yet his need for Cassie grew as he watched her. God, she was beautiful. Hair tied back in a high ponytail, she was murmuring in Athdara’s ear.

  The horse’s voice entered his mind. “She still cannae hear me. ‘Tis frustrating.”

  “Soon enough, my friend,” he responded. “‘Twill happen when the time is right.”

  He still wondered where the horses came from to begin with. He wouldn't be surprised if Grant had something to do with them. Or mayhap even Adlin from beyond the grave. Who knew with that old wizard. He had been capable of most anything in life so Logan suspected he was just as busy meddling in the affairs of his clan from the afterlife.

  Unable to stay away any longer, Logan headed toward Cassie. Both pleasure and irritation flashed in her eyes when they met his. He knew she had not been crazy about the fighting between him and Baird. “We leave soon, lass. If you prefer trousers for traveling, there are some in your chamber.”

  “That’s probably a good idea,” she murmured. “Considering the horseback riding and all.”

  “Either way, ‘twill not be easy for someone not used to riding.” His eyes narrowed a fraction. “Or for someone who knows nothing about riding at all.”

  Add that to the dozens of reasons she should not be going on this journey.

  “Like I said, I learn quickly.” Her eyes narrowed as well. “Are you gonna be like this the whole time?”

  “Like what?”

  “With that scowl on your face.” She sighed. “Doubting that I can handle myself and that I’ll be a hindrance.”

  “Aye, lass, ‘tis likely. But ‘tis with good reason.” Logan regretted that he made her feel that way but was in no mood to appease her. She needed to understand what she had gotten herself into. “You’re going into this with almost no means to protect yourself. Not only physically but mentally. Little can be learned in a few short days to prepare you for the reality of this country.”

  “Yeah, I got that.” Now her eyes avoided his though he stood next to her. “All I can tell you is that I’ll try to stay out of the way, okay? I’ve got to go meet Niall in the armory. He was gonna show me a few tricks.”

  Logan had positioned himself between the horse and the stall door, making it impossible for her to pass. He was beyond frustrated with her because of her foolishness. Yet he knew starting the journey with tension between them was not good for her spirits. And a somewhat optimistic spirit was all she had going for her right now.

  “Niall can oversee preparations.” He took her hand. “I will spend a few moments with you in the armory. I know all the same tricks if not more than my cousin.”

  When her brows rose and her eyes shot to his, he realized that hadn't sounded rallying in the least but downright flirtatious. Despite his frustration, he cocked the corner of his lip. “I didnae mean that how it sounded.”

  “I guess we’re both not too good at saying what we mean.” Clearly aware that he had shifted closer, her cheekbones reddened.

  “No. Don’t look at me like that.” She shook her head and tried to squeeze by. “The woman you’re meant to marry is in the castle. Heck, you just put on one hell of a show to prove that point.”

  “‘Twas a necessary show, done for the honor of my clan. You may not have liked what you saw, but I’m not the bad guy in this situation.” Logan put a hand against the stall door and angled his body so that she was unable to pass. “And the lass I’m meant to marry isnae in the castle.” His voice grew intentionally soft. “In all truth, I dinnae know where she is.”

  Cassie backed up a step and frowned. “Oh no.” Her eyes widened and she whispered, “Did Aline die?”

  “Nay, but she fights for her life.” He took a few steps forward when she took a few backward. Logan knew he should focus on preparations yet he wanted her close again. He wanted to return to their moment in the chamber above stairs. “But she is no longer my betrothed. I’ve released her from her commitment to the MacLomains. She is the wife of Baird Stewart and will remain such.”

  “Oh,” she whispered, back against the wall and eyes wide.

  “Kissing the lass now willnae help her much in focusing on the dangers ahead,” Athdara said.

  Logan ignored the horse and rested the underside of his forearm on the wall above Cassie's head. Unable to stop himself, he trailed a finger lightly up her arm, fascinated by the way a shiver rippled over her. He ran the same finger over her collarbone then up the side of her neck until he traced the velvety curve of her jawline, words a murmur. “Are you still set to see this quest through knowing that I am no longer committed to another?” He traced the soft curve of her lips, mesmerized, desperate to taste them. “And that I desire you.”

  Cassie blinked several times and swallowed hard, her eyes rising to his. It seemed to take her a moment before she could speak. “Yes, I’m still set to see it through.”

  If he wasn’t mistaken, her words had a double meaning. One she intended. Or so he thought. Her next statement threw him off as did the fire that flashed in her eyes. “That’s why this attraction needs to stop now.” She stepped around him. “Consider that my first contribution to not being a hindrance.”

  Logan released a low chuckle, took Athdara’s lead line and followed Cassie out of the stables.

  “She’s a smart lass she is,” the horse murmured, a smile in her voice.

  “I’m running up to change then I’ll meet Niall in the armory,” Cassie said over her shoulder, not bothering to look at him.

  “Aye, lass,” Logan said. “You need not worry over a change of clothes for the journey. A satchel’s been made ready for you.”

  Cassie nodded and made her way up the stairs to the castle. Logan left Athdara with the other horses being prepared for the journey then spent some time with his warriors before heading toward the armory. Niall fell in beside him, a wry grin on his face. “So ye ended it with the MacLauchlin lass, aye?”

  “There was nothing to end,” Logan grunted. “She’s taken.”

  “Which conveniently freed ye up for the other lass.”

  “Lasses are the last thing on my mind right now, cousin.”

  “Och, ye lying bastard.” Niall shook his head as they entered the armory. “But I cannae blame ye. My mind’s been on her too.”

  “Who?” Logan frowned as he studied the daggers. “Cassie?”

  “Aye, who else?” Niall grinned as he strapped a sword to his back. “She’s a bonnie lass if ever I did see one.” His cousin continued to watch Logan a little too closely. “If only she had eyes for me as well.”

  Logan said nothing as he pulled a few daggers down and started strapping them to his body.

  Niall leaned against the wall and crossed his arms over his chest. “Why dinnae ye just say ye want her and be done with it.”

  “‘Tis best that we both leave her be.” Logan met his eyes. “How are we supposed to protect her if we’re lusting after her? Ye know as well as I ‘tis no good thing that she travels with us. We must have our wits about us, cousin.”

  “Aye.” Niall was no fool. He knew Logan wanted her. “But then ‘tis a thing to deny lust. Some might say ‘tis best to give into the lusting to keep the mind clear. ‘Tis no good to have the extra tension when there will be battling afoot.”

  Logan headed for the bows and arrows. “There’ll be no giving into lusting with Cassie.” His eyes narrowed on Niall. “For either of us.”

  “Aye, m’laird.” Niall followed. “‘Tis good though that ye are free.”

  “A tie betwixt clans has been forfeited.” Logan studied the bows then opted for his favorite. Heavier than most, it was made of a rich, stained wood. “How is such a thing good?”

  “Because ye have done nothing but devote yerself to this clan and deserve to be happy," Niall said softly.

  “I would have found happiness.” But Logan
had never been so sure he would. Yet he had been willing to sacrifice himself if it made the MacLomains stronger.

  “I wasnae sure before,” Niall said. “But now I think mayhap the gods are showing ye favor after all.”

  Logan arched a brow at him as he attached his bow to his back and slid arrows into a pouch. “How so?”

  “Deny it all ye like but I see the way ye and Cassie look at each other.” Niall shook his head. “‘Tis only a matter of time before ye act on it and it should be sooner rather than later. If we’re riding into war and facing evil, ye should do it having found the happiness ye deserve.”

  Logan was caught off guard. Niall wasn’t typically known for being sentimental. That was more Darach’s thing. Before he could respond, his cousin spoke, returning to his normal self.

  “‘Tis good I convinced ye to lay with a lass or two, aye? Got in some practice.” A wide grin split Niall’s face. “‘Twould have been a sad thing at thirty-one winters not to know what to do with yer cock when the opportunity presented itself.”

  Considering his current circumstances, his cousin made a valid point. But then again, Logan had traveled to the twenty-first century more than Niall, which meant he had access to the internet and TV. And there was plenty of sex to be found on both.

  When Cassie cleared her throat at the entrance, Logan scowled at his cousin. He wanted to throttle him for broaching the conversation to begin with. How much had she heard?

  Niall being Niall shrugged and grinned at Cassie. “My apologies if ye heard anything overly offensive. ‘Twas not my intention.”

  “Uh huh.” Her eyes scanned the walls in amazement as she entered. “Look at all the weapons.”

  “Aye, lass.” Niall grabbed a few more daggers then headed for the entrance. “Logan will help ye choose a few that suit ye.”

  Cassie nodded, eyes still roaming over the weaponry as she went from room to room. This was the first time he had seen her in pants not covered by a long shirt. They showed off her arse considerably well. His gaze roamed down her backside with avid appreciation. When he saw Niall paused at the entrance doing the same thing, he narrowed his eyes and spoke within the mind. “Get your eyes off her arse.”

  “Can’t blame a lad for looking.” Niall winked before he left.

  Logan was about to follow her when he heard a commotion outside and looked through one of the windows. Though the outer portcullis would not be raised without permission, he knew someone important was coming. Grabbing a few daggers suitable to Cassie’s weight and size, he took her hand. “Come, lass. Dinnae wander far from me unless I say so. Do you ken?”

  She nodded. “Absolutely.”

  Logan released her hand before they left the armory and strode through the courtyard, eyes to the battlement above. A warrior yelled down. “‘Tis a MacLauchlin warrior, m’laird.”

  Niall joined him. “Should I go get Baird to confirm the lad is who he says he is?”

  “Nay.” Logan shook his head. “He stays by Aline’s side. I’ve magic enough to know if the MacLauchlin is being truthful.”

  Niall scowled. “I’m staying with you.”

  “Raise the first portcullis,” Logan said to a warrior then turned to Niall. "Remain here and watch over Cassie until I’ve spoken with this lad.” He narrowed his eyes. “Do ye ken, cousin? Because ‘twill be verra bad for ye if ye dinnae listen.”

  Niall locked his jaw, his scowl growing fiercer. “Aye, I’ve the right o’ it. But I dinnae like this.”

  “Nay, but you’ll listen to your Laird,” Logan growled then strode onto the drawbridge when the first portcullis was raised.

  The MacLauchlin warrior swung off his horse. He threw down his weapons and raised his hands in the air as he stood beyond the second portcullis. “I come in peace.”

  When he clasped the metal bars, Logan unsheathed his sword. “Who are ye?”

  “I am Deargh MacLauchlin,” the man said, desperate as his wild eyes met Logan’s. “I come on behalf of my Laird, Clyde MacLauchlin. The castle has been taken, many killed, but m’laird still lives and needs Laird MacLomain's help.”

  Logan stemmed out his magic. It seemed the man told the truth. But what if this was of the evil Grant warned him about?

  “Deargh, is that ye, brother?” Baird said, trotting to the gate.

  “Aye, ‘tis me!” Deargh shook his head. “‘Tis good to see ye alive and well.” Then he frowned. “Where is my sister? Where is Aline?”

  “Resting.” Baird and Deargh clasped arms through the portcullis. “Her fever just broke. There is great hope now of a recovery.”

  Deargh's eyes were wet as he worked at a smile. “And yer wee one?”

  Baird shook his head and said nothing.

  “Och, nay,” Deargh whispered, pained.

  Logan lowered his blade and motioned for a warrior to raise the portcullis. Once it was lifted, the men embraced before Baird made introductions. It seemed Deargh was the only MacLauchlin who knew about his sister’s clandestine marriage to Baird as well as their bairn.

  “M’laird hides in a cave not far from his castle,” Deargh said to Logan. “He’s requested that ye come, that he has dire news indeed.”

  “Why did he not travel here himself?”

  “Many of our people are being held prisoner.” Deargh shook his head. “My Da willnae leave them. He intends to take back his castle.”

  Logan well understood that but had little trust in the situation. Nonetheless, he was given no other direction to go in thus far so it seemed he would be heading back toward MacLauchlin land. “Baird, stay with Aline until she awakes. She willnae want to be alone in those first few moments.” His eyes went to Deargh. “Ye will travel with me.”

  By the time he made it back to the courtyard, Niall was already rallying the warriors who would be traveling with them. Logan swung onto his horse and came alongside Cassie, who stood by Athdara. He held out his hand. “You’ll travel with me until you learn how to ride a horse properly, lass.”

  “What about Athdara?”

  “Dinnae worry. She’ll keep up.”

  Cassie patted the horse and murmured in her ear, “No worries, we won’t leave you behind.”

  When Cassie's hand slid into his, Logan pulled her up in front of him. He still couldn’t believe she was coming but oddly enough as they crossed the drawbridge, fifty MacLomain warriors in front of him and fifty behind, he was glad. The idea of having her anywhere that he couldn’t keep a close eye on her left a sour taste in his mouth. Yes, his castle was well-protected but even so—and some might call it arrogant—there was no safer place to be than with him and his cousins. They had been training for what lay ahead for a long time and few if any were fiercer or more skilled.

  Dark clouds rolled overhead as they left the drawbridge behind, passed beneath the mighty oak then headed across the wide field. As Niall was his first-in-command, his second-in-command, Conall would oversee the castle in his absence. He spoke to him earlier and had every faith in his ability to defend the MacLomain’s well.

  So when the first swollen raindrop fell from the sky and they entered the forest, Logan at last felt a sense of purpose.

  Of destiny.

  Of fate.

  At long last, everything he had prepared for was happening. He would save Robert the Bruce. Scotland would have her king. And his clan stood a fighting chance. But even beyond that what pleased him most despite the circumstances was the lass in front of him.

  Though he worried for her, downright feared for her, there was a rightness in it.

  Cassie was meant to be a part of this.

  A part he would not trade for anything.

  Chapter Nine

  THREE DAYS LATER, they were nearing their destination. Apparently because of the number of warriors with them and the inclement weather, they were unable to travel via magic and arrive sooner. Regardless, the journey so far had been an experience. As it turned out, learning to ride Athdara was more challenging than expected. Even so
, Cassie was slowly but surely getting the hang of it. Sort of. And while the weather remained fairly dismal, she wasn’t all that bothered by it.

  Not with Logan around.

  She had enjoyed getting to know him better and though their current situation was far from romantic, there had been more than a few heated moments between them. He hadn’t tried to kiss her, but a few times it almost seemed like he wanted to. She was definitely flattered considering she was no sexy thing, especially with the weather and traveling. Thankfully, not only did they have the opportunity to bathe that morning but the rain had finally let up.

  At his insistence, Cassie continued riding with Logan and had long since settled back against him. The air was warm enough and even though she was nervous about what lay ahead, the beauty of Scotland kept her mind occupied. It reminded her of both New Hampshire and Maine, but more hilly. Yet somehow, though the vegetation looked similar, there was a certain mystical beauty that set Scotland’s forest apart.

  Then there was the guy she was leaning against.

  As he had often done over the past few days, he chatted on and off with her. With an obvious love for his homeland, he was thorough in his explanation of a variety of trees, bushes, flowers and even wildlife.

  Voice soft because of possible trouble in the area, Cassie said, “I’ve always been more of a fan of oaks than pines.”

  “Why?” he asked. “Pine trees weather the seasons better. They create a more solid canopy.”

  “And their sap is damn hard to get off my car,” she mumbled.

  “And what of the oak’s acorns?” There was a smile in his voice. “I remember Ma complaining about them dinging her car.”

  “Oh, I don’t care about acorns.” She smiled too. “You just have to learn how to dodge them when you’re outside. Those little suckers can hurt.”