Highlander's Charm (Highlander Heat #3)

“No, I’ve kept you from your training long enough.” She ducked under his arm and around the brush. “The castle is close. I can manage the short walk alone.”


“I’ll accompany you all the same.” His wee charm certainly liked to have her way, though so did he.

“Seriously, you go swing that sword of yours about and ensure no one tries to take your head off again.” She strode out of the forest and into the meadow, her long black hair swaying from hip to hip.

He wanted to pull her back into his arms, the urge the strongest he’d had. ’Twas too dangerous to let her out of his sight. “Lila, wait.”

“Margaret’s expecting me.” She blew him a kiss then picked up her pace. “Be careful when you return to the fight.”

Something was afoot. Lila had come to him and now she couldn’t leave quick enough. He yanked the horn from his side, blew long and loud then called for the change. The warriors on land would switch with those in the loch. Icy water would clear their battle lust.

Bent, catching his breath, Colin waved him over. “There you are. ’Twas I who called out. Was that Lila?”

“Aye.” He passed him the horn. “I’ll see her safely back to the keep. Oversee the men until I return.”

“Is all well?”

“She thinks to dismiss her need for protection.”

“Go. I’ll remain here.”

“My thanks.” He clapped Colin on the shoulder then followed after Lila. His protection of her would be absolute, a fact she would soon learn.



Lila lifted her cumbersome sapphire skirts and ran. How could she have let Calum’s kisses sidetrack her like that? Nanna came first. Goodness, she had no idea how this time travel worked or how long she might be stuck in the past. Every minute counted. So the tower guard wouldn’t see her, she veered off the trail then snuck down to the loch and hid behind the sand dunes.

“Lila.” Margaret raced alongside a thick clump of bushes, keeping herself hidden too. “I packed a bag for you. It includes your strange suit of black from Calum’s chamber.” She skidded over the dunes. “Why are we hiding? Did your farewell no’ go well?”

“Calum insisted he escort me back, and he may follow. Thank you for these things, but I’ll only need what I came with. There’s no time to delay.” She hauled off her gown and tugged the wetsuit on.

“You’re going to swim across the sound?” Margaret grasped her shoulders. “Nay, allow me to organize a horse.”

“No, Calum will find out. I’ll be fine in the water. I swim all the time and I’ll rest as needed.” She swiped her charm from her gown’s pocket and shoved it into her zippered pouch.

“I cannae believe you must swim.” Margaret glanced toward the rise. “If there’s no other choice, then swim alongside Mull’s coastline. Only cross the waters once you reach Tobermory. ’Tis the safest course.”

“I’ll do that, and don’t worry about me.” She shoved her flippers on and jammed her mask into place. “I told Calum we spoke, and that you knew I was from the future.”

“He’ll question me.” She fluttered a hand over her mouth. “What shall I say?”

“Tell him this was my choice. I don’t want him to worry, or for you to get into any trouble. But he can’t stop me once I’m gone, so speak as you will. It won’t matter.” She hugged Margaret. “Thank you again for your help. I wouldn’t have been able to get away like this without you.”

“I will always be here to aid you should you need it.”

“No wonder Nanna trusted you.” She released her then shuffled backward into the surf. Along the hilly rise, Calum ran, his dark hair whipping in the breeze as he tore along the trail toward the castle.

“Go quickly,” Margaret called then ducked, remaining hidden.

She dove into the cold waters of the loch. Her heart ached for the time she and Calum would never have together, but Nanna needed her. She wouldn’t fail in her mission to reach Mingary.



Pain slammed through Calum’s chest and he stumbled to his knees in the thick grass. ’Twas as if someone had taken a spear and thrust it right through his heart.

Toward the sound, something sleek and black disappeared within the tumbling waves.

With one hand on the ground, he shoved to his feet then raced toward the loch. He skidded over the sand dunes and tumbled into Margaret. “What are you doing here?”

Tears misted her eyes. “I’m sorry. Lila had to go.”

“Where?”

“I—I—”

“Tell me, Margaret. We’re bound in a way I cannae explain. I need her. Which way?”

“T-Tobermory, then she intended to swim across the sound to Ardnamurchan. ’Tis where Jean Cunningham traveled to.” Tears trickled freely down her cheeks. “She didnae wish for you to worry, but you must let her go. Her journey cannae wait.”

“She’s mine to protect.” From the damned sea no less. On his life, he’d find her, no matter her wish to leave him. Hell, Ardnamurchan. He’d never allow her to travel to the enemy’s land.