Highlander's Charm (Highlander Heat #3)

A knock sounded and Nanna rose and bid the servants to enter. Two maids and two lads hustled forward, each carrying a steaming pail of water. Another lass carried a tray and set it on the side table, while Meg crossed to the burgundy curtained ambry and hung two gowns.

Nanna oversaw the filling of the tub then added a few drops of scented oil and a sprinkle of dried petals.

Lila wandered toward the large bed and fingered the rich blue velvet canopy sweeping down the four-poster and onto the polished wooden floors. This was her true time. She’d been born in the past, yet never lived in it. Shocking, yet amazing.

“That’s perfect.” Nanna clapped her hands. “Thank you, everyone. You may all leave.” She shut the door behind them. “Come, Lila. There’s a warm meal. You must be hungry.”

“Starving, and rather water logged, but I still can’t wait to get into that bath.” She sat and poked her nose into the steam wafting from the bowl of chunky seafood stew. “This smells delicious.” She nabbed a slice of crusty bread, dipped it, and took a hearty bite. Warmth raced to her belly. “Could you tell me more about this feud John’s gone to give his account of? I’ve heard Calum and Margaret’s views of it.”

“Of course. King James attempts to bring order, and the chiefs continue to hold onto the old ways. They have no desire to give up what is rightfully theirs. I’m afraid this time we’ve arrived in is one of great unrest.”

“Do you know what happens? Particularly to John?”

“No. When we first arrived in Sydney, information wasn’t as readily available, and even when technology advanced and more history came online, only the most remarkable accounts were recorded. John was rarely mentioned, except for the massacre following his nuptials. There is certainly nothing to say how his personal fight with MacLean ended.” She knelt before the tub and swirled her hand through the water. “This is the perfect temperature. Come and have your bath.”

“Calum expects an attack to come from our MacIan clan soon.” She shed her damp gown, draped it over the back of the wooden chair and sank into the glorious water. “Though he’s not aware John has traveled to Edinburgh, or if he is, he certainly never said anything to me.”

“It’s not John’s intention to attack, but to ensure our defenses remain strong along our coastline. Those are the instructions he left with Ian. This past week further aid has arrived from Angus MacDonald’s second, and a call-to-arms not long before that saw a dozen men arrive from Kilchoan. More calls will be made until Ian is satisfied we have a large enough defensive force.” Nanna passed her the soap.

“Calum will think the clan ready for war.” She lathered the soap then worked the vanilla scented suds gently through her matted hair.

“That he might.” Nanna raised her hands towards the warmth of the fire. “Tell me more about Calum. I only spoke to him once or twice.”

She rubbed her chest. “It feels as if I hold a piece of him locked away inside me.”

“Yours is a match which shouldn’t be denied.”

“Bound or not, how can what Calum and I have ever survive this time?”

“Time is a fickle thing, but we are not. If there is a way, you’ll find it, and I shall help you. All must be set to rights.”

“Thank you for saving me, Nanna.” Sloshing water, she leaned against the edge of the tub. “The wish you made the night of my birth gave me life.”

“I love you too.” She knelt and hugged her, uncaring she got wet. “But one day you shall spread your wings and fly. That’s how things are meant to be, and even though you are John MacIan’s daughter, Calum is still yours.”

“Yes, he’s mine.” She knew it to the depths of her soul.



Drenched, Calum paced the thin cliff ledge hours later as night fell. Since Lila had fallen into the loch, he’d done naught but search the waters and coastline. He strode to the beach, the ache in his chest so deep and unforgiving.

She belonged with him, and he’d been rash to fight with her. MacIan or not, she was his wife, and he should have listened to her concerns. He’d never make that mistake again.

White-capped waves rolled in and Colin emerged, slogging through the surf toward him. His brother had tracked him down, though he’d only arrived an hour past.

“’Tis too dark to continue.” Colin clasped his shoulder. “I cannae see a thing, and with so many hours passing, it does no’ look good.”

“Aye, but I willnae believe her dead. She lives. I feel it.” He touched his heart. “She is mine and I’ll never let her go.”

“Magic brought her here, and magic has clearly taken her away again.”

“I was instructed to keep her safe from the sea.” Calum opened his clenched fist and rubbed his charm. It had drawn blood from his tight hold. “I failed her, but I willnae again. I ride for Tobermory at first light.”

“Then I’ll ride with you. Arthur watches Duart. He’ll ensure all is well.”