Highlander's Charm (Highlander Heat #3)

Meg dipped her head and placed a tray on the side table.

Nanna handed her the clothing for their trip and asked her to ensure it was packed in the cart.

Meg curtsied and left.

“We have porridge and oatcakes today.” Nanna pulled out a chair and sat.

They’d fallen into the routine of eating breakfast together in her chamber since Lila had a terrible habit of sleeping in. She sat next to Nanna and poured their tea. The porridge warmed her belly as she ate, though she craved something far sweeter. “I miss chocolate.”

“I’ve been longing for cream cakes for days, the ones from our local bakery with real strawberry jam inside.” Nanna bit into an oatcake and scrunched her nose. “I wonder if I can ask the cook to add more honey to these?”

“I miss hot running water and showers too.”

“I miss the bowling club.”

“I miss getting a good night’s rest. Calum won’t stop plaguing me.”

“You do look rather pale.” Nanna traced under Lila’s eyes with her thumb. “I could ask the healer to prepare an herbed drink which might help boost your energy.”

“I’d like that.” Extra energy sounded wonderful. “Then I might be able to sneak away from Ian a lot quicker.”

Nanna smiled and sipped her tea.

She continued to eat as Nanna watched her, and far too thoughtfully.

“My dear, one day soon you’ll have to tell John about your handfast. He needs to know about Calum. You can’t keep the information from him forever.”

“I know, but it isn’t as if he’d bless the union and wish me well.”

“No, but you should give him the chance to make his own mind up about it all. Your souls are bound.”

“I can’t leave here, or you.”

“Mount up and prepare to leave.” Ian’s order rumbled through the open window.

“You miss him. I can see it.” Nanna brushed the crumbs from her skirts as she stood and peered out the window. “Ah, there’s the score of MacIan warriors who arrived from Kilchoan this morn. The new recruits are traveling with us.”

“Did Father issue another call-to-arms?”

“Yes, even though it’s only to guard and defend our shores. It’s a precaution. He won’t allow Mingary to fall.” Nanna lifted a brow. “One of the warriors is called Wolf. We had an interesting conversation out by the stables this morning, albeit a short one. Are you aware wolves are scarce in these parts, and that they’re being hunted into extinction?”

“The animal? Or the man?”

“The animal of course. Come, we’re out of time for further conversation. Grab your riding hat.” Nanna strode out the door.

After plunking her hat on, she tied the ribbon under her chin and followed her grandmother downstairs and into the courtyard. Nanna crossed to Ian as he held a mare for her to mount.

She veered toward the warrior mounted behind Nanna. His dark hair swept his shoulders, covering the tip of a massive two-handed claymore strapped to his broad back. “Excuse me. Do you mind if I ride with—”

He spun around, his golden gaze piercing in intensity.

She stumbled back and another warrior gripped her elbow and mumbled, “Dinnae give us away, lass. The name’s MacIan, Colin MacIan. Come and meet my brother, Wolf.”



Calum wanted to grab Lila, haul her onto his horse and ride like hell from the enemy’s camp. For more than three weeks he’d searched for her, only to find her here at Mingary. Instead, he extended his hand for her to take and remained as calm as he could. “Do you no’ wish a ride, my lady? I vow to take care of you.”

“I-—I—”

Colin swung her up and Calum caught her around the waist and seated her in front of him. His hands itched to drag her against him, and he barely refrained.

“Where did—how did—” She cupped his cheek then gasped and shoved her hands into her lap. “I mean, you shouldn’t be here. It’s too dangerous. You could lose your head.”

“The name’s Wolf, and I’m no’ here to lose my head. I’m here to rescue my wife,” he finished in a whisper.

“I can’t believe you’re really here.”

“As I cannae believe you’re here. I’ve scoured this countryside, and dreamed of you every night.” Arms around her, he slapped his horse’s reins and followed her grandmother and the other warriors under the arch and across the drawbridge. Colin remained close on his rear in the single file stream as they entered the forest.

“I’ve dreamed of you too.”

Which did little to deter his frustration. “I spoke to your grandmother this morn at the stables.”

“Yes, well, Nanna didn’t mention you were the Wolf in question. You also made your position about being wed to a MacIan clear last time we spoke. Why aren’t you at Duart?”

“You’re my wife. I had to find you.”

“And joining Mingary’s warriors was the only way?”

“Apparently. Why is your grandmother here?”

“She didn’t tell you?”