Highlander's Charm (Highlander Heat #3)

“Nay. We spoke only a few words. She assured me you were safe and well, but naught else.”


“Then you’re really not going to like hearing my news.” She gripped his leather-clad legs. “I’m John MacIan’s lost daughter.”

“He does no’ have a daughter.”

“He does now. I was born to John’s first wife. Nanna was holding me when my mother took her last breath, and no one here knows about my time traveling except for him and Janet.”

“I dinnae understand.”

“I was born in this time, only Nanna knew I wouldn’t survive my birth so she made a wish that I live, and that’s when it all began. We were transported to the future, to a time when it’s possible for such premature babies to survive. Every so often, a bairn is born under a falling star, and their silver eyes give them away. Nanna and I were both born so.” She pulled her charm from her pocket and held it in her open palm. “I’ve felt you close.”

“I will never be far from you. You belong to me.” Her words resonated deep within him. “When I was a lad of seven, I was hunting in the forest with my father when I saw a falling star. Grief overwhelmed me in that moment, as if I’d lost something dear to me. I spoke your name, not that I understood why. I recalled that memory when the fortuneteller gave me my charm.”

“So much makes sense now.”

“Aye, it does. Have you spoken to MacIan about our handfast?”

“No.” She shoved her charm back into her pocket. “That’s not a conversation I care to have, and you risk too much by coming here.”

“Aye, your father knows me well.”

“What of his men?”

“The MacIan warriors I’ve come face to face with on the battlefield didnae survive our meeting.” The chilly wind whistled through the trees and he wrapped her more securely in his arms. “John should be the only one who can identify me.”

“At the cave you said I deceived you.”

“’Twas said in anger and I was wrong. I want my wife back.”

“But MacLeans and MacIans don’t mix.”

“You and I do, and I willnae hear otherwise.” The need to have her back in his arms had been all-consuming and ’twas only now he felt whole again. “There is none I desire more than you. I love you, Lila.”

“As I love you, but even wolves should be granted their freedom, to roam where they please.”

“This wolf wishes to roam for all time with his mate. That is the only freedom I seek.”

Aye, never again would he lose her.

She was his.

For all time.



Lila had to make Calum see reason. Yes, she wanted him too, but not at the expense of escalating the feud.

They trotted out of the forest and onto the sandy shore. The waters glistened, and across the sound, the sheer cliffs of Mull stood guard like a sentinel. Their cave. It was close, a mile or two away.

“Do you feel what’s between us, Lila?”

“To the point of pain.” She snuggled back against him, taking what she could.

“There is only pain when we are no’ together.”

“My father is your enemy, even though you saved his life. Trust me, a happy family dinner isn’t on the agenda when you two meet, unless it’s your head being served on a platter. That I won’t ever allow.”

“I’ll no’ allow it either.” Calum loosened his hold on her as two warriors galloped up from the rear and passed them. “You stay within my sight at all times.”

“This is my clan. I’m not at any risk around them. You though, are.” Ahead, a large group of shirtless warriors trained with the bow. They aimed their arrows at a red ribbon tied around a wide trunk a hundred feet away. Each stepped forward to take his turn, their accuracy impressive as arrow after arrow lodged within the thin strip of silk. “Perhaps you should stay close to me, and I’ll protect you as I can, my wolf.”

He chuckled in her ear. “Aye, then we’ll do it your way, as long as the outcome is the same.”

Colin rode up and leaned in. “They prepare for battle, brother.”

“Aye. ’Tis only a matter of time afore they attack. I’ll guard Lila while you keep alert.”

“Will do.” Colin nudged his horse and galloped toward the makeshift corral of beams hammered between the trees along the forest’s edge.

“They’re not going to attack, Calum, or at least that’s what I’ve been told.”

“MacIan’s warriors have chosen a spot where they’re hidden from our watchmen at Tobermory. ’Tis clear what their intentions are.”

“No, if you don’t attempt an attack, neither will John.”

“I intend to take his newfound daughter. He’ll consider that a strike at his very heart.”

“Then let me talk to him first. I can’t be the reason this feud inflames.”

“Enlightening John will only ensure you’re locked away behind Mingary’s walls and far beyond my reach. I cannae take that risk. John is no’ to hear of my intention to steal you away.”