Highlander's Charm (Highlander Heat #3)

Ahead, Ian dismounted then helped Nanna down from her horse. She was out of time to continue this discussion. “We’ll talk about this later. We’re not done yet.”


“Aye, we’ll never be done, love.” Calum pulled his destrier to a halt, jumped to the ground then swung her down beside him. “I’ll escort you wherever you need to go.”

“Ian’s under Father’s orders to do that, and he’s rather good at it too.”

“Then I’ll work around those orders. He comes. Quiet.”

Ian beckoned her to him. “I’ll show you and your grandmother to your tent.”

Nanna already cut a path along the grassy forest verge toward the erected tents. “It’s all right. I can see where she’s headed. With all these warriors about, you hardly need to walk me that far.”

He scanned the area. “Aye, though should you wander beyond this camp, ensure a guardsman goes with you.” He eyed Calum, his gaze narrowed. “Join the men in training. I’ve yet to see your skills.”

“Aye, Captain.” Calum grasped his leather bag, slung it free of his saddle then led his mount toward the corral. Not a word of resistance had he offered. He was clearly trying to remain under the radar. Good. She wholeheartedly approved of that. She wanted her wolf to remain in one piece, with his hide intact, particularly when she liked that rounded rear of his.

Ian strode in the opposite direction, heading toward the warriors training in the loch and swimming toward shore.

She clutched her midnight blue skirts and hurried after Nanna, glad for the reprieve from both of the obstinate warriors. At the tent, she heaved the thick flap to one side and ducked inside. Nanna stood near the corner pile of pelts, innocently fingering the dark brown furs. “Nanna, you have some serious explaining to do.”

“Did you not enjoy the ride, my dear?” She removed her feathered bonnet and set it carefully on top of a wooden crate next to a clay lamp.

“Wolves are scarce, huh?” She planted her hands on her hips and tried for a stern look.

Nanna giggled. “How is your Wolf? I caught sight of him after your father rode out, but we didn’t have nearly enough time to chat.”

“So he said, and I tried to give him his freedom, but he wouldn’t hear a word of it. I even told him I’m John’s daughter, but he said he’s still going to steal me away.” She untied her brimmed hat and tossed it on top of Nanna’s. “So yes, he’s well, and as stubborn as ever.”

“He’s your mate, Lila. You should’ve expected him to come. I’ve certainly been keeping a look out for him.” Nanna hooked her arm through hers. “Come, let’s freshen up. There’s a glorious loch not far from here, one I remember well from my youth. It’ll give us time to talk.”

“We’ll need a guard. Ian’s orders, and for that matter, the stubborn one’s as well.”

“See, you already have an endearing nickname for him. I doubt we’ll even need to holler. Wolves can scent their prey a mile away.”

“Prey is right.” Still, her heart lightened as they left the tent and Calum snuck in behind them. Deep in her heart, she wanted to be with him, couldn’t believe he’d come.

They traipsed into the forest and followed the leaf-strewn path. Birds twittered overhead, and bright, dappled rays beamed through the foliage and washed over them.

Calum prowled, keeping an eye out all around. He was so infuriatingly gorgeous with that studious frown. The way he walked, so agilely his leather pants clung to his powerful thighs, made the fabric mold every single delectable inch of him. It didn’t help her state of mind that the tails of his loose white tunic fluttered free from under his black vest and the breeze lifted the hem and gave glimpses of his golden skin. She leaned into Nanna’s ear and mumbled, “I shouldn’t want him as much as I do.”

“One can’t help who our heart desires.”

“Nanna.” She squeezed her arm. “I need you to offer discouragement right now. He’s a MacLean, and now he’s in danger because he came after me. Tell me how wrong our match really is.”

“No, and you need to stop thinking about the feud and only consider the man who risks so much to get you back. Take each moment given to you and make it count. Haven’t I always taught you that?”

“Yes, which again, is very unhelpful.” Could she accept what was and live in the moment? Oh, she truly wanted to.

Calum’s golden gaze clashed with hers, heating her until her blood thrummed for more.

Nanna gasped. “The loch. Look, Lila.”

Small, private and perfectly round, its glassy surface danced with the reflection from the towering trees encircling it. “It’s beautiful. How did you know about it?”

“Your grandfather and I stopped here one night when we returned from our honeymoon. Afterward, it was our special place and we often visited.” She lifted her bronzed skirts and knelt at the mossy edge. With her hands cupped, she dipped them into the clear water and sipped. “I adored its seclusion.”