Highlander's Faerie (Highlander Heat #5)

“We captured as many of the warriors who tried to take the Rhinns as we could. None remain on Islay, that I’m aware of.”


“He was never caught but trekked here and now wishes retribution. He took me as his hostage, to use me as a bargaining chip in this war.”

“I’d never allow the enemy to take you.”

“The dreams feel so real, like a foretelling of things to come.” She sat upright and planted her hands on his chest. “The faerie. She said there is magic all around me, that I only had to open my eyes to see it.”

“Do you believe you have the sight?” He couldn’t deny the extenuating circumstances of her arrival. Magic had brought her here, and through time itself. Perhaps her dreams were an omen of things to come.

“I’ve never seen the future unfold before, but then again, I’ve never traveled through time either. A lot of firsts have happened since I’ve arrived on your isle. I’ve dreamed of my parents, my own death, and now your cavern and my abduction. It all feels so real. I need answers.”

“Mayhap it is all real.” He caught her hands, pressed her palms to his lips and grazed his mouth across her soft skin.

“Oh, when you touch me like that, I swear I can feel it to the depths of my soul.” She leaned in and brushed her lips across his. “Do you feel it too?”

“Aye.” Since the moment she’d fallen through the veil something strong had bound them together. Deep in his soul, only peace came when she remained close by and within his sight. Cradling her face in his hands, he murmured, “On the morrow, I shall take you to my cavern. Promise me you’ll keep its location a secret.”

“Of course. I would never show another.”

“Then ’twill be done.” He wrapped his arms around her, held her close. “I’ll permit no more secrets between us.”

“You said that in my dream, or something very like it.” She lifted her chin, her gaze firm on his.

“Then I clearly meant it. Rest now. I’ll watch over you throughout the rest of the night.”

“Thank you.” She settled against him, her breath blowing warmly across his chest.

“Goodnight, my sweet imp. Your nightmares cannae continue forever. Together, we’ll chase them away.”



A sliver of sunlight beamed through the wooden shutters over the narrow window and stirred John from his slumber. Katherine slept in his arms, her nose burrowed into his neck and her contentment bringing such peace to his soul. He stroked her back, so relieved her nightmares had not risen again to wake her.

“John?” Mumbling, she stretched and sighed.

“Shh, go back to sleep.”

“Is it morning already?” She rubbed her eyes with her knuckles. “You usually have training at dawn.”

“The sun has barely risen, and my men can wait a little longer.”

“You never miss training.” She wriggled higher, her long white-blond hair sliding over his chest, a silky touch that made him ache for more. “You shouldn’t be staying for me.”

“I’m in your bed and I dinnae care to leave it, no’ yet.”

A rap sounded. “My lady, ’tis Will. I search for John.”

“He’s here,” she answered.

“Aye, Will, I’ll be down shortly.” He growled under his breath, detesting that he had to leave her so soon.

“Aye, Captain.” Will’s footsteps faded away.

“See, your men miss you when you’re not where you should be.”

“As I miss you when you’re no’ with me.” He rolled Katherine onto her back, leaned over her and kissed the tip of her nose. “Since you spoke of your abduction last eve, it would pay for me to ensure an additional search of the woods is carried out this morn. I’ll never allow a MacLean warrior to steal you away.”

“I know you won’t.” She twined her arms around his neck, her fingers sliding deep into his hair.

Sharing her bed, having her open up about her nightmares, had changed something between them. She now touched him with more ease, and he adored it. “I willnae abide any possible threat to you or my clan. I need the description of the warrior from your dreams.”

“They all feel so real.”

“You accurately portrayed my cavern’s entrance, a fact I cannae dismiss, and since you did so, you should also be able to do the same with the warrior and the location where he took you.” Ever so gently, he trailed one finger across her high cheeks sprinkled with freckles and down along her lush lower lip. He longed to kiss her as deeply as he had last night, to feel the silky softness of her tongue licking across his, to take what she’d so willingly offered and allow that passion to consume them both. If only she weren’t so damn adamant about not changing his future.

“You appear distracted, John.” Those luscious lips lifted.