Highlander's Faerie (Highlander Heat #5)

Katherine clung to the ledge as John powered through the stormy waves toward her. He grasped the rock face and hauled himself up the cliff. Water sluiced down his body, plastered his white tunic to his chest and molded his black leather pants to his legs. The man looked incredible even though a fierce scowl darkened his face.

Swiftly, he climbed then clambered onto her ledge and crouched, his gaze moving over her. “What the hell do you think you’re doing on this cliff? And where the hell is your guard?”

“I—I—” She shivered from head to foot, so cold from her dunking. “I needed to know where you were. I’m sorry. I never intended to fall but only to keep a lookout from the cliff top.”

He shot a look upward then back down at the raging sea. Eyes wide, he bit out, “You fell? From the top?”

“Yes, and I was just making my way back up again when you found me.”

“I’ll kill whoever let you pass through the gates alone.”

“This is no one’s fault but my own. I snuck out the postern gate after Archie had secured the keep.” She motioned toward the vent she’d found. “There’s a shaft here, although it’s too small to wriggle through and I don’t know where it leads. The only way out, appears to be up.”

“Aye, I know of this vent. I found it when I was a lad.”

“How did you—hold on.” Was it possible this was the shaft that led to his sacred cavern? “You said you were scaling Islay’s cliffs when you discovered the underground cave? There’s no way to scale this cliff, unless you too fell from the top.”

“Aye, I recall the fall well.” He snaked one arm around her waist, lifted her to her feet and pinned her to the cliff with his body. To his men below, he yelled, “Once we reach the top, sail for Dunyvaig. We’ll return as soon as we’re able.” In her ear, he rasped, “I’ll give you a boost. There are enough ridges in the cliff to climb the rest of the way to the top. Take it slow and tread with care. I’ll be here, one step behind you.”

“And to think you just told me off for falling from this cliff when you did the same exact thing. Unbelievable.”

“Go, now, afore my heart leaps right out of my chest.” He popped a kiss on her brow. “I cannae stand to see you clinging to this wall.”

“You be careful too. It’s slippery, and the water’s rather cold. I don’t recommend another dunking.” She sucked in a deep breath and forced herself to move. Heaving upward, she clambered from one hand and foot-hold to the next.

John, like a shadow, trailed in her wake, his hand cupping her heel when needed and ensuring her footing remained firm.

After climbing past the scraggly bushes, she scrambled over the top and rolled onto the flat hard rock. On her back, she shoved clinging strands of wet hair from her face. “John?”

“I’m here.” With one hearty heave, he tumbled in beside her and pulled her into his arms. “You shall never leave the castle again without a guard. I want your word on that, Katherine.”

She pushed up onto one elbow and looked into his eyes. “Thank you for helping me.”

“Give. Me. Your. Word.”

The clouds opened and the rain beat down. Even though she was a wet, shabby mess, she smiled. “This isn’t how we were supposed to arrive at the cavern. You took me by way of the forest entrance, and in my dream the rain clouds loomed but hadn’t broken. This is all kinds of wrong.”

“What are you saying?”

“Your day was planned until I told you about my kidnapping. You were supposed to train with your men, return for the midday meal and then bring me here. I’ve changed the events of the future by telling you, and I shouldn’t have.” She wiped the rain streaming down her cheeks with her gown’s wet sleeve.

“You cannae expect each and every day to be as it should. There will be a variance simply because you are here.”

“The variance is greater because I spoke about my vision.”

Birds soared above then dipped and landed on the highest branches of the towering trees at the forest’s edge.

Fingers numb and chilled, she clasped the amulet swinging at her neck. “This has been a lesson well learned, that it’d pay for me not to speak of my future visions with you.”

“Nay, you will keep naught from me. I’ll never allow it.” He rolled her onto her back, and shielding her from the brunt of the pelting rain, narrowed his gaze. “I didnae find the MacLean warrior, nor even any sign of the skiff he uses to steal you away in. I need your word you’ll remain at Dunyvaig until he’s found. I’ve no wish to lock you in your chamber and bolt your door.”

“I won’t change the future now I’m aware of the d-dangers that l-lurk.” Teeth chattering, she cupped his cheeks. “I’m c-cold, really cold. Can we get out of here?”

“Aye, the cavern is close. We’ll stop and warm up afore we trek home.” He rose, slid his hands around her waist and set her on her feet.

She burrowed against his side and together they hurried into the woods until the darkness of the forest closed in around them. They tramped along a sodden trail then slowed as water gushed somewhere close by. “Is that the river?”