Highlander's Faerie (Highlander Heat #5)

“For you to remain safe at Dunyvaig while I continue searching for the MacLean warrior. If he’s on Islay, I’ll find him.” He strapped on his sword belt and wrist daggers.

“I can’t live my life trapped behind Dunyvaig’s stone walls. That’s not a life at all.” She laced her gown’s front stays to the top of the square-cut neckline trimmed with a white ribbon, slid her matching slippers on and wandered across to the tunnel. Using the rock wedged half under it, she clambered up and into the darkened shaft.

He grabbed her damp sark from the sand and followed her along the tunnel carved of stone until the crashing sounds of the waterfall and life beyond their secret haven echoed toward him. The passageway thinned and ahead, Katherine wedged herself sideways to fit through the thin slit in the rocks. After wriggling through, he joined her on the slick rock ledge where a clear sheet of water arched over them and pounded into the pool below.

“This place is so magical.” She pressed herself against the wall as spray misted lightly. Morning sunshine glimmered through the water and sent a kaleidoscope of beautiful yellows, pinks and blues dancing over her sweet face.

“We’ll return as often as my duties permit. I give you my word on that.” He stroked a finger under her chin and dropped a kiss on the tip of her nose.

“You shouldn’t be making promises like that to me, not that I don’t appreciate your offer.”

“You’re still insistent you willnae change my future?”

“Absolutely.”

Except she already had, not that he was prepared to tell her and do battle over it right now. She’d learn soon enough of his intentions to woo her in the coming days. With his hand on her lower back, he guided her to the end of the ledge. Below, white water tumbled over wide gray boulders, the river flowing fuller and swifter from the recent rains.

“It’s like an art form in motion, nature at its most chaotic and singing of life.”

“Aye, and we shall respect its life.” He took a step back and leaped onto the grassy bank.

“Wait for me.” She followed his lead and grinning, jumped.

He caught her with a chuckle and swung her down beside him. “You need to give me more warning afore you do that.”

“Nope, I prefer to keep you on your toes.” She twirled, her damp blond locks streaming behind her and her flushed cheeks and skin glowing. Her blue eyes captivated him, the color like precious sapphires with their deep glittering hue. An ethereal glow encircled her, as one had after her mother’s visit. Aye, she was part fae, and she’d certainly cast a heavenly spell over him.

“I fear your mischievous ways will be difficult to tame.”

“That’s right. No taming for you.” She patted his chest, right over his heart. “Why the wistfulness?”

“I’ve been entrusted with a piece of your soul and I never intend to relinquish it. Come, or I shall drag you back inside.” He led the way through the forest alive with the twittering of birds and the rustling of small creatures hurrying through the undergrowth. As they neared the hunting trail, horses’ hooves pounded toward them.

Archie galloped around the corner, his padded leather war coat donned and claymore strapped to his back. Half a dozen men rode behind him, all prepared for battle. Damn. His brother’s scowl couldn’t hide his worry. He should’ve returned last night.

Pulling his horse to stop in a cloud of whirling autumn leaves, Archie eyed him. “Were you forced to find shelter from the storm?”

“Aye. We found somewhere safe to spend the night.”

Archie’s destrier snorted foggy air and he patted his mount’s neck and calmed the beast. “The party of men you sent out into the forest yesterday returned afore the storm with word they’d found tracks. We ride, no’ only to find you, but to continue the search for our enemy.” He extended his hand to Katherine. “We didnae bring a spare horse. You’ll need to ride with me. Marie awaits your return.”

Katherine glanced at him and he nodded. “Go with Archie. I’ll be right behind you.” He boosted her into the saddle in front of his brother then doubled up with another warrior. After they returned to Dunyvaig, he intended to ride out with the party in search of Finlay MacLean. Aye, the sooner he removed the threat against Katherine, the sooner he could return to her.

They pounded down the trail, branches brushing his arms as the path thinned before they burst out of the forest and galloped across the moors toward the castle with its ever-watchful guardsmen patrolling the barbican.

Katherine peeked at him over Archie’s arm and rubbed her reddened nose.

“Are you cold?” he called out.

“Only a little.”

They rode under the arched entrance and into the inner courtyard. He jumped to the ground, strode to Archie and swung Katherine down beside him.