Highlander's Faerie (Highlander Heat #5)

Katherine’s heart lifted. Had a truce just been reached while their chiefs were in the king’s hands? Perhaps her trip to Mull to seek some peace between the clans hadn’t all been in vain.

“Good.” John slowly stood and tugged her to her feet. “Then it appears we must leave. My thanks for your hospitality.”

Archie pushed back his chair as he eyed John. “My congratulations on your handfast, brother. Your timing is impeccable.”

“My congratulations too, Katherine.” Margaret rose. “You’ll need to fetch your things. Come, I’ll help you.”

“Be quick.” John released her and he nodded. “I’ll wait right here.”

“I won’t be long.” She clutched Margaret’s hand and hurried upstairs.

In her chamber, Margaret nabbed her traveling bag and handed it to her. “Keep the gown. There’s no need for you to change afore you leave. At least now we’re more aware of where the MacDonald clan stands, particularly with your warrior’s promise just now to curtail any warring until his chief’s return. That’s a good sign.” A spark of hope lit her eyes. “Tell Mary I’ll be thinking of her.”

“I will. I know she thinks of you.”

A knock sounded and a MacLean guardsman wearing a darkened nasal helm, chainmail and black boots marched in. His green eyes, a paler shade than Arthur’s, glinted through the slits as he scrutinized first her then Margaret. “My lady, Hector asks for you. The boy frets when so many MacDonalds remain within our walls.”

“I’ll be but a moment.” Margaret hugged her. “Hector is my son. I must go to him.”

“Thank you for all you’ve done for me.”

“You’re welcome. Take care as you travel.” She grasped her skirts and walked from the room.

The guard shut the door, closing them in. “Now,” he grated, “’tis time for you and I to speak.”

“I too must go.” She tried to edge past him, but he blocked her way. Towering over her, he removed his helm and scrubbed a hand across his scraggly brown beard. Finlay. “What are you doing here?”

“Arthur may lead this clan in my laird’s stead, but I know Lachlan’s wishes well. He would never sit idle when we held such a bargaining chip in our hands.”

“I’ve been given safe passage to leave.”

“And you shall, with me.” He shoved a dirty wad of linen in her mouth and knotted a strip of tartan around it.

She fought, clawing at his face and kicking.

“Nay, lass.” He grabbed her hands and rammed her into the wall.

Her head hit and she gagged as the room spun.

Black dots danced before her yes, and then nothing.





Chapter 8


John clenched his fists as he waited for Katherine to return. What the hell was taking her so long? His men were past ready to leave and so was he. He crossed to Arthur at the base of the stairs. “I need to collect my wife.”

“She should’ve returned by now. I’ll escort you upstairs.” Arthur gestured for him to go first and he scaled the winding stairwell.

All was quiet on the second floor landing, each door leading off the darkened corridor firmly shut.

“’Tis the third door on your left,” Arthur instructed.

John stopped at the door, turned the knob and strode inside. The fire had long gone out and the morning’s sunshine streamed in through the window and lit the chamber with its large burgundy canopied bed and curtained ambry. A dressing screen next to the side table remained folded against the wall and next to it, Katherine’s leather traveling bag had been dumped and overturned. He hunkered down and scooped it up. “She’s no’ here.”

“She didnae pass by me.” Arthur strode to the wall and wiped a smear of blood from it. “’Tis fresh.”

John snarled, a low and deadly rumble. Katherine had been taken, and not of her own free will. “What tricks do you play, Arthur?”

“None, and damn it, this has to be Finlay’s doing.” Arthur slammed one fist into his open palm. “He can be rash and reckless at times.”

“Where will he have taken her?”

“I’ll check with the guards.” Arthur raced out the door and John made chase. In the great hall, Arthur ordered several of his men to begin a search.

Archie gripped John’s shoulder. “What’s this all about?”

“Katherine’s gone, taken by Finlay.” To his men, he gritted out, “We are no’ at war, but I want my wife back. We’ll do all we can to ensure it.”

Arthur marched across to him. “Finlay was sighted leaving through the postern gate a few minutes ago, although his destination is unknown. He could be anywhere.”

John sprinted out the door and his brother and men followed as he raced toward the bay. If Finlay was on the run, his options were by land or sea and he’d already proven he had a penchant for using the sea as a means of escape. He hailed Josiah and his men who’d remained on board. “Katherine is missing. Have you seen any sign of her or the warrior Finlay MacLean.”