Highlander's Guardian (Highlander Heat #4)

She cocked an ear as a pretty bird’s trill reached her on the breeze, its precious chirps making her catch her breath. She’d know that call anywhere, had heard it countless times on Mull.

From behind a tree, Colin slithered out and along the grassy trail, his expression holding fierce determination. He eased in beside her, pressed one finger to her lips then rasped, “In the future, when I say to remain in your chamber, you will do so.”

“Are you really here?” She clutched his face. Aye, he was real. “How did you find me?”

“We discovered you were missing mere minutes after you left.”

“We? Is Rory here?”

“He and his men are moving into position to take care of the other MacDonald warriors. Why’d you leave with him?”

“He knew you’d been at the tower, was aware of your attempt to free your chief. He said he’d tell the king of your involvement if I didnae go willingly.”

“I’m sorry, Annie. I never intended for you to get caught in the middle of this war. Never again.” He tipped his head toward the path he’d snuck along. “Arthur awaits farther back. I need you to stay as low as possible and crawl straight to him.”

“You’re going to battle Hugh alone?” She clung to him. “Please, even though he abducted me, I dinnae wish for the feud between the clans to escalate because of me.”

“Are ye finished yet, my lady?” Hugh grated. He was close, too close.

“Go.” Colin turned her by the shoulders, tipped her onto her belly and slid his sword free. “Now.”

“He has a daughter and the child has no mother. If you kill him, she’ll be without parents.”

“The lass is of no concern to you, Annie.” He pressed a soft kiss on her lips and nudged her to go.

“I grew up without my parents and I dinnae wish for his daughter too as well. Please, be careful.” She had no choice but to leave. “And I mean no’ one scratch, or I’ll be very angry. You dinnae want to see me angry, Colin MacLean.”

“Aye, scamp. I’ll take care.”

She scuttled through the underbrush, hating that she had to leave him.

“Come here, lass.” Arthur stepped out from behind a trunk and scooped her into his arms.

“Put me down. I can find my own way to safety. Stay with Colin.”

“Nay, I have to get you away from here afore I can rejoin the captain. Hold tight.” He lifted her higher against his chest and she seized his shoulders as he ran through the trees. Everything blurred and her head spun.

Colin’s fierce battle cry rang out, and the chilling sound reverberated throughout the forest as her MacLeod kin joined in with his roar. So many men fighting, and all because of her.

As steel rang loud against steel, the grating clang had her shoving against Arthur’s chest. “Put me down here. This is far enough. You have to go back, now.”

“Aye, this should do.” He glanced up into the dense foliage of a tree then boosted her into the safety of the wide bow, her position hidden.

“Go, please. I cannae lose Colin as I lost my parents. I’d never survive it.”

“I’m going. Stay here.” He dashed away.





Chapter 7


Colin thrust his sword high and blocked Hugh MacDonald’s swift blow. The urge to kill the warrior for stealing Annie from him throbbed with deadly menace deep inside him. The MacDonalds were a thorn in his side, a constant threat against him and his kin.

“Where is she, MacLean?” Hugh’s gaze glinted with animosity.

“Safely away, so I might end your life and then join her.” He slammed his blade into Hugh’s side.

Grunting, Hugh fell back a step. He grasped his side and eyed the long slice in his steel-studded war coat, a cut that hadn’t quite drawn blood. “She’s agreed to be my wife.”

“Like hell she has.”

“She’s your cousin and ward.”

“Third cousin, and as my ward, I’ve well and truly ensured her future.”

“Fergus,” Hugh shouted.

“Here.” Fergus jumped the low brush and came in beside Hugh. “Rory MacLeod is here with as many warriors as us. The men fight.”

“MacLean must die. He stands in my way.” Hugh twirled his blade and softened his footing. Fergus did the same, the two of them coming around either side of Colin.

“You’re a blood-thirsty lot.” Colin rocked on his heels as battle lust roared through him. “I’ll enjoy ridding Scotland of the two of you.”

“Strong words, MacLean. But futile,” Hugh snorted.

Both MacDonalds advanced.

Hugh struck first and Colin spun and blocked the fierce blow. As Fergus attacked, Colin dropped low, kicked the warrior’s shin and sent Fergus sprawling into a thorny bush.

Fergus shoved to his feet. “A dirty move, MacLean.”

“And what do you call two warriors battling against one?” Colin fought, his claymore clashing against Hugh’s blade and then Fergus’s. Their blows were well-timed as they worked together against him.

“I’m here,” Arthur yelled as he bounded into the fight.

“Is Annie safe?”

“Aye, Captain.” Arthur shoved his back against Colin’s then fought Fergus as he swung his sword. “I tossed her into a tree.”