Highlander's Guardian (Highlander Heat #4)

Tears misted her gaze. “You’ve never told me that afore.”


“There are many things I’ve yet to tell you. You were the girl who captivated me as a lad, and now the woman who’s owns my heart. I will always be wherever you are.”

“And I will always be wherever you are.” She kissed him and allowed his words to sink deep inside her heart.

They’d been together from the very beginning, and they’d be together until the very end.

He was the one man she could never live without.





Chapter 9


Later that night, the last thing Colin wanted to do was leave the warmth of Annie’s arms and ride out to the faerie stones, but no more could he delay. Ian and Murdock would be waiting for word of their chief and what had transpired since the masquerade. If he didn’t go soon, they might well try to come to him.

He shoved his feet over the side of the bed, opened his traveling satchel and pulled out clean leather trews. With his fur vest donned over his tunic to ward off the night’s chill, he slid his sword belt on and sheathed his wrist daggers.

Taking care not to wake Annie, he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead and whispered, “I’ll be back soon.”

At the door, he took one last look and with her sensual image entrenched in his mind, he slipped out of the room and strode to Arthur’s chamber.

He knocked and his man opened the door already dressed for a ride in his tan leather jerkin and boots. “Ian and Murdock will be waiting.”

“Aye, I expected you. I hope the garrison guards will no’ wonder why we’re riding out so late, and mere hours after we’ve returned.” He closed the door and they headed to the stables.

“Then we’ll ride first toward the city. It isnae unusual for a warrior to enjoy a night at the establishments open at such a late hour. Look eager.” He couldn’t have suspicions being raised now he’d ensured his innocence.

Arthur mounted and then leaning closer, said, “You’ll have to hope Annie does no’ hear about your sudden penchant for the night life.”

“She has more trust in me than that.” With an exuberant hoot, he galloped through the gates with Arthur at his side. He also intended to be back well afore she awoke, and he would gladly convince her then of how very much he longed only for her.

Once they’d cleared the guardsmen’s sight, they changed course and veered into the forest. The trail they followed that lead up into the hills was the same route that led toward The King’s Tavern where he’d collected Annie from, although the faerie stones were slightly off to the south east. Damn. James. He’d left without thinking to check if MacDonald had returned to the palace in the hours since he and Annie had.

“You look worried,” Arthur called as he pounded next to him.

“Have you heard if James MacDonald has recovered from his chest illness?”

“I didnae see him during the evening meal in the great hall, but aye, word is he’s returned.”

“Then ’tis best we find Ian and Murdock then leave as soon as we can.” Urging his destrier to a faster pace, he bolted out of the darkened forest and along a grassy ridge bathed in the moon’s glow. He rode hard until the mystical stone circle appeared.

The massive slabs of stone shone a ghostly white in the dark of night, a clear warning to all to keep a respectful distance, and there, tucked in a hollow near the trees just beyond, a fire flickered.

Ian and Murdock rose to their feet and signaled them all was well.

Colin slowed his horse, pulled up and dismounted. He slung his reins over a low branch and grasped his clansmen’s forearms. “’Tis good to see you both made it safely away from the palace.”

“We ensured our MacLean plaids were seen, except no alarm was raised and none of the guards followed us.” Ian motioned for him to sit. “Warm yourself afore the fire. We’re eager to hear news of Lachlan.”

Colin eased down onto a squat stone and stretched his legs toward the fire’s heat. “The chief’s been removed from the tower and now resides in a heavily guarded chamber in the palace, although negotiations have gone on hold while the king deals with a skirmish at the borders.

“What of your return to the great hall? It must have gone well for you to be here.” Ian perched on a log next to Murdock while Arthur picked up the wooden pail propped against the tree and set it before their horses. Their mounts lapped the water.

“It went well, but soon after we returned, we discovered Annie had gone missing and that Hugh MacDonald had abducted her. The man was waiting for the prime opportunity to take her, and the moment it presented itself, he did.”

“You caught him up?” Ian picked up a stick and prodded the burning embers.

“Aye, and the MacDonalds have been dealt with. Hugh was tossed into the cells and now awaits the king’s punishment. Annie is safe, and in the morn, the four of us will be escorting her back to Duart. I need her where she can no longer find trouble.”