Highlander's Heart (Clan Matheson #2)

“Then I promise to give you as many children as you wish for, or cubs since our offspring will be as I am and hold the heart of a shifter.” He held out the finished wooden bear for her, one he’d carved meticulously for her alone. “This is for you, to remind you of me. Will you accept my gift?”


“’Tis a beautiful carving.” She leaned forward, her drying hair sweeping over his forearm as she plucked the bear from his palm then lifted it with her skill and twirled it in the air before her. She studied it, each and every intricate little detail. “This bear looks exactly like you.” She settled the bear in her palm and popped a kiss on its tiny head. “I shall treasure this gift. Thank you.”

How he wished she’d pop a kiss on his head instead of his carving’s. He clamped his lips shut for fear he’d utter his desire out loud.

“Is something wrong?” She looked at his tight lips, traced a finger over the lower one and he nipped her finger, sucked it into his mouth. Giggling, she plucked it free. “You have a very territorial bear.”

“He’s also hungry for you, and I’m struggling to keep myself from touching you.”

“Well, the rabbit is almost done. That is the only meal your bear is allowed to eat, no’ me.”

The meaty aroma of their meal swirled all about and he removed the meat from the spit, set it to one side to cool down. “Tell me what your favorite food is.” He longed to know everything about her, every little detail, no matter how big or small.

“Anything sweet. I adore honeyed plums and figs, lemon apple pie, and cherry tart. The cook makes these wonderful fruit pastries along with custard and cream.” She nabbed her gown from beside her, tucked the figurine he’d made her into the pocket of the red velvet and set her gown back next to his belongings.

“We have what is called chocolate in my time, the most sensational sweet I’ve ever tasted.”

“Oooh, chocolate. Even the name of it sounds decadent.” She licked her pouty pink lips and he almost whimpered with his need to lick her lips too. “How do you make chocolate?”

“Ah…” He shoved his heady desire to lick her aside, tried to focus on her question. “I’ve no idea. I just know where to buy it.”

“You buy your sweets?” Brows soaring, she wriggled closer, her knees touching his leg where he’d crossed them at the ankle.

“Aye, from a supermarket or a store.” He’d love to drive her into the local village near Ivanson Castle and take her shopping in the sweet section of the mall. There was even a dedicated shop in the village that sold various types of chocolates from all over the world. She’d never want to leave that store.

“Goodness, all this talk of food and sweets is making me very hungry.” She rubbed her rumbling belly.

“Then let me feed my hungry mate.” He checked the meat, found it had cooled well enough. After tearing the meat into small slivers, he held up a piece for her. “Come closer.”

Wriggled closer and leaning in, she pressed her hand to his chest, right over his heart. “Is this close enough?”

“That’s much better?” His heart skipped a beat then picked up its pace. Gently, he slipped the morsel between her lips, his bear clawing to get even closer to her, to tip her onto her back on the sand and trap her underneath him.

“This meat is delicious.” She chewed, her hand still a hot brand against his skin as he fed her another morsel then took a bite for himself. Small steps. Those would be what he’d have to take in order to win the woman who held the other half of his soul to his side. Slowly but surely, he would woo her until she could no longer withhold herself from him. He certainly wouldn’t be able to hold himself back from her for much longer. He continued to feed her, until she held up a hand and pleaded, “No more for me.”

“Are you certain?”

“Very.” She laid down on the sand, stretched with a smile of pure satisfaction, her gaze on the stars twinkling through the vent high above. “You finish the rest of the meal off.”

He finished it, licked his fingers and stretched out beside her, the sand a soft mattress underneath him as he trailed one finger down her arm. “Would you like another swim?”

“I would, but mayhap in the morn.” She yawned and curled onto her side as she faced him. “I’m tired. I rose early this morn since I had trouble sleeping last eve.”

“I had trouble sleeping last night as well.” Unease at being so far away from her had taken ahold of him and wouldn’t let go. Even now, with her so close, she still remained too far from his touch. He longed to wrap his arms around her, tuck her in close against him and allow his scent and warmth to surround her.

Instead, he waited as she drifted toward sleep and counseled his bear that a slow yet sure pursuit would be needed with their chosen one. Aye, she’d asked for some time and he needed to give it to her, although he had no intention of allowing her to keep her distance for too long. He’d never survive it if he did.