Highlander's Heart (Clan Matheson #2)

“Layla is the one both me and my bear were directly led to, although of course we’ve hit a snag considering her betrothal.”


“Damn it.” Gregor groaned, slapped a hand against his forehead. “I waited three years after she came of age to make certain she wasnae soul bound to another as so many of our fae kind are. Donnan will be furious to hear this news. He glanced at his daughter, his gaze softening. “What is your intention?”

“I made a vow to Donnan, and I’ve no wish to forsake my duty to my clan, but so too I sense the strength of my bond forming with Tor and ’tis unmistakable.”

“Which means your duty to your clan is now twofold. We have a need to cement the ties between us and clan MacDonald, but there is also our clan’s need to ensure Gilleoin’s future shifter line does no’ fall into extinction. The ‘Son of the Bear’ cannae be allowed to falter.” Gregor gripped Layla’s shoulders. “Do you wish to accept the bond?”

“I dinnae know how to make things right with Donnan if I do.” She glanced at Tor over her shoulder. “I’ve asked my mate for some time so I might be able to, well, sort everything out in my mind.”

Tor handed her the basket. “Why don’t you go inside, take the cherries to the cook and take some time to think things through now. I’ll speak to your father while you do, and try not to fret.”

“You’ll come and find me afterward?” She tightened her grip on the basket, held it firm against her chest.

“Of course. You’re my mate, always mine and I’ll never be too far away from you.” He would fight for her, take on Donnan MacDonald and ensure the man knew that Layla was his. “I’ll see you soon.”

“Aye, soon.” She walked inside, disappeared through the double paneled front doors holding the carved image of their clan chief’s crest emblazoned on the front. The chief’s arms held two bears as supporters either side, those bears signifying all that they fought for—the survival of a loyal race of bear shifters—Gilleoin’s line, his clan’s line. Layla was his one true mate and they must continue to grow from strength to strength together. Never apart.

With every step Layla took away from him, his heart heaved and his very soul wrenched with pain. He rubbed his achy chest and grimaced. “It’s not easy having her leave.”

“I remember the pain well.” Solemn words and an equally solemn nod from Gregor. “These past three years have been difficult for Layla. As much as our fae people long to have a soul bound mate, my daughter has in her own way feared it, whether she wished for me to see that fear or no’, I did. She has no wish to suffer the pain of losing her chosen one as I lost her mother.”

“She will never lose me.” He clasped Gregor’s shoulder. “I’ll fight for her.”

“I dinnae doubt you will.”





Chapter 3


Layla entered the great hall, her thoughts in turmoil as she passed the blazing fireplace with their clan shield glimmering in its rightful place above it. Her duty was twofold, to ensuring Gilleoin’s future shifter line didn’t fall into extinction, and also to honoring her betrothal agreement with Donnan. She sank down on a bench at one of the trestle tables now cleared of the morning meal, set her basket of cherries on the seat beside her and rubbed her tight chest, her heart a heavy weight within it. Her soul bond with Tor resonated strongly within her, her need for him growing with each hour that passed. Spending the night with him in their sacred cavern had been so enchanting, so beautiful, and even though he was only a short distance away, her heart still called to his and her very soul resonated with need.

“Good morn, my lady.” Effie, one of the maids, walked across the hall tucking one errant lock of her hair underneath her frilly white cap. “Would you like me to bring a tray up to your chamber? I’m fetching one for Cherub and can do so for you too.”

“I would love one, thank you. I’ve yet to break my fast. I take it Cherub’s in her chamber?”

“She is. I’ll take these cherries to the cook for you as well, bring you both a tray once I’m done. I willnae be long.” Effie scooped up the basket and disappeared around the edge of the great hall toward the kitchens.

“Layla!” Cherub waved out as she skipped down the last step of the stairwell, her flawless skin sparkling, just like that of the stars she moved amongst when traveling through time. “I saw you arrive back while at my window.”

“I have news.” She hurried across to Cherub, grasped her hands. “Tor and I are mated.”

“I gathered as such. When the full moon rose, I finally sensed who it was Tor had been searching for. You.” Smiling wide, Cherub twirled her in a circle, the burgundy ribbons looped around the waist of her corseted cream gown rippling and her white hooded cloak fluttering from her shoulders. “’Tis good to see you’re no longer in hiding from him.”

“I didnae realize I was hiding from him. I also cannae believe we’re mated when I’m betrothed to another.”