Highlander's Kiss (Clan Matheson #1)

“All stitched, although I’m no’ supposed to get the stitches wet.” She motioned toward him and his brother. “Meet Tavish, my doctor, or he was my doctor afore he gave me notice he would no longer tend to me. Next to him is Tor, his brother.”


“’Tis lovely to meet you both.” Arabel smiled wide. “Welcome to the House of Clan Matheson.”

“Thank you.” Tavish wound one arm around Julia’s shoulders and in her ear, murmured, “By the way, I will be tending to you, although not as your doctor but as your mate, which you can be assured will be with the greatest attention to detail.”

“Your mate?” Arabel’s eyes widened and her mouth popped open. She darted a look between him and Julia. “Tavish said you’re his mate. Do you care to explain?”

“Tavish believes I’m his chosen one, although his aura does no’ tug toward mine, nor mine toward his. I should have seen it do so by now.” She tipped her head toward him, a curious look on her face. “Although you’re not the only one to believe we’re mated. Cherub too said she’d sensed your soul’s call toward mine. I also cannae deny that I find it very difficult to be parted from you.”

“It’s extremely difficult for me to be parted from you too.” He tucked her closer under his shoulder, even though all he truly wanted to do was kiss her, then lay claim to her in every possible way. The mated bond had formed between them and of that he had no doubt.

“Well, this is an interesting turn of events.” Arabel grasped Julia’s hands and squeezed. “Speaking from experience, as one half of a mated pair, these shifter men know when they’ve found their chosen one, no matter what your auras say. Now”—Arabel took one step back and rubbed her hands together—“allow me to dry all three of you.”

“That I would love.” Julia clasped her skirts and stepped away from him. “Arabel is a fire-wielder and holds one of the deadliest of the fae battle skills. You’ll both need to hold perfectly still while she moves around us and dries us all.”

“You make me sound far more dangerous than what I am.” Arabel smiled as she smoothed her palms over Julia’s shoulders and along her front then circling her, swished across her waist and down her skirted legs until her gown flapped dry in the breeze. Arabel circled him and Tor next, sending a delicious wave of heat over them both.

“That’s incredible.” He plucked at his now dry shirt. “Even my feet are all cozy and warm within my boots. That’s a spectacular skill.”

“Well, it does come in handy from time to time.” Arabel linked arms with Julia and motioned for him and Tor to follow her as she walked up the grassy trail winding upward toward the castle. To Julia, she said, “Finlay will be thrilled to see his kin, as well as rather surprised. Did Cherub and Kirk drop you all off then leave for Stirling?”

“Aye, they’ve gone to update Gilleoin and Nessa, then they’ll return as soon as they can.”

They all passed through the arched gates with its raised portcullis and armed guardsmen in their Matheson belted plaids. The bailey’s stone walls rose tall around them while up ahead, the front doors held the carved image of their clan crest emblazoned on the front, just as the front doors of Ivanson Castle did. Tavish stepped inside and entered the great hall with its sweeping ceiling rising to a high crown. Iron chandeliers hung from the wooden beamed rafters, while large tapestries of hunting and landscape scenes graced the walls.

“This way to the chief’s solar.” Arabel led the way around the edge of the great hall.

He passed two maids clearing trenches and tankards from the trestle tables while a lad swept the area around the wide arched stone fireplace. Logs crackled in the hearth and sent the fire’s heat wafting toward him.

“Finlay, I’ve brought you some guests.” Arabel stepped inside a side room and held the door open for them as they entered.

“Well, well, it’s Tavish and Tor.” Before a chunky wooden desk, Finlay grinned as he eased out of his chair and stood in tan pants and a brown leather vest studded with steel, his sword sheathed at his side glinting from the light beaming in through the narrow window behind him. “What a surprise to see you two here.”

“Cherub brought us, which was a bit of a bumpy trip, but we got here all the same.” Tavish caught Julia’s hand and lifted it to his lips. “I’ve found my chosen one.”

Finlay’s grin widened. “That’s the best news. You have my congratulations.” He set the quill he held in hand down, strode around the desk and clasped his and Tor’s shoulders. “I take it then you’ve both heard about the MacKenzie’s missive?”