Highlander's Kiss (Clan Matheson #1)

“Nay, that is all.” Cherub tapped her hands against her sides. “Kirk and I also spoke to Gilleoin and he’s urged us to begin the search.”


“Finlay has already devised a plan. We are to head out with the warriors leaving tomorrow for the encampment, all except for Finlay and Arabel since they’re needed here. We’ll make the camp our base and from there head out in teams, the first being led by you as you take us through the skies, another team heading across MacKenzie’s land via horseback and another via the loch.”

“That is a sound plan, and one I’m in full agreement with. Let me tell Kirk what’s happening.” Cherub went quite as she spoke to her mate across their mated link. “Kirk too is in agreement. He’s outside tending to an issue but will join Finlay and Tor in the chief’s solar as soon as he’s done.” Cherub eyed Tavish. “He would like to talk to you further as well.”

“Then I’ll go downstairs.” Tavish scooped his weapons from the side table and stopped at the door, cast her one last smile. “Wait here with Cherub. I won’t be gone long.”

“Take as long as you need. I would like to hear more of Cherub’s trip.”

He blew her a kiss as he walked out the door and disappeared down the hallway. His leaving hurt, squeezed at her heart and she grasped her skirts and stepped into the hallway.

“Wait.” Cherub nabbed her hand, pulled her back into her chamber. “Give Tavish some time to do what he needs to. Our mated men cannae stand to see us worry or be in pain, and you are clearly consumed by both.”

“I miss him.” Her very soul ached at his leaving.

“I understand the feeling well.” Cherub closed the door and leaned against it. “There is something else Nessa spoke to me about which I’ve yet to mention. You and I are about to embark on a little trip.”

“To where?”

“To the MacKenzie’s lair. Nessa insisted I take you, for you to have the chance to listen and see if you can hear the gentle hum of your parents’ auras. Even though Kirk and I have searched his keep from top to bottom, Nessa said you too will need to see and hear with your own eyes and ears as well. Only the truth will set you free.”

Cherub tugged her toward the window and opened it wide. “I’ll cloak us both then take us to the skies. We’re traveling across the loch, although without the use of a portal since we’ve no need to travel a great distance. Are you ready?”

“Aye, as I’ll ever be.” To visit the MacKenzie’s keep for herself was what she desired. Her grandmother knew her well. She needed to know for certain if her parents were there, but even more than that, she truly wished to allow the truth to set her free, to ensure her head and heart no longer raged with confliction.

“Then let’s be away.” Cherub cloaked them both, whisked them through the open window then out and over the treetops. Cherub soared high and Julia’s heartbeat raced. Never had she traveled like this with her people’s princess before—cloaked and through the air. They soared, like birds in the sky. Far below, the castle became a mere dot of gray amongst the sparkling blues of the loch and the rich greens of the forest.

“This is incredible.” Excitement shimmered through her, worry too, as well as an abundance of hope. Her parents might truly be alive, and that was the one thought she’d now hold onto. For today and throughout each day of the coming fortnight as they searched.

Swiftly, Cherub took them even higher, through a layer of puffy white cloud, the air swirling mistily all about. Cherub sped across the loch and along the land toward the east then as they closed in on their destination, she slowly descended. She skimmed a cloying gray fog sitting low over the water then arched up and over the fortified walls of the MacKenzie’s lair and settled on top of the foggy battlements.

Below their high perch, men trained in battle leathers, dust rising at their feet and mingling with the hazy air. Their claymores crashed, steel ringing loud against steel.

“Do you hear aught?” Cherub murmured, her hand wrapped tightly around hers as the two of them remained unseen, even to each other.

“I’ll need a moment to focus. There’s so much noise.” Eyes closed, she deadened the clanging of swords and the screeching of a seagull somewhere out on the water as it sought its catch. Those sounds fell away and with her mind narrowed in on her parents, she held her breath and waited for the gentle hum.



Palming the hilt of his belted sword, Tavish sat in the chief’s solar with Tor and Finlay as they awaited Kirk’s arrival for their meeting. His heart grew heavier. Leaving Julia behind had been the hardest thing he’d ever done, each step he’d taken from her making his breath come harder. She was his chosen one and of that he had no doubt.