Highlander's Kiss (Clan Matheson #1)

Once he reached the edge of the forest, he found a good spot to set the snare then foraged close by for twigs and wood for a fire.

A few minutes later, a soft snap dinged from the direction of his snare and he tramped back to it, removed the rabbit and with his arms full of all he needed, returned to the river and skinned and cleaned his catch.

Down to the beach, he trekked then stole back inside the cavern. Julia still slept peacefully, the sight of her snuggled on his tartan bringing a smile to his lips and warmth to his heart. He dropped a soft kiss on the top of her head, snuck back to the rear of the cave then dug a small pit in the grainy sand. He pulled stringy bark off the wood he’d collected, struck flint with his dirk and coaxed the sparks to life. He built the fire into a crackling blaze with the twigs and wood, the smoke curling upward and floating out the vent above.

The heat of the fire and the steamy recesses of the cavern had the heat rising and dampening his skin. Sweaty, he tossed his shirt aside then set to work fashioning a spit from the thin sturdy sticks that remained. With the skinned rabbit in hand, he threaded the meat into place and set their meal to cook.

The tantalizing scent of roasted meat swirled through the air and near the bath-like basin of water, Julia stretched and opened her eyes.

“You’re back.” She moved onto her hands and knees and crawled toward him, her full and heavy breasts swaying as she joined him and wriggled onto his lap. “That smells divine.”

“What smells divine?” He bent his head and licked one nipple, his naked wife in his arms swiftly stealing his senses.

“The rabbit.”

“What rabbit?” He licked her other nipple, the sweet taste of her consuming him.

“I was speaking of the rabbit you’re cooking.” She looped her arms around his neck and with her body curved into his, offered herself fully up to him. “I’m hungry.”

So was he. He seized her lips with his and kissed her until she murmured something about a burning rabbit.

Damn it. The rabbit.

He removed it from the fire and set it to one side to cool. They would definitely need a honeymoon, a month long one at the very least, one he wouldn’t mind spending the entirety of within this very cavern. After their mission to find her parents, he was bringing her right back here.



Julia giggled as she sat in Tavish’s lap while he frowned at the crispy rabbit. “It matters not that our meal is a little burnt. The meat will still provide good sustenance.”

“I prefer my meat rare rather than well done.”

“So does Gilleoin. Do all shifters enjoy their meat rare?” She stroked over his broad shoulders and wide chest, his golden skin gleaming within the heat of the cavern. Oh, and those defined bands across his stomach, they bunched and rippled and completely fascinated her. He was all hard muscles and strong angles compared to her soft curves. She traced one finger down the rigid center of his abs to his waistband and a delicious thrill raced through her. Mother had always said that when one was newly wedded, time was needed between husband and wife to bond. Some couples even spent a month or more away on their own, somewhere close, but also somewhere special. She wished such a time with Tavish, to learn all there was about him, from his intriguing mind to his tantalizing lips and everything in between.

“Aye, all shifters in my clan do. It’s a bear thing. The rarer the meat the better.”

“What is your favorite meal?”

“It used to be a good steak and roasted vegetables, but now it’s the taste of you.” He turned her in his lap so she faced the fire, her back to his chest. “How’s your head feel this morning?”

“There isnae any pain. I would have told you if that was so.”

“I’ll check all the same.” Gently, he separated her locks and she shrugged her shoulders and indulged him as he wished.

“Is all well?”

“The wound is healing beautifully. I brought you something.” He reached over, lifted his shirt off the sand and picked up a bright fuchsia-pink flower that had been lying underneath it. “This is for you. I found orchids growing in the marshland.”

“Oh my.” She clasped a hand to her chest and touched the orchid. Tears misted her gaze as she reverently stroked its velvety petals.

“Why are you crying? Did I do something wrong?” He gently wiped a trickling tear away.

“Nay.” He would have no idea what such a gift meant to her, but just seeing the orchid sent a flood of warm memories through her. She opened her mind fully to his and shared all she could. “Each time Father walked through the swampland nearby on his way to this cove, he would pick Mother a flower and gift it to her. Mother always tucked it behind her ear or slotted it into her braid. This is a most beautiful and precious gift.”