Highlander's Kiss (Clan Matheson #1)

She bounded onto the beach and twirled around. The morning sun shone and the rays lit her golden locks and beautiful blue eyes. Such happiness invaded his soul at seeing her so happy and her clear love of this most enchanting place.

“Into the skiff with you.” He caught her around the waist and swung her on board while overhead two seagulls squawked and dove into the breakers. Both heaved back up, one with a fish flapping between its beak and the other cackling as it made chase. The wind whispered across his skin, bringing with it the salty scent of the sea and the promise of all he and his clan fought for, this land and their people within it.

“This is such a beautiful place, Tavish, and I love being here with you.” She sat at the stern.

“We’ll return, however often we can.” He uncoiled the rope, stored it under the skiff’s bench seat and pushed the boat into the water before hopping aboard. Hell, he’d much rather drag his woman right back into their steamy cavern and send her flying again to the heavens but instead he gripped the oars and rowed until he cleared the bay then raised the sail.

Julia smiled at him, her burgundy velvet skirts fluffed around her and her lips lifted in the most delicious way. “Homeward bound, my fierce protector. We have a great mission ahead of us, the most important I’ve ever undertaken.”

“Aye, homeward bound we go.” He’d been gifted with the most precious woman and he’d make damn certain every hope and dream she harbored was fulfilled. Finding her parents was at the top of that list. To give her what her heart most desired would drive him throughout the coming days. The MacKenzie better well have told them the truth, that he’d never slain Aleck and Adair. He sent a prayer soaring skyward that they lived.





Chapter 8


Through the gates of the House of Clan Matheson, Julia led Tavish after they’d moored their skiff at the sea-gate. Blue skies shimmered overhead and the sun shone and spread its warmth across the land. Her body still ached from her night spent in Tavish’s arms, although she adored the change and snuggled her mind deeper into his. Joining as one with him had been so wonderful, then creating the merged link of the mind, such a gift. ’Twas a connection she never wished to give up, couldn’t believe was all hers to share with him.

In front of the keep, two lads loaded a cart with supplies for the warriors at the encampment, while across the inner bailey near the far curtain wall, a good fifty shirtless warriors wielded swords in a battle of strength against one another. Finlay, Kirk and Tor were amongst them, the three men training together as a team. They fought with immense skill, the clash of their claymores reverberating through the air, their moves graceful yet holding great strength. “We’ve arrived in good time. The men still train and the cart isnae yet fully loaded.”

“Then I’ll join Tor for a bit, warm up my muscles before we leave.” Tavish palmed the hilt of his mighty sword. “Stay for as long as you can. I don’t care to have you out of my sight just yet.”

“I will.” On her toes, she kissed his chin. “Be careful, because if you suffer even one scratch, I willnae be happy. Certainly whoever harms you will be wishing he never had.”

“I’ll be sure to inform one and all.” He clasped her hips and rubbed his body against hers, his warm and fresh scent wrapping around her. “Right now I’m still feeling a whole lot territorial.”

“I like territorial.” She palmed the mark on her neck then touched the mark she’d given him on his. Gently, she rubbed her thumb back and forth over it and smiled. “Go and train, so that then we might leave.”

“Aye, my wife.” Grinning, he stepped back, slid his sword from its sheath and strode toward his brother and cousins. Swinging his blade in a wide figure eight, he warmed up at the edge of the training men, his moves quick and precise. His shoulders were packed with muscle, his arms so thick and strong and giving evidence of the hours he spent training each day. Everything about him intrigued her, from his gentle healing touch to his fierce fighting stance.

She crossed to the center well draped in ivy where she could watch him with more ease and rested her bottom against the rimmed edge near the swaying pail.

Tor backed away from Finlay and Kirk’s battle and advanced toward Tavish, his weapon held high. “Glad to see you’re back. If you hadn’t returned soon, I would have come in search of you.”

“I needed some time away with Julia.” Tavish thrust his enormous sword against Tor’s as if it were an extension of him and not a massive blade that took such great strength to wield. “We’ve completed the bond and created the merged link of the mind.”

“Congratulations.” Tor beamed as he swung and their two blades crashed hard. “You hear that, Finlay, Kirk? Our clan now has another newly mated pair.”