Highlander's Kiss (Clan Matheson #1)

“I miss you, too. Kirk’s counseling me on the intensity of the bond, on how best to deal with the new and strengthened emotions rolling through me.”


“What are his recommendations?” More unease speared through her and she frowned. ’Twas as if Tavish were on the move, the distance between them growing farther by the second. “Where are you?”

“Kirk and I are running a perimeter check. I’m deep in the woods and about to shift with him. Knowing what scents to expect in this area is vitally important to our bears. That way I can better ensure your protection, and that of our warriors in camp.”

“I see.” She sat next to Cherub. “They’re running a perimeter check.”

“Kirk just informed me too. Shifters are driven by their bears. Their need to ensure our protection rides them hard.” Cherub shuffled around and faced her. With her legs crossed under her navy skirts, she rested her hands in her lap. “Let’s talk about the days ahead and the best way to move forward in finding your parents. We’ll search each and every one of the MacKenzie’s holdings by air.”

“What is the greatest number of people you can move through the skies?”

“I’ve transported as many as six afore, but I could push to seven, mayhap even eight. Truly, it comes down to however many can hold onto me. That is the number I can safely transport.”

“Does doing so sap your strength?”

“A little, but naught I cannae handle. A short rest in between trips allows me to recuperate sufficiently.” Frowning, she squeezed her fingers. “These coming days will be difficult, particularly since we’ll be crossing the enemy’s land, but we’ll return here to the camp each night and ensure we have a safe place to rest. Never forget you’ll have all of us by your side and there is naught we wouldnae do for you. I pray that Aleck and Adair live, that we’ll find them safe and well.”

“It feels as if the hundred yards I can offer in pinpointing them mightn’t be enough.”

“Yet we shall make the most of it and ensure that hundred yards works in our favor. ’Tis better to have you on hand than to be searching for them with complete blindness. Can you tell the difference between each of their auras?”

“Both are a gentle hum, although my mother’s is slightly higher in tune.”

“Julia?”

“I’m here.”

“Sorry, I just needed to hear your voice again.”

“Where are you now?”

“Trailing the forest’s edge. There are four guards positioned along this line of the border, not enough. Once we return, Kirk will dispatch another four men to double the number.”

“Be careful as you track.”

“I shall.”

“Mayhap we too need to stretch our legs as our men are doing.” Cherub rose to her feet and tugged her to hers as she did. “There is a glorious loch no’ far from here, one I’ve swam in a number of times. Let’s take a walk and enjoy the fresh air afore dinner is served.”

“I’d love that.” And she couldn’t be in more capable hands. No one came up against the Fae Angel of Love and won the battle.

Cherub opened the tent’s flap, peered outside then grinned over her shoulder at her. “All is clear.”

“Are we supposed to be sneaking out?” The sun lowered further, dancing along the edge of the horizon.

“I sneak everywhere. ’Tis habit, and I dinnae doubt that Kirk has asked a guard to watch over us.” Cherub cloaked them both as they stepped out of the tent. “Let’s enjoy this moment of freedom while we can.”

“You are a terrible influence on me.” She couldn’t help but smile. “A terribly good influence.” Her heart lightened as they left the tent behind. The wind rose and blew all around and the clanging of swords dulled as they moved deeper into the woods. Overhead, through the odd gap in the dense foliage, a last flare of brilliant red lit the skies as the dark descended. An owl hooted somewhere up ahead and she ducked underneath a low branch and gasped. Surrounded by towering trees, a beautiful loch, small and private and perfectly round, shimmered with the reflection of the rising moon over its smooth, glossy surface. Stars twinkled high above and added to the enchanting scene.

Along the water’s edge, they wandered, the odd boulder protruding from the embankment of soft moss. At the far side, a rocky ledge curved around the edge with tall pine and elm trees rising strongly behind it. “This loch is beautiful.”

“Even more so than I remember.” Cherub lifted her skirts, bounded up onto the ledge and held out a hand.