Highlander's Magic (Highlander Heat #2)

“Well, look at that.” She snuggled against him and he growled under his breath. “I’d love to distract that part of you.”


“As I would you, but no’ here, even though ’tis dark.” He slid her onto the seat beside him.

This warrior had no idea how independent twenty-first century women could be. Maybe there was a little bit of mischievous fae in her after all.

She was about to have some spirited fun.





Chapter 7


Archie wanted naught more than to carry Marie straight to his chamber, toss her onto his bed, see to her every pleasure then keep her locked safe behind Dunyvaig’s walls. Damn his wish. He’d had no intention of bringing her this deeply into his battle.

“What’s wrong? You look worried again, not that you’ve really stopped.”

“The men require a short rest. At dawn, we’ll sail to Loch Gruinart. John awaits me there.” He stood as they rounded the tip into Lagavulin Bay. The faerie circle’s stones, dimly lit by the torchlight near the entrance, called a silent welcome. “Lower the sail, all to oars.”

“You know I have to come with you, right?” She rose and gripped his hand. “That’s how my magic works.”

“So you say, lass, but I dinnae wish to endanger you again.” He called to Eric and Will, “Take us in.”

His men bounded over the side of the birlinn, seized the bow and guided it toward the stone landing where the water lapped its sides.

A call rang out from his guardsmen atop the battlements. An answering shout of victory boomed from his men aboard.

“Archie?” Marie’s gaze pleaded with him. “I meant what I said about that’s how my magic works. I can’t aid you unless I’m with you.”

“I need to see to Mary first. She can be even more obstinate than you. Must be in your dual clan blood.” He sprang onto the stone steps then turned and aided Mary onto the landing. Holding her arm so she didn’t slip, he led her along the grassy area of the lower courtyard and up the embankment to the entrance.

Mary glanced at him. “I know what you’re going to say, but—”

“You’re no’ permitted to leave Dunyvaig until I’ve seen to MacLean, no’ one step outside this keep.”

“Please, Archie.” Her riot of red-gold curls swayed around her waist as she shook her head. “I need to be able to return to the village.”

“Angus will slit my throat if he hears I’ve placed your life in any further danger. Do you wish for me to have an early death?”

“Nay.” Her shoulders sagged. “Must I truly remain here? Lachlan forges onward toward the Rhinns. I’m safe enough.”

“MacLean took you once, and he may well try again. Here you will stay.” He kissed her forehead then handed her into the care of her maid who bustled forward.

“Archie.”

He swung around.

Marie hurried along the trail then halted beside the faerie circle. The look of longing on her face had him racing toward her. He pulled her away, steered her through the gates and beyond the temptation of the stones. “You must never enter the circle. ’Tis a sacred place. Do you understand?”

“Yes, I’ll wait until your wish is done, but I’m coming to Loch Gruinart.” She stopped in the center of the bailey. “You can’t command me not to. We both know it’s the right thing to do.”

“You’re under my care.”

She took one step closer until the tips of her scuffed white boots touched his. “The last time we were separated, it didn’t go well. I need to be where you are. I can’t aid you with my magic otherwise.”

“Captain.” Will strode toward him. “The men have asked when you wish to set sail?”

“On the dawn’s high tide. Ensure sufficient supplies are stocked for the coming days.”

“Aye, Captain.”

With a hand at Marie’s back, he guided her inside and through the great hall. He called to one of the maids to bring a hot bath and a tray to his chamber. He led her up the winding stairs and into his room.

“We have to talk about this.” Marie twirled around as he shut the door. “I’m not taking no for an answer.”

Of course she wouldn’t. Damn. Her resilience had its place, but not right now.



Highlander men were far too obstinate for their own good. Well, this one had met his match, because so was Marie, and she wouldn’t back down until he agreed. “I’m coming.”

“I realize you wish to, but there must be another way.” He bent before the hearth, lit the fire and stoked it into life.

At a knock on the door, he crossed then bid the two lads to enter. Barefoot and with sooty imprints on the knees of their loose-legged breeches, they heaved a tub before the fireplace then scurried out. A servant entered carrying a tray with two steaming bowls and a trencher of meat. She set it on the side table beside a basin and jug.

Another maid arrived next, set a drying cloth and bar of soap on the corner chair nearest the tub then laid an armful of clothing over the engraved lid of Archie’s wooden trunk. A splash of deep red peeked through from underneath a fur cloak.