Highlander's Magic (Highlander Heat #2)

“I need to speak to you about MacLean. I thought I’d have more time.” She tossed the cloak, unlaced her gown and slid it down her body and off. The wind held such a bite, and as quick as she could, she yanked on the breeches and belted them. The tunic was too large, but she pulled it on then rolled the cuffs. “I’ve told you my magic comes in the form of knowledge. I don’t want you to kill MacLean, just capture him. No killing. You got that, right?”


“You’ve a strange way of speaking, as if you’re ordering me about. Nay, the only way to win this war is by MacLean’s death.” With his lips pinched together in a tight line, he nabbed her cloak, slung it over her shoulders then secured it. “Your life isnae tied to his. You’re living here. Now. In this time. You cannae tell me otherwise.”

“Archie.” The man wouldn’t listen. “I’ve not lied to you. I’m from the future. You have to consider my request.”

“And I’ve told you ’tis impossible.” He lifted her arm and slid the sheath he’d chosen around her wrist. After slotting the dagger in place, he muttered, “Keep this on. You must remain armed at all times.”

“It won’t matter how well armed I am. The only danger I’m in right now is from you.” She caught his face between her hands and kissed him, one breathtakingly deep kiss he better not forget as he walked into battle. “Think about what I’ve said, and come back to me. No more scratches, and no killing.”

His gaze darkened. “His death is imminent.”

“Then so is mine.” She snatched her gown from the ground and strode back over the dunes to the others. She certainly had her work cut out for her. It was no wonder the fae had sent her since any other woman probably would have gone insane by now.

“Eric,” Archie snapped, hot on her heels. “You’re to stay with Marie. Guard her well.”

“Aye, Captain.” The red-bearded warrior nodded then walked toward her.

She stood still as Eric stopped at her side. Archie was leaving, without even another backward glance. He marched to the front of his guard and signaled for them to head out.

They marched in a solid line until they became a mere dot in the distance. Gone. She jiggled from foot to foot, beyond anxious. They should have remained together. Well, she’d remedy that and insert her own orders.

“Come on.” Eric gripped her elbow. “There’s nay need to worry. We have a stronger, larger force than MacLean, and we know our own land better than he ever could.”

“MacLean is sneaky.”

“The captain’s aware. Send him your faerie magic. ’Twill never go amiss.”

If only she could wield true magic instead of her wits to sort this mess and get back to her sister. Mum had died before her time, but she and Katherine wouldn’t. She was an independent woman, and she didn’t need to rely on a man like Archie thought she did. She wouldn’t let him kill MacLean.

Sure, she detested MacLean as well, and she certainly didn’t care for her ancestor or his tyrannical ways, but she needed him to atone for his behavior as he should before the king, and for that, his capture was necessary. There was no other way.

Two men remained onboard John’s birlinn. “Are we boarding Archie’s birlinn or staying here on the beach?”

“Whichever you wish.”

“The beach please.” She had to come up with a plan to sway Archie. He’d be mad if she followed him, but too bad. He’d left her no choice.

“Ah, Eric, I could really use a moment of privacy.” She shoved her knees together and squished up her face, mimicking Katherine needing to use the convenience at her best. “I fear it’s urgent.”

His face reddened. “The captain said to guard you well. You cannae leave my sight.”

“I don’t believe he meant that well. I’ll be on the other side of the dunes, not far away at all. Please. I’ve really got to go.”

“A few minutes. Nay more.” He shook his head as if detesting his agreement.

“Thanks.” A few minutes would have to be enough. She tossed him her rolled dress and scurried away.

If she played this right, she could keep hidden behind the barrier of sand dunes for some distance. It would give her a good head start for sure, and right now, every minute counted.

Once out of his sight, she ran, the chilly wind streaming through her hair and flapping her cloak behind her like a cape.

MacLean wanted it all when he already had so much. Half of Jura, the Isles of Mull and Coll. Now he wanted Islay, or at least the west. Archie would never let him have an inch of this land. He would fight to keep it in Angus MacDonald’s hands.

Only the king could settle this whole war. MacLean had received a summons and should have traveled to Edinburgh. These Highlanders were too damn stubborn for their own good.

She veered to the left and used the edge of the rushes to aid her in picking up speed. This was such a wild land, yet so—

A man rose out of the thick grasses and nabbed her around the waist. She lost her balance and careened head over foot, the man forced to fly with her. They landed, his gritty hand clamped over her mouth.