Highlander's Magic (Highlander Heat #2)

Fighting for a breath, she stared into the dark blue depths of Lachlan MacLean’s eyes. Oh great. How on earth had he gotten here without detection? The man was a snake.

“You appear surprised to see me, Marie.” His gaze drilled into her. “’Twas a shame MacDonald left so soon. At least I’m no’ leaving empty handed though, no’ now I have you.” She tried to pry his fingers loose, but he tut-tutted. “I want this land on the west, and I wouldnae mind a touch of your faerie magic. How willing are you to join with your true kin? Give me your answer, but dinnae draw attention to us, or it shall be at the consequence of your death.”

She nodded, and he lifted one finger. Mumbling, she answered, “Your death is the last thing I want.”

“That’s a good start.” He removed another finger. “I’m a fair chief to my own clan.”

History had stated he’d commanded the respect of his people. Historians paid tribute to his memory in the works she’d read, so he had to have some redeeming qualities. Perhaps she’d yet to witness them, not that she had a lot of choice. He held the cards.

“Give me your answer afore your guard comes searching for you.”

“I’m willing. If you wish my magic, you shall have it.”

Slowly he released her, heaved himself to his feet then offered her a hand. “We leave, now.”

Three heavily armed warriors rose from their hidden spot within the dense rushes.

“Where are we going?”

“My men await at camp in the forest. We’ll run.” He gripped her hand tighter and they raced across the moors. Archie would be furious she’d left Eric, and his rage would know no bounds once he discovered she’d willingly gone with MacLean, well, willingly enough.

“Please forgive me, Archie,” she whispered under her breath. “I can be a little impulsive at times.”





Chapter 9


“I left you guarding Marie. What the hell are you doing here, Eric? And where is my woman?” Night had fallen and Archie scowled at his man within the small clearing where John and his men waited.

Eric scrubbed a hand over his face. “She’s gone. No’ long after you left she asked for privacy. I gave her a mite of time then went in search of her.”

“Was she taken?” He wanted to grab Eric and shake him until his teeth rattled. How had he allowed her to leave his sight?

“Aye, but first she ran for some distance following your path. There were clear signs of a scuffle in the sand, then her tracks and those of several others led north.”

“Are you saying MacLean has her?”

“Aye.”

He stormed back and forth across the clearing, furious he’d once again let Marie down and allowed the enemy to take her. Still, she was strong, and she would know he’d come for her. Damn it. She must have been worried to have tried to follow him. He should’ve listened to her instead of brushing off her concerns. She wasn’t from the future. Couldn’t be. Nay, she couldn’t be. But why was she so adamant she was? He stopped before Eric. “How far did you track her?”

“As close to MacLean’s camp as I could. ’Tis three miles, mayhap a touch more. He holds a position high on a thickly concealed rise.”

John cleared his throat from where he leaned against a wide tree trunk. “We discovered his camp this afternoon but were awaiting your arrival.” He pushed off, crossed and seized his shoulder. “’Tis time to attack, brother. Our force is now complete.”

“I willnae have Marie caught in the middle of this battle.” It would kill him to see her harmed.

“We’re out of options.”

“I forced her to make this decision. She was captured because I didnae take enough care.”

“You wish a rescue first?” John cocked a brow. “That will be near impossible now MacLean’s joined with the rest of his men.”

He needed to slit his own throat for allowing Marie to be captured again.

Grasping his brother in a firm forearm hold, he muttered, “Per mare per terras, by sea and by land. We fight.”

“Go first if you wish and get as close to your woman as you can.” John returned his hold, his grip firm. “I’ll gather the rest of the men and be close behind. The time has come. We battle.”

“Aye, MacLean will die this day, by my sword and no other’s. He’s taken what’s mine, and he’ll pay. Eric, lead the way.” With his claymore snug on his back and dirks sheathed at his wrists, he jogged through the darkened forest. His men followed, as silently as he through the dense brush.

The cold of night had fully descended and fog clung to the undergrowth. An hour in, he lifted a hand and called a soundless halt. Smoke. The scent pervaded the air.

“They’re above on the rise, Captain.” Eric gripped his knees, lugging in a breath from the fast pace they’d run.

“Aye, and MacLean wishes our arrival. He draws us to him with fire.” He motioned to his men to huddle. Whispering, he warned, “Expect them to be prepared, very prepared. Fan out. We’re close.”