Highlander's Magic (Highlander Heat #2)

“Take care of MacLean too. You might have to stop his bleeding as well. That could be it.”


“You expect me to coddle my enemy?”

Gasping, she pointed to her wound. “Yes, and make it quick.”

“Next you know, I’ll be baking him an oatcake.” He did the same for MacLean then returned to her.

“Well, there’s no need to go that far.” She chuckled, actually chuckled. His woman had no self-preservation.

He rechecked her injury, but the bleeding had slowed. “It looks better. How do you feel? Do you hurt anywhere else?”

“Everywhere.” She dragged her shirt up and exposed a darkening bruise. “I never want to fall from a tree again. It really hurts.”

Needing to hold her close, he cupped her face. “I never intended you any harm.”

“I know, and this is my fault too.” She kissed him, and he wanted to drown in her kiss, but the battle wasn’t yet over.

“Why’d you go with MacLean?”

“I was out of choices. I’m sorry for disobeying your order.”

“You’ll never do so again. Can you move?” He scooped her up and set her on her feet, wanting only to smother her in his hold. “I dinnae care to leave you, but you must get back into that tree and out of harm’s way.”

“I’ll go.” She wobbled as she took a step. “I’m so sorry for what happened. I know this isn’t the outcome you wanted, but”—her gaze softened as she looked at him—“thank you. I never had any doubt you’d come, even though I couldn’t stand it. I’ll make this all up to you somehow. I promise.”

“Dinnae thank me yet. The battle isnae—”

“Archie.” John burst through the trees and into the clearing, his gaze landing on MacLean then them. “We’ve subdued most of MacLean’s men. A couple have turned tail. Eric is doing penance and chasing them.” He strode forward and grasped his shoulder. “The battle is over.”

“Over?” For years, he’d fought MacLean, and it would never be over until MacLean died in a battle on this very land before the turn of the century as Marie had stated.

His brother eyed MacLean. “Would you mind telling me why he still lives?”

“When I attempted to take his life, I almost took Marie’s. He must live. The two are bound through her magic. Are you certain every MacLean has submitted?”

“It’s over, brother. This day is ours. We’ve won this war.”

Euphoria should be thrumming through him, but fear for Marie surged deep within. He’d almost caused her death because he’d never believed her. He’d never take such a risk again, never ignore any plea she made for him to listen. After dragging her against him, he held her in a viselike grip. “I cannae believe you’re no’ fae.”

“I’m glad you finally believe me, just not how it came about,” she mumbled into his shirtfront. “Does this mean I’m not in quite as much trouble as I could be?”

“Aye, I seek your forgiveness for almost taking your life.”

“You’re forgiven.”

He tightened his hold on her then nodded at his brother. “She’s no’ from this time, and in the future MacLean breeds her paternal line.”

“That’s going to make things difficult.”

“More than difficult.” He released Marie then stormed across to MacLean. “You’ll be taken back to Dunyvaig. You owe your life to your progeny, for if I had my way, your blood would be soaking into this ground.”

He’d finally come face to face with his enemy, but instead of seeing to his mission, he was taking him captive. Winning this war had now taken a turn and his next decision would have to be made with great care.

“It’ll be okay.” Marie caught his hand and slid her fingers into his. “We have the fae on our side, the most mischievous imps around. I can handle a Highland warrior, no matter how stubborn you are.”

He wished to be one with his faerie, to hold her for all time.

Wishes. They were so damn frustrating.





Chapter 10


Marie tramped across the sandy beach toward the moored birlinns. Golden grains sparkled under the rising sun. It would be a stunner of a day. If only every inch of her didn’t ache. She desperately needed to rest.

At least they’d won. Well, she’d won.

Archie stomped ahead of her, prodding MacLean to walk faster. His relief had soon turned to frustration.

“This will all turn out okay, Archie.” How many times had she said that these past few hours?

“His life is damn well tied to yours.” He snorted. “That’s no’ what I call working it out.”

“Dinnae mind him. He needs some time to calm. No’ much farther.” John wrapped an arm around her shoulders, and she leaned into him, grateful for his support. “’Tis been my brother’s lifelong wish to see to MacLean’s death, although it is what it is, and we must accept the outcome.”

“John, take your hands off my woman.” Archie glared at him.