Highlander's Magic (Highlander Heat #2)

“You have such a way with words. Stubborn yet sweet.” She glanced at the horizon. “When do we have to go back?”


“Afore one of my men come searching for us.”

“And when will that be?”

“The tide will soon be high, and they’ll wish to sail for Dunyvaig.” He continued to feed her, ensuring she’d eaten her fill before polishing off the remainder of their meal.

“We need to talk about MacLean then.” She tugged her shirt on, shimmied into her breeches and covered every delectable inch. “Even though I’m not fae, I’ve always believed I needed to fulfill your wish before I can return home to Katherine. To win this war, you need to hand MacLean over to the king.”

He dragged on his clothes, his gut clenching at her request. Worse, though, she’d yet to steer him wrong, which meant he was doomed to go along with her plan.

“Archie, MacLean is an integral part of all this. You know as well as I do the king wants the three chiefs involved in this feud to atone for their behavior. He already has two of them, and I believe once he has MacLean, he’ll be able to fully address his concerns with them.” She laid a hand on his arm, her soothing touch easing some of his frustration. “This dispute has raged for years, and only one man can now bring about a difference. Let the king do what he’s supposed to do. Rule.”

“’Tis no’ the—”

‘I know. I know. ’Tis no’ the Highlander way,” she said. “But please, at least consider what I’m asking. Angus MacDonald, Donald MacDonald and Lachlan MacLean are all at fault here. They’ve caused such havoc.” She scooted onto his lap, wrapped her arms around his neck. “I’m counting on you to keep a level head and agree. You’ve had your vengeance for MacLean’s attack on the village and he’s lost a large number of men. The battle between the clans has to stop.”

Damn it. He understood her reasoning. He just didn’t care for it.

“Please, say you agree.”

“’Tis only a matter of time afore MacLean’s men regroup and attempt another assault. He will have a second who’ll come for him, and if MacLean remains in my dungeons, I’ll have a bargaining chip.”

“Bargaining chip aside, this is about keeping history on course. You have to follow through with my plan. I’ve learnt so much at Mary’s hand, and once added to what I already knew, I haven’t a doubt this is the right move.” She brushed her nose against his. “What else do I need to say to convince you?”

“I’ve learnt fae or no’, your magic is strong. I will consider what you ask, but only consider.”

“Thank you. It’s a start. I can see it’s going to take me some time to work out all your bad kinks. I’ll get there though. Just watch me.” She kissed him, one hot kiss he wished could go on all day, except she pulled back and smiled. “Now take me home. I want to bounce around on a soft mattress and experience every pleasure you have to offer.”

“I wish to explore, to leave no part of you untouched.” He launched to his feet, taking her with him. Aye, he would seek every treasure her body held and uncover it.



Marie raced up the sand dunes and stopped at the top. The tide was high, the anchored birlinns bobbing off shore. What a beautiful sight. Soon they’d be home. Hmm, when had Dunyvaig become home to her? She certainly missed Mary and James. Having kin close mattered.

Archie stepped in behind her, one arm sliding around her waist as he pulled her back to his chest. She wriggled her bottom against his groin and he groaned. “Take care, lass. I need to be able to walk from here to the galley.”

She grinned. “Well, if you need aid, you know who to ask.”

“Behave.” He nipped her ear with his teeth.

“You need to take your own advice.”

He grinned and waved to his brother as John strode toward them. “Archie, you’re looking hearty and hale. I see your black mood has lifted.”

“Aye, a little rest goes a long way. What of our men and MacLean’s?”

“The dead have been buried and the injured tended to. Their loss has been significant, and of course our men wish to return, to celebrate our victory with our clan.”

“We’ll set sail. There’s no need to delay.”

“Good.” John slapped his back. “Let’s be away.”

Archie lifted her into his arms, waded through the shallows and swung her into his boat as John boarded the other birlinn.

She raced to the stern, planted her hands on her hips and bellowed, “We sail for Dunyvaig. Hurry up and get this ship moving. That’s an order, men.”

Archie chuckled as he joined her. “You wish to captain my vessel?”

“I wish to get home and offer my endless aid as I’ve promised I would.”

“Aye, and I willnae stop you.” He kissed her then turned to his men. “Islay is ours, and no MacLean will ever defeat us. Hoist the sail and do as my lady bids.”

Cheers abounded, and at the front of the birlinn, bound and gagged, MacLean grumbled.