Highlander's Magic (Highlander Heat #2)

Oh yes, there was nothing better than sailing the seas. They cruised out of Loch Gruinart, freedom now theirs.

As they journeyed around the coast, the sun dipped along the horizon and sent a final flare of red across the sky. Night fell. So beautiful. Even the moon, a bright ball of glorious orange, hung low, guiding their way home.

She nestled against Archie as a round of hearty songs rang out from his men. This was as it should be, and she was one step closer to getting back to her sister. The thought brought a moment of joy, until her heart heaved at the thought of leaving Archie. This was their time, but it wouldn’t be for long. Still, she’d make every moment left to them count.

“We’re almost home.” Archie wrapped an arm around her shoulders, warding off the evening chill.

“Yes, home.”

They rounded the tip of The Oa, the wind so favorable they shot across the water toward Lagavulin Bay with speed.

Before long, the massive stone walls of Dunyvaig beckoned with its strength. From the narrow tower windows, light glowed in welcome. Their clan awaited their return.

“Hell.” Archie heaved to his feet.

A war galley approached fast from the north. Such a powerful ship with two masts, one in the center and one at the stern flying the King of Scotland’s flag. Hell was right. She jumped up. “They must be searching for MacLean. What are you going to do?”

“I shouldnae be surprised they’ve come this far south.” He grasped her hand and pressed it against his chest. “I dinnae care to hand him over.”

“You have to. Please, it’s the right thing to do. The king has a far greater force, an entire army at his disposal. You’ll never win a fight against him.” And surely, he couldn’t think to take on the king’s men at sea.

“Highlanders fight for what is theirs.” He looked deep into her eyes then groaned. “Damn it. I cannae risk your life again, no’ while you’re on board. I’ve no choice.”

“No, you’re doing what’s best for your clan, Once MacLean is in the king’s hands, negotiations will get underway and a resolution found. You must see that.”

He kissed her, so tenderly. “I dinnae wish to lose you.”

“You never will.” She touched her chest. “I’ll always hold you close.”

“Captain,” Eric shouted. “What’s your order?”

“Make berth. ’Tis time for MacLean to atone for his warring. The king shall have his way.”

They crested the white-capped waves and skimmed the waters into the bay. From atop the battlements, a shout was hailed from one guardsman to another.

Archie steered her to the bow then handed her over to one of his warriors. “Escort her inside. Immediately.”

Archie’s guardsman led Marie into the keep.



When Archie had made his wish, his mind had been set on winning the war against MacLean. His wish shouldn’t have brought him and Marie so close. Her very essence had become branded into his soul. By her deeds and desires, she’d woven her own spell around his heart, and he wasn’t sure he’d be able to let her go when the time came.

He found his chamber window. There, darkened and cold. He thumped one foot as he waited then released a long breath as a light from within flickered to life. She was safe, and waiting for him.

“Archie.” John bounded from his moored vessel onto the stone steps beside him. “What’s your decision?”

“’Tis time to hand our captive over.” In the birlinn, MacLean straightened from his sagged position at the bow then narrowed his gaze on the war galley sailing into the bay. The fearsome chief was helpless to change the course of the unfolding events, as was he.

“Are you certain? What of Angus?”

“This is a day of victory, and he will hear of it. That willnae be forgotten.” He faced Eric. “Unbind MacLean’s feet and bring him. He must walk toward his destiny.”

“Aye, Captain.” Eric unknotted MacLean’s roped ankles, heaved him up then handed him across.

Archie seized MacLean’s arm and marched him to the end of the sea-gate.

The war galley came into moor, and the ship’s captain leapt onto the landing in his finely cut uniform. He tugged the dark cuffs of his coat as he passed his narrowed gaze over MacLean. “You are the very man we’ve been searching for.” He eyed Archie. “The king requests the Chief of MacLean’s presence in Edinburgh, in whatever state we must bring him in. Although, I’m surprised to see he still stands alive in your hands, after what the villagers north of here have told me.”

“We’re no’ barbarians. Take him, but if he ever steps foot on Islay again, his death will be assured.”

The king’s man motioned his second to come forward. “Take Lachlan MacLean and bind him to the center mast. Keep a guard on him at all times.” He turned back to Archie. “I’m Captain Hugh Lindsay.”