Highlander's Magic (Highlander Heat #2)

“Archie MacDonald.” He crossed his arms. “MacLean attempted to take the Rhinns on our western coastline. He was unsuccessful.”


“Another attack. I’m no’ surprised. The king will be pleased though to hear of your willingness in handing MacLean over. I understand your predicament.”

Willingness? Nay. ’Twas all Marie’s doing. She alone had achieved such an outcome. He nodded at Captain Lindsay, eager to see him gone and off MacDonald land. “If there is naught more you need…”

“Nay, we must be away. Thank ye.” The captain dipped his head and rejoined his men.

John grasped his shoulder. “’Tis the right thing to do, and none will gainsay your decision. This is certainly a day which will go down in history.”

“Aye, even though I wish it differently.” The king’s men pushed away from their mooring and hoisted their sails.

“Speaking of wishes.” John stroked his jaw. “It seems a woman from the future has cast a very decided spell over you. You’ve changed your mind then? The man who said he’d never take a woman as his.”

“She’s mine, but her future is elsewhere.” He strode along the steps and up the trail.

John fell into step beside him. “Archie, Mother never had a midwife to tend her during her labor. Eventually you must set your worries aside. Life cannae be lived so.”

“Dinnae tell me how to live my life.”

“All women wish for bairns.”

“I know, but ’tis a moot point since my woman willnae be here to bear them.” He marched through the entrance. “She’ll soon return to where she came from. I wish only for her to remain safe in her own time.”

“That is no’ what you wish for, and I willnae believe otherwise.”

“I wish for her to live, to have a long life.”

“Aye, but what of you? You want her. ‘Tis clear to see.”

“My heart bleeds for more, but this is one fight I will never win.”



What a bittersweet moment. Marie stood at the narrow window while below, Archie and John strode in. The king’s war galley sailed into the dark with Lachlan MacLean aboard. She’d done it. Fulfilled Archie’s wish, or at least as far as she could manage. Angus’s release was now in his own hands. And that was how it should be, what history had foretold.

Surely soon, she’d now return home.

Tears misted her gaze as she searched the faerie circle. On the center stone a glimmer of moonlight sparkled off Mary’s amulet. The sacred circle remained untouched. Even the grass was still, though it rippled in the breeze beyond. Such a place of magic, where the fae played, and where she would await the return of the veil.

“Marie.” Mary pushed the door open, clutched her emerald skirts and raced toward her. “I heard. Lachlan lives and we won the battle.”

“Yes, all is well.” She hugged Mary, and her tears fell.

“’Twill be all right.” Mary cupped her cheeks. “The men said you were in the heart of it all.”

“It couldn’t be helped. Your brother was rather insistent I join him, not that I would’ve wanted it any other way. I live now because I was there.”

“You’ve seen to Archie’s wish then.” Tears gathered in Mary’s eyes too. “I’m going to miss you.”

“I’ll miss you too.” She tugged Mary to the window. “Your amulet lies on the stone, but promise me—”

“Aye, you’ve already asked, and it shall be done. When you sailed for Loch Gruinart, I searched my trunk. I found my amulet, yet somehow there are two. I have a feeling you first told me the truth, that you’re from the future, and you’re my direct kin.” Mary kissed her cheek. “Is it true?”

“Yes. Thank you for believing me.” She squeezed Mary hard, not wanting to let go. “I’m so grateful the fae brought me here, that I met you, and came to know Archie.”

“You’ll miss him?”

“With my heart and soul.” The circle beckoned though. Katherine had to be close. “My sister is all I have left. She would never give up waiting for me, as I’ll never give up trying to return to her. She’s my twin. We came into this world together, and will always remain so. I love her.”

“Excuse me, my ladies.” A maid knocked on the opened door, dipped her head toward Mary. “The tub ye ordered is ready. The lads would like to bring it in.”

“Good. Come in, boys.” Mary motioned them forward and they lugged the tub in. Eyeing her, she added, “I thought you’d like to refresh yourself.”

“I’d love it.” Mary was so thoughtful.

The lads filled the bath with pails of steaming water. Mary took a bottle of scented oil from one of the maids and added a few drops to the bathwater. The air swirled with the delicate scent of white roses. What a treat.

Another servant arrived with a trencher and placed it on Archie’s side table. After pulling up a chair, Marie cut a wedge from one of the prime cuts of beef and popped it into her mouth. It was seasoned just right, as were the roasted vegetables. Delicious. “I feel totally spoilt.”