Highlander's Magic (Highlander Heat #2)

“Please, tell me more about the circle.” Her gaze remained glued to it.

“There is never an assurance of when the veil rises, only that it does.” He eased in behind her. The stones, lit by the moonlight, appeared ghostly white, and Mary’s talisman sparkled atop the center stone. “As no one enters the circle, the amulet will remain within should your sister have need of it.”

“Yes, I don’t want anyone moving it.” She peered at him. “And it used to be Mary’s talisman. I know you don’t believe me, but I’ve told you the truth. She gifted it to me on my twenty-first birthday.”

“’Tis impossible.”

“I’ve no reason to lie.” She shook her head. “I’ll convince you somehow. First, tell me more about the warrior with you before. John. You called him your brother. Could he keep a watch out for my sister? The more who do, the better.”

“John is my twin. We are similar but no’ identical, and aye, I will have him and the guards keep an eye out. As soon as you’re comfortable, I’ll go speak with him.” If reassurance was what she needed, he could easily provide it.



“Yes, speak to him, please. That’s what I want.” Marie clutched Archie’s arm. She would have to see to his wish, which had better not take long. Katherine needed her, would be so worried.

“First, tell me more about your sister.” He stroked her back, his touch sending a delicious tingle to her toes. “You said her wish was for both of you. What was it she asked for?”

“For a moment of magic. She wished for us to live and to have untold adventure along the way, although I doubt she meant quite this much adventure.” Never this much.

“Will anyone other than her miss your presence?”

“No. Our mother, Marianne MacDonald, passed away a few months ago. Our father, Locky MacLean, the year before.” He thought her fae and she had to set him right. Convincing him she was from the twenty-first century wouldn’t be an easy task, but she had to try. “I don’t want there to be anything but the truth between us. I’m from a time far in the future, and I’m a direct descendent of Mary’s, well Mary and Angus’s on my mother’s side. The amulet I wore was Mary’s. I received the family heirloom in my time, through my maternal line. Mary left instructions it be handed from her eldest daughter to her eldest daughter until it once again came into the possession of a daughter born to a MacLean. That’s me.”

“Angus and Mary’s bairns are too young. What you speak of isnae possible.”

“You have to keep an open mind. I truly am both MacDonald and MacLean. My name is Marie MacLean. I’ve traveled here from the year two-thousand and fourteen.” She couldn’t state it more clearly.

“Nay, lass. There’s no need to ply your tricks. Fae you are, and fae you remain.” Clicking his tongue as if in admonishment, he strode to the door. “I’ll ask a servant to bring a tray. Make yourself comfortable while I speak with John.”

“I’m really not fae.” She raced after him, snatched his arm. “You have to believe me.”

He tweaked her chin. “’Tis the year fifteen-hundred and ninety. Now, no more. On the morrow, you’ll work your magic. MacLean must be halted.” He closed the paneled door with a thunk. Gone.

Hopefully it didn’t matter if he believed her or not, but she’d rather he did. His disbelief didn’t change the fact she was now in Scotland though, somewhere far in the past and needed to fulfill his wish before she could return to Katherine.

She stalked to the window, needing to be closer to Katherine even though currently impossible. She’d tried to learn all she could about Mary MacDonald before she’d traveled here, but with over four-hundred years passing, the information had been sparse. More was recorded on her husband, Angus MacDonald, and brother, Lachlan MacLean, both chiefs of their own clans. Although, she’d never quite understood how the intense feud had begun.

Right now, she’d try to seek the answers she needed, and from Mary no less. The task before her was immense. Aid Archie in winning the war, while ensuring he didn’t change history and kill MacLean.

Her sister’s wish would certainly provide a ton of adventure, and with her own Highland warrior on the side.

But she’d do whatever it took to ensure she returned.

There was no other option.

Katherine needed her, and she needed Katherine.





Chapter 2


Next to John atop the battlements, Archie inspected the faerie circle. Under the moonlight, ten pale stones beckoned with their otherworldly secrets. Marie was his faerie, not Mary’s direct descendent. As much as he believed in magic, her traveling from the future was beyond the realm of possibility.