The MacKenzies boarded and with their oars in hand, rowed into the deep then raised their sails.
Isla grinned and continued, her voice so sweetly hypnotic. “Those here fighting for Gilleoin or to protect the village will tend our own wounded before we celebrate our win. I too am part of the ‘power of three,’ and our enemy will never get past any of us.” She waved at Arabel from under Iain’s arm. “Isn’t that right, sister?”
“Aye, none will ever get past us.” Arabel raised her hands high and sent an arc of fire streaming toward the fleeing MacKenzies. It rippled across their stern and sent their enemy speeding away.
Gilleoin shoved his sword high. “To the ‘power of three’ and their chosen ones! May they forever stand at each other’s sides.”
Cheers abounded and Nessa, Sorcha and Julia raced out of the forest with the villagers spilling out behind them.
With their enemy a mere dot on the horizon, Finlay tossed Arabel over his shoulder and hiked it toward his destrier as lightning sizzled overhead. “You are in so much trouble, my sweet.”
“Oh, I hope so.” She giggled, actually giggled. His woman clearly had no self-preservation. “And I hope you noticed the perfect storm, my stubborn bear.”
“Which will be your saving grace, since right now we’re headed for the cavern. Isla and my brothers clearly have this battle in hand, whereas mine with you has just begun.”
“Well, I do love a good battle.” She patted his backside. “Hurry it along.”
Standing before her mate at the rear of the cavern on the small curve of sandy beach, Arabel unlaced her gown. She wriggled the silvery-blue silk down over her shift and folded it on top of a boulder as thunder rumbled overhead. “You said we are each other’s match in every way, and I’m ready to accept our bond, fully and completely.”
“As am I.” He stripped off his cotun and tunic, laid his weapons safely against the rock wall until he remained clothed in only his black leather pants. “Can you read my mind?”
She could, with ease. He longed for her, just as she longed for him.
“Test your fire, my love.”
From deep within, she tried to call it forth but nothing rose. “There is naught. I’m underground and all four elements are in place.”
“Then it wasn’t just the elements coming together in a perfect storm that caused the realignment, but also the four elements together which will continue to dispatch your fire.”
“Aye, thank heavens it is that way.” Her dreams had been answered and her hope now soared to new levels. She could have a life with him, one where they could join as one whenever the four elements came together again.
“Then in between storms, I believe I shall go slightly insane.” Finlay swept her into his arms and bounded with her clasped tight to his chest onto the boulder leading toward the ledge. He jumped from one to the next then strode along the ledge toward the crack in the rock wall where spray misted through.
Gently, he set her on her feet beside him and she swayed closer, grazing his chest with her hard nipples. Her mind fuzzed, became consumed with the need to mate and join as one.
“Unless,” he murmured, “the four elements needn’t just be a brewing storm. There is water misting over us, the wind which is usually a constant outside, and I could easily create a fire pit at the back of the cave and ensure it is lit if there’s no lightning. The element of fire should be acceptable no matter what form it comes in.”
“And we are already underground. Do you think that might truly work?”
“We’ll try it out once the storm has passed, before we leave this cave.” He stroked down her sides, his gaze moving over her chest where her damp shift clung to her skin and outlined her breasts. “In the future, if what I hope works, we could build an underground home not far from Ivanson Castle and ensure it holds a fireplace, a very large and comfortable shower to provide the water, and if there isn’t enough wind churning outside, I’ll erect a wind machine that can easily be turned on.”
“That sounds divine. I believe I’m going to enjoy the conveniences of your future time.”
“I’m going to ensure it, and right now, you’re tempting me beyond my endurance.” He bent, fastened his mouth over her nipple and sucked it into his mouth, cloth and all. She moaned at the sweet sensations that rippled through her.