Highlander's Seduction (The Matheson Brothers #3)

“I never considered that.”


“Aye, you’d also be giving your mate the chance to make a wonderful difference, to bring joy to those who continued to live on. His brothers will forever remain alive in their offspring’s memory because he will still be here to impart his memories of them.”

Nessa’s heartfelt words rang deeply in her soul. She blinked away hot tears, selected a bacon slice from the trencher and chewed it. “I will consider your advice and wise words.”

“Then that is all I could ask for.” Nessa nodded. “Oh, we must also speak of another matter that has now arisen. I had a vision this morn surrounding the Chief of MacKenzie. It appears our enemy willnae stand down even though he lost the recent battle at the village. He still desires control of the waterways between us and Isle of Skye and covets Gilleoin’s land at the tip of Loch Alsh. In my vision, he spoke of finding a woman from the village afore it was to be burnt to the ground. I’ve no idea who that woman is, but he’s now sent his captain to find and bring her back. I’ve informed Gilleoin of what I’ve seen and he’s left to increase the patrols at the village and along the coastline.”

“The MacKenzie is a snake.” The man would always desire more than what he owned and controlled, his thirst for domination all that drove him. “I’ll keep an eye on him too, although I’ll need you to remain alert for any further visions.”

“Of course. I’ll keep you informed should I have any.” Nessa quirked a curious brow. “And in what way shall you keep an eye on Colin MacKenzie?”

“By the usual means.” She’d snuck into the MacKenzie’s keep from time to time to ferret out information. Caring for her kin meant ensuring their continued safety and survival and she did so by whatever means was necessary.

“You intend to visit him?”

“I will, but I’ll ensure he isnae aware I’m there.”

“Aye, you are impossible to detect, to capture, or to contain.” Nessa stood and knelt at the tub, swirled her hand through the water. “This is the perfect heat. Come. Have your bath afore the water cools.”

“I long for a hot bath.” She kicked off her slippers, tossed her fur cloak over the top of the dressing screen and shed her gown before stepping into the tub. After sinking into the glorious water, she rested her head on the rim and allowed thoughts of Kirk to roll through her mind. Nessa had told her she needed to allow the bond to take. What if she did? For a moment, a true sense of peace spread through her and wonder filled her heart and made her soul sing with hope.

“Oh goodness. I truly do want him, Nessa.” She leaned one elbow on the rim and looked at her friend. “So much I’m not sure I could walk away from him a second time should we meet.”

“You spent the entire night with him, which means deep in your heart, you’ve already allowed a certain level of the bond to take. Even the Fae Angel of Love deserves to have her own chosen one. If you claim him, just as he wishes to claim you, then you need never be alone again. He is the only one you will ever be soul bound to, and you cannae allow this chance to claim your new destiny pass you by.” Nessa knelt and lathered the soap. “Allow me to aid you in detangling your hair. It’s been whipped into a mighty mess from your travels last eve. Dip down and wet it for me first.”

“Kirk is such a temptation.” She slid under the water then emerged with a sigh. “He even showed me his bear.”

“His bear has been so antsy since his arrival.” Nessa worked the suds through her hair then bade her to rinse the bubbles out. After she had, her friend gently detangled her locks, separated her hair into sections and ran the comb through it.

A thunderous roar reverberated from beyond the curtain wall and echoed all around.

Nessa rose and glanced outside, hands curled around the edge of the windowsill. “Kirk’s gone, and likely into the forest to shift.”

“I hate the thought of causing him such pain, and honestly, to have a lifetime with him at my side and aiding me in my duty, would be a dream.”

“A dream you could make a reality if you so desire it.” Nessa passed her a folded drying cloth from the side table. “You should speak to him again afore you make your final decision.”

“What would I do without you, Nessa?” Smiling, she hopped out of the cooling water and dried herself, donned a shift then picked up the pale blue gown the maid had left and eased it over her head. The soft satin folds shimmered over her hips and swished to her ankles.