Highlander's Seduction (The Matheson Brothers #3)

“Wonderful, because we need your aid in finding a clergyman.”


“I can most definitely aid you with that.” Nessa nudged the quill and ink bottle sitting on the chief’s desk into the center then leaned against the edge. “The nearest priest would be Father John at the priory. I could send a guard to fetch him, and provided he was free to travel, you could be wed to your men afore the week’s end.”

“That sounds per—”

The door swung open and Iain strode in.

Isla raised a brow. “Well, hello, my big bear. Have you finished your training for the morning?”

“We finished early. Kirk’s in need of aid, and it appears there can be no further delay.” Iain crossed to her, gripped the sides of her armchair then bent and rubbed his nose against hers. “He’s just changing then he’ll join us. He shredded his clothes just before when he was forced to shift. His bear rides him hard and demands the return of his mate.”

“I thought he found her last night. You sensed only contentment from him.”

“Aye, although she escaped him at dawn. His mate’s name is Cherub and she’s a fae time-walker, a woman born centuries ago to the King of the Fae.” He lifted Isla from her padded chair then sat down and cradled her in his lap.

Cherub barely stifled her giggle. Those in the future were far more open with public displays of affection than those here in the past ever were, and having lived in the future, she’d adored seeing the changes in relationships that had occurred over time.

Near the far wall, Arabel gasped then slowly sighed with a silly grin on her face.

Nessa patted her heart, the sight of the two so in love clearly bringing her great pleasure too.

“I’ve heard the legend of the Fae Angel of Love, and of course my father’s mentioned Cherub to me a time or two.” Isla cuddled into Iain. “She was there when he lost my mother and she comforted and consoled him. I believe they speak when needed, but I’ve never actually met her and honestly, Dad’s a little secretive about her and all she can do.”

“Kirk said Cherub told him that there are three time-walkers. One resides beyond the veil, and the other is at the fae village.”

“Aye, that is right.” Arabel tucked a lock of her golden hair behind her ear. “Her name is Amelia and she is mated to Olaf, although she gave up her duty ten years ago when they wed. Amelia used to be able to control the air element, and she still can, but only to a very small degree since she’s allowed her skill to wane so greatly. She and Olaf have a son named Joseph who holds the skill of foreknowledge.”

“Have you met Cherub?” Iain asked her.

“Nay, she is very elusive and cloaks herself most of the time.”

“Good morning, everyone.” Finlay marched in, swept Arabel into his arms and plastered a kiss on her lips. She caught her breath and clutched ahold of him. “What have I missed?” he whispered against her lips. “Apart from you, my sweet.”

“We’ve been talking about Kirk’s mate.”

“Kirk’s desperate to find her, and we’ll need to aid him in whatever way we can.” Finlay nipped Arabel’s ear.

Shifter men. They were always nibbling on their chosen ones, marking them however and wherever they could. Heat flushed Cherub’s cheeks as she remembered marking Kirk last night and him marking her in return. She palmed her mark, right over the sensitive skin of her neck and held it closer to her.

“Sorry to be late.” Kirk strode into the solar, a grim expression on his face and his black hair curling damply onto his shoulders. He must have had a quick wash and now looked completely edible in tan rawhide pants and a white tunic under a fur vest, his sword belted at his side. It certainly took all her willpower to remain right where she was and not rush into his arms. Aye, spending the night with him had allowed an element of their bond to take and denying her need for him right now tore at her.

Firmly, he closed the door, leaned against it and crossed his arms. Those wonderfully broad shoulders of his stretched ever so wide and made her fingers itch to stroke over them.

“I take it Iain and Finlay have updated you all on my elusive mate?” Kirk asked the ladies.

“They have.” Nessa answered for them. She crossed to Kirk and laid one hand on his arm. “You should know that I’ve actually spoken to Cherub this morn and she told me of your mated bond taking form.”

“You have?” He jerked upright. “I have to find her. Do you know where she went after speaking to you?”

“I can assure you Cherub is never far away.” Nessa smiled softly. “You need only call to her and she will come. ’Tis her duty to aid those of fae blood, of which you hold a touch, even though none of the skills of the fae.”

The breeze lifted and blew through the open window and made Cherub’s hair tickle her face.

Kirk sniffed and growled then pushed off the door and prowled toward her. “I can scent my mate. It seems she’s rather close indeed.”