Highlander's Seduction (The Matheson Brothers #3)

He asked for so little and right now no other needed her. “I’ll give you one night, although no more.”


“Thank you.” He buried his nose in her hair and grinning, drew in a deep breath. “Mmm, you smell delicious, like fresh air and an ocean breeze. Where do you live, Cherub?”

“My place is here on Earth, amongst those of fae blood, wherever that might be and whatever century that draws me to.” In truth, she owned several parcels of land, had built a home on one such plot and favored it as a home base. She also kept a chamber right here at Matheson House, one Nessa insisted she use as often as she needed to, which would be greatly needed during the coming days and weeks ahead now so many shifters in the future would be seeking their mates here in this time. “You can put me down if you wish. I’ve agreed to one night and I’ll gladly walk with you.”

“Thanks for the offer but I’d rather hold onto you.” He strode along a leaf-strewn path, the canopy high and thick above and blocking all sign of the moon. “You feel so good in my arms.”

“Do you carry women about often?” He was rather adept at it.

“No.” He chuckled. “You are and will be the only woman I’ll ever hold close to my heart. That I promise you. So too my bear is also feeling restless this eve and demands this touch. Releasing you right now would be impossible.”

“’Tis a shame I willnae get to meet your bear. Is his pelt the same color as your hair?” His black locks were as dark as a midnight sky.

“I’ll show you my bear, if you uncloak and show me your true form. Shall we make a deal?”

“Nay, no deal.” It appeared her mate liked to negotiate.

“Do you hear that?” Kirk cocked one ear.

Up ahead, the sea crashed against the high cliffs and the sound traveled to her. Kirk was taking her toward the isolated bay farther along the inner channel of the loch, one of the few places she too adored. “I do.” She touched his jaw and turned his gaze from the trail to hers. His golden eyes glinted in the dark. “We are headed to one of my favorite places.”

“I wish I could see you.” He searched her gaze. “What color are your eyes, my mate?”

“They’re blue, a very plain and dull blue.”

“There is no shade of blue that is plain or dull.” A low branch loomed and he ducked his head, his lips brushing her cheek as he kept her from scraping against it as well. “I can feel you’re clothed in a fur cape. What else do you wear?”

She grasped the edges of her fluttering cloak and tucked the fur tighter about her. “Just clothes.”

“You’re so elusive. Come on. You must give me a hint. He nuzzled her neck, his nose buried deep in her hair. “I’ll forever wonder otherwise.”

“They’re clothes which keep me warm no matter where I might travel.” She touched a finger to his lower lip and swept to one raised corner then back again to the center. He had such soft lips, and when his tongue darted out and he licked her finger, she gasped.

“Mmm, I see you’re elusive and tasty.” He strode uphill, stepped over a fallen log barring their way and along the winding trail toward the cliff top that overlooked the bay.

She tucked her head into his shoulder and rubbed her cheek against the thin white cotton of his tunic. The deep V collar was loosely laced and she slipped her hand inside his shirt and stroked his golden skin. The need to touch one’s mate was natural and she didn’t fight that desire. So too she’d agreed to one night, so she may as well allow herself this moment of release. “You feel warm, almost too warm.”

“That’s because my shifter blood runs hotter than most, and right now it’s been a couple of days since I last shifted. Heat builds to a higher degree when I’m overdue for the Change.” He emerged at the top of the cliff overlooking the curve of the bay below. Moonlight glimmered across the white-capped waves rolling onto the white sand beach, turning them a stunning silvery hue.

This bay held a touch of magic, was only accessible by a tunnel in the cliff at the base. Few knew of the hidden entrance, which ensured this protected place remained so very private and pristine.

“You said before you’re one of only three who holds command over the element of air. Where are the other two time-walkers located?”

“Jeremiah’s duty is to the full-blooded fae beyond the veil. He rarely has time to aid me on Earth. The last is Amelia, one of my dearest friends. We are close, like sisters in truth.”