But again, if she touched him...what then? Would pulling away still be an option?
The pipes seemed to trill louder, and the fire in the center of the room sparked higher as the celebrations became a boisterous background to the quiet she suddenly felt on the inside. A strange silence made up of her heartbeat and the indentation where his neck met his collarbone. She inhaled deeply and turned her face inward, chasing his scent and heat.
She barely felt the slight touch of his hand on the back of her head as she nuzzled in, desperate to get closer to...something. It almost felt like a memory. One just out of reach. Lips open, she flicked her tongue, eager to sample. Eager to capture his scent. Curious what it tasted like.
Only when he whispered, “Bloody hell, lass,” did her eyes snap open and she realized what she was doing. By that time, it was too late. He tightened his hold, dug his hand into her hair, tilted back her head and met her eyes. Their lips were inches apart when he whispered, “What are you doing to me?”
Jackie had no idea. What was she doing to him? What was he doing to her? She’d never felt anything like it. So much. Almost too much. Yet it felt like something not entirely real. As if she recalled snippets of a dream.
Their lips drifted closer, eager but tentative.
Wanting but unsure.
His eyelids drifted down. So did hers.
There...almost there.
“Och, bloody hell!” he growled and jerked away.
Confused, Jackie blinked until she saw the blade against Darach’s side.
William glared. “Ye dinnae know how to respect a lass, do ye?”
She had to give him credit. Darach didn’t lash out at the boy. One who apparently nicked him in the thigh enough that blood trickled down his leg.
“It’s fine, William, he’s not hurting me,” she tried to assure the boy.
William peered up, eyes narrowed. “What is yer next move because it best be a good one.”
Darach stilled, eyes locked on the lad. “’Tis safe to say my next move will take me away from Jackie, aye?”
William’s eyes narrowed even more. “’Twill lest ye want me to cut ye again.”
“That wouldnae be good,” Darach relented. “And here I thought ye wanted me to grow a pair of ballocks and dance with the lass. Now if ye’ll remove the blade, I’ll step away.”
William eyed him for another moment before he nodded and stepped back.
Jackie jolted in surprise when the air chilled and almost seemed to crackle as Darach pulled away. Not only that, she swore she felt a slight suction. As if the very air fought against them separating. Their eyes shot to each other. What was that?
“’Tis one thing to dance with a lass, another to take advantage of her when doing it,” William reprimanded. “Now ye best keep a proper distance, Mister.”
“Call me Darach.”
William frowned at him. “I will be watching ye, Mister,” then he vanished into the crowd.
Jackie sensed that Darach wanted to continue dancing with her but thought better of it not because of William but because of what had happened between them. Something he clearly seemed determined to avoid. This, of course, only renewed her aggravation. His apology for kissing her then avoiding her. As far as she was concerned, that only happened when a man truly had no clue where his heart lay. But did she want his heart? Or even Heidrek’s for that matter? Who was she kidding letting either of them too close when there was no hope.
Still, every once in a while it was nice to pretend.
To fantasize.
With a heavy sigh, she brushed by Darach and made her way toward the entrance. What she wouldn’t do to have Erin here. Somebody she could talk to who understood all the barriers she faced. While it was likely her friend would only grow aggravated with her for not enjoying the company of these men, they both knew there was a good reason. Nothing could come of it because in the end, she’d only end up hurting them.
How else could it be considering Jackie was dying?
Not wanting to think about it right now, she went outside and breathed in the cool air. The small, fenced-in courtyard was fairly quiet considering most people were inside celebrating. Torches spit, and a random horse whinnied from the stables. It was nice to be away from the crowd.
While she enjoyed the way both Scots and Vikings celebrated, she had never been a huge fan of parties. Probably because of all the stiff, formal affairs her uncle had hosted when she was young. Though people were far different here, she still felt a level of discomfort. One she just couldn’t break free from.
“Are ye there then, lass?” whispered through her mind.
Surprised, Jackie smiled, headed for the stables and replied within the mind, “Eara?”
“Aye, lass.”
Sure as heck, she found Eara two stalls down once she entered the stables. Eara was the last of the four horses that had mysteriously appeared at the barn in New Hampshire right before Jackie and her friends arrived at the old Colonial. Every other horse had merged with a former MacLomain wizard thanks to ancient Viking magic.
Thus far, all had been related to the Scotsman each of her friends had ended up with. Either a mother or grandmother. Which made Eara a complete mystery because Darach’s grandmother, Coira, had already merged with Niall and Nicole’s horse, Vika. According to those of the Next Generation of MacLomains, especially Grant, there was no way Eara was somehow merged with Darach’s mother, Sheila. And Sheila agreed wholeheartedly.
So who had merged with Eara?
“It’s so good to see you!” Jackie entered the stall. “How on Earth did you get here?”
Jackie had first heard Eara speak within her mind when she traveled back in time, but she swore they had been talking for far longer than that. Strangely enough, it wasn’t all that different than how she felt dancing with Darach. Flickers of something she couldn’t quite put her finger on. Flashes of memories. Maybe even dreams?
“I dinnae know how I arrived here, lass,” Eara said. “One moment I was at MacLomain Castle. The next, I was here. Adlin found me in the woodland and made sure I arrived safely.”
“Ah.” Jackie kept smiling as she stroked Eara’s muzzle, admiring her light tan coloring and white blond mane. “So when are you going to tell me who you really are?”
Until she met Erin, she had never been around horses. Even then, she felt uncomfortable. Fearful. But not with Eara. Not in the least.
“’Tis not for me to tell you who I am, I’m afraid,” Eara murmured into her mind. “Ye know ye must wait until the time is right, just like your friends did.”
“But wouldn’t it make things easier to tell me now?” She met Eara’s eyes. “Maybe if we knew who you were we could better prepare ourselves for what lies ahead.”
Eara only neighed, shook her head and stomped her foot. Just then, Jackie got an eerie feeling that someone was watching her. Goose flesh dotted her skin, and the hair stood up on the back of her neck. Almost afraid to look, but acting on instinct, she glanced over her shoulder and gasped. A tall man in full armor, with a helmet, faceplate, and a long brown cloak shimmered just beyond the stall door. His form was ghostly and transparent as his eyes locked on her hand...more so, her ring.
“I’ve missed ye so much,” he murmured before his eyes flickered to hers, concerned. “Are ye well, lassie?”
An Irish lilt?
“I...wha...” she started and blinked several times as a wave of familiarity washed over her. As soon as she felt it, it vanished. One more blink and he was gone. Instead, Darach stood in his place with a look of concern on his face.
“Are ye well, lass?” he said...repeated.
She blinked a few more times. What the hell was going on? Was this part of the magic that was Scotland or was her condition worsening?
Jackie frowned and turned her attention back to the horse. “I’m fine. Thanks. You don’t need to be out here.”
“We were worried about you,” Heidrek said, joining Darach. “It is not a goo
d idea for you to be without protection.”
“I’m fine, guys,” she said. But was she? Truly? She felt like she was losing it.
“You should come eat.” Darach came alongside the horse and stroked Eara’s neck. “When did she arrive?”
“Recently," Adlin said as he entered the stables. He wore a grin as he joined Heidrek at the stall door and eyed Eara. “’Tis good that the horse arrived when she did. Now she can travel with us on the morrow.”
Jackie made a point of keeping her eyes averted from Darach’s as their hands ran along either side of Eara’s muzzle. She didn’t want another awkward moment like they had when dancing.
“I will be calling an end to the celebrations in a wee bit,” Adlin said. “The three of you should make your way to your chamber. Food and drink awaits.”
Jackie’s eyes shot to Adlin. “But there’s only one bed.”
“But ‘tis a big bed, aye?” Adlin shook his head and chuckled as he left, calling back, “We leave early. Best get your rest whilst you can. ‘Tis the beginning of a journey unlike any other!”
“Adlin’s right,” Darach said. “We’re about to embark on a journey that will make all MacLomains envious.” This time, she couldn’t help but meet his eyes based on the excitement in his voice. “We travel to what will someday be MacLomain land. Better yet, MacLomain Castle.”
“How far is it from here?” Heidrek said.
As always, once her eyes locked with Darach’s, they held. “Far South. Several weeks’ journey.”
“Then we should rest,” Heidrek said firmly as his hand slipped into Jackie’s.
“He’s right,” she murmured and tore her gaze from Darach’s. She gave Eara one last pat and then left.
As tactfully as she could, she pulled her hand free from Heidrek’s and headed back toward the Defiance. More people filtered around the courtyard, so she knew Adlin was slowly winding the party down. When she entered the building, the crowd had thinned considerably. As she headed upstairs, she wondered exactly how this was going to work...because she wouldn’t be sleeping in bed with either Darach or Heidrek.
An array of food was set out on the table in their chamber and several pitchers and mugs. Darach filled a mug with water and handed it to her. “I know you dinnae drink alcohol, but I could manifest some tea if you like.”
“No, thanks,” she said. “Water’s fine.”
“Are you sure?” Darach said. “It might calm your nerves.”
“My nerves are just fine.” But they weren’t around him, and he damn well knew it.
“Suit yourself, lass.”
Soon, the three of them were enjoying an amiable enough meal. The bread was warm and soft and the seafood fresh. Even the water tasted better than it did back home. Their conversation stayed light. The men talked about the era in which they’d arrived. How different it was from their own.
Jackie got the impression they were just talking to talk. Easy, safe conversation. Anything to get through the meal and avoid all the turbulent emotions they were feeling. At least her and Darach. Heidrek seemed rather relaxed. Eventually, everyone finished eating, and her sense of discomfort grew as she eyed the bed.
But it seemed she had no reason to worry as Darach slid down against the wall on one side of the room and Heidrek the other. When she frowned, the Viking nodded at the bed. “Did you think we meant to sleep in it with you, woman?”
“We’d never do that,” Darach added. “You’ve nothing to worry over, lass.”
While grateful, she frowned at them. “So you guys are going to sit on the floor all night?”
“We are warriors,” Heidrek grunted. “This floor is more comfortable than some places I’ve slept.”
“Aye,” Darach agreed and nodded at the bed. “Sleep, Jackie. We will protect you.”
“I can protect myself,” she nearly said, but the truth was she’d be lying. She had already seen the power of their enemies. But, more than that, she’d seen Nicole and Erin fight. She knew how well they could use a weapon. And she had no clue how to do the same. None at all.
She nodded and was about to climb into bed but stopped when an idea occurred to her. Maybe she could play on their sense of needing to see her comfortable or safe to get what she wanted...what she needed. So she slid down onto the floor at the end of the bed and settled in to rest.
Heidrek frowned. “What are you doing?”
“Going to sleep.”
“You’re not sleeping there.” Darach frowned as well. “’Tis too cold, lass. Get into bed.”
“I’m fine right here.” She closed her eyes. “If you guys can sit on the floor then so can I.”
“Nay,” Darach said at the same time Heidrek said, “No.”
“Why not?” she murmured. “It only seems fair.”
“Jackie, get into bed,” Darach said softly. “Please.”
“No.”
Jackie waited patiently as a tense silence passed. She could be more stubborn than most when put to the test.
“Go to bed, lass,” Darach repeated, his voice a little firmer.
“No.”
A longer stretch of silence passed before they fed right into her hands.
“What will it take to get you into bed,” Darach finally growled.
Jackie cracked open an eye. “I’m not sure what you’re talking about.”
“Aye, but you do.” Darach sighed. “What do you want, lass?”
She opened the other eye and met not Darach’s but Heidrek’s eyes. “I want to learn how to fight.”
“’Tis a bad idea,” Darach grumbled. “You’re not built for it.”
What did he mean by that? She might not be as toned as Nicole and Erin, but she did Yoga and Pilates and tried to stay fit.
“Hence, me asking Heidrek and not you, Darach,” she said flatly, eyes never leaving the Viking’s. “Will you teach me how to fight, Heidrek?”
“I tried at the fortress but you would not,” he started, but she cut him off, not wanting him to share her reasons.
“I’m ready now, and I want to learn.”
Jackie clenched her jaw and refused to look at Darach. The only reason she had said no to Heidrek was because she was still determined that the Scotsman teach her. Likely because she felt she needed to prove some sort of point to him. That she could do it. That she wasn’t the helpless blonde he seemed to be making her out to be. I mean, seriously, why would he teach Nicole but not her? Then Erin went into her strange Otherworld sleep, and Jackie lost focus.
No more.
“I disagree with Darach. It does not matter a person’s build,” Heidrek said. “If you want me to teach you to battle, it would be my pleasure.”
A flicker of excitement rushed through her. “Really?”
Heidrek nodded. “It would give me great pride to do so.”
Darach mumbled something, but she tuned him out. “So I have your word that you’ll train me?”
“Yes, but only if you get into bed,” Heidrek said.
“You got it.” She shot a triumphant grin at Darach as she got up. “But I have a small stipulation.”
“I can only imagine,” Darach muttered, his frown deepening.
Jackie ignored him and pulled everything off the bed except a pillow and blanket then gave the rest of the bedding to them. “If you’re sleeping on the floor, I want you to be as comfortable as possible.”
Some women might have invited them to sleep on the bed as long as they behaved but she knew it would be a bad idea. Yes, an attraction simmered between her and Heidrek but something far more dangerous festered between her and Darach.
She still had no idea what to make of her time dancing with them. When Heidrek pulled her close, she felt warm and flustered. When Darach did the same, she about burned up and lost herself.
Either way, she wasn’t the sort to play men against each other. She had enjoyed a healthy sex life back home. She dated. Never committed. Because God knows they were likely in it for her inheritance. A
trust fund she couldn’t even touch. Nonetheless, life was simpler after her uncle left the States to travel the world. Things were uncomplicated. Just the way she wanted it...had wanted it for a long time.
Now? In light of recent revelations from her doctor, it was more uncomplicated than ever.
It was only a matter of time.
Jackie pulled a blanket over herself, closed her eyes and wondered what would come of all this. Why had she been able to protect Erin when she was trapped in the Celtic Otherworld? Because somehow by being with her, she had healed her friend from what should have been certain death. More than that, she’d flitted in and out of that gray place to do so. Yet she felt no fear.
Rather, courage.
She had no clue why considering it was so horrible. But when she was there with Erin, keeping her prone body the safest she could, she felt strong. Ready. For what, though?
“To be with me again,” whispered through her mind. “To realize what a fool ye were for turning from me, to begin with.”
When Jackie opened her eyes, it wasn’t to the room at the Defiance but to the Otherworld. A place made of jagged mountains and tall, lifeless grass. Where a winding stream ran dry and trees were barren. A sharp cliff rose nearby, and the ocean rolled black and oily in the distance.
She turned and froze as a tall, dark haired man approached. With a long black cape crackling with flames, his dark intensity nearly made her sink to her knees.
“Who are you?” Jackie whispered, but she was afraid she already knew.
“How could ye forget me?” He stopped within feet of her, his Irish lilt gravelly. “When I have not forgotten ye for even a day. What we had.”
Jackie shook her head. Somehow he was familiar. “I don’t understand.”
“Of course, ye do not.” His eyes fell to the ring, and disgust flickered across his face. “If ye take off that thing ye will remember me. Eoghan Dubhdiadh, Druid of the South.” His eyes locked on hers. “Ye will remember the love of your life.”
Jackie shook her head in denial as the sense of familiarity grew.
“’Twas a good trick the imposter pulled keeping the real ring from ye, but now the truth can be laid bare. A dark truth that has been kept secret.” His eyes went from the ring to her face. “Take it off and remember what ye have so long forgotten because the real ring had not yet touched ye.”
The MacLomain Series: Later Years - a Scottish Time Travel Romance Boxed Set Page 86