The MacLomain Series: Later Years - a Scottish Time Travel Romance Boxed Set

by Sky Purington

  Jackie’s face burned as she spoke within his mind. “Great speech and I know you’re going through a lot right now but could you maybe...I don’t know...say more than that.”

  “Aye, I just didnae want ye to think that...” His eyes met hers and whatever he was about to say trailed off. He cupped her cheek, and though he spoke to the crowd, he never looked away. “I found my Broun, the love of my bloody life and married her straight away. Meet my wife, Jackie.”

  Then he kissed her hard.

  Not a quick, chaste kiss but the kind that made her knees weak and had her wrapping her fists into his tunic. Whistles of approval rang out, and people clapped. Though she knew it was the last thing he wanted to do, Darach eventually ended the kiss and turned back to the crowd.

  “I dinnae know what to expect next from the darkness that plagues this land, but I promise ye that my kin and I will get to the bottom of it.” Darach looked to his family. “My Da might not be here, but ye’ve the strongest wizards, dragons, and warriors right here to protect ye. We will defeat this evil and return the land to what it was.”

  “Aye!” the crowd roared.

  “How else can it be since the gods brought our fallen back!” someone cried.

  Jackie bit her lip, grateful they didn’t know she had resurrected them. Yet she recognized an opportunity. Before Darach could respond, she said into his mind, “Don’t tell them it was me. Not yet. Maybe not ever.”

  When he frowned at her, she continued, “Don’t you see? If they believe the gods are behind this, it’ll keep their spirits up. Though mankind has done awful things in the past, they’ve also done amazing things when they thought God or their gods rallied behind their cause.”

  “’Tis a lie, though,” he replied. “And I dinnae want to start as chieftain by lying to my people.”

  “Jackie’s right, Son,” Sheila cut into their mental conversation. “The land has died around this castle, and they just lost your father. You’ve done well to rally them so far, and I’m proud. But a person can only take so much. Most have families beyond these gates. If you want to keep hope in their hearts and stop them from leaving the castle, then they need to believe their loved ones are being protected by a higher power. When the time is right, and all is said and done, then share Jackie’s gift and beg for their forgiveness that you didn’t tell them sooner.”

  “Also,” his mother continued. “Though they would mean well, Jackie doesn’t need the kind of attention they would show her if they knew the truth right now. It might be worshiping, but it would also be endless. It might also be dangerous. You don’t know if someone in this crowd has an ailing child or wife. Imagine what they would do if they knew what Jackie was capable of. She might very well end up beyond these gates in a mob you couldn’t control. If you can count on nothing else, Son, it’s that humans will always be human. Most are capable of anything if it means saving their loved one’s lives.”

  Darach’s eyes held Jackie’s for a long moment before his attention returned to the crowd and he roared, “To the gods! And to God Himself! Might they and He always show us such favor!”

  The crowd roared with approval.

  “’Twas good council,” Darach said into Jackie’s mind before he wrapped his arms around her, pulled her close and murmured in her ear, “Ye are already an admirable Lady of Hamilton Castle, my lass.”

  “Thanks to good advice from the previous Lady of Hamilton Castle,” she reminded.

  “’Twas your idea to begin with. Ma just followed your lead.” His eyes met hers. “But dinnae doubt I know where else your mind was at.”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Aye, but you do,” he said softly. “You weren’t concerned in the least about being carried off by a crazed mob. Nay, you are as determined to keep our people at arm’s length as you were me because you dinnae want anyone hurt when you leave.”

  He had hit it dead on. The idea of letting everyone down already hurt and she didn’t even know them. What she did know was that she cared a great deal about Darach, and they were his clan, his people.

  “There’s just no point in sharing anything right now,” she murmured.

  “Aye, you and Ma convinced me of as much but,” he tilted up her chin until their eyes met, “as soon as all of this is over, they’ll know everything and nobody will be carrying you off anywhere. Not so long as I draw breath.”

  She almost said, “How could you when we won’t be here because of your love for me,” but didn’t. He had been through enough today. Far too much. So she nodded, stood on her tip-toes and kissed his cheek. “Sounds good.”

  “I mean it, Jackie.”

  “So do I.” She brushed her lips over his and met his eyes again. “You need to be with your clan now.”

  “Aye,” he murmured. “The wee King is safe enough, and our people are protected. Go to the castle and rest.”

  “So you know what happened to Robert?” Jackie frowned. “You know that I did a crappy job of protecting him, and he nearly died.”

  “Nearly died?” Darach said. “Och, lass. He might be a wee bairn but he’s strong, and my sister is a master healer. You protected him well by getting him to safety. If our future king decided to save another and take a blade, it shows great strength of character. That which he will someday need.”

  Her brows perked. “I guess that’s one way to look at it.”

  “He’s safe, and that’s what matters most.” Darach gestured toward the castle. “Go rest, lass. I need to visit with my clan and make sure all is well. It’s been a truly difficult day.”

  Jackie held his gaze, and though she knew he was trying to keep things lighthearted not only for her sake but everyone else’s, she felt his overwhelming sadness. Losing a parent was devastating.

  “I don’t want to rest. I’m worried about everyone,” she said. “Would it be okay if I tagged along and kept you company? I’d like to...be there.”

  “You dinnae need to,” he said softly. “’Tis not expected of you.”

  “I’m not worried about what’s expected of me.” She squeezed his hand. “I just want to...please.”

  Their eyes held before he finally relented. “Aye then, lass. I would like that.”

  So they spent the remainder of the day not only with the Hamiltons but the Brouns and Thomsons. Jackie remained impressed by how well liked Darach was and equally humbled by how well she was received. Though sad over losing Grant, a thread of hope had ignited not only because of the resurrections but because of Darach’s words. He had touched everyone either with his speech or long beforehand.

  When night fell, a bonfire was lit in the center of the courtyard as all paid their respects to the great Grant Hamilton. Sheila had long disappeared, and Lair remained in the castle, unseen and unheard from. Jackie never left Darach’s side and did everything she could to keep his sadness from overwhelming him. While they said little if nothing, she noticed his cousins and her friends were always close. Always there if they needed them.

  It was a good thing the courtyard and castle were huge because there were an alarming amount of people to house. That, it appeared, was something his aunts and uncles saw to because by the time Darach bid all good night, everyone had a spot and seemed content enough.

  “Where are we going?” she said as he led her up the stairs in the great hall.

  “To your chamber.”

  “My chamber?”

  “Aye.” He led her down a familiar hallway then up more stairs.

  “I don’t understand,” she whispered but had a feeling she was starting to.

  “Lass, I’ve been dreaming about ye for years,” he said, brogue thickening as they went down another long hallway and up more stairs.

  “I know, but you couldn’t have possibly,” she began but trailed off as he led her up the final spiraling set of stairs.

  “Possibly what? Made sure a room waited for ye if ye ever arrived?” he murmured as he led her into the huge bedroom she
had been in earlier. His eyes met hers. “This chamber has been yers for well over a decade, lass.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  DARACH HAD IMAGINED this moment for years. That someday he would walk the lass from his dreams into this chamber. What he never could have imagined was that it would end up being a sanctuary to keep her and the future King of Scotland safe. More so, that he would be so bloody sad when they entered it together for the first time.

  Rightfully so, Jackie wasn’t awed but distressed when she looked at the bed. “Robert’s not here anymore.” Her eyes went to him. “I take it he’s somewhere safe?”

  “He is,” Darach assured as he touched the small of her back and led her further in. “No need to worry. All is as well as it can be for now.”

  Her eyes met his. “I sense how guilty you feel for being up here when you could still be downstairs.”

  “Aye.” He tried to fight exhaustion. “’Tis where their laird should be.”

  “Maybe.” She urged him to sit on the bed. “But I think it’s safe to say they understand how sad you are right now. That you need some time alone. You just lost your dad, Darach. That’s not easy.”

  He sighed. “Nay, ‘tis not.”

  “You need rest,” she said firmly as she untied his boots. He watched her without really seeing. His Da was gone. Dead. At first, he hoped he was wrong and what happened was similar to Rònan’s experience, but his sister soon squelched that thought. Not just his life form but his essence was gone.

  There could be no resurrection.

  His father had sacrificed everything to defend Darach.

  To keep his son safe.

  Jackie pulled off one boot then the other before she took his hands and met his eyes. “Favor?”

  “Aye, lass.”

  “Stand.”

  So he did, ready for anything she wanted, anything she desired, despite how sad he was. Yet when he stood, she leaned around him, pulled back the blankets then met his eyes. “Now sit.”

  So he did and rested his hands on her hips, lust flaring despite all they’d been through.

  “Nope, not what you need.” She patted the pillow. “Lie down.”

  “Nay,” he whispered, pulling her close until he rested his cheek against her stomach. “I dinnae want to sleep.”

  “I know,” she whispered and caressed his hair. “But you need to.”

  Darach’s eyes slid shut. “Nay.”

  Lost in exhaustion and grief, he had no idea she managed to lie him down until he awoke much later. Fire crackled on the hearth and torchlight flickered against the deep purple shadows of pre-dawn. As he had done to her earlier, she was propped on an elbow, her gaze tender.

  “How long have you been watching me, lass?” he murmured.

  “For a while.” She trailed a finger along his jaw. “You’re hard to look away from.”

  A smile curled his lips at the familiar words before he remembered where they were and all that had happened.

  “Och.” He closed his eyes. “I slept when I shouldnae have.”

  “You slept when you needed to,” she said softly.

  “Tell me it was all a nightmare, that none of it happened,” he whispered as her hand slid into his. “Tell me Da isnae dead.”

  “I can’t tell you that,” she whispered so softly he barely heard it.

  Darach had yet to cry, had yet to shed a bloody tear. Because that would make all of this real. Yet when she rested her cheek against his chest, and her sadness blew through him, a new level of grief made his chest tighten.

  He could let go with her.

  He was allowed.

  So he did. In his own way. He wrapped his arms around her and grieved. Tears likely fell, but he didn’t feel them. He only felt her as memories of his father washed over him. She felt like an anchor in a wave of emotions that flipped him every which way in a sea that he couldn’t control. He never let go but held on tight no matter how rough the waters.

  Needing more, both distraction and release, he pulled her lips to his. Their tongues twirled as he pressed closer to her warm body. There would be no foreplay. He was too desperate. So a chant later, their clothing was gone.

  “You should rest,” she whispered into his mind.

  “I have,” he whispered back as he came over her. “I will.”

  Until then, he wanted to be with her...in her. There was no need to wedge her thighs apart. She spread them willingly before he buried himself deep inside her. With a breathy sigh of relief and pleasure, she wrapped her arms around him and matched his every move. Not fast but very slow.

  So slow.

  He wanted to drown in everything she offered.

  Escape.

  Yet oddly enough it felt like he was, at last, coming home.

  She was finally in the chamber he had created for her long ago. Blues and oranges to match what he sensed of her. What he didn’t realize at the time was that he had inherently chosen colors to match her transition. Blue...cool, aloof and contained. Orange...changing, warming, blossoming. He had designed this room to welcome and make the lass of his dreams comfortable.

  One he never gave up hope on.

  How often had he fantasized about making love to her here?

  “Darach,” she half whispered, half groaned as they moved against each other.

  He slowed to a near stop, cupped her cheek and kissed her as though it were their first time. And it felt that way. As if they were just beginning. But then this was the first time he’d had her in his castle...as laird.

  Eventually, he broke the kiss and quickened his pace.

  When her eyes fluttered shut, a shudder rippled through her, and she arched, he was long past gone. He gripped the headboard and thrust twice more before his muscles seized. Teeth clenched, he made a guttural sound that was part animalistic and part anguished pleasure as he shook hard and released his seed.

  After his muscles finally relaxed, he kissed her several more times before rolling them onto their sides facing each other. He gazed at her before he pulled her close then promptly drifted off to sleep. When he woke again, it was to the smell of fresh bannock and to the sight of his beautiful wife standing at the window. She wore a white chemise that billowed around her as she stared out.

  His eyes widened at the strong sense of familiarity.

  He had dreamt of this moment.

  Sensing that he had awoken, her eyes drifted to him, and she offered a soft smile. “Hey there. How are you feeling?”

  Sad. Changed. A different man than he was yesterday.

  But always happy to see her.

  Darach sat up. He should get back downstairs.

  “No, Son. You should rest more,” his mother said into his mind. “Your aunts, uncles and cousins have everything under control.”

  “Nay, I should—”

  “This isn’t up for debate.” Then she left his mind.

  He knew better than to argue with her so remained focused on Jackie.

  “I’m feeling a wee bit better,” he said in answer to her question. He held out his hand. “Come here, lass.”

  Though he knew she was tempted, she shook her head. “You need to eat first. Regain your energy.”

  “I think we both know I’ve no issues with my energy.” He patted the bed. “Join me, and I’ll remind you.”

  Jackie shook her head. “I’m sure you will.” She brought a tray of food and drinks over and set it down between them. “But first, you’ll eat.”

  Darach sighed and eyed her. “You’re pushy.”

  “I can be,” she agreed. “Especially when I care about someone.”

  He sipped some water and eyed the food. “I’m not hungry.”

  “You’re not supposed to be. You’re depressed.” She handed him a piece of bannock. “Even so, eat up, so we don’t have our first fight already.”

  Darach worked at a pout. “You’d argue with me even in light of my loss?”

  “Absolutely.” She gave him a pointed look. “You mig
ht’ve signed your death warrant by loving me, but I don’t intend to let you die beforehand from starvation.”

  “Och,” he muttered and bit into the tasteless food. Though he could think of far better ways to start his day, he was warmed by her concern.

  Jackie ate as well, but not that much. Instead, she spent the majority of the time persuading him to eat more. By the time they were finished, he’d polished off several slices of meat, another piece of bannock and a wedge of cheese.

  “I never got the chance to thank you yesterday.” Darach took her hand. “Not only for your support but for taking my pain when the demi-god attacked me.” He pushed down troubled emotions as he remembered it. “You could have gotten seriously hurt, lass.”

  “It was worth the risk,” she murmured. “You would’ve done the same.”

  “Aye, I would’ve, but I’m far stronger.” He shook his head. “You cannae do that again.”

  “Sorry, but I will if I have to.” She didn’t seem all that miffed by his request but rather matter-of-fact. “My health is only going to go downhill so there’s no point in worrying about me.”

  “Mayhap.” He tried to keep his tone light. “But that doesnae mean I dinnae want to keep you around as long as possible.”

  When she said nothing, he continued. “Several times now I’ve felt the numbness you experience and have heard you use the word forgive to temper it. Why?”

  “Because it helps me move past my anger.” Jackie sighed. “Erin isn’t a huge fan of the whole forgiveness thing because she sees it as me folding. Giving up the good fight. Forgiving means I’m caving.” She shook her head. “But like me at first, she just couldn’t accept the truth. This is a battle that can’t be won. So I finally decided to forgive the fact I was sick. Once I did, it became easier.”

  “I can understand where both of you are coming from,” he said. “But I stand with Erin. While forgiveness is good, I dinnae think you should give up the fight either.”

  “I get it. You feel that way because you’re new to all of this.” Emotion churned in her eyes, but she blinked it away, a determined set to her chin. “Like I said, it’s incurable. The numbness and my sense of smell will get worse until they’re permanent. Until then, embracing forgiveness seems to keep things under control. I know it sounds weird, but it works. It must lower my blood pressure or something. Which must mean less strain on the tumor and nerves.” Her brows furrowed. “You’re the only other thing that works.”