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

by Sky Purington

  Four horses were carved into the stone over the center of the hearth, running free and wild. Content with a job well done. Two happy faces were carved on either side. Faces nobody could mistake.

  Adlin and Iosbail.

  “Why does Adlin’s face seem less defined?” Bradon asked.

  “Funny you should ask.” Grant kept grinning as his eyes landed on Leslie’s stomach. “Where was it you conceived that bairn, again?”

  Leslie put her hands over her belly protectively. “Why?”

  Grant chuckled as he stood and pulled his wife into his arms as people streamed into the great hall. He responded then winked before he and Sheila twirled away to the pipes. “Was it at the Highland Defiance then?”

  Leslie’s eyes narrowed on Bradon. “What did he mean by that?”

  Jackie shook her head and groaned, “You two were so loud when we stowed away there.”

  “No surprise.” Nicole grinned. “Remember how loud they were in New Hampshire?”

  “Yeah, so what, we had sex...a lot of sex at the Defiance,” Leslie grumbled, her eyes narrowed on Bradon. “But what does that have to do with Adlin’s face being less defined in the damn mantle?”

  “My guess?” His eyes fell to her stomach, a little wondrous. “I’d say he meant Adlin’s soul is fading from the Otherworld and returning to this one.”

  “Aye.” Torra smiled at them. “After all, the original Highland Defiance was the most powerful place Adlin created ...and a portal at that.” She shrugged. “It’s supposed to move people from one spot in Scotland to another but who knows what other kind of doorway it might be...”

  Everyone’s eyes rounded on Leslie’s stomach as they contemplated the possibility that Adlin’s reincarnated soul might be in there.

  Though interested in the conversation, Jackie had no chance to follow the rest of it before Darach pulled her into the happy crowd. Jackie laughed as he spun her once, twice then pulled her against him. They spent a long time like that. Swaying against each other...grateful that they were together and everything was over.

  Then they joined their friends and family in celebration. There was so much happiness. Lightness. And while she knew it was partly because she was accepting her illness was gone, it was so much more.

  “We’ve come a long way,” Jackie said as she and her friends stood outside later that night and stared out over the moonlit loch.

  “Have we ever.” Nicole looked at Cassie. “I never would’ve guessed any of this when we pulled your Chevette up to the Colonial in New Hampshire.” She chuckled. “What a ride.”

  “I know,” Cassie agreed.

  “I thought you were full of bullshit,” Erin reminded, an easy smile on her face.

  Jackie bumped her hip against Erin’s and smiled. “Glad you were wrong?”

  “Very,” Erin confirmed.

  Everyone’s eyes turned Jackie’s way when Erin said, “How about you, Savior? Thrilled as the rest of us?”

  Jackie shook her head and scowled. “Please don’t call me that.”

  “But we mean it,” Cassie said. “If it weren’t for you, we’d still be disabled.”

  “I...” She shook her head, not wanting the dynamics between them to change. “I didn’t mean to...”

  Their expressions softened when they saw her struggling. They understood.

  “Listen.” Erin gripped her shoulder and met her eyes. “I shouldn’t have said ‘savior.’ That was too intense. We’re just grateful.” She notched the corner of her lip. “If we’re sharing a happy ending together and you played a part in that then way to go, Sweetheart.”

  Jackie nodded and whispered, “Anytime.”

  “I for one am glad that I experienced blindness. It gave me a deeper understanding of so many things,” Cassie said. “There are others in the village. Those losing their sight or are already blind. I’ve been working with them and will continue to do so.”

  “Same here,” Nicole added. “Though they’re all elderly, I’ve been spending a lot of time with those losing their hearing.”

  When Jackie’s eyes met Erin’s, her best friend shrugged. “It’s sort of rare to go mute, and I haven’t been here long so cut me some slack.” Then she pulled her into a hug. “But I’m opening my heart and learning about an amazing clan.” Erin grinned. “The MacLeod’s will never be the same after having me as Lady of their Castle.”

  Jackie chuckled. “No, they won’t.”

  Her eyes encompassed them all. “I love you guys.” She fought back tears. “Thanks for sticking by me every step of the way.”

  “Hell yeah,” Nicole murmured as Cassie said, “Where else would we be?”

  “Braveheart came to life,” Nicole echoed as they all embraced.

  Right. Their love for movies. A way to bridge the gap when they all lost their sight, hearing and what not.

  “William Wallace,” Nicole mumbled as they hugged tighter. “Like holy shit, right?”

  All nodded in agreement.

  “Mind if I steal my lass now?” Darach said.

  While she loved being with her friends, since the moment they separated, she was eager to be with him again. Some might say she suffered the romantic affliction of new love, but she knew how very old it was.

  “Darach Hamilton.” Nicole grinned as she hugged him the best she could with her big belly. “You always wanted Jackie.” She shook her head, and half sauntered, half waddled away, proclaiming, “Let it go on record that when I think two people want each other, I’m right.”

  Cassie hugged him next then murmured, “I’m so glad you found each other,” before she left.

  Erin squeezed Jackie’s hand and met her eyes. “Are you okay?”

  There was only one way to answer, and she meant it with all her heart. “I’m better than ever.”

  Erin eyed her for a long moment before she nodded and headed Darach’s way. She embraced him and whispered in his ear. Something Jackie heard because of her and Darach’s connection. “I love you both, but you better be good to her,” she said. “Or I’ll use your own weapon against you.”

  When she strode away, Darach frowned, patted his side and muttered, “My blade’s gone. Bloody hell, how does she do that?”

  Jackie chuckled. “The woman’s talented.”

  “That’s one way to put it,” he muttered before he swiftly closed the distance between them. “I missed you,” he whispered as he backed her up against the railing and kissed her.

  “Me too,” she murmured between kisses. “Missed you too that is.”

  His lips closed more firmly over hers before she could say another word. It was astounding but not quite perfect...not quite what she needed.

  Something was missing.

  Her heart wanted more.

  Aware of her discontent, he pulled back and frowned. “What troubles you?”

  “Nothing that should...” She frowned, trying to understand. “But don’t you sense it?”

  His eyes searched hers before he nodded and whispered, “I think I do...you want to go home.”

  “Yes.” Her brows perked and her heart fluttered. “I do.”

  Though he tried to hide it, distress flashed in his eyes. “Back to the twenty-first century?”

  “Yes.” Jackie shook her head when she realized what he said. “No.” Her eyes stayed with his. “I want to go home...to Hamilton Castle.”

  Relief flashed in his eyes. “Aye then, lass. I learned a wee trick from Brigit along the way.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Another way to get you home.” He cupped her cheek and brushed his finger over her birthmark before he pulled her close. Magic swirled around them before darkness descended.

  “Oh no, not the Otherworld again,” she mumbled against his chest.

  “Nay.” He turned her. “Home.”

  Jackie blinked as she acclimated. A full moon cut through the trees and lit the statue of her carved into Hamilton Castle.

  “We’re back,” she exclaimed, s
miling.

  “Aye,” he murmured in her ear as he reached around and touched the birthmark on the statue. “We’re back to where it all began.”

  “What about the rest of the clan still at MacLomain Castle?” she managed, breathless as he pressed against her back.

  “We’ll get them home on the morrow,” he managed before he spun her and kissed her again.

  “How?” she whispered between kisses as he lifted her and she wrapped her legs around him.

  “Magic,” he said as he ascended the stairs with her in his arms.

  “But we’re home,” she managed between more kisses. “We should call the clan together. Have a celebration.”

  “Yer out of yer bloody mind,” he growled seconds before she ended up on an all-too-familiar bed. “I chased ye into the Celtic Otherworld. We died. Several times.” His body covered hers. “The only way I intend to celebrate right now is with you on this bed.” He removed their clothes with a flick of his wrist, settled between her thighs and whispered in her ear before he thrust and everything spun away in pleasure.

  “Welcome home, Lady of Hamilton Castle.”

  Later that night as Jackie cuddled against Darach, she reflected on everything that had happened as a result of preserving the passion first born between Gwendolyn and Devlin. Everything Goddess Brigit began in ancient Ireland and saw through thanks to careful planning and the help of her greatest love, Fionn Mac Cumhail.

  A large tapestry had been woven, in more ways than one.

  Evil had at last been defeated.

  Robert the Bruce was safe. He had learned much from his adventures and now understood things most never would experience at his age, never mind in their entire lifetime. From Cassie, how to see things more clearly and pay attention to what was going on around him. From Nicole, how to listen closely, especially to things unsaid. From Erin, how to appreciate the value in choosing his words wisely and using less of them to make his point.

  And from Jackie?

  Hopefully to see the bigger picture and remember that everyone did things for a reason. Get to the heart of a person and learn what those reasons are before judging.

  But she knew he had benefitted in so many more ways.

  Darach and his cousins had made an impact, showing Robert firsthand what his countrymen were willing to do for him. The lengths they would go. That he was beloved enough that four warriors would devote their lives to protecting him long before he became king.

  Yet when all was said and done, it had taken many to protect the future of Scotland.

  Courage had been rallied.

  Fears had been faced.

  Some might say in the end that a single Claddagh ring started it all, but Jackie knew better.

  It had not only been the passion found between her and her Scottish warrior but what took root so long ago when a Celtic goddess saw how strong love could truly be.

  How it had the potential to withstand time.

  How it could affect so many others.

  It was the perfect foundation for everything to come.

  The true birth of Clan MacLomain and Clan Broun.

  The End

  What’s Next?

  Sworn to a Highland Laird

  The MacLomain Series

  A New Beginning

  FOLLOW ADLIN MACLOMAIN as he’s reborn into another life and connects with his long lost love. Expect a turbulent journey with a cast born of the couples from The MacLomain Series: Later Years. Medieval Scottish warriors once again come together with modern day women as they unite with Robert the Bruce and William Wallace. Historical battles unfold and romance across time is tested once more in The MacLomain Series: A New Beginning. Includes Sworn to a Highland Laird (Book 1), Taken by a Highland Laird (Book 2), Promised to a Highland Laird (Book 3), Avenged by a Highland Laird (Book 4) and The Seafaring Rogue (spin-off).

  The MacLomain Series

  Viking Ancestors’ Kin

  Nothing is ever as it seems. Though Heidrek showed Jackie one thing when she looked at the MacLomain tapestry, something else altogether brews in Scandinavia as a result of his time in Scotland. Certain gods are unhappy, and new enemies threaten his people. Even worse? Heidrek knows women from the distant future will once more be amongst them. Though he suspects his heart will be tied to one, it’s now in everyone’s best interest that he keep her and her kin away.

  Find out what happens next with Heidrek in Rise of a Viking, Book One in The MacLomain Series: Viking Ancestors’ Kin, Book One. Please note that Viking Ancestors’ Kin is also now available in a Boxed Set.

  Interested in rolling the clock back a little further in time to when Heidrek was a child and, as expected, an endeared part of his Viking community? If so, be sure to check out The MacLomain Series: Viking Ancestors.

  Previous Releases

  Best Reading Order

  ~The MacLomain Series- Early Years~

  Highland Defiance- Book One

  Highland Persuasion- Book Two

  Highland Mystic- Book Three

  ~The MacLomain Series~

  The King’s Druidess- Prelude

  Fate’s Monolith- Book One

  Destiny’s Denial- Book Two

  Sylvan Mist- Book Three

  ~The MacLomain Series- Next Generation~

  Mark of the Highlander- Book One

  Vow of the Highlander- Book Two

  Wrath of the Highlander- Book Three

  Faith of the Highlander- Book Four

  Plight of the Highlander- Book Five

  ~The MacLomain Series- Viking Ancestors~

  Viking King- Book One

  Viking Claim- Book Two

  Viking Heart- Book Three

  ~The MacLomain Series- Later Years~

  Quest of a Scottish Warrior- Book One

  Yule’s Fallen Angel (spin-off novella)

  Honor of a Scottish Warrior- Book Two

  Oath of a Scottish Warrior- Book Three

  Passion of a Scottish Warrior- Book Four

  ~The MacLomain Series- Viking Ancestors’ Kin~

  Rise of a Viking- Book One

  Vengeance of a Viking- Book Two

  A Viking Holiday- Book 2.5

  Soul of a Viking- Book Three

  Fury of a Viking- Book Four

  Her Wounded Dragon- Book 4.5

  Pride of a Viking- Book Five

  ~The MacLomain Series: A New Beginning~

  Sworn to a Highland Laird- Book One

  Taken by a Highland Laird- Book Two

  Promised to a Highland Laird- Book Three

  Avenged by a Highland Laird- Book Four

  ~Pirates of Britannia World~

  The Seafaring Rogue

  The MacLomain Series: A New Beginning Spin-off

  ~Viking Ancestors: Rise of the Dragon~

  Viking King’s Vendetta- Book One

  Viking’s Valor- Book Two

  Viking’s Intent- Book Three

  Viking’s Ransom- Book Four

  Viking’s Conquest- Book Five

  Viking’s Crusade- Book Six

  ~Calum’s Curse Series~

  Sister series to The MacLomain Series. Can stand alone, but is best enjoyed after The MacLomain Series (Books 1-4) which includes The King’s Druidess.

  The Victorian Lure- Book One

  The Georgian Embrace- Book Two

  The Tudor Revival- Book Three

  ~Holiday Tales~

  Yule’s Fallen Angel

  + Bonus Novelette, Christmas Miracle

  A Viking Holiday

  ~Forsaken Brethren Series~

  Independent series unrelated to The MacLomain Series

  Darkest Memory- Book One

  Heart of Vesuvius- Book Two

  Family Trees

  Click HERE to view Family Trees.

  About the Author

  SKY PURINGTON IS THE bestselling author of nearly forty novels and several novellas. A New Englander born and bred who recently moved to Virginia, Sky was raised hearing stories of
folklore, myth, and legend. When combined with a love for nature, romance, and time-travel, elements from the stories of her youth found release in her books.

  Purington loves to hear from readers and can be contacted at Sky@SkyPurington.com. Interested in keeping up with Sky’s latest news and releases? Either visit Sky’s website, www.SkyPurington.com, sign up for her quarterly newsletter, or sign up for personalized text message alerts. Simply text 'skypurington' (no quotes, one word, all lowercase) to 74121 or visit Sky’s Sign-up Page. Texts will ONLY be sent when there is a new book release. Readers can easily opt out at any time.

  Love social networking? Find Sky on Facebook and Twitter.

  Want a few more options? “Follow“ Sky Purington on Amazon to receive New Release Kindle Updates and “Follow” Sky on BookBub to be notified of amazing upcoming deals.

  COPYRIGHT © 2016

  The MacLomain Series: Later Years Boxed Set

  Quest of a Scottish Warrior

  Honor of a Scottish Warrior

  Oath of a Scottish Warrior

  Passion of a Scottish Warrior

  By Sky Purington

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. No part of these books may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

  Edited by Cathy McElhaney

  Cover Art by Tamra Westberry

  Published in the United States of America