Highlander's Bride: Medieval Romance (The Fae Book 1)

by Joanne Wadsworth

  “Will Duncan MacKenzie or his warriors see the real me through this disguise?” His younger sister would tell him the truth. She always had.

  “Even I hardly recognize the real you.” She stopped in front of him, cupped his cheeks and gently ran her fingers back and forth along his jaw. “Your skin is as smooth as a baby’s bottom. I had no idea you could look so very handsome. No more beard for you.”

  “I liked my beard.” He gritted his teeth, covered her hands with his then couldn’t help but smile at his dearest kin. His sister, now a newlywed with a husband from this time who adored her beyond all reason, lived both here in the future and in the past. “Where’s Alec?”

  “My mate is training in the yard, as I too should be.” Annella had grown up fighting right alongside him and Father, all three of them warriors through and through. In her black leather pants, billowy-sleeved blue tunic and sword gleaming at her hip, she popped a kiss on his forehead. “I shall miss you while you’re gone. I expect you to find your mate and return with her, with all haste.”

  “I shall do exactly that, and at least I’m leaving you in the best of hands with Alec.” He slid off the bed, his kilt brushing his knees as he clasped Tavish’s forearm. “I thank you for all you’ve done. ’Tis a miracle you’ve worked for me.”

  “You’re most welcome. You’re free to leave whenever you please and track down your chosen one. There’s no need for more checkups.” Tavish grasped his forearm in return. “I wish you a safe journey and a most enjoyable hunt.”

  “I shall never cease chasing my chosen one, no matter how far she attempts to roam from me.” He pulled on his billowy black tunic, tucked the hem under the belted waist of the MacKenzie tartan Annella had purchased for him from a store in the village. He grunted. Donning the enemy’s colors grated on him, but he’d need to wear this plaid or else be discovered for who he truly was. At least he had a viable reason for arriving dressed as a MacKenzie warrior at Carron Castle. During his imprisonment, he’d learnt Coll was away on a mission to secure more warriors to his and Duncan’s cause and he intended to offer his sword arm once he arrived. Men had been arriving daily at the keep during his imprisonment. Aye, he’d do whatever it took to claim Kyla, even pose as a MacKenzie.

  “You’re a Matheson, no matter what kilt you wear.” Annella scooped his sword from the end of the medical bed and passed it to him. “Never forget that.”

  “Are you reading my mind again?”

  “Dinnae I always?” She crossed her arms with a knowing smile. “You’re also about to correct the wrong done to Kyla when she was but a child. Giving her back the choice so brutally taken from her is all that matters. She too is a Matheson, no’ a MacKenzie. What name have you chosen for yourself?”

  “Rand MacKenzie, from clan MacKenzie of Kintail.” He’d thought long and hard about what name to select before the perfect one had come to him. As a lad of eight, he’d been busy carving “R and C” into the trunk of a pine tree overlooking the cliffs near the fae village when Christina had skipped up the trail and danced around him. With her golden-red curls bouncing about her shoulders and a mischievous smile on her face, she’d tapped the trunk before he’d finished inscribing the “C” for the first letter of her name and asked him what he’d been doing. His face had gotten all hot and he’d been unable to finish the inscription, had stopped at “R and ” then stupidly babbled to her that Rand was a nickname.

  She’d giggled and called him Rand for an entire week and he hadn’t minded one bit, not since her happiness had brightened his heart. Even at the young age of eight, he’d known one day she would be his, but telling her then had been impossible. He’d kept the knowledge to himself, or at least he had until the day when he’d been imprisoned within the dungeons of Carron Castle and come face to face with her once more. For the past twenty years his wee Christina had been known as Kyla, and his very soul had ached for her and the loss she’d suffered.

  Such a barrage of emotions had raced through him that day.

  Even though cuffed and chained to the gritty dungeon wall, a rat scratching about within one darkened corner, he’d never been more in awe of the woman standing so magnificently before him. Those sweet curls of hers were even more thick and luscious than in her childhood, the color such a vibrant golden hue with strands of red woven in, her locks now swaying all the way to her bottom. The tiny freckles she’d had as a child still dusted her cheeks and as he’d looked into her eyes, he’d become lost within her stunning blue gaze. Shock and awe at finding her had swarmed him.

  He’d been searching for her his entire life, had never given up the possibility of finding her, but learning the truth about her abduction had astounded him. Now, he intended on returning to the place of his imprisonment to claim her, to have her accept their bond and choose him the same way as he wished to choose her.

  “I like that name. Rand is perfect.” Annella hugged him. “Promise me you’ll be careful during your hunt.”

  “Always, and I know I’ll have you to contend with if I’m no’.” Sword strapped on and his wrist daggers sheathed, he pulled on his boots.

  “That’s right.” She squeezed his cheeks and sighed. “I shall miss this pretty face of yours while you’re gone.”

  “If you call me pretty one more time I’ll haul you over my knee and redden your backside with my belt.” He wouldn’t do such a thing, but hopefully the threat would hold.

  “Liar, and I’d like to see you try with my chosen one so close.” She pranced to the window overlooking the training yard below, shoved the window open and yelled, “Alec! I need my big bear to come and tussle with my bro—”

  He was at the window in a flash, shoved a hand over his sister’s mouth and muttered. “I dinnae need any bruises right now, scamp, no’ until after I’ve successfully infiltrated Carron Castle.” He truly needed to be away and not tussling with her mate yet again. Alec Matheson held one fierce ability, could battle as no other could. Still, he’d miss his sister terribly. He’d looked after her his entire life, didn’t care to leave her behind but this coming mission was one he needed to embark on alone.

  “What’s your plan when you arrive at Carron?” Tavish shrugged his white coat off and hung it on a hook by the door.

  “’Twill be impossible to lie to my mate. She’ll learn the truth, just as soon as I can impart it.”

  “Good morn, everyone.” Cherub swished into the room in a regal crimson gown with lace-edged sleeves, Kirk one step behind her in his kilt and leather jerkin. They’d both arrived a few hours ago, and after he’d laid out his plans for the day ahead, they’d offered to scout about Carron for him then report back with any findings.

  “How did your search go?” He picked up his satchel where he’d propped it against the corner chair, hoisted it over his shoulder and crossed to Cherub.

  “Very good. We arrived in time to catch Duncan riding out with about half a dozen of his men. He returns to Ardan House, his keep a little farther along the loch from Carron Castle.” Cherub touched his forehead then swished under his eyes. “Incredible. You’ve no wrinkles at all.”

  “You have no wrinkles yourself.”

  “Aye.” A smile. “’Tis one of the benefits to being an immortal fae.”

  Kirk clutched his shoulder, his usual grin in place. “Welcome to the wrinkle-free club, my friend.”

  “Wrinkle-free? You say the strangest things.” He couldn’t help but chuckle at Kirk. He’d come to know the man well since he’d formed a mated bond with Cherub, respected and admired him for his dedication in joining their fae princess in her duty to her earthbound kind. “What of Kyla? Did you see her at all?”

  “We did,” Kirk answered him. “She left the keep with a guard and right now swims in a pool within the forest. Her guard hunts so she’s alone. You can speak to her privately if you wish it.”

  “I more than wish it.”

  “Then we’ll take you directly there.” Cherub held out her arm to him. His people’s princ
ess held the time-walker ability and commanded the very air itself, could halt the wind or send it churning if she so desired. She could also cloak her form and become unseen to others, or if she wished, so too she could become as one with the very air itself and take on a mist form. The night of his escape from Carron’s dungeons, Cherub had whipped up a mighty storm and unleashed it upon the warriors under Duncan’s command. She would go to any length to ensure her people’s survival, had certainly seen to his. “Take ahold of me and we’ll be away.”

  “This I cannae wait for.” He grasped her arm.

  “Remember, no letting go.” Kirk eyed him as he wrapped his arms around Cherub from behind. “If you do, you’ll experience a far rougher journey than what is necessary.”

  “Thank you for the warning.” Although he recalled his initial trip here to the twenty-first century with ease, even though he’d been badly beaten and whipped to within an inch of his life at the time.

  “Good luck with the chase, and should you need me then call out.” Annella blew him a kiss. “No one restrains my brother again and gets away with it.” He didn’t doubt she’d travel to him if she sensed he was in any danger at all.

  “Aye, scamp, I’ll make sure to pass that threat right along.” He squeezed Cherub’s arm. “’Tis time for me to confront my chosen one, to bring her around the mated way of thinking.”

  “That I wholeheartedly agree with. Let’s tarry no more.” Cherub twirled her fingers through the air and the wind rose and swirled all about.

  A portal opened and he held onto Cherub as the three of them fell away into the churning abyss. Within the dark, lightning flashed and stars blazed. His soul lifted and his heart rejoiced at soon being closer to his chosen one once more. For the past month since his escape all he’d wished to do was heal so he might return to her. He longed to see the fiery spark in her blue eyes. She was spectacular, mesmerizing, a true Scottish lass with the fire of the fae in her blood. Aye, no more would he allow her to deny their bond.

  “Here we are.” Cherub settled them down and the churning darkness gave way to the vivid brightness of the day, the morning air crisp yet still holding the warmth of the sun. Blue skies reigned overhead with only the odd smattering of cloud, while pine and elm trees rose tall and strong. Birds chirped and flew from branch to branch.

  “Kyla’s about a hundred yards farther along this trail.” Kirk gestured toward the scrub-lined pathway leading north. “I wish you well on your chase.”

  “Both of you have my immense thanks for all you’ve done.” He stepped back. “Travel safely.”

  “We will, and be careful.” The wind rushed and in the blink of the eye, Cherub disappeared with Kirk through another portal, the two gone just as quickly as they’d come.

  Aye, ’twas time for him to be gone too.

  Along the trail, he snuck then halted as up ahead splashing trickled toward him.

  With nary a noise, he stepped out from amongst the thick trees encircling a clearing. Sunshine rippled across the glistening surface of a perfectly round pool holding his enticing siren within.

  Scooping water at her sides, Kyla floated on her back, her waist-length locks splaying out like a lily pad of golden-red, her dainty face upturned and eyes closed. The water swelled around her, cascaded over her bare legs and belly. Her full breasts rose above the surface and her rosy nipples sat stiff and pointy on top. Hell. He hadn’t expected to find her without a stitch of clothing on.

  He should turn away, give her the privacy she desired, only doing so right now was impossible. Her lips, softly parted, drew his gaze even though every curved inch of her remained on glorious display. He wanted to kiss her, to know her taste and touch, just as he’d desired the same during his captivity.

  Memories surged, of the moment when he’d sensed the depth of their bond taking form and the strands between their souls weaving more firmly together. Deep underground behind iron bars, he’d yanked on his cuffed hands chained back against the wall, while she’d stood on the other side of his cell in the darkened passageway with a guard at her side.

  “Stand aside, Gordon.” Kyla had swished into the cell after Gordon had unlocked it, a bowl of steaming stew and a tankard of water in hand. In a sleeveless teal gown and a cream under-tunic, a heavy silver-chained girdle clasped around her tiny waist, she’d scraped a wooden crate from the corner forward and set the food and drink on top of it.

  He hadn’t been able to get his fill of her, his gaze devouring his chosen one as he’d searched to ensure she remained unharmed since their first meeting the day before. That had been when he’d learned her new name. Known as Kyla, the Chief of MacKenzie’s foster daughter, she’d lived within his enemy’s household since her abduction and had arrived here recently to visit her two favored foster brothers.

  “Are you well, Kyla?” His voice had been a mess as he’d spoken to her, all raspy and dry.

  “You need never fear for me, Ronan. I am amongst my own kin here.” She shot a look at Gordon. “Leave. He willnae eat with you present.”

  “You pander to him and shouldnae. I shall give you five minutes and no more.” Gordon had snorted as he’d walked out the door, closed it after himself with a loud clang and marched down the corridor.

  “You must eat and drink if you wish to maintain your strength.” She’d picked up the chipped tankard she’d brought and held it up to his chapped lips. “Now, afore I am forced to leave and you miss the chance to do so.”

  “Cease using force against me.” He’d taken a hearty swallow of the water. She’d unknowingly used force, her fae mind-walker skill rising as she’d issued her command, her mind naturally seeking out his due to their bond. “I can sense your fae skill, your subtle yet clear push within my mind to make me obey your orders.”

  “I have no idea what you speak of. I hold no fae skill. I am a MacKenzie, the foster daughter of my chief, a fact you’d best no’ forget.”

  “Trust me, you hold a fae skill whether you wish to acknowledge it or no’, although it likely lays buried somewhat inside you since you have no’ had the chance to be guided by our people in the full use of it. You can do more than touch another’s mind. You can also delve deeper and sway our thoughts. I too am part fae and can sense your ability.”

  She’d touched her head, confusion swirling within her gaze.

  “Listen to me well, Kyla. Twenty years ago a young lass was taken from the fae village farther along the loch from the House of Clan Matheson. Her name was Christina and she was the first and only child born to Isaiah and Grace. In the middle of the night, under the cover of darkness, she disappeared without a trace. Kidnapped, the elders of the village said, although they couldnae find her, and no one had demanded coin for her return. I remember the lass well even though I was only a lad of eight at the time. The wee one always intrigued me with her mass of golden-red curls and blue eyes.”

  “I cannae possibly be this lass you speak of.” With an obstinate shake of her head, she’d dipped the spoon into the stew, held the mouthful to his lips, her beautiful blue eyes narrowed with frustration and anger. “I know who my kin are, and ’tis no clan Matheson. Eat. Now.”

  “You’re doing it again, using your skill against me. Touch your mind to mine with more strength then issue the command you wish obeyed. It’ll force me to your hand far faster than how you are currently making your demands.”

  “All right. I can touch my mind to another’s, have always known I could, but I’ve never forced another to my will, and no one has ever discovered my touch within their mind, other than those whom I trust. I’ve always taken every precaution. I didnae mean to touch your mind, did so afore I could help myself. Please, you must promise me that you’ll never tell another soul of what I’ve done. My parents’ lives depend on it.” She’d prodded the spoon against his closed lips once more. “Open your mouth. I wish for you to eat. You need the nourishment, and to maintain your strength.”

  “You’ll learn soon enough how to use your skill to
its full force if you but return to your true people. Only those of fae blood can in truth sense your touch. You can never hide that from those of your own kind.” He’d opened his mouth and slurped the stew down. “Even as young as Christina was when she was taken, her very soul cried out to mine. I knew we were mated, even though so few do at such a young age.”

  He’d never joined with another from their clan, always sensed a restlessness within him for the one woman being held far beyond his reach. He’d known she awaited him somewhere, that she would remain lost to him until he’d found her. Now that he had, he’d never allow her to be snatched away from him again. She needed him, as much as he needed her.

  “I said open your mouth.” Kyla jammed another spoonful of stew between his lips.

  “Look inside your heart and tell me you dinnae feel something toward me.”

  “I feel plenty, including frustration and annoyance.” She’d continued to feed him, not allowing him another moment to speak until the bowl was empty and the spoon clattered against the base. “Now, when the guard brings you a meal, you’ll eat it.”

  “Come closer, Kyla.”

  “I certainly willnae.” She’d slammed her hands on her hips.

  “Aye, you will.” He’d hooked one leg around the back of her legs and she’d toppled forward, palms flattened against his chest and her breath whooshing out.

  “You have no right to touch me, Ronan Matheson.”

  “I have every right.” Unable to help himself, he’d buried his nose in her hair. “It feels so good to have you so close, to have your hands upon me. Many of our fae-blooded kind are soul bound to another, and when they come of age and find their chosen ones, they join together in all ways, the silken strands between their souls weaving together into one.”

  “I sense naught between us.” She’d squeezed her eyes shut then pushed herself away from him, straightened her shoulders and glared. “You are my brother’s prisoner and he intends to use you to ensure your father’s compliance. We need Niall Matheson on our side.” She’d brushed her teal skirts, collected the bowl and tankard and swished to the cell door.