Artair's Temptress: Highlander Fate Book Five

by Knight, Stella

  “Constitue super terram duris dolor ossibus ardet.”

  A ripple of heat seared the air around him, and his eyes widened as a part of the grove caught flame.

  “Diana!” he shouted, panic surging through him.

  Diana’s eyes flew open. She hastily uttered the words of another spell, and a rush of wind snuffed out the flames.

  She turned to him with an apologetic smile, looking surprised by her own power. But her smile faltered as her gaze fell on something behind him. He stiffened, turning to follow her gaze—and his heart leapt into his throat.

  Liosa and Keagan stood there, their eyes wide, their mouths agape. Liosa sunk to her knees, pressing her hands to her mouth.

  “My God,” she whispered. “Ye’re a witch.”

  * * *

  Moments later, Artair and Diana stood before Liosa, who paced back and forth, shaking her head as if trying to shake what she had just seen out of her mind. Keagan leaned against a tree, silent and pale.

  After Liosa and Keagan had discovered them, Diana had given him a subtle nod, and he knew he had her permission to tell his sister and brother-in-law—everything.

  And so, he told them. Everything. From his vanishing through time, to the existence of stiuireadh, to Diana assisting him back through time. He wasn’t certain how his sister would take all this—if she would even believe it—but he hoped that her affection toward Diana would make her set aside any fear or anger. He was less certain of Keagan, but he suspected his wife's reaction would influence his feelings.

  "Tairseach," Liosa said suddenly, stopping to face them both. "You said the portal is at Tairseach? And that’s why ye’re going back there?”

  “Aye,” Artair said.

  “I kent that place sounded familiar. When I was a girl, I remember hearing rumors about it. About people disappearing. But my maids always told me it was nonsense.”

  “People do disappear there. But they disappear through time. Liosa, I wouldnae believe any of this myself had it not happened tae me, but I hope—"

  "There's no need to convince me," Liosa interrupted, holding up her hand. "I believe ye. How can I not? I just saw Diana conjure fire with my own eyes. "Tis not much of a leap tae assume she can travel through time. I just cannae—" She trailed off, shaking her head again. “Magic. Traveling through time. Sounds like a bedtime tale one would tell their bairns.”

  “I ken,” he said. “I can hardly believe it myself.”

  Liosa swallowed, finally looking at Diana.

  "Ye used yer witchcraft tae bring my brother back tae his own time. And when ye were both held hostage . . . ye saved his life using it?"

  Diana expelled a breath and gave her a shaky nod. "Yes."

  Liosa closed her eyes, and when she opened them, they were awash with tears.

  "Then I have only tae thank ye."

  A powerful wave of relief washed over him as Liosa approached Diana, pulling her into her arms in a warm embrace.

  "Thank ye for bringing my brother back tae me," she whispered.

  She released Diana, who also looked relieved—and surprised. Liosa moved over to Artair and gave him a ferocious glare.

  “Diana gets an embrace and I get a look like that?” he asked, raising his eyebrows.

  "Aye. For not telling me any of this sooner. I kent something was odd about Diana. ’Tis why I was harsh with her and didnae trust her before. I kent she was hiding something, but I can also tell she has a good heart and cares for ye. Ye, brother, should have trusted me from the start."

  "Aye?" Artair challenged. "If I'd told ye that Diana was a time-traveling witch, after I’d not seen ye for so many years—ye'd have believed me?”

  "Aye," Liosa returned fiercely. "It may have taken me a few moments tae accept, but we're family. Sharing things, even things like this, are part of being in a family. I need ye tae trust me going forward if we're tae be in each other's lives."

  "I do," he said, holding his sister's gaze. "And I will."

  "Good," Liosa said, turning to Diana. "And I trust ye, Diana. Ye've earned it on account of yer good heart—and by saving my brother's life."

  Chapter 20

  Now that Liosa and Keagan knew Diana’s true identity, a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. After what happened to her parents, she’d feared what people in the past would do if they learned she was a witch. But Liosa and Keagan weren’t random people, they were Artair’s family, and they accepted her, which meant more to her than she’d realized.

  After they recovered from their shock, Keagan and Liosa peppered her with questions as they continued north. What was her time like? What was it like traveling through time? How did her magic work?

  She’d thought answering such questions would be tiresome, especially considering Artair had asked many of the same, but it was a relief to openly discuss her magic. As she answered each question, Liosa and Keagan looked at her with increasing mystification and awe; it became difficult to keep a straight face.

  But Artair didn't look amused.

  “Diana may be a witch, but she’s still the same lass ye’ve kent,” he said with annoyance. “And be certain tae keep Diana’s true identity tae yerselves. Donnae speak of it outside our group.”

  Liosa scowled. “Do ye think I’m a fool, Artair? Of course we willnae. But we will continue tae ask questions.”

  “As long as ye do it when we’re alone,” Artair said, giving her a sharp look.

  As soon as they arrived at the inn in Inverness, Liosa entered her room while the men were settling the horses.

  “Ye can help us,” Liosa said. “We have tae fight off Tamhas and his men when we return tae our home. But with yer witchcraft—”

  “I’m returning to Tairseach,” Diana interrupted. “And I can’t practice magic openly. It’s too risky.”

  “I ken there’s something ye can do tae help. Ye’ve already used yer magic tae save Artair’s life,” Liosa insisted.

  Diana expelled a breath. She had already considered this possibility on her own. But she didn’t know how she could use her magic to help without exposing herself—and therefore putting Artair and his family at risk for harboring a witch. Just because Liosa and Keagan had accepted what she was didn’t mean anyone else would.

  “I think Artair’s men will do just fine,” she said, ignoring the uncertainty that roiled through her. “And—I have to get back to my own time. That’s where I belong.”

  “You donnae believe that.”

  “Yes, I do,” Diana insisted, though there was no conviction behind her words. “I care about your brother, but I have to leave. I—I don’t want to discuss this anymore.”

  Liosa held up her hands, giving her a look of apology.

  “I’m sorry. Keagan tells me I can be insistent. But . . . think about what I've said, Diana."

  Liosa left her alone, and Diana sank down onto her bed with a wary sigh.

  She could help them fight Tamhas and his men by performing subtle magic in ways most wouldn’t notice. A Concealing spell to hide the number of men they had, making it seem like Tamhas could easily defeat them. Defensive spells to shield bystanders from harm. A spell here and there that could add up to turn the tide in Artair’s favor. What better way to ensure Artair’s safety before she returned to her own time? And she’d have more time with the man she loved.

  By the time she joined the others for supper, her doubts had dissipated, and Liosa’s suggestion had taken root in her mind.

  “What’s on yer mind, lass?” Artair asked, taking a swig of his ale.

  Diana could feel Liosa’s gaze burning into her skin. That gave her the confidence she needed.

  “I was just thinking that . . . maybe I can stay longer. To help with the fight against Tamhas.”

  Liosa grinned, pleasure flickering across her face, while Keagan raised his eyebrows with surprise. Artair, however, tensed and glowered at her.

  “No,” he growled. “Ye were nearly raped and killed by those bastards. Ye’re no
t going anywhere near them again. I’m taking ye tae Tairseach.”

  Diana glared at him, clenching her fists at her sides. She’d forgotten how obstinate Artair could be.

  “You didn’t even ask how I could—”

  “I donnae care how,” Artair snapped. “I willnae let ye put yerself in danger, Diana. I’ll hear no more of it.”

  Diana swallowed hard, hurt and anger swirling through her. If he cared about her, he would see her as more than a just a body to warm his bed at night. More than just a delicate flower whom he needed to protect. Had she not taken them both back through time? Had she not saved his life? But he wouldn’t even consider allowing her to help, knowing what power she possessed.

  “I’ve lost my appetite,” she bit out, getting to her feet.

  He returned her glare. “As have I.”

  “Brother,” Liosa said tentatively. “Perhaps ye should listen tae—”

  “Was this yer idea, Liosa?” he demanded. “Putting foolish notions in Diana’s head?”

  “Donnae raise yer voice tae my wife,” Keagan snapped.

  “Yer wife is trying tae get Diana killed.”

  “Diana is standing right here,” Diana interrupted, tired of him speaking about her as if she weren’t there. “You are a stubborn prat, Artair Dalaigh. You can’t tell me whether or not I can help. I choose to help—and not just for you, but for your sister and Keagan, who I care about. You can throw a tantrum if you’d like, but you can’t stop me.”

  He stood, towering over her. He was so close that she could feel his body heat seeping into her skin. Hot desire ricocheted throughout her body and she felt a hint of moisture between her thighs. It irritated her that she could be so furious with him—and so inflamed with lust—at the same time.

  “Oh, I can, lass,” he seethed. “I’ll tie ye up myself and throw ye over my shoulder if I have tae.”

  Diana gave him a glittering smile that she hoped looked dangerous.

  “You’ve only seen a glimpse of what I’m capable of,” she said, keeping her voice low.

  Artair's eyes narrowed.

  "Are ye threatening me, lass?"

  “All right,” Keagan said with a sigh, clambering to his feet to move in between them. “We’re all tired from riding all day. I think we all should take a break, get some rest, and then we can—”

  “There’s no need,” Artair said, still glaring down at Diana. “I’ll retire tae my own room.”

  With one last glare at Diana, he turned to stalk away. Diana watched him go, her anger dissipating, giving way to her lingering hurt. Liosa stood and touched her arm.

  “’Tis all right,” she assured her. “He just needs time tae calm down.”

  But the stalemate continued. Artair removed his things from their shared room and purchased his own room for the night. For the first time in several nights she slept alone.

  As she lay alone in her bed that night, she had to fight her need for him—and her anger—as she stared up at the ceiling.

  Did he really think that giving her the cold shoulder would change her mind? If anything, she was now more determined to stay and help with the fight. If he thought she would back down from this because he threw a tantrum, he was sorely mistaken.

  With defiance—and hurt—still roiling through her, Diana allowed her growing fatigue to claim her.

  * * *

  Diana awoke in the middle of the night, her heart hammering, knowing in her gut that something was very wrong.

  She lay still, her mouth dry, listening to the silence. After several long moments, she heard horse hooves approaching the inn and without having to look out the window . . . she knew.

  Tamhas and his men had found them.

  She moved quickly, putting a gown on over her underdress and stepping out into the hall. Artair was already there, his hand on the hilt of his sword. She straightened; now was the time to put their differences aside.

  “I need you to trust me,” she whispered. “I need you to get your sister and Keagan and bring them to my room. Bring all of your belongings. Please.”

  He hesitated for only a moment before obliging. She returned to her room, praying that the spell she had in mind would work.

  Moments later, Liosa and Keagan rushed inside, followed by Artair. She closed the door to her room, her heart leaping into her throat as she heard the shouts of men downstairs.

  Diana looked at her door, swallowing as she pressed her hands to it.

  “Cruthaich an t-seòmar seo bho shealladh daonna. Cruthaich an t-seòmar seo bho shùilean daonna.”

  She murmured the words of the spell, over and over, until her hands warmed as she felt her magic responding to her command. Finally, she stepped back, turning to look at Artair and the others.

  “No matter what you hear,” she whispered. “Remain silent.”

  They were all pale, but they nodded.

  Diana turned back to the door, her body tense as she waited. She heard more shouts, and footsteps pounding up the stairs. Tamhas’s unmistakable voice sounded down the hall, along with several others.

  Doors slammed open, and she heard angry cries and protests from the other guests. The footsteps approached her door, and Diana’s heart hammered against her rib cage. Trust your magic, her father had once told her. And so, she did, standing in tense silence even as she heard a man's harsh breathing only centimeters away on the other side of the door.

  It seemed like an eternity before the footsteps retreated. Diana turned, moving past the others to look out the window.

  Tamhas and his men mounted their horses, casting one last glance back at the inn before riding away until he and his men vanished from view.

  And only then did Diana allow herself to breathe.

  Chapter 21

  “What did ye do?” Keagan asked Diana, his voice filled with awe. “Why didnae they come in?”

  “I used a Concealing spell,” Diana said. “To Tamhas and his men, the door just looked like a wall. They couldn’t tell we were in here.”

  “Christ,” Keagan said, shaking his head in amazement. “Ye saved our skins, Diana.”

  She gave him a weak smile, but she still looked shaken.

  Artair moved over to her, cupping her face with his hands.

  “Diana,” he whispered, shame filling him. “My golden witch. Once again . . . I was a fool.”

  She met his eyes briefly before moving away from him without a word. He felt Liosa and Keagan’s eyes on him and swallowed hard, deciding to remain silent for now. Diana was still upset with him for doubting her, and he couldn’t blame her.

  They remained in Diana’s room for some time after Tamhas and his men rode way. Artair stood by the door, next to Diana, his hand on the hilt of his sword in case the men returned.

  “We should leave now—not wait ’til first light,” Artair said finally, turning to face the others. “They may return then.”

  The others nodded in agreement. His eyes fell on Diana, who still looked pale from the effort of performing her spell. Awe coursed through him; the witchcraft she’d used to save them had been . . . miraculous. She’d proven how wrong he was about sending her away, and how right she was about staying to help.

  Regret twisted his gut as he recalled the harsh words they’d shared, at how foolishly angry he’d been—so angry he’d deprived himself of her beautiful body for the night.

  But icy fear had seized him when she’d suggested helping. He could only see her terrified face as Iomhar approached her and imagined what Tamhas would do to her if he ever caught her. His protectiveness had made him dismiss her, even though he knew that she was strong and more than capable of holding her own.

  He tried to meet her eyes, to communicate how sorry he was with a look, but she avoided his gaze. When they were away from the inn, he’d have to pull her aside and apologize.

  His hand tightened on the hilt of his sword as his thoughts turned to Tamhas. How had the bastard found them? It chilled him to the bone that he’d tracked t
hem this far north. But as much of a bastard as Tamhas was, Artair could glean the other man’s intelligence. Tamhas knew Artair was from the Highlands. Perhaps he’d tormented some local to tell him that Artair and the others had fled to the Highlands to get more men to fight. Most travelers stopped in Inverness before continuing on to the Highlands, and there were few inns in Inverness. It wouldn’t have been too difficult to conclude that they may be here.

  His body tensed with dread. It was quite possible that Tamhas had been on their trail the entire time. While he’d been making love to Diana, holding her hand as they walked through sunlit groves and lochs, Tamhas had narrowed in on them. It was another reason he’d wanted to send Diana away; she was a distraction.

  But it was too late for that. Even if he did send Diana away, she’d already burrowed herself into his heart, into his soul: she would consume his thoughts no matter what.

  They waited for more time to pass before making their way out of the inn, using its rear door.

  After fetching their horses from the stables, they rode due west instead of north at Artair’s insistence—north was where Tamhas would expect them to go.

  They stopped to water their horses just as the sun rose above the horizon. He used the opportunity to pull Diana aside.

  “I’m not going back to Tairseach until these men are dealt with,” she said fiercely, her body stiffening at his touch. “I just proved—again—that—”

  “I’m not going tae tell ye tae leave,” he interrupted. “I want tae apologize—and tae thank ye for saving us. Ye have proved how invaluable ye are.”

  She looked surprised at this, her mouth falling shut. She’d been prepared for a fight.

  “Ye were right,” he continued with a sigh. “I was behaving like an overprotective fool. Ye have tae ken how much I care for ye, lass. I still think of my fear when ye were alone with Iomhar, how I was helpless tae protect ye. But I never should have doubted what ye’re capable of,” he murmured, reaching out to pull her close.