It relieved him that she didn’t resist, relaxing into his arms. He buried his face in her hair.
“Ye amaze me, Diana. My witch.”
Diana pulled back slightly, her face lighting up with a lovely smile. She reached up to wind her arms around his neck.
“And don’t you forget how amazing I am, you stubborn Scot.”
He returned her smile as she pressed her lips to his. They kissed fervently, not caring that they were in full view of Liosa and Keagan.
“Ye’re making me and my husband look like we donnae care for each other, the way ye two are mooning about,” Liosa said with a groan.
They broke apart, a warm flush spreading across Diana’s cheeks, but Artair held onto her hand as he gave his sister a teasing, defiant smile.
“Then perhaps ye should show yer husband more affection, sister,” he said.
They all shared a laugh, needing a moment of levity after the danger they’d barely escaped.
As they continued riding into the familiar surroundings of the Highlands, with its expansive glens, lochs that glittered beneath the rising sun, the hazy outline of snowcapped mountains in the distance, his unease returned. If Tamhas had tracked them this far north, he could possibly find out where he lived, what clan he was affiliated with.
He tried to quell his fear, to tell himself that the Highlands were massive, filled with unfamiliar terrain for someone from the Lowlands. Even if Tamhas could track him down, it would take time. But his fear remained.
They soon arrived at another village, one he’d stayed at several times in the past when he’d traveled south. It would be their final stop before making their way to the lands of Clan MacGreghor where they would ask Drostan MacGreghor for reinforcements, before returning to Artair’s manor.
“I’ll need tae make certain Tamhas and his men arenae there first,” he said, eyeing the inn as they approached. It was unlikely that Tamhas was there, but after last night he wanted to be certain.
“I’ll come too,” Diana said.
It was on the tip of his tongue to protest, and Diana gave him a challenging look. He reminded himself that he needed to prove he was true to his word and would allow her to help.
He nodded, and together they rode ahead.
The inn was mostly empty with only a few patrons nursing cups of ale. The innkeeper told him that no one matching Tamhas’s description had been there. Only then did Artair pay for their rooms for the night.
As they ate a supper of smoked cod and bread, they spoke quietly of their plans going forward.
“Now I’m thinking that Tamhas tracking us this far north is good. Here, I have the advantage of my connection tae Clan MacGreghor—and tae my own men.”
“Aye,” Keagan said, “but Tamhas is no fool. He’d not attack without men. If I was Tamhas, I’d seek out rival clans tae help me. We need tae plan on him doing such a thing.”
“Ye’re right,” Artair said. “After I get men tae help us fight, I need tae lure Tamhas tae me. We’ll have tae spread word that I’m back at my manor, that I’ve bragged about killing a border man by the name of Iomhar.”
“No,” Diana protested. “Artair—”
“'Tis his anger over Iomhar's murder that has driven him tae the Highlands, I ken it," he interrupted. "We need tae use it tae our benefit. Get him tae come tae us. Inciting his anger further is the best way tae keep him in the Highlands."
Liosa and Keagan nodded their agreement, but Diana said nothing, picking at her food. She remained silent for the rest of the meal, and when he trailed her into the room they would share for the night, he turned her to face him.
“What’s the matter, lass?”
“I’m frightened for you,” she whispered. "I'm the one who killed Iomhar, but you're putting a target on your back."
"'Tis necessary," he said firmly. "I will happily take his focus off of ye. I'll not let him harm ye again."
"You agreed to let me help!"
"I did. I will," he returned. "But I'm going tae do everything I can tae keep the fight between me and Tamhas. The more focused he is on me, the less he is on ye, my sister and Keagan."
Diana's face was still a storm of conflict. He moved close to her, bending down to swing her up into his arms. She gasped with surprise.
“I donnae doubt yer power, yer strength,” he whispered, lowering her lovely body to the bed. “But ye cannae ask me tae not try and protect ye.”
Her breath hitched as he reached down to lift her gown, keeping his gaze locked on hers. He leaned down to kiss her, thoroughly exploring the depths of her mouth with his tongue as he continued to hitch up her gown.
“Artair,” she moaned, as he tested her readiness by dipping a finger inside her. He gave her a wicked smile. She was soaking wet for him.
“I ken ye’ll do everything in yer power tae protect me. I havenae forgotten what ye’ve done tae save my hide. But Diana, ye’re also mine tae protect, as I’ve been yers. Mine. Do ye understand?”
He didn't wait for her response, lifting his kilt to sink inside her.
Diana gasped as he began to move, clenching his teeth at the pleasurable feel of her tightness clamped around him.
“Diana,” he rasped. “Do ye understand?”
She didn’t respond, whimpering as he continued to thrust inside her. He paused, and she let out a cry of protest.
“Please, Artair,” she whispered.
“Answer me,” he growled, nipping the base of her throat.
“I understand,” she whispered. “I’m yours to protect. As you’re mine.”
“Aye,” he grunted his agreement as he again began to thrust, his eyes trained on her lovely face, wanting to take in every moment of her pleasure. “Mine.”
And he came with a roar as she shuddered beneath him, his protectiveness, his possessiveness, and his desire for her roiling together as one. Mine.
* * *
They rode out just after first light. Artair continually searched their surroundings to make certain that no one followed them as they rode, but other than a few stray riders he could make out in the distance, he saw no one that seemed to pose a threat.
Whenever his gaze met Diana’s, a flush spread across her face. He knew she was thinking of their night together, of his possessive words. It took much effort for him to concentrate on riding, to not revel in the memory of her writhing beneath him, her cry as she fell apart beneath him, the satisfaction that raced through him as she’d agreed that she was his to protect—as he was hers.
His thoughts were still filled with their night together when they approached MacGreghor Castle several hours later, just before midday. He took it in, a tumult of emotions washing over him. He’d been a different person the last time he was here, prepared to do his duty and marry Caitria, to confine himself to a life without love or passion.
His gaze strayed to Diana. Now he struggled to imagine such a life.
He kicked the sides of his horse to speed up and ride ahead of the others. He could only pray that Drostan and the other clan nobles weren’t angry with him for his disappearance, that they would believe the false tale he would tell them. It was crucial that Drostan believed him if he was going to spare his men to help Artair fight Tamhas.
As they drew closer to the front gates of the castle, panic coursed through him at the sight of two riders riding toward them from the distance. Instinctively, his hand went to the hilt of his sword and he guided his horse to block his sister and Diana.
But he stilled when the two figures came into view. One was Caitria, her eyes wide with astonishment as she took him in. The other man . . . looked exactly like him.
It was Niall O’Kean.
Chapter 22
Every eye in the great hall rested on Artair as he stood opposite Laird Drostan MacGreghor and his wife Lady MacGreghor. Niall and Caitria sat next to them, along with several other clan nobles.
Diana stood behind Artair, along with Liosa and Keagan, trying not to stare at Niall. The resemb
lance between him and Artair was striking, it was easy to see how he’d passed for Artair. But there were subtle differences. Artair’s hair was longer, his eyes a slightly darker shade of blue. And most importantly, she didn’t feel the hot rush of desire that coursed through her whenever her eyes landed on him.
Niall had given her a cursory look as he’d led them into the castle, but his focus was mostly on the lovely red-haired woman at his side, Caitria.
Jealousy had filled her at the sight of the woman Artair had almost wed. She was beautiful—and younger—than she was, with flowing red hair and bright green eyes.
Genuine delight had entered Caitria’s eyes at the sight of Artair, and Diana had felt the possessive urge to put her hand on Artair’s arm. But as soon as Caitria’s eyes had returned to Niall, Diana relaxed, as the look she gave Niall was infused with love. With that one look, Diana knew, without any doubt, that Caitria’s heart belonged only to Niall.
They’d only spoken briefly to Niall and Caitria before they’d brought them to the great hall. When Artair told Niall that Diana was a time traveler, and he’d returned to this time from the future, they agreed they had much to discuss—and would talk more in private.
When they entered the great hall to meet Laird MacGreghor, a tall and broad-shouldered man with dark hair and warm brown eyes, he and his wife had gone pale with shock. Artair had told Laird MacGreghor the false story he’d rehearsed with Kensa explaining his absence.
"Shortly after I arrived at yer castle, I decided tae go on a ride. I went farther than I intended and fell from my horse. A lad came upon me and took me tae a nearby healer—she tended tae me during the weeks I was in my false sleep," Artair said.
Now, Laird MacGreghor stared at Artair, his face pale with shock.
“How did ye end up all the way at the border?” he asked.
“I’m Artair’s sister; I sent a rider north tae search for him,” Liosa interjected before Artair could reply, stepping forward. “I ken the healer who took care of him, she kent of our family. She sent word tae me that Artair was in her care. I sent for him and had him stay at my manor in Dumfries until he was well. We met Diana during our journey north—she was traveling tae visit family in the Highlands. ’Tis not safe for her tae travel alone, so we brought her with us.”
Though they’d discussed what they would all tell Laird MacGreghor once they arrived, Liosa's ability to tell the story without blinking an eye impressed Diana.
Laird MacGreghor studied Artair and Liosa for a long moment before giving them a nod.
“’Tis a relief that ye’re alive and well. Welcome back, Artair,” Laird MacGreghor said, getting to his feet with a smile, and relief swept over Diana. “Ye’ve no doubt gleaned that yer betrothed is wed tae Niall. Niall told us ye two are kin—’tis why ye bear each other’s likeness.”
“Aye,” Artair said, his eyes straying to Niall and Caitria. “We are. And I’m happy for Caitria and Niall. I can already see ’tis a fine match.”
“I’m glad tae hear ye’re not angered,” Laird MacGreghor said, his smile widening. “Let’s get ye all settled in and fed. I’m sure ye’re all weary from yer travels. And then I’d like tae have a moment with ye, Artair.”
A maid approached and led them out the great hall and up to their guest chambers. As they walked, Diana took in the castle, trying not to gape. The castles in her time were all relics. It was odd—yet exhilarating—to walk through a living, breathing castle, with its high-arched ceilings and tapestries, the bustle of servants moving to and fro, the succulent scent of roasted meats wafting from the kitchens.
The chamber the maid led Diana to was massive, with a four-poster bed and a fireplace that already crackled with a fire. Not long after the maid left her alone, Artair and the others, including Niall and Caitria, filed in.
“Now that we’re alone, we have much tae discuss,” Artair said. “Diana, can you perform a Silencing spell? We cannae risk being overheard.”
She nodded and turned to the door, murmuring the words of the spell.
“Cuir sileadh an t-seòmair seo bho chluasan daonna.”
When she turned back around, Niall and Caitria were staring at her with wide eyes.
“You’re a stiuireadh?” Niall breathed.
“Yes,” she said. “My Aunt Kensa is another stiuireadh—she’s the one who influenced your dreams with magic to get you to go back in time to Caitria. She believes that since you traveled back in time without a stiuireadh, something went awry, and Artair was sent to your time.”
“She’s the one who made me dream of Caitria?” Niall asked, shaking his head in amazement. “Well, I can’t be angry with her,” he continued. His gaze shifted to Caitria, and he reached for her hand, lifting it to his lips. “I would have never found my wife if I hadn’t been drawn to this time.”
“I meant what I said in the great hall,” Artair said. “I’m happy for ye both. I think Caitria kens that a marriage between us would have been a mistake.”
“Aye,” Caitria agreed. “But I was worried about ye—we’ve been searching every part of the Highlands for ye. Latharn has taken up much of the search.” Her gaze strayed to Liosa. "Had we kent ye had a sister sooner—"
"It was my foolishness and pride that caused me tae never mention Liosa," Artair said, his voice heavy with regret as he glanced at his sister. “I'm sorry for causing undue worry. Where is Latharn?”
“At yer manor. Father sent a messenger letting him ken ye’re here—and alive,” Caitria said. “We’re glad ye came, but why did ye come here first? Why not yer manor?”
Artair told Niall and Caitria about Tamhas and his men.
“My father-in-law will want tae hear about this,” Niall said, looking at Caitria, who nodded in agreement. “Keagan, you should come as well.”
After the men left, Liosa excused herself, telling Diana and Caitria that she was tired and needed rest after the journey.
“If ye’re not weary from yer journey, I’d love tae walk with ye,” Caitria said, offering her a warm smile.
Diana returned it, a stab of shame piercing her as she thought of the jealousy she’d felt when they first met. She could tell that Caitria was warm, kind, and only had eyes for her husband. Caitria could give her insight into how Niall had adjusted to this time, though she told herself she’d ask out of curiosity—not for any other reason.
“I’d like that,” she replied.
* * *
“I didnae want tae believe Niall when he told me he was from another time,” Caitria said, as they strolled around the castle grounds. “But a part of me knew that he was . . . different. Just as I kent deep down that he wasnae Artair.”
Caitria stopped suddenly, turning to face Diana.
“I want ye tae ken—I have no feelings toward Artair other than friendship. My heart belongs only tae Niall.”
Diana’s face flamed and she lowered her eyes.
“I can tell,” she said, giving her a warm smile. “But—it wouldn’t be my concern if you did. We’re not together.”
“Aye?” Caitria asked. “Does Artair ken that? He looks at ye as if ye’re the only lass in the world.”
Diana swallowed, uncertain if she wanted to reveal that she and Artair were lovers—for the time being. And though she already liked Caitria, she didn’t want to discuss her true feelings for Artair.
“You know I’m not from this time. I’ve only lingered to help him in the fight against Tamhas.”
“Niall also isn’t from this time,” Caitria pointed out. “And he’s adjusted quite well.”
“Has he?”
“Aye. He serves as the clan historian. When we’re not traveling, he’s holed up in the library of our manor, reading the manuscripts he’s collected or scribbling down notes. I’ve asked him if he misses the conveniences of the future. He told me he misses hot showers sometimes, but none of that compares tae a life without me.”
Caitria's face warmed at this, and Diana felt a pang of envy. If only Artair wou
ld express such sentiments to her.
“What would you have done?” Diana asked. “If Niall had chosen to leave?”
Caitria paled, pain flitting across her face.
“My heart would have never healed,” she said finally. “I never would have found the love we now share, I’m certain of it. We were meant tae be. I ken it with every part of my body.”
Diana’s chest tightened as her thoughts strayed to Artair.
"Are ye all right?" Caitria asked, taking in her stormy expression.
"I'm fine," Diana said with forced brightness. "I love this castle—in my time they're mostly relics. Tell me more about it."
She succeeded in changing the subject as Caitria happily obliged.
Diana's thoughts wandered as Caitria spoke, returning to her earlier words. My heart would have never healed.
Did her future hold nothing for her but heartbreak, with the chasm of time separating her from the man she loved?
Chapter 23
Drostan stood with his back to Artair, gazing out the window of his private study.
Artair and Keagan had spent the past hour telling him about Tamhas and the border men’s attacks, how Tamhas had followed them north, and their need for men.
Now, Artair regarded him, tension roiling through him. Drostan had not spoken for several long moments. Artair could only assume he was going to refuse offering his assistance.
Artair’s chest clenched, and he briefly closed his eyes. Now that Niall was married to his daughter, Artair wasn’t part of Clan MacGreghor. Drostan wasn’t obligated to help him.
“I ken I’m no longer affiliated with yer clan,” Artair said, breaking the long silence. “I—understand if ye cannae help us.”
“Ah, ye shame me, Artair,” Drostan said, turning back around to face him with a frown. “Ye’ve not given me time tae answer.”
“I assumed—“
“I was going tae tell ye that though yer sister’s lands may not be my lands, that these border men may be far away, I donnae take kindly tae men who bring harm tae innocent people—especially common folk who arenae fighters. And now that he’s pursued ye here tae the Highlands,” Drostan continued, giving him a smile edged with danger. “The Highlands belong tae the clans. If he comes tae my lands, or tae yers, as ye still remain my ally—this becomes a fight for the MacGreghors.”
Artair's Temptress: Highlander Fate Book Five Page 13