Highland Trails of Love

by Barbara Bard

  The room was filled with her ardent moans and sweat soon streamed down her temples. She reached down and grabbed his head, holding him in place, her face contorting with every anguished moan.

  Alastar looked up and grinned at her. He was covered in her wetness, and he seemed to find her delicious. His hands held her thighs tight and although her body convulsed, she was unable to move. The strength of the Highlander was such that he had her pinned to the bed, yet she knew she was utterly safe with him. Rebecca would trust him with her life.

  She could feel Alastar's tongue whirling and dancing inside her. Her eyes fluttered shut as the pleasure almost became too much to bear and it was like a lance shooting through her body. She was seized by ecstatic delight and a shuddering, rumbling force thundered through her body. Her thighs broke free of Alastar's grasp and her body was flung to the side, trapping his head in between her thighs.

  It took her more than a few moments to realize what she had done. Alastar was tapping against her legs for her to free him. When she opened her legs, he gasped for air and climbed up the bed.

  “Are ye trying tae kill me, lass?” he asked, his eyes twinkling with a mischievous glint.

  “It would be quite a way to go,” Rebecca said, pulling him in for a deep kiss. Alastar rolled on top of her, his heavy weight pressing her down onto the bed. She ran her fingers across his sinewy muscles and enjoyed the feeling of his dark, thick body hair against her skin. She reached down and murmured with delight as she felt his arousal, which was just like the rest of him, big and strong and thick.

  Alastar adjusted his body as he kissed her, not wanting to interrupt the flow of love between them. Rebecca shifted her body as well, curling her arms around him, holding him as tight as possible. He was so strong and mighty, and it made her feel so aroused to think of him taking her, of being her protector, her hero. She would give him everything he wanted as long as it made him happy, and in return all she asked was that he give her more pleasure than any other woman ever had.

  So far, he was delivering on that promise.

  In mere moments she felt him enter her and their bodies became one. Her mouth formed an 'o', and she pressed herself into his warmth, drowning in his manly scent as she tried not to scream with agony. She wondered if the pain was ever something she would get used to, but the pleasure was enough to outweigh it.

  Alastar held himself still for a few moments as the two of them enjoyed the feeling of being one heart, one mind, one breath. Then he began to move his body, and he might as well have been moving mountains for the earth seemed to shudder underneath her. Rebecca's eyes closed in sweet bliss as waves of pleasure rocked through her body.

  Rebecca clung to him tightly as he moved back and forth, his strength causing the entire bed to creak. They kissed each other hard and whispered vows of love to each other. Rebecca felt the dip of his back as it arched with heaving effort, and she squeezed his taut muscles as they grew tense. She enjoyed feeling short, sharp breaths rattle against her skin, and replied with gasps of her own. Her eyes clamped shut, and her nails dug into his thick skin.

  Her soul seemed to drift about her mind as she lost herself into him. He was a part of her, and she was a part of him. There was no separating them. Their souls were bound together on the ethereal plane and she felt utterly complete.

  A smile broke upon her face as she gave herself completely to him. The rumbling grunts made her heart thump. The rising tension brought with it bliss, and she never wanted him to let her go. Laying underneath him, she was enveloped in his masculine warmth, cocooned in the bed of desire and passion. His body and hers moved in a harmonious rhythm and she soon felt the crying, cracking need to release all the tension that coiled within her. Each one was stronger than the last. Each time they were together she was given more pleasure.

  A long, languorous moan slipped out of her wide, open mouth as her body clenched, then relaxed, soaking into the sheets. A moment later, Alastar shuddered too. His grip upon her tightened and he buried his head into her neck. She felt as though she was going to be crushed. Then his body relaxed too.

  He pulled himself off her and slipped by her side. She adjusted her position to drape her arm across his broad chest and rest her head upon his torso. She sighed with contentment. Alastar kissed her hair and stroked her waist.

  These were the moments she enjoyed the most, just the two of them together, sharing warmth and intimacy without any thought to the war that was coming.

  “That was wonderful,” Rebecca whispered.

  “Aye,” Alastar said. His eyes were closed, and he looked as though he was ready for sleep.

  “I want to spend the rest of my days doing this with you,” she said. Alastar cocked his eyebrow up and looked down at her, then he smiled.

  “That is a future I would be happy tae see come true,” he said, and squeezed her affectionately.

  “Will you reconsider Blair's invitation? I know that you have lived your life a certain way, but that doesn't mean it's the only way. And...and it is my life too. And I would prefer to stay here where we could have friends.”

  Alastar tensed a little, and Rebecca was afraid that they were going to erupt in an argument again. However, Alastar let out his breath in one long exhalation and spoke calmly.

  “I will think about it lass, but I cannae promise ye one way or the other. I cannae think tae much of the future until I meet Lord Flynn. Then my destiny will be decided. I'll either get tae live a happy life, or...” he trailed off, not wanting to finish the thought.

  Rebecca stifled a sob. She pressed herself closer to him, as though just by her will she could keep him alive.

  “Are you sure this is the only way?”

  “Aye lass, it is.”

  Rebecca was resigned. She knew that she could not change Alastar's mind. Part of her wanted to run away deep into the forest and leave all this behind completely, but neither of them were that type of person. The Highlands were under threat, and while they were here, they would do all they could to ensure that everyone remained alive.

  Chapter 31

  “What is your plan?” Rebecca asked.

  Alastar's mighty body was loose and relaxed. Rebecca was draped over him like a blanket, and he loved the feeling of her naked body against his. The intense pleasure she brought him rendered his mind quiet and content, it calmed the torment, and for this she would never know how grateful he was.

  They had spoken a great deal about matters, and she had given Alastar a lot to think about. Perhaps he had been too rigid in his thinking and had assumed too many things about her. He would not make that mistake again. He ran his hand along his chest and caught hers, letting their fingers twine together. Her hand looked so small in his, and yet in many ways she was stronger than he would ever be.

  “My plan?” he asked.

  “To get to Lord Flynn.”

  “I will sneak in at night and find his tent, then I shall challenge him tae a duel, then I shall see him meet his end.”

  “How can you be sure he will duel you and not simply alert his army to take you prisoner again?”

  “Because I know the man. I hae escaped his clutches. I hae wounded him. He will nae want tae let anyone else get their hands on me. Nae this time. He will want to prove himself the better man, but he will nae succeed.”

  “I'm worried. I don't think it is going to be as simple as you seem to believe.”

  “It will be lass. I was taught by the best remember?”

  Rebecca remained quiet for a moment or two and Alastar wondered if she was going to lash out at him again. In truth, Alastar didn't think it mattered what his plan was, because it was destiny's plan for him to meet Lord Flynn in battle again. And with one swift strike he could end the war before it even begins.

  “I'm coming with you,” she said.

  Alastar could barely believe her words.

  “What dae ye mean?”

  “I mean that I'm coming with you.”

  “I already broug
ht ye here against my better judgment. I cannae take ye intae the heart of their army!” Alastar said, propping himself up on one elbow.

  “I've been thinking about this a lot Alastar. I feel safest when I'm with you, and I would rather be there with you than waiting here for your return. And I think you would do well to have me by your side too.”

  “With all due respect, and I mean this kindly, ye would only slow me down. Ye hae nae been trained as I hae, and ye are nae built for fighting.”

  “I know Alastar, and I shall be careful. But there is something else as well...”

  She seemed to have trouble finding the words, and it took Alastar to prompt her.

  “It's Elayne. I am sure that she will be there with him, and I cannot let her get away with her betrayal. I wish to have words with her again. I know her crimes are not the same as Lord Flynn's against yours, but I need to know why she betrayed me so brazenly. You cannot deny me the chance to confront her.”

  “Nae, but ye could wait until the deed is done,” Alastar said, even though he already had a sinking feeling that he was fighting a losing battle.

  “Or we could ride into battle together, side by side,” Rebecca said, her eyes gleaming. Alastar had to admit that the thought did appeal to him.

  “For someone who acted sae meek, ye are showing steel,” he said.

  Rebecca blushed.

  “I think you're bringing it out in me. I was never like this before. I didn't know I had it in me. I suppose that events have led me to be this way.”

  “Ye hae taught me much Rebecca,” Alastar said, “ye hae taught me that ye hae your own path tae walk, and that I should nae get in the way. I hae been angry at my Ma for asking my father tae stop fighting. I would be daeing the same tae ye. I am still worried for ye safety though, and if anything happened tae ye I could nae forgive myself.”

  “Just as I could not forgive myself if anything happened to you. Let me come with you Alastar. Let me experience life as the Blue Thistle.”

  The way she spoke touched his heart, and the thought of her coming with him made him feel good. His father had always told him that it was better to be the Blue Thistle with someone by his side. Rebecca made him reconsider everything he believed about relationships, but that wasn't a bad thing. She had proven herself capable in everything they had done so far, and this would likely be no different.

  “Fine lass, ye can come with me, but at the first sign of danger ye must flee, nae matter what is happening tae me,” he said. Rebecca nodded enthusiastically and kissed him firmly on the cheek. He prayed to the gods that he wouldn't live to regret it. Now that he had her, he wasn't sure he could bear the pain of losing Rebecca, and he was glad that she had fought to stay by his side. She gave him strength, and she made him a better man.

  Rebecca fell asleep with a smile on her face, while Alastar was a little more troubled. The day he had been waiting for was fast approaching, and it could well end with his death. He tried to act confident, as though he was assured of his victory, but deep down he knew that Lord Flynn was more than capable of killing the Blue Thistle.

  Before he'd met Rebecca, it had been easier to accept his fate. He'd had nothing to live for except this quest for revenge, and if it resulted in his death then at least he would have been content in knowing he had tried, then he would be reunited with his parents in the afterlife. But now that he had something to live for the pressure was stronger. He had things to lose.

  However, this was not a weakness. Rather, it was a strength. He was sure that knowing he was fighting for Rebecca, for his future, he would have the edge over Lord Flynn. For Lord Flynn was a bitter old man who fought only because he had nothing left inside him except for a bitter, cold heart.

  Eventually Alastar fell asleep too, and instead of thinking about Lord Flynn, his father, or revenge, he thought about a future with Rebecca. He thought about spending their days in sunshine, exploring each other’s bodies, taming the land, and taming each other.

  The following morning Alastar awoke while Rebecca was still sleeping. He extricated himself from her and left her sleeping form spread out over the bed. He walked over to the window and gazed out at the Highlands, at the lush green valley and the beautiful blue sky. He was so lost in thought that he barely realized that Rebecca had awoken and joined him, wrapping her arms around his body and kissing his back.

  “It's a beautiful sight,” she said.

  “Aye, and there were sae many nights when I thought I would never lay eyes on this again,” he said.

  “And now you have, and you'll not have to say goodbye to it for a long time.”

  “Are ye sure ye want tae stay here? Ye home is in England,” he said, turning to face her.

  “My home is where I'm happiest. It's where my heart is, and that's with you,” she said, and pulled him in for a kiss. “Let us break our fast, and then we can plan out our attack on the English,” she said with relish, then she laughed.

  The two of them went downstairs and joined the others in the breakfast hall. They were greeted with much joy, and Alastar was glad to see that his rejection of Blair's invitation hadn't made things awkward. They were eating heartily. Rebecca and Alastar tucked in with equal enthusiasm and filled their bellies. They talked among each other with joy. The girls were eager to share stories of their adventures, and Alastar wanted to know more about the recent war, and everything that had happened in the Highlands during his absence.

  Blair and Drew were all too happy to tell him, and Alastar shared their pain when they spoke about the passing of their father.

  “From all I hae heard ye are leading the clan with great honor. I am sure ye father would be proud of ye,” Alastar said. Blair thanked him, and then pulled him away to the side so that he could speak privately with Alastar.

  “I hae been thinking about what ye said yesterday, and I cannae believe that ye are sae reckless. Dae ye really think ye will be able tae get intae the English camp all by yerself?” Blair asked.

  “Would ye doubt the talents of the Blue Thistle?” Alastar replied with a grin. Blair's silence said that he certainly would doubt. “I hae done things like this before,” Alastar reassured him.

  “Still, ye dinnae hae tae be alone, I hae sent word out tae all the clans and they shall be here within the next couple of days. There are many men who would be honored tae fight alongside the Blue Thistle. I would like tae send ye out with a small force of men, just tae make sure ye can fight if ye find yerself in trouble.”

  “Blair, ye are a kind man, and an honorable leader, but more men means more risk. I stand a better chance without them, and besides, I won't be alone.”

  “Did Declan persuade ye tae take him with ye?”

  Alastar chuckled. “Nae, I am taking Rebecca.”

  Alastar thought that Blair's eyes were going to pop out of his head.

  “Ye cannae take her!” he said.

  “I hae the same reaction, but she hae a score tae settle as well. And I'm sure yer lass is the same. Once she gets an idea in her head, she cannae be shaken from it. Would ye tell Rosemary nae if she asked ye from the bottom of her heart?”

  Blair looked pensive for a moment. “I suppose I would nae. Aye, they dae cause us grief.”

  “And we would nae hae it any other way,” Alastar said. Blair gave him a knowing smile.

  “Is there anything ye will need?”

  “Cloaks, and my horse. I hae everything else I need right here,” Alastar said, putting his hand on the hilt of his sword. Blair nodded, understanding completely.

  “If there is anything else ye need dinnae hesitate tae let me know. When dae ye think ye will be leaving?”

  Alastar tossed around a few thoughts in his mind. “Later today. I dinnae want tae wait tae long.”

  “How are ye gonnae find him?” Blair asked.

  “It will nae be hard tae find an army,” Alastar said. “But I know how he thinks. He will want tae get here as quickly as possible, and he will nae hide away in the forest. He
will want us tae know he is coming. He'll take the direct route, and he'll move as quickly as possible. But because of that he will make mistakes. His soldiers will be tired, and they will nae be paying attention for one man. I can sneak in when it is dark and then I will end this war. I will return here as soon as possible.”

  “And if ye dinnae?”

  “Then ye will hae tae get ready to face an army. The ground will shake when Lord Flynn approaches.”

  “Then let's hope it dinnae come tae that,” Blair said. He took Alastar's arm in his, gripping the forearm. “Ye are a brave man Alastar. Ye hae every right tae disappear after all ye hae been through, but ye still fight.”

  “That is how my Da raised me,” Alastar said.