“’Tis a pleasure to meet one of the fae. What a shame it wasnae I who pulled you from the circle.” He lifted her hand to his lips, kissed her knuckles and released her. “Spin your magic for us, Marie. We must ensure MacLean never infiltrates our shores again.”
“I’ll do what I can. Was anyone hurt?” She smoothed the wrinkles from her white woolen coat.
“No lives were lost as the warning went out in time. Give aid where you can, and travel safely.” He turned to the half dozen warriors mounted on horseback. “Guard Mary and Archie’s faerie well.”
The driver tugged the reins and the cart jolted forward over the stony path. James ran and clambered onto the pelts in the back while two warriors rode out the arched gate ahead of them.
The remaining men on horseback took positions at their side and rear.
“I’m glad we’re going, Mary. I can’t work any magic if I sit on the sidelines.” Bounced about, she grasped the bench. “This is a rather refreshing form of travel. I never thought I’d see Scotland quite this way.”
“What other forms do the fae use?”
“Rather spectacular sorts.” But less about that. She had to focus on her mission. “Is Archie certain it was MacLean who attacked?”
“Aye, I’m afraid so.” Mary patted her leg. “My brother would rid himself of my entire MacDonald clan in order to rule Islay. This attack is just another of many.”
“I hate Uncle.” James spat over the side of the cart. “One day I’ll be a warrior as Father is and hurt Uncle like he’s hurt us.”
“Careful how you speak, James.” Mary sucked in a long breath then leaned in and whispered, “James is but ten, any childhood he had taken from him.”
So sad. Children grew up far too fast in this time, and danger lurked where it shouldn’t.
The cart rattled down the trail to the north. They skimmed the edge of the forest until the coastline forced them to veer through the thick woods.
A guardsman raised a hand, called a halt, and the driver eased back on the reins and stopped.
“Wait here,” the warrior instructed him. “I’ll track ahead along the forest path and ensure all is well.”
The horses whinnied and the guardsmen behind them brought their mounts closer, offering their protection from every side.
“Dinnae fear, Marie. George is one of our best trackers.” Shielding her eyes against the sun’s glare, Mary eyed the coast. “Lachlan will have retreated knowing Archie will have warriors searching for him. My brother is a strategist and will wait for the right time to pounce again. I’m certain.”
“I’ve never experienced anything like this before.” She relaxed a little, easing against the backboard as Mary did. The sky was a soft blue, clear except for a wisp or two of cloud, and ahead, the warrior George, disappeared within the beautiful elm and ash trees. “It’s hard to believe such destruction lies in wait for us. How long until we get there?”
“’Tis a short journey, no more than a league, and George willnae take long. John will have warriors on the lookout within the forest too.”
She had no idea was a league was, but it didn’t sound far.
A pretty chirpy bird whistle broke the stillness. The driver snapped the horses’ reins and they moved on.
“George didn’t come back.”
“Aye, but ’twas his call.” Mary stroked her belly. “George will ride a furlong or two ahead. ’Tis his way.”
The warriors took every precaution, and Marie’s need to see Archie soon buzzed strongly through her. Within the faerie circle, she’d connected with him as if more than his wish tied them together. She was meant to be here, this adventure hers. She’d embrace it. Katherine would want her to, as much as she’d want her to hurry and return home.
“Where do you live?” Mary lengthened her legs and wriggled her toes. “I’m curious to learn more.”
“Near the ocean, at a place known as the Gold Coast.” She snatched an amber falling leaf as it fluttered past. “It’s spring back home, and the land is lush and green.”
“The fae live back-to-front then, and along a coast of gold. How intriguing.” She smiled at James. “Marie is fae, and there is a coast of gold where she lives. So many riches. Can you imagine?”
“Is that how the faeries get their gold?” James scrambled closer then propped his chin in his upturned palms.
“No, I meant I live along a coast with golden sand. That’s why it’s called the Gold Coast. My twin sister, Katherine, loves to swim there as I do. On our thirteenth birthday, our mother presented us with diving lessons on the coast and we explored its beautiful reefs. Definitely no gold, or at least I never saw any.”
“Lessons?” James’s blue eyes sparkled. “’Tis easy enough to duck your head, toss your feet in the air and dive. Why would one need lessons?”
“Cheeky.” She flicked his arm. “The lessons were required because diving around the coral reefs takes great care. Our instructor gave Katherine and me a mask. It’s placed over the eyes and mouth and has a clear, ah, front.”
“Water does no’ leak in?” James edged up higher, completely intrigued.
“Nope. The mask suctions to the face so when one dives you have a perfect view of the reef and sea-life. During our lessons, Mum waited on the boat, but before long she was in the water, chasing to catch us up. I’ll never forget holding hands with her and Katherine as we dived. There’s such beauty in the wild depths. I loved it.”
“We dinnae have such masks. That is some fae magic.” Mary nodded at James. “Would you enjoy diving in such a way?”
“Aye.” He grinned. “Marie, could you weave some of your magic and take me diving as you did?”
“The magic was Mum’s gift. I can’t wield such unless I took you with me to the Gold Coast.”
Gasping, he gawked at Mary. “Can—”
“Nay, you are no’ leaving me with your father away.” She wagged a finger at him.
“Once he returns then, Mother?”
“You’ll be fostered after the winter and already I miss you. I think no’.”
“I can’t take you anyway, James. I live too far away. Even I can’t get back, or at least not until I’ve seen to Archie’s wish.” They emerged from the forest and the sun warmed her through. She shrugged her coat off and straightened the long sleeves of her white blouse.
“Oh, such a sheer fabric.” Mary fingered the silk. “’Tis as beautiful as your coat. How do the fae weave this fine a thre—”
A horse galloped over the rise toward them. George circled their party, calling out, “All remains clear. Archie awaits our arrival.”
James bounced onto his bottom. “I want to do everything I can to help.”
“We all do.” Mary squeezed his hand. “Your father would be proud of all you’ve taken on at the keep lately. Cleaning the armorer’s tools, sweeping out the stalls, helping me with the young ones. No task goes unnoticed. ”
They crested the rise and the wind blew Marie’s blond hair across her face. She tucked the flyaway strands behind her ears. A beautiful wide stretch of sparkling blue sea lay before them. A few fishing skiffs bobbed beyond the breakers, and the birlinn Archie had sailed away in, rocked where anchored near the water’s edge.
The village lay spread within the bay’s basin and up along the rising moors scattered with rocks. Where the grass grew thick, children played tag, and to the side of the trail they followed, a dozen or more bare-chested men heaved the ashy remains of someone’s home into a clumpy pile.
Their guardsmen veered toward the stables and two stable hands rushed out to take their mounts.
“There’s Archie.” James jumped from the back of the cart and raced alongside them.
Archie stood alone on an exposed beam at the top of a longhouse away from the others, his bare back glistening with sweat. He walked across the arched wooden slab, and in the center, slammed one foot down as if testing its strength.
The driver stopped the cart near him. He offered Ma
ry a hand and she nodded her thanks as she hopped down.
Marie slowly stood and smiled at her Highland warrior. His body was hard and packed with muscle, his shoulders and arms thick and strong. His chest held the finest smattering of hair, the same color as the dark brown of his head. Oh, and below the planes of his glorious chest, his abs, layer upon tight layer, rippled as he tested another cross beam.
“Down with you.” Mary tapped her leg. “We have a cart to unload.”
“One second.” She wiped her drooling mouth. Archie’s powerful form was magnificent. She’d certainly like to get more up close and personal with him. “Hey, Mr. Wish Maker,” she called out. “Be careful up there.”
His gaze flew toward her then down her body. Deep frown lines formed across his brow as if he’d assessed her dress not up to standard. Without her coat, her pants were far more obvious. Women didn’t don such clothing in this age, but her loosely styled slacks should still be acceptable.
“Dinnae move. I’ll be right there,” he muttered. Or maybe they weren’t acceptable.
“I heard you might need a touch of magic.”
“Aye, always.” He strode to the end of the beam at the side of the house, crinkled up his leather pants at the knee and jumped. His booted feet thumped on the ground and lifted scattered ash into the air.
The man was too impressive by far. She cleared her throat. “You shouldn’t leap from buildings. You’re not Spider—no, never mind.”
“It was a mere hop.” He grasped her waist and swung her down beside him.
“This longhouse looks okay.”
“It’s structurally sound and will only require re-thatching. Three homes though will need to be rebuilt.” He lifted a brow toward Mary. “Did you journey well?”
“’Twas good for me to get some air, and my clan need me.” She toddled past him with a smile. “I’ll go and help where I can.”
“I’d expect naught less.” He jerked his head toward James. “Go fetch the midwife and have her keep an eye on your mother. Once that’s done, find Will and he’ll assign you a task.”
“Aye, Captain.” He dashed away.
“And you. Come with me.” He caught her hand and tugged her along behind him into the building. “Lass, explain yourself. Why can I see right through your blouse?”
* * * *
Never had Archie expected his faerie to be wearing such sheer clothing under her coat. A lacy chemise covered her, but not nearly enough for his liking.
“It’s just the fabric.” She plucked the silk away from her skin. “I’m decent underneath, and this clothing is quite respectable where I come from.”
“I dinnae care for it. My men’s thoughts will wander with you dressed this way. Mine are.” He fingered her locks, a cascade that touched her waist. The sun’s rays through the open roof feasted on her, setting the white and gold strands ablaze. “’Tis far too suggestive.”
“Well, you’re not even wearing a shirt. You can hardly call this blouse suggestive when all I can see is your bare skin.” She licked her lips as she ran her gaze over his chest. “My thoughts are definitely wandering.”
“Take care, Marie.” He should not be so fascinated with his faerie, not when she was here to grant his wish and no more. However, he couldn’t halt himself from inching closer to her. “Since you arrived with Mary, I take it you’ve spoken to her.”
“We spoke at length last night. She told me all that’s happened these past five years between your clan and MacLean’s. I was aware the blood feuds ran rampart, but not the exact reasons why. I have a far better understanding now, although I could use more knowledge. What can you tell me?”
“That I intend to set out after MacLean.”
“More retribution?”
“’Tis the only way. MacLean does no’ listen to reason. Angus’s attempt to speak with him at the beginning only escalated the feud.”
“So Mary said.” She nibbled her lower lip. Such deep concentration crossed her face. “I agree MacLean hasn’t the ability to listen. Although it’s strange I’ve read about him being an accomplished chief. He certainly warred, but he was always good to his people.”
“Were he no’ good to his people, he’d no’ have remained their chief.” He thumbed her velvety lips, and wished her lacy undergarments were now a touch thinner. Damn, he’d have to do something about her clothing. Her white breeches clung to her legs, outlining every single delectable inch of them. Beautifully shaped, and for his eyes alone. Nay, not his. What was he thinking? He snagged his shirt from the center beam and dragged it over her head. It swamped her to her knees and covered all on display. “Dinnae take that off.”
“Is my shirt really that big of an issue?” She lifted the collar over her nose and inhaled. “Oh, you smell good, like a fresh ocean breeze. Maybe I won’t mind wearing this after all.”
He groaned, his groin tightening. His faerie was a temptress, and it had been far too long since he’d bedded a woman. What would she feel like—hell, he needed to get his blasted thoughts under control. “A fresh breeze, aye. Highlanders live on the water. ’Tis how we travel around the isles.”
“In my time”—she lifted one delicately arched eyebrow—“we travel through the air as well. One can board a plane. It takes off and flies across the sky.”
“I see your imagination still runs rife.” The fae loved to play their games and this lass was no different. Tempting, enchanting, and his to care for. He’d taken on quite the task, but thus far, enjoyable.
“Or it could be the truth if you would but see it.” She slowly circled him, running her finger along his skin at the waist of his trews. “Where I come from, man no longer travels by horse, but within large steel contraptions that roll on wheels. Although do you want to hear something truly wicked?”
“Nay.” His thoughts were bad enough.
“Boats are made of steel, and they don’t simply sail across the sea, but also cruise the depths below. They’re called submarines, and they’re fully enclosed.”
“Now I know you lie.” Although seductively. Such travel would allow one to sneak up on their enemy. He liked.
“And what if I’m telling the truth?” She sidled around until they stood face to face. “Ask me a question, anything you’d like.”
“How do these submarines rise from the depths? The concept is intriguing, albeit impossible.”
“They have tanks which draw water in to allow them to fall below the waterline, and once it’s time to go up, engines pump the water back out. Engines you won’t see for hundreds of years.” She trailed a finger down the center of his chest. “My thoughts are still wandering.”
“You play with fire, my faerie.” He captured her hands and draped them around his neck. “I like it too much.”
“And you’re a challenge, one which I like too much.”
“Do you wish to test the waters between us? Dare me and we shall.” Aye, he was up for a dare, and he hoped she was too.
* * * *
Marie should step back, but for the life of her, she couldn’t. Instead, she slid her fingers through his silky brown hair and stroked his scalp. “I dare you. I’m a twenty-first century woman, whether you believe me or not. And we play by a whole separate set of rules.”
“So you wish to play as the fae do?” He lowered his head to the curve of her neck and brushed his lips over her flesh. “Say aye. I need to hear your agreement plain and clear.”
“Yes, bring on the fire. Set as many challenges as you like.” She tipped her head to the side and he trailed his lips lower.
“Fire it is then.” He settled his mouth over her pulse and sucked, hard.
Her knees wobbled, and she latched onto his shoulders. “Um, nice start.”
“Nice? Your heartbeat flutters like the wings of a bird.” He pressed every inch of his body against hers, and heat raced the entire length. “I want to kiss you.”
Well, that she really didn’t mind. This adventure surely wouldn’t hurt with some
kissing involved. “If you wish.”
“I wish.” He covered her mouth with his, and the taste of him swarmed her senses. Oh, yes. Adventure was good. Wanting more, she kissed him back, molding her mouth to his.
“You taste so sweet.” He licked over her lower lip with the most seductive stroke. Desire bolted through her. Then he caressed her sides, roamed down and scooped her bottom up. Lifted higher, he pressed himself hard against her, and he was hard.
Sweet heaven. Keeping hold, she seized his powerful biceps. “I really like you without the shirt.”
“I really like you with mine on.” Then he kissed her deeper, until their breath mingled as one. “How much fire can you handle? I need to touch you.”
“You already have a good hold on—” He cupped her breast and thumbed the peak. “Oh, okay. I’m good with that too.”
“You said you play by a separate set of rules. If this is unacceptable, say so.” His golden eyes swam with desire, and there wasn’t a chance she wanted to snuff that out.
“You won’t hear me say stop.” Why had she never experienced an attraction like this before? Not that she’d actually had much experience with men. She and Katherine had spent years nursing Mum through her illness. Cancer was brutal, and being with Mum had been their priority, not men. Relationships could wait, whereas Mum couldn’t. “I really like your brand of fire, Archie.”
Yes, she was prepared to play with whatever fire he wielded.
* * * *
Archie groaned as Marie pressed her breast more fully into his palm. From the moment she’d arrived at the village, he’d wanted to cover her up, and now he wished for the exact opposite.
He stroked the pebbled peak of her nipple. Her breast was lush, and he ached for a closer touch. Surely, no harm could come from it. He swept the collar aside then eased his hand inside. The lacy chemise slid sensuously over the back of his hand as he filled his palm with her warm flesh.
Heat surged into his loins and he returned to her mouth. He plunged his tongue inside and drank in her sweet nectar. ’Twas a losing battle to keep his passion in check, and even more so when she entwined her tongue with his and drove him beyond his endurance in a delicious dance.
Highlander's Magic Page 4