Winded, MacLean grunted and fell back a step. “You’d attack a man as he looks upon the beauty of one of the fae? Shame on you, MacDonald.”
“Then it’d pay for you to keep this fight between—”
A heavy thump sounded at the base of the tree. Marie was bound, gagged and fighting for a breath. In a flash, he slit her bindings and ripped the cloth free. “Breathe, my sweet.”
She gulped in air, her gaze darting over his shoulder. “Behind—”
MacLean’s sword blow knocked him onto his back and MacLean swung again. Archie grappled to meet the attack, their blades crashing inches from his nose. His arm shook as MacLean’s blade drew closer toward his neck. One breath would see cold steel slicing into his throat.
“You appear to be in a predicament.” MacLean sniggered and shoved down harder. “Does one’s life flash afore their eyes as their death hovers?”
“You talk too much, MacLean.” He kicked the man’s shin then rolled as MacLean’s blade nearly nicked his ear.
“Archie. I told you no scratches.”
His woman was telling him off, now? For some reason, relief swept through him. Even a battle couldn’t halt her fighting spirit.
“And I told you no entering the battle. We will have words, and very soon.” He shot to his feet, barely ducking MacLean’s next blow. “MacLean, only the lowest would use an innocent woman as you have.”
“Had she remained where she was, she would still be safe. ’Tis now you who talks too much.”
“Then our talking is over.” Driven, Archie struck MacLean, landing one hard blow after another. With each strike, Marie cried out for him to cease, but he wouldn’t give the man any quarter. Marie’s demand for MacLean’s capture was out. Death was his only option.
He slammed his blade home and MacLean stumbled to one knee. He slid his claymore tight against MacLean’s throat. “Any last words, MacLean?”
“Even if I die, my men will continue to fight, and my son will take my place.”
“Then I’ll see to his death as well.” He pressed until blood oozed. “Although I believe we discussed this being painful.”
“Archie.” Marie rasped his name as she belly-crawled toward him. “I can’t survive this if you kill him.”
“Get back, Marie.” Blood seeped from an open wound on her in the exact spot where he’d cut MacLean’s neck.
“I’m not fae. I’m from the future. Kill him and you kill me. He’s yet to father my paternal line.”
“’Tis impossible.”
“My sister deserves to live even if I don’t. She had no part in this.”
“I willnae concede defeat.” He glared at MacLean and pressed deeper.
Marie screamed and blood streamed down and soaked her shirt.
He yanked his blade back. She couldn’t be dying when only MacLean should, but damn it, she was. “Keep pressure on that cut.”
“He has to live.” She clasped her neck but blood still pulsed through.
MacLean made a grab for his dirk and Archie slammed him back to the ground. Marie moaned and bent over. Hell, he was still hurting her by beating MacLean.
He hauled the man by the scruff of his shirt toward the rope he’d bound Marie in then used it to bind him. Once divested of all his weapons, he raced back to Marie. “Hold still.”
“I can’t stop the bleeding.” Her gaze flared with distress. “Please, you’ve got to help.”
“I will. No one takes you from me.” He ripped a strip from the hem of his shirt and tightened it around her neck.
“Take care of MacLean too. You might have to stop his bleeding as well. That could be it.”
“You expect me to coddle my enemy?”
Gasping, she pointed to her wound. “Yes, and make it quick.”
“Next you know, I’ll be baking him an oatcake.” He did the same for MacLean then returned to her.
“Well, there’s no need to go that far.” She chuckled, actually chuckled. His woman had no self-preservation.
He rechecked her injury, but the bleeding had slowed. “It looks better. How do you feel? Do you hurt anywhere else?”
“Everywhere.” She dragged her shirt up and exposed a darkening bruise. “I never want to fall from a tree again. It really hurts.”
Needing to hold her close, he cupped her face. “I never intended you any harm.”
“I know, and this is my fault too.” She kissed him, and he wanted to drown in her kiss, but the battle wasn’t yet over.
“Why’d you go with MacLean?”
“I was out of choices. I’m sorry for disobeying your order.”
“You’ll never do so again. Can you move?” He scooped her up and set her on her feet, wanting only to smother her in his hold. “I dinnae care to leave you, but you must get back into that tree and out of harm’s way.”
“I’ll go.” She wobbled as she took a step. “I’m so sorry for what happened. I know this isn’t the outcome you wanted, but”—her gaze softened as she looked at him—“thank you. I never had any doubt you’d come, even though I couldn’t stand it. I’ll make this all up to you somehow. I promise.”
“Dinnae thank me yet. The battle isnae—”
“Archie.” John burst through the trees and into the clearing, his gaze landing on MacLean then them. “We’ve subdued most of MacLean’s men. A couple have turned tail. Eric is doing penance and chasing them.” He strode forward and grasped his shoulder. “The battle is over.”
“Over?” For years, he’d fought MacLean, and it would never be over until MacLean died in a battle on this very land before the turn of the century as Marie had stated.
His brother eyed MacLean. “Would you mind telling me why he still lives?”
“When I attempted to take his life, I almost took Marie’s. He must live. The two are bound through her magic. Are you certain every MacLean has submitted?”
“It’s over, brother. This day is ours. We’ve won this war.”
Euphoria should be thrumming through him, but fear for Marie surged deep within. He’d almost caused her death because he’d never believed her. He’d never take such a risk again, never ignore any plea she made for him to listen. After dragging her against him, he held her in a viselike grip. “I cannae believe you’re no’ fae.”
“I’m glad you finally believe me, just not how it came about,” she mumbled into his shirtfront. “Does this mean I’m not in quite as much trouble as I could be?”
“Aye, I seek your forgiveness for almost taking your life.”
“You’re forgiven.”
He tightened his hold on her then nodded at his brother. “She’s no’ from this time, and in the future MacLean breeds her paternal line.”
“That’s going to make things difficult.”
“More than difficult.” He released Marie then stormed across to MacLean. “You’ll be taken back to Dunyvaig. You owe your life to your progeny, for if I had my way, your blood would be soaking into this ground.”
He’d finally come face to face with his enemy, but instead of seeing to his mission, he was taking him captive. Winning this war had now taken a turn and his next decision would have to be made with great care.
“It’ll be okay.” Marie caught his hand and slid her fingers into his. “We have the fae on our side, the most mischievous imps around. I can handle a Highland warrior, no matter how stubborn you are.”
He wished to be one with his faerie, to hold her for all time.
Wishes. They were so damn frustrating.
Chapter 10
Marie tramped across the sandy beach toward the moored birlinns. Golden grains sparkled under the rising sun. It would be a stunner of a day. If only every inch of her didn’t ache. She desperately needed to rest.
At least they’d won. Well, she’d won.
Archie stomped ahead of her, prodding MacLean to walk faster. His relief had soon turned to frustration.
“This will all turn out okay, Archie.” How many times had she said that
these past few hours?
“His life is damn well tied to yours.” He snorted. “That’s no’ what I call working it out.”
“Dinnae mind him. He needs some time to calm. No’ much farther.” John wrapped an arm around her shoulders, and she leaned into him, grateful for his support. “’Tis been my brother’s lifelong wish to see to MacLean’s death, although it is what it is, and we must accept the outcome.”
“John, take your hands off my woman.” Archie glared at him.
“She needs aid and rest, and I dinnae see you offering any. Quit the black mood.” John bent to her ear. “He’s impossible sometimes.”
“So I’ve learnt.” She winked at John, glad for his camaraderie. “And obstinate, which is something I really need to work on weaning out of him. Do you think it’s achievable?”
“Nay, I’ve been trying to drive his stubbornness from him for years.” He grinned. “Why dinnae you tell me of the future, of this place you’re from? I’m already rather taken with how strong the women are. Your fighting spirit is commendable.”
“Where I come from, women know how to stand up for themselves, and your fighting spirit is rather commendable too.”
“Thank you, lass. ’Tis an interesting concept of a woman standing up for herself. Does a man no’ have to prove what he can offer? I have lands on Argyll, a small parcel, but ’tis all mine if you wish to consider me over my impossible brother.”
“Oooh, you have your own lands? Keep talking. I like the idea of a man with—”
“Enough.” Archie stopped.
“But he has land,” she continued to tease.
“I have more.” To John, he snapped, “Go find your own woman. This one is mine.” He grabbed her, tossed her over his shoulder then stormed along the beach past the moored birlinns. She giggled, enjoying his strong-arm attention even though she shouldn’t have goaded him to it.
“Hey, where are we going, Mr. Highlander?”
“John can see to our captive.”
“That doesn’t tell me where we’re going. Put me down. I promise I’ll stop teasing you.”
“You’re coming with me. Somewhere private where I can show you exactly how you’re mine.”
“Well, now that sounds even more promising than the lands.”
She bumped along over his shoulder until he reached the seaward entrance of the loch. Carefully, he set her on her feet then hand in hand, they tramped a half mile across the beach to the north. Along the way, Archie collected twigs and driftwood, and after finding a nice sheltered hollow in the dunes, he laid his armful down. With enough wood for a fire, he dug a hole, pulled off the stringy dried bark and over it, struck a small piece of flint with his dirk. Breathing on the sparks, he coaxed them to life. He added wood and brought the fire to a crackling blaze.
“I’m going to catch us something to eat.” He tipped up her chin, planted a hard kiss on her lips. “No’ only do I have land, but I can provide all you’ll ever need.”
“You don’t have to prove yourself to me.” No, but she didn’t mind if he wished to try. She liked seeing him like this, deep in his element. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
“There’s a brook. Wash up then rest.” He unpinned his plaid over his shirt and trews and spread it before the fire. “I willnae be long.”
The stream gurgled into the sea. Washing up sounded wonderful. She ambled along the shore. On her knees, she splashed her face and hands, removing the blood and grime from her skin. MacLean had bleed as she had, their lives tied together. Archie had said they were going to take the man back to Dunyvaig, but more than that, she needed to ensure he handed MacLean over to the king. It was the only way to make sure history remained on course. He had to agree. He’d come so far.
And so had they, together.
From the moment he’d dragged her from the faerie circle, their bond had deepened. Once he’d touched her, kissed her, sent her soaring far beyond her body, she’d longed for him in a way she’d never expected. Their lives were entwined, and with far more than just his wish. He believed her, and she didn’t want to waste a moment of whatever precious time they had left.
A cackle of noise sounded from farther downstream. Archie rounded the corner, splashing through the shallows and swinging a goose by its hind legs. In the depths of the wild, he was in his element. She loved being this close to him, seeing him like this.
“Nice catch.” She patted the spot beside her.
“How are you feeling? Still sore?” He sat, plunged his feet into the water and cleaned the goose.
“I’ll heal.” She kicked off her boots, dipped her feet next to his then leaned her head against his shoulder. “I could sleep for a week after today though.”
“You can if you wish, although in my bed.” His voice was husky and low. “I now have an even greater fear of leaving you behind.” He washed his hands and face as she had done then tugged her to her feet. “Let’s go warm up afore the fire and cook this goose.”
Back at their cozy camp, she tucked herself close to the fire. The sun blazed high, but the wind chilled her. Archie busied himself fashioning a spit. Before long, the meat roasted over the brilliant orange and red flames.
She shouldn’t be enjoying herself this much, not considering how many had lost their lives, and only a few miles away, but they had survived. Islay was safe from MacLean. The villagers would no longer live in fear, and neither would Mary or James.
“You appear deep in thought.” On the tartan, Archie relaxed on his side.
“I was just thanking my lucky stars.”
“There is no luck in the stars, only in the fae.” He slid her hair over her shoulder. “Even though I know you’re no longer one of the little folk, they still sent you to me.”
She looked deep into his eyes, his belief lightening her heart. “I’ve longed for this conversation. Everything I’ve ever told you has been the truth.”
“I’ll never fail to believe your word again.” He leaned in and nuzzled her neck, right above the binding over her wound.
“I’m glad my sister made her wish. I’ve never had so much adventure, and I wouldn’t have missed this for the world, all the tension and trouble included.”
“Aye, but I may prefer a less spirited woman.” He took her mouth in a soft kiss, one so tender she melted against him. “Or more biddable.”
“Liar.” She pushed him onto his back, slung her leg over his groin and straddled him. Oh, he was hard, very hard, and they were separated by no more than their clothes. “Now you believe me, do you also believe I told you the truth about being protected?”
“From getting with child?” He cupped her face and drew her mouth back to his. He kissed her again, long and slowly. “Aye, ’tis all I can think about.”
“Me too.” She wound her fingers into his dark shoulder-length locks touched with gold. Sinking into him, she wanted more. “I’m hungry, Archie. Show me what it’s like to join as one.”
* * * *
Archie wanted Marie with a thirst he’d never known. He’d longed for her every moment of their separation.
Still, he should slow things down, and he would if Marie’s soft little moans weren’t driving every thought from his head. Kissing her, tasting the warm honey of her mouth had his cock trying to spear through his trews. He gripped her arms and enforced a little distance. “Hold.”
“I can’t.” She rocked against him, stirring him further. ’Twas too much. He rolled her onto her back and rose over top of her. “Touch me, anywhere, somewhere. Please, Archie. I don’t want to go slow.”
Heaven help him, he didn’t either. He palmed her breast through the soft linen of her shirt until she arched fully into him.
“That feels so good.” Her eyes begged him for more. “Kiss me.”
He swept his tongue inside her mouth, the need to touch all of her riding him hard. He wanted to trace every inch of her smooth skin with his hands and tongue. He fumbled with the hem of her shirt then dragged it over her
head and freed her perfect breasts. Cupping their fullness, he gorged himself on the sight. “I want to eat you.”
“Yes, please.”
He thumbed her peaking nipples then slid his tongue over the first one. Divine, and naught could stop him from pulling her fully into his mouth.
He feasted on her before moving onto her other breast and laving it with equal attention.
“That feels amazing.” She panted as she clung to him.
“Aye, my faerie has boundless magic and has ensnared me beyond distraction.” He gripped her trews and tugged them down until she lay bared to his gaze. Her creamy skin flushed with a healthy glow, and the place between her thighs glistened. She was already wet, and his tongue tingled for a taste. “You’re so beautiful, Marie. I want to make you come, over and over.”
“I want that too, but together.”
Blood pounding, he lowered his head and covered her mouth with his. He kissed her, allowing his passion its full release. He would make sure she experienced naught but sheer pleasure as he claimed her. No more would she hurt.
* * * *
Completely consumed by Archie, Marie couldn’t keep her hips from pushing against his. He’d awakened her body and stamped his possession into her bones. She was his. She grasped his broad shoulders, skimmed down his arms and over his thick forearms. So big and strong, he moved from her mouth to her neck. He dropped a soft kiss over her wound then trailed down the valley of her breasts.
Hot and hard, he surrounded her, building her passion to a pinnacle with one long stroke of his tongue after another. “I want to touch you too.”
“Later.” He caressed the inside of her thigh then nudged his knee between hers. All her nerves teetered on the edge as he swept his hand over the part of her craving him and his hard cock.
He pushed his finger deep inside. Exquisite pleasure radiated out and she couldn’t hold back her moan.
“Marie, I need to prepare you first.”
“You’ve been doing that for days. I’m fully prepared, so don’t hold back.” She stared into the glorious depths of his passion-flared gaze. He stroked her, hard and fast, until a powerful whirlpool of need flared within her.
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