10 Timeless Heroes; A Time Travel Romance Boxed Set

by P. L. Parker, Beth Trissel, L. L. Muir, Skhye Moncrief, Sky Purington, Nancy Lee Badger, Caroline Clemmons, Bess McBride, Donna Michaels

  “Which you said was an honor.”

  “Aye, but that doesnae mean I would not have liked it to be on my own terms.”

  “And what would have been your terms had God asked you directly to watch over me?”

  Again, that crooked, loose grin. “‘Twould not have been the one god, but many gods. And I would have asked them how best to do it.”

  She knew their religious beliefs were different but it was irrelevant.

  “Not why?”

  “Never why. One doesnae question the gods.”

  They should. She frowned at her thoughts. Alan was right. One should never question God. “Stephen loves Arianna. She is with his chieftain. I have no doubt that they intend to run away together with our help.”

  Alan’s eyes rounded but still he held that easy smile. “What if I told you there was even more to it than that?”

  “I would say things are complicated enough. Please dinnae.”

  With a shrug he said, “But I will nonetheless.”

  “Of course you will.”

  “Ah, and more of you for me to see.” Alan leaned closer. “I prefer your candid responses to the ones you overthink.”

  Caitriona pressed her lips together and shrugged as well.

  “So now that we are simply saying what is on our mind, let me share a deeper truth with you, aye?”

  It was hard to be aggravated with him. Caitriona sighed and nodded. “Aye, you best.”

  “Arianna is promised to a good friend of mine, Iain MacLomain. Soon, I am guessing, she will be escorted across the whole of Scotland to Cowal where he currently rules the MacLomain clan. And the MacLomains, if I am thinking correctly, are currently honored enough to call their head shaman Adlin MacLomain.”

  Naturally he would know all of this. Adlin said so. But there was no way she was letting him know as much. “Aye?”

  “Aye.” His astute eyes locked with hers. “Adlin MacLomain is behind all of this. Somehow he is controlling the outcome because I already know what will happen.”

  “What?”

  “That I cannae say. One thing is for sure, Stephen willnae arrive at the MacLomains and somehow you and I are the reason for that.”

  So she would give him some truth of her own. “Nay, he willnae.”

  Alan wrapped his hand around hers. Voice impassioned, he said, “Tell me what you know.”

  About to respond she stopped when he squeezed her hand and looked directly into her eyes. “We have a moment here, lass, one that can change everything. You can be honest. Share all you know. You, a mystic, have not been dropped into all of this without good reason. I felt instantly that you knew of Adlin MacLomain. Tell me of your contact with him. Tell me everything so that our outcomes might be different.”

  “Our outcomes?” she said weakly.

  “Will it not be ours at stake in the end?”

  If we allow it, aye. She almost said as much but bit her tongue. “We control our own destinies. Mine is a path to protect and heal.”

  Alan’s gaze intensified. “Even if it means your death?”

  “Aye,” she said easily.

  “And mine?”

  She paused a fraction too long, just enough for him to say, “You are here for a reason. Are you willing to have my death be one of them?”

  There existed no right answer. Even if she did not find him attractive in so many ways, it would be wrong to say yes. “I hope that nobody dies, including you and I.”

  He caressed her hand and looked to the sea. “You are still so young, both in years and in your gift. Do not think I dinnae realize you have known of your gift longer than you say.”

  Caitriona inhaled then exhaled slowly. Of course a wizard would know she wasn’t as innocent as she pretended. Oh, how she’d tried though. She had underestimated him as had Adlin. “I am truly sorry that I lied to you.”

  “I know.” He enfolded her hand and traced small circles with his thumb on her palm. “You only did what was asked.”

  Yet even though he spoke of truths unfolding, Caitriona knew he still did not know they were twin souls. That, she guessed, would make a world of difference in the end. And that, she knew, was something she must keep to herself if she was to become the mystic she was destined to be.

  “We must go soon. Stephen will be back with clothing. Tonight is one of festivity and celebration. There is an announcement to be made. One that will bring a powerful ally to the Broun clan.”

  Caitriona swallowed. “The MacLomains.”

  “Aye, the MacLomains. Iain to Arianna.”

  “There is a great distance between here and there.”

  “Aye.” Alan squeezed her hand. “One that willnae be ours.”

  Still. Theirs would be equally arduous. “‘Tis a road we must travel.”

  “At least,” he replied. “Then some.”

  So they’d shared. She knew he was no fool. Caitriona nearly laughed aloud. Not for a second had she ever thought him ignorant, perhaps naïve. But again, a Scottish wizard, not likely. In retrospect, Adlin MacLomain knew that as well.

  He stood and pulled her up with him. Alan, obviously, was not the type to hold his hand down and ask politely of anyone. Simple as that. She could blame it on the fact he was the laird of a powerful clan or see it for what it was…when Alan wanted something he took it.

  There would be no taking of her though.

  Not in the end.

  She needed to remember that.

  His tall frame came against hers, strong, encompassing… there. Alan did not pull her close enough that she felt overwhelmed but close enough that she felt his power, intent. The smell of his body filled her nostrils. Spice, woods, warmth. His lips came near her ear, his voice whisper-soft. “We have made a good start, lassie, but we both know there is a distance to travel.”

  Alan was right. A small shiver ran through her. Because they both knew exactly what distance he spoke of.

  Though they hadn’t sat on the shore very long, Stephen had indeed returned and leaned against the door jam, arms crossed over his chest. Any heaviness of spirit he’d carried before seemed to have lifted and a small grin tugged at his lips. “If I didnae know any better, ‘twould seem you two had been together a lifetime. Mayhap two.”

  “Nay, ‘tis a thousand lifetimes I have known this lass and a thousand more ahead.” Alan winked at her. “If only she will have me.”

  An entirely different shiver ran through her. Though his light words were said in flirtation they bore the mark of God. Better yet, they proved this Highlander’s intuition would most likely lead him to the truth before their journey together ended.

  Caitriona thought it best to switch topics so smiled at Stephen. “‘Tis the time of Mea'n Fo'mhair. Does the clan celebrate this eve?”

  “Aye.” His eyes drifted over her shoulder at the distant cloudbank. “The rain comes. Should make for a merry, muddy time.”

  “Nothing wrong with a bit o’ a slip if you have a fine lassie to keep you upright.” This time Alan’s innuendo was aimed not at her but the Broun clansman.

  “There are bound to be plenty of those about,” he replied smoothly. “I have brought a change of clothes for you, Caitriona. Change and we will go eat.”

  The men waited outside while she slipped into the dress provided. Unlike the simple garment she’d been wearing before, this one catered to a lass with a higher rank within the clan. A soft crème color, the dress’s neckline cut lower than anything to which she was accustomed. While grateful, she found it a bit much for an equinox celebration. After running a comb through her long hair, she slipped a cloak over her shoulders. It too felt sumptuous, a rare treat against her skin.

  When she stepped out the sun was all but gone and fires burned more brightly against the dark shadows of the woodland. Appreciation apparent in his eyes, Alan held out his arm. “You are a bonnie site, Caitriona Broun.”

  More comfortable than before and determined to speak plainly with him she said, “Well thank you, Alan
Broun.”

  Though he flinched, Alan nodded. It seemed going from a Stewart to a Broun in an instant took some getting used to. When she slipped her arm into his, Caitriona whispered, “‘Twill be easier than you think.”

  Alan offered a noncommittal grunt but nodded graciously. “As you say.”

  “This is good,” Stephen commented as they walked.

  “What?” Alan asked.

  “This. You both. Walking such as you are.” He motioned at them. “You must maintain this. It will be expected.”

  “Why is that?” she asked.

  “Well romance is in the air after all.”

  “Is it?” Alan said.

  “Aye, for you both most assuredly. ‘Tis important you play the part well.”

  “Part?” she asked, a strange little flutter alive in her belly.

  “Be clear, man,” Alan said.

  “Well, Tamas is a man with little trust. Already he shows signs of jealously. You are a tall, strapping lad after all.”

  “I have no designs on his lass,” Alan assured. “So he need not worry.”

  “No doubt,” Stephen replied evenly. “Just as long as you love your new wife well and good for all to see.”

  Caitriona’s eyes widened. “His wife?”

  This time it was Stephen’s turn to make a noncommittal sound. “Aye, did I not mention? As far as this clan is concerned, you two were just married.”

  Chapter Three

  Alan had never been more pleased.

  Thanks to Stephen, he was expected to not simply woo the wee lass on his arm, but downright love her for all to see. Never before had a woman become his so easily, even if only for an eve. And such a gift was one he fully intended to exploit in all the best ways possible.

  Few if any lasses had ever struck him as lovely as this one. When she’d stepped out of the cottage in a dress more suited to Scottish royalty, he’d done his very best to remain gracious. Such a garment turned a rare beauty into a precious vision. Now she seemed to glow like a full moon glistening on freshly fallen highland snow.

  Her soft words met his ears. “Now who is overthinking?”

  He couldn’t help but grin. “‘Tis nice to hear you speak plainly. But the bigger question is would you care to hear my thoughts?”

  Stephen walked ahead now so they had a few moments before they arrived at the castle. “‘Tis likely you will share them regardless.”

  His grin widened. “So you are getting to know me well, lassie. My thoughts were of you. ‘Twill be a fine part I have to play this eve. I have never looked forward to something so much.”

  She notched her chin. “One, I am sure, you will play with the respect a mortal would give a mystic.”

  “Of course. Yet we must be convincing. I imagine it will end up being the respect a highland wizard would show a mystic.”

  “And how does it differ?”

  “Oh, that is much more serious,” he replied. “‘Tis my duty to protect you therefore my performance must be flawless otherwise I could put you in extreme danger.”

  “In other words, you intend to take full advantage of our plight.”

  He pulled her closer as they walked over the drawbridge. “It can be no other way.”

  “God knows the truth of it, Alan Stewart,” she said under her breath.

  But he heard and responded in kind. “Aye, the gods made sure we were put in such a position.”

  They ceased their chatter and smiled warmly at passing clanfolk. Though nothing like the Stewart castle, Alan appreciated the slightly more intrinsic design of the Broun castle. Well lit by torches, there had been many insightful wall walks built. One might think they’d been built for pure enjoyment and a pleasing appearance but he knew better. Each and every one enabled a clear view of the land’s most vulnerable points. Its builder had been no fool. If this castle came under attack, it would be well protected if for no other reason than its ingenious design.

  While a fire burned beyond the walls it was not alone. Another crackled in the middle of the courtyard. Though not as big as the other, it was clearly favored by the laird and his men. Trestle tables lined either side with the entrance to the courtyard on one end and the stairs leading up to the castle on the other. Folks were merry, happy and healthy as they ate and danced. This was, by far, one of the more prosperous clans he’d come across in a long time.

  “Ah, they have arrived at last!”

  Alan and Caitriona smiled as Arianna crossed the courtyard. He could well understand Stephen’s attraction. Tall, slim and fully in control of her surroundings, the lass seemed a force to be reckoned with. What he didn’t understand was her attraction to Stephen. Aye, he seemed a fine enough lad but there were more handsome men out there. Perhaps a few inches taller than her, the Broun warrior struck Alan as a reserved sort who tended to see the more serious side of things where she seemed a wave of energy and most likely, impetuousness. Granted, it was a bit soon to tell but these two appeared to have very different personalities.

  Arianna focused not on the men but solely on Caitriona, holding her at arm’s length. “I knew the clothing would suit you. Look how lovely you are!”

  Caitriona bowed her head. “Thank you, m’lady.”

  Arianna waved away the words. “Enough with that. I am no lady. Just a simple lass like all the rest.” She tilted her head toward Stephen and winked. “But dinnae tell him that. ‘Tis one lad who ought to always keep me on a pedestal.”

  Alan watched the exchange, amazed at the woman’s bluntness. She made no secret of her fondness for Stephen. So it was no surprise at all when Tamas strolled their way. Yet the lowland laird was, as before, less concerned with his own man and more so with Alan himself. Was the lad blind?

  “It seems my guests are to be congratulated!” Tamas raised his mug. Though clearly in his cups, he wasn’t so blutered that his sharp eyes didn’t watch them closely.

  Alan wrapped his arm around Caitriona and pulled her snuggly against his side. “Much thanks, my laird. ‘Twould have been impossible to refuse her proposal.”

  Caitriona’s eyes widened slightly but she easily said, “Can you blame me then? He was the catch of the clan.”

  Tamas laughed. “Aye, and you so bold! Just like my lass.” When he tried to pull Arianna closer she easily stepped aside. Though he grumbled, Tamas continued, “Come to my table and sit. I will hear all about how you two came together.”

  Alan squeezed Caitriona’s waist gently as they walked. If either of them had a way with words, it was him. That in mind, he intended to tell the tale. They’d no sooner sat at one of the trestle tables when tankards were plopped down in front of them along with platters of fish and vegetables. The serving lass took special care to lean over Alan with a come-hither smile.

  Expression borderline sour, Tamas took a swig from his mug and said, “Share then.”

  “Well, it was—”

  “Nay, nay,” Tamas interrupted. His eyes settled lazily on Caitriona. “Let us hear her version.”

  Naturally. The lad was out for blood, blutered or not.

  Caitriona smiled and nodded graciously. Only he noticed her hand clenched on her lap. “‘Twas mostly the other lassies that drove me to it, to be perfectly honest.”

  Alan arched a brow. She had his undivided attention.

  “How so?” Tamas asked.

  Incredulous, Caitriona said, “Well, look at him. Even you must see the way the lasses look his way.” She rolled her eyes. “He is pretty, granted, but not that pretty.”

  Pretty? Now that was a word he didn’t much favor, at least not in regards to his appearance. Handsome, striking, even comely would be fine enough.

  Tamas laughed and the near scowl that’d been there moments before vanished. “Agreed.”

  “And the way he strutted about. This Broun thinks highly of himself.”

  “I would guess so.” Tamas shook his head.

  “Regrettably, the lasses were too silly to realize just how vain he really is s
o continued to act like slobbering fools around him.”

  Now this was getting interesting. Who knew the lass had such an imagination?

  “Women,” Tamas muttered in agreement.

  Caitriona took a quick sip from her tankard and continued. “As it turned out, this Broun lad has a side to him that he kept well hidden.”

  Tamas leaned forward slightly. “Really?”

  “Oh, aye, a side that I saw from the instant I met him.”

  Elbows now resting on the table and eyes alert, Tamas said, “I can see that about you, lass. The moment I met you I thought to myself here is a lass that kens a lad. What was it you saw that no other lass did?”

  Alan did his very best to keep a straight face. Truth told he didn’t know whether to laugh or lash out.

  She nodded. “Thank you, my laird.” Another sip from her tankard. “This man…” She covered his hand with hers on the table. “Might as well have still suckled at his Ma’s tits for all any of it mattered.”

  What the bloody hell had she just said? It took nothing less than his training as a wizard to not balk. Instead, he hung his head as would seem appropriate.

  This time Tamas roared with laughter along with several others. “So it was a case of just needing one strong lass to replace another.”

  Caitriona nodded, an exhausted grin on her face. “Indeed.” Her merry eyes swung his way. “Dinnae get me wrong, his prettiness did hold appeal but in the end I felt it my duty to protect him.” She squeezed his hand. “From a Ma who would not let go.”

  Oh, he would make her pay for this to be sure.

  The laughter continued and Tamas again raised his mug. “Here is to freeing a lad from his Ma’s skirts!”

  “Aye!” The men cried and drank.

  But Alan could play at this game too. So he offered a small smile and shook his head before saying, “And thank the gods she did!”

  Before Caitriona knew his intentions, Alan pulled her into his lap, cupped the back of her head and crushed his lips down on hers. Spontaneous, with only the thought of revenge, he gave her the sort of kiss only shared between lovers. What he did not expect was the sound of laughter to fade away so sharply or her lips to melt beneath his. What he did expect was her to struggle. Yet none came. Instead, her hands gripped him and her body seemed to mold against his.