She laughed as well. “Dinnae overthink. ‘Twas really more a lean toward me.”
His expression grew serious, his hold on her more secure. “I do love you, lass.”
“And I you.”
When he kissed her this time it was ravenous, complete, unending. Their every hope for the future was poured into that one consuming kiss. And as was their way, the kiss led quickly to lust. Never once did their lips depart as he pushed her skirts and his plaid aside. Never once did they depart when he slid into her.
No pain came this time.
Only mind-blowing pleasure.
A pleasure that she controlled as she moved.
Alan relished her control, his hands resting lightly on her hips. Now his head fell back slightly as she slid up then down. Each movement was measured. Each movement meant to invoke more response.
A light breeze rushed around the castle and blew back her hood. It grabbed her hair and made twisting spirals around her head. She felt like a goddess in his arms, glorious, sumptuous, and wild. The more she moved, circling her hips and holding his shoulders, the harder his grasp on her hips.
Spasms started to rip at her core making movement more difficult. But he seemed to understand, his hips thrusting up, seeking. Too fast, ultimate pleasure tore through her and she cried out, the ebb and flow of sensation overpowering.
Alan thrust one last time and pulled her against him, his long moan smothered in her hair. His release was long and deep and thorough. At last he whispered, “Many bairns.”
Heated from their lovemaking, she smiled. “Many, indeed.”
“I would stay here with you all night if I didnae know we had a chamber waiting.”
She pulled back. “But friends first.”
He frowned with a smile in his eyes. “In our chamber?”
Caitriona shook her head, though she continued to grin as he helped her up. Her legs shook from the strain and pleasure, but she remained standing. “Nay, in the castle. We must make an appearance.”
Alan helped straighten her dress and hair. “Discouraging, that. I would much rather the chamber.”
Again she laughed. It was impossible not to when around him. “Aye, but first our friends.”
He shrugged and took her hand as they resumed walking. “Will we tell them of our betrothal?”
“Not yet,” she said, fear settling in once more. “Not until the prophecy is fulfilled.”
Alan inhaled deeply but nodded. He understood how precarious their union. “Aye, as you wish.”
Yet Alan didn’t let her decision darken their mood. Not for a moment. As they continued their stroll, kisses were stolen at nearly every corner. By the time they arrived in the front courtyard, Caitriona was, like Alan, wishing they were going to their chambers and nowhere else.
Alexander and Shamus were standing in the courtyard. The Irishman looked happy as he chatted with a comely lass with flaxen curls. When the Sinclair saw them, he waved them over. Like the castle, the courtyard was larger than most, busy even at this hour as warriors on horseback trotted by and vendors sold their wares.
Caitriona missed Iosbail MacLomain. It was odd seeing Alexander without her. The Sinclair smiled warmly. “Never have I seen a lovelier lass.” Brief introductions were made. It seemed the woman to whom Shamus spoke was his wife. Happy, they didn’t stay on long but strolled off toward the portcullis. Alexander’s courteous gaze went to Alan. “Do you mind if I steal your lass for a few moments?”
Alan appeared at ease, his earlier concerns vanished. When he nodded, Caitriona took Alexander’s offered arm and walked with him toward the castle. “‘Tis strange to see one another without Iosbail, is it not?”
It appeared their thoughts were kindred. “Aye, it is. You must miss her so.”
“Always,” he replied. “But I see her often. The Defiances keep us close.”
Caitriona twisted her lips, worried.
Alexander seemed to understand. “Dinnae worry, lass. I know that they weaken.”
“Are you not concerned then that you might lose her?”
“Nay. Lasses such as Iosbail dinnae get lost, especially if they have a brother such as Adlin MacLomain.”
“You seem so confident.” Caitriona shook her head. “For that I will not dissuade you then. How is she?”
“Rambunctious, stubborn, unrelenting in her ability to find trouble at every turn.” His words softened and his gaze suddenly turned distant. “Loving, magnificent, unendingly unique.”
Theirs was truly a most spectacular union. Both of them were wonderful. “I really do miss her.”
Alexander looked at her, a glimmer in his eyes as though he knew something she didn’t. “Do not give up hope of ever seeing her again. When it comes to Iosbail and those she considers hers, fate has an interesting way of ensuring she sees us again.”
“You mean the Defiances do,” Caitriona reminded. And if the Defiances were no more, then so too would her chances of seeing her friend. Then again, the prophecy might eliminate that possibility regardless.
“Adlin told me about this journey you are undertaking. I know that you fear losing your lad. But you must not focus on that, lass. Keep your thoughts positive. Have faith in your god to deliver your heart to its rightful place.”
If only. “I dreamt of Alan so often before we met. He has always been mine. ‘Tis my fondest hope that God did that with purpose, that He will not have used our love to serve His own purposes.”
“Tsk, my dear. If your faith wavers such as this then what chance have you?” Alexander’s voice grew very secretive. “Did you know that a tunnel runs below the moat, the fields and forest, out to the mountain where we quarried the rock for our newest construction?”
Her heart skipped a beat. Their eyes held. Alexander kissed her cheek lightly then handed her off to Alan. Renewed excitement stirred.
They were heading in the right direction.
Alan pulled her close as they entered the main hall. A huge fire burned on the hearth. It was every inch the celebration Arianna promised. All were lively as they danced and ate. Adlin and Mildred laughed as he spun her in a highland jig. Arianna and Stephen lounged against a wall, arms around one another, heads bent close, not shy in their open display of affection.
Caitriona laughed as Alan pulled her into the jovial crowd. All their cares faded away as his arms wrapped around her. The pipes trilled, echoing off the walls of the Sinclair castle. Though hundreds moved around them, there existed only him and her and this deep love. His hand pressed against the small of her back, urging her ever closer.
Many tunes played but they remained that way. Lost. Found. Together.
If only this time amongst friends and their arms wrapped around one another could last.
“You must eat,” he said at last, reluctantly. He pulled her to a trestle table where he promptly plunked her in his lap and held a sweet to her lips. Alan licked his own lips as she brought it into her mouth. Their gazes tangled and her breath caught. Images were pushed into her mind, of them on the bed in their chamber. He showed her far more intimate positions shared between a man and a woman.
“Your lips are fuller than most. Delicious,” he whispered and kissed her slowly.
Suddenly her cloak felt stifling. The dress far too fitted. Somehow she ate a few more bites before he scooped her up, flagon in hand. “Enough.”
When they arrived at the chamber, a small fire burned on the hearth. Animal hides flapped against the window as if to applaud their arrival. Alan removed his boots and cloak then laid on his side next her. He ever-so-gently removed her cloak. Instead of ravishing her as he so clearly wanted to, he simply stared, relished. His appraisal only intensified when she dragged her fingers lightly across her cleavage. Something about the way he looked at her emboldened her, made her feel truly exquisite, more special than she had any right to feel.
His long fingers crawled over hers until his hand spanned her chest, then neck until he held her jaw. As if he only now touc
hed her for the first time, he traced every corner of her face, from the curve of her brow to the dips in her cheeks. “Soft,” he whispered. “Precious.”
As if an instrument being played by its master, Caitriona arched into his every talented stroke. He took control, pulling her back against him. Now he cuddled her from the backside, his heavy member ready for her. There was a certain thrill in being made to look away. To feel his muscled body curled around her own.
“Well, it seems mayhap I worried for not.”
Dear Lord! Caitriona sat up abruptly, holding the loose dress to her chest. Alan immediately threw his cloak over her, cursing as his eyes focused on a woman sitting in a chair by the fire. “Who the bloody hell are you?”
She looked at Caitriona. “You dinnae recognize me, aye?”
“Iosbail?” Caitriona stared, wide-eyed. Who else could it be but her dear friend?
The lass grinned in response. “Of course ‘tis me. This is my love’s castle, is it not?”
Overjoyed, Caitriona nearly tripped over Alan’s cloak as she struggled free of the bed and embraced Iosbail. Laughing, her friend squeezed tight then pulled back, the same challenging gleam still in her eyes. “‘Tis good to see you, Caitriona. Alexander is less than pleased that I came but I had no choice. We protect one another, do we not?”
It was still so hard to believe that Adlin’s sister had arrived. “I never thought I would see you again.”
Iosbail looked over her shoulder. “I didnae like how you spoke of Alan when last I saw you. But it seems you two have worked past your difficulties.”
Alan shook his head, clearly confused. “Iosbail MacLomain, is that truly you?”
She perked up obviously pleased she’d captured his attention. “Aye, but how do you know me? Last I saw you, you were dead. Caitriona was determined to save you.”
“It seems several were there to witness my death,” he commented dryly and took a swig from his flagon, eyes still fixated on her face. “Last I saw you…things were different.”
“Different?” She paused a moment before a rather unenthused understanding dawned. “You knew the older version of me. I have not had the pleasure of meeting her.”
“Which you willnae,” Alexander said from the doorway. “If your older version has any say in it.”
Adlin entered after him, his regard fond. “Sister, always good to see you, one way or another.”
Alan sighed and took another swig. “I could do with seeing you all on the morn.”
“Clearly,” Iosbail said, her bold gaze running the length of him.
Alexander shook his head and leaned against the hearth. “My love, I asked you not to come yet you did. They are all misplaced in time. Now what trouble could this visit from you do? Because we both know ‘tis never good when too many are involved.”
“Aye,” Adlin said. “Never once did I speculate that I would see this version of you here.”
Quite pleased, Iosbail looked over herself; waved away her brother’s discontent and focused on Caitriona. “It occurred to me that though my lass might have grumbled about not feeling comfortable amongst the Stewarts, she would never have spoken that way about those who worship the old gods.”
“Uncomfortable amongst the Stewarts?” Alan said.
“You are focusing on the wrong part of what I just said.” Iosbail took Caitriona’s hands. “You visited me recently. Well, ‘twas near on ten years ago now. ‘Twas at the MacLomain castle.” She looked at Adlin. “She said that you had made it possible.”
Adlin frowned. “Did I? I think not.”
“I think not as well. ‘Tis why I am here.” Iosbail’s eyes rounded on Adlin. “This one slipped by you brother.”
“What one?” Alan asked.
“An enemy. One who knows of the Highland Defiances. One who knows that Caitriona is a mystic.” Iosbail put her hands on her hips and frowned. “One that shape-shifted and visited me in place of Caitriona.”
Caitriona slowly sat. “But who?”
Adlin began pacing, muttering aloud. “‘Tis obvious that anyone would stand to gain by having a mystic. But it seems they have gone to a lot of effort for such.”
Iosbail looked at all of them. “Alexander told me of the prophecy and of the rings. What else would someone have to gain from this journey that you take?”
Alan looked at Adlin. “‘Tis a prophecy designed to protect the MacLomains.”
A rap came at the door and Alexander exited.
“Though many count the MacLomains as allies, in turn it would also serve many to see such a clan fall,” Iosbail warned.
“She is right,” Alan said, though his concern remained focused on Caitriona. “Who stands to gain the most from the MacLomain’s demise?”
“I have some theories,” Iosbail muttered and narrowed her eyes on Adlin. “And you might want to stop considering what is obvious and instead focus on the least obvious. Who was there at the end of Alexander and I’s journey? Who also has enough power to pull off this feat?”
Alan glanced wryly at Caitriona. “Mayhap the Broun chieftain, Tamas. He was a slippery sort.”
“Nay, Tamas would not have the audacity to go up against the MacLomains,” Arianna said from the door.
Iosbail appraised Arianna, one Broun warrior to another, and then nodded with approval before her attention turned once more to Adlin. “Nay, ‘twas none of my clan. They wouldnae have this much power.” Her eyes narrowed further. “But someone else would.”
Adlin inhaled sharply as her meaning struck him. “Surely not Innis MacGilleEathain, ruler of the Hybrides.” The arch wizard shook his head. “He would never go this far. We had an agreement.”
“And I told you precisely what I thought of that agreement. He would not honor it.”
Alexander returned, Stephen and Mildred in tow. Like Arianna, both had changed clothing.
“There is word from the southern border,” Alexander said. “Trouble.”
“Who?” Alan asked.
“We dinnae know but there are many and they are strong. You must all get ready for travel. I will show you the tunnels and the Sinclair’s will hold off the enemy.”
Iosbail nodded, excitement in her eyes. “I will go with them. They will need the extra protection.”
“Nay, you are pregnant.” Gone was the relenting Alexander who loved his lass and in his place, a man who was used to being in charge. “You will stay here until ‘tis safe then I will see you home where you should have stayed from the start.”
Iosbail put a hand over her still flat stomach. “The bairn will be fine. I will go.”
“I agree with Alexander. You will stay, lass,” Adlin said. “Your part in this adventure has ended in valuable information. Now you must think of your wee one.”
Compassion and worry were in the Sinclair’s eyes. “Please, my love. This is far too dangerous.”
Iosbail, although upset, sighed and nodded. “I will help Caitriona prepare. She will need—”
“Nay, lass,” Alexander said. “You will return to our chambers and give Caitriona and Alan these last few moments together before they must once more travel.”
He looked at them. “Meet us at the construction when ready. Dinnae delay.”
Alan nodded as they left. Still sitting on the edge of the bed, Caitriona felt a deep sadness settle over her. “Not even this last eve together.”
“Nay,” he said and knelt in front of her. “Not this last eve but many more ahead.”
She touched his cheek, affectionate, loving. “You best be correct.”
Alan kissed her hand then her lips. “Never more so.”
Unlike earlier, he made haste in helping her change. She knew he was as concerned as her over the recent developments. While it was clear they had an enemy, it hadn’t occurred to either of them that it might be someone with as much power as Adlin MacLomain. Now not only might they not survive the prophecy but it was far more likely that they could be captured and murdered beforehand.
/> Yet they kept their fears to themselves.
When changed and ready, Alan stopped her before they left the chamber. He made sure her cloak was cinched and looked into her eyes. “Remember, lass, though you know I will protect you until my last dying breath, you too possess great power. Those that travel with us possess great power. This enemy, whoever he is, will not win.”
Caitriona refused to think what would happen if he did. Best now to focus on the strength Alan offered. “I know.”
He embraced her once more then led her down to the construction. When they arrived, the others were there. Alexander appeared more concerned than ever. “You must move quickly. They come not only from the south but the west as well.” He handed torches to the men. “Travel safe.”
Much to Alan’s surprise, Alexander led them down another set of hidden stairs.
Caitriona had but a moment to embrace her friends before she had to go.
Iosbail slid something into her pouch. “Take my dagger. ‘Tis protected with magic. It might help you.”
It was hard saying goodbye. Caitriona looked back and waved. Alexander, Iosbail and Shamus waved in return. May God someday allow her to see them once more.
The way was long and dark, a tunnel that took her away from refuge, however brief it might have been. Alan never released her hand. They went forward together once again, everything more and more unpredictable.
When they finally reached the end, the jagged edge of a mountain greeted them, surrounded halfway by water. Sharp and spiked, it rose against the darkened sky like an arbitrating overlord. How would they ever find what they were looking for here?
Adlin stared up at the monolith, lost in thought. “There is something here. Power. But it is suppressed.” He folded his arms over his chest, expression perplexed. “‘Tis of the gods. Hidden until the Sinclairs began work.”
“I dinnae see anything extraordinary,” Arianna said. “Just a cut away mountain.”
Where once beauty might have been, it had now become a beastly shaped mountain. Caitriona thought instantly of her childhood. What her Ma had said every morn. She murmured, “Once I picked out the rock or shell, she would ask me what I liked best about it.”
10 Timeless Heroes; A Time Travel Romance Boxed Set Page 126