by Patty Taylor
Quinn gripped her arms, the lines creased on his forehead. The massive muscles in his shoulders rippled across his back, and his eyes filled with concern as they searched hers. “What’s wrong, lass?”
“I have the gift of sight. I can feel it. This bloody curse is going to come between us . . .”
She hesitated, biting her lower lip. Her fingernails cut into her palms as she finished the sentence silently to herself. One of us will soon die.
Chapter 14
“Not if I can help it.” Quinn wrapped his arms around Beth. She shivered and snuggled against him. “Come daylight, we’ll head for the Faroe Islands and find this witch called Halldora.”
Quinn held her close in his arms and took a deep breath after hearing her steadied breathing. Exhaustion setting in, she’d finally fallen sound asleep. He brushed stray locks from Beth’s cheeks, careful not to wake her. For now, nothing could harm her here.
Kalista laid content, curled in a ball at the bottom of their feet, clutching the crystal ball around her neck inside her claws.
Mo creach. He had no idea where to begin trying to find this bloody damn witch’s cave. Even though he didn’t like the idea, he realized they didn’t have much of a choice after seeing the fear in Beth’s eyes.
“Quinn.” Beth opened her eyelids and reached for his face. “You should have woken me. It must be time to leave.”
A light haze covered the moon, and the stars sparkled overhead.
“Shh. Go back to sleep, love. Ye just drifted off for a wee bit,” he whispered in her ear. “’Tis not daybreak yet. I’ll wake ye in plenty of time.”
Beth stirred in his arms and settled her head against his shoulder. Her fingers slid across his chest, tracing the outline of his dragon tattoo. “You still haven’t told me much about yourself or if you even have any family.”
Quinn pushed her hair behind her neck and rubbed the side of her earlobe. The image of his loving parents and sister flashed in his mind. “My Mum and Da passed away when I was young. I ended up living with my grandparents in the Shetland Islands. Now, there is no one left but me. And Kalista.”
“I’m sorry about your family.” She leaned up and kissed his cheek. Her gaze focused on his tattoo, and she placed her fingers on the dragon’s head. “Tell me more about this. I can tell, Kalista means a lot to you. She’s definitely one unique pet.”
“Kalista is not my pet. She’s my family.” Quinn hesitated, not sure whether he should say anymore. Beth was having problems enough accepting she was part-wolf; she might not understand the blood connection he shared with Kalista. Especially since his father was a shapeshifting dragon. “I’m afraid ye wouldna understand.”
“Oh, I’m sorry, Quinn. I didn’t mean to offend you or Kalista. I wasn’t sure if familiar was the right term for her either. I’ve only known witches to have familiars as companions. Of course, I’ve never seen a dragon before now either.” She grinned up at him. “My sister Keara had a ragdoll cat as her familiar. His name was Samson. But that’s another story. Hopefully I can tell you more about them once this curse is behind us.”
“Tell me more about where ye came from. Ye’re not like any of the other women I’ve met.” Quinn cupped her chin in his hand and leaned her head to meet his gaze. He chuckled. “Yer speech and those strange bloomers ye insisted on wearin’ in front of me men aren’t normal things around this country.”
“I lived in Thurmont, Maryland in the twenty-first century until my friend Darby came to my rescue and brought me back here.” She sighed and looked off in the distance. “I love it here, but there are still many things I miss from back home.”
“I dinna understand. What things de ye have there that ye canna get here?”
“A hot shower for one.” She chuckled, and her eyes twinkled and lit up. “I never was one for cell phones or computer technology like Keara, but I do miss browsing through the quaint bookstores and shopping on Amazon for specific herbal and gardening books.”
Other than books, Quinn had no idea of these things she spoke of. He smiled and waited for her to continue. Her eyes sparkled.
“But out of everything, I miss the most magical time of the year in Thurmont—autumn. I miss savoring the brilliantly colored fall leaves that Mother Nature graciously shares with us and growing pumpkins and decorating scarecrows.”
“Ye sound as if ye were given the chance, ye might consider goin’ back there to stay.” The muscles tensed in his back. He held his breath, not sure if wanted to hear her reply.
Beth turned, her eyes locking with his, and she cupped the side of his face in her hand. “No. This is my home now. It’s where I belong. I know that now. I’ve found way too many treasures here that I’d regret losing if I went back.”
Quinn brushed his lips against her forehead, showering kisses down her eyelids and cheeks, and moving to her lips. His mouth pressed to hers. Her kiss was urgent, demanding more. She nestled her body next to his, her fingers expertly working their way down his shoulder blades to the front of his chest and lower. He groaned, his body moving to partially cover hers. Her body squirmed beneath him, stirring his inner wolf. Beth’s blue eyes flashed golden amber. She growled, leaned up, and bit him on the side of his neck. He leaned his head back, letting his wolf take control.
Kalista opened her eyes, flapped her wings, and bounded for the sky.
Beth shoved Quinn to the ground, knocking the wind out of him. The white she-wolf towered above him. She hunched her chest to the ground, her eyes sparkling. She playfully bit him around the neck. Quinn jumped to his feet and chased her in circles. The white wolf bounded down the steep cliffs and raced across the stepping-stones. She leapt into the waterfall. Quinn followed close behind. They swam side by side around the vast rocks where the selkies had shed their skins last night. The otters came and joined them, twirling on their backs and catching fish.
Beth’s wolf turned her attention to the waterfall. Quinn spotted something flutter behind the curtain of plummeting water. The white wolf swam swiftly behind the falls and proceeded toward a boulder carrying something in her mouth. With one leap, her paws touched the stone, and she changed into her human form. Quinn followed her lead, springing to her side, and stood naked beside her.
Beth clutched an oblong object tied with green ribbon to her chest, water beads spilling down her face. Her cheeks turning rosy red as she smiled and cried out, “I found it.”
Chapter 15
“Ye found what, love?” Pushing long wet locks from his forehead, he glanced at her face, to the scroll she clutched tightly in her hands. “Whatever it is ye’re holdin’ onto for dear life, it certainly has put a smile on yer face.”
“It’s the parchment. The one I’ve told you about.” Beth picked up the discarded shawl from the ground from the night before, wrapped it beneath her arms, and covered her bare breasts. Her fingers shaking, she untied the green satin ribbon and carefully unrolled the sketch and held it in front of them. “This is the gift Keara made for me. Look at the likeness. It has to be you.”
To her surprise, Quinn straightened, crossing his arms against his chest, and stared at the drawing without saying a word.
With a deep breath, she shook her head and handed him the top of the parchment, while she examined the embossed paw print on the bottom corner.
“This canna be me. I never stood like that or had anyone come on board my ship and draw my likeness. It doesna even resemble me,” Quinn huffed. “I find it hard to believe that drawin’ could survive in the salt water all this time and end up here.”
She stood on tiptoe, kissed his cheek, and then pointed to capital letters inscribed on the ship’s wheel. “Here, I can prove it. These are Keara’s initials. See the letters? KM stands for Keara McMasters. And how do you explain the identical dragon tattoo on your shoulder and the name Sea Wolf on the ship?”
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“I canna explain any of this, woman.” Quinn rubbed his chin, a frown on his face. “I still say it doesna resemble me.”
Beth couldn’t help herself. She laughed. “Don’t be so modest. This is you. I remember telling Keara how hot you looked. You and Duncan sure made the perfect hot specimens for some fine looking eye candy.”
“Bloody Hell, woman. Ye’re not makin’ any sense. Hot specimens? Eye candy? I’ve never heard of such things before.” Quinn raised an eyebrow and stared at her. “I still have much to learn of yer strange ways. I’m not sure if I should take that as a compliment or not. I must admit, I much prefer to see ye happy with a smile on that lovely face of yers.”
Beth wrapped her arms around his neck, crushing the parchment between their chests, and kissed him, leaving her mouth burning with fire as their lips finally parted.
“Here, take a closer look at this embossed imprint. I want to compare it with the mark on my arm.” Beth knelt and spread the parchment on the boulder. She gasped and pointed to a miniature map depicting a red letter X with a circle around it sketched on the opposite bottom corner. “By the Goddess, this wasn’t here before. Quinn, do you recognize any of this?”
The Highlander leaned over for closer inspection. “I know this place. ’Tis a map of Faroe Islands. That X marks the spot where dwarfs and trolls dwell inside the hills. If there’s a waterfall here, we will find it. I still dinna think followin’ through with any of this plan is a good idea. Ye findin’ this sketch now the way ye did doesna make any sense.”
Beth grasped his arms. “Don’t you see, Quinn? Someone or something is trying to help us. It’s like a crystal ball showing my future. Our future.”
“I want to believe ye, love. We dinna have much time to waste. ’Tis less than two weeks before Samhain.” Quinn leaned back, his legs tucked behind his knees. “I promised to take ye to see the witch Halldora, but it doesna mean I have to like it.”
“Hurry.” Beth rerolled the parchment and tied it with the green ribbon. Springing to her feet, she clutched the sketch to her chest with one hand and the gem dangling from her neck with the other—the gift Darby had given her. the gem Gunther had bequeathed her, these were the only other two possessions she had left to her name. They were running out of time. She’d do whatever it took to protect Quinn. She loved him. In her heart, Beth knew all along from the first time she saw her Highlander illustrated in Keara’s sketch that this was the man she’d been waiting for all her life.
“McGregor!” Quinn shouted, grabbing hold of the rope ladder his friend lowered over the side of the Sea Wolf. “Ye stubborn old codger. What in Bloody Hell do ye think ye’re doin’ out of bed when ye should still be restin’ that leg?”
“I might be getting’ old, Captin’, but I refuse to stay below when I knew ye was on yer way home.” McGregor leaned on his crutch and called out to Beth. “Good to have ye back with us, lass. I see ye brought our wee friend back home.”
Keeping close to Beth’s side as she made her way up the rope ladder, Kalista flapped her wings while making the steady incline.
McGregor offered his hand to Beth and helped her over the side.
“Thank you, McGregor.” Beth threw her arms around his neck and hugged him.
Quinn jumped over the railing and spotted his old friend’s cheeks blushing bright red.
“I’m afraid it was the other way around. Kalista ended up finding us.” Beth beamed and held her hand open. Kalista glided into Beth’s palm and tucked her wings by her sides. “The island was truly beautiful, McGregor. Like paradise.”
“Aye, lass. ’Tis been too long, I’m afraid, since I visited that particular spot meself.” McGregor grinned and winked at Beth. “I see by the sparkle in yer eyes ye must have gotten acquainted with yer she-wolf.”
Beth blushed, her stare lingering back toward the island. “Yes, we have. We both discovered an entirely new world waiting for us. I only wish we could have spent more time there.”
Quinn noticed the enhancements of her blossoming rosy cheeks and the extra sheen in her hair since she’d shifted. The gift of her wolf spirit had intensified her existing beautiful features. He was glad now he decided to take her to the hidden spot on the Island of Yell. It seemed only natural to show her that other creatures could turn into humans, not just the other way around.
Quinn cleared his throat and slapped McGregor on his arm. “If ye think ye’re up to it, tell the crew to get ready to set sail. We head to Faroe Island within the hour.”
“Aye, Captin’.” McGregor smiled, shifted his crutch under his arm, and looked to the sky. “The wind is in our favor. ’Tis a grand mornin’ to hike the sails and head north. I’m glad the three of ye made it back safe and sound.”
McGregor’s crutch thudded across the wooden deck.
“It’s remarkable how fast that wound is healing.” Beth focused on McGregor exerting more weight on his injured leg.
“Aye. ’Tis the wolf blood runnin’ through his veins that saved him from losin’ that leg in the first place. A normal person his age would have died from a wound that deep.” Quinn stood next to Beth and wrapped his arm around her. “McGregor is a fine man. He’s not had an easy road. I’d feel lost without that old codger. If not for him, I wouldna have the Sea Wolf in the first place.”
Kalista made her clicking noises and ruffled her wings.
“Aye, we canna forget our wee friend here.” Quinn rubbed Kalista’s nose. She purred like a contented cat.
“Speaking of which, I think Kalista and I should head below and freshen up a wee bit.” Beth beamed with a mischievous gleam in her eyes. “I think it’s time we prepare a few surprises of our own.”
Beth studied his face with hunger in her eyes. Throwing her hands around his neck, she blushed, parted her lips, and crushed his mouth to hers. Quinn’s blood raced. He resisted the sudden urge to cradle her in his arms and dash down to his cabin and make love to her. Her body trembled next to his. He patted her on her backside and stepped back. “Go on with ye, woman. Before I change me mind and take ye here and now.”
Beth slid her tongue across her lower lip and held out her arm for Kalista. “I’m going to keep you to your promise, Captain.”
With legs spread apart and muscles rippling across his chest and arms, Quinn chuckled to himself. His gaze came to rest on the seductive movement of her swaying hips as she strolled away from him. His rod grew hard against his plaid. The woman never ceased to amaze him.
Like a dagger twisting in his ribs, sharp pains wrenched through his chest. Fear clutched at his heart from the very thought of the evil fate awaiting her from the Maras Queen. He couldn’t lose the woman he loved. Not now, or ever. He’d rather be hunted down than live without her. For Beth’s sake, they must find the bloody witch named Halldora.
Calloused fingers gripped Quinn’s arm. “I thought ye might be needin’ a swig of this about now.” Quinn nodded to McGregor and accepted the tankard of steaming hot coffee. The richness of the strong brew drifted under his nose. Quinn took a swig, smiled, and wiped his mouth with the back of his sleeve. Both men leaned back on the side of the ship. “Aye, thank ye, mate. I see ye added a spot of whiskey for flavor.”
McGregor chuckled and steadied his crutch in front of himself. His expression grew serious. “I see ye’ve fallen in love with the lass.”
Quinn couldn’t help but grin and shook his head. “And I see ye still have no trouble holdin’ back yer opinion.”
“Och, lad. Ye canna be pullin’ the sheep’s wool over this old fool’s eyes.” McGregor stuck a pipe in his mouth. A glint of humor danced in his eyes. “’Tis written all over both yer faces.”
“Aye. I dinna deny it. I’m in love with Beth.” Quinn sighed and took another swig from the mug. “I never thought the day would come when I heard meself admittin’ that I fell in
love with any woman.”
“That’s why ye fell for her, lad. Beth isn’t just any woman.” McGregor smiled. “I always knew it would take someone pretty amazing to win yer heart.”
Quinn nodded, his eyelids growing heavy.
“I’m afraid ye canna help Beth, or anyone else for that matter, ’til ye get some rest yerself.” McGregor grabbed the tankard slipping out of his hand. “Ye better go and lie down before ye fall down. I promise to stir ye if we run across any trouble. Besides, ye dinna want to fall asleep durin’ dinner and disappoint yer wee lass.”
“McGregor, ye’re a damn good friend, even if you are a pain in the arse at times.” Quinn yawned, stretching his arms above his head. Quinn felt his wolf struggle to the surface. He lowered his guard and let his beast take control.
Quinn’s wolf hurtled up the steps and lay in front of the ship’s wheel. His nose sniffed the stench of rotting carcass filling the air. Quinn blinked. Something dark and sinister darted beneath a cluster of puffy white clouds, leaving a trail of black smoke. He wondered if it was some sort of sign from the Elders reminding him of the sacred vow to the Dragon Fae. If they were angered by his recent actions, he must somehow try to make them understand. The wolf raised his head and howled at the heavens.
Chapter 16
Kalista’s distracting gibbering reminded Beth of the playful squirrels chattering away at each other when they scurried through the maple trees back home. The wee dragon sat on the bed, her back reclined against the pillow. She used the end of her leaf-shaped tail to prop the mystical swirling globe grasped between her paws. Her full attention centered on the swirling scenery, Kalista prattled away, totally mesmerized by her treasure.