The MacLomain Series: A New Beginning Boxed Set (Books 1-4)

by Purington, Sky

  “I did,” she whispered doing her best to appear at ease even as a harsh chill rippled through her. “And almost succeeded.”

  Nothing but frowns met her words as Grant wrapped an extra fur around her shoulders and urged her to drink before he said, “’Tis no small thing enchanting a warlock as you did, lassie. You’ve a rare gift.” He slanted a look at her. “But then I suppose you already knew that.”

  When Lindsay merely shrugged, Conall spoke, his voice hoarse and his brogue thick, likely from exhaustion. “Ye put yer life on the line when ye dinnae ken in the least what ye faced.” There was no missing his frustration as his tone heated. “Have ye any idea what a warlock can do? What that warlock might have done to ye had Adlin and Grandfather not been here?”

  Appalled that he would grow aggravated with her considering all they had been through she tried to rein in her temper as she met his eyes. “I did what I had to do tonight, Laird Hamilton. Just like you did. The only difference?” She tried to perk her brows but they sort of fell flat. “I’m thankful for what you did and have no intention of getting upset with you for putting your life on the line. Why would I when I understand that’s just the sort of person you are.”

  Silence fell as their eyes held.

  She knew he was moments away from a comeback she would not like, but something held his tongue. Something she felt dust her mind. Emotions that were not hers but could have been. Fear. Pride. Defiance. Courage.

  Desire.

  Both yanked their eyes away from each other at the same time, and Lindsay looked wherever she could next which turned out to be at Milly. Quick to move on from the awkward conversation she and Conall just had in front of everyone, she said, “As to me being there tonight as what seemed like an astral projection, it wasn’t quite like that.”

  Here she was sharing too much again.

  But at least it kept her from speaking with Conall.

  “Part of my enchanting gift has always been the ability to shift close to those who need me most. I’m not really an astral projection when I do it but more of a...ghost I suppose. Yet I’m very solid.” Her eyes stayed with Milly. “Tonight you needed me most whether you knew it or not. The moment you saw the warlock go after Graham.”

  “This gift of yours might very well explain how I easily brought you back from the brink of death when you were nearly killed,” Aðísla murmured. “And why you so readily healed.” Her wise eyes met Lindsay's. “Because the wound was inflicted when you were not entirely yourself but somewhere beyond. My guess is close to looking through the eyes of that little girl.”

  Lindsay shrugged, not entirely sure.

  “While I’m grateful you came to my rescue tonight because you thought I needed you most, Linds,” Milly said, putting the conversation back on track. “The actual thoughts I was having at the time were more along the lines of Adlin coming to my rescue.”

  “I’m sure because that’s logical,” Lindsay conceded. “But the truth is, somewhere in the back of your mind, you knew I had the ability to draw the warlock away.” She shrugged. “And though you knew Adlin could fight it, why put him in harm’s way if you didn’t need to?”

  “Lindsay!” Milly’s eyes grew troubled along with her tone. “Are you saying that I put you in harm’s way to keep Adlin safe?”

  “Not intentionally, but of course.” Lindsay offered a reassuring look. “And that’s normal. I would be worried if you didn’t.” She shook her head. “Your subconscious would always protect your true love, and I am always willing to help, darling.”

  Milly and Adlin both frowned, clearly baffled by her declaration.

  “So we’ve something to work on once this is all said and done.” Grant smiled softly at Lindsay. “You learning how to control your magic so that you are not summoned by everyone you care about unintentionally, aye?”

  “I don’t mind—” she started before Conall cut her off.

  “I couldnae agree more, Grandfather.” His frown was fierce as his eyes went to hers. This time he seemed to have his brogue under control. “Whilst your intentions are noble enough, lass, right now you are a victim of your own magic. That, in itself, is verra dangerous to all those around you.”

  “Well, I wouldnae go that far—” Grant began before Lindsay interrupted him.

  “So what would you have me do, Laird Hamilton?” she quipped, scowling at Conall. “Because as you can see, there isn’t a lot of time for training right now. Not when we’re constantly being whipped from one time to another, one location to another, one kiss to—”

  She snapped her mouth shut when she realized what she nearly said. He knew how to get her going, didn't he? What she needed to learn above all else was not to let him get under her skin.

  “I will work with you as we travel,” he announced. “I will help you learn to control this enchantment of yours.”

  Everyone appeared amused as they looked at Conall with surprise. All but Grant that is. He didn’t appear shocked in the least that his grandson had offered something so preposterous. Rather, as his fond but fleeting gaze flickered over Conall, she had a feeling he had hoped his grandson might offer something so foolish.

  “Actually, I’d much rather Grant help me,” she began before Grant shook his head and said, “Och, nay, lass, ‘tis not wise.”

  She frowned at him. “Why not?”

  “Because I dinnae know with any certainty that I’ll remain on this journey.” He gestured at Conall. “Where there cannae be any doubt he will.”

  “Aye,” Adlin agreed, a twinkle in his eyes. “Grant makes a good point. I think Conall teaching and protecting you from here on out is a sound idea, Lindsay.”

  “Aye.” Grant nodded. “’Twould give me peace of mind to know he’s looking after you, lass.”

  “I offered to teach her not to—” Conall started, but Adlin interrupted.

  “The best teacher is always the best protector.” He gestured at Grant. “Is that not true? Did you not do that for me often?”

  “Aye,” Grant agreed. “And did you not do that for me as well in your last life?”

  Milly chuckled.

  When Lindsay frowned at her, she shrugged. “Sorry, sweetie, but they make sense.” Her eyes went to Conall. “Thank you for offering to teach Lindsay how to use her gift. Can I count on you to keep her safe too?”

  “Have I not been doing that from the verra beginning?” Conall said tightly.

  “You have,” Milly acknowledged. “But as we move forward and journey together, Adlin and I are going to want time alone, and Lindsay needs somewhere to sleep.”

  “Mildred,” Lindsay admonished, whipping out Milly’s full name on purpose because it irritated her. “Are you trying to push me into sleeping in Laird Hamilton’s tent?” She shook her head. “Because I won’t.”

  “Okay.” Milly flinched, apologetic. “Then maybe Rona’s?”

  “Bloody hell no,” Rona muttered. “I prefer the outdoors.”

  Lindsay glanced at the Viking. “Aðísla’s then?”

  “I prefer the outdoors too,” she stated. “And I prefer to be alone.”

  Her eyes went to Bryce, and she smiled. “Might I stay with you then?”

  He smiled right back and said, ‘Aye,” before William interrupted him.

  “Actually, lass,” he said. “I would prefer it if ye stayed with me.”

  William was about to say more when Conall ground out, “I will teach and protect you, Lindsay. You have my word.”

  Translation? She would be sleeping next to him.

  Bryce frowned and was about to say something but Adlin gave him a look that evidently stopped him dead in his tracks because Grant talked instead.

  “There you have it.” Grant offered a heartwarming smile as he looked at her. “You will agree to be protected by Conall, aye?” His eyes grew a little devious as they went to Conall. “And you agree to protect Lindsay, aye?”

  Neither answered but continued to bicker with each other.

 
; “It might just work out to be the other way around,” she muttered as she eyed Conall's battle wounds.

  “Not if I teach you,” he muttered right back. “And by doing so, you dinnae end up starting a battle to begin with.”

  Her eyes rounded on him. “Are you telling me you think I’m responsible for everything that happened tonight?”

  “I think unchecked magic can create many problems,” he began before Grant interrupted.

  “Enough you two.” He shook his head. “You have come to an agreement and will see it through.”

  “We never agreed to anything,” they both said at the same time before frowning at each other.

  “You did and you will,” Grant announced. “So that’s the end of that.” He nodded his head in thanks as Adlin handed him a skin of whisky, no doubt anticipating what he was about to ask next.

  Something she should have seen coming.

  “You say you are drawn to those that need you, Lindsay.” Grant's eyes met hers. “Why then, did my son Darach need you?”

  “I don’t know,” she said softly. She felt as sad looking into his eyes as she had looking into Conall’s earlier. His pain was just as evident. “And I don’t know with any certainty that my magic was involved.”

  “Of course it was, lass,” Grant murmured, his eyes a little distant. “Your gift somehow allowed you to summon him and he was able to get his message to us.”

  “So you believe he’s alive, Grandfather?” Though he grunted a little in pain, Conall sat forward, intrigued. “You dinnae think ‘twas evil afoot?”

  “Oh, evil was afoot.” Grant shook his head. “But based on what I saw tonight, it cannae control Lindsay any more than it could Milly. Not yet anyway.” His eyes went to Lindsay before returning to Conall. “She is strong, and you would do well to remember that, Grandson.”

  “I dinnae doubt she is.” Yet it didn’t quite sound like a compliment coming out of his mouth. “A strong lass in need of protecting, aye?”

  Lindsay wanted to throttle him. She really did. But even she recognized Conall’s behavior for what it was. He was genuinely scared for her and had shown it with every swing of his blade earlier, with every moment he put his life on the line.

  Yet still, he pushed her away.

  And she did the same.

  Because that was what was best.

  Nothing but pain existed if she allowed him any closer and she refused to risk it. She could not go through that again. Love and lose everything. Watch someone she cared about be destroyed in an instant.

  “Aye, a strong lass in need of protecting,” Adlin confirmed. His eyes narrowed on Conall. “Just like you’re a strong lad in need of protecting.” His eyes went between Conall and Lindsay, his tone leaving no room for debate. “And I expect you both to work together because I not only suspect at this point but know you’re this country's only hope.” He shook his head. “There cannae be any doubt. You two must defeat this warlock if Scotland is to move forward.”

  “That means working as a team,” Grant added. “In case you dinnae quite ken.”

  Lindsay could not imagine working as a team with Conall, let alone getting along with him, but this seemed to be her destined path. Or so said the two most powerful wizards in Scotland. Her eyes fell to her ring. Oh yes, and then there was this.

  It remained as black as night.

  “Only for now, lass,” Grant murmured as he took her hand and studied it. “Whilst its color is most certainly daunting, I truly believe if you and Conall work together, you can conquer this warlock as readily as Adlin and Milly did theirs.”

  Both Lindsay and Conall frowned at that. Because it almost sounded like Grant and Adlin had manipulated them into the idea that if they worked together, love would conquer all.

  “Aren’t you the least bit worried that the last thing I enchanted was a warlock?” Lindsay asked everyone. “And isn’t anyone worried that he might show up again at any time?”

  “Nay, not right away,” Adlin said. “He wasnae prepared for the likes of Grant and me. He will lick his wounds for a bit but will be back.” Quickly repressed worry flashed in his eyes. “Might we be there when he does.”

  “It will be at the next battle,” Lindsay whispered before she could stop herself. Yet her tongue seemed to have a will of its own. “And he will bring down the wrath of God himself.”

  When everyone looked at her, she blinked, confused, before murmuring, “Sorry.” She shook her head and swallowed hard. “I’m not sure where that came from.”

  “It came from your enchantment,” Grant informed. “You will feel the aftereffects of luring him, but he cannae touch you. Not yet.” He gave Conall a pointed look before his eyes returned to hers. “Especially if you learn how to hone your craft.” Before Lindsay had a chance to mention it was a craft Conall knew nothing about, Grant continued. “And remember, lass, a creature not of God can never bring down His wrath. So see that first and foremost as the warlock's weakness. He lies to frighten you more. He uses something you believe in against you.”

  Lindsay said nothing to that and remained close-lipped. Her religious beliefs were her own.

  As if she sensed Lindsay was about maxed out, Milly stood. “I think it might be time for everyone to crash.” She looked at Adlin. “It’s been a long night, and I could use some rest.” Her eyes met Lindsay’s. “We all could.”

  She nodded and stood alongside everyone else when William spoke up. “Lindsay, might ye stay for a moment or two, lass? I’ve missed yer company and could use the conversation.”

  Though Adlin and Grant shot him a look and Conall downright argued the idea, she knew what William wanted to talk about. What they had no chance to speak of until now. Whatever information she might have gleaned that he would find useful since that day seven years ago.

  Or at least seven years ago for him.

  “I’ll stay,” she agreed, frowning at them all before her eyes reluctantly met Conall’s. “Then you can protect and teach me, okay?”

  Conall’s narrowed eyes never left hers, yet she saw his internal battle. This might just be his way out of the commitment they had just made to Adlin and Grant. Wallace might be the reason he could not keep his promise. So, despite his tense jaw, he nodded and backed out of the tent.

  “I’m not sure if I have much to tell you,” she said as she turned back to William, but he shook his head, ceasing her talk as he urged her to sit with him in front of the fire.

  She really wasn’t surprised by what he said next because the enchantment she had cast on him when they spoke of spying was half-hearted at best. She had wanted to make sure he was in her corner at the time, but even then she must have suspected deep down she could trust the MacLomains. More so, Grant, and yes, though she was not quite ready to admit it, Conall.

  “I no longer want to know what Adlin’s up to.” He shook his head. “I no longer want ye to spy for me.” His eyes met hers. “Instead, I hope ye will do something else for me.”

  She cocked her head, curious but somewhat alarmed by the determination in his eyes. “I think that might depend on what it is.”

  “I want ye to help me steer this country in the direction it needs to go next.”

  “Okay,” she replied slowly, not sure where he was going with this. “What do you need from me?”

  “Help,” he replied readily. “I have a plan but can only see it through with a lass the likes of ye.”

  “The likes of me?”

  “Aye.”

  “How so?”

  “Well...” He held her hand between his and gave her a look only William Wallace was capable of. Charm mixed with conviction. “I know yer going to Happrew next, and I know Robert the Bruce will be there. What I need ye to do should be simple enough.” The corner of his mouth curled up. “I need ye to make him fall in love with ye, lass.”

  Chapter Eight

  IT SEEMED CONALL'S silent vows meant absolutely nothing. Especially since he was waiting outside William Wallace’s ten
t for a third time as he did God knows what with Lindsay. Despite the snow, he didn’t seek shelter but stood just beyond the tent’s flaps trying to catch wind of their conversation.

  “’Tis beneath ye to hover like this, Cousin,” Rona muttered from nearby. “Yer a bloody chieftain!” She gestured with disgust at the tent. “If she wishes to be with Wallace, let her be and good riddance.”

  Conall scowled, shook his head and whispered, “Go get some rest. ‘Tis only a matter of time before we leave this place.”

  “Aye,” she agreed. “And ye’ve got to decide if yer leaving having been made a fool of or with yer head held high.”

  Though tempted to snap at her, he knew this night had been hard. They could only assume the warlock had cast her, Bryce and Aðísla into that unnatural slumber yet still, she was furious. Nothing was worse for any of them than feeling like they had not been there for their kin. That they had somehow let them down.

  “We cannae control the likes of evil, Rona,” he said into her mind. “’Tis as simple as that. Ye arenae at fault.”

  “Yet ye think to teach this twenty-first century lass how to control what even ye just admitted ye couldnae,” she spat back. “And for no other reason than to get betwixt her thighs.”

  “Och, I’d rather have my cock cut off.” A complete lie in more ways than one. “She’s a vixen but a necessary one.”

  “Why?” Rona frowned. “What makes her necessary outside of Grant and Adlin saying so?” She shook her head. “She has caused nothing but trouble for ye since she arrived, Cousin. Ye should turn away from this commitment ye’ve made.”

  He understood her reasoning.

  She was trying to protect him.

  “I dinnae turn away from my commitments,” he responded, well aware both he and Lindsay had been swindled. Still. He had given his word and would see it through. “Go rest, Cousin. I will see ye on the morrow.” When she hesitated, he gave her a look she knew all too well. He wanted time alone. “Go now. I love ye, aye?”

  When she clenched her jaw and dampness made her eyes shimmer, he embraced her. She had been one of his best friends for as long as he could remember, so he knew how lost she felt. How truly frightened she was when post battle she woke from her slumber and thought she might have lost both him and Graham.