“So what’s going on?” Christina asked, edgy the moment she entered the tent. No, edgy the second she walked further away from Graham.
Milly said nothing at first but eyed Christina, clearly seeing what she expected to as she murmured, “You’ve really truly fallen for him, haven’t you?”
She frowned. “Fallen for who?”
“Graham.”
“No.”
“But you have, sweetheart,” Lindsay said softly as she lit a fire and urged them to sit. “Since the moment you met him in New Hampshire.” She gave Christina a knowing look. “All games aside.”
“The ring never shined the color of his eyes, did it?” Milly asked. “That was all a charade.”
“No,” she began to lie but instead sighed, plunked down in a chair and muttered, “Yeah, it was a lie.”
“A lie built on what turned out to be the truth,” Lindsay added. “So not really a lie at all.”
“A total lie if the gem never shined a color yet they said it did, Linds.” Milly shook her head before her eyes met Christina’s. “Not to say I don’t see the underlying truth in Lindsay’s defense. Still, it might not be enough...”
“What do you mean, enough.” Christina frowned. “What’s going on?”
Milly eyed her again, clearly not sure how to word things until she came right out with it. “I mean we need to strongly consider you...and Bryce.”
“There is no me and Bryce beyond friendship,” she said bluntly. “I’m sorry. He’s hot and great and all that, but the sparks just aren’t there. It’s not gonna happen.” She shook her head. “Not like that.”
“I understand,” Milly replied. “I really do.” She hesitated. “Yet the sparks are there. Or so said the battle earlier today.”
“So we fought well together.” Christina shrugged, still amazed by what had happened. “That doesn’t spell love in my book.”
“From what I heard, it was more than just fighting well together,” Milly murmured, watching her closely as she sat. “And I think whatever it was blew your mind a little.”
“And distracted me long enough for Kenna to be killed,” Christina spat before she could stop herself. “What kind of warrior lets that happen?”
“You can’t blame yourself for that, and you damn well know it,” Milly said. “You did your best.” Her eyes stayed with Christina’s. “And let’s not forget you were fighting alongside several well-trained Scottish warriors that were trying to protect her as well. Yet she still died.” Her eyes narrowed. “Now tell me about this feeling you had when you and Bryce fought together.”
“Why, so you can relay it back to Adlin?”
“Yes,” Milly readily confessed. “He wanted to speak to you about this, but I told him I would prefer to. That you didn’t know him well enough yet.” She sighed. “He helped create these rings so the more he knows about what happened between you and Bryce, the better. That way, we can get to the bottom of things. Wouldn’t you agree?”
Well, when she put it like that. Christina frowned and took a deep swig of whisky before she finally answered. “Whatever happened between us, it was one helluva power trip and hard to explain.”
“Did it feel sexual?” Milly asked. “Were you aroused?”
“No,” Christina answered honestly, not overly shocked by the question. “It was more like...” she searched for the right words, “more like we knew exactly what the other was going to do and complimented it.” She shook her head. “And I don’t mean by reading each other’s minds. It was more like we had been practicing it for ages and everything just worked out perfect. Like we were invincible together.”
“Hmm,” Lindsay murmured, considering what she had said. “I think I know what you mean but to a lesser degree.” Her eyes went to Milly’s. “When Bryce and I held off the English at the village in Happrew, he as a dragon and me as an enchantress, it felt very intense. Powerful.”
Christina looked between them. “So are we thinking this is dragon related?”
“It could be,” Milly conceded. “Yet you and Bryce seem to be making a much stronger connection even though Lindsay literally saved his life.”
Milly's eyes never left Christina’s as she continued. “When Adlin and I arrived here, he sensed the magnitude of the connection you made with Bryce. Soon after Grant did too. It’s likely they didn’t sense it sooner because they weren’t in the same era together.” She shook her head. “Anyway, they're certain your connection with Bryce is not warlock related. It felt directly connected to the MacLomain magic used when the rings were created.” Her voice softened as she delivered news that made Christina’s chest tighten. “The magical connection that sparked between you and Bryce was without a doubt for the greater good of our clan and Scotland, not against it.”
“Perhaps it also happened because Christina is a warrior and a part of Bryce can relate,” Lindsay volunteered, clearly trying to come to Christina’s rescue. “Both the man and likely even the dragon.”
Milly nodded. “It could be.” Her eyes stayed on Christina. “But the fact remains, three things now tie you to Bryce and what just happened between you two is pretty big...”
When she trailed off, Christina frowned and finished her sentence. “And nothing ties me to Graham except attraction,” she perked her brows, “and him hearing my voice in his head before anyone else did... and then the scant few times I heard him.” She rolled her eyes. “Which is evidently not enough.”
“I have to ask you a personal question, sweetie,” Milly said, not commenting on what Christina had just said.
Somehow, she just knew what her friend was going to ask next, so she beat her to it.
“Yeah, we’ve already slept together,” Christina muttered. “Have you looked at him?” She took another swig and shook her head. “I know, shame on me considering poor Kenna.”
“Ah, the woman he was going to marry to save her clan,” Milly said softly. “That was noble.”
Christina eyed her for a moment before she murmured, “So Adlin knows.”
“Not much gets by him,” Milly responded. “But yes, he’s known for some time.”
“Why didn’t he tell Graham?” She frowned, bewildered and a little frustrated. “Why not tell him that the MacLomains would offer Clan MacLauchlin protection so that Graham didn’t feel the need to marry Kenna?”
“Like Grant, Adlin tends to let things play out as they will,” Milly said. “He doesn’t like to mess with destiny or Fate overly much.”
While that seemed plausible enough, sometimes she got the feeling that Adlin and Grant did the very opposite. That they worked together to steer destiny and Fate right along.
“I’m sorry, but this seems pretty cut and dry.” Christina crossed her arms over her chest, cocked her head and remained focused on Adlin’s silence when it came to Graham and the MacLauchlins. “Ensure a clan protection and help your cousin out.”
“I can pretty much guarantee that Adlin was doing just that,” Milly said. “Though it might not be entirely clear to us how yet.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means Adlin’s as powerful as Grant,” Lindsay reminded. “Which means he’s very much a forward thinker and likely sees things nobody else can.”
“Alrighty then.” Christina sighed and took another swig of whisky, knowing full well she would likely never get a straight answer. Truthfully? She wasn’t sure she wanted one.
“So, I have to ask.” Lindsay’s eyes went to Milly’s before they returned to Christina’s. “We have to ask.” Her brows rose in question. “How was the sex, darling?”
“With Graham?” Christina snorted and looked between them. “How the heck do you think it was?”
“You tell us.” Amusement lit Milly’s eyes. “Details aren't necessary. We just need to find out if...well...if it was the sort of sex it should be if he’s your one true love.”
“Enough with the one true love thing, y’all.” She rolled her eyes again and finally
managed a grin. “But as sex goes, it was top notch.”
Lindsay slanted her head. “Just top notch?”
“Yeah, top notch. The highest rung on the totem pole. Doesn’t get any better.” When they looked at her dubiously, she chuckled then gave it to them straight. “Okay, ladies, it was the most amazing sex of my entire life. He could handle me. I’ve never felt anything like it...” Her voice softened and thickened with unexpected emotion. “And I know I never will again.”
Silence fell as they stared at her.
“Hell,” Milly whispered. “Then this really sucks.”
“What?” Christina said.
“What I came in here initially to tell you.” Milly sighed, her eyes pained as they stayed with Christina’s. “If nothing else, we need to make sure we save Scotland’s history, wouldn’t you agree?”
She frowned. “Well, yeah, of course.”
“That means doing everything in our power to make sure that happens,” Milly continued. “Which means harnessing the power of these rings.”
Christina narrowed her eyes. “Your point?”
“My point is you need to listen to that ring, Christina,” she replied, obviously upset but still determined. “And you need to give Bryce half a chance because, despite everything, it’s looking more and more likely that he might be your MacLomain.”
“This sounds an awful lot like what I went through,” Lindsay kicked in. “I was told to pursue man after man though I was always meant for Conall.”
“Right, but now we all know Adlin and Grant were steering you two together,” Milly reminded. “Because you were determined to remain apart.”
“True,” Lindsay conceded as hope sparked in her eyes. “So is that what this is then? Do Adlin and Grant know something we don’t and however opposite it might appear at the moment, they're actually pushing Christina and Graham together?” She shook her head and frowned. “Because I can tell you from experience it’s not all that fun going from guy to guy, even if it is designed to steer you into the arms of the man you’re meant to be with.”
“At least Adlin’s only asking Christina to be with one man,” Milly said softly. “Bryce.” She shook her head. “And as far as I know this is no grand scheme to get Christina and Graham together.”
“So is Adlin ordering or asking me to be with Bryce?” Christina kept her tone not just incredulous but sarcastic as she stood and planted her fists on her hips. “Not that it really matters because it’s bullshit.” She looked skyward and whispered, “Sorry for swearing, Granny.”
“Don’t get too upset, Christina,” Lindsay said, evidently focusing on the one thing Milly said that offered any hope at all. “Like Milly just reminded, Adlin and Grant are known to play games to move Fate along.”
“Yet she also said she didn’t think they were scheming this time.” Christina scowled at Milly as she faced the cold hard truth. “So you’re telling me if I don’t hook up with Bryce, I’m going to destroy Scotland?” Her eyes widened as her voice rose. “Are you seriously telling me that?”
“Yes,” Milly said, her voice firm but her eyes worried. “That’s exactly what I’m telling you.” She stood as well. “So no, you don’t have to listen to Adlin’s request but consider this if you don’t. Scotland ceasing to exist in the future and what will happen to its people between now and then to see that through. All the death and loss.”
Christina blinked back moisture, shocked by the words coming out of her friend’s mouth. Shocked that she was being guilted into this. Worse yet, that it might actually be true. That her desire to be with Graham could ruin so many lives...an entire country.
She sank into her chair and stared at the fire, baffled and angry but most of all, frightened. Scared that so much was being put on her. So much depended on her.
“What about Robert,” she said absently as her thoughts churned. “He’s determined to marry me.”
“What?” Lindsay and Milly said at the same time.
“I mean he mentioned it a while back, so I figured I better let you know, all things considered.”
They stared at her a moment in utter shock before Milly finally said, “Details would be good.”
“But pointless,” Christina remarked and shrugged. “Seeing how I’ve been ordered...” she shook her head, “I mean asked,” she snapped her fingers, “dang, I meant requested to be with Bryce, I don’t see how it matters.”
Milly narrowed her eyes. “Don’t be a wiseass.”
“I’ll be whatever I damn well please,” she shot back. “Until I wrap my head around everything you just shared.”
“I’m sorry,” Milly said, her voice soft and her eyes genuine. “I really am.”
A few moments later, Conall ducked in followed by Adlin and Grant.
Miffed and not much in the mood to talk she stood only for Grant to shake his head. “Sit, lass. Please. We need to discuss a few things.”
“I tend to think enough’s been discussed,” she replied, saddened that he might be in on this. “Are you aware of what Adlin wants from me?”
Grant nodded. “I’m afraid I am.” His eyes stayed with hers. “And I agree with him.”
“Well, that’s a shame.” She shook her head. “Didn’t you just say before Adlin arrived that you thought Graham and I loved each other? Why say that if you didn’t believe it?”
“What I believe isnae important anymore, lass,” he said gently, sadness in his eyes. “I didnae mean to...” He sighed, distraught. “I didnae mean to lead you in one direction only to ask you to go in another. I'm verra sorry.”
She knew full well he didn't have a better understanding of she and Bryce’s connection until Adlin arrived but still. The whole thing stunk. Her eyes went back and forth between the two arch-wizards. “Does Bryce know? Graham?”
“Aye, we’ve spoken with them,” Adlin replied softly, clearly as upset as Grant.
“Real nice,” she muttered. “Poor Graham. He’s having a heck of a day, isn’t he?” She took another swig of whisky and sank into a chair again as she gave it more thought. “Or maybe he’s just grateful considering I failed to protect Kenna.”
“I told you how I felt about that and ‘tis the truth, lass,” Grant said, his voice gentle yet firm and final. “For now, we’ve other things to worry about as a group, from Robert’s intent to marry you to talk of Fraser.”
“Talk I bloody well intend to be part of,” Graham growled as he stalked in. His eyes lingered on hers for a moment before they swept to Adlin. “We saw Fraser die in battle. Conall was right in front of him. His life was lost. His heart stopped beating. Why then, was Kenna so convinced he might still be alive?” His jaw tightened. “So much so that she would devote her last words to saying as much.”
“I stand beside Graham entirely with this.” Conall shook his head, troubled. “Fraser received multiple fatal wounds and died.” His brows snapped together in confusion as his eyes went from Adlin to Grant. “Yet when we went back for his body it was gone. We assumed the enemy had disposed of it. Do you know otherwise? Have you been keeping the ultimate fate of our cousin from us these long years?”
Both shook their head as Grant responded. “No, Grandson. I swear on your grandma’s life that nothing was kept from you and your cousins. Kenna’s revelation, such as it was, is new to us.”
“Could he be trapped like Da was in some other dimension?” Conall asked, his voice hoarse with emotion.
“No,” Christina murmured and shook her head. “Kenna said no, and I believe her.”
She again relayed their vague conversation when in captivity so that everyone could hear it firsthand.
Silence fell afterwards as her words sank in. When her eyes drifted to Graham, he was staring into the fire, as lost in thought as everyone else. She needed him to look at her though. She needed him to know how sorry she was about everything.
Kenna.
Bryce.
Fate.
“We’ll have to wait and see then,” Grant finall
y said. “But we will not ignore Kenna’s last words, may she rest in peace. And we will not give up hope that mayhap somewhere out there, Fraser is still alive.”
Before he could continue, Bryce ducked into the tent as well, adding that extra body that made things start to feel a little tight. His eyes went to Christina’s, and he nodded before he urged Grant to continue. She sensed by his expression that he had likely caught the discussion about Fraser though he wasn’t here.
“What we need to figure out next is how to get Robert the Bruce to stop desiring you so much, Christina,” Grant said. “No matter how well it served our purpose today.” He shook his head. “That he desires to marry you isnae good.”
“No, but at least I don’t desire him anymore,” Christina said. Though frustrated with Grant and Adlin, she focused on the bigger picture. “That’s halfway to what we want, right?”
“Aye.” Adlin nodded. “’Tis verra good.”
Graham still wouldn’t look her way, yet she sensed he wanted to. That this was as hard on him as it was on her. Or maybe that was just wishful thinking.
“So should we assume that half the spell cast on Robert and Christina has lifted?” Lindsay asked. “And if that’s the case, what do you suppose caused it? Because if we figure that out, it stands to reason we might be able to replicate it and perhaps lift the curse entirely, right?”
“A sound deduction and equally good questions, lass.” Grant looked at her with pride before his eyes swept over everyone else. “Naturally, ‘twould have had to be something that happened betwixt the last time Robert saw Christina and now which could be a number of things.”
“Aye, it could be a number of things,” Graham said, that same frustrated growl in his voice as his eyes narrowed on Adlin and Grant. “Mayhap because she has embraced her gift in its entirety or because history is starting to correct itself with today’s battle.”
Then his eyes leveled with hers, and he said the last thing she expected. “Or mayhap ‘tis because I’ve truly fallen in love with her.”
The MacLomain Series: A New Beginning Boxed Set (Books 1-4) Page 73