by S MacLeod
*
She put the letter to her chest & twirled around. She felt like a young girl who saw a cute boy across the room. He was looking forward to seeing her! She smiled & looked at the books again. It was a beautiful room. Tucking the letter behind her bodice ties, she went over to the nearest wall. She took a couple of books & sat in a well padded maroon chair. Pushing off her slippers, she pulled up her feet & began to read.
*
As Sonya coiled up some wiring, she recalled how her hand felt in Duncan's. She told Kerry how, when she had run into Duncan, she could feel his manhood pressed against her as they stood there against each other. There was heat coming off of his muscular body & her hands pressing against his chest made her shake. Did Duncan feel this way about her? Could he? How could he with beautiful women like Brenna vying for his attention? Not to mention being a close friend of the king. There would be tons of women at court. Then there was Aaralyn. Sonya wondered about her. She must have been quite young when she died. That was sad; such a short life. Was Duncan still mourning for her? She knew there were some people that loved someone so much that they would mourn them their whole lifetime.
Chris had several men helping with the plane. They were nearly all finished. Sonya wished she had packed her drill & a lot of batteries. Imagine the alarms that would have set off in the airport! Funny, the things you could miss. Sonya thought she missed her drill more than the toothbrush she had been so happy to see! As she wandered up the hill she watched as the engines were being stacked in an outbuilding with barrels around it. She hoped they had a tarp or two! What could you use those for? Surely there could be something…eventually anyways.
Sonya went into the kitchen just in time to see Ewan running off. What was he up to? She decided to see where he was going & followed quickly behind. As she went around the corner she heard a laugh & Ewan ran down the stairs of the far wing & jumped into the awaiting hands of Duncan! Well, no wonder he was in such a hurry. Sonya smiled. Duncan saw her at the top of the stairs & smiled mischievously & she raised an eyebrow. He whispered something in Ewan's ear & Ewan looked at her & laughed. Ewan whispered back & Duncan let out a loud chuckle.
"Did ye bring me something?" Ewan asked excitedly, his green eyes dancing.
"Doona I always?" Duncan grinned, handing Ewan something.
"Thank ye, Da." Ewan hugged him tightly & ran off calling to Aaralyn.
Duncan climbed the stairs. Sonya knew she was smiling at him. She seriously could not stop! This man had an almost magical effect on her & her entire being!
"I like the dress, lass."
Sonya looked down & smiled. "Thank you. Sarah made it for me."
"She is a very good lass."
"Yes, she is."
"Ewan tells me ye like the library." Duncan's eyes were bright.
"It is beautiful! I have hardly stopped reading since." They started walking down the corridor towards her room.
"Well, I am glad ye like it, lass."
"The families got off alright? On their voyages?"
"Aye. I hope they will be alright."
"As do I."
"I know I said ye could stay, but why have'na ye set off? Or John & Cami?"
"I don't think Cami will make any plans until the man she is looking after is well."
"He may ne'er wake."
"I know. We did find out his name. It is Guy Mackie."
"Ah. Another one coming home was he?"
"It seems so."
They stopped at the end of the hallway. Duncan was very close to Sonya & she felt a bit lightheaded. "You did'na answer why ye have'na left though," he said softly.
Sonya looked up at him. A heat was searing through her & it felt like she could burst into flame! What was she supposed to say? I would love to stay & let you ravage my body? After she didn't answer he said, "I have something for ye as well, lass." He seemed unsure of himself suddenly. This wasn't something she had seen.
"That was very nice of you."
"It isn't from the trip, but something I felt ye would like." Duncan handed her a little, pouch. Sonya pulled the strings apart & turned it up in her hand. A stone fell onto her palm. It appeared to be from a necklace at some point.
"It is beautiful, Duncan! Amethyst?"
"Aye, it is," he said, pleased.
Sonya certainly was pleased! He wouldn't bring her something if he didn't care, right? "Thank you, I love it."
"Aye…uh…I am famished, so I am off to the kitchen!" Duncan seemed uneasy. Nervous maybe? Sonya had never seen anything but confidence from the man.
"Yes. I believe they already have something waiting for you."
He smiled warmly, no more sense of unease & she smiled back. She wanted to stand there & just look at him.
"I will see you later, lass." He reached out & touched her upper arm. A shot of lightening ran right through her! He had an unusual look on his face. "At dinner."
"Yes," she agreed. She headed towards her room, listening to his footsteps going down the stairs. She heard his booming voice greeting Sarah & his meal, and then his deep laughter & she smiled to herself.
*
Sonya went directly to her recovered suitcase. She opened a small pocket where she had brought one of her much loved necklaces. It was called a Triquetra & had three triangles linked together. It was her favorite Celtic symbol. Where better to wear it? Right in the center there was an opening & she was hoping she would be able to place the stone in it. Now to find a way to keep it in. Digging in her bag she found some super glue. What would she do when that ran out? Putting some glue on the outer edge of the stone, she pushed it through the middle & wedged the stone in. After a couple of minutes she inspected her handy work. Ah, very good! She put it around her neck & looked into the mirror & smiled, very pleased.
At dinner Ewan was especially happy & Sonya had to smile at his enthusiasm at having his father home again. She couldn't help it, but warm tears began to slide silently down her cheeks. She turned towards her plate & tried to eat. Kerry reached over & squeezed her hand. She smiled briefly at her & Cami. They knew. They all had their moments. Sonya never asked Cami what she left behind or who. Her husband had already left her & John, having passed away. Everyone had their losses. Kerry & Chris both left big families behind. Sonya took a deep breath, smiled at John who looked concerned & started eating. Suddenly she saw Cami & Kerry's eyes widen & grins spread across. Even Chris was smiling & that was a concern. Sonya frowned & was about to look around when she jumped at the sizzle going through her shoulder. She looked up over her shoulder at Duncan. Oh, boy! No lungs! Where did my lungs go? Why must they desert me like this?
He held his hand out to her. Sonya looked up at his grinning face & took his hand. Jolt! Warm feeling! Boy, at this rate I should never get cold! Here & my mum always told me if I went to Scotland I would freeze my butt off! As Duncan led her towards the dais she looked back at Cami & Kerry with huge, exaggerated eyes. She had three trillion butterflies fluttering in her stomach. She would never be able to eat anything now! Duncan sat her between Ewan & himself. She felt so nervous that she thought her legs would shake off! She spoke to Brenna who not only was beautiful, but was very smart & kind. Ewan laughed & chatted away & Duncan laughed as well. Sonya felt so out of place up there. After dinner, Duncan got called away & she excused herself & went outside. Ah, breathing again! Fresh air.
About half way to the wall, she said, "Come on up here, Ewan, so we can walk together."
He ran up next to her & looked up. "Ye were crying, Sonya…before."
"Aye," Sonya replied & Ewan smiled. Was that why Duncan took her to sit next to them?
"Yer family?"
Sonya glanced down at his little concerned face. He seemed much older than he should be. "Yes," she replied.
"Ye miss them?" They got to the wall & Ewan climbed up to the top.
"Yes, very much."
"I am sure they miss ye as well."
"Yes & that hurts too."
Ewa
n looked down at his hands. "I am not yer bairn, but maybe ye can be like my mother, until ye can go home to yer own family."
Sonya looked at him. There it was again, too wise. She felt emotions welling up inside her as he looked at her with those little green eyes. "I would be honored to be like a mother to you, Ewan." He smiled a big grin. "Perhaps we should keep it between you & I though."
"Why is that?" he asked, cocking his head to the side.
"I wouldn't want to hurt Brenna's feelings, or your father's."
"It won't hurt anyone. Brenna likes ye & I already asked my da. He said he was verra proud of me."
"And so I am," came a voice behind them. Sonya jumped. She was embarrassed & it apparently showed. She wasn't expecting such a conversation to be overheard. "Run on up now, Ewan. It is time to feed Aaralyn." Duncan lifted Ewan down from the wall with ease.
"Sonya?"
"Yes, Ewan?"
"I am glad ye said aye."
"Me too, Ewan." Ewan grabbed her around the waist, hugging her. She put her hand on his head, ruffling it. As he ran off, tears came to her eyes. As soon as Duncan's hand touched her shoulder she turned & buried her face on his chest & cried hard. Duncan waited until her wracked body had nothing more to offer. Again she was embarrassed, but it felt so right being in his arms; so at home that she didn't want to leave them.
"I…I am so sorry. I got your shirt, um, all wet." She wiped at his shirt. She had no idea what that would help exactly.
Duncan grabbed her hands, holding them against him. "Och, lass doona worry about such things. It was something ye needed to do & may need to again."
Sonya laughed weakly. She knew he meant the crying, but it sounded like he meant getting his shirt wet. "I hope not. I don't like to cry. It gives me a headache." Duncan chuckled.
"What, um, Ewan asked me."
"Aye, lass?"
"Why did you…?"
"I felt it was a verra kind thing to offer."
"Oh, it was, it was. I am very honored."
"Ewan wasn't always my bairn, so I understand what it is to gain the love of a child. First, I was honored that he was my nephew. He is my brother's son. When Emrys & shortly after his wife, Aarlyn died, I adopted him as my own."
"Oh, my goodness, he wasn't very old."
"Nay. He knows, of course, but he is my bairn now & my heir." Sonya looked at him curiously & smiled. "What, lass?"
"Huh?"
"Ye have a question, so ask it, lass."
Apparently, she was getting way to easy to read. She looked down & he took his hand lifting her chin. She looked at him, searching his eyes.
"I am waiting, lass."
"Well," Sonya said saucily, "If you know I have a question, perhaps you can tell me what it is?" She stood there & Duncan chuckled.
"I like it when you get that glint in your eye, lass. It is very becoming."
She blew out her breath & looked away. Darn it! He did it again. Her cheeks flushed & warmth spread from her head to her toes!
"A question about a wife?"
How does he do that? "Aye," Sonya said with a hint of annoyance.
He directed her face up to his again. "I have ne'er been wed, lass. I had ne'er found anyone else to ask nor had I found my true mate."
He had never found his mate. She felt giddy inside like the butterflies were now on a trampoline. He smiled & she smiled back. Then she frowned.
"You said mate."
"Aye. Anyone can marry, but my ma & da said there is that special someone that is your true mate. Someone that finishes you, makes you whole & you ne'er wish to be with anyone else through all time." They stood there just looking at each other. He never took his eyes from hers when he said, "Ye are wearing the stone I gave ye."
"Yes."
He reached out & picked up the pendant. She felt like her heart was beating a trillion times a second as that searing warmth from his touch, ran straight through her body. What made it do that?
"Aye," Duncan smiled. "I like what ye have done with it." He nodded in approval & looked back into her eyes.
"I am glad," she whispered. Her voice seemed caught somewhere. Her mother would be well pleased since she said she hadn't shut up since she was 9 months old!
Duncan's faced turned serious. "I have sent word back to the king."
"The king?" she whispered, raising her brows. Well of course, he knew the king.
"Aye. Several stories had reached him & I had to explained that there was an unusual accident & that most of the people have left our shores for their homes. However, there are those whom I have offered my home to & the King has requested an audience with me. Personally, I think he is just wanting some excitement."
"An audience? To be assured that we are quite human?" she smiled. "I don't think any of us have been before royalty before."
"Well, it isn't really all that difficult. After all, the King himself is a man, too."
"And a Highlander."
"Aye," Duncan replied. "A Highlander as well as us."
"Yes, I know quite a bit about the MacPherson Clan. At least I did. My mother's mother is a MacPherson." Duncan looked at her with astonishment.
"Why are ye just telling me this?" He sounded annoyed & she raised her eyebrows, surprised.
"Why would I? Did you think I would use the name McPherson for influence once I knew one was king?"
"Influence? Nay, but ye have allowed me to keep someone of the king's clan here without letting him know."
"Why are you angry?" Sonya raised her voice, getting a bit irritated herself. She felt tempted to do the head move & finger snapping thing. You have to love the influence of friends! Imagine how that would look to a Highlander!
"I would have presented ye to my king immediately because ye are of his clan. It is just something that should have been done."
"I am with my clan. I am a MacLeod!"
"MacLeod or nay, ye are of the king's clan as well & that is something ye should have told me," he said gruffly.
"Well I am sorry!" she hollered back. At this point several peopled were at the top of the hill looking down at them, but Sonya didn't care.
"Prepare to leave by morning. It will just be a bit sooner than I had planned." Duncan turned & started up the hill.
"I will not!" Sonya said in an even tone.
Duncan froze in his steps. He slowly turned around. She would not be ordered around like a servant.She stood at her full height, eyes blazing. Duncan walked back & stopped in front of her. He may be bigger than her, but she was 5'6 & was going to show every inch!
"Ye will," he stated in a steely tone, looking down at her, eyes flashing.
"So, now I am to be ordered about like your servant," she hissed.
"Ye are nay my servant."
"Damn right, I'm not." Duncan's brows rose, but she just stood there looking at him. Kerry had come down the hill at a trot & was standing next to her.
"Sonya, please. Let's go up to the house. I am sure we can work this out." Kerry looked at Duncan.
"It is out of respect for my king that I will present ye & be a representative of ye all. I never said ye had to stay there."
"Perhaps, I shall," she said icily. Kerry had a hold of her arm & was directing her toward the door.
"Aye, perhaps ye should!" he yelled after her.
She continued up the hill. Pulling her arm away from Kerry, she never looked back.
Och, the lass was gorgeous when she was fired up! She was strong & stubborn, too! Her eyes blazed & all he wanted to do was pull her body to his, feeling her against him. He wanted to feel her tongue with his & do so right there! When she stood right in front of him he swore he felt her fire flare from within. Duncan had to smile. He liked this lass!
Duncan followed Sonya & Kerry, watching her from the door. The wisps of her hair that had fallen from their ribbon & waved in the breeze as she hurriedly went up the stairs. Duncan started towards the stairs hearing the slam of her bedchamber door. That was no little door! He stop
ped, taking a deep breath & then carried on to his study. He entered thinking of the fiery, beautiful woman. She had questioned his demands & refused them. She was truly upset. As Duncan entered his study he raised his voice & said, "Am I not Laird here? Why on earth do I care if she is mad or nay?"
"Because ye like her My Laird," said a voice from behind him.
Without turning around Duncan said, "Aye, I do at that, but that matters nay. What are you doing here, Adair?" Duncan turned, handing the other man a mug with whiskey in it.
"The king sent me home, My Laird. He feels I need to remind ye who ye are & that he requests yer presence on occasion."
"I very well know who I am." Duncan faced him & smiled. "I send ye away because ye are young & need some adventure, Adair. I can very well handle my own household." Adair raised his eyebrows. "Doona look at me like that! After all I am the Laird of Ronin!"
"So we established My Laird," Adair smiled a big grin.
"Och, stop that!" Duncan laughed as he fell into a chair next to the hearth.
"She reminds me of someone."
Duncan studied him for a moment. "Mayhap. We have had this conversation before."
"Aye, My Laird." Adair turned thoughtful. "But have ye yet reconciled yourself?"
"She is dead, what more can I reconcile?"
"Yer brother would not have married her, if you had told him."
"She chose him. She was in love with him, not me. You can'na go about doing everything because someone may get hurt feelings."
"Aye, & who are we talking about now?" There was a brief silence & Adair continued, "Ye have hardly looked at another woman since."
Duncan couldn't help but smile. "Ye are a devilish man, Adair. Ye know that is why I keep ye around, aye?"
"Keep me? Ye send me off like ye are that young woman. What is the lass' name?"
"I am no' sendin' the lass away. Her name is Sonya & ye know very well that I am just presenting her to her kin. She is a MacPherson."
"Aye & a MacLeod from what I hear."
"If you knew her name…" Duncan narrowed his eyes & then sighed. "I was planning to bring her to see Angus anyway. Now he can offer her to stay there with the MacPherson clan if he wishes."