Highlander's Castle

by Joanne Wadsworth

  “It’s working,” he laughed then suddenly sobered. “It’s working.”

  “Annie.” Her hold on her new sister was fierce. “Sisters forever.”

  “Forever,” Annie whispered in awe. “We’re going together, as we should.” Wind tore around them. “No one let go,” she yelled.

  “Hold tight,” Dad bellowed.

  A mist rose and the stars blinked out.

  Chapter 11

  “Or mayhap more than a little magic.” Atop the battlements, Alex opened his eyes. Stars flared and ebbed above in the night sky.

  “Can you no’ sleep, MacDonald?”

  MacLeod. The man plagued him no matter where he was.

  “Aye, mayhap you might help? A little exercise in the yard would aid me in bedding down better.”

  MacLeod stroked the dirk sheathed at his wrist. “Margaret should be abed and unable to interrupt us this—”

  Light flashed out Anne’s chamber window, so bright the courtyard glowed.

  “What was that?” MacLeod gawked.

  “Let me through.” He shot past MacLeod who swiftly tore after him. Outside Anne’s chamber, he pounded on the door.

  “Coming.” Margaret slung the door open then glanced between the two of them. “This is no’ a good—”

  “Out of the way, Margaret,” MacLeod blared as he stormed in past Alex.

  “Rory, nay.”

  Alex followed him into the chamber. The ruse was up, not that he’d expected it to—

  From behind the bed curtains, a man dressed in well-pressed black trews and an impeccable blue shirt clambered out. The newcomer aided a woman to her feet. She wore a white silk dress, her flowing skirts embroidered with spring flowers along the hem. He’d never seen such clothing before.

  A squeal came from the bed and two women scampered out and shoved their tangled, white-blond hair out of their eyes. They laughed and hugged each other. Anne. The other must be Annie. Was he seeing things?

  “Annie?” Rory MacLeod regarded one woman then the other. “And another Annie? What in blazes is going on?”

  “Rory.” Annie engulfed him in a hug. “I’ve missed you.”

  He patted her back as he studied each of the others who’d arrived. “Who are these people?”

  “I brought some guests. These are Anne’s—”

  “You brought guests? From where? I didnae see you leave, unless you took the secret—I mean, introduce them, and who is this woman who looks so alike you?”

  “This is Anne MacLeod, and these are her parents, Tor and Morainne. They’ve traveled far to get here, although they’ve also come to visit Alex.”

  “I dinnae—” He shook his head. “But you two are—I must be seeing things.”

  “Nay. Anne and I are so similar because we’re closely related. I first met Anne when I left here and traveled to Dunscaith. She joined me there. I’m afraid ’tis this Anne Alex handfasted with.” She bit her lower lip. “Ah, I may have some explaining to do.”

  “Then begin.” He crossed his arms.

  “I didnae intend for Anne to have to handfast with Alex, but it happened all the same.”

  “You swapped positions with this Anne?” His look was incredulous.

  “Aye, which is why I had to fix the problem I’d begun. This illness I’ve had these past days was feigned in order to find Anne and her parents, and bring them here.”

  He glared at Margaret. “Why did you no’ say?”

  “I’m sorry, Rory.” She gulped. “Annie’s mind was made up, and the wrong had to be set right.”

  “Then who was it I fetched from MacDonald land?”

  “That would be Anne.” Annie gripped Rory’s hands. “This is my fault. You must no’ blame anyone other than me for what’s happened.”

  “I’ll blame whomever I wish, and you can be assured we’ll discuss this later, and in far more depth.” He eyed Tor. “I apologize for any inconvenience Annie has caused you and your kin. I’ll see this matter rectified and ensure you’re duly compensated.”

  “There’s nothing to compensate. Annie is a delight, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to be here.” Tor extended his hand. “Call me Tor.”

  “Rory.” He shook Tor’s hand. “I shall still speak with her.” He glowered at Annie. “Why are you wearing men’s trews? Red trews?”

  “Oh dear.” She raced to the trunk, grabbed a plaid and wrapped it around herself.

  Alex could no longer hold himself back. Anne was here, and her parents. The woman he’d longed to hold again stood a mere few feet away. “Anne, you’re the one I handfasted with?”

  She sashayed toward him, a vision in a pale yellow skirt and blouse. The sheer layers fluttered as she dipped into a curtsey. Rising, she winked. “Yes, and I apologize for my part in the deception.” She motioned toward her kin. “This is my father, Tor, and my mother, Morainne. They’ve been eager to meet you.”

  “Yes, we have.” Tor strode forward and offered him his hand. “My daughter tells me you two handfasted.”

  “Aye, at Dunscaith.” He shook Tor’s hand. “Sir, I hope you will accept my invitation to travel there, and to stay as long as you wish.”

  “We’d like nothing more.”

  “Margaret.” Annie tore across the chamber. “I’ve missed you.”

  Margaret hugged her and jiggled about. “What an adventure you must have had.”

  “I promise to tell you all about it. I’ve missed my favorite cousin too.”

  Anne looped her arm through Alex’s. “Talking about adventures. I’ve had the greatest one of all. I’d love some fresh air and to discuss it with you. Do you mind?”

  “Nay, come.” He steered her out the door and upstairs to the battlements. He couldn’t get her alone quick enough. In the dark, he pulled her into his arms. “I cannae believe you’re here. And your parents.”

  “I have so much to tell you.” She wound her arms around his neck. “I got your letter.”

  “There’s something I must say first.” Aye, it couldn’t wait. His bride had returned and he had no intention of ever letting her go again. He lowered onto one knee.

  “What are you—” She clapped a hand over her mouth.

  “This is what I should have done from the beginning.” He had to strengthen their bonds so no one could ever come between them again. He looked his fill of the woman who’d consumed his thoughts, from her golden hair gleaming in the moonlight to her high cheeks and sparkling blue eyes. “Anne MacLeod, I cannae live on this Earth without you. My love for you is unending and would weather any passage of time. I wish to take you as my wife, to bind you to me forever. Will you do me the great honor of marrying me?”

  She dropped to her knees and clasped his face with shaky hands. “I love you too, more than my heart can stand. Yes, a hundred times over, yes.”

  “You’ll never leave me again.” He stood and swung her into his arms. He kissed her, allowing his hunger its ultimate release. She would be his, in this time and any other.

  He had his woman back.

  * * * *

  “Okay, Alex, let’s get one thing straight. I can walk. You didn’t have to carry me down the steps.” Alex set her down between him and the birlinn bobbing against the stone landing of Dunvegan’s sea-gate. The new day had dawned, and the rising sun glimmered gold over the frothy waves rolling in. Even though chilly, the day was bright with wispy clouds streaming across the clear sky. A good day for sailing. “I’d also like to say goodbye to Annie and Margaret. To do that, I need you to move aside.”

  “The steps were slippery.” Alex wrapped her more securely in his plaid. “And I’ve already invited Annie and Margaret to Dunscaith. You’ll see them again soon.”

  “I’d like to see them now.” She ducked under his arm. Men. Still, she understood why Alex had become so territorial since her return last night, but he’d have to let up a little, and soon.

  Annie pulled her into her arms. “Margaret and I shall see you the moment we twist Rory’s arm h
ard enough to allow the journey.”

  Rory grunted from beside Dad. Arms crossed, he nodded to her. “Safe travels, Anne. You and your parents are welcome to return whenever you wish.”

  Margaret joined hers and Annie’s hug. “Take care and journey safely.”

  “I’ll miss you both.” She squeezed them so hard they groaned. Then it was her parents’ turn. Mum held Annie close and promised her they’d visit her as well, and as often as they could.

  Perhaps the feud had been set aside. Only time would truly tell. Regardless, she had her heart’s desire. Her parents. Alex. She couldn’t wish for anything more.

  “What are you thinking?” Alex lent her a hand and guided her into the birlinn. He seated her next to him on the wooden bench at the stern.

  Her parents boarded and took a seat next to Mary. Alex’s mother had missed their arrival last night and only caught up with all the happenings as they’d broken their fast. Mary too appeared eager to leave.

  “Too much, yet not enough.” She snuggled into Alex. “I’d like to see more of Scotland. You’ll show me, won’t you?”

  “Whatever you wish, but within reason.”

  The men rowed, and James, aboard the other birlinn, sailed in tandem with them.

  Together they left the seclusion of the loch and rounded the tip. Sails raised, they cruised south.

  Alex lifted his face to the wind, his eyes closed as he breathed deep.

  She did the same, taking in the scents of sea and Scotland’s freshest air.

  They stopped to rest during their trip as often as needed. This was the tour of her dreams, with her parents by her side.

  They came ashore that night and the men set up camp, hunted game then roasted their meal over an open fire. She slept with Alex among their kin, sharing his plaid. Her heart expanded with love.

  “Why are you no’ asleep?” he murmured in her ear.

  “I’m counting my blessings.” She nuzzled into the small V at the neckline of his white linen shirt.

  “Take care with how you touch me, love. A certain part of me has no’ ceased aching since we left Dunvegan.”

  “Why didn’t you say?” She swept her hand over the bulge in his trews. “Oh, that’s got to be some ache.”

  He muttered several unrepeatable words.

  “Come on. I’m going to ease your frustration right now, and you’re not going to argue otherwise.” She pushed to her feet. “Take a walk with me.”

  “Nay, I can wait,” he whispered madly.

  “It doesn’t appear so.” She gripped his hand and tugged him until he stood.

  “You are far too obstinate. We’ll have to mind the guards.” He ushered her around those sleeping and out of camp. Through the bush, he led her, until he slowly turned and nodded. “Aye, this is far enough.” He spread his plaid under a tree. “Are you sure?”

  “I’m a twenty-first century woman, and a very adventurous one at that. You never have to ask if I’m sure.” She released the front laces of her amethyst gown. The cool night air skimmed over the exposed sliver of flesh.

  “I’m quite taken with your adventurous nature.” With painstaking slowness, he trailed his finger from between her breasts to her belly, his touch sending a torrent of delicious tingles spiraling out. “I cannae believe you’re finally mine.”

  “I always have been.” She eased her arms free of the long sleeves and the fabric slid down and bunched on her hips.

  “Allow me.” He lowered to his knees, planted his hands on her waist and pressed his lips to her belly. He kissed her where their child lay, the baby he would raise right along with her. “Your body is my body.”

  “Yours is mine too.” She pushed her fingers deep into his thick blond hair and held onto him. “A body I’d really like to explore.”

  “Later. I wish a rediscovery first.” He released the last fastening and her gown slithered to the ground. “Aye, I may even have new lands to discover.”

  “There’s no—” She gasped as he widened her legs.

  “Aye, the land of bounty.” His voice was a purr as he licked the skin along her inner thighs. “’Tis every warrior’s dream to find such a treasure.”

  She pressed her hips toward him and a thrill chased through her. He ducked his head and lashed her flesh with his tongue. Breathless, she clung to him, her heart soaring. “Slow down.”

  “Nay. A great prize awaits, one I wish to cherish and seek many times over.”

  He built her orgasm to a pinnacle until she tottered at the edge. “Alex.”

  “Give in to me, love.”

  She would love him forever, had crossed centuries to reach him, and she exploded, a brilliance of white and gold stars bursting behind her closed eyelids. Body and soul, her connection to him transcended time, and she came, over and over until she could take no more. His very scent become entrenched within her skin, their connection everything she’d ever desired, yet not nearly enough.

  “Come inside me.”

  “The greatest jewel of all is your heart.” Grinning, he tossed his shirt aside. His rippling abs and tanned pecs gleamed under the moonlight. Her warrior slid his trews down his muscular thighs and off. “I want to feel your heart beating against mine.”

  “It’s racing a little out of time.” Oh, good heavens. The man she loved was beyond beautiful, every hard and defined inch of him hers to explore and touch for all time.

  “Good, just the way I like it.” Naked, he scooped her up and lowered her onto his warm plaid. Lust filled his gaze as he rubbed his cock over her clit then plunged into her.

  She bit back a scream as her inner muscles seized then pulled him in.

  “I love you, Anne. From the depths of my soul all I have is yours.” He covered her mouth with his and sent her body skyward again, but this time with him buried deep inside, right where he belonged.

  Pleasure overflowed her, from the tips of her fingers to the ends of her toes. He rode her, hard, then kissed her senseless as he came right along with her.

  “Ahh, so many riches, a cache I shall forever hoard.” He kissed her, stroking her sides as he rocked gently inside her. With a tender touch, he slowly brought them both back down.

  “I can’t believe, were it not for Annie’s wish, I would never have met you.” She cupped his face between her hands, looked deep into his eyes. “I never want to be parted from you again.”

  “Nor I you.” His cock twitched and lengthened again deep inside her. “It would seem I’m up for more exploration, but first, I fear I’ve neglected your beautiful breasts.”

  With infinite care, he embraced both mounds then nuzzled between them. “Aye, so full, and these sweet morsels—” He let out a husky moan as he drew her nipple deep into his mouth and sucked.

  She closed her eyes, arched her back and enjoyed every moment of his loving.

  Throughout the night, he lavished more attention on every single inch of her, and she returned the favor, finding her own booty within the plains of his body and plundering to her heart’s desire.

  It was the most magical night, and even though the first rays of dawn stole it from them, it was still only the first of many.

  They rose in the morning and prepared to return to camp.

  “Hold still while I dress you, love.”

  “I’ll never get dressed with your wicked fingers continually sneaking in for a touch.” She giggled then slapped his hands away. “I’ll get these laces. You dress yourself.”

  With his molten gold eyes shimmering, he tucked in his shirttails.

  “Not too fast, Alex. I’m enjoying the view.”

  “We have a full day of sailing ahead and I have yet to make you my wife.” He shook out his plaid then wrapped it around himself. Secured with a leather girdle at his waist, he looked every lip-licking inch her Highland warrior.

  “And when will that be?”

  “Afore this day is out.”

  She nestled into his side as they returned, boarded their birlinn and finished the
ir journey to Dunscaith, her Highlander’s castle. This was where it had all begun.

  Such a glorious sight. Light glowed from the narrow tower windows as dusk bathed the massive stone walls with a fiery gold.

  They were home, and she was about to live the life she’d always dreamed.

  Chapter 12

  Sitting on the grassy hills surrounding Dunscaith, Anne relaxed against Alex’s chest. She tucked her cobalt skirts under her legs as the waves crashed on the breeze.

  Last night they’d spoken their vows before Brother John and their entire clan. She’d worn Mary’s wedding dress a second time, and afterward, a feast had been held in their honor. Later, the night had been theirs, and today they lazed, enjoying being together, a freedom they’d fought so hard for.

  “Can you hear that?” Alex played his fingers in her hair, surrounding her in his warmth.

  “You mean my mother’s laughter?” She shuffled forward. The land below sloped gently away, the lower meadow abloom with wildflowers. “Mary and Mum have baskets in hand. The castle shall be radiant on our return.”

  “I meant your father. James is working with him outside in the yard.”

  The warriors trained, although only half of them below, the other half swimming in the loch. James swung his sword, instructing Dad in the movements required. “He’ll be in his element. Dad’s always longed to take lessons with the sword. Men still wield those in the future, but in sport alone.”

  “I’ll aid in his training as well. ’Tis no sport here. He’ll need to become proficient in order to defend himself and those he loves in the Highlands.” He eased back, taking her with him to lie flat in their hidden hollow.

  She wrapped her arms around his neck as she wriggled on top of him. “Before you begin on him, I still need training.”

  “What would that be for?”

  “For appreciating the fine wealth of flesh you’ve currently got covered.”

  “Aye, though ’tis you who wears far too many clothes.” Grinning, he caressed her belly, holding her and their child close.