Knight of the Highlander

by Kristin Vayden

  Arywnn smiled at his response. Colin nipped her lower lip teasingly, as if to scold her. Unrepentant, she continued to gently pull on his hair and weave her fingers through it, all while she melted into his embrace, and his ravishing of her mouth.

  "Pardon." Silas' voice penetrated the thick fog of desire that had descended over Arywnn's consciousness.

  Reluctantly, she pulled away from Colin's gentle assault on her mouth. His brow furrowed in confusion, and his eyes dilated with fervent desire.

  Silas cleared his throat.

  Colin grinned at Arywnn and turned, not taking the time to set her down on her own two feet.

  "Yes?" Colin asked, a wolfish grin accenting his handsome face.

  "I'm assuming she has agreed to marry the likes of you?" Silas asked with a knowing smile. His hands were clasped before him while he waited for a response.

  "You always were a smart one." Colin replied.

  "Very good. 'Twill be wise to enter into that scared union in all haste, however. Dougal will be here this evening, after he has confirmed all our suspicions."

  "Very well. Do you have a priest that can be trusted?"

  "Yes. I'll send a man to bring him here. Can you be ready within an hour?"

  Colin looked to Arywnn, his soon-to-be bride. "It isn't a grand affair…"

  "Aye, I'll be ready." Arywnn turned to Silas and grinned, her heart light and full.

  "Good." Silas nodded at Colin and left.

  "Are you sure?" Colin asked.

  "Aye."

  "Good… if you said no, I might have tae kidnap you… again."

  ****

  Arywnn paused before the mirror in her room. In an hour, she'd be Colin's wife. Her reflection smiled back, mirroring her face and her heart as it beat with an inexpressible joy. More than anything, she wanted to be beautiful, yet as she glanced at the reflected image of her English gown, she knew it wasn't what she wanted. Though striking, it wasn't her.

  Carefully, she tried to take off the dress, quickly realizing she needed assistance.

  A knock sounded at her door.

  "Miss?" a maid called softly.

  "Aye, can ye assist me?" Arywnn asked as the maid entered.

  "Of course, my lady. I've brought a gown fer ye."

  As the maid entered, she held a simple gown of deep green. It wasn't ornate like the English gown, but in its simplicity, it was stunningly beautiful.

  After dressing, Arywnn studied her reflection. The emerald green of the dress made the color of her eyes dance with life. Her skin appeared creamier, her hair a more potent shade of auburn. The gown was modest, yet revealed the slightest swell of her breasts while tapering at her waist before gathering to the floor.

  "I'll see tae yer hair—"

  "Nay." Arywnn interrupted." Forgive me, but I want tae wear it loose."

  She offered a smile to the maid who didn't appear content with Arywnn's decision.

  Her long mane unwound and fell about her shoulders, dark flame against moonlight skin. She then gently brushed the tresses till they shone, reflecting the luminous glow of the fire. She wished she could wear her plaid, yet she knew it wasn't clean, and she wouldn't risk ruining such a beautiful gown by draping a muddy tartan over it.

  All too soon, the hour was passed.

  She excused the maid, wishing for a few moments to herself. How she wished her mother was alive and well, able to calm her daughter's nerves and speak wisdom to her heart. But it wasn't to be. She was comforted knowing that Colin was bound to be gentle, kind, and patient, teaching her all that mysteriously abounded between a husband and wife.

  He was giving up much to save her clan, and she loved him all the more for it. Silently, she vowed that he'd not regret choosing her over himself because each day, she promised to choose him.

  ****

  Arywnn studied the scene before her. Colin stood before the fire with a balding man with kind eyes. They were in deep conversation and didn't notice her arrival, but Silas did. With a wide grin he approached, taking both of her hands and kissing them softly, his eyes dancing with delight.

  "Beautiful, Miss Arywnn. Stunningly beautiful," he whispered reverently. Gallantly, he placed her hand upon his arm and escorted her to the fire, drawing Colin's attention.

  It was as if the world held i's breath as she waited for Colin's response to her arrival. His blue-black gaze smoldered with deep emotion as he studied her from the top of her head to the floor where her gown touched, then back. She saw his Adam's apple bob as he turned to face her fully, wonder etched on his face.

  Arywnn trembled with anticipation, with the joy of her heart singing Colin's name, and claiming his heart for her own. With each step she took, she felt her smile widen as Silas and the priest faded into the grey background. All she saw was Colin, the man who would be her husband.

  Silas gently took her hand, and placed it in Colin's. Warmth immediately enveloped her.

  "I can hardly breathe. You're so beautiful my very body betrays me," he whispered before kissing her hand, his gaze never once leaving hers.

  His hair was combed neatly, still slightly wet and giving the appearance of a darker shade of chestnut. Cedar and peppermint surrounded him, causing her to inhale deeply, committing the fragrance to memory. His gaze continued to smolder, causing a warm heat to swirl and build in her belly. Dressed simply, in black breeches, a white shirt, and a black coat, he cut a powerful figure.

  The priest cleared his throat, reminding Arywnn of his presence.

  "Shall we begin?" he asked, his eyes twinkling with enjoyment.

  "The sooner, the better," Colin responded.

  Arywnn grinned her approval.

  ****

  The wedding took place in the library before the fire. Silas and the butler were witnesses to the union, and the ceremony took only a quarter hour. It all was over far too soon for Colin. He wanted to linger in the realization that Arywnn was his. Irrevocably, till death do them part, she was his, only and ever his. He was free to possess her in every way.

  His heart quickened at the thought, as his body responded with a fever of desire. Suddenly he was thrilled that the ceremony was over, and had only taken a short amount time. Arywnn stood beside him as the priest, a short and over-fed balding man at least sixty, said the final 'Amen'.

  Colin turned and kissed his bride. His wife. He was now a man owned, shackled, and blissfully thrilled to find himself in such a place. Even as his heart beat with a wild, fierce possessive nature that vowed to protect her with his life; his body, his mind couldn't resist the siren call of temptation, of knowing that soon he'd have her in his bed.

  But alas, fate was unkind, and shortly after the ceremony Dougal arrived with news. Shoving his wild desire to the back of his mind, he struggled to focus on his ally's words.

  "Aye, all we suspected was confirmed. I was able tae track Rian, the chief o' the clan."

  "The chief for now," Colin couldn't help but amend.

  "Aye, fer now." Dougal grinned then sobered. "They still search for the lass, and 'twould seem that one of the leaders of the new uprisin' is on his way tae Chattan's keep tae beg their hospitality."

  "And protection?" Colin questioned.

  "Aye, especially their protection."

  "How much time do we have before he is expected to arrive? It would be easier to eliminate the threat of Rian before his guest arrives. Divide and conquer, if you will."

  "Aye. A week's time is pretty accurate, I'd say. Just enough time fer ye and your bonny bride tae make yer way, and usurp Rian's hold just before the arrival. We can have men in place tae aid ye when the man arrives so ye won't be on yer own."

  "It's a solid plan."

  "Not just a pretty face, ye ken." Dougal grinned and tapped his head.

  "Indeed." Colin smirked.

  Arywnn had been strangely silent the whole exchange, and Colin turned to her, curious as to her opinion.

  "What do you say, love?"

  Arywnn bit her lower lip
as if deep in thought. The knowledge of her belonging to him flew from the background of his mind to the forefront, assaulting him with passionate desire. He swallowed compulsively and forced his attention to her eyes, away from the temptation of her lips.

  "Tis a good plan. I just… I'm afraid. Tis no small undertaking we attempt."

  "Aye, tis true lass. But yer champion, he is sure and strong. Ye have naught tae worry 'bout." Dougal slapped Colin on the back, and offered Arywnn a reassuring grin.

  "Thank ye."

  "Anytime lass. And may I offer congratulations? Tis a fine man ye married, lass."

  "Aye, the finest," Arywnn agreed.

  "Enough, my pride is already swollen tae bursting knowing I won the lass' heart." Colin teased as he shook his head.

  "We'll gather supplies, and you'll be on your way. It's late in the day for us to gather all that is needed, so you'll likely leave the day after the morrow."Silas interjected, offering a reassuring slap to Colin's back.

  "Aye." Dougal nodded.

  "Very well." Colin agreed. Two nights, he was given two nights next to his bride in a bed. He would take full advantage.

  ****

  Arywnn tried to calm the fluttering butterflies that were tickling her insides as she watched Colin speak with Silas and Dougal. Colin was her husband. The realization washed over her like a warm spring rain, and she found her lips releasing a grin born of joy and deep love. Colin's gaze continued to flicker back to hers, a silent message of devotion and anticipation within. The heat in his gaze made the butterflies frenzy about, causing her to place a hand to her stomach as she willed them to cease their fluttering.

  "We'll not detain ye. I fear I've lost yer attention already." Dougal snickered as he slapped Colin on the back.

  Colin was indeed no longer paying attention to his friends, but his focus had lingered then remained on Arywnn. When Dougal slapped his back, he seemed to remember himself, and gave his friend a rueful grin. Rueful, but entirely unapologetic.

  "It's true. I will admit tae being a bit… distracted," he said wolfishly.

  Both men chuckled.

  "We'll leave ye tae yer bride," Dougal called as he left the room.

  "Yes, we will. I'll see that all the necessary arrangements are made, Colin." Silas nodded, and strode to Arywnn. "I'm glad he's found you, little dove. You may have a bit of… an adventure… ahead of you, but you'll surely be better because of it." Silas patted Arywnn's hand and then left the room, striding away as only a man with a purpose can.

  "Arywnn?" Colin spoke softly, caressing her name with his tone.

  "Aye?" she responded, feeling slightly breathless as she met the devouring gaze of her husband.

  He studied her for a moment, as if memorizing every detail of this slice of eternity. Slowly he walked over to her and grasped her hand, gently intertwining his fingers with hers. The warmth of his grasp sent shivers of delight up her back, and settled in a pool of pleasure in her belly.

  "Are ye concerned?" he asked, his voice a low whisper.

  "Truth be told, aye. But, as yer friend Dougal said, my champion, he is strong. Aye?" She smiled into his gaze as she caressed his face with her fingertips. The rough sensation of his beard just barely breaking the surface of his skin was a sharp contrast to the smoother planes of his brow as she caressed it as well.

  "Are you hungry? Do you need anything?" he asked as he leaned forward his lips a whisper away from her own.

  "Nay."

  "I'm plenty thankful for that… Are you…adverse tae turning in early?" he whispered against her neck as he trailed his nose along her skin.

  "Nay," she murmured the words as her body trembled with the need to feel his touch.

  Without a word, Colin swept her into the cradle of his arms and kissed her full and passionately on the mouth, but the kiss was quick as he turned and made his way to the door. Even with her as a burden, he walked with a stealthy grace that Arywnn had always admired. With a wolfish grin, he carried her up the stairs even as her own eyes darted about for someone who might see his overt display of passion. Thankfully, the hall was empty and Colin vaulted up the stairs like a man racing for a prize of great worth.

  As he entered his room, he strode to the bed and set her down gently. The soft mattress gave in slightly under her weight.

  Colin began to chuckle.

  "Wha' so amusin'?" Arywnn asked, her own face threatening to break into a grin at the mischievous and delighted expression covering Colin's face.

  "I was simply… remembering. Carrying you, it was how we first… got acquainted. Was it not?"

  "Aye. T'was." Arywnn grinned fully then.

  "Little did you know that sometime later I'd be doing the same. Not tae save your virtue, but claim it." His eyes darkened to pools of liquid desire as he leaned forward, resting his brow against hers.

  "Aye. So, ye are the knave tonight?" Arywnn teased, though her tone was rather breathless.

  "Yes, I'm the knave, the Knight, your champion but most importantly… I'm yours," he whispered the words, and then claimed her lips with a hot and possessive kiss.

  Arywnn needed no further invitation. Pulling him closer, she felt herself lean back onto the soft bed, welcoming the weight of her husband as he continued to ravage her lips with his own. Her body hummed with unknown need, but she didn't dwell on why, only that she would soon find it filled.

  Colin gently caressed her form with a tender confidence that left shivers of delight in the wake of his touch. Each caress, each kiss, brought her into a tuning hum of union with her mate, her husband. It was as if his touch branded her, claimed her, and in response, her body sang. The song continued, changing melody with each article of clothing removed, and each devouring kiss till a symphony was created all climaxing in one moment.

  Then finally. one song remained. One of devoted and unconditional love that lulled her to sleep in her husband's warm embrace.

  ****

  Colin awoke slowly, his body languid with released passion and returned love. His thick arms tightened around the beautiful and very bare body of his wife nestled against him and breathing softly. Her auburn hair was wild and free. Half of it underneath her, and half across his arm teasing his senses with it's inviting and arousing fragrance. She sighed in her sleep, and Colin saw a flicker of a smile tip her full and somewhat swollen lips, enhancing their berry ripe color. She was tempting him to wake her and restart all they had enjoyed last night.

  Yet he paused, though his body yelled at him for his self-control. The next few days would be difficult, treacherous. A few hours of peaceful sleep would be the greater benefit for his wife.

  His wife.

  He repeated the word over and over in his mind, savoring the taste of it, the full meaning. She belonged to him, him alone. None could strip her from his grasp. His name was hers, his children would be carried and nourished by her, and when he was old and grey, he'd continue to hold her as he did now, loving her more each day that passed.

  He mentally considered all that needed to be done before they could leave. He knew Silas wouldn't waste time, nor expense, in taking care that all their needs were met for the journey. A truer friend he couldn't ever find. Silas would also take care to transfer his funds with discreet care from England to his new home.

  Taking a deep breath, he silently prayed that the obstacle ahead would be minimized by whatever heavenly forces were available to aid him. Arywnn stirred and Colin froze, mid breath, hoping he hadn't awoken her with his silent brooding and concern.

  "Ye are fretting," Arywnn spoke softly as she turned around in his arms till she faced him.

  "Perhaps," Colin responded, yet the tension that was present only a moment before melted in the warmth of her caressing hand as she reached around and traced his back.

  "Ye need not."

  "Oh? And how did you know I was fretting in the first place?" he asked as he placed a small kiss to her slightly upturned nose.

  "Your body was tense, ridged. And ye
probably didn't notice but ye were about' tae squeeze the breath from me," she teased.

  "Was not."

  "Were indeed."

  Colin gave her a playful scowl, and Arywnn mimicked his expression causing him to chuckle.

  "We must get up," Arywnn whispered, but made no move to do as she implied.

  "Oh? And why?" Colin raised a challenging eyebrow and leaned forward to kiss a sweet spot on her neck, one that had left her breathless earlier.

  "I-I…" Arywnn began, her words fading.

  "I have no idea either." Colin chuckled and worked to eliminate all other rational thoughts from his wife's mind.

  ****

  The next day flew by in a fury of activity as arrangements were made for their journey. Arywnn found herself gazing up the stairs wishing the day would end so that she could have Colin's full attention once more, but the evening continued to wear on. A tight sensation in her chest would arise whenever she thought about tomorrow. The journey ahead wasn't as long as it was dangerous. Tonight could be the last night she spent on Colin's arms. She wouldn't dwell on such things. No. Her champion, her knight, was strong. 'Twas Rian who would be sleeping his last. Not Colin.

  Eventually the men announced the end of the preparations, and Arywnn exhaled a sigh of relief, pushing the creeping fear of earlier back into the furthest recesses of her mind. Colin strode toward her and grasped her hand, warming her skin. Her small hand was easily overwhelmed by his strong one and the sensation was calming.

  "Are you well?" He traced her brow with his other hand, his eyes crinkling with concern.

  "Aye… 'tis a busy day, the morrow." Arywnn offered a smile, but knew it fell flat, judging by the frown Colin gave in response.

  "Yes, it will be a busy day… but not a fearful one. You will be safe. I swear it." He kissed her wrist without taking his eyes from hers.