by Patty Taylor
“The one friend I trusted and ye just played me for the fool,” Duncan shouted. His other hand was gripped into a fist. He had to restrain himself from hitting Darby in the face. After a few minutes, he lowered the little man and dropped him to the ground. “Did the two of ye ever think about tellin’ me the truth? Instead ye both schemed and used yer trickery behind me back.”
“I promise, I didna’ tell her about the stones. In case ye haven’t noticed, ye’ve not only been actin’ like a pig-headed fool, but ‘tis time ye admit the truth to yerself.” Darby pulled his jacket down and straightened his collar. He rubbed the back of his neck with his hand. “Ye’ve been treatin’ Keara with nothing but rudeness instead of respect. She deserves better from ye. Admit it, Duncan. Has suspicion blinded ye to the point where ye canna even see ye’re in love with the woman?”
For the first time ever in daylight, Duncan’s inner beast stirred, fighting to come to the surface. He leaned his head back and yelled, “No, I willna allow this.”
Colin’s hands grasped his arm. “U-Uncle Duncan. You’re sc-scaring Miss Keara.”
Duncan slammed his fist into his other hand. With long strides, he made his way back to the campfire and grabbed his saddle bag and flung it over his shoulder. The other three, close behind, caught up with him.
Keara stood next to Darby. Her face turned pale as she shot him a look of disgust. Darby reached up and took her hand inside of his. He stared at Duncan, his ears twitching.
“If I can ever reach Dunscaith, I know of warriors there that might be willin’ to help in findin’ ye a way home. ‘Tis the only thing I didna’ want to tell ye, woman, for fear of gettin’ yer hopes up.” Duncan grabbed hold of Goliath’s reins. “If ye’re still determined not to listen and to follow me, then so be it. But follow at yer own risk. Darby knows the way to the Fairy Pools from here.”
He stared at Keara, regretting that he’d hurt her once again. Maybe it was for the best that she never discovered his desire for her.
Ever since their first kiss, he yearned to unbridle the restrained wild filly he felt trapped deep within her. Hers was a love he was afraid he’d never have. After finding his true kindred spirit, he knew he must set her free.
With one last backward glance, Keara had already turned away and was stacking small sticks on top of the leftover warm ashes.
Chapter 18
“Either you help me, Darby, or I’ll find Duncan by myself.” Determined not to take no for an answer, she stood with her hands braced firmly on her hips. She held her head high as she waited for his response.
“Ye must be daft, lassie! Ye canna be serious. If ye think Duncan was angry just now, ye dinna know the meanin’ of the word.” Shaking his head back and forth, he began walking in circles and wringing his hands. “He’ll be furious if I help ye. I’m afraid it would surely mean the end of our long friendship.”
Keara sighed, noting Darby’s serious frown, his face clouded in uneasiness. She knelt in front of him and placed her hands on his shoulders. Then she smiled, leaned over, and kissed his cheek. “I’m sorry, Darby. I shouldn’t have asked you. I would never expect you to do something to risk your friendship with Duncan if it wasn’t important.”
“Please, Keara. Just give him some time. He’ll come around soon, I promise.” Smiling, he hobbled to the fire, poured hot liquid into a tin cup, and added a few drops of an elixir from one of the peculiar special bottles he took out of his pocket. “Here, drink this. It will help calm yer nerves. I’m anxious to hear what happened at the stones.”
“Thank you,” she said, taking the cup from him. She waited until he turned his back, and she dumped the contents onto the ground behind her. “Darby, please tell me the truth. You must have known all along since I first showed you the amulet that I’d discover the stone circle once we reached the meadow. Why didn’t you say anything?”
“‘Twas not me place. The fairies believe ‘tis a sacred place where children of the earth are guided and discover it only when the Goddess sees fit. Did ye learn the meaning of any of the symbols?”
“No. I didn’t learn much of anything, I’m afraid.” She sighed, glancing in the direction Duncan headed. “I was told to look to the night sky and it would help uncover more answers.”
Darby’s eyes widened. His bushy eyebrows rose. His voice rose an octave as the words sputtered from his mouth. “Did ye say night sky?”
She studied the peculiar look on his face, and his gaze suddenly dropped to the ground. His fingers fidgeted with the top of his bottle of spirits that Duncan had given him and almost dropped it to the ground. He wrapped both hands around the flask and drank. After a long swig, he started coughing.
“You know something you’re not telling me. Please, Darby. Why can’t you tell me the truth?”
She stared at him, waiting for his reply. He continued to gape at the ground, refusing to meet her gaze. He stood and turned away from her. Surprised at his reaction, she sighed. “I guess you’re right, Darby. Things will probably look better in the morning.”
She waited in silence, watching Darby pace back and forth. Colin had darted over the hill right after Duncan stormed off. She imagined he probably wanted to follow his uncle instead of being left behind. “Do you think it wise for Colin to wander off by himself?”
“Aye, he should have been back by now.” Darby stopped and rubbed his chin.
“I think he’s probably not far behind Duncan.” She faked a yawn and covered her mouth.
“I hate to think what Duncan will do if he finds the lad followin’. But I’m afraid ye’re probably right.” He groaned and studied her face. “Rest now. I promise things will look better come morn.”
Keara closed her eyes. One of the heavy sheepskins was pulled over her arms. Darby soon headed off toward the direction Colin had fled. She waited till he was out of sight before folding the cover, placing it a safe distance from the fire, and wrapping her shawl tightly around her shoulders.
She turned in the direction Duncan headed and walked. Her heart hammered in her chest, her strides hastening the further she ventured. The warm tingling sensation, like tiny sparks of electricity flowing through her skin, she felt whenever she came close to Duncan grew stronger with each step. Like an uncontrollable surge of energy, the compelling urge to find him became overwhelming.
Keara stopped the minute she spied Duncan standing on the edge of a cliff. She froze, afraid to move for fear he might see her. Her gaze wandered over the Highlander’s gigantic body from head to toe. From his stance, it was apparent he was a proud man. And stubborn like a mule, to say the least. She focused on his frame. A sharp pain seared in her chest like a dagger. Even from this distance, because of the unique connection they shared, she felt his pain and anxiety.
Determined to confront him for an explanation, she grabbed the sides of her dress, getting ready to climb up the inclined slope. She studied the best way to tread. From where she was standing, even if she leaned sideways against the steep cliff and grabbed hold of the jutting stones for support, the shale rocks beneath her feet did not make safe footing. She wondered how in heaven’s name he made it to the top himself. It appeared only an animal would be able to make the steep climb on the dangerous, uneven ledges.
Keara braced herself against a strong gust of wind, her fingers clutching the front of her shawl, as she pushed the hair from her face. The sun was starting to set. A heavy mist emerged from behind Duncan and loomed above his head. It gradually descended and enveloped his entire body. Within moments, the dense fog lifted like a stage curtain, revealing a strange beast in place of the dynamic Highlander.
The beast was not only animal but half human. She watched the creature lean its head back and peer at the sky. A bloodcurdling scream escaped its mouth.
Keara’s hand flew from her side to cover her mouth. Her body trembled. The r
ecurring sensations raging through her entire frame intensified. Her knees buckled. She hit the cold ground. Only one man could trigger those feelings.
Duncan.
The beast was Duncan. That was the secret he’d been trying to hide from her.
“So it wasn’t a dream,” she whispered. Like having a pitcher of cold water doused over her head, the shock of the truth sent cold chills up her spine. “It was real after all. Duncan and the beast rescued me.”
Wrapping her arms around her shoulders, she lowered her chin toward her chest. Tears streamed down her face. The horrendous pain emitted from the beast became hers.
Something gripped her shoulder from behind. She jerked. Ready to yell, she whirled around to see both Darby and Colin standing behind her.
“I’m sorry ye had to find out this way, Keara. Duncan never wanted ye to discover the truth—that he’s cursed,” Darby muttered, standing on tiptoes, as he dabbed away tears from her face. “I imagine he couldna stand for yer pity.”
She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand and sniffled. “It’s not pity I have for him, Darby. I’m in love with the man. Both Duncan and his nocturnal beast.”
Darby reached inside his coat and cradled something inside his hands. He held his arms to her and opened his fingers. A delicate flower began to bloom in front of her eyes. “This flower blooms only at night.”
“It’s gorgeous,” she replied, while Darby lowered it in her hands. “It’s a shame people can’t enjoy the true beauty of it.”
“Aye. It seems the flower and Duncan share somethin’ in common, wouldn’t ye say?” Darby patted her arm.
Careful not to crush the open petals, Keara held her hand out and wrapped her arm around Darby. “You’re a gem, Darby. I just hope Duncan realizes how lucky he is to have you for a friend.”
“I believe Duncan’s afraid his beastie will overpower his human qualities. He worries it might hurt one of us. I dinna know how he’ll accept the news that ye saw him this way.”
“Darby, do we have the time to spend most of tomorrow at the Fairy Pools without placing Duncan further behind on his journey?” She laid a hand on Colin’s arm and smiled.
“Aye, if we leave early enough we can get there before noon. Duncan willna press on ‘til he knows ye’re safe and sound. He would never allow us to travel by night. ‘Tis too dangerous.” Darby glanced at her, the sparkle returning to his eyes. “Why do ye ask?”
Colin offered his hand and helped her to stand. “We don’t have much time left to get to Dunscaith Castle if we want to help Uncle Duncan end the curse.”
She smiled, sniffing the sweet fragrance from the remarkable flower.
“I have an idea.”
Chapter 19
Speechless, she stood mesmerized, gazing at the spectacular Fairy Pools. Grazing sheep shared the stream’s drinking water with several large red deer. Small meadow pipits perched on branches, observing their surroundings. The water, enriched with vibrant colors, radiated magick, splendor, and life.
Keara spied a waterfall not far away. She couldn’t have picked a better spot. A tall figure on the other side of the stream caught her attention. Duncan stood downstream, his back facing her. It was time to put her idea in motion and tell Duncan she discovered his secret.
She noticed Duncan turn when Colin called out his name. Darby followed close behind Colin and turned and winked at her. She picked up her bag of belongings and headed for the waterfall.
“What do ye mean, she went to take a bath?” Duncan shook his head, still angry from the day before. “Hasn’t she realized she canna go off on her own? Especially since we’re comin’ closer to Dunscaith Castle.”
“What do ye expect? After all, in case ye havena’ noticed, she’s a woman. ‘Tis only natural she wants a bath.” Darby threw down his gear and motioned to Colin to do the same. “Dinna ye think ‘tis best if one of us follows her and keeps watch?”
“Just which one of us do ye suggest?” Duncan’s voice thundered in his own ears.
“I’ll go, U-Uncle.” Colin jumped up, much too eager.
Duncan clutched Colin’s sheepskin vest and pushed him to sit down.
“I guess I’ll be the one to go.” Darby snatched his pipe from his pocket and grinned, a peculiar gleam in his eyes Duncan hadn’t noticed before.
“Wait. Between an eager young buck and a foolish old stag, I dinna think either of the pair of ye should play bodyguard to Keara. I’ll do it meself.” He picked up his bow and headed toward the falls. “I have enough trouble on me hands without having to deal with a stubborn, fool-headed woman.”
He grumbled, talking to himself every step of the way. As he approached the falls, gushing water echoed in the air, growing louder with every step. “I knew I should’ve left her back at the village with Colin when I had the chance.”
The aroma of Keara’s new soap drifted to his nostrils. Her scent filled his lungs, his anger quickly subsiding. Her gentle voice hummed, soothing his inner beast. The water screen silhouetted the shapely outline of her voluptuous curves. He watched her body turn, exposing her back and buttocks to him. Her hands sifted through long strands of hair falling to her shoulders.
He fought to turn away, but couldna resist the magnetism between them. The rare connection they shared from the first time he laid eyes on her now grew stronger by the minute. The woman had bewitched his very soul. She was the one he’d been waitin’ for. After findin’ his true kindred spirit, he knew he must set her free.
Bloody hell. How could he let her go? But how could he live with himself knowing he was standing in her way and not help her to find her way home?
Keara turned and faced him, covering her breasts with her hands, her gaze deliberately locking with his.
He dropped his head and turned to walk away.
“Wait, Duncan. Please.”
He stopped. His pulse racing, he didna’ want to confront her. ‘Twas hard enough being this close to her without grabbin’ her in his arms and devourin’ her lips with his mouth.
Keara lifted the delicate chemise from the ground and slipped it over her head. It clung to her wet body, accentuating her breasts and nipples. She sauntered toward him and grabbed his arm.
“Can you at least turn around and look at me?” She waited until he faced her. “Duncan, I have something important to say, before I lose my nerve.”
Duncan raised an eyebrow. A scowl crossed his face. He stared at her.
“I just wanted . . .” Her voice trailed off and she lowered her eyes. With Duncan standing this close staring at her, he was making this much harder than she thought.
“Go on. Did you and Darby scheme something else behind me back? Is yer conscience startin’ to bother ye? Is that what ye’re having difficulty tellin’ me?”
“How dare you! You stubborn Highlander!” She stepped back from him and placed her hands on her hips. “Hmpphhh!”
“Ye call me stubborn? I’ve nev’r seen a more willful woman then yerself. And must ye always place yer hands on yer hips like that. ‘Tis gettin’ to be a bad habit of yers. I shouldna blame Darby for tryin’ to appease ye.”
She reached out to slap him and tripped on the slippery pebbles beneath her bare feet, falling backward. Her bottom hit the ground. Duncan put his hands on her arms to help her up. She pushed his arms away. “I can get up by myself. Darby was only trying to help you. Just like the rest of us. Unfortunately, you’ve been such a terrible grouch here lately, that no one can even talk to you.”
He reached down, grasped her arms and pulled her to her feet. She noticed his attention focus on her nipples. She pulled her chemise down around her bottom before taking hold of his hand and leading him back behind the waterfalls.
Like a puppy, he followed right behind her but didn’t utter a single word.
&nb
sp; She turned and faced him, water splashing on their faces. “Duncan McCord. I’ve been trying to tell you that I love you.”
“Ye dinna know what ye say, woman. Ye dinna know everything about me.” Disbelief replaced the anger previously written on his face. His hand touched her cheek.
“I know about your secret, Duncan. I followed you last night.” She watched the lines in his face tighten. She gripped his arm. “You can’t hide the truth from me anymore. It was you and the beast that rescued me that night on the beach.”
“Then ye should realize I’m cursed. I’m unable to love any woman for the rest of eternity.” He turned his back to her. “Ye mean the sight of me didna’ repulse ye? I’m afraid ‘tis mere pity ye feel for me—not love.”
She moved in front of him and cupped the side of his face in her hand. “It’s not pity, Duncan. Up until now, I’ve had to trust you. Now it’s time you start trusting me. Whenever I’m with you, I feel all is right with my own world. How can I make you understand that?”
Keara snatched the bottom of the chemise and yanked it over her head, tossing it on the nearby grass. Her hands wrapped around the back of his thick hair and she pulled his head to her face. Standing on tiptoes, her lips pressed against his mouth.
His arms tightened around her as he returned her kiss with vigor. A moan escaped her lips while his mouth showered kisses down the side of her neck. A tidal wave of passion awakened in her loins. His hands cupped her breasts.
Her fingers dug in the center of his back, finding their way to the top of his kilt. They trembled, trying to unleash the heavy material from around his waist. Duncan clutched his garb and flung it beside her chemise.