Highland Magic

by Donna Grant

  "True, but no one meddles in your life.” Anger made his words harsh and clipped, but Frang didn't care.

  "The Fae meddle because we want to ensure your realm continues on."

  "Like you meddled in giving Glenna, Fiona and Moira their powers? Three girls whose parents were slaughtered by a madman after power? You gave the girls their powers, you could have stopped MacNeil then. I could have stopped him had I known."

  Aimery clasped his hands behind his back. “Despite what you may think, the Fae do not know everything. We discover prophesies or decisions that will alter the future. We have a responsibility to ensure man doesn't destroy your realm."

  "This is the decision you spoke to me about when I first left the Glen?"

  "Aye."

  Frang laughed, the sound humourless and harsh in the still night air. “I've told Kenna to burn the book. I'll make sure it's done on Beltane."

  For long moments Aimery simply stared at him. “Be careful, my friend."

  In a blink the Fae was gone leaving Frang to stare at an empty spot with Aimery's words echoing in his mind.

  "Just what am I supposed to be careful of?"

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Kenna had looked everywhere for Frang, but he was nowhere to be found. She had told Glenna before she left the castle that she wanted to stay with the Druids for the night. It had been a hasty decision based on wanting to be near Frang.

  It was laughable really. A castle full of warriors and a laird who could easily defend her, yet she wanted to be with the one man who didn't want her.

  Kenna leaned against a stone and looked to the moon. A few more days and it would be full, its light illuminating all. With a sigh she glanced through the doorway in the stones that led to her chamber.

  It was spacious inside and warm considering it was carved out of stone. Even the bed had been carved out of the stone with piles and piles of blankets covering it and a small chest off to the side against a wall. A few pegs stuck out from the wall and a small table and one chair were across the room.

  As inviting as her chamber might be, she didn't want to go inside. Not when the night was so beautiful and her soul so lonely, too lonely to be in her chamber. She wanted to be next to that magic that reminded her of Frang. The sweet song of the Druids settled her restlessness and the desire that multiplied every time he was near.

  Kenna raised her face to the stars to find them winking down at her, promising her magic and untold secrets if she could but reach them. She smiled to herself and looked around her. Most of the Druids had gone inside their chambers, leaving only the Druid Warriors to stand guard.

  Glenna had told her of the special men who guarded the Druids. Glenna's sister Moira was married to a Druid Warrior who happened to be half Fae.

  Kenna was constantly amazed at the magic and possibilities in the Druid's Glen. Even at MacInnes castle she could almost feel the magic pulsing within the stones of the castle.

  She had asked Glenna about the need for the warriors since she thought all Druids had powers, so she was quite startled to learn not all did. Kenna looked at her hands. She had no powers, of that she was sure.

  Glenna could control fire, her sisters water and wind, and even her husband could detect if someone lied to him. She had witnessed other Druids who were able to spark a fire to life with only a few words while others could get animals to obey them with only a look.

  Yet, what did she bring to them? Nothing but her knowledge of herbs, knowledge these people already had. Frang had told her anyone who heard the music of the Druids was a Druid, but had he lied? Was she really a Druid? Had she brought possible death and destruction to these wonderful people simply because Brigit had spoken of them?

  Kenna moved away from the entrance to her chamber, across the rocks that dotted the stream and towards two stones.

  "It is late, my lady,” a deep voice said from behind her.

  Kenna spun to find one of the Druid Warriors. He wasn't dressed in the long, flowing robes that some of the Druids wore or the simple gown that she and others donned. Instead, he was in soft leather pants, a white tunic and a leather jerkin. She saw a sword, two daggers and a dirk, but she was sure there were countless other weapons hidden on him.

  "I cannot sleep,” she said after finally finding her voice.

  "It isn't wise for you to leave the stones. Frang has asked that all Druids stay close, especially at night."

  She nodded. “I'm only going for a short walk. You are welcome to accompany me,” she said, knowing he would refuse.

  He inhaled deeply, his arms crossed over his chest. “I'd rather you stayed inside the stones."

  "I'll be back shortly,” she said and stepped between the stones before he could argue with her.

  Kenna waited for him to follow, and when he didn't, she let out a sigh of relief. She wanted to be alone for a few moments. She wasn't fool enough to venture far from the stones where the Wallace might find her.

  She walked quietly to the nemeton. As soon as she entered the clearing, a smile pulled at her lips. This was just the place she needed to be. Her feet took her to the centre where she sat and leaned back on her hands to look at the sky above her.

  Her mind instantly moved to Frang, wondering what he was doing and why he had left the great hall agitated. She had left to find him, to see if he was all right, but it had been a foolish idea. He was a high priest and didn't need someone such as her.

  As if her mind conjured him up, Frang stepped out of the forest. The light from the moon illuminated him in all his handsome glory in a bluish light. Kenna caught her breath. He looked magnificent, deadly almost with his penetrating gaze that was riveted on her. His thick hair hung to his shoulders and was mussed as if he had run his hands through it several times.

  Her body reacted instantly. A warmth unfurled low in her belly and slowly filled her body. Her skin heated, her heart pounded. When his gaze moved lower she felt her breasts grow heavy and her nipples harden. She bit her lip to keep from moaning as desire thickened the air.

  She straightened and watched as he walked towards her, his steps slow and sure. The closer he came the more she realised he was angry and seeking peace just as she was. He stopped before her and stilled. Kenna licked her lips and tilted her head back to look at him.

  "You shouldn't be away from the stones.” His voice was soft but had an edge to it.

  Kenna swallowed and shrugged. “I'm not far. I needed some time alone. Besides, I love looking at the moon."

  When he didn't move or speak, she motioned to the ground beside her. “Care to join me?"

  To her surprise, he lowered himself next to her and raised his knees so he could clasp his arms around them. “The Wallace is crafty, Kenna. He'll try any tactic he knows to get you."

  "But getting me won't be worth anything without the book."

  "He'll use you to barter for the book. Your life for the book. He knows I won't refuse."

  Kenna turned her head to look at him. “Don't ever do that, Frang. My life isn't worth him gaining the book. Ever."

  Frang's blue gaze met hers. His eyes shown almost eerily in the blue light of the moon. “I gave you my word that I would keep you safe."

  "Oh, Frang,” Kenna said and raised her hand to his face before she thought about it. As soon as her hand touched him she felt the pain and anger within him. “I release you of that vow. And surely Wallace isn't as dim-witted as I think he is to attack a clan full of Druids."

  Frang's eyes closed as he moved his cheek within her hand. When his eyes opened, Kenna's breath lodged in her lungs.

  "I've never seen another woman hold as much beauty as you,” he said as he shifted and turned towards her.

  Her hand slowly dropped from his face as she stared into his eyes. Her heart beat frantically in her chest as she silently begged him to kiss her, to make her feel as beautiful as he thought she was.

  When he moved to turn away, Kenna's gaze lowered and despair threatened to overwhelm her. But
just as suddenly as he moved away, she heard him growl and turn back to her moments before his arms came around her and pulled her against him.

  Her face lifted towards his, and she saw the confusion and a hint of fear in his blue depths. “Kiss me,” she urged him. “Make me forget everything but you and this magical world you've brought me to."

  It was all the urging he needed. Kenna sighed against him as his mouth claimed hers in a fiery kiss that left her breathless and aching for more.

  He was relentless in his taking of her mouth, demanding as much as he gave. Her arms wrapped around his chest as he rolled her to the ground.

  The feel of his hard body along hers was intoxicating and she longed to feel more of him. Her hands roamed over the hard planes of his back while his tongue plundered her mouth making her moan and shiver in delight.

  When he broke the kiss, Kenna gripped his shoulders ready to kiss him again.

  "Kenna,” he softly whispered her name. “I'm not myself tonight. I know I shouldn't be kissing you, but I cannot stop. Be the sane one between us and leave me."

  She heard the urging in his voice, but she also knew he didn't truly want to be alone. And she most definitely didn't want to be without him.

  "Nay,” she said as she traced his dark brow with a finger. “I want this. I want you, Frang."

  "You don't know what you're saying.” His voice was rough with emotion that brought tears to her eyes.

  "I do. Take what I am freely offering you. Take me."

  "Kenna,” he said before taking her mouth once again.

  The kiss was one meant to claim, a kiss that bespoke of passion long denied and desire so intense it consumed him.

  And the kiss left Kenna weak and wanting ... more.

  She buried her hands in his hair and let herself go. There was no more holding back, no more worry. Only Frang.

  When his mouth left hers and trailed down her jaw to her neck, she sighed as new sensations assaulted her. He licked and kissed down her throat to a sensitive spot behind her ear making chills race across her skin and her body heat.

  A moan escaped her lips when his body settled over hers. The delicious weight of him as was heady and thrilling. The feel of air on her legs made her eyes fly open to find him watching her.

  Little by little his hand inched up her skirts as his fingers trailed over her bare skin. Her heart pounded, her stomach fluttered and her body heated. Kenna suddenly wanted to see him bared to her as she had dreamt of him in her sleep.

  She stopped his hand and gently pushed him off her before she rose up on her knees and faced him. His eyes watched her intently, questioning what she was doing but never stopping her.

  Kenna had never been so forward in all her life, but there was something about being with Frang that changed that, that made her want to take chances and live.

  In no time she pulled her gown off, kicked away her shoes and rolled down her stockings until she knelt bared before him. Her heart squeezed in her chest as he rose to his knees and reached for her braid. Gently, he loosed her thick, long hair until it hung freely around her.

  "Stunning,” he said softly. “I've dreamt of how you would look with your hair hanging around you and nothing else hiding you from my view."

  To hear such words from Frang caused her stomach to quiver. She had never considered herself anything more than somewhat pretty. She wasn't a great beauty, but in Frang's eyes she was.

  Her hands reached up and unpinned the brooch holding his plaid. As it fell from his shoulders, he reached out and took hold of it. He stood and laid the plaid on the ground before removing his shirt and boots.

  Kenna's lips parted on a sigh as she looked her fill of Frang. He stood straight and tall in the moonlight. Several times she'd seen him without his shirt on, but now was different. Now magic surrounded them.

  She stood and moved towards him, letting her hands caress his neck, wide shoulders and muscular arms. Her fingers trailed down his rippled stomach to his narrow hips before she slowly walked around him until she stood behind him.

  There she leaned against him, pressing her body against his back and feeling his heat. She heard him inhale sharply and smiled. And just as she had the front, she let her hands roam over his sculpted back to his firm buttocks.

  When she walked back to face him, the look in his eyes was intense, as if he held his body still by sheer will alone. She placed her hands on his hips and looked into his eyes before she swallowed and let her hands roam lower.

  As her fingers closed around his rod, he groaned and closed his eyes, his hands clenched at his side. Kenna looked down at the hardness she held in her hand, amazed at how hot and smooth it was all at once.

  "Kenna, please,” Frang rasped.

  Immediately she released him and stepped back only to have him bring her up against him for a fierce kiss that took her breath away. Only vaguely did she realise he had lifted her to place her on top of his plaid.

  When he laid atop her, she moaned at the feel of their skin touching. His hardness pressed against her stomach sending her desire shooting through her with each kiss and touch from him.

  This was what she had been wanting, what she had been hungering for since that first time she had seen Frang. He was everything she had ever dreamt of in a man.

  And for tonight, he was hers.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Frang was dying. It was a joyful death, but he was still dying. Just touching Kenna had been pure torture, but seeing her in all her glory and having her touch him had sent him over the edge.

  He wanted to plunge inside her heat and feel her pulse around him as she screamed her pleasure. But he would have to go slow. It was her first time, a gift she freely gave him. It humbled him this trust she had in him.

  He rose up on his elbows and cupped her face in his hands. Her fingers traced designs over his skin sending delicious shivers racing through him.

  He let one of his hands move down her slender shoulder to her side, pausing at her tiny waist before he moved over the swell of her hip to her leg. Her skin was soft and unblemished. Her breasts were large and full and her pink nipples called for him to taste them.

  Frang shifted down her body until his face was even with her breasts. He leaned on one elbow as he cupped one breast in his hand. Kenna sighed and her eyes closed. When his mouth closed of her nipple and he began to suckle, she cried out and gripped his shoulders as her back arched off the ground.

  His rod throbbed with need, aching to be buried inside her. Her hips moved against him and it was all he could do not to thrust into her heat.

  He concentrated on her breasts, suckling first one nipple then the other while his hands kneaded her breasts and his fingers brought her nipples to hard little peaks. She was writhing against him, her soft moans turning to gasps while her hips moved against his.

  With each taste of her, he wanted more. She responded freely to his touch, eagerly giving all that she had when he asked. And he had just begun.

  Frang moved to the side of her and let his hand wander over her stomach and hips to her thigh. Gently, he eased open her legs and cupped her womanhood. She stilled, her breath coming in gasps as she waited for what he would do next.

  He didn't leave her waiting for long. Softly, he opened her woman's lips and teased her opening. Already she was wet. Hot. Wanting. A smile pulled at his lips as her legs opened wider and her hips rose towards him.

  Frang pushed a finger inside of her. She was tight and hot. In and out he moved his finger inside her. Her hand gripped his arm and her back arched as she sought her release. When he withdrew his finger she cried out in frustration. He found her pearl and slowly, lightly began to move back and forth over it.

  Kenna's body responded instantly to the caress. Her soft moans gave way to cries of pleasure as he brought her body closer and closer to peaking.

  He bent and took her nipple in his mouth swirling his tongue around the hard peak as her nails dug into his back. He could tell she was close
to climaxing by the way her body moved against him.

  Frang sat up and cupped her breast. He lightly pinched her nipple as he increased his pressure on her pearl. Kenna gasped as her body stilled. She cried out his name when her orgasm claimed her.

  But Frang could wait no longer. Already he ached with a need he had never felt before. He moved over her and between her legs, his rod rubbing the sensitive flesh of her womanhood.

  He gazed down at her as her face showed the exquisite pleasure rocking through her. And his control snapped.

  His rod found her entrance and he pushed inside her heat. He closed his eyes as the pleasure took hold of him. When her arms came around him, he pushed deeper, feeling her wetness engulf him. She was so tight he thought he might spill his seed right then, yet he managed to hold back.

  He moved out of her until only the head of him remained before he pushed deeper. In and out he moved, thrusting deeper each time until he felt her maidenhead.

  Frang clenched his jaw and gave a mighty thrust, pushing past her maidenhead and burying himself against her womb. He heard Kenna suck in her breath as the pain seized her, and though he wanted to comfort her, his body wouldn't let him.

  He made himself hold still, letting her body accept him. But when she moved her leg against him, he lost control. He began to move inside her, her tightness surrounding him in her heat and wetness.

  Before he knew it, his climax was upon him. He gave a final thrust as his seed spilled from his body. Wave upon wave of pleasure stole over him, giving him the peace he had long sought.

  When he at least came to, he looked down to find Kenna watching him with a soft smile on her face.

  "I hurt you."

  She shrugged. “It is the way of all women on their first time. I didn't mind so much, not when you had given me such pleasure before the pain."

  Frang eased out of her and rolled to the side, bringing her against him. He didn't want their world shattered yet, nor was he ready to return to the stone circle. He wrapped his arm around her as she laid her head upon his chest, her warm breath fanning his chest.