by Donna Grant
"I've never taken an innocent before,” he confessed.
She raised her head and kissed his lips. “Other than the small prick of pain, it was very enjoyable. Even at the end. I didn't know it could feel so good to have you inside me."
Frang closed his eyes. “By the skies, don't say that, Kenna. I'm likely to take you again."
"I'm not adverse to that,” she said with a laugh.
He opened his eyes and looked at her. He could in fact spend all night making love to her under the stars, but another world called, duties he could not ignore. And a vow that he couldn't disregard.
His hand rose to push a strand of hair from her face behind her ear. “I'm thankful for the gift you've given me."
"I think it was yours to take from the day you first saved me,” she said as she lowered her gaze.
Frang sighed and pulled her down against him. Above them the stars twinkled in the inky sky and a breeze blew through the trees, cooling their heated bodies.
Though Frang knew he should regret giving in to his passion and taking Kenna, he couldn't find it within him. It had felt right to share his body with her, as if he were finally whole.
Now, he worried if he would find the control to stay away from her.
* * * *
Wallace chanted the spell he had memorised and focused on Kenna. Of all the women in his clan, she had been the only one who hadn't shown him any interest, though he knew it was just a ploy to get him to notice her. And it had worked.
It hadn't taken him long to realise that she would make the perfect laird's wife. She was respected in his clan and sought after by other clans. Her knowledge of herbs was also a plus considering what he needed them for.
His eyes closed as he continued to chant the spell over and over again until the world faded and Kenna stood before him. She was in a strange formation of large rocks speaking to a woman wearing long white robes.
Wallace's eyes snapped open and the vision faded. Druids. He had seen Druids. Many Druids.
A smile pulled at his lips as he turned and made his way back to his men. He called for Callum. “Go to the castle. I want an answer today."
"Aye, laird. Our men won't arrive for another two days,” Callum reminded him.
"I know when the men will be here. If MacInnes won't give you an answer, tell him I know his secret."
"Aye, laird,” Callum said as he ran to his horse and rode towards the castle.
Wallace rubbed his hands together. A new plan was forming in his mind, one that would get him Kenna, the book and so much more.
* * * *
Kenna had woken with a smile. Her night with Frang would stay with her forever, a memory to be cherished and looked at many, many times.
She sighed, a contentedness she'd never felt before coming over her. She looked around the stone circle at the Druids within. Each Druid had their own task to see to each day.
"Are you ready?"
Kenna turned to find Malina standing beside her. She smiled at the priestess. “For what?"
"Frang has told us how knowledgeable you are with herbs and healing. Our best healer, Moira, left some years ago. There are a few of us who are adequate, but nothing that comes close to what Moira was."
"I'll show you all I know,” Kenna agreed. “Moira is Glenna's sister, aye?"
"Aye,” Malina said as she started off towards the back of the stones. “She was one of the most powerful Druids I've ever seen."
"More powerful than her sister?"
Malina laughed. “Nay. Each of the three sisters is powerful in her own right. Frang, I believe, is more powerful than the sisters, though you wouldn't know it to look at him. He keeps many things secret. ‘Tis just his way."
Kenna smiled inwardly for she knew one secret, a secret shared just between them. “You said Moira was a healer?"
Malina nodded. “She was blessed with that skill, aye."
Kenna spent the rest of the morning showing and explaining herbs to Malina as she recorded everything. It wasn't until noon that Kenna realised she hadn't seen Frang.
She went to the castle hoping to find him but encountered Glenna in the great hall instead.
"Kenna,” she called out a greeting from the dais. “Did you fair well in the circle?"
Kenna smiled. “Most certainly. It is very magical there."
"Aye,” Glenna said as she patted the bench next to her. “Come sit with me a moment."
"I was looking for Frang,” Kenna spoke as she sat.
Glenna nodded. “He, Conall and some men rode out to the edge of MacInnes land."
"To search for Wallace?"
"Frang is sure he didn't return to his clan. Conall knows we can withstand an attack, but he likes to be prepared for anything."
Dark fear rose up in Kenna. She stood on shaky legs. “Excuse me,” she said as she raced back to the stones and her chamber.
She pulled out her bag she had hidden and looked at the book inside. One book wanted so desperately by a man that he would destroy all in its path.
Would Wallace believe that she had destroyed it? Would he take her word for it?
Her answer was a resounding nay. Yet, she couldn't turn it over to him either, not when what he intended to do had become known.
Chapter Twenty-Five
"You seem preoccupied,” Conall commented as they rode the perimeter of MacInnes land.
Frang frowned. He was preoccupied. He took a deep breath and shrugged. “Maybe a little."
Conall snorted. “Don't try lying to me,” he said with a knowing smile.
Frang groaned inwardly having forgotten Conall's ability to detect a lie. He'd never had a reason to lie to Conall, but then again he'd never shared a night with a beautiful woman under the stars that he didn't want anyone to know about. It wasn't that he was ashamed of what he and Kenna had done, just the opposite actually. It was that he didn't want anyone to think badly of her.
"Leave it alone,” he warned Conall.
The smile dropped from Conall's face. “Is everything all right?"
"It will be. Eventually."
Conall raised a dark brow in question. “Did you have a vision of the outcome?"
"Nay, but I have faith that we'll have the element of surprise with the Druids. The Wallace might have a bit of magic he learned from the book, but it's nothing compared to what we have."
"True enough. So if isn't the Wallace that worries you, it must be Kenna."
He slid Conall a glance. “I asked you to leave it alone."
But the laird ignored him. “She's a good woman. Glenna likes her and the Druids have welcomed her. Do you know that I've already heard talk that some of the priests have taken an interest in her."
"What?” Frang hadn't meant to bellow the word, but he was so surprised at Conall's words that anger and jealousy had taken over in a heartbeat.
Conall only smiled. “Ah, just as I thought. You've come to care for her."
"Of course I have,” Frang agreed and tried to keep his voice even. He didn't want anyone to know how deep his feelings for Kenna ran. “It was my duty to see she reached the Glen alive and unharmed."
Conall shook his head. “Not exactly a lie, but not the truth either."
Frang looked between the grey's ears and frowned. Ever since he had left Kenna at the entrance to the circle, she had plagued his thoughts. Memories of their shared passion had haunted his dreams, waking him in such a state of need that he had almost gone to find her.
He glanced at Conall to find the laird watching him expectantly. “I'm responsible for her, Conall. Just as I was responsible for Moira, Glenna and Fiona."
"Aye, but you didn't care for them as you do Kenna. I see it in the way you look at her. There's no use denying it, nor should you. Everyone is entitled to some happiness."
He didn't bother to answer. They had just crested a hill when Frang drew up and listened. Conall immediately raised his hand to stop his men.
"What is it?"
Frang lo
oked around him, searching until he spotted the rider coming towards them. “Someone comes. It appears the Wallace has waited as long as he intends."
He heard Conall growl next to him. Frang glanced over his shoulder at the two Druid Warriors who had accompanied them. They took their place just behind and to the side of Conall while Conall's men spread out in a line on either side of him and Frang.
They stayed as they were and waited for the rider to approach. Frang recognised the man as Callum, one greatly feared by Wallace's men.
"He's the Wallace's first in command,” Frang whispered.
Callum stopped about twenty paces from Conall, his horse jerking his head in agitation when the bit tore at his mouth.
"You'd find your horses last longer if you treated them better,” Conall stated flatly.
Callum snorted derisively. “You have bigger concerns than how I treat my horse."
"Really?” Conall looked bored, but Frang knew he was anything but. “Tell me what my concerns are,” Conall said.
"You should be quaking in your boots,” Callum stated. “My laird is a great warrior, a man to be feared."
"Strange that a man to be so feared has never been heard of before."
Callum clenched his teeth, his jaw muscle flexing. “Do you have an answer for my laird?"
Frang exchanged a look with Conall before Conall turned back to Callum. “I will not give Kenna to you."
Callum's gaze moved to Frang. “And him?"
"You can try to take him,” Conall said. “But I wouldn't suggest it."
Callum looked Frang over. “He doesn't look like much."
Frang smiled. “Looks can be deceiving. Why don't we have a go at it?"
He felt more than saw Conall's surprised glance. The old Frang, the one who had lived at the Glen for three hundred years, would never have said such a thing. But the new Frang, he was looking for a fight.
"Another time,” Callum said. “You can be sure of it. The Wallace wants you dead and he wants Kenna returned. He always gets what he wants."
"Not this time,” Frang said.
Callum sneered. “My laird bid me tell you, MacInnes, that he knows your secret. If you don't want the rest of Scotland to know of it, you'd best think over what he's requested."
"We don't fear you or Wallace,” Frang said through clenched teeth. He hated when anyone threatened Conall or the Druids.
They watched Callum wheel his horse around and ride off. Frang lifted a hand and motioned to the Druid Warriors.
"Good,” Conall said. “I want to know where they are hiding."
"My warriors will find Wallace and his men, you can be sure of that,” Frang said and followed Conall as they returned to the castle.
They went several paces before Conall spoke. “I'm going to post men all along the border. I want advanced notice of more visitors."
"I agree. I'll also send some of the Warriors out to patrol. The Wallace will use magic as well as diversion to gain entry."
"He wants immortality that desperately, aye?"
Frang nodded. “And Kenna. He's obsessed with her.” As soon as the words left his mouth, he wondered if he had become infatuated with Kenna himself.
"Kenna needs to be protected then. She should stay with you at all times."
Frang's heart skipped a beat. To have Kenna all to himself sounded like heaven. “Nay,” he forced himself to say. “Glenna would be a better guard. I will be needed elsewhere, and I don't want Kenna anywhere near Wallace."
"You know Kenna best. Where will she feel safer?"
With me, he wanted to shout. Instead he said, “She trusts Glenna."
As they neared the castle, Frang let his mind search for Kenna, something he had not allowed himself to do until that moment. When he found her in her chamber in the stones staring at the Book of Magic he knew real fear.
"Frang?” Conall's voice held a note of worry.
Frang couldn't meet his friend's gaze. “Aye?"
"What is it?"
"Each of us has decisions to make. Some could end the world while others will just hurt someone."
Conall stopped his horse and motioned the others to continue towards the castle. “And yours?"
Frang laughed as he pulled up on the grey's reins. “I think I have several, each more difficult than the last."
"You've spoken with Aimery."
He turned to Conall and nodded. “Last night."
"Did he have any news for us?"
"Nay. The Fae won't interfere in this, Conall. We're on our own."
"We could use their help though."
Frang patted the grey's neck. “We'll get through it. I won't let anything happen to your clan. I give you my word."
"It means a lot,” Conall replied. “Don't try to do everything yourself though. We're all here to help."
Frang watched as Conall rode to the castle. He turned and looked over his shoulder where his warriors had followed Callum. The Druid in him told him to be patient and bid his time until Wallace made a mistake, but the warrior in him told him to confront Wallace and make him leave at once.
Warrior and Druid were at war with each other. Frang had seen what that internal struggle could do to a person. It had nearly destroyed Conall. Would he allow the same?
If he waited, there could be a chance someone might get hurt, or worse, die. There was also a chance Kenna would be taken, something that stole the breath from his body when he thought about it.
Nay, he needed to do something quickly. Maybe then the decisions he would have to make would vanish, just as he intended to make Wallace.
He nudged the grey towards the castle, his thoughts again on Kenna. She had held the book in her hands, and he knew she had contemplated opening it. He prayed she wouldn't delve into the spells, for once she did, there was no turning back.
But the curiosity to see what was in the pages was there, even for him. It was one of the reasons he hadn't taken it from Kenna once they reached the Glen. He had told himself it was safer for her to keep it, but now he knew that had been a mistake.
Somehow he'd have to get the book from her without her realising he knew she had thought of opening it. Without a doubt, he knew getting the book would be more difficult than facing Wallace.
He skirted the castle and rode into the forest. An awareness passed over him, alerting him that eyes were watching him, Fae eyes.
"Don't stare, Aimery. It isn't nice,” he said without turning around.
Suddenly a woman stepped from behind a tree. Frang instantly halted the grey and jumped from the horse. “Queen Rufina,” he whispered. “I had no idea."
She laughed, the sound warm and inviting. “Think nothing of it, Frang. Aimery has been pestering you, I see."
"Nay. He worries about me."
"That he does,” Rufina said and pushed her long, flaxen hair over her shoulder. Her shimmering Fae blue eyes regarded Frang a moment before she spoke. “The air is filled with evil intentions."
Frang took in the ethereal beauty that was the queen of the Fae. Her long white gown accented with silver thread stated her position as queen. “There are always evil intentions with man, as you know."
"True,” she said. “Aimery has told us you have the Book of Magic."
"I do."
She smiled, her allure strong. “There are times that I wish Aimery hadn't taught you how to block your thoughts from us."
"So you would know if I had looked inside the book?"
"Aye."
Frang crossed his arms and leaned against a tree. “You can always ask. You know I won't lie."
"Have you looked in the book?"
He shook his head. “Though I will admit to being tempted. I know Aimery fears what I will do if I open the book, but that will never happen."
"Stop,” she cautioned, her voice harsh and her face holding a thread of fear. “Don't ever say that word, Frang, for I can guarantee there will come a time you will have to make a choice whether to look in the book or not."
Frang dropped his arms and glanced at the ground. “I've already thought of that, Rufina. I don't plan to sit back as Conall would and wait for Wallace to strike."
"So you would confront the laird now?"
"Aye,” he said and walked towards her. “If he leaves now, everything you and Aimery fear won't come to pass."
She smiled sadly. “You are powerful, Frang, but are you powerful enough to confront Wallace?"
"He knows a few spells. I'm a Druid."
"Think this through,” she warned. “The Wallace has no emotion other than hatred in him, Frang. You love this glen and the people too much, and he could use that against you."
"Not if I face him alone."
Her blue eyes sparkled. “Aye, the high priest has allowed the warrior to come out. I wondered how long it would take you to let them both claim you."
"I've seen too many men battle both sides of themselves and lose."
"You're stronger than that,” she said. “You are home, Frang. Let the magic of the stones fill you while you find peace in your soul."
"Is that a warning?"
"Most assuredly. You have served the Druids and Fae well for three hundred years. Use the knowledge you have gained to battle the Wallace."
He leaned a hand against the tree and smiled. “Yet, when you cursed me, I was sure you hated me."
Rufina laughed. “I could never hate you, Frang. You have too much good in you."
"Then why did you curse me? I've had three hundred years to think about it, and looking back, what I did was paltry to what others have done."
The queen's gaze looked away from him. “Everything happens for a reason."
"Now you sound like Theron. The king of the Fae has many such sayings. I would like the truth."
Her gaze returned to him. “You meddled where you shouldn't have and paid the price."
"I watched you and Theron doing magic. I really don't think that was meddling."
She sighed. “Frang, you were needed. We knew you were the right person to lead the Druids. Only you could have kept Glenna, Moira and Fiona safe. Only you. Yet, the prophecy would take place many years after your death. We had to make sure you were still around."
Frang blew out a breath and raked a hand down his face. “Why didn't you just tell me that?"