Highland Charm: First Fantasies

by April Holthaus

  “But, the severity of yer wound—“

  “Abigale, ye healed me.” His tone was firm.

  Knowing better than to push James, Abigale changed the subject. “What was Paris like?”

  Bloody hell, what was with all the questions? This part of his life he’d as soon like to forget. Details of his life in Paris were difficult to explain and now wasn’t the time to discuss it with her. He wouldn’t know where to begin, for he’d gone through hell. His mother had died a few months after arriving. Some said it was the black plague that took her, but James knew differently. She’d died of a broken heart. Elizabeth loved his father so much that she couldn't live without him. Knowing that her husband was most likely dead or imprisoned, she had fallen into a deep depression and died.

  After his mother’s death, he and his brother were left to fend for themselves. Poor and with nowhere to go, they lived in the back alleys of Paris barely surviving. Up until that point, James had been strong and took care of wee Archie, always making sure Archie ate his fill first while James went without most nights. But fate had changed their roles, when James had become sick and his wee brother had to take care of him. James fought a burning fever, agonizing body aches, and violent vomiting. It had been two miserable weeks and he was weak and scared. For sure he’d thought the plague was taking his life.

  It had been a cold, dreary winter in Paris, making it impossible to find a warm place to lay your head. With the spread of the black plague, no one took their chances bringing strangers in from the frigid weather. Surely if Archie hadn’t made the decision to find shelter at a nearby church, they would have frozen to death.

  James, as weak as he was, could barely walk through the thick snow covered ground. Falling into the thick powder, James could no longer bear his own weight. “Ye must go, Archie.” His breath was visible through the flurries. “Leave me here. I will only slow ye down.”

  “Nay, Jamie.” Archie bent down and propped his brother’s arm around his neck. “Ye’re all I have left. We go together.”

  James leaned on his younger brother, as they struggled through the unforgiving weather and made it to the steps of the church. Once inside they met a bishop who took the two frigid lads in and fed them a hot meal. As fate would have it, Bishop Andrews had been waiting for this day to come. It was written in the scrolls that it was his destiny to train and care for a dragon.

  The massive clock tower at the church was secluded, a perfect place to house James as he went through his transformation to Dragonkine. As the dragon took over his body, bones popped, liquid lava burned through his veins, and raw uncontrolled power surged through him. James remembered how violently sick he was, and the pain was unbearable. This part of his life was off limits, sealed up tight, and never to be opened.

  James felt a warm hand covering his arm and saw Abigale leaning toward him. “Ye dinnae have to tell me, James. I understand, the past is the past.”

  Indeed he did want to tell her everything in hopes she would accept who he was, but sheltering her from the truth was the logical thing to do.

  “But,” she interrupted the silence, “ye do have to tell me what bel ange means.”

  James moved closer to the edge of the bed so Abigale was standing between his legs. Two huge hands reached up, cupped her face, and pulled her closer. James stroked the tops of her cheeks softly with his thumbs and rested his forehead to hers. She had the most beautiful deep blue eyes. “It means beautiful angel.”

  Pressing his lips to Abigale’s, he kissed her gently at first until her mouth opened, reassuring him that she indeed wanted his kisses. He plunged his tongue deeper inside her mouth, dominating the kiss and she matched his rhythm lick for lick. Heat flooded through him and his cock hardened as she ran her hands up and down his shoulders to his neck. His dragon roared, vibrating his core. Wanting to feel more of her, he pulled her closer until the softness of her breasts pressed up against his bare chest searing his flesh. James ran his hands down her back stopping at her tiny waist. If he didn’t stop now he wouldn’t be able to.

  He grabbed her skirts, trying to contain the desire and douse the flames. He pulled away and stopped the kiss. He pressed his forehead to hers. “Abigale, ye make me want things I can no have.”

  Abigale whispered, “Whatever ye’re going through please let me help. Please let me in.”

  James closed his eyes and wished it was that easy. He wanted to tell her everything and be rid of his burdens, but that wouldn’t be fair to her. Lust wouldn’t win over logic.

  Still holding on to Abigale’s waist, he looked up into her eyes. “I feel like I’m too close to the edge and about to--"

  Abigale firmly grabbed his face between her hands. “Then jump. I’ll catch ye.”

  James tightened his strong chiseled jaw and damned himself for a fool. Pulling her on top of him, he leaned back on the bed bringing her with him. He grabbed her arse tight and heard her moan. All control was lost and pure desire took over as he rolled her over on her back. He kissed her neck and pulled down her dress so he could feast his eyes on her beautiful breasts. He flicked his tongue over a pink nipple and sucked until it became hard. Abigale moaned in pleasure, encouraging James to keep up with his wicked assault on her body.

  He’d never hungered for a woman like he hungered for Abigale. Feeling like the greedy bastard he was, he was going to take what she offered, make love to her until his name was screaming from her mouth. She was his wife, so bedding her was his rightful duty. Aye?

  In a lust-crazed frenzy, James pulled up her skirts, all the while kissing her breasts. His hands finally reached her bare legs. Bare legs? The lass wore no hose. He paused for a moment and cocked a brow at Abigale. “Yer hose?”

  Abigale unleashed an innocent shy smile and shrugged. “I was hot.”

  That smile so pure, yet devious sent him further spiraling out of control. Reaching the waist of her undergarment, he slid his hand down over her womanhood and… by the saints, he burned for her.

  ~~~~~

  Abigale completely lost herself in James’s wicked ways; he’d awakened a deep desire she never knew she had. His kisses burned her flesh and his touch lit the fire that heated her core. She thought she would go up in flames when she felt his hand on her sex.

  Disbelief set in as she thought about pinching herself to make sure she wasn’t dreaming. Except she couldn’t will her hands away from exploring the expanse of his broad shoulders, and the ridged peaks and valleys of his well-defined body. It was as if she was a prisoner under his control and she had no plans on escaping.

  A voice off in the distance broke her thoughts as she heard a young boy call out to Fergus.

  “Fergus?” she said out loud.

  James halted his assault on her neck and looked down at her. “Och lass, that’s not the name I wanted to hear from ye,” he smirked. "I was thinking maybe James or better yet Laird Douglas of Angus take me now ye--”

  “Shhh. I think I heard someone call out to Fergus.” She lifted her head and cocked it to the side, straining to hear the voice again. God, was she going daft? A beautiful man was about to make love to her and she was hearing voices? Nay, she could have sworn she heard his name.

  Discarding the distraction, Abigale pushed her hands through James’s hair pulling him down into a mind blowing kiss as she forgot about everything and focused on the moment at hand.

  A voice louder than the last rang through her passion-filled fog. This time she heard it crystal clear; she was not crazy. She pulled away from the kiss and tried to talk between panting breaths. “Did ye hear it?” She tried to raise herself up beneath James's weight, but it was pointless. James wasn’t letting her go.

  “Nay.” James kissed down her neck and continued driving her crazy like the outside world didn’t exist.

  Abigale heard the voice again and this time she was sure she wasn’t going daft. She heard Fergus’s name. “James, please stop." At least that’s what her mouth said but her body told him another sto
ry. “I need to see what’s going on."

  With a huff, James rolled over, letting Abigale escape. Readjusting her dress, Abigale slipped out of bed and walked to the window overlooking the bailey. Still trying to gather her thoughts, she fumbled with the fur covering the window. Once she found the opening, she peeked out and couldn’t believe her eyes. “Oh no!”

  James shot up into a sitting position on the bed. Well, he gave it his best effort, for his cock was hard as a rock and his body was aching for release. “What is it?” he growled.

  “Fergus has run away from his stall and Niven is trying to catch him. I must go.” Abigale began to search the chamber for her shoes. There was no time to waste, the lad was going to end up hurting himself; Fergus never allowed anyone but her to handle him.

  Aha! She found her shoes. Balanced on one foot, she began to put on her slippers. “I’m sorry, James but if I dinnae go and calm Fergus down he will end up hurting Niven. I can no let that happen.”

  James let out a frustrated huff. “I assure ye Niven can handle Fergus. Now come back to bed, I’m no done with ye, lass.”

  Abigale shot her husband a ye-can-no-be-serious look as she slipped on her other shoe.

  “Och, I suppose ye’re right,” James said in defeat.

  “I’ll be right back.” Abigale smiled at James as he melted back down into the bed. God's Blood the lass better hurry back!

  ~~~~~

  James lay there for a moment as he processed everything that was happening. By all that was holy that horse was spoiled rotten and was in desperate need of manners. He made a mental note about discussing this issue with Abigale. Fergus was going to have to behave in order to stay in the stable.

  Shite. Realization smacked him upside the head; he’d forgotten, before leaving for the hunting trip two days ago, that he’d instructed the stable groom to prepare for Abigale's trip to her new home at Bothwell Castle. He’d planned to tell Abigale as soon as he got back, but what he didn’t plan on was being shot with a poisonous arrow and his bel ange saving his life. Now that he wanted her to stay, he might have just blown the whole thing.

  James shot out of bed panicked. “Abigale wait!” Quickly, he fetched his tunic and readjusted his trews. He had to stop her before she reached Niven and Fergus. Stubbing his toe on his way out of the bedchamber, James stumbled down the corridor, cursing along the way. God, he hoped he would catch her in time.

  ~~~~~

  Abigale entered the bailey swiftly and ran over to Niven just in time as Fergus reared up on his hind legs and threatened to knock him down. “Are ye alright, lad?”

  His voice shaking, Niven said, “Aye my lady, me sorry to have disturbed ye.”

  “’Tis alright,” she reassured the frightened lad. “Fergus is just scared. Everything will be fine.”

  The fine steed settled as soon as Abigale approached. “Shh.” She reached out her hand, patting his nose then moved to his muscular chest. The horse’s chest pumped up and down and glistened with sweat. “Easy laddie, no one will hurt ye.” Abigale calmed Fergus instantly. “What happened, Niven? Why is Fergus out of his stall?"

  Niven looked down at his worn shoes and gripped his tunic tightly. “I’m only doing what the Laird Douglas has instructed.”

  “And just what has the laird instructed ye to do?”

  The lad paused and swallowed hard.

  “’Tis ok. Ye may speak freely,” Abigale reassured him. “No harm will come to ye.”

  “My lady, I’m to ready yer horse for the trip to Bothwell.”

  “Bothwell?” Did she hear the lad right? Why would James want to send Fergus to Bothwell? This just didn’t make any sense.

  “Aye,” the shaken voice answered.

  “And why would he be going to Bothwell when his home is here with me?” Abigale’s tone was gracious, yet firm.

  “My lady, I’m to ready yer horse and escort ye to Bothwell. We leave in the morn.”

  Shocked didn’t come close to describing her reaction. James was sending her away? To Bothwell? Not wanting to frighten Niven more than he already was she bent down and took the lad’s trembling hands in hers. “I assure ye, I will be staying here. This is my home. Fergus should be fine now. Take him back to his stall now and leave him be. I promise I’ll have a talk with him about his attitude.” She smiled.

  Niven nodded his head and quickly began his task.

  Abigale stood up with her hands on her hips, and turned to find her husband barreling through the bailey towards her. He must have known he was too late, for he treaded softly as he approached. She could feel her cheeks had reddened with anger… no, fury was more like it. “Bothwell, as in Bothwell Castle?”

  Abigale, Let me explain,” James begged.

  Abigale stood there for a while deciding whether or not she wanted to hear his excuses. Nay… nay, in fact she didn’t want to hear what he had to say. It had dawned on her that no matter what he said to her right now, she no longer cared. Hurt, pure and painful, stabbed at her heart. He was going to send her away; how could he do this to her?

  No longer containing her anger she pushed herself past him and started toward Black Stone; with each step her anger grew.

  Desperately trying to stop her, James followed a step behind trying to get her attention, but she kept tracking forward with purpose. “Abigale, please stop and listen to me.”

  Ignoring his words, she reach the great hall doors. They entered the hall like a wind storm blowing in. “Damn it, would ye stop for one second and listen to me!” James grabbed her arm and swung her around until she looked at him.

  Blinding rage took over every fiber of her being. If he thought for a minute she was going to listen to him he was seriously mistaken. She ripped her arm from his grip and allowed every raw emotion she’d felt since the day she met the Black Douglas to wash over her in rolling raging waves. One by one she released them until she felt the world lift from her shoulders. "Nay James Douglas, heed my words and hear them well. I’ve been more than agreeable in accepting my fate being married to ye. I’ve given up my morals and lied to a priest. I practically threw myself at ye thinking maybe… just maybe ye would desire me.” She swallowed past the lump in her throat and fought back the tears. “I’ve given ye all that I have, to only be shut out by yer stubborn as a mule ways.” She paused and took a deep breath. Gaining more courage she squared her shoulders and continued. “I’m tired of being shut out. If ye think ye’re going to send me away to Bothwell so ye do no have to deal with whatever is going on in that head of yers, ye had better think again.”

  “Abigale, just let me –“

  She looked up at the towering beast and pinned him hard with an ice cold stare. “If ye do no want to be around me then ye leave. I’m staying here.” With that said Abigale turned on her heels, strode across the great hall, and climbed up the stairs straight to her bedchamber.

  ~~~~~

  James stood dumbfounded. Every word spoken was true. Abigale showed him more love then he deserved. Though she’d been wrong about one thing; he did desire her. From the moment he met her at the loch he knew he loved her. Problem was she sent him spinning out of control, and he had been desperate to escape whatever bewitching spell she cast upon him.

  There was no way around the matter; he had to make her listen to him. If he had to lock her in their bedchamber and hold her down, the lass would hear him out. He cursed himself and began to take off after Abigale when a soft but sturdy grip held his arm. “Nay, let her go,” Alice said.

  James closed his eyes. “Alice, let me go. I have to talk to her.”

  “I can no let ye do it. If ye go after her now ye’ll make a bigger arse out of yerself then ye have already.” Alice motioned for James to sit at a nearby table. "If there’s one thing I know, it’s when a lass needs her space ye give it to her.”

  James took a seat and rested his head in his hands, scrubbing the tension from his temples. “Alice, I’ve been a fool.”

  “Aye, a fool in love.”
Alice patted him on his shoulder and placed a plate of special oatcakes in front of him followed by a tankard of mead.

  Oh how he’d missed Alice. She always knew what to say at the right time, soothing him just like a mother would do. But, step out of line and she’d let you have it. He grabbed an oatcake and took a bite out of it. “Mmm, ‘tis good.”

  Alice sat down beside him and rested her hands on the table in front of her. Her face grew serious. “James, ye be a good man. Dinnae let yer past spoil yer future with Lady Abigale.”

  “’Tis not the past I worry about so much as my better half.” He turned to Alice and flashed his dragon’s eyes. “She’ll never understand.”

  “Aye, but did ye give her a chance to try to understand it? She’s a smart woman, James and she’s good for ye too.” She winked.

  Aye, she was perfect in every way. Even when she was mad she was graceful. “I need to talk to her.” James began to stand up and leave when Alice clucked her tongue at him. “’Tis best ye wait until the morn, trust me words. She’s hurt, she thinks ye’re abandoning her.”

  James sat back down. “Abandoning her?”

  “Aye. ‘Tis not my story to tell but Abigale’s da didnae visit her much at the abbey. She told me she felt abandoned by her da. So, ye can see why she feels like ye’re doing the same.”

  James was stunned. Instead of thinking how this would affect her, he had been too wrapped up in his own reasonings for sending her away. The look on Abigale’s face when he mentioned her da came filtering through his mind. She wanted to shut this part of her life out just like he wanted to shut out his dragon side from her.

  “Alice, I’ve been a selfish stubborn arse.”

  Alice shook her head, “Ye be a Dragonkine and there’s no fault in that.” Alice stood from the table, “Now go to yer solar and think wisely about yer situation. Talk to Abigale in the morn after a good night’s rest. Trust me.” She smiled and quit the hall.

  James grabbed another oatcake and headed to the solar. Think wisely, he mused. Words never seemed to come easy for him when it came to expressing himself, especially when it came to Abigale. But he had to try to make her see that indeed he wanted her to stay and that he would never abandon her, ever. Even if she denied his dragon, he would always love and protect her.