by Donna Grant
It made her throat ache to have to tell Malcolm farewell. Malcolm was one of the few people she trusted. He had been there for her when others hadn’t. But she knew that if Fallon was really the MacLeod she had been searching for, she would have to learn to trust him, because the MacLeods were the only ones who could keep her hidden from Deirdre.
Larena sighed and brushed the hair from her face that had fallen when she tracked the wyrran. She would have to tell Fallon she was a Warrior, but the one thing he and the others could never learn about was the Scroll she guarded.
She had taken a vow upon having the goddess released. That vow meant everything to her, especially when she had seen the pride in her father’s eyes. She had been so scared of what the future held for her, but her father had believed she was the perfect person to guard the Scroll. She prayed he was right.
If for some reason Fallon MacLeod wouldn’t aid her, she was still going to have to leave Malcolm behind. Even then Larena was taking a huge chance. He knew too much. If Deirdre ever discovered how much Malcolm knew of the Warriors, Deirdre would come after Malcolm with a vengeance.
Larena knew she had been selfish sharing her burden with Malcolm, but she had needed a friend. He had never failed her. That would change, however, if Deirdre ever captured him. Malcolm would try to hold out, but in the end he would tell Deirdre everything.
When that happened, there would be no place Larena could hide where Deirdre couldn’t find her.
What a mess Larena had dug for herself. She should have been stronger, she should never have told Malcolm more than he already knew or guessed. And most of all, she should never have involved him in her schemes to find the MacLeods.
She touched the spot on her neck that Fallon had licked. She shivered as she thought about how it had felt to have his hot, wet tongue touch her. Larena closed her eyes as she recalled every inch of his body against hers, how his warm breath fanned her cheek, and how his long dark hair had tickled her face.
Her nipples puckered, sending spirals of desire shooting between her legs as she recalled the feel of Fallon’s hard body pressing against hers, flattening her breasts. No longer did the cool night air bother her as her body heated and throbbed with a need she couldn’t ignore.
Larena opened her eyes and took in a steadying breath. She needed to get control of herself. Fallon couldn’t know how his nearness unnerved her. It would give him an advantage she couldn’t allow.
After seeing his claws tonight she knew he was the MacLeod of legend. It was time she spoke to him. If Fallon couldn’t help her, then she needed to hide. Whether the wyrran was here for her or Fallon, it had come to the castle.
And that wasn’t a good sign.
Larena turned herself invisible before she made her way back to the castle and her chamber. Just as she expected, Malcolm stood waiting for her. She grabbed a blanket from the bed to shield herself before she made herself known.
Malcolm blew out a breath when he caught sight of her. “I was worried.”
She forced a smile so he wouldn’t know the turmoil inside her. “I can take care of myself.”
“No wyrran have come to the castle before, Larena.”
She moved to the tub, not caring that the water wasn’t hot. She waited until Malcolm turned his back to her before she climbed in. “I don’t know why the wyrran was here. Was it for me? Or was it for Fallon?”
“It could have been for either of you.”
Her stomach pitched wildly at his words. “I know. I must speak to Fallon tonight. No longer can I wait. I must know if he can help me or not.”
Malcolm sighed but kept his back to her as he took a chair near the hearth and sat. “I saw Fallon searching the castle for the wyrran. He’s cautious, Larena, which could be a benefit if he helps conceal you.”
“He’s been hiding for three hundred years, of course he’s cautious. I’m curious to know why he’s here though. Did you learn anything?”
“Aye. He wants his castle given back to the MacLeods. He had come to seek an audience with the king.”
She nodded to herself as she continued to wash the blood from her body. “The wyrran is dead so we needn’t worry about that for the moment. I’m going to need to go back and set it afire. It was surprised to see me, so I think it was here for Fallon, though why it showed itself in the great hall I don’t understand.”
“I’ll take care of the wyrran. Where is it?”
“You shouldn’t take that chance.”
Malcolm mumbled something beneath his breath. “Larena, though you are a Warrior, a man can get away with things at this castle that a woman canna. Now, tell me where the damned beast is.”
Sometimes she hated that she was a woman. “It’s in the forest near an oak with a double trunk. I hid it well.”
“I’ll see to it tonight. I doona suppose you were able to talk to Fallon before the wyrran appeared?”
“Nay, I didn’t.” She recalled Fallon’s warm breath that fanned her skin, the feel of his tongue as it branded her neck, and the smell of orangewood as she learned the feel of his muscular body. “We were interrupted.”
Malcolm turned his head to the side so she could see his profile. “You’re going to him now.”
It wasn’t a question. “I am. I cannot wait to speak with him any longer.”
Malcolm rose to his feet and walked to the door. “I’ll be in my chamber after I get rid of the wyrran if you need anything.”
“Thank you, dearest friend.”
He paused with his hand on the latch. “Thank me when MacLeod takes you to his castle.”
Larena waited until the door closed behind Malcolm before she let out a breath. She picked up the soap again and scrubbed her body a second time. She couldn’t stand the wyrran’s blood on her.
Fallon slumped down on his bed. He had half expected to come into his chamber and find Larena inside once again. To his disappointment, there had been no one.
He didn’t like that frustration, or the nervousness that hadn’t left him since he had seen her in the great hall. It would have been nice to find the wyrran to take out some of his anger on the creature instead of coming back to his chamber and to his memories of Larena in his arms.
He could still feel her. That small contact of her face against his had embedded her in his body. He had held her against him, felt her supple body and womanly curves. He wanted to bury his face in her hair and inhale the scent that was hers alone.
And God help him, he wanted to lick every inch ofher.
Fallon rose and removed his boots, tartan, and shirt. It wasn’t that he didn’t like wearing the kilt, it was just so different from what he had worn for the last three hundred plus years. He could get used to it though. He especially liked wearing the colors of the MacLeod for all to see.
With a sigh he slid beneath the covers. Sleep wouldn’t come, not with a wyrran on the loose and knowing he had to find Thomas MacDonald in the morning before he left for MacLeod Castle. He closed his eyes, but all he could think about was Larena. He could still taste her on his tongue from that brief lick against her neck. She was the sweetest taste of sin.
By the saints, how he wanted to savor more of her! Too bad he would never get the chance.
Larena climbed in through Fallon’s window. She was careful not to make any noise that would wake him, not that he would see her if he did. Once she was inside, she moved to the corner near the hearth and reached for her robe that lay on top of the chest.
It was one of the things she hated about using her power of invisibility. She might become invisible, but whatever clothes she had on didn’t. The only thing that she was able to wear and not be seen was the ring on her middle right finger because it held magic. That ring never came off. For any reason.
Her goddess receded as she threaded her arms through the sleeves of her robe. She had brought it with her and left it when Fallon had found her in his chamber. She hadn’t expected to talk to him then. Nay, her plan had been just what she was d
oing. There was only one way to talk to a man like Fallon, and that was to get his attention.
Arriving naked would do that, but she wasn’t ready to show him everything. At least not yet. She would use her body if she had to. She didn’t like that idea, but too much was at stake. First, she would try and talk to him.
To her horror her body heated just knowing she might get to kiss Fallon.
She walked in the moonbeams that shone through his windows. The chamber wasn’t as large as hers, but it was still nice. The burgundy velvet bed hangings were the best that coin could buy. The candles were scented, and there was plenty of wood stacked near the hearth in case he wanted a fire.
Larena put a finger on an unopened bottle of wine. It sat in the middle of the small table, almost like a gift. Except she had the feeling Fallon had put it there himself. So, not a gift, but a punishment then?
She thought back to dinner. He hadn’t taken any wine or mead. He had only drunk water. Odd for a man such as he.
Her head turned to the bed. She had kept herself from looking at him, but no longer. Her feet started to move and took her to the bed. He slept with his face toward the windows, the light of the moon illuminating his chiseled features and silent strength.
He was spectacular. He had an angular face with hollows beneath his cheekbones that made him appear hardened and menacing. His chin was square, his jawline hard and unforgiving. Just like a Highlander.
His nose was long and straight and thin. When her gaze landed on his lips, she sighed, recalling how they’d grazed her cheek.
His eyes, though closed now, were the most beautiful green she had ever seen. Dark brows slashed over his eyes. There was a small scar near his left eye that must have occurred before his god was unbound.
She wanted to touch that scar and ask him how it had come about, and how he had managed not to lose his eye and sight in the process.
The paleness of the linens was a stark contrast to his skin, bronzed from the sun. In the moonlight his hair looked almost black, though she knew it was dark brown with hints of gold running through it as though he had spent much time out of doors.
Her gaze traveled to his bare chest that rose and fell slowly. His abdomen rippled with honed muscles and power. The same was true of his arms and shoulders, and even his hands that lay slack by his sides.
Larena leaned in close to get a good look at the thick gold torc around his neck. Two boars’ heads with their mouths open and teeth visible stared at her.
She straightened, unable to believe her luck in finding one of the MacLeods. She had kept her distance from everyone for so long, that the need to know everything about Fallon MacLeod startled her. The mistakes of her past wouldn’t let her forget, yet she couldn’t take her gaze from Fallon.
She let her fingers comb through a lock of his dark hair. It reached past his shoulders and was thick and cool to the touch. She wanted to run her hands through it again and again. She wanted to hold him and lull him to sleep with the gentle scrape of her nails on his scalp.
Larena pulled her hand away, afraid she would touch more of him if she didn’t. She hadn’t felt anything like this for a man before, and to be frank, it frightened her.
Her gaze moved to his lips once again. Ah, such a beautiful mouth. Wide, firm lips that weren’t too thin or too full. Lips that were made for teasing and kissing.
She trembled at the thought of his mouth on hers. Her hand reached up to touch the cheek where his beard had brushed against her. Even in the dim light she could see the thick whiskers growing out on his jaw. It made him look wicked and dangerous. Forbidden.
He shifted in his sleep, his mouth parting. He looked so different as he slept. Gone were the worries that bracketed his mouth and eyes. Gone was the furrow on his forehead. He looked young and almost mischievous now.
Larena smiled, trying to picture the lad he had been. She imagined he’d caused his mother to fret. As the eldest, he’d had to be strong for his brothers. Just the type of laird a clan like the MacLeods had needed. It was a tragedy Deirdre had wiped them out.
Thinking of Deirdre made Larena remember why she was in Fallon’s chambers. She turned away and went to stand next to the window. She needed to forget the temptation Fallon’s body posed.
Why? Why not use him? You felt his attraction to you.
It was true, she did know he was attracted to her. But could she chance being intimate with a man again? Did she dare after what had happened the last time?
Fallon is a Warrior. He doesn’t want to use you.
Larena considered her conscious. What would it hurt if she gave in to the desire Fallon brought out in her? She would be in control. And just one time, she would know what it felt like to be held by a man like Fallon MacLeod.
Chapter Six
Fallon wasn’t sure what woke him. He’d been deep in a dream of a time before the massacre of his clan. He had brought his mother flowers, as an apology for stealing the bread from the kitchen again.
His mother had always said he knew just how to find forgiveness with any woman. He had laughed, thankful she couldn’t stay angry at him long.
Just as the dream had taken the sinister road toward the death of the clan, he could have sworn he smelled lilies.
Larena.
Instantly, the dream changed. He held Larena in his arms up against the door. Her beautiful smoky blue eyes were heavy lidded as she looked at him with lips swollen from his kisses. He took her mouth for another kiss, a moan escaping him when she rubbed her hips against his arousal.
By the saints, he wanted her with a desperation that bordered on insanity. He would do anything, say anything, just to claim her as his own.
Then, with a smile she had moved out of his arms and beckoned him with her fingers to follow. Her scent, that amazing lily scent, went with her.
Fallon woke with a longing that made his chest ache. He kept his eyes closed, trying to go back to the dream and follow Larena. He might not be able to have her, but he could in his dreams. In his dreams, they could have everything.
A sound like a soft sigh reached him. Fallon cracked open an eye to find a woman standing by his window, the moonlight spilling around her and making her golden locks shine as they hung down her back.
Larena.
He couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe. He wasn’t sure if she was real or if he was dreaming, but it didn’t matter. She was in his chamber.
He watched, mesmerized, as she ran her fingers through her damp hair. Her stunning yellow tresses fell in soft waves over her shoulders and down to her breasts. She took a small strand and began to braid it absentmindedly.
It was then Fallon realized she was deep in thought, her gaze looking out over the land. He let his eyes roam over her, surprised to find her in a thin robe of pink. He could see every curve, every swell of her body through the sheer material.
He’d already been aroused by his dream, but now he was rock hard.
Suddenly her hands paused and her gaze swung to him. His mouth went dry, and he was most thankful that he hadn’t kicked the covers off as he normally did.
She couldn’t be in his chamber. He didn’t have time to dally with a woman, any woman, but especially one that had invaded his dreams. He had a mission to complete, and he would see it done before anything else.
“What are you doing here?” he asked once he realized she wasn’t going to speak.
She licked her lips, drawing his gaze to her plump mouth. “I told you I needed to speak with you.”
“So you did. This makes twice now you’ve come into my chamber. What you have to say must be very important.”
“It is.”
There was a soft waver in her voice. Was she frightened of him? Somehow that didn’t give him the joy it should have. She had shown him such strength in the little time he had observed her. He couldn’t imagine her frightened of anyone.
He sat up and swung his legs over the side of the bed, careful to keep the blankets over his throbbing rod.
“Go on, my lady. Say what it is that is so important that you’ve stolen into my bedchamber in the middle of the night.”
She opened her mouth, then closed it and faced the window. “It was so much easier in my mind.”
Before he realized what he was doing he rose from the bed and walked to her, uncaring that he was nude. He had gone daft, but no matter what he told himself, he couldn’t stop from going to her. She turned to face him, her large eyes wide and searching. But searching for what?
“You shouldna be in here,” he said. It was taking every ounce of his control not to pull her against him and take her mouth in a kiss with enough fire to engulf them both.
She swallowed and let her hands drop to her sides. “I had to.”
“Leave.”
“I cannot.”
He grabbed her by her upper arms and gave her a little shake. “Leave,” he ground out between clenched teeth. Touching her had been a mistake, but he had to make her understand he couldn’t control the hunger that coursed through him.
“I can’t,” she repeated.
He inhaled the fragrance of lilies and nearly groaned. His cock throbbed between them, aching to feel her wet heat. “Larena, you have to leave. Now.”
She looked into his eyes and lifted her face to his. “Nay.”
He knew he was lost then. He couldn’t make her leave, and to make matters worse, he was damned glad she hadn’t. “Then you damn us both.”
Larena knew he was going to kiss her. She’d seen it in his eyes when he’d risen from the bed. She expected a rough kiss born of anger and lust. She never expected the soft touch of his lips and the desire that swarmed her when his tongue swept into her mouth.
She was flooded with the taste of him, and, oh God, how good he tasted. His hands left her arms to move to her neck where he cupped each side of her face. He tilted her head to the side and deepened the kiss.
Larena couldn’t stop the moan that tore from her. The kiss was intoxicating, lulling her like the sweetest wine. And it made her want more. So much more.