by Jennae Vale
Maggie couldnae speak. She was shocked by this revelation and as she peered through the opening at Brielle, she saw her body gradually changing, just as her voice had. She was growing old and haggard before Maggie’s eyes. Her eyes blazed with an angry fire and Maggie quickly placed a wall of protection spell around herself and the others in the passageway. Dylan, who stood behind her to keep her from toppling off the chair, tightened his grip on her legs. Maggie glanced down and saw concern written all over his face. Cailin and Latharn appeared to be just as worried.
“What’s wrong, my dear, cat got yer tongue?” Cackling laughter echoed throughout the passageway and Maggie suddenly realized that this was going to be the most difficult thing she’d ever done in her life. She was going to have to rid the world of Brielle. It was so out of her nature to destroy anything, let alone another human being. Granted, Brielle was an evil witch, but still, could Maggie bring herself to do it? If it came right down to it, could she kill Brielle? The question echoed in her head until she almost screamed in frustration. Catching herself, she tapped Dylan’s shoulder to let him know she wanted to get down. He lifted her from the chair and set her on wobbly feet, steadying her as he folded his arms across her chest and pulled her back into his embrace. Everyone, it seemed had been stunned into silence.
“Let’s get out of here,” Maggie said.
“I’ll go find Robert. He needs to know what has happened here,” Cailin stated. “Latharn, I”ll send Fergus to relieve ye later. I dinnae need to remind ye not to leave yer post under any circumstance.”
“Aye,” Latharn said as he moved his chair back against the wall.
“Latharn, I’ve put a spell of protection on ye. She cannae harm ye,” Maggie said.
“Aye, thank ye, miss.” Latharn peered through the opening at Brielle and he visibly shuddered at the sight.
“Cailin, I’ll do the same for Fergus as soon as we’re out of here.” As Maggie turned to leave, she took one last look at Latharn, who had seated himself on the chair once again. He was a brave man from what she’d seen of him and strong, but would he be strong enough to withstand an assault from Brielle – she could only hope.
CHAPTER 11
“M aggie, wait!” Dylan had to run to catch up with her as she fled the castle. “Maggie, it’s okay. Everything’s going to be okay.” Dylan grabbed her arm and pulled her around to face him.
“I can’t believe it! I can’t believe Auntie Edna would do this to me!” Maggie’s reddened face displayed her anger and frustration. Tears spilled from her eyes and Dylan wanted more than anything to find a way to comfort her.
“Do you think perhaps Brielle isn’t being totally honest with you?” Dylan tried to keep his voice calm and soothing, hoping to ease Maggie’s anxiety over her aunt’s betrayal.
“I dinnae ken. It doesnae make any sense. I know Edna didnae give me all the details and I’ve felt like a fish out of water from the minute I arrived, as I’ve tried to make my way through this. She should have told me the whole story. I would have helped her, regardless of the reasons.”
“There has to be something more to this. I know she’s a bit of a meddler, or at least that’s the impression I’ve gotten from Jenna and Ashley, but she always seems to have the best of intentions. Jenna and Ashley were angry with her interfering to begin with, but they came around when they found Cormac and Cailin and realized that Edna had done what she had to do to get them together.”
“Aye. I ken that, but this is different. She’s nae matchmaking here. This is dangerous! What am I supposed to do? How do I defeat Brielle without killing her? How do I do it without getting myself or someone else killed?”
“I don’t know, Maggie, but we’ll do it together. I’ll help you and protect you as much as I possibly can.” Maggie clenched her teeth tightly together and Dylan ran his finger along her jawline, in an effort to ease the tension he saw there. The energy she was emitting was strong and filled with static electricity. Were those real sparks flashing in her eyes, or was he seeing things? As Maggie leaned into him, the hair on his arms stood on end. Dylan took a deep breath to ground himself and in doing so, brought Maggie back from the brink of imploding with fury. “Come with me. Let’s go for a ride and put some of that energy to good use.” He offered her what he hoped was his most charming smile and Maggie nodded in agreement.
“I’d like that. I need time to think, to figure out what to do next,” Maggie said.
“Maggie!” Angus was heading their way and he didn’t look happy.
“Uncle,” Maggie responded.
“Is it true? Cailin told me what happened down in the dungeons. I cannae believe Edna would do this. Yer her niece and to think she knowingly sent ye into the lion’s den, all for the sake of that damn bridge! I cannae tolerate this kind of deceit! She has gone too far this time. She didnae even confide in me, her own husband, with this crazy scheme of hers.” Angus, in his usual fatherly fashion, wrapped an arm around Maggie and held her close. “I can tell ye this, my sweet Maggie, I will protect ye, no matter what happens. I willnae let that witch Brielle harm ye in any way.”
“I ken that, Uncle, but I dinnae want anyone to get hurt,” Maggie responded. “Dinnae be angry with Auntie Edna, Uncle. She’s trying to protect the MacKenzies, not just the bridge. We must believe in Auntie and not fall prey to Brielle’s lies.” Maggie laid a gentle hand on Angus’ arm. “I’m going to go riding with Dylan, to try and clear my head and figure out how to handle this situation.”
“Do ye need me to go along with ye?” Angus asked. He sent a warning glare in Dylan’s direction.
“Nae, Uncle, I’ll be fine. Dinnae worry about me,” Maggie said. She gave Angus a big hug and kissed his cheek. “I’ll be fine,” she repeated, when he appeared as if he might protest.
“I’ll keep an eye on her, Angus. I promise.” Dylan wanted to reassure Angus. He knew that he was a very protective man and felt it was his duty to watch over his niece.
“Make sure ’tis just yer eyes, lad,” Angus warned.
“Yes, sir,” Dylan said. He had a great deal of respect for Angus and all the men at Breaghacraig. They were men of honor and he hoped that they felt the same about him, although just now, Angus certainly seemed to be questioning it. Dylan would prove himself to him. He wanted Maggie in his life and he wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize his chances.
“Fine then, see that yer back here before sunset, or I’ll come looking fer ye.” Angus turned away and headed back towards the great hall.
“Well, I guess we know what Angus is worried about,” Dylan chuckled.
“Aye. He’s a good man, Dylan.” Maggie searched his face and Dylan smiled again to put her at ease.
“I know he is, but I don’t think he trusts me with you.”
“Does he have reason not to?” Maggie teased.
As they prepared to leave, Cailin came around the corner with Fergus. “Maggie, I’ve brought Fergus.”
“Of course, Fergus, come stand here for a moment,” Maggie said.
Fergus stood perfectly still while Maggie placed her spell on him and when she was done said, “Thank ye, Miss.”
“You’re welcome, Fergus. We’ll be gone for a few hours, Cailin, but I feel confident that Brielle won’t cause any problems while I’m gone, I’ve charmed her cell, so she canna escape.” Maggie turned her horse towards the gate and said to Dylan, “Let’s go. I need to get as far away from Brielle as possible. I dinnae know if she can read my thoughts or if she can sense my presence, but if I’m going to plan her demise, I need to be sure she doesnae know what I’m up to.”
* * *
BRIELLE SAT IN HER CELL, waiting for an opportunity to escape and it seemed as if the time had come. She heard the sound of footsteps coming down the passageway and could feel the presence of the kitchen maid, Sophia. She’s here to visit her man, but she doesnae have the benefit of Maggie’s spell of protection. Brielle snickered softly to herself.
“Latharn,” Sophia called ne
rvously as she approached. “It’s dark down here. I wanted to make sure you were okay. I’ve brought you something to eat.”
Brielle heard Latharn get to his feet as Sophia neared his position. “Sophia!” The warmth in Latharn voice made Brielle want to gag. Love is for fools, she thought. Are they kissing out there? The prospect disgusted her, even as she listened intently to the sounds she heard coming through the door. A moment or two later, she head Latharn speak again. “Sophia ye shouldnae be here. ’Tis verra dangerous.”
“I’m only staying for a minute. Mary would be so angry with me if she knew I were here, but I know you haven’t eaten since breakfast.”
“Thank ye fer bringing me food. I be verra hungry.”
“I be verra hungry, too,” Brielle shouted.
Silence was the only response she received. After a moment or two, she could hear whispering between Latharn and Sophia. They obviously didn’t know that with a simple little spell, she could hear them, as clearly as if they were speaking aloud.
“She scares me,” Sophia said. “How long do you have to stay down here?”
“Not much longer. Cailin will send someone else to relieve me from guard duty soon.” The sound of Latharn settling back in his chair echoed down the passageway.
“Girl,” Brielle called. “’Tis hard to breathe down here. Dinnae ye think?” She wove a spell and cast it upon Sophia.
“Latharn, I… I…” The alarm in Sophia’s voice was evident, her fear obvious.
Brielle cackled as she listened to Sophia gasping desperately for breath.
“Sophia, are ye nae well?” Latharn’s voice was full of concern.
This will be child’s play, Brielle thought happily to herself.
The sounds of Sophia struggling for air and of Latharn, scrambling to her aid filled Brielle’s cell and surrounded her like a warm, comforting blanket.
“Witch, what have ye done to Sophia?” Latharn sounded alarmed.
“Nae a thing that cannae be undone, if ye open this door and let me out,” Brielle said. “She willnae last much longer. Do ye really want her death on yer conscience?”
She didn’t have to wait long for her answer, as she heard the jingling of keys and the sound of the lock releasing. He pushed the door open and Brielle sailed past him and down the passageway.
“Wait! What about Sophia? Ye said ye’d undo yer spell,” Latharn shouted.
Brielle cast a glance back to where he was crouched over Sophia, who lay still in his arms. “I did say that, didnae I. So be it.” With a flick of Brielle’s wrist and a burst of light from her fingers, Sophia gasped and gulped air into her lungs. Before Latharn could move, Brielle turned three times on the spot and disappeared from his sight.
* * *
SUNSHINE FILTERED THROUGH THE TREES, casting intricate, shadowy designs on the pine needle covered path and a crisp breeze was a strong reminder that autumn would soon turn to winter. Maggie took a deep breath and enjoyed the scent of the pine trees, so fresh and comforting. She pulled the hood of her cloak close around her head in an attempt to keep warm. Dylan rode alongside her and reached out to hold her hand.
“This was a good idea ye had, Dylan,” Maggie said. Despite the chill in the air, she was happy to be here with him. They reached a narrow spot in the road and Dylan let go of her hand. He moved his horse ahead of her and led the way.
“I’m glad we could spend some time alone together.” He turned in his saddle to look back at Maggie. “I’ve missed you since I’ve been here.”
“But ye had Brielle. Ye thought she was me,” Maggie reminded him.
“I missed the Maggie from Glendaloch. I missed you. And I was sad that the feelings I’d been experiencing had changed. I should have realized from the very beginning that it wasn’t you. It never felt right and now that I know the truth, it sickens me to think I actually kissed that evil woman.” He made a face that communicated his disgust and had Maggie giggling. “Hey, don’t laugh at me. I didn’t know!”
“I’m sorry. Yer right, but I wasnae laughing at what ye said though. ’Twas the face ye made.” Maggie could hear the sound of rushing water and wondered where they were headed, when the path suddenly opened out to reveal a large pool of water surrounded by enormous boulders. Maggie craned her neck back and shielded her eyes from the bright sunlight, in order to get a look at the beautiful waterfall cascading into the pool and the rainbow it created in its mist. “Dylan, this is beautiful. How did ye find this place?”
“I go out riding nearly every day. Exploring really. I stumbled upon it a few weeks back and I wanted to share it with you.”
Maggie could see him watching her, out of the corner of her eye. She slowly turned her gaze on him and without thinking wriggled down from her horse and walked to his side. Placing a hand on his knee, she looked up at him, fully appreciating the handsome man he was. Dylan dismounted and before she had a chance to speak, she was in his arms and he was kissing her. His lips were sweet and warm and she let herself fall deeper under his spell. This was what she’d dreamed of and she was not disappointed. It was everything she had wanted, everything she needed in this moment. She could forget about all the other craziness happening in her world and focus on this kiss. Her hands crept up from his chest to wrap around his neck as she pressed herself as close to him as she could possibly get, wanting full body contact with his amazingly strong and chiseled frame. The kiss turned into another and then another. Their movements grew almost frantic with desire. She wanted him so much it was almost painful, but it was a good kind of pain. The kind that let her know how right this was. She had been wrong to think that love was not for her. Here it was, right in front of her and she wanted all of it. She didn’t know if Dylan loved her, but she knew without a doubt how she felt about him.
* * *
HE WANTED to tell her he loved her, but he caught himself, uncertain of how she felt about him. He’d hold on to that pronouncement for a while longer. He really hadn’t known Maggie for very long. Just a short time in Glendaloch, and then, when he left for Breaghacraig, he’d been left with the unsettling feeling that without her, something was missing from his life. It had only been a short time since he’d found out she was the real Maggie and there was so much turmoil happening around them, it didn’t seem like the best time to announce his feelings. It would be better to concentrate on getting rid of Brielle first, and then he’d be free to tell her how he felt. The kisses they’d shared had been the best he’d ever experienced, and he hoped Maggie thought so too. It was important to him to please her. He wanted her to be happy and without worry. Brielle was the main source of Maggie’s current concerns, and he was going to do everything in his power to change that situation. Dylan settled back against a warm boulder, Maggie wrapped in his arms, enjoying the sounds of the water dropping down over the falls and the peacefulness that he felt with her close to his heart.
“Maggie, are you comfortable?” Dylan asked.
“Aye.” Maggie replied. “I could sit here with ye forever.” She turned in his arms to see his face better. She caressed his cheek and couldn’t help herself as she ran her fingers through the riot of blonde curls that framed his handsome face. The sensory experience she was having cleared her mind of any and all other thoughts. Dylan was the only thing on her mind now. She turned her lips up towards his and he covered them with his own. He roamed his hands over her body and made his way inside her shirt, fondling her breasts with strong, callused fingers. Maggie found she wanted more. She moaned, pushing herself against his hands. Undoing the laces of her liene, Dylan freed her breasts for exploration with both his tongue and lips. The pounding urge between her thighs grew so strong; Maggie turned herself completely in Dylan’s arms so she could straddle him and wrap her legs around his waist. She rubbed the source of the throbbing ache she felt against Dylan’s hard manhood, searching for relief. It only served to create a more titillating sensation. One that felt so good, she forgot completely about anything and everything that was
not Dylan.
Dylan repositioned her, so that she lay under him on the large boulder they had settled on. The roughness of the rock beneath her back only served to heighten her excitement. Dylan began to search the waistband of her trewes with his fingers, while she slid her hands up beneath his kilt and felt the tightness of his buttocks. She was keenly aware of the fact that this was the first time she’d ever done something quite so bold. She felt like a real woman here in Dylan’s arms, wanting him more than she had ever thought possible and if things went the way she wanted, having him, and soon.
* * *
THIS ALL FELT SO AMAZINGLY good. Dylan didn’t want to stop, but he knew he needed to. He’d made a promise to Angus and he intended to keep it. “Maggie, we have to stop,” he croaked.
“Why?” she asked. She spoke like a woman in a sensual haze, which he could fully appreciate, because he was right there with her.
“I respect you too much, to take you for the first time right here on this rock,” he managed to say.
“But what if I want ye to take me right here on this rock?” she asked, licking her lips in a way that was driving him to distraction.
“I promised your Uncle Angus that nothing was going to happen and I intend to keep my promise.” The most amazing, sparkling green eyes stared up at him with a yearning that told him exactly what she wanted. He wanted to give it to her, but he had to keep his word. If there was one thing he’d learned since being here with the MacKenzies, it was that a man was only as good as his word. Although, Maggie’s pouty lips were calling to be kissed. Before he forgot himself and his word to Angus, Dylan unceremoniously pushed himself up and away from Maggie and removing his kilt, he jumped into the icy cold water, which definitely put a damper on his aroused state.