by Donna Grant
After her anger was spent and she lay limp in his arms, he got to his feet and carried her to the cave. The rain was now a light mist, but all he could think about was getting her out of her wet clothes.
If she let him.
Once they were inside the cave, he set her down beside the fire and smoothed back her hair that was plastered to the side of her face.
She raised her green eyes to him, and he could still see the fear in them. "I didn't leave you," he repeated. "I went hunting and Morgane followed me."
"I was sure you had left … me," she said between her teeth chattering.
"You are going to become ill yet."
Before he could move his hands to begin undressing her, she cupped his cheek and pulled his head down to her lips. His body reacted instantly to her sweet touch. He wanted her more now than he had the first time and he feared that would always be the case.
She nipped his lips, and then ran her tongue along them. Her hands entwined in his wet hair and lightly scratched his scalp. Chills ran down his body at her touch.
He pulled off her gown that had molded itself against her skin. After she was devoid of clothes, her hands began to untie his trews, and he couldn't get out of his clothes fast enough.
They fell together to the ground their lips and hands frantic to touch and taste. Her hand glided between their bodies and found his hard, aching member. With a touch that seemed to know his every want, her hand brought him to such a pitch he almost gave in and spent himself right there.
But he wanted more for Fiona.
While her hand worked its magic, he moved his between her legs and found her moist and ready. He slid a finger in her and rejoiced when he heard her sharp in take of breath.
"I need you now," she panted.
Gregor wasn't about to deny her, not when he needed her just as badly. He rose above her and positioned his manhood where the tip rested against her woman's lips. Pure heaven awaited him, but he wondered if he deserved another taste.
Fiona waited for Gregor to fill her, but he continued to stare at her. She couldn't wait for him any longer. She brought her legs up and wrapped them around his waist. With a smile, she pushed with her legs the same time she raised her hips.
He slid into her hot, hard. It was everything she remembered from the previous night and more. He drove her body wild with wanting and gave her a need she didn't think would ever be quenched.
She was surprised when he buried his head in her neck and let out a low groan. She clenched around him, and he hissed as he rose up on his elbows.
The passion that flared in his eyes sent a thrill through her stomach. She never imagined anyone could want her as he did.
Her mind lost track of everything except for her body and what Gregor was doing to it when he began to thrust hard and fast. A yearning so intense she thought she would burst from it curled through her.
Sweat glistened from his body. She plunged her hands into his long hair as his mouth touched her. The kiss mimicked their lovemaking, and she was panting by the time he raised his head.
His touch was unlike any pleasure she had known or would likely ever know again. He was her mate no matter how she tried to deny it.
But she would leave him. She had no other choice.
She put such depressing thoughts aside as the tension built within her. She was so close to the exquisite bliss that he brought her.
Then, before she knew it her world tilted and her body spasmed around him. She closed her eyes and let the feeling envelope her as Gregor thrust fully into her, touching her womb. His head fell back and he roared his climax.
She clasped him to her when he collapsed on top of her. They lay together in the aftermath of their lovemaking. She had never known such peace and didn't want it broken by words.
When he rose, she made sure he thought she slept. It must have worked for he rolled over and pulled her into his arms just like the night before.
Her last thought as sleep took her was that this could never happen again. Her heart was becoming too attached already.
* * * *
The morning sky burst with shades of pink and purple. A glorious morning after such a storm, but Gregor knew that was the temperamental climate in the Highlands and he wouldn't have it any other way.
He didn't try to talk of the lovemaking he and Fiona shared again. He knew better. What worried him was Fiona's fear. It probably exceeded his and, with their meeting with Moira soon, his concern doubled. Moira was the root of Fiona's fear, which could be making her have those nightmares.
His brow furrowed as he thought of how peacefully he had slept. With Fiona in his arms, he had no trouble finding sleep, but he hadn't known if she had another nightmare. She must not have for she looked in fine spirits this morning as she sent him a smile before she walked to her mare.
He walked to her to help her mount. He would take any reason to touch her now, and by the knowing smile on her face, she realized that as well.
After he mounted Morgane, he looked at Fiona once more. Her dark locks were hanging free and wild this morning and he liked it. His body surged to life at the mere sight of her, but he tamped down his desire and clicked Morgane into a trot.
The morning sped by as they made good time through the mountains. When they came to the waterfall, he halted and dismounted.
"'Tis beautiful," he heard Fiona say.
"Aye, 'tis. I have always favored this spot. 'Tis very peaceful."
"Are we stopping?"
He looked up at her as the sun glistened off her hair. Ah, she was a beauty. "I wanted to fill our water skins. If you need to rest we can."
"I'm fine. I say let us keep going if we can."
He nodded and bent to fill his skin when her words stopped him.
"Which path are we taking?"
He turned to where she gazed. There were two paths, one for each side of the waterfall. After the day he had been banished from his clan, he had never taken the one on the right again.
"The left," he said and leaned over the water. Fiona gasped, and he jerked his head toward her.
* * * *
Fiona stared in disbelieve at Gregor as his medallion slipped from inside his leather vest. It had taken her a moment but she remembered where she had seen it before.
"The man in my dreams. He was wearing one just like that." She raised her eyes to Gregor and found his brow furrowed. How had she not remembered that after seeing Gregor's medallion when they swam?
"When did you see this?"
"Last night."
"You didn't say anything," he accused as he straightened.
"The dream only showed me the man and him pulling a medallion from inside his shirt." She bit her lip, afraid to say the next words. "Gregor, 'tis your clan that MacNeil is after. That is why he isn't following us."
"He doesn't know who my clan used to be."
"Apparently he does. And he is going to kill the laird."
He stared hard at her for the longest time, as if warring with himself. "'Tis just dreams you are having. They don't mean anything."
"I have always had prophetic dreams. There may yet be time to help your clan if we turn around."
She watched in amazement as Gregor mounted Morgane and took the path to the left of the waterfall. "I don't have a clan," he said. "'Tis best you remember that in the future."
"I cannot believe you are going to let MacNeil slaughter your clan and do nothing about it." When he continued to ride, she jerked her mare around. "I can't, and won't, stand by when I know I can help them."
"They banished me," he roared. "They'll kill me on sight."
She raised her eyes until she found him on a hill above her. "Don't worry about them, Gregor. Think of your father and mother. Don't they deserve your aid?"
He didn't say anything, just pulled Morgane around. She waited for a moment, but he didn't return. How could she have been so wrong about him? She had thought him a good man, but she must have been wrong.
A
noise behind her made her turn around and descending the path was Gregor. He rode to her and stopped.
"I promised Moira and Glenna that I would return you to the Druid's Glen posthaste."
"And so you shall. After a minor detour."
"I don't think you realize what is at stake. MacNeil wants me to bring you to the MacLachlan's. He means to kill you."
"He can try," she said and kicked her mare, but he grabbed the reins.
"I cannot return."
"Not even to save your family?"
"They don't want a murderer returning to the clan, regardless of his reasoning."
Her stomach fell to her feet with a thud. A murderer? Gregor? Surely they were wrong. "Who do they claim you murdered?"
"My sister."
CHAPTER FIFETEEN
Fiona could only stare at him. She opened her mouth but realized she didn't know what to say to him.
His laugh surprised her. "Even you don't know what to say to that."
"I don't believe you did it," she stated.
"Are you sure?" He stared hard at her. "Nay, I don't think you are. We head to the Druid's Glen," he said and turned his horse toward the waterfall and the path to the left.
She had to think fast, to stop him. Everything in her told her they needed to go to the MacLachlan's. Now.
"Would your sister have wanted you to turn your back on your family?"
He pulled up on the reins and sat. She waited for him to say something, do something, but the moments ticked by without any movement or sound from him.
Then, he slowly turned Morgane around and looked at her. "Know this. If we go to the MacLachlan's, you could die."
"I won't die. Remember I'm a Druid with powers. I can take care of myself."
He nodded and rode past her and turned onto the path on the right side of the waterfall. Elation filled her at her victory, small though it was. If they hurried they might reach the MacLachlan's before MacNeil.
* * * *
The Shadow laughed with glee and rubbed his hands together. His plan had worked, just as he had said it would.
"What are you so happy 'bout?" MacNeil snarled as he sat beside him.
The Shadow looked at the MacNeil soldiers that milled around them in the hall. Laird MacLachlan had welcomed them, though all knew he hadn't wanted to. They had taken MacLachlan's hospitality, and would continue until Gregor arrived.
"I'm ready for a woman to warm my bed," MacNeil grumbled.
"We won't be here much longer."
"Why?" MacNeil asked and leaned close. "What do you know?"
"My plan worked. Gregor and Fiona are headed this way as we speak."
MacNeil's mouth dropped open as he stared dumbfounded at him. "How do you know this?"
"Because I do. Don't question me," he ordered. "Get your soldiers ready for battle. When Gregor crests the hill I want him to see his clan being wiped out."
"And Fiona?"
"I'll take care of her," The Shadow promised.
* * * *
Gregor knew he was headed to his own death, whether by his clan or MacNeil, he would die. There was no getting around that. He could have continued riding toward the Druid's Glen if Fiona hadn't mentioned Anne.
Fiona had been right. Anne wouldn't have let him turn away from his clan. His own death didn't matter. What mattered was keeping Fiona safe and bringing her to the Druid's.
If only he knew how to call Aimery but the Faerie probably wouldn't help him anyway.
He glanced over his shoulder at Fiona. She was holding up well under the hard ride. They had stopped briefly, but she hadn't uttered a word to him.
It had been a relief, because he couldn't stop thinking about his parents and seeing them again after so many years.
"How long has it been since you have seen your clan?"
Her question made him sigh. He had been afraid she would start digging around for answers. "Too long."
"How old was Anne when she … when she--"
"Was murdered by me?" he finished for her. "Nearly ten summers."
"And you?" she asked quietly as she came up along side him.
"Old enough to know what I should have been doing." Her unwavering stare made him realize she would keep on until she got her answer. "I was ten and six."
"So young."
"Not really. I had tremendous responsibility for my age."
"How long until we again reach MacLachlan land?"
"Two days. A day and a half if we ride hard."
"Then let us ride hard," she said and kicked her mare into a run.
She continued to surprise him. He never knew what she would say or do next, but she kept things interesting. She also almost made him believe that she found him innocent.
Almost.
They didn't speak the rest of the day. Even when they stopped for the night, she immediately laid down and slept. Gregor didn't venture far from the camp as he hunted for food. He didn't want a repeat of the previous night. Her fear had been palpable. He hadn't been that scared since Anne's death.
After he cleaned and cooked the quail, he woke Fiona. "You are going to need your strength," he said and handed her a piece of the meat.
She nodded and took the offered food. He ate slowly and watched her. If the situation weren't so drastic he would find the fact she ate with her eyes closed rather amusing. She had no more finished her meal before she was once again asleep.
He covered her with her plaid and sat to watch her for the night. His eyes couldn't get enough of this mysterious woman who had managed to worm her way into his soul.
* * * *
"Something's wrong," Moira said. She looked to Frang and Glenna as they sat in the Druid's Glen. "I feel it. Fiona and Gregor are headed toward danger."
Glenna sighed dejectedly. "MacNeil."
"Aye, 'tis MacNeil," Aimery said as he walked into the stone circle.
"Where are they?" Moira asked. "I cannot simply stand here knowing she's in danger."
Frang put a hand on her shoulder. "Gregor will keep her safe."
She looked toward Aimery. "Isn't there anything you can do?"
"The Fae aren't allowed to meddle in the affairs of humans."
"'Tis a lie," Glenna said. "The Fae meddled when we were given our powers."
"Maybe so," Aimery said and turned away. He took two steps then vanished.
Moira wanted to scream. This couldn't be happening. Not when they were so close to fulfilling the prophecy. Dartayous came into her line of vision and a thought took root. She took a step towards him when Glenna walked in front of her.
"I know what you are planning and I won't let you do it without me."
Moira looked down at her petite sister. Glenna may be small, but her power was great, as MacNeil had already found out. "Then come."
Dartayous stood in his warrior's stance with feet apart and hands hanging loose at his sides so he could grab any of his numerous weapons at any moment.
"I wish to talk to you," she told him. His blue eyes watched her keenly before he gave her a slight nod. He held out his arm for her and Glenna to walk first.
Once they were out of the stone circle and in the surrounding forest, Moira stopped. "I have need of a favor."
His dark brow shot up at her words. "You would ask a favor of me?"
"I have no choice," she ground out, hating to think that he might refuse her. She took a deep breath and began again. "Fiona is in danger and I cannot allow anything to happen to her."
"In other words," Dartayous said. "You want to go after her, and you need me to aid you."
"Aye," Glenna said and stepped forward. "You know how important the prophecy is, Dartayous. Won't you help us?"
"I would, but I don't think your husband would approve."
"Conall need never know."
"Really?" said a deep voice from behind them.
Moira and Glenna whirled around to find Conall standing with his arms crossed over his chest. "And just what would you have told me, la
dy wife?"
Moira's eyes jerked to Glenna who visibly swallowed. Glenna smiled at her husband and said, "I don't know what I would have told you and it doesn't matter now. Will you come with us?"
"You aren't going anywhere," Conall stated. "Aimery and Frang said for both you and Moira to stay here. It wouldn't do to have the three most powerful Druid's scattered across Scotland when the time of the prophecy is here."
"We would be back before then," Moira said.
Dartayous walked until he stood beside Conall. "You don't know that, Moira, and we cannot chance it. I will only take you somewhere if Frang or Aimery orders me to."
"And if I try to leave by myself?"
"Then I will stop you," he said flatly.
Anger welled up inside her. Only Dartayous could bring such emotion in her. Only Dartayous could make her hate so strongly. "'Tis no wonder I cannot stand to be around you," she said and walked off.
Glenna watched her sister leave, then turned to Dartayous. "Don't listen to her. She is angry and doesn't know what she saying."
"Moira doesn't get angry," he said.
"She is angry. She wants Fiona safe, and she is willing to do whatever it takes to make sure she is."
"Which is why I was put as her guard. I will do whatever it takes to keep her here," he said before he too walked away.
Glenna turned to Conall. "Why does Moira hate him so?"
"Only time will tell that. Come. I've something I wish to discuss with you."
"Really? What is it?"
"I need to talk about something in our chamber," he said with a wicked gleam in his eyes.
She laughed and wrapped her arm around him. "Does it perchance have something to do with our bed?"
"Aye. How did you know?"
"I'm not a Druid for nothing."
"Well, it does come in handy," he said and picked her up in his arms as he walked toward the castle.
* * * *
Fiona opened her eyes to find Gregor staring at her. "Did you sit there staring at me all night?"
He gave her a heart-stopping smile. "Maybe."
She yawned and stretched. After she rose to her feet she saw the sky turning pink, signaling the rising of the sun. "Give me a few moments and I will be ready to leave."