Highland Nights

by Donna Grant

  "What happened in your dream?"

  "The sky was filled with the dragon while Fae, Druids and men battled on the ground."

  She rose up and touched his face. "I believe that your dream was giving you a glimpse of what was to come."

  He kissed her and smiled. " 'Twas just a dream. It meant nothing."

  She lifted a dainty shoulder. "If you say so."

  "Now, let's stop talking."

  "What did you have in mind?" she asked, her voice lowered a pitch.

  "This," he said and slid his hand down her body until he touched the juncture of her thighs. He sighed when his fingers felt her wetness.

  "I want you," she said and sucked on the lobe of his ear.

  "I was never one to turn a lady down." He came over her and ignored the pull in his ribs. He wanted to love her slowly this time, and he would despite any pain.

  He kissed her deeply and almost lost himself in the kiss. Before she locked her arms around him, he moved down and kissed her breasts. His mouth feasted on her ripe breasts until she pushed against him with her hips.

  His mouth trailed kisses down her stomach to her thighs where he teased her with his tongue. He would get close to her womanhood, but would never touch it.

  Her breathing was ragged and she held onto his arms with a death grip, moving beneath him. Until his tongue flicked across her woman's lips and she went rigid.

  Fiona gloried in the pleasure Gregor gave her. She hadn't thought his mouth could make her feel any better, until he kissed her in her woman's parts.

  Pleasure pure and exquisite ran through her as Gregor brought her closer and closer to her fulfillment. It hit her suddenly and he held her hips as she jerked with each spasm that jolted her.

  When the climax passed she looked up to find him leaning over her. She smiled and took hold of his manhood. "Shall I return the favor?"

  "Not today. Right now I want to feel you around me."

  She guided him to her and sighed as he filled her until he touched her womb. When he began to move she was surprised to find the tension building once again.

  "Come with me," he urged as his pace quickened.

  She gave in as the world shattered around her once more. She saw Gregor throw back his head and roar as he too climaxed. He fell on top of her and she wrapped her arms around him.

  She had been a fool to avoid him. Peace was once again in her life.

  He's your mate.

  Aye, he was her mate. She would admit that now. But only that.

  It was his moan as he moved off her that got her attention. "You are in pain."

  "Only a little," he said and tried to sit up. "They're just sore."

  "At any rate, 'tis time to take the stitches out," she said and rose from the bed to dress.

  "Now?"

  " 'Tis as good a time as any."

  She laughed when she heard his groan. "I would rather have some food."

  "After I tend to you."

  She got the scissors and began to remove the stitches. When the last stitch had been removed she sat back and looked at the wound. She let out a breath she hadn't known she held.

  "Is it that bad?"

  His question startled her. "It looks better than I thought it would. I was worried that I would mar that handsome face of yours," she teased.

  "It doesn't pain you to look at me?"

  His insecurity pained her. "Gregor," she said and turned his face to look at her. "You are the most handsome man I have ever seen. This scar only adds to your handsomeness, not distract from it. It shows the world what a great warrior you are."

  "I don't care about what the world thinks of me, woman," he said, his black eyes showing his anxiety. "I care what you think when you look at me."

  "Then you have nothing to worry about, because all I see is a man who could conquer the world."

  His eyes held hers for a moment before he looked away and chuckled. "Do you always know what to say?"

  "Nay," she answered and leaned over to kiss his cheek near the wound. "I say what my heart tells me." She bounded off the bed before he could grab her. " 'Tis time to eat."

  "Good. I'm famished," he said and rose from the bed.

  "Careful," she warned when he began to pull on his trews.

  "Who undressed me?"

  She couldn't meet his gaze as she searched the cottage for food. "Glenna and I did."

  "Glenna?" he asked, his voice holding a note of hysteria.

  She couldn't hold the laugh in. "'Tis all right. I had no wish for her to see you, so I covered you with a blanket before your trews came off."

  " 'Tis a good thing, too. I've no wish for Conall to know his wife saw me naked. He might begin to wonder why she started lusting after me."

  Her laughter filled the cottage. "Your conceit knows no bounds."

  His smile brightened her day. He had smiled more in the past day than he had the entire time she had known him. She also kept a smile on her face until she realized there wasn't any food in the cottage except the soup.

  She turned to the hearth and stirred the pot of soup. "All there is to eat the soup."

  Strong arms came around her. "It isn't as bad as you believe."

  "I've tasted it, Gregor. I know how bad it is."

  "Not to me," he said and nuzzled her neck.

  She looked over her shoulder at him intending to tell him he was lying again when a knock sounded on the door.

  CHAPTER THIRTY

  Fiona and Gregor turned as one to the door as it opened and admitted Frang, Moira and Dartayous. Fiona jumped out of Gregor's arms.

  "I apologize for the intrusion," Frang said he walked forward and took Fiona's hands. "We came to speak with you about what happened."

  "You mean Gregor's accident," she said. "You want to know what I heard."

  "Heard?" Gregor asked.

  "Please, sit," Fiona directed them. When Gregor continued to stare at her she led him to the head of the table. "Sit," she said and pushed him down.

  She took the seat between Gregor and Dartayous. Across from her sat Frang and Moira. "How did you find out?"

  "Glenna," Moira said.

  Fiona nodded. "There isn't much to tell. I went to stand on the cliff overlooking the castle when I first heard the voice in my head. I knew it was the Evil One."

  "Because this wasn't the first time he had spoken to you," Dartayous stated.

  "What?" Gregor asked. The anger in his voice was evident.

  She put her hand on his arm to calm him. "He confronted me in the caves after I had seen you and … " She couldn't finish. It still pained her to know that he wanted Moira as well.

  "I followed her," Dartayous continued. "He tried to kill her, but he was stopped."

  "By you," Gregor said.

  His clenched hands and angry black eyes warned Fiona that he was about to explode. "It doesn't matter."

  Gregor looked down at the table. She knew they had much more to discuss once their visitors departed.

  "Go on," Frang said.

  Fiona licked her lips. "The voice in my head told me that he would kill Gregor. I ran down to the castle, but didn't reach him in time before the accident."

  She watched as Frang rose from the table and began to pace. "Your words trouble me," he said. "There is much going on that troubles me. The fact that Aimery cannot be found is the most troubling of all."

  Fiona gasped at his words. "What?"

  "Aye, 'tis true."

  "We aren't getting answers, but more questions," Dartayous said.

  Fiona's instincts told her they hadn't seen the last of the Evil One or MacNeil. "Then what do we do next?"

  "Wait," Frang said. "I want someone with you at all times," he told her. "Gregor, you should be able to handle that task willingly. How is the healing coming?"

  "Slowly, but surly," Gregor answered. "I will guard Fiona with my life."

  Frang nodded. "As I knew you would. We will leave you then. If you need anything, you know where to come."

>   Fiona saw them to the door then turned to Gregor. "Why are you upset because Dartayous saved me?"

  He slammed his hands on the table and came to his feet. "Because it should have been me."

  "You were occupied," she said as anger enveloped her. "As I recall Moira was in your arms."

  "I was comforting her."

  "Why you? Why not Dartayous? After all, he is her guard," she argued.

  He walked to her. "I don't know where Dartayous was. I came out on the battlements and found Moira there."

  "Isn't it enough that she abandoned me? Does she have to take you, too?"

  Silence reigned and she slowly raised her eyes to Gregor's. She had said too much.

  "I was under the impression you didn't want me," he said softly.

  "I was wrong."

  He pulled her into his arms. "That's all I needed to hear."

  * * * *

  The meeting with Fiona and Gregor troubled Moira. Once they returned to the stone circle, she went for a walk. She knew better than to think she was alone. If she looked behind her she'd find Dartayous.

  And it didn't bother her that Dartayous was there now that she knew the Evil One had attempted to kill Fiona. First Glenna and now Fiona. Would she be next?

  "Moira?"

  She turned toward the voice to see William walking towards her. Of all the days she wanted to walk alone William had found her. "Hello," she called and continued walking.

  It wasn't that she didn't like William. He was very sweet, but somewhat of a pest. He plagued her steps like an unwanted gnat and was forever wishing to speak with her.

  She had been relieved when he had gone on a small pilgrimage to other stone circles. 'Twas the truth that she hadn't expected him to return so soon. She hastily chastised herself for feeling that way towards another Druid.

  "I want to show you something," he said.

  Fiona looked at the older Druid. For some time now she had known he wanted to be more than friends, but she didn't have the heart to tell him nay. He was kind, even if he was annoying at times.

  His dark blonde hair, graying at the temples just a wee bit, was left long. He was what others would call handsome, and she did find his face nice to look at. Just for a moment he seemed other than a simple Druid, but she shook away her thoughts.

  "I really don't have time today," she told him.

  He took her hand and pressed it to his heart. "Please."

  How did one say no to that? "All right, but just for a moment."

  His eyes, normally a hazel seemed bluer today. Almost the same shade as Aimery's. How strange that was, she thought.

  "Come then," William said and pulled her down a path through the forest.

  Moira stated to look back to see if Dartayous followed, but knew that he did. He would always be near, at least until the prophecy was over. Then, she would lose him for good.

  "'Tis just over here," William said.

  She looked around. "I don't see anything."

  "I know," she heard right before she lost her sight.

  * * * *

  Dartayous knew something was wrong. Moira simply didn't vanish. That was for the Fae to do, and she most certainly wasn't a Fae.

  "Where the hell is she?" he growled as he searched the forest in vain.

  It wasn't until he passed the same tree three times that he knew he was going in circles. He was a child of the forest and could track anything. There was only one reason he could now fail.

  "Fae magic."

  Never before had he failed, and the one time that he did was the most vital. The Evil One had Moira. There was no doubt about that.

  Which explained why he could no longer feel her.

  * * * *

  When the door opened to the cottage and admitted Conall, Gregor was glad for the company. He had become lonely after Fiona had gone to the castle for food.

  "How are your men?" he asked after they clasped forearms and had taken a seat at the table.

  "Doing well thanks to Moira. Thought you could use some ale."

  Gregor took the bottle and poured them each a cup. "Thank you. It was much needed."

  "I hear that things between you and Fiona have gotten better. Are you willing to tell me now what is between you?"

  For a moment Gregor stared at the table. "I guess there's no use hiding it. I want her. Have wanted her from the moment I saw her in the MacDougal's bailey."

  "What stopped you?" Conall asked. "I have seen you around women, my friend. You don't have a problem getting anyone of them into your bed."

  Gregor laughed. "Fiona isn't just any woman. For the first time since--" He stopped. Fiona was the only one who knew about Anne.

  "Since?" Conall prompted.

  "Since I left my clan she made me want things I hadn't dreamed of thinking about."

  He looked up and saw Conall grin. "Ah, I know that feeling. Was the same with Glenna. And now?"

  Gregor shrugged. "I'm not sure. There is so much going on at the moment we haven't really had time to talk."

  "So you care for her. That's good. But, do you love her? Are you willing to fight for her?"

  Gregor looked into Conall's silver eyes. "I would fight for her."

  "But do you love her?"

  He swallowed. Love? Is that what made his heart beat faster when Fiona was near and made him feel as though his heart was being ripped out when he thought he would never have her. "I have never loved a woman as you speak of."

  "Enough of this," Conall said and slammed his cup on the table. "You look fit enough for me. Want to get out of this cottage and use your sword again?"

  Gregor looked around. He liked having Fiona wait on him and see to his needs, but he was much better. Besides, with the threats to her life he needed to use his sword again.

  He rose and reached for his sword by the door. "After you," he told Conall.

  * * * *

  Fiona walked beside Glenna when the unmistakable sounds of sword fighting reached their ears. They took off at a run toward the cottage she and Gregor had been staying in.

  When the cottage came into view and she spotted Gregor and Conall practicing she couldn't believe her eyes. 'Twas too soon for Gregor to be doing this kind of exercise.

  She and Glenna stayed out of sight, but close enough so they could see what was going on.

  "He's hurting," she said when she saw Gregor wince.

  "Conall is going easy on him. This will do Gregor good."

  "Not when he winces every time he lifts his arm," Fiona said. She couldn't stand to see him in pain. "And what if he opens the wound on his head? I've no desire to stitch him again."

  "He's a warrior," Glenna said, but Fiona wasn't listening. She walked in between the men and faced Gregor.

  "What are you doing? You aren't ready for this?"

  Gregor cocked his head to the side and gave her a heart-stopping grin. "It doesn't hurt."

  "Really? Then why do you grimace when you raise your arm?" she asked.

  He stepped toward her and leaned close. "I need this. I'm a warrior. I've sat abed much too long as it is."

  She hated it when he was right. Beneath the sun and fresh air he had come alive again. Color had come into his skin and the wind blowing through his hair made him look almost good enough to eat.

  With a nod, she turned to go into the cottage when his hand snaked out and caught her. She turned toward him and found a wicked gleam in his eyes.

  "It touches me that you care so much," he said.

  " 'Tis not caring, but not wanting to mend more damage," she retorted.

  "Saucy wench," he said and slapped her on the behind with the flat of his blade.

  Before she could respond to him Glenna and Conall's laughter reached her. She was a bit embarrassed that they had seen the playfulness between her and Gregor, but then again she had admitted he was her mate. The fact that admission was only to herself didn't matter one whit.

  "There's no need to watch them train," Glenna said. "Why don't we go
for a swim?"

  "Now that sounds wonderful," Fiona said. But the frown on Gregor's face stopped her. "What is it?"

  "If you wish to swim, I will accompany you."

  "I will be fine. Don't forget that I can control the water. I won't drown." That seemed to alleviate his fears somewhat and she hurried off before he found something else to argue about.

  Before she and Glenna reached the loch someone called for Glenna.

  "Don't worry," Fiona told her. "I can call out to Gregor if need be."

  And in truth she looked forward to a little time alone. It had been awhile since she had taken a swim. She hurried to the water and quickly shed everything but her shift.

  She walked into the water and sighed as it swirled around her. Not until the water reached her neck did she stop. She ducked under to wet her hair and began to swim.

  Too bad Gregor wasn't here, she thought.

  * * * *

  Gregor couldn't concentrate. All he could think of was Fiona in the water. Regardless of what she said, he couldn't help but worry.

  "What is it?" Conall asked after he narrowly sliced open Gregor's chest.

  "I need to check on Fiona."

  " 'Tis more than that, isn't it?"

  He sighed and rubbed his neck. "My sister drowned."

  "That's all I need to know," Conall said. "I understand your fear. Go to Fiona then."

  Gregor knew Conall could have pulled the entire story out of him, but he hadn't. " 'Tis good to have you for a friend."

  Conall laughed and pushed him toward the loch. "Have fun. I will keep everyone away so you two can have some privacy."

  The smile died on Gregor's face as soon as he turned away from Conall. He wouldn't be satisfied until he saw Fiona with his own eyes.

  He topped the hill and saw her swimming gracefully through the water. At one time he had loved the water that much, he mused as he leaned on his sword.

  Since he wanted to give her some time alone before he made his presence known, he took a seat beside a boulder so he would have something to lean against and watched her.

  She still wore her shift. Too bad about that, he thought. He briefly thought about joining her in the water, but knew he would embarrass himself. There would probably never come a day when he could get into water over his thighs again.

  Movement in the trees behind Fiona caught his eye. He rose and tried to holler down to her when he saw a cloaked man, but found himself unable to speak of a sudden.