Slipping his hand under my shirt, he tugged the cups of my bra down and rolled one nipple between his fingers, then the other. I could barely breathe, the sensations of pleasure swamping me.
I lifted his T-shirt, running my hands up his back, feeling his muscles contract under my touch. Just as things were progressing deliciously, Arric broke the kiss with a groan, dropping his forehead to mine. “Fuck.”
I stroked his face. “Yeah.”
He kissed me quickly before righting my clothes and sliding off the chair. “I need to go, baby, or I won’t be able to.”
I nodded, sitting up with a sigh. “Okay.”
“I’ll see you tonight.”
“You’re still coming?”
“Hell, yeah, I am.”
I bit my lip and smiled. “Good.”
He kissed me again, then walked out my door.
Isla
A KNOCK AT the door elicited a squeak, particularly when it was pushed open and I said, “You were supposed to be gone.”
“Gone where?” Mum asked.
“Sorry. I thought you were someone else.”
“Who?”
I shook my head. “Arric.”
“Arric’s here?”
“I thought he might be, but it’s you.” I smiled. “Which is better. What’s up?”
“Your dress is waiting for you.”
“Wow, cutting it close,” I breathed out.
“No one was expecting your boobs to get so big.”
I rolled my eyes. “Says the woman who birthed me.”
“Well, there is that,” she admitted. “Are you ready to get dressed?”
“I haven’t showered yet.”
“What? Why not?” Mum checked her watch. “Honey, you have barely two hours and people are going to start arriving.”
“I know, sorry. You can blame Arric.”
“I’m worried about you.”
“I know, Mummy. I’m worried about me too.”
“What can I do?” she asked.
I shrugged. “I don’t think you can do anything. I don’t think anyone can because he hasn’t reached ár mökunar.”
Mum smiled gently. “You know who will know what you’re feeling?”
“Who?”
“Uncle Brodie.”
I’d heard the love story of Uncle Brodie and Auntie Payton a hundred times. He’d been several hundred years old when he met a fourteen-year-old Payton, and knowing she was his mate, had to leave Scotland in order to deal with the emotional turmoil.
“That’s actually a really good idea,” I breathed out.
Mum pulled me in for a hug. “Shower and dress. Pronto.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
We made a quick dash home, and I rushed through my shower and makeup, stepping back in my room to find my cousin waiting for me.
“Hair duty,” she said.
“You cannot mess your dress,” I ordered, grabbing one of my robes from my closets and handing it to her. “Put this on.”
She wore a deep green lace over satin gown with long sleeves and a deep V-neck, only not quite as revealing as mine. It worked beautifully with her red hair and I was a little jealous of her tresses.
“Thanks,” she said, wrapping the robe around her body, covering her dress.
I grinned, sitting at the stool in front of my vanity.
Cat was a wonder with hair and I always loved when she did mine, so I didn’t make a sound even when she jabbed bobby pin after bobby pin into my head.
My sister and mother checked in occasionally as I endured the torture, mostly to make sure I ate and to give me updates on time. I was late. No surprise there, considering Arric was messing with my internal clock. I was usually early, but now, not so much.
“Done,” Catriona declared, and I let out a quiet whistle.
“It’s perfect.”
She’d managed to pin my copious locks into a braided bun. It looked a bit like a rose pinned to the nape of my neck, and it was stunning.
“Thank you.” I hugged her and kissed her cheek.
“You’re welcome.” She grinned.
Mom walked in just as Cat finished and burst into tears.
“Mummy, don’t cry,” I ordered, pulling her in for a hug.
“You look beautiful.” She cupped my face and then kissed my cheek. “I can’t believe you’re my last one.”
“You could have more,” I said, and her face distorted in disgust.
“Haud yer wheest!” she growled, and Catriona and I dissolved into laughter. “Both of you can suck it.”
I pulled her in for another hug. “I love you more than life, Mummy.”
“Love you too, baby girl.” She pulled away. “Ready for the dress?”
“Yes. I think I’ll need to step into it.”
“We’ll hold it for you.”
I nodded and Mum and Catriona helped me shimmy into the gown. In the end, we’d gone with a brand-new dress, rather than risking ruination of the ancient fabric of the old one. Mum was going to have it hermetically sealed or something so it would stay pristine for the rest of time.
My new gown was a sleeveless, A-line, V-neck gown, with a draped waist and the floor-length, chiffon skirt. It was white and made me feel like a Grecian goddess.
“Are yer chebs’ contained?” Catriona asked.
I chuckled. “They’re basically glued to the dress, so, yes.”
“Shoes?”
I nodded to the strappy, silver stilettos on the floor next to my bed.
“Right. Don’t sit down or you’ll crinkle,” Mum ordered, grabbing the shoes and kneeling in front of me.
Catriona held my dress up so Mum could secure the shoes.
“What about you?”
“It’s not my day.” Mum smiled up at me. “No one will care if I crinkle.”
She helped me into my shoes, then took my hand.
“Ready?”
I shrugged. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”
We pulled open the door and my father stood in the hallway. He glanced at me, then the floor. “You’ll need a jumper.”
“I’m no’ putting on a jumper, Da.”
Catriona giggled, kissing my father’s cheek, then waving as she walked down the hall, leaving us.
My father wrapped an arm around my mother and kissed her temple.
“You look beautiful,” my father said, offering me his elbow. “I would have preferred the other dress.”
“Con,” Mum admonished. “You’re gonna have to let that go, honey.”
I laughed. “Besides, you’re insisting on this party, so I get to choose my gown.”
“Fair enough,” he said.
“I’m going to let everyone know you’re ready,” Mum said, and kissed my father, then walked away.
“I’m so very proud of you, love,” Dad said and grinned.
“Thanks, Daddy,” I said as we made our way to the top of the stairs.
The guests milling in the grand foyer suddenly stopped their chatter, turning to face us. I noticed Arric immediately. He was wearing my family’s colors, and I turned to my father. “Did you do that?”
He grinned. “Can’t have yer mate looking like a Yank on a day like today.”
I focused back on Arric and his eyes were like goblets as they raked over me.
Jesus, fuck, she’s beautiful.
He then scowled.
She needs to put some goddamn clothes on.
I tried not to react because I wasn’t ready to let him know I could read his thoughts. I tore my eyes from his as the group began singing our traditional birthday song, and I smiled as graciously as I could as my father led me down the stairs.
My brain was swamped with buzzing as Arric approached me looking like he might kill someone.
If these assholes don’t start looking away, I’m gonna fuckin’ gouge their eyes out with my thumbnails.
I closed my eyes briefly trying to keep from laughing out loud.
“Careful, lass,” Da
warned and I gripped his arm to keep from tripping.
We finished our descent, and I was immediately greeted by my family, pulled from one hug to another. By the time a gentle hand took mine, I was overwhelmed with the attention and ready to hide.
“Excuse me, everyone, I’m gonna steal her for a bit,” Arric said, and pulled me away.
I heard my mother announce hor d’oeurves were being served in the music room as Arric slid his arm around my waist and guided me into the library, closing the large doors behind us.
“Thank you,” I breathed out, relishing the quiet.
“You need to go and change,” he growled.
“What?”
“You need to put something else on.”
“And you need to take a long walk off a short pier.”
He scowled. “Isla, you’re showing way too much.”
“I’m no’ showing anything, you bampot.” I scowled at him. “And here I thought you were being sweet, pulling me away from the craziness so I could catch my breath.”
“I was.”
“Liar,” I snapped.
He dragged his hands down his face and paced the room.
What the fuck am I doing here dressed in a goddamn skirt watching the most beautiful woman on the fucking planet giving every man in the room an eyeful?
“It’s a kilt, not a skirt and you’re showing way more skin that I am.”
He looked down at his exposed legs. “Wait, how—?”
“Those are the colors of my ancestors, please show a little respect.” I bit my lip to keep from laughing. “I’m going to go back to the party.”
“Wait,” he rasped.
I crossed my arms and faced him but didn’t say anything.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered.
“What?” I asked, cupping my ear.
He raised an eyebrow.
“I didn’t hear that,” I lied. “Can you repeat it?”
“No.”
I nodded. “Enjoy the party.”
“I’m sorry,” he said quickly, a little louder.
“For…?” I prompted.
“Jesus.”
I reached for the door again.
“You look beautiful, Isla,” he said. “I’m sorry if I made you feel any other way.”
“Thank you.” I took him in. Lord, he was gorgeous. “Is that one of my father’s kilts?”
He nodded, glancing down his body. “I thought it would feel like I was wearing a dress, but I’ve gotta admit. I feel pretty cool in this thing.”
“It suits you,” I said, but what I was really thinking about was what might be under his kilt.
He grinned. “Yeah?”
I nodded. “Just like the Scottish Vikings of yore.”
“Well, alright then,” Arric said with a grin.
“I…I really should get back out there,” I stammered. Fighting to compose myself.
He nodded, closing the distance between us, and leaning down to kiss my cheek. “I’ll walk with you.”
I smiled. “Thanks.”
We made our way back to the party and before I knew it, it was time for dinner and Arric and I were separated again. I found myself between my brother, Callum, and my cousin, Killian, and I laughed when I noticed a frog on my chair.
Unlike when we were young, however, this one was rubber.
“Oh my god, you little shit,” I whispered, when it took me a moment to figure out it wasn’t real.
Killian roared with laughter, drawing attention to both of us. I saw Arric glare daggers at my cousin, but I shook my head at him, silently begging him not to make a scene.
I held the frog up and glared at my Uncle Brodie. “You created this monster.”
“Boy!” he growled, and Killian’s eyes dropped.
“Sorry, Da.”
“Why don’t we all have a seat?” my father suggested, and everyone waited until I’d taken mine, then the other ladies, before taking their own.
“Happy birthday, cuz,” Killian said, handing me a small box under the table.
“What did you do?”
He grinned. “Open it and find out.”
I opened the box and found a black bracelet made out of horsehair, with a silver Celtic knot playing center stage. “Oh my god, Kill, this is so pretty.”
“It’s Hershey’s tail, well, some of it.”
I gasped. “What? Really?”
“Yeah. Ahearn let me cut a bit off.”
I wrapped an arm around his neck and pulled him in for a hug. “I love, love, love it. Thank you.”
He needs to get his hands off her.
I ignored Arric’s angry voice, kissing Killian’s cheek before releasing him and slowly focusing on Arric. His eyes were narrowed in Killian’s direction and I sighed.
Stop.
Arric’s eyes flew to me, but not before I looked away. I had to be careful unless I wanted to blow my whole playing dumb act.
“Help me put it on?” I asked Killian.
“You don’t want to wear it now,” he countered. “It doesn’t match your frock.”
“I do want to wear it now,” I argued. “It’s beautiful and I want to show it off.”
He beamed as he helped secure it to my wrist, squeezing my hand before glancing at Catriona who was on his right. He pulled out an identical box and handed it to her.
I let out a quiet gasp as she opened it and shook her head. Her horse was a palomino, so the tail was blonde but otherwise it was identical.
“You’re closer than sisters, so I figured you’d want something matching,” Killian said.
Both Cat and I hugged him from each side and planted kisses on his cheeks.
“You’re the best big brother in all the world,” Catriona said, and he laughed.
“Remember that when I find a spider for your chair.”
Before she could respond, my father tapped a knife against his wine glass. “I’d like to say a few words…”
For the next hour, we ate eight courses in between speeches… or roasts at my expense, depending on who was giving the speech… then it was time for dancing, so everyone took a few minutes to freshen up, while I was whisked outside by my uncle, Brodie.
“I’m sorry for Killian, lass. He’s an idiot.”
I laughed. “He’s not, Uncle. He’s perfect just the way he is.”
“You’re lovely for saying so.” He smiled. “Yer mother mentioned you might want to ask me some questions, but it doesn’t have to be now. I just wanted to let you know you can ring me anytime.”
“How did you keep from going mad?”
He chuckled. “I didn’t.”
“I have no idea how long I have to wait. I can’t imagine what it was like waiting eleven years.”
“Or finding your mate when she was a child?”
“Oh, god, yes, that’s even worse.”
“I left because I knew I’d probably scare her,” he said, then waved his hands around his head. “The buzzing—”
“Holy hell, the buzzing is out of control,” I whispered.
“Aye, lass. It won’t stop unless you’re connected physically or bound.”
“Well, considering the fact he hates me, I’m going to have to live with it until we’re bound.”
“He doesn’t hate you, Isla. He literally can’t.”
“He acts like it.”
Brodie leaned against the wrought iron railing of the balcony. “He’s confused. Imagine what it would be like to have your whole life turned upside down by people you didn’t even know existed.”
I sighed. “I know. I’m sympathetic to that, but he’s such an arse.”
“We are men, lass. We were born to be arses,” he admitted. “The trick is helping us to be better.” He leaned forward. “And reading his mind when he doesn’t know you’re doing it is cruel.”
I gasped. “How would you know—?”
“You’re an empath, he’s an oracle. You’ve reached your ár mökunar, of course you can read his mind.”
He smiled gently. “You need to tell him.”
“I’ll think about it.”
“Isla?” Arric stepped outside, eyeing my uncle in suspicion.
My uncle kissed my cheek. “You’ve got this, love.”
“Thanks.”
Brodie walked away and Arric closed the distance between us.
“You okay?” he asked.
I nodded. “You need to stop giving my family your death glare.”
“The guy sitting next to you…?”
“Killian. My cousin.”
He relaxed, and I shook my head.
“Only family was invited tonight,” I informed him.
“Then why the hell am I here?”
“Because you’re my mate,” I said.
“Is that what you’ve told your entire family?” he asked, looking horrified.
“I don’t have to tell them anything, you arsehole. They can feel it.” I bit back tears. “I’m going back inside.”
He gently grabbed my arm. “Jesus, Isla, I didn’t mean it like it sounded.”
“Arric—”
“I don’t know what the fuck is going on,” he whispered.
“I know.” I linked my fingers with his. “I’m sorry.”
So fucking beautiful.
“Thank you.”
He frowned. “What?”
“Thank you for saying I’m beautiful.”
“I said that out loud?”
“Erm, well, no… not technically.”
What the fuck?
I squeezed his hand. “Don’t freak out.”
“You telling me not to freak out doesn’t make me feel better.”
“Remember when I told you we were mates?”
He frowned. “Yes.”
“I’m an empath, so the second I reached ár mökunar, if my mate was also an empath, I’d be able to speak with him telepathically.”
He tried to pull his hand from mine, but I held firm.
I’m not lying.
“How the hell are you doing that?” he demanded.
It’s our way, love.
This ain’t right, he hissed, panicking.
“Your heart is fine, Arric.” Keeping my hand in his, I laid my other one over his heart. “You’re calm. Your mind just doesn’t want to accept it.”
Bound by Fate (Cauld Ane Series Book 10) Page 8