Highlander's Guardian (Highlander Heat #4)

“What of Anne? She longs to see you. She’s your kin.”


“I long to see her too. She’s like the sister I never had, and I hope in the future I can safely visit with her. Certainly we could meet at Dunvegan since the next Highland Games are to be held there. Do you and your brother intend to go?”

“Alex and I would never miss the chance to challenge the other clans, and aye, the games will be a safe place to meet. Anne has certainly never experienced the festivities and talks about it constantly. Her MacLeod kin hold a special place in her heart.”

“Then I’ll see her there.” Relief poured through her and she sniffed and wiped a trickling tear from her cheek. “Even with all that’s happened these past days, there is still hope that in the future you and Alex, and Anne and I will be able to work on restoring some form of bond between the clans. Colin too once I persuade him. I miss Anne. Tell her I’m now as happy as she is. That I’ve found the man I’ve always wished for. She’ll understand what I mean.”

“I’ll pass on your words.”

“Thank you.” She squeezed James’s hands then stepped back and nestled against Colin’s side. “I consider you a friend, James, and I always will.”

“I wished for more, but since you’ve clearly made your choice, you have my good wishes.” He turned his gaze on Colin. “My brother and I are heartily sick of this feud, whether you wish to believe that or no’. Unfortunately, my cousin’s recent actions may have set the path to peace back between us, but understand this, his opinions are his alone.”

Colin eyed James, rather skeptically. “If you truly wish for peace, then in the future, leave my wife out of your pursuits.” He sheathed his sword. “And when we meet at the Games, mayhap we’ll actually enjoy some friendly rivalry.”

“I look forward to coming up against you.” James nodded at her. “Farewell, Annie.” He walked away.

“Leaving you alone is dangerous.” Colin tipped up her chin, his molten gaze burning. “That shall no’ happen again for a very long time.”

“Well, that I heartily agree to.” She arched into him, enjoying every moment of his undivided attention. “I believe I hear our bed calling. Do you heartily agree to us returning there?”

“I prefer my bed on Mull, and I cannae wait to get you there.” He swung her into his arms and kissed her. “You’re my destiny, Annie. You always have been.”

“As you’re mine.” She cradled his face in her hands. “I love you, and only you.”

Oh aye, their destiny had bound them together from the very beginning, and it would throughout all time.





Chapter 10


On the narrow wooden platform edging Colin’s childhood tree hut, Annie knelt behind her warrior guardian and played her fingers in his dark wind-tossed hair. It had been a fortnight since their return to Duart, and within hours of their arrival, they’d spoken vows before Brother John and their entire clan. The robed clergyman had blessed their marriage and she’d never been so happy.

“I love this place,” she murmured in his ear. “After you left it behind in your later years, I adored coming here.” The forest rose all around, and before them, the glistening blue-green waters of the Sound of Mull rolled in and splashed over the rocky beach. Even the stormy weather of the past few days had finally cleared and now a cloudless sky beckoned a sultry blue.

“I never left it behind.” He pushed the creaky door behind her open and toppled her inside onto the thick fur blankets they’d not long risen from. “Surely you’ve noticed it’s never fallen into disrepair.”

Aye, only one board on the seaside wall needed replacing. The wooden ceiling and floor remained solid and strong. “I should have known.”

“There are too many good memories for me here, and now we’ve made even more.” He swept his hands underneath the tunic she’d swiped from him and caressed her bare bottom. “This place will be preserved for all time.”

“I can think of another memory I’d like to make here since you seem intent on creating them.” She skimmed her fingers across his tanned chest then tip-toed down to the loose ties of his leather trews.

“And what memory would that be, scamp?” His golden eyes heated to a smoldering hue.

“The memory of you giving me your babe.”

“Then I willnae rest until I’ve done that.” He stripped off her shirt and kissed her with such sweet seduction. “Ah, all mine.”

Tingles raced across her skin and with breathless hunger she gave into the need to join with him.

Love.

It was timeless and could bloom from the day one was born.

“Aye, all yours ” she whispered. “We’ll be together, forever.”




I hope you enjoyed Highlander’s Guardian. Please feel free to search for the other full-length novels now available in the Highlander Heat series.



Highlander Heat Series

Highlander’s Captive

Highlander’s Castle

Highlander’s Magic

Highlander’s Charm

Highlander’s Guardian

Highlander’s Faerie