Highlander's Heart (Clan Matheson #2)

“I’ve already approached Father about it. He simply nodded and said only time would tell, so aye, I would love some more insight if you have it to offer.” She handed the thick piece of folded parchment across.

Cherub unfolded the missive and read, one finger trailing along the words of the first verse. “This speaks of a warrior coming from another place far beyond our time. Nessa must be referring to those unmated warrior shifters from my mate’s future clan, although out of Kirk’s clansmen from the twenty-first century whom I’ve brought here, only Tor currently remains unmated.” She frowned, her brows pinching together as she eyed her. “Do you feel aught toward Tor? I ask because the very air itself brings to me the secrets it holds, including the call of those who are soul bound. Weeks ago I caught Tor’s soul’s need for another in this time which is why he is here, although I’ve yet to be led to exactly whom he’s mated to.”

“Tor intrigues me, although naught more. I am betrothed to Donnan, have given him my oath that we will wed, and afore the week’s end. I have a mere five days afore I speak vows. I certainly cannae forsake my duty to my clan, or the betrothal agreement Father signed.”

“Your argument is strong, although I’d like to hear more of this exact ‘intrigue’ you feel.”

“I cannae be Tor’s mate, if that is what you’re asking.”

“I see.” Cherub lifted her nose, breathed deep and scented the very air itself, the element she controlled.

“What do you sense?”

“The full moon rises this night and once it does, Tor will finally be able to sense exactly who his chosen one is. No more will she be able to hide from him.” Cherub patted her hand then returned her gaze to the missive. “This third verse speaks of this very place, where the cherry tree stands, and that the fates do speak.”

“I was drawn here this afternoon, hoped that by coming to my mother’s sacred place that I’d get a little more enlightenment.” She leaned back and rested her back against the wide trunk of her mother’s cherry tree, its solid presence comforting and surrounding her. “Do you have any more thoughts on the poem?”

“I agree with what Nessa has written. Dinnae cast aside that which is freely given.” Smiling, Cherub folded the missive in half and passed it back to her. “And as your father said, only time will tell. That too I wholeheartedly agree with.”

“Wonderful.” Smiling, she shook her head, tucked the poem into her gown’s pocket. “You, Nessa, and Father are so very helpful at times.”

“Aye, well, we do try to do our very best when it comes to you.”

“Cherub! Layla!” Tor strode through the trees across the far side of the meadow, his hands curved around his mouth and his gaze on the move as he searched for them.

“Over here!” Cherub waved out then rubbed Layla’s arm. “I wonder what’s brought Tor back so early from the fae village?”

“I’ve no idea. When he left a couple of days ago, I saw him off and wished him the best of luck. He said he’d remain there until after the full moon rose.” The fae village was where he expected to find his chosen one, hoped that he might even be able to sense who she was before the full moon rose, a distinct possibility since two of his kinsmen had recently sensed their mates in such a way. Finlay had known Arabel was his, and from their first meeting. Tavish too, Tor’s twin brother, had known Julia was his from the moment they’d met.

“Tor told me the same too.” Cherub winked at her, her blue eyes twinkling, and rather mischievously. “Have I ever mentioned that part of mated male’s journey in finding his chosen one is in what he must overcome in order to be with her?”

“Aye, a number of times.” As Cherub had told their entire clan.

“Good, because that journey is one that builds the foundation for their bond and all that ’twill be. Hold onto those words. Your happiness too, is all I seek.”

“You are turning into Nessa with your prophetic words.”

“Well, I thank you for the compliment.” Cherub chuckled as she hugged her. “When I see your mother next beyond the veil, I shall tell her you miss her.”

“Tell her I love her, with all my heart and soul, and so does Father.” She hugged Cherub back. “Thank you for your aid, for coming to me and for looking over the poem.”

“Of course, and dinnae forget. Time is of the essence.” Cherub dissolved into a mist and streamed around her, kissed her cheek then swept away.