Highlander's Magic (Highlander Heat #2)

She gripped the piece. “I’m no faerie, just a regular person, and Mary gifted this to me. She left instructions asking I return it to Islay.”


“Good. Then you have done as she asked.” He cupped her cheek. “Fae you are, your presence one of magic.” ’Twas abundantly clear, and she would never convince him otherwise.

“I’m not from this time or place.”

“Aye, you’ve come from your own time and place. The fae live—”

“I didn’t mean it that way. I’m really not one of the fae.” She glared at the veil then slammed her hands against it. “This is impossible. Guardians of Dunyvaig, I wish to be reunited with Katherine. Send her through, or let me back in. Please, do something.”

“Nay, lass. You must stay. See to my wish and then you may go. The guardians willnae keep you here beyond the time you’ve been sent. I’m certain of it.”

“How long will this barrier be up for?”

“It comes and goes, depending on your people.”

“The fae aren’t my people.”

“Aid me, and I promise you my protection.” It appeared his faerie didn’t wish to accept her destiny. He would convince her otherwise. “No harm shall ever come to you. My word is true.”

“My sister and I never do anything without each other.”

“Mayhap this is the one time you shall.”

“Excuse me, but I’d rather not.” Arms crossed, she thumped her foot. “You really don’t listen very well.”

A woman with fire. Even better. She would need to be strong in order to grant him his wish. He had a battle ahead of him against MacLean, and the Chief of Duart was no easy adversary. “What would your sister wish you to do right now?”

“Return to her.” She huffed then slid Mary’s talisman over her head. “Or return to her the moment I’d seen to your wish. Katherine is the adventurous sort. She’s probably peeved she’s not here right now, as well as freaking out about being alone. I’ve got to get back to her, and since this talisman brought me here, hopefully it will do the same and bring my sister to me.”

“Your words are strange. ’Tis clear you speak of another world.”

“No, this world, just a different time.” She stepped back then frowned. “Hold on. The veil’s lifting.”

“Then be quick about what you need to do to bring your sister through. Throw her the amulet afore the veil disperses.”

She tossed the talisman and it landed with a clunk on the center stone. “Take the amulet, Katherine. Mary may have bequeathed it to me, but use it to get out as I did.” She fanned her hand through the veil as it continued to thin. “Please, hurry.”

It shimmered and vanished on the wind, gone as quick as it came. “Lass, the fae are nay more, but they always return. You must now wait.”

“No, this can’t be happening. I need my sister.” She staggered inside and fell to her knees before the center stone. “Katherine, come back.”

His heart heaved for her loss, but it wouldn’t be for long. “You’ve come for a reason, Marie. To aid me.” He held out his hand. “Come. I shall look after you as I promised.”

“I didn’t want to do this alone.”

“Once you’ve fulfilled my wish, you can return. I didnae ask for any more than your aid. Come.”

She swiped her tears then rose and wobbled toward him. “If I help you, it’s because I want to get back to Katherine.”

“Aye, lass.” A few more steps and she cleared the circle. He caught her around the waist and held her close. His faerie would aid him, just as he needed her to. “Together we cannae fail against MacLean. You’ll soon be back with your sister.”

“Since I don’t have any other choice, tell me where to start. The sooner I’m done here, the sooner I can return.”

“’Tis late and I’ve traveled far this day. We’ll begin on the morrow. For now, you’re welcome to use my chamber to rest. It overlooks this circle, which should bring you comfort.”

“Are you taking me inside?” Her beautiful eyes widened as she glanced at the castle.

“You’ve naught to fear.” Eager to get her within the safety of the Dunyvaig’s walls, he tugged her under the arched entrance. “No one would ever harm one of the fae.”

Within the inner courtyard, stone buildings rose all around them. He steered Marie up the side stairs, bypassing the great hall where his clan had gathered for the evening meal. Inside his chamber on the third floor, he ushered her in and shut the door.

She hurried to the window, shoved open the wooden shutters and peered through the dark. “I can see the circle, just.” She slumped against the stone sill. “I can’t believe I’ve left Katherine behind. It all happened so fast.”

“Believe it, lass.” He crossed to the fireplace, lit and stoked it into life. It blazed and spread its heat through the room. After taking a candle and lighting it from the flames, he set in in the corner stand next to his bed. The warmth and light should soothe her.