Highlander's Seduction (The Matheson Brothers #3)

“Where does Amelia’s duty lie, here or beyond the veil?” With care, he traversed the edge of the cliff where it led downward toward the secret entrance. On one side, the odd stone rattled loose under his feet and clacked down the side of the sheer rock wall, while on the other, the rough branches of the swaying pine trees brushed his arms.

“Amelia used to aid me here on Earth, but she stood down from her duty ten years ago when she became soul bound with Olaf. They live at the village and have a son named Joseph. He’s the first child to be born to a time-walker and such a delight. He also holds the skill of foreknowledge, an ability similar to a seer’s although still a little different.”

“I’ve not met Amelia or Olaf. Is she too an immortal as you are?” He reached the base of the cliff, lowered her to her feet and with their fingers twined together, brushed aside a clump of trailing ivy covering the slim opening in the rock wall. Keeping ahold of her, he edged through the thin gap and weaved along the dark tunnel.

“She is. Amelia’s mate is also an immortal, as is their child.”

“How is Olaf an immortal?”

“A time-walker, once they take a mate, can hold their chosen one’s soul to theirs. Amelia spoke a spell which bound a piece of Olaf’s soul to hers, so like her, he too will never sicken or age. They will walk the same path for the rest of their lives, together as one.”

“That’s a beautiful thing.”

“It is.” They reached the end of the tunnel and emerged before the beach. She jumped free onto the soft sand and twirled around, her feet digging in deep. This secluded bay with its thin strip of white sand always took her breath away.

“Cherub?” Kirk swept his hands through the air as he searched for her. “Where are you?”

“I’m right here.” She twirled around again. “I love this place.”

“As soon as I stumbled upon it, I felt as if I’d come home. There’s a secluded bay very similar to this one at Loch Shin, a place I’m often drawn to, and a place that’s only a few hours’ drive from my home at Ivanson Castle.” He glanced at the sand she’d kicked up then followed her movement and caught her in his arms. His hands slid underneath the flapping sides of her cloak and around her back. Caressing her, he swept down her sides and over her waist. A grin lifted his lips. “You’re wearing a silk gown. What color?”

“The gown is white, as is my cape. ’Tis one of my favorite colors. Have you truly been drawn to Loch Shin?” She raised her hands to the glittering jewel of the darkened sky above and leaned back, allowing him to take her full weight as she did.

“During these past five years my search for you has only ever led me in and around that area, more times than not to a place called Angel Bay along the loch’s shores. Is that place special to you at all?”

“Oh my.” The home she’d built and considered a base rested high on the cliffs overlooking Angel Bay.

“Is that an aye?” He sank to the sand and took her with him as he laid down.

“I—I—” Speaking a mistruth to him tore at her. Instead, she tucked one errant lock of his hair behind his ear and said, “I enjoy visiting Angel Bay, just as I enjoy visiting this place. Both bring me comfort, as well as allow me to walk the shoreline in complete seclusion.”

“Hmm, why do I feel as if you’re not quite telling me the whole truth?” He removed his sword belt, set it beside him then with his warm hands on her hips, brought her back against him. Gently, he smoothed one hand along her outer thigh then tucked her top leg snugly between his leather-clad legs, their bodies in complete alignment from head to toe. She wasn’t surprised by his move, or his need to hold her close. Those who were soul bound required touch on a deeper level to most. He skimmed up her arm and swept one finger along her gown’s low-cut neckline. “Can you explain a little more?”

“Nay, I dinnae wish to encourage your pursuit and explaining more will do so.”

“Ha.” He chuckled. “You’re my mate, the one woman I will always pursue, and there is nothing you can say or do to cease that encouragement.” He caught her cheeks in his hands and traced his thumbs under her eyes and over her nose. He smoothed along her jaw, over her chin then slowly delved across her lips. His breath stuttered and he leaned in, pressed his forehead against hers. “You have the smoothest, softest skin.”

“I have no’ aged past my twentieth year even though I’ve lived over a thousand years.” A gentle sea breeze whispered around them, lifted his shirt hem and gave a glimpse of his tanned abs. His black pants hung low on his hips and the leather clung to his powerful thighs. She lifted her gaze back to his and almost drowned in the deep desire reflecting back at her. She palmed his chest, his heart thundering under her hand. A simple walk was leading to so much more—more she couldn’t currently turn away from.

“Cherub, I wish for a kiss. Would that be permissible?”

“I dinnae think—”