Highlander's Faerie (Highlander Heat #5)

Arthur narrowed his eyes then snorted. “Damn it. If I extend our Highland hospitality to you and allow your visit, then it’s with the understanding your time here will be short. Your weapons will also be removed and stored in the armory.”


“You cannae expect me to agree to that stipulation considering our recent battle. Our weapons remain on us although you have my word they’ll remain sheathed.” This was not the time to argue, although he couldn’t allow his men to go inside the enemy’s walls unarmed. “A short visit suits us rather well.” He extended his hand to Arthur. “Do I have your agreement?”

“Aye, but dinnae make me regret my decision.” Arthur shook his hand then motioned toward the castle. “Welcome to Duart. Enter at your own peril.”

“My thanks.” He released a long breath then over his shoulder, called to his men, “All ashore. We’ve been offered Arthur MacLean’s hospitality for the night.”

Josiah secured their birlinn to the landing. His man and two others would remain on board for the night, guarding their only avenue of escape out.

He followed Arthur up the trail and entered the keep. In the great hall, thirty or more MacLean warriors surged around and surrounded them. No surprises there, except Highland hospitality was a sacred obligation and as Arthur hadn’t been able to turn them away, so too must he respect what they’d been granted. He’d have to take great care not to overstep any boundaries, and although he’d promised only a short visit, he certainly wasn’t leaving without his woman.

“I need to see Katherine MacLean.” He was at Arthur’s mercy with that request.

“I’m afraid she’s already retired to her chamber. You will have to wait until the morn.”

“I see.” Hell. It grated on him to do so, but he had little choice.

Arthur offered him and his men pallets around the hearth then strode across to his warriors who’d settled down across from his men.

He’d expected naught less and would have set the same precautions in place. Near the stairwell, he chose a pallet, unraveled his plaid from over his clothing and laid down. If only he could ascend those stairs and join the woman he’d crossed the sea for. Katherine was so close yet his chest ached as if she still remained miles away. Frustration burned in his gut as he settled in the darkened corner, pulled his plaid tight around him and with his hand on his sword hilt, watched over all.



Unbelievable. Arthur had just led John and his men through Duart’s gates and into the keep, their swords still at their sides. Katherine stepped away from her window and paced her chamber. “I can’t believe John’s come.”

Margaret closed the wooden shutters with shaky hands. “Arthur wouldnae permit the MacDonalds entry unless they requested our hospitality. Even then, I’m surprised your kin would ask such a thing considering Angus was tossed into the dungeons after requesting the same only a few short years ago. I worry whenever our clans are cloistered so closely together. Things usually never end well when that occurs.”

“John’s always been against my decision to travel here.” She hauled on the nightrail the maid had left for her on the end of the bed. “He’ll be furious he’s had to step onto the enemy’s land.”

“Fury wouldnae drive a man to follow a woman, or request sanctuary under his enemy’s roof to do so. I will go and speak to Arthur and make sure all is well.” She crossed to her and gripped her hand. “Remain here. The guard outside your door will ensure you’re no’ disturbed throughout the night.”

“Some time alone might help sort out my thoughts.” She had to come up with a plan now John was here. His arrival had changed everything.

“Rest and sleep well.” Margaret kissed her cheek. “We’ll talk again in the morn. I wish to know more about you and your desire for peace.”

“Thank you for all you’ve done for me tonight. It’s truly appreciated.”

“You’re most welcome.” With a gentle smile, she closed the door behind her.

Why had John come? She climbed under the thick fur bedcover and burrowed into the soft down mattress. Heat pulsed through the room from the fire, but a chill still swept through her. She ached to go to John. The distance separating them was small but it pulled at her like the widest chasm. Only she couldn’t forget he belonged to another. Damn it. This was all such a mess. Why the fae thought she could bring about peace, she had no idea.





Chapter 7


Katherine tossed and turned throughout the night. She thumped her pillow and groaned. It shouldn’t be this difficult to put her impossible desire for John out of her mind. He’d agreed to a contracted marriage with another. As the hours passed, sleep continued to elude her, as did a plan.