Highlander's Heart (Clan Matheson #2)

“We are in a terrible predicament, Tor.” A softly murmured decree in his ear. “How do we move forward from this moment when duty demands I honor my betrothal agreement with Donnan?”


He growled and bright lights blazed as he made the Change then looming over her, his damp locks falling forward rakishly over his brow, he eyed her. “We move forward with care and consideration, never forgetting that it is the two of us who are soul bound. There can be only one, for both of us.”

“That is easy for you to say but an entirely different situation to deal with. The betrothal agreement between Donnan and I is almost as binding as the marriage vows themselves are. There is a signed contract.”

“I wish to have an agreement between us that takes precedence over that one, with a vow I will give to you right now.” He caught one of her hands, lifted it to his cheek and rubbed against her palm, his gaze filled with need and desire. “Layla, from this day forth, whatever path you tread will be the same that I do. You have my full protection, that of my body, my clan, my family, and all that I am. I give myself to you freely. You’re my mate and no other’s. I ask that you accept me, for I will always be here, fighting for you.”

“You’re all I could ever desire in a mate, but...” Tears misted her gaze and trickled free. “I’m not free to speak any vow to you in return.”

“Don’t cry.” He shook his head, pain and sorrow flaring across his face. “Please, whatever you do, don’t cry.”

“You’re a warrior, and warriors live such short lives when they willingly lay down their life for their clan. One day you will go off to war and I’ll be left to await your return, or to await the return of your body should you perish in a battle.”

“I will always return home to you. That is something you should never fear.” He scooped her off the boulder and heaved around the edge of the pool through the water toward the beach.

“You cannae make that kind of promise when—wait. You arena wearing a stitch of clothing.” She shoved her eyes closed as he carried her out of the pool and set her on her feet on the sand. She swayed as he left her, patted the air as she tried to find him. “Are you dressing?”

“I don’t wish to, but aye, I am.” A rustle sounded then he caught her around the waist and touched his lips to her ear. “I have my shirt on and it reaches me mid-thigh. Open your eyes, but just know if you do, I will kiss you.”

“Pardon?”

“You heard me.” Whisper soft words that made her blood heat with a heady rush. “If you open your eyes, Layla, then I’ll kiss you. I need this, to feel your lips on mine.” His arms tightened around her back as he tipped her farther backward and off her feet, his warm mouth trailing along her cheek to the corner of her lips.

“I have no’ opened my eyes.”

“I know, but the question is, do you want to? Or better yet, will you?” He licked along her lower lip and she gasped at the sweetly sensual touch. More heat and her body argued fervently against what was in her head. She wanted to wrap herself around him and never let go.

“If I give you an inch, you’ll clearly take a mile. That is easy to see.”

“Aye, it appears you already know me quite well.” He sucked her lower lip into his mouth and she cried out at the exquisiteness of it.

“Give me mercy,” she whispered raggedly and dug her hands into his hair. She held on as if her very life depended on it. “Please, you must halt and release me.”

“Open your eyes.” His breath fluttered warmly over her wet lower lip. “I want you to see me, who I am, and how much I desire you.”





Chapter 2


Layla already knew who Tor was and how much he desired her, but as yet, she couldn’t return his affections, not when she’d promised herself to another. She opened her eyes, snuck her hands between them, allowed her ‘power of thought’ to rise and pushed him back with her skill before he could claim a kiss then ducked out of his arms and backed up. “Two can play at your game, Tor Matheson.”

“Escaping me now will be impossible.” Prowling in a circle around her, he snorted under his breath. “I wouldn’t even try it if I were you.”

“I never said I wanted to escape you, just for you to give me some mercy. Some time too would be rather helpful. I need to consider all that has happened and what I must now do going forward.” She turned around as she followed his very predatory move, each of his circles drawing inward and bringing him closer to her. Her mate was well over six feet in height, all sleek, hard muscle, his white tunic gaping at the V neckline and his hem dangling mid-thigh and displaying his long, muscled legs. His wide shoulders and gorgeous shifter eyes half-lowered in an incredibly sensual way, took her breath away. He was beautiful, his bristles shadowing his firm jaw with black stubble and his lips well-defined. She wanted to kiss him, just as much as she didn’t want to kiss him. Drat these conflicting emotions.