Highlander's Kiss (Clan Matheson #1)

“That’s exactly the question we need to consider.” Finlay tossed another log on the roaring fire. “Aleck and Adair’s bodies weren’t returned for burial, and other than Gilleoin being unable to find them, we have only one lone MacKenzie guardsmen’s word that they perished at MacKenzie’s hand.”


“There is also the fact that the MacKenzie’s demands ceased once Gilleoin had discovered the truth. Nay, I believe MacKenzie is playing some sort of game with us.” She tucked her cheek against Kirk’s chest. Heartache at the loss of her kin still consumed her. “I’m certain of it. This missive is naught but a lie.” Except what if it wasn’t? She couldn’t deny that thought nagged at her.

“Yet if there’s even an inkling of truth to it, and Aleck and Adair do in fact live, have survived this entire time, then we have to do all we can to find them and free them.” Determination flashed in Finlay’s eyes. He nodded at Kirk. “You know what needs to happen.”

“Cherub and I will breeze on into Colin MacKenzie’s lair and investigate further.” Kirk slid one finger under her chin and tipped her gaze up to meet his. “Do you agree?”

“I do, although if they do live, MacKenzie would never keep them in his dungeons, no’ when he’s well aware of all I can do. They could also be imprisoned anywhere by now. His lands spread from Loch Alsh all the way to Loch Broom, far across the mountainous plateau to the north. There’s so much land to search. MacKenzie also has strong ties with his surrounding allied clans. He could call upon any one of them to hold his captives for him.” Her heart ached for Arabel and Julia and what they’d soon be going through once they learnt of the MacKenzie’s latest demand. Fury would take hold and then no doubt hope would blossom. That was what Colin MacKenzie wanted, to ensure they all held that hope.

“Yet we still need to start our search somewhere.” Kirk stroked her back. “Perhaps he’s even counting on us eliminating the most obvious place to check first.”

“I agree with Kirk.” Finlay planted his feet wide and crossed his arms. “We need to search MacKenzie’s keep, then we’ll devise a plan if you come up with nothing. We’ll spread our search area out from that point. Certainly once Arabel learns of this missive, she’ll be forever haunted by the possibility of ‘what if.’ We have to take action. Doing nothing isn’t acceptable, which I’m sure Gilleoin would agree with.”

“We won’t rest until we discover exactly what happened.” Kirk crossed to Finlay and clasped his forearm in a firm warrior’s hold. “Gilleoin left this castle, his people, and his lands in our keeping until he returns from Stirling with Kenneth and Iain. He’d want us to search for his kin, until we’d scoured every inch of MacKenzie land.”

“He’d also never allow us to give into the MacKenzie’s new demand. If Arabel and Julia’s parents live, then we’ll bring them safely back home and not fall prey to the rest of what he’s demanded.” Finlay returned Kirk’s strong forearm hold. “We stand together as one, just as we’ve always done.”

“Aye, as one.”

Cherub nodded her agreement. The MacKenzie was clearly after control, and taking Julia from them would only end in more demands if they allowed such a marriage to occur. MacKenzie had lost the recent battle at the fae village, then failed at gaining the eternal life he’d been after by taking her and forcing her hand to spell his soul to hers and now he wished to raise the dead and gain a hold over Gilleoin’s clan through marriage to one of her closest. She’d never allow it. Julia was bound for another, the man who held the other half of her soul.

“What are you thinking that has that fierce frown on your face?” Kirk asked, his mind moving swiftly through hers as he sought the information he desired.

“We’ve spoken of this afore.” She sent all thought of Julia and Tavish’s mated bond from her mind. “A mated male longs for the chase, and part of his journey is in what he must overcome in order to be with his chosen one. That journey builds the foundation for their bond and all that ’twill be.”

“Are you speaking of Tavish and Tor and the other unmated males within our shifter clan?”

“I am.”

“What have any of them got to do with this missive from Colin MacKenzie?”

“For now, that I cannae say, but in time all will be made clear.”

“Is this one of those instances where you prefer I don’t deprive my clansmen of the chase that awaits them?”

“Exactly.” She tucked the missive into her plum gown’s pocket and glanced at Finlay. “You speak to Arabel and we’ll update Julia once we’ve completed our search.” She caught Kirk’s hand. “Are you ready to leave?”

“Always.” He wrapped his arms around her. “My place is at your side, just as yours is at mine. You can take me to wherever you please, whenever you please.”

Love overflowed her heart. She’d been gifted with such a wonderful and loyal mate and every day she thanked the fates that had brought them together. On her toes, she reached up and kissed his chin. “Hold tight, my tempting bear. We have a new mission to undertake.