Mortal Magick (7 page)

He grabbed a gristly piece of the hare’s innards and chucked it in the flames. The fire spluttered and crackled, sending sparks flying. Samson hissed and ran off. Duncan swore beneath his breath and caught sight of Keara’s wavy head popping over the hill.

Her hair was tied at the back of her head, exposing a sleek slender neck. Auburn curls dangled in front of her dainty ears. Her peach-blossom cheeks reddened from the exertion up the steep hill. The lass had no idea the effect she had on him. Or for that matter, the spell she’d unknowingly cast on his beastie. His hands clenched in his lap. His fingernails raked his palms. He rose and motioned with his hand for her to join him. His anger was immediately forgotten at the sight of her wide eyes and the taut muscles in her face.

Duncan bolted to her side and gripped her shoulders. “What’s happened, Keara? Did Gabrielle come back and try to hurt ye again?”

Her gaze locked with his, her hands gripped his wrist and her fingernails raked deep into his skin. “I just remembered how I got here. Please, Duncan, it’s important. My sister may be hurt or in trouble. I need to know. What year is this?”

Chapter 11

“‘Tis the year 1797, lass. Why do ye ask? What is this all about? And why do ye think yer sister is in trouble?” he asked, brushing the curls away from her sweaty forehead.

Keara stood staring at him, momentarily unable to move or utter a sound.

“Keara? Keara, answer me.”

Keara closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths. She remembered the last conversation she’d had with Beth. They were discussing living in the past and finding a
real man.
She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. She wanted to scream and start running. Petrified, her stomach still twisted in knots. She trembled, concerned for Beth’s safety. There certainly was nothing she could do here to help her sister. She tilted her head and screamed, “Damn it!”

Disgruntled birds soared from the trees, fluttering their wings above them.

“Here, throw this. ‘Twill help ye feel better.” Duncan placed a rock in her hand, still gripping her arm.

Keara chuckled then laughed so hard tears streamed down her face. The hysterical outburst quickly turned to anger. She hurled the rock as hard as she could and watched it ricochet off the stump and bounce across the blanket of grass, disappearing over the steep bank. Several sheep bleated and scampered away.

“Do ye feel any better now that ye got that off yer chest?” Duncan asked, and dabbed tears from her face.

“Not really.” She sniffled and wiped her nose with the back of her hand. “I live in the twenty-first century, Duncan.”

Duncan grabbed her arms and guided her to the ground, sitting beside her. “Now calm yerself, lass. Ye’re still recoverin’ from when I found ye and had a rough day yesterday. Ye must have a nasty lump on the back of yer head. Lean over and I’ll take a wee look.”

“You don’t believe me.” She pushed his hands away. Her face flushed and her temper flared. She shot up and paced back and forth in front of him. She grabbed her cell phone from her pocket and repeatedly hit the power button, mumbling beneath her breath, before pitching it to the ground. She stopped and glared at him. Images of that stormy night flashed through her head. “I’m serious, Duncan. There was a terrible storm and the high winds blew down the power lines.
Do you even know what electricity is?
I went looking for my sister and couldn’t find her.
She could be lying hurt or unconscious somewhere.
Do you have any idea what it’s like to wake up in a different country and meet creatures that you only heard and read about in fairytales? And then to find out that somehow you traveled back several centuries in time and you might never be able to get back home and see your family again?”

The Highlander sat studying her with deep concern. He rose, catching her arm, and turned her to face him. He flinched from her touch like he’d gotten stung by a bee.

It served him right if their touch had the same effect on him as it did her. Now maybe he could see how she felt.

His voice was calm and soothing when he replied. “Ye have to admit, woman, this all sounds a bit farfetched. If I hadna’ seen what ye did with Colin and the strange clothes I found ye in along with yer phone, I still wouldna’ have believed ye meself. I can feel yer pain and fear. I believe ye’re tellin’ me the truth. And I’m sorry to hear about yer sister. Do ye have any idea how ye got here in the first place?”

“I think . . .” Her gut reaction was to tell him about the amulet, but she decided to keep quiet about it until she had more time for everything to sink in. “I’m not sure about anything right now. I just want to go home and find Beth and make sure she’s okay, and now I’m stuck here, lost in the past without my family, my clothes, and the damn cell phone batteries have died, or else I could show you pictures and prove what I’m talking about.”

Angry that for once she didn’t have control of her situation, she threw herself in his arms and started crying. Her body wouldn’t stop shaking.

Duncan wrapped his arms tightly around her and stroked his fingers through her hair. “I’m sorry, lass. I canna imagine what I’d do if I woke up in yer time. I could only hope I’d meet someone as kind-hearted as ye that would believe me. I promise, I’ll try to find a way to get ye home.”

She stopped crying and ripped a small piece of material from the bottom of the bulky nightshirt and blew her nose. She swallowed small gulps of air and tried to take a few deep breaths, realizing she must come to terms with the circumstances. There was nothing she could do to help Beth right now. Certainly someone had come around looking for them by now and hopefully found Beth safe and sound in the greenhouse. Until she decided what to do next, at least for now she wasn’t alone.

She had to convince herself things could always be worse. She could still hear Beth’s voice from that night of that terrible storm.

Do you ever get the feeling we were born in the wrong time period?

Feeling totally lost and helpless, the thought of that conversation with her sister made her grin.
If only Beth were here with me to meet Duncan. Wouldn’t she be surprised! Let’s face it, if Beth were here, she’d be in her glory, enjoying every minute. Why me?

Duncan stood patiently surveying her sympathetically, his legs spread apart. He smiled that boyish grin when he caught her attention and held his hand out to her.

Keara stepped forward, placing her hand inside his, and was drawn into his arms. With her emotions in turmoil and her adrenaline running amuck, his masculine, musky scent drove her hormones into a wild frenzy. A fire spread through her loins like never before. She couldn’t help herself. Her fingers dug in the center of his shoulder muscles and worked their way to the front of his broad chest. She craved his touch.

A small groan, almost like a soft growl, escaped his lips. He lifted her chin and lowered his inviting mouth over her parted lips. His hands touched her neck and lowered down her shoulders to the hollow of her back before cupping her bottom. He pulled her body close to his and effortlessly lifted her feet off the ground. His mouth covered hers, his kiss slow and hungry for more.

Keara shuddered from the passion he aroused deep inside. Her pulse spinning, his kisses left her mouth burning with fire, awakening fiery passions she never knew existed, begging to be released.

Her lips brushed his chin before she buried her face in his neck. He gently eased back to the ground, his mouth recapturing her lips with a fierce strength. His body shielded hers in a blanket of mounting arousal. The Highlander had awakened a magick she
wanted
to discover. And only with him. But now
was not
the right time.

She kissed the side of his face and whispered in his ear, “I’m afraid we need to stop before we both do something we might regret.”

Chapter 12

The enchantment of the moment was broken by the sound of her voice.
Bloody hell.
What was he thinkin’?
Mo creach
, I was ready to make love to her!

Duncan found himself falling vulnerable under the circumstances. This was too close a call. Their actions proved he must act fast.
As soon as Darby and Colin get back, she needs to leave and get as far away from me as possible.

Her alluring green eyes darkened in pain. Her hands shaking, she stared at him like she’d just lost her best friend. “So, what do you suggest we do next, and where do we go from here?”

“Listen, lass.” He cleared his throat and placed his fingers under her chin. His eyes locked with hers. “I dinna know what to say. Tomorrow, I’m sure things will look better. Here, now. It’s time to finish fixin’ that rabbit. Some fresh meat will do us both some good.”

I dinna think ‘tis the right time to tell her I’ll be leavin’ her behind with Colin as soon as he and Darby return with supplies.
Relief flooded his senses seeing her calmed down and tryin’ her best to accept her circumstances. He couldna imagined how he’d react if things were reversed. At double-arm’s length, they strolled back toward the fire in awkward silence. Duncan could use some time to himself to get his thoughts together. “Would ye want to go and freshen up a wee bit more? I expect ye might want some time alone?”

Keara nodded, her gaze centered on the ground. “Yes, that’s a good idea. Thanks.”

She reminded him of Colin, the way she shuffled her feet, brooding, with her head down. He waited until she was out of sight and slammed a fist in the other hand. He picked up a tin of hot coffee, tasted it, and spit in the fire. Flames sizzled as he picked up his knife and resumed skinning the hare for dinner.
On second thought, maybe I shouldna have let her alone
right now after the way she was actin’.
Bloody hell. This is all I need right now.

His frustration was soon forgotten as their eyes met and he caught sight of her infectious grin.

Her hips swayed above long, slender legs. She wore Colin’s breeches, which stopped just below her knees, exposing bare enticing calves. His gaze lingered on the cleavage between her swollen breasts. Like a floating wispy cloud, her graceful body glided across the rich green grass toward him. She knelt and lowered herself to the ground, sitting next to him, and laid the linen cloth he gave her earlier to bathe with close to the fire to dry. She bent her knees. His skin rippled as he watched her fingers slide smoothly across the material. How he envied the small piece of linen that glided across her silky skin just minutes earlier. He raised his eyes to find her watching him.

“I’m sorry for that sudden outburst, but given the circumstances, I’m not sure of the best way to act after finding out you’ve just been hurled back in time.” She hugged her knees to her chest.

“Ye dinna owe me anything. I’m just glad to see ye smile again. Ye made it back just in time. The meat is ready to eat.” Completely surprised by her composure, he turned his attention to the fire and removed the cooked hare from the heat. He drew his dagger from the leather sheaf wrapped around his boots and carved a piece of the rabbit’s breast and handed it to her. “Be careful not to burn yer lips. ‘Tis hot. If ye dinna mind me askin’, did ye use some of yer magick to settle yerself?”

She daintily picked the piece of meat between her fingers and dangled it in front her and then puckered her lips. The short puffs of air from her mouth sent shivers running up and down his spine. Her mouth twitched with a secretive smile and her eyes sparkled with amusement. She bit off a small piece of meat and watched him cut a leg for himself.

“No magick. I just remembered something Beth told me the last time I saw her. She would have given anything to have this opportunity and be in my shoes. If she were here right now, she’d probably be scolding me to take advantage of the situation. I’m afraid you’d have to meet my sister to understand.”

“Maybe one day I’ll be able to meet her. Right now, I’m glad ye’re feelin’ better.”

From the look on her face, he figured she was up to something. ‘Twas a long time since he’d seen a similar expression, but he hadna forgotten when a woman was schemin’ thoughts in her pretty head.

She licked her fingers and smiled at him. “I meant to ask earlier about your friend Darby. I heard him speaking to you last night before I passed out.”

The leg bone dropped to the ground. “Ye must be mistaken, lass. I didna’ see me friend Darby ‘til first light this morn.”

Afraid his eyes would betray him, he swiveled back to the fire and cut another sliver of the moist breast meat. “I mentioned him earlier, ‘tis probably what’s gotten ye confused.”

“That’s funny. I could have sworn I heard your voice answer him. Only it was . . .”

He watched her eyes widen with concern. Her voice faded in stilled doubt.

“I honestly don’t know what I should do next.” She reached down and picked up a blade of grass and slid it between her fingers. Her gaze focused on some sheep grazing nearby before she gazed back at him. “I guess I should ask where you were heading before you found me. Do you live close by?”

“Nay, my home is quite far from here. I must travel through the rocky terrains of Black Cuillin, home of the Fairy Pools in Glen Brittle. ‘Tis somethin’ important I be needin’ to attend to.” He offered her another piece of meat and reconsidered telling her his intentions.

“Thank you.” She cradled the meat in one hand and pulled a juicy morsel to her lips. She studied him, waiting for him to continue.

“As soon as Colin returns with fresh supplies and appropriate clothes befittin’ a lady, I’ll make sure ye both get back safely to the village. I canna have ye walkin’ into town dressed the way ye are now. I’m afraid the villagers wouldna’ understand and look unkindly toward ye.” She lifted her perfectly formed eyebrows, then tilted her head and frowned. “Aye, ‘tis for the best for the pair of ye. Ye’ll both be safe and can wait there ‘til my return.”

“What about you? You mean you’re not going with us?” Her tone had become cool, her lips parted in surprise.

“I canna have ye and the lad traipsin’ ‘cross rocky mountain terrains and risk somethin’ happenin’ to either one of ye. Ye verra well be much happier sleepin’ in a cozy bed at night with a nice burnin’ peat fire to help keep ye warm.”

She jumped up, her legs stretched apart, and placed her hands on her hips. He recognized her independent spirit bubbling to the surface, a part of her he was starting to become quite familiar with. Her eyes boldly locked with his.

“No, thank you! I remember reading what happened at the Salem Witch Trials to hundreds of innocent people that got accused of witchcraft by a bunch of superstitious people. And I understand it happened a lot here, too. I’m not going to any village where people might get the wrong idea and torture me with all sorts of barbaric gizmos and end up burning me at the stake. I’m sorry, but that isn’t an option. I’m staying with you for the time being, until I find out why I’m here,” she said, defiance in her tone.

He sighed in frustration. “Even if ye both
could
make the trek across the rough terrain, ‘tis still too difficult a journey from the Fairy Pools to Dunscaith Castle for the likes of a wee lass such as yerself. ‘Tis best that Colin stay with ye. Besides, ye can keep each other company. I promise I’ll come back for ye both.”

He winked at her, attempting to make her smile. To his dismay, her cheeks grew red and her eyes glared back at his. “I’m
not
staying behind. And neither is Colin. Do you
really
think the owner of that wicked voice will leave either one of us alone now?”

He rose to his feet. The muscles in his arms bulged as he crossed them in front of his chest. “I’m afraid,
woman
, ye dinna have a say in the matter.”

“Excuse me, but did you just call me
woman
? Humph! Since when did you become my boss?” In defiance, she lifted her chin, now set in a stubborn line, and met his eyes.

Samson rubbed against their legs and sat down between them. The purring ball of fluff turned his head from one to the other.

“Ye’re an infuriatin’ woman. Do all women from where ye’re from act like ye?”

“Yes. I guess for the most part you could say that.” A faint hint of amusement crossed her face. Her lips parted as her face broke into a smile. “And please, stop calling me
woman
. My name’s Keara, remember?”

He stared at her inviting mouth and resisted the strong temptation to grab her into his arms and devour her sweet-tasting lips with his own.

Fingers grasped his arm and her soft voice brought him back to his senses.

“So how soon do we leave?” she asked.

As he seriously pondered his reply, he spied Colin’s bow and arrows lying beside the lad’s belongings. An idea popped into his head. He rubbed his chin a minute in deep thought. This might be the perfect time to discover if the golden amulet he found on Keara actually belonged to her or someone else. “Verra well. What say we wager a small gamble?”

“A bet? Just what kind of stakes did you have in mind?” She frowned and cocked an eyebrow.

“If ye can prove to me ye can take care of yerself so I dinna ‘ave to worry, then I’ll agree to let ye come along. If not, then ye must agree to head back with Colin and stay with him and me sister outside Dunvegan Castle ‘til my return. Agreed?”

Her lips puckered, she raised both eyebrows and stared at him. It was hard not to grin as he watched her ponder over his offer. After a brief hesitation, she finally answered him. “Okay, it’s a deal under two conditions. First, I won’t kill anything. And secondly, as long as you don’t ask me to dive off the cliff for a swim in the ocean, then I agree.”

“Aye, lass. A deal then, it is.” He strolled over to the bundle and grabbed Colin’s bow and arrows. He swiveled, picked up a few stones, and laid them in front of his feet before standing to face her. “If you can stand here and shoot one of these arrows from this bow over top of that big bolder layin’ across from the thick hedge, then ye can stay. To be fair, ye dinna have to hit a target, just make sure ye get the arrow to fly directly over top of the stone. I’ll give ye three tries.”

She fell silent, a look of determination spread over her face. She walked over and took the bow and a single arrow from his hand before placing her feet firmly on the ground next to the stones. Raising the bow and aiming it toward the targeted boulder, the arrow wobbled side to side as her fingers tried to steady it. His heart immediately took pity on her feeble attempt.

“Nay, lass. Ye’re gonna hurt yerself. Let me show ye how to hold the bow and where to put the arrow. This first try willna count.” He wrapped his arms around her warm body. Her steady heartbeat thundered in his ears. She leaned her head to the side and pushed her body in the concave of his chest. He fought the urge to kiss her smooth, exposed neck. To help focus on the matter at hand, he bit his tongue and helped her draw the taut bowstring and told her when to release her fingers from the arrow. He stepped back and took in a deep breath.

“Thanks, I think I can do this.” She took another arrow from him and smiled.

He watched her place the arrow on the bow like he showed her and aim toward her target. She opened her mouth and took in a couple deep breaths, pulled back the arrow as far as she could, closed her eyes, and released. He watched the arrow soar free as a bird, the shaft whizzing through the air. He couldna believe his verra own eyes. The tip of the arrow glided over the very center of the boulder.

Keara squealed in delight. “By the Goddess, I can’t believe I did it!”

Like a delighted child, she jumped up and down and twirled her body around. “Do you mind if I try it again?”

Grinning to himself, he handed her another arrow. ‘Twas only beginner’s luck. ‘Twas no way she could do it again. He watched her mount the arrow, draw back the bowstring and fire another arrow perfectly over top of the boulder. She succeeded three times in a row. Shaking his head, he wandered over to his saddle bag and removed the small leather pouch. She was standing behind him when he stood and faced her. Her face lit with a smile, her eyes sparkling up at him.

He reached down and grabbed her hand. “Aye, here, lass. I’m right proud of ye. Ye’ve won fair and square. Here. ‘Twas inside yer hand when I found ye. I’ve been keeping it safe until ye asked for it, but I think it’s time I return it to its rightful owner. Now I’m sure. But I warn ye to guard it well and keep it out of sight. I know Gabrielle is lookin’ for this, and I’m afraid she’ll stop at nothin’ now ‘til she finds it.”