Highland Defiance (The MacLomain Series- Early Years) (16 page)

“Let me explain, Mildred.”

Stunned, she spun.

Adlin?

It couldn’t be. But there he was on horseback, framed by the setting sun, a fur cloak wrapped over his strong shoulders. Before she could release a healthy stream of words, he got off his horse and strode her way. Though she shook her head avidly she allowed him to pull her into his arms, allowed him to shelter her trembling body.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered into her hair.
“So sorry.”

“You should be,” she muttered but didn’t pull away. He felt too good.

“We must go in and eat, brother,” Iosbail said softly.

Adlin pulled back slightly and cupped her face in his warm hands. “This is a place of shelter for us but one that will only last for a day. Then Bruce will be here.”

It was on the tip of her tongue to ask him to transport her home but it suddenly felt like if she said it then it might happen. Looking up into his intense eyes Mildred knew the very last thing she wanted to do right now was go home. She needed a few more hours at least… with him.

“All right,” she whispered.

When was it that she’d gone from being petrified of being in medieval Scotland to wanting…no,
needing,
to stay here?

“Come with me, lass.”

Adlin took her hand and led her into the keep. A reflection of the outside, the inside was square, very tall and toasty warm. Thin steps led up to several levels but as a whole it was a very open concept with a fire in the center. Bread and sweets baked, meat roasted, filling the air with a rich, heady aroma. A single pipe trilled from somewhere unseen.

Tables were placed randomly with large torches stemming out from the walls. Well-armed clansmen hung their weapons on wall hooks to sit with family. Women and elderly smiled. Children played happily.

She’d never felt so comfortable.

And safe.

Wind whistled through thin arrow slits stemming up the whole of the structure but instead of seeming cold and lonely, the eerie sounds somehow only added to the coziness of everything.

“It’s amazing,” she whispered.

“Aye,” Adlin responded and pulled her further in. “It’s the highlands, lass.
The
real
highlands.”
He leaned over and whispered in her ear. “This holding is at the truest peak of Scotland. The northern most point.
‘Tis special.”

“Why?”

“You’ll see.”

Their eyes met. She really would see, didn’t doubt it for a second.

Logan walked over. He and Adlin shook hands in the way of the Scots, hand to elbow. “’Tis been too long, old friend.”

“Aye,” Adlin nodded. “You have done well by the MacLomain clan with this. Many thanks.”

“Despite my brother’s beliefs, I know you’ve been good to the MacLeod’s as well over the years.” His eyes flickered to Mildred then back to Adlin. “You know that Bruce is trying to find a reason to go to war with you.”

Adlin chuckled, his hand on the small of her back. “He has been for years.”

Logan’s eyes appeared haunted for a moment before he smiled and looked Iosbail’s way. “She hasn’t changed a bit.
Still as feisty as ever.”

Mildred’s eyes widened as she watched Iosbail flirt shamelessly with several MacLeod clansmen, all of whom flirted right back. Confused, she looked at Adlin. He looked at Logan. “Mind if I explain?”

“Aye, lad. ‘Tis fine.”
Logan winked at Mildred and strode off.

Adlin nodded at Iosbail. “The marriage is for the tie of the clans only and to appease Bruce. Logan’s loved
another lass
for years. Besides, Iosbail would never agree to be tied down to one lad.”

“Ah.” Mildred sat next to Adlin on a bench facing the fire. “And the whole of the clan understands apparently.”

“Those who are here.
When Bruce and his retinue arrive all will change. Iosbail and Logan will appear the ever devoted husband and wife.”

A woman handed her and Adlin goblets, her eyes lingering on the MacLomain laird a second too long before she sauntered off. Mildred ignored a sharp jolt of jealousy and asked, “Will Iosbail stay here, then?”

Adlin shrugged. “You never know with her.” His eyes glinted with amusement. “I suppose it will depend on if she finds someone to her liking.”

Despite the contentment she felt being with Adlin, she couldn’t help but wonder what part she ultimately played in all of this. “I don’t want to marry Bruce.” Her eyes met his. “You won’t let that happen, will you?”

Chin jutted forward, Adlin’s eyes grew dark.
“Nay.
Never.”

A strange, intimate pleasure warmed her body far better than the roaring fire and she pressed her legs together. It was less what he’d said but more how he’d said it that made her cheeks burn and throat turn dry. Without meaning to she whispered, “I don’t know you nearly well enough.”

What had she said exactly?

But she knew.

Adlin took her hand and squeezed gently, his piercing blue eyes were sharply enhanced by thick black lashes in this light.

He knew too.

Though she should be shocked by what she’d implied the idea of losing her virginity to Adlin seemed the most natural and enticing thing in the world. After all, hadn’t she been ready and willing on the beach last night?

“’Tis good whiskey in your cup, lass.
You should try it.”

Mildred looked warily at it but took a sip simply because he’d suggested it. Though it burned a little the flavor was considerably better than what she’d had the previous night.

Adlin smiled. “Not bad, aye?”

Questions should be asked. Answers should be given. Yet when their eyes met, Mildred knew that tonight was not the time. Tomorrow was another day. Her eyes scanned the holding as she took another sip. No, tonight was one of peace and not worrying about what might come next. This night belonged to her and Adlin. A little blip in time that she knew with all her heart would change her life.

As if he read her thoughts, Adlin said, “Tomorrow is ours as well, Mildred.” He brought the back of her hand to his lips and she shivered. Then he brought her hand to his chest.
“And far beyond that.”

A heavy swallow lodged in her throat. Desire coursed through her body.

The same woman who had brought their drinks wandered over with some bread. Adlin nodded and took some. Instead of handing her a piece he brought it to her mouth. “Take a bite.”

 Mildred didn’t hesitate but stared into his eyes and took a bite of the warm, sweet bread. It melted in her mouth. When she moaned in pleasure she’d swear he did the same, the sound a faint rumble within his chest. The fire crackled, the pipes played and he fed her the rest of the bread before she knew it. Thirsty, she took several sips of her whiskey and sighed in contentment.

“Are you comfortable now, Mildred,” he whispered in her ear.

Never more so.
In fact, life had never seemed more perfect. Tempted to ask him if he was working his magic on her, Mildred smiled. No need to ask anymore. He could work his magic as much as he liked.

The crowd seemed to be coming to life as the first rays of moon sliced through the arrow thin windows overhead. They created an ethereal cathedral of soft, seductive lunar light through the light layer of smoke billowing upward. The effect was stunning.

With the last sips from her goblet came another fresh cup full. The one lone pipe was joined by several more. Iosbail was the first to spin around the fire, her long hair and lithe body a tempting centerpiece for most hot-blooded men in the chamber. Mesmerizing, she spun and spun until several joined her. The more she spun the more clansfolk joined, men, women and children alike.

Adlin again whispered in her ear. “Would you like you dance?”

She thought of when they’d danced the night before. “If I do, will you look at me this time?”

Before she knew it he had her spinning around the fire, their bodies close, his promise in her ear. “I’ll never stop looking at you.”

For a split second she thought he also said, “and for you.”

But it must’ve been her imagination because when her eyes met his, nothing else existed but the two of them. No words. No doubt, there was nothing but them, together here and now.

Mildred had never been more consumed in her life. Taller than most in the chamber, Adlin’s tartan wrapped over a dark tunic, his wide shoulders and slim waist built perfectly for his plaid. Black boots made up his ensemble, a great platform for his quick moves. It was no wonder he owned the admiration of all women.

None of that mattered though. She felt no jealousy as Adlin pulled her against his body until she didn’t know where she ended and he began. As they moved, the scent of his body hit her nostrils.
Musk and spice.
All male.

People laughed. The fire roared. 

They danced.

She laughed. Wickedly, freely, she laughed.

Seconds, minutes, hours passed.

Not nearly soon enough, Adlin whispered in her ear, “Time for you to come with me, love.”

Following him proved to be the turning point in her life.

Chapter Seven

The steps were thin and narrow.

But her heart was full.

“Walk with care. We go to the top.”

Mildred walked up the steps, Adlin right behind. Torches jutted out over her head. Each arrow slit window was placed about every fifteen feet. The higher they climbed the more the wind whistled a constant breeze that reminded her how very cold it was outside. With no hand railing this walk seemed extremely treacherous. She made a point of not looking down.

“I’m right behind you,” Adlin reminded, his hand skirting her outer hip.

Mildred tried to ignore the way his hand felt on her body and continued to concentrate on the odd climb. At last, she realized that there was nothing left but a brick wall.

“There.” Adlin steered her to the right down a short hallway.

Tentative, she walked down the dark, stone hallway until she entered a small room. Inside the chamber she found not a square room but one hexagonally shaped. Instead of more arrow shaped windows, there was one oddly shaped window. It was round with an x shape inside, much like a too-symmetrical cross on a pedestal. Beneath it was a long, rectangular shape with Celtic symbols inscribed in it. The whole thing looked rather like a large mystical key hole.

To the left was a burning fire, to the right a full bed with a curved headboard protected by long, white curtains of sheer fabric. The whole thing seemed rather out of place.

Adlin took her hand and pulled her close to his side, nodding at the strange window. “It’s called the ‘Highland Defiance.’” His arm wrapped around her midriff. “Only the greatest loves end up in her presence.”

“Really?”
Mildred asked, truly awed.

“No,” Adlin smelled her hair.
“’Tis actually a thing of war.”

Mildred frowned and turned in his arms. “That window doesn’t seem a thing you should joke about.”