Highlander's Bride: Medieval Romance (The Fae Book 1) (7 page)

“Mmm, so divine.” She cupped the back of his head, her fingers spearing through his hair as she held his mouth against her. “I need to touch you too. Show me what you want me to do within your mind.”

He gave her the image, of her hand wrapping around his aching shaft, of how he wanted her to stroke him and she shuffled back a touch, lifted his shirt hem and wrapped her hand around his erection. No hesitation. She touched him as if she owned him, which she did. All of him. Such a kaleidoscope of emotions roared through him, from pleasure to pain and everything in between. “I’m going to touch you below as well, Kyla. I promise to be careful.”

“I trust you.”

“Aye, as those who are mated do.” He nudged her legs a little farther apart, the heady aroma of her arousal swirling around him. Along her hot inner folds, he stroked, back and forth until he slid one finger deep inside her channel.

“Oh, that feels exquisite.” She captured his mouth and kissed him, her lips moving over his in the most divine way.

Hell, his woman certainly knew how to kiss, to stoke the fire deep inside him into raging life. All he wanted to do right now was toss her onto her back, dive between her legs and imbibe at the very heart of her. Instead, he plunged a second finger inside her and caressed her in time with how she stroked him. She was his sustenance, the only woman who would own him, heart, body and soul and he never wanted this moment to end.

Fondling her deep inside, he allowed his hunger for her to roar to life and as he did, she swiped her thumb over the head of his cock, made a buzz of sensations fire up at the base of his spine and sizzle around to the front. His cock wept for more and he pushed deeper into her incredible touch. “Dinnae stop what you’re doing to me.” He seized her mouth, swept his tongue into the hot cavern and tasted the incredible honeyed recesses within. “I want a lifetime with you, beginning right now, Kyla.”

“I can see everything you wish for me to do within your mind and I hope I’m getting it right.” She pumped his shaft, gently cupped his balls with her other hand and he gritted his teeth to keep from coming. Nay, he wouldn’t allow his passion its release until he’d wrung hers from her as well.

He drove his fingers into her, tapped a spot that made her cry out with pleasure then whimper for even more as she heaved her breasts harder against his chest. With one more flick of his thumb over her nub, she exploded, her inner core dragging his fingers ever deeper inside her as she came, over and over.

No longer could he hold back. As she pumped him, he let go and fire shot through him, his essence spurting free in one fast burn.

His seed coated her fingers and he roared his pleasure, the silken strands of their mated bond weaving even more fully together. Panting against her lips, he murmured, “Marry me, Kyla. Be my wife.”

* * * *

Kyla slumped on top of Ronan, pure pleasure still racing through her body and his request for marriage resounding in her head. When his cock had pulsed in her hand, his essence had streamed so hot and thick from him and her inner channel had sucked greedily at his fingers. This was passion, what she’d never have with Duncan, never wanted to have with any other than him. How she wanted her chosen one to simply take her away from this place so she no longer had to think, only that was impossible. Touching her forehead against his, she gave a little shake of her head. “I cannae marry you, no’ when my parents’ safety will come into question. I fear for them, greatly.”

“Tell me why. Your papa holds the battle skill and your mama the ability to foresee another’s death. They are strong in their own rights, are safe and well.”

“Should I choose you, then they will forfeit their lives.” She flopped onto her back on the mossy ground beside him. She’d loved each and every one of his kisses and even though they hadn’t joined in the way of man and wife, in that moment when his seed had rushed forth from him, she’d desperately wished that his essence had instead spurted deep inside her. “I’ve been protecting them my entire life. They are why I’ve never left the MacKenzie’s keep. I’ve never even attempted to make contact with them.”

“Explain everything to me.” He edged up onto his side, stroked one hand down her arm and looked into her eyes. “You’re carrying a burden you’ve no need to.”

“The day I was abducted by Colin MacKenzie, he decreed that one day I’d wed one of his three sons, that he wished for my fae blood to flow strongly through his line. He also warned me that should I ever defy him then he’d ensure my parents’ death. He knows naught of my skill, has never told another of my fae blood in case my parents hear of it.”

“I can warn your parents of his threat, ensure they’re kept safe behind the fortified walls of the House of Clan Matheson rather than at the village. Your mama will know if any harm is about to befall either your papa or herself. That is the beauty of her skill. She can keep them both safe if you but allow it.” He stroked a finger under her chin and down the long column of her neck. “You arenae a child anymore. ’Tis time for you to live, to bind yourself to me and to learn all about your true clan.”

“Colin always keeps his word.” Hot tears burned behind her eyes. “He’ll hurt them.”

Determination flared in his gaze. “I’ll make certain your parents take every precaution.”

“There is more.”

“Tell me. Whatever fears you have I’ll aid you in overcoming them.”

“Duncan and I are betrothed. We’re to speak vows when he returns from Ardan House in a few days’ time.” She couldn’t halt the scorching stream of hot tears from flowing down her cheeks. “I’ve made such a mess of things. I truly couldnae see past the threat to my parents’ lives, regardless of their fae abilities. If I could be taken from them, then they surely could be too.”

“I understand, and you’ve done all you could these past twenty years, what you believed would be best. No’ only will I speak to your parents, but I’ll also speak with Duncan about your betrothal and explain the turn of events. I’ll certainly never allow you to wed him, no’ while there’s still breath in my body. I will fight for you.” Firm words, and as she delved deeper within his mind, she saw the absolute truth of them. He’d never let her go, not now he’d finally found her.

“Both Coll and Duncan have known who I was from the very beginning. A few days afore my abduction, Mama took me to Colin’s stronghold after receiving a vision about his sons. She feared for them and though I cannae explain why, ’tis the truth. I trust them, and neither have ever raised arms against a Matheson and never shall. That I give you my word on.”

“I can see how great your love is for them, but ’tis you and I who are soul bound.” He rose to his feet and pulled her to hers, lifted her fingers to his lips and kissed each one. “I’ll make things right, go and see Duncan and speak to him of our bond.”

“You make everything sound so simple. What if it isnae? What if my parents are harmed, and all because I chose you over Duncan? I would never be able to live with myself if it all went terribly wrong.”

“We cannae control other people’s actions, only our own. All I ask is that you take a leap of faith and accept my aid. Dinnae give up the good fight, for I know your parents never would. Come, let’s wash up so we can dress and leave. I have much to do to secure your hand in marriage, which now includes breaking your betrothal to another and ensuring your parents are kept safe.” He leaned over the side of the pool, scooped water and splashed himself clean.

“I want to come with you when you leave to see Duncan.” She cleaned herself, righted her shift.

“War rages at present. How often do you ride for Ardan?” He set a hand at her back and steered her around the pool toward their belongings, picked up his plaid and wrapped it around her.

“Duncan has become fiercely overprotective of late. I’m permitted to come this far from the keep since we have guards positioned along the main trail routes, but—” Oh, she’d clear forgotten. “Gordon came with me this day and hunts nearby. He’ll be awaiting my call so we can return.”

“I’ll deal with Gordon.” He caught her hand, pressed it against his thumping heartbeat. “My disguise is in place and he will know me only as Rand MacKenzie until I’ve spoken with your brother. I’ll never allow another to toss me back into your dungeons and keep me away from you.”

She spread her hand over his wet tunic, the fabric clinging to his muscled body and displaying every deliciously sculptured plane. Sweeping downward, she stroked over his rigid abs which tightened under her touch. Her mate was an elixir of the most decadent sort, one she would crave for the rest of her life and of that she had no doubt. She’d take this chance given to her, to try and claim back all she’d ever lost. “You’re mine.”

“Aye, as you’re mine.” He slowly lowered to one knee, brought her hand to his mouth and pressed his lips against her palm. “I have something I must say to you, and to do so afore we return to Coll’s keep.”

“You do?”

“Aye. From this day forth I give you my oath, Kyla. With my body and all that I am, I will honor you. I wish to give you my name, for my clan to be yours, for us to live as man and wife. I give you my word I’ll keep you safe, honor your needs and desires above my own, watch over your nearest and dearest as well.” He looked deep into her eyes. “This day I give you my full and complete protection. You hold the other half of my soul, and never will I release you to another.”

A slow heat invaded her limbs, a rippling wave of warmth that spread through her body. No one had ever declared such an oath to her. She sank to her knees, his words touching her very heart and soul. “I too would like to give you my oath. With my body and all that I am, I will honor your needs above my own, accept your full and complete protection. I hold the other half of your soul, and I will never release it to another. I wish to place my trust in you, to no longer give Colin any control over me.”

“You do me the greatest honor with such an oath.” He slid one hand around the back of her head, his fingers spearing through her damp tresses as he leaned in, his lips a whisper from hers.

“Ronan Matheson!” Gordon stormed out from behind a tree, and her heart almost catapulted from her chest. “Your disguise certainly would have fooled me had you no’ just admitted to the truth. I shall never allow you anywhere near my lady. She is betrothed to my laird, no other oaths permitted. You clearly wish to go to war with us.”

“You misunderstand. I am here only to claim my chosen one.” Ronan pushed her in behind him, shielding her with his body just as Gordon slid his sword free from its sheath.

“I’ve misunderstood naught.” Gordon charged forward and Ronan snatched his sword from his pile of belongings on the ground and slammed his blade into Gordon’s.

Their weapons clashed and steel rang loud against steel.

Gordon heaved back and thrust again.

Ronan blocked Gordon’s next swift blow. “Put your weapon down, man. You could too easily harm Kyla.”

“Leave this place now and I’ll ensure she comes to no harm.” Gordon’s gaze glinted with loathing. “You have no right to be here on MacKenzie land.”

“Nay, this madness must stop.” She rushed forward and Ronan blocked her, pushed her back.

“Clearly you wish to revisit your cell.” Gordon attacked and Ronan ducked his swift strike, whirled around and swiped his blade across Gordon’s chest, metal scraping over metal.

“My next strike will be where you’ll bleed. Make no mistake.” Ronan dropped low, swept his leg out and kicked Gordon across his knees.

Toppling, Gordon hauled his dagger free, went to throw it but he slammed to the ground and hit his head on a protruding rock. Skin split open and blood gushed forth, his dagger embedded in his own wrist from the fall.

“Damn it.” Ronan scanned the trees, hunkered down and pressed two fingers to Gordon’s neck. “His heart still beats, albeit slow and unsteady.”

“You should’ve allowed me to explain things to him.” She dropped down beside him. “Gordon wouldnae have raised his sword against you if I had. Duncan allows none within his ranks to harm one of the fae, a stipulation all have agreed to, including Gordon and even though he does no’ hold a great deal of love for your clan, he still abides by Duncan’s decree. Even the two guards who flayed you have been sent far away.”

“Gordon barely gave me the chance to speak, let alone you.” He tore a strip from the hem of his black tunic and wrapped the cloth around Gordon’s head, tore another length off, pulled Gordon’s dagger from his wrist and bound the deep wound. “He’ll need stitches or else he’ll bleed out. I shouldnae have forgotten he remained so close by. Cherub and Kirk warned me you had a guard and it clear slipped my mind.”

“I’ll stitch his wounds the moment we return to the keep.” She’d been cavorting with her mate when an entire garrison of highly trained warriors remained so very close by. “This is all my fault. Gordon’s allegiance belongs to Duncan and he knew of my betrothal, clearly considered you a direct threat when he heard our oaths. Until you speak to Duncan, you must no’ tell another exactly who you are.”

“I agree. I’ll remain as Rand.”

Blood leaked through the cloth wrapped around Gordon’s wrist and she tore a strip from her shift and bound another layer of cotton around it. Good. The flow eased with the added pressure and no longer stained the cloth. She lifted Gordon’s closed eyelids, the whites of his eyes showing and a massive bruise blooming on his forehead. “He is out to it, well and truly.”