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Book One
By
Sky Purington
WHEN MILLY IS HIRED by an anonymous client interested in selling his New Hampshire colonial, she’s drawn not only to his sexy brogue over the phone but to the house itself. Unfortunately, when she arrives, she finds the home abandoned and the man who contacted her non-existent. If that isn’t enough, the mystery only deepens when she discovers something in the attic she dreamt about as a child. A Claddagh ring that whisks her back in time to medieval Scotland.
Reborn into a new life, Laird Adlin MacLomain knows things are about to get complicated. Devoted to both William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, he and his clan are determined to fight in the First War of Scottish Independence. However, it will take more than brawn and battle skills to see their country through to freedom. It’s going to take help from the future. Specifically, from a lass named Milly.
When Adlin and Milly connect across time, enemies take notice. England becomes more of a threat, as well as its unknown allies. After all, there’s power to be had in a Scottish Laird and a modern day woman finding each other...remembering one another. The life they once shared. The love that was theirs. More so, the strength and perseverance they were capable of together. Will it be enough to fight all that’s coming their way? Find out in Sworn to a Highland Laird.
Dedication
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For Sir William Wallace and Andrew de Moray.
May history never forget what you did for your beloved country.
Pro Libertate!
29 March 1296
South Berwick, Scotland
A royal burgh just north of the Scottish border
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“WE SHOULD DO something.” Adlin narrowed his eyes on King Edward I’s troops. “Nothing good will come from this, Grant.”
“Nay,” Grant said softly as his eyes trailed from Edward Longshanks’ army to the vulnerable village. “But there is naught we can do, laddie. Not this time around.”
Adlin freed his sword and sneered. “I’ve enough magic alone to change this.” He shook his head. “To stop the slaughter.”
“This slaughter is meant to be and has been since Margaret, Maid of Norway and Queen of Scots’ death in our Lord’s year, twelve ninety.” Grant placed his hand on Adlin’s blade and shook his head. “Since then Edward has had his hands in this one way or another because of his sister Margaret of England’s claim to the Scottish throne.”
“I dinnae need a history lesson.” Adlin lowered his weapon but did not sheath it. “I need to help defend these people.”
“Nay, ye need to let this period of history unfold as it will,” Grant counseled. “Ye need to restrain yer rage and pay attention. Ye should watch their every move so that ye can spread the word about their battle tactics.” His mentor’s wizened old eyes met his. “So that we might steer this country in the direction it must go.”
Adlin braced his hand against a tree and hung his head as Edward’s men roared and attacked. As innocent men, women, and children were killed. “I still dinnae see why we cannae stop this battle. Ye and I alone could do it easily. End Longshanks’ army now and mayhap alter his confidence in all future endeavors.”
“’Tis not our place, lad. Not yet.” Grant’s gentle hand landed on his shoulder. “We are not gods but men given a glimpse into the past. A glimpse at how we might help steer things.”
“We are not just men...” Adlin whispered but didn’t finish his statement because he knew Grant was right. History had to unfold as it would until they could take part.
Edward’s troops must capture South Berwick which would spark the First War of Scottish Independence. This would lead to the rise of Sir William Wallace followed years later by King Robert the Bruce.
All of this had to happen.
Scotland needed to have her history.
It was not long before William the Hardy, Lord of Douglas and his garrison surrendered the castle, and South Berwick was taken. All the while, Adlin did as he was told. He watched and learned as he murmured prayers to God for the fallen. For all the people he could not help.
The truth of it was, despite Grant’s words and reasoning, neither of them could do a thing anyway. Not without help from the future and a certain ring, perhaps even rings. Had he tried to defend these people, his blade would have slid through thin air. After all, they weren’t really here. Not quite yet.
“’Tis time for ye to reach out to her, and finally become part of the past,” Grant murmured.
The past.
A complicated place in more ways than one.
“Will she be ready for me though,” Adlin murmured. “’Tis a lot...all of this...”
“She is ready, lad, and will want to connect with ye.” Grant’s eyes met Adlin’s, and he nodded. “The time has come at last to find yer long lost love...‘tis time for ye to find Mildred.”
North Salem, New Hampshire
October 2017
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MILLY ROLLED DOWN HER car windows, smiled and let the cool New England air fill her lungs as she drew closer.
“Are you almost there, darling?” Lindsay asked, her voice soft and raspy through the car speakers as she sampled yet another tone for an upcoming role.
“God, what part are you auditioning for now, Linds?” Christina asked, her voice mocking through the speakers as they all conference called. “Marilyn Monroe gets laryngitis but still aims for sexy?”
“You’re almost there, aren’t you?” came Jessica’s too-calm voice. “Can you see the house yet, Milly?”
“Nope,” she responded. “But I can sure as hell see it in my mind’s eye.”
“And in the pictures strewn across your passenger seat,” Jessica murmured.
“The very same I’m looking at online,” Christina added. “The house that’s finally going to lead you to Mr. Right, Milly.”
“Oh, I doubt that,” she said softly, glad to have her friends along even if they were just on the phone. She had met them almost two years ago in an online forum created by a woman named Cassie. The purpose of the group was to bring together anyone of Broun lineage descending from Scotland.
“There’s something to be said for a brogue,” Lindsay murmured, her voice even breathier. “The way it gets inside you.”
“Um, Linds, what’re you up to on the other end of the line?” There was a smirk in Christina’s voice. “Because it sounds like you might need some privacy.”
“Ha ha,” Lindsay said, her voice still smoldering as she likely looked in the mirror and tried to work out an expression for whoever she was portraying. “A lady never...”
Suddenly, Lindsay’s voice cut off and the line went dead.
Milly frowned and tried to reconnect with everyone, but hit a dead zone. It was probably for the best, all things considered. They would have insisted she keep them on the line until the moment she arrived at the house and deep down, she wanted that moment to be hers and hers alone.
Well, hers and the man waiting for her.
From the moment the mysterious Scotsman called asking her to sell his house, her thoughts had been in a whirlwind. Not just because of the sound of his voice but because of his old colonial. Her eyes flickered to the pictures on the seat next to her. How long had she been staring at them? Days, weeks, months? If not for the date on her phone marking when he first contacted her, she wouldn’t know. She had become too drawn...obsessed even. She had been dealing in real estate for years, but something about this property was different.
It called to her.
He called to her.
Not just literally, but in ways she could not explain. It was as if she had heard his voice before. Like he was trying to remind her of that without actually saying the words. Which made no sense at all. She sighed and shook her head. Why was she reading so much into this? He had said nothing out of the ordinary. Nothing that should make her feel this way.
She tried to stop obsessing as she turned onto a long dirt road but knew it was pointless. He had already gotten to her. Not just with his sexy accent, but with the timbre of his voice. It was deep and warm, reverberating down to places that had been dormant for far too long. Her ex, Jim never invoked that kind of response. Not even close.
Almost as if Jim knew he had crossed her mind the phone rang.
“Hey, sweetie,” she answered as her eyes locked on the ranch style house she was passing. Wide-eyed, she slowed down and stared. Somehow she knew that place. “Can I call you back, Jim?”
“Sure but first, did you make it to the house in Salem yet? I know you were anxious to.”
“I did.” She stopped in front of the ranch and continued staring at it, dumbfounded.
“What is it, Milly?” There was a frown in his voice. “Something’s wrong, isn’t it?”
“No,” she whispered, trying to figure out why she was having such a strong sense of déjà vu. Even the bench seat out front seemed familiar. As if she had sat on it a hundred times before.
“Mildred,” Jim persisted. “I know something’s wrong. What is it?”
Milly flinched, snapped out of it and continued down the road. “You know I don’t like to be called that.”
“Right, too old fashioned for an up and coming real estate mogul,” he mocked, but his voice remained affectionate. “Seriously, are you okay?”
After dating for years, she and Jim realized they were better off as friends. It wasn’t anything personal they just weren’t enough for each other. They lacked fire and passion and realized friendship was a better option. Now he was her closest friend, and she could not imagine it any other way.
“I’m fine just eager I suppose.” She eyed her reflection in the rearview mirror to make sure she looked her best. Her thick dark hair was pulled back in a twist, and her eye make-up done to perfection to highlight her sky blue eyes. Though it was a little chilly, she had opted for a slim fitting business suit that accentuated her long legs.
As she continued down the road, she admired her surroundings. Fall colors were just kicking in, and green leaves were splashed with sunlit pockets of bright red, pale yellow, and burnt orange.
“Foghar,” she whispered.
“Right, you’re eager to see an old house out in the middle of nowhere,” Jim started before he said, “Wait, what did you say? I didn’t quite catch that last part.”
Because she had not meant to say it. Foghar? What did that mean?
“Autumn, lass,” whispered through her mind. “’Tis your time.”
Milly pressed the heel of her palm to her forehead and shook her head. Since when did she think with a brogue? That became the least of her worries when she came to the end of the road and laid eyes on the colonial and the huge barn across from it. In pristine condition and unexpectedly beautiful, the property was, by all accounts, a gold mine.
Yet, like the ranch she had passed, all she could do was stare as chills rushed through her. Somehow, though she had never been here before, she knew this place. All of it. The barn, house, even the gnarly old oak tree out front. As if in a dream she parked, got out and started toward the house only to be stopped short by an unexpected male voice.
“May I help you, miss?”
Astounded that she had missed the slick black luxury car already parked there or the tall, handsome man leaning against it, she frowned. Dressed as dark as his car in a tasteful suit, he wore sunglasses that hid what she knew was a thorough appraisal of her.
She didn’t bother confirming her identity but instead said, “And you are?”
“St. Paul,” he replied with an unusual British accent as he held out his hand. “Phillip St. Paul, with United Kingdom Realty.”
“Milly Broun.” She gave his hand a firm shake and kept her cell at the ready just in case. “I was unaware another agency had been contacted. As far as I knew, I was the sole agent on this property.” She looked around. “Has the owner shown up yet?”
“Actually, my company represents the former owner.” He cocked his head. “You do know he’s deceased, yes?”
Startled, she shook her head, taken aback by the way her chest grew tight and breathing became difficult. “What do you mean he’s deceased? I just spoke with him a few days ago.”
“I am afraid that is impossible, Ms. Broun.” Phillip’s lips turned down. “My client passed away last month.”
“What?” she whispered. Though tempted to double check to make sure she had the right address, she knew she did. “That’s impossible.”
“I assure you he did,” Phillip said. “He passed away right here, in the home he was born and raised in. Just as he wished.”
“Born and raised?” She shook her head. “But the man I spoke with had an accent.”
“Did he?” Though it was subliminal, she didn’t miss the interest in his voice. “Then I am afraid you must be the victim of a hoax.”
So it seemed.
“Would you mind showing me your business card, Mr. St. Paul?” she asked.
“Of course.” He pulled out a card and handed it to her.
Though it could be a forgery and she would never know it, she made a point of looking it over. “Forgive me if I seem rude, but why would someone local hire an international real estate agency?”
“I don’t know, Ms. Broun,” he replied. “I wish I could be more helpful.”
She got the impression he was looking her over again. Partly checking her out and partly assessing how smart she might be. Unsure how to proceed, her eyes went to the house. If he represented the property, then there was no point in her being here. Yet the thought of driving away made her stomach flip.
“Would you mind if I did a walk through?” she said softly before she could stop herself.
“Are you in the market for a new home, Ms. Broun?”
“No,” she replied. “At least I wasn’t until...”
When she trailed off, he bowed slightly and made a flourish with his hand toward the house. “Might I escort you in then?”
Her eyes widened at his old fashioned mannerisms and words.
“Um...” Way to sound professional. But all of this was a little offsetting. And heaven knew she was not interested in moving here. She liked her place in Newmarket.
“Please.” Phillip put his hand to the small of her back. “I insist.”
Instead of thanking him and heading out, she found herself being escorted inside. The minute she stepped through the front door, she felt like she was walking into a dream. Everything was so familiar it was surreal. She knew this place every bit as much as she had the ranch.
With low ceilings typical for homes built in the early eighteenth century, the house was in excellent condition and remarkably clean. As she walked through she swore she saw it as it might have been. Sometimes with nineteen-forties décor, other times more modern. As if she had witnessed it in two different time periods. But how was that possible?
As she climbed the stairs to the second floor, her sense of familiarity only grew. She knew these rooms as though she had lived in them. When she looked at the attic door, more chills swept through her. What was with this place?
Curious, she opened the door only to feel an even stronger sense of recognition. She had walked up these stairs as a child in her dreams. Over and over. Looking for something. A treasure created just for her. No, not just for her. For another too. Milly flew up the stairs just as she had in her dreams expecting to find...what? She blinked several times and shook her head once she reached the top.
This wasn’t a dream, and she was not a child.
Yet as she walked to the center of the attic and spun slowly, she started doubting herself less and less. Whatever was happening was real, and she was not here out of pure chance. Somehow, some way, this was meant to be.
She belonged here.
“Mr. St. Paul?” she called out as she headed downstairs. “I think I might be interested in buying after all.”
Unfortunately, he was nowhere to be found. By the time she got downstairs, his car was gone. There was a note on the counter saying he had to meet with another client and for her to lock up. He even left the key code for the lockbox on the front door. An extremely unorthodox and illegal thing for a real estate agent to do.
Milly called the number on his card only to be connected directly to his agency. Though tempted, she didn’t mention his odd behavior and simply pursued purchasing the property.
“You did what?” Jim asked hours later as he walked in the front door of her apartment.
She proceeded to tell him everything.
“So it was the attic from your dreams?” He poured himself a drink and plunked down on her couch. “Are you sure?”
“Positive.” She sat next to him and started sifting through pictures. “Everything was so familiar, Jim. It was crazy.” Milly pointed out various images. “All of these rooms, every last one.” She shook her head. “I’ve been in all of them. I just know it.”
“Sure, okay.” He looked them over then snatched up Phillip’s business card. “He’s something, eh?”
“Something?” She frowned and kept eying the pictures.
“Yeah.” He tapped the photo on the business card. “Don’t suppose you noticed his looks?”
“His looks?” She shrugged, still enthralled by the pictures. “Sure, I guess.”
“You guess?” Jim sighed, took a sip then handed her his drink. “Milly, you’ve gotta start looking.”
“Looking?” she said absently.
“Yeah, looking.”
When he nudged her, she glanced at him. “What?”
“This. Him.” He pointed at Phillip’s card. “Was he single? Did you even ask?”
“God, no.” She frowned. “Why would I?”
“Because you’ve been single for far too long.” He squeezed her shoulder and shook his head. “And a guy that looks like this should’ve reminded you of that.”
Milly kept frowning as she glanced at the picture and recalled Phillip. Without the dark glasses, she could admit he was pretty damn good looking.
“Too tall,” she muttered.
“Too tall?” Jim sniggered. “I’ve never heard you complain about tall men before.”
“That’s because you’re six foot two and he was freakishly six foot five’ish. Maybe a little taller.”
“Freakishly?” Again, with the amusement in his voice. “Damn him.”
“Yup,” she whispered. The truth was her mind was a million miles away. All she could focus on was the man with the brogue. Had it all been some sort of hoax? If so, why and by whom?
She supposed, in the end, it didn’t matter because she wanted the house. Ironically, her initial bid was accepted, and her closing unbelievably quick. Within a few short weeks, Jim and Christina were grunting and groaning as they helped her move in.
“Couldn’t the moving company have taken this, Milly?” Christina bitched as she grabbed a box of books out of Jim's truck.
“And doesn’t it take time to get a loan?” Jim muttered. “Like thirty days to close or something like that?”
Normally, yes, but this had fallen into her lap. Almost like it was meant to be.
“So you got this place just like that, eh, Mil?” Christina commented as she passed. “Came pretty damn easy, didn’t it? I’ve got a saying about things that come too easy...”
She didn’t hear the rest of Christina’s statement because she vanished into the house, but Milly had a pretty good idea what was coming. The cold hard truth. Born and raised in Virginia and recently moved to southern Maine, Christina rarely held back. Especially when she smelled bullshit. Though this whole thing had happened a little too smoothly, there was no foul play at work. The house was in great shape, and Milly got it for a steal, so she hadn’t been swindled. At least she hoped not. Buying a house was always a risk.
Milly was about to grab a box when Lindsay texted, “You’re moving? I’m on my way to help.”
Hell, no. She loved Lindsay but now wasn’t the time. So she texted back. “All’s well. Got moving under control. Stay focused on your next part. Xo.”
No response. She sighed and shook her head as she pocketed her phone then got a box out of the truck.
“Linds is on her way, isn’t she?” Christina rolled her eyes but grinned as they passed again. “Why doesn’t that surprise me?”
Unfortunately, when Lindsay offered to help it likely meant she would spend more time auditioning for them then actually laboring. On top of that and no doubt an occupational hazard, Lindsay could be a little self-centered...and high maintenance.
“Her heart’s in the right place,” Jim said, right behind her. As a rule, he got a kick out of Lindsay and didn’t mind looking at her either. “Did she mention what time she’s flying in?”
Though Lindsay’s main address was in California, she now had a second apartment in New York City. As it turned out, she was in New York right now.
“Nope.” Milly gave him a pointed look over her shoulder as they entered the front door. “Any chance you know how she found out I was moving? I was going to wait and surprise her after I settled in.”
“No idea.” He offered a lopsided and very guilty grin. The sort that made his darkly lashed green eyes stand out.
“You’re setting yourself up for heartache with that one, sweetie,” she reminded. “Linds isn’t in the market for a man. Right now her focus is elsewhere.”
Mostly on herself.
“I know.” He kept grinning. “Don’t worry about me.”
“Well, somebody’s gotta,” Christina said as she set a box of wine down and began exploring its contents. “Because Linds so isn’t the girl for you, Jim.”
“Yeah, yeah.” He grabbed a beer out of the refrigerator, cracked it and took a deep swig before he said, “Time will tell.”
The truth was Milly didn’t think Jim was really all that interested in Lindsay anyway. Sure, he liked to flirt with her, but the way he eyed Christina when she wasn’t looking, told another story all together. No surprise really. Christina was just as beautiful as Lindsay but in a different way. With sun-washed light brown hair, unique grayish green eyes, a warm skin tone, and a sultry southern accent, she possessed plenty of charm. When she turned it on that is. Because she could be equally sassy in a heartbeat.
“Any word from Jessie?” Christina pulled out her phone and frowned. “I worry when she gets real quiet.”
“I know.” Milly tossed Christina a corkscrew. “I’m sure she’s fine, but I’ll give her a buzz in a bit and check on her.”
Jessica—AKA Jessie—was different than most people. She lived in upstate Maine nearly on the Canadian border and was pretty much a recluse. Gifted with herbs and other things born of nature, she had a small cabin deep in the woods and made a living providing people natural medicines, soaps and what not. She was gifted in other ways too. Overly insightful and so intuitive is was spooky. Add the fact that she never, ever showed emotion, most people tended to be just fine with her steering clear of humanity. But not Milly, Lindsay, and Christina. They loved her no matter what and tried to get up to visit her whenever they could.
“We’ll have to send her a video once you have everything set up,” Christina mentioned as she unwrapped and rinsed two wine glasses.
Milly nodded. They would never get Jessie here, so that was the next best thing.
“I think I’ll head out and get some wood...” Jim started but trailed off when he looked out the kitchen window. “Uh, ladies...”
“What?” Christina’s eyes widened too. “Well, I’ll be damned.”
Milly joined them, just as shocked by what she saw. Looks like she didn’t know her friend as well as she thought. Of all people, Jessie stood out front, perfectly still as she gazed up at the old oak. Even more alarming? Tears poured down her cheeks.
The three of them were outside in seconds.
“Jessie? Milly cocked her head and tried to meet Jessica’s eyes. “Sweetheart, are you all right?”
Nothing. No response. It almost seemed like she was in some sort of trance. Frightened for her, Milly did something she knew Jessie would not like. She put a comforting hand on her shoulder. That, it seemed, was just the thing to do because Jessie’s startled eyes shot to her face and she shied away.
“I’m sorry,” Milly said softly. “You were really scaring us. Are you okay?” She looked around and frowned. “How did you get here?”
It took Jessie a moment to gather herself before she wiped her cheeks and shook her head. Though she might have been overly emotional seconds before, her expression resumed its smooth mask, and her voice was as level and soft as ever. “I’m not sure.” She glanced from the tree to the house before she started walking down the dirt road, murmuring, “I’m sorry. I have to go home.”
Concerned, Milly, Christina, and Jim glanced at each other before they followed her. As far as she could tell Jessie was physically okay. Lovely as ever, she wore a long, flowing skirt and a turtleneck sweater. Petite, she was the shortest of them with almost exotic looks. Perhaps a gypsy heritage mixed with Native American. Most considered her jet black hair and equally dark eyes striking. If Jessie ever allowed men near, they would likely fall all over her.
They didn’t walk far before part of the mystery was solved. Jessie’s old Volkswagen Beetle had been abandoned halfway down the road with the door open and the engine still running. So she had driven here yet it almost seemed like she did not remember.
“Oh no you don’t,” Milly exclaimed and blocked her path when she realized Jessie had every intention of getting in and driving home. “It’s almost nighttime, and it’s a long drive back, honey. You’re spending the night.”
“I cannot do that.” Jessie’s eyes met hers. “You know I cannot, Milly.”
“Of course you can.” Milly steered her back toward the house. “There’s just the four of us here, and you know everyone.”
“Not Jim.” Jessie didn’t look in his direction. “I don’t know Jim, and that’s not good.”
“But you’ve heard lots about him so in a way you do.” She kept steering Jessie along. Thankfully, she didn’t put up a fight, but then very few were as non-confrontational as Jessie. As Christina hopped in her car and drove it to the house, Milly made introductions. “Jessie this is Jim.” She motioned between them. “Jim, Jessie.”
Jim started to hold out his hand to shake but stopped, clearly remembering Jessie’s aversion to being touched. “Nice to finally meet you, Jessie. I’ve heard a lot of good things.”
“Nice to meet you as well.” Jessie’s eyes met and held his for a moment before she whispered, “I thought so,” then kept walking.
When Jim frowned at Milly in question, all she could offer was a shrug. This was Jessie and bizarre was the norm. Things only got stranger when Jessie stopped short in the driveway, and her eyes turned to Milly. “So you met him then? How did it go?”
Milly frowned. “Met who?”
She was shocked when Jessie’s brows boldly inched up a fraction in what had to be surprise before she did the unthinkable and touched Milly.
“Oh, I see,” Jessie said softly. “He likes to play games.”
“I’m not following, sweetie.” Milly shook her head. “What are you talking about?”
“You met him right here in this very spot.” Jessie’s eyes stayed with hers. “You’ve met your Scotsman, Milly.”
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AFTER THEY SETTLED Jessie in front of the fire with a cup of tea, Jim helped Milly and Christina with the last few boxes then headed home. Though he wanted to stay and learn more, he understood Jessie needed her girls right now. Thankfully, Milly had a comfortable couch and two beds upstairs, so there was plenty of sleeping space. That, however, was the least of her worries as they joined Jessie.
“You mean to tell me the real estate agent that was here was actually the man with the brogue? But he was British.” Milly frowned at Jessie. “So, what makes you think that?” Because she seemed absolutely positive. While that might seem strange, Jessie had a knack for things like this. A gift. So Milly showed Jessie his business card. “This is him.” She frowned. “But he definitely didn’t have a brogue.”
Yet as she curled her legs beneath her on the couch next to Jessie and sipped her wine, she got to thinking about Phillip’s voice. The rich timbre. One that she had not paid much attention to at the time because it wasn’t the right accent.
“I cannot say if that’s him by looking at a picture.” Jessie shook her head. “All I know is that he stood in this driveway and you met him.”
“How do you know that though, sweetpea?” Christina’s brows shot up when she looked at the card. “And how the hell did you not notice this guy, Milly? Hot damn. Just look at those eyes.”
Milly’s eyes narrowed on the picture. Was it her imagination or had his image changed ever-so-slightly? While he had been handsome before, now he seemed even more so. Christina was right. He had some killer light blue eyes, didn’t he?
Her gaze went to Jessie. “We’ve never meddled because we respect your privacy, but I think it might be time you share a bit more about yourself.” She gave her a knowing look. “Because you clearly have...something going on.”
“No.” Jessie nodded at the picture. “I would say you have something going on.” Her eyes turned to the fire. “At least it’s just you for now.”
Jessie might be a gentle, non-confrontational person but she had a stubborn side and an inner fire she rarely showed. Yet Milly had just seen it in her eyes and based on her quizzical look, so had Christina.
“What do you mean just Milly for now?” Christina sat in the chair opposite them and sipped her wine. “Because that almost sounded like you and I might become involved in whatever this great mystery is you’re keeping from us.”
Though at first, it seemed Jessie wasn’t going to elaborate, she did. More than Milly anticipated.
“You all know I’m different and have accepted me regardless, so you deserve to learn more about me.” Jessie’s eyes went between them. “I have certain abilities. The strongest of them is the ability to sense other people’s emotions.” Her gaze drifted to the fire, and her voice softened. “I suppose the technical term for it would be empath.” Her eyes returned to Milly’s. “I felt your Scotsman’s emotions out in the driveway. How strongly he feels about you. How long he has been waiting for you.”
Milly’s mouth went dry at the seriousness in Jessie’s eyes. “I don’t understand.”
“Not yet but you will.” Her eyes roamed the room before they met Milly’s again. “You have no idea how different you are Milly. How, like all of us, unusual you are.”
“I’m sorry.” Milly frowned. “Unusual?”
“And what do you mean by all of us?” Christina kicked in.
“Don’t tell me you aren’t starting to catch on, Milly,” Jessie said. “Don’t tell me you didn’t feel something the very moment he called you and you saw this house online. I know you sense it.”
Her heart skipped a beat as she stared into her friend’s eyes. “This house is familiar to you too, isn’t it?”
“I can’t say.” Jessie shook her head. “What I can say for sure is that you are very much a part of this property, Milly. From the ranch down the road to this colonial. All of it.” Jessie’s hand rested over hers in a display of unexpected physical contact. “You have been here before, my friend.”
“I don’t understand,” she whispered.
“Yes, you do.” Jessie’s hand never left hers. “I can feel you as a child running through this house. I can see you as a young woman working at a factory during World War II. Then there’s love. Him. You. Here and then not.” Tears welled in her eyes. “Then you’re an old woman. He’s old too. Really old.” She shook her head. “Yet you’re both still displaced...” She released a ragged breath as her eyes turned in the direction of the ranch. “Until you’re not.”
“Wow,” Christina whispered, her eyes wide. “What are you talking about?”
All Milly could do was stare at Jessie. While one part of her was fairly certain her friend had lost it, another side sensed some truth to her words. A rightness in them.
“Okay, you know I love you darlin’, but even if what you’re implying is true there’s a flaw in your tale,” Christina said. “If Milly was somehow alive in another life and a young woman during World War II, then grew to be an old woman wouldn’t that mean she would’ve died kind of recently...depending on how old she was that is.”
Very true.
“All I can tell you is what I feel,” Jessie said. “As to the logic behind what I sense...” She shook her head. “That’s not always within my grasp.”
Milly was about to respond when a peppy knock came at the door.
“Uh oh. That sounds familiar.” Yet Christina flashed a smile as she leapt up and headed for the door.
Milly stood and followed, having totally forgotten who else had said they were coming. Someone who was clearly already on her way when she texted.
“Hello, darlings!” Lindsay cried as she sauntered in when Christina opened the door.
“Hey, babe!” Christina gave her a big hug. “Good to see you, honey.”
“It always is.” Lindsay flashed her straight white teeth in a smile known to bring men to their knees before she embraced Milly. “Look at you in your quaint little country home.”
“Welcome, Linds.” Milly rolled her eyes at Christina over Lindsay’s shoulder as Linds did her kiss-on-either-cheek thing then they embraced. “Thanks so much for coming.”
Go get her something stiff to drink she mouthed to Christina. Pronto.
Lindsay was a beautiful woman with her naturally white blonde hair and silvery eyes. Heads turned everywhere she went, and it wasn’t just because she was becoming more famous, but because she possessed a vibrant allure that drew women and men alike. A special energy all her own. She was, if anything, one of the most enigmatic people Milly had ever met.
Lindsay fingered a tendril of Christina’s hair in passing and said, “Be a dear and fetch my things from the car?”
Christina snorted and headed for the kitchen. “Fetch ‘em yourself, lady.”
Lindsay smirked over her shoulder and scrunched her nose. “Too much then?”
Milly held her forefinger close to her thumb and grinned. “Just a smidge.”
“You’ve gotta tell me about this part you’re auditioning for,” Christina called out to Lindsay as Milly headed outside. As she suspected Lindsay’s suitcase rested near the front door waiting patiently as she made her grand entrance. She picked it up and was about to head back inside when a flash of light in the barn caught her attention.
Curious, she headed that way, overly aware of how eerie it felt outside. Night had fallen, and the moon was in and out of clouds as trees blew in the cold wind. She had taken the padlock off the doors earlier, so they were banging on the sides of the barn now. Strangely enough, what she saw hadn’t seemed like a flashlight but fire. Maybe a lantern.
As she got closer, she had the uncanny feeling she was being watched. That someone was standing there. Gooseflesh rippled over her, and her heart started to race. Was he here? Was her mysterious Scotsman turned Englishman back? Even as she thought it she realized she had let Jessie get inside her head.
“Stop being a fool, Milly,” she whispered. “Just turn on the light.”
Yet she didn’t right away. Instead, she stood at the entrance of the barn and stared into the darkness. Somewhere in the deepest part of her, she wanted him to be standing in the shadows.
She wanted him to be watching her.
Waiting for her.
So despite how silly it seemed, she closed her eyes, inhaled deeply and murmured, “Where are you?”
Long seconds passed and naturally nothing happened. Of course, it didn’t. She was being ridiculous.
“What’s the matter with me?” she muttered and opened her eyes only to hear a deep rumble from directly behind her.
“Come back to me, Mildred.”
She spun only to find nothing there. Yet she had felt him. Heard him.
It was clearly Phillip’s voice with a Scottish accent.
“Milly, you coming in?” Christina called out. “I’m cookin’ up some Hush Puppies and She Crab soup!”
Leave it to Christina to cook a good ol’ southern meal on a chilly New England night. But thank goodness for her right now or Milly might be scrutinizing her own sanity a whole lot closer.
“Be right there, Christina,” she called as she shut the barn doors.
When she turned to walk back, she stopped dead in her tracks. Did she just see light in the attic? The same sort she saw out here?
“I’m just seeing things,” she muttered as she strode for the house. “I have to be.”
Yet her eyes never left the attic window as the flickering light grew brighter.
“Hey, you all right, honey?” Christina exclaimed as Milly burst through the front door and raced upstairs to the attic. Sure as shit, just like with the barn, nothing but darkness greeted her by the time she got there. If she were to truly entertain this insanity, she would do what she had outside. Talk to a phantom.
But enough was enough.
She was letting her imagination run away with her, so she flicked on the light.
“I don’t remember bringing that up here,” Christina said as she joined her, concerned. “Do you?”
“No,” Milly whispered.
Chills raced over her again as she stared at the bench that had been sitting in front of the ranch. The very one she felt like she had sat on before. Except now she sensed something else. Someone had sat on it with her. Many, many times. There had been long conversations. Companionship. Deep love.
But with who?
“Hmm, odd. Maybe Jim grabbed it and didn’t tell us.” Christina shrugged. “Guess we’ll have to talk to him about his thievin’ ways.”
Milly didn’t respond but kept staring at it, trying to remember, trying to grab onto something just out of reach.
“Hey, you with me, hon?” Christina nudged Milly. “You seem out there.” She frowned. “You’re not lettin’ Jessie get to you right? God knows I love her, but she tends to frequent off the beaten path a little more than needed sometimes.”
“No, I’m good,” Milly murmured and tore her eyes away from the bench. “Just...” What? Confused? Lost? Losing it? “Hungry I guess.”
“Well, then sweetness, I’ve got just the thing for you.” Christina took her hand and pulled her downstairs. “You don’t smell it yet but you will soon.”
Though Milly figured she would keep obsessing over the strange things happening, she forgot how entertaining Christina could be in a kitchen. It was a bit of work whipping up her menu, but she managed everything with a constant smile, and a ‘can do’ attitude.
In the end, Milly figured Christina was not just a pro at cooking but delegating. Which meant propping Lindsay against a counter with a glass of wine and putting Milly to work. Jessie had zonked out and slept peacefully on the couch with a warm blanket and a crackling fire.
“So I said, ‘Absolutely not!’ when they told me who was directing the movie.” Lindsay shook her head, disgusted. “I might not be where I want to be yet, but I still have standards.” Her eyes rounded on Milly. “Why would they think I wouldn’t? I’ve done nothing but top-notch work. My performances have become highly acclaimed.”
“So I hear.” Milly smiled, took several sips of wine and blew Lindsay a kiss. “Congrats to you, beautiful.”
“Thank you.” Lindsay’s smile didn’t quite reach her eyes, but she masked it quickly with yet another one. “Are you sure I can’t help with anything, Christina?”
“Nope.” Christina refilled Lindsay’s glass. “Just keep on keepin’ on, sexy. Makes for good cookin’ entertainment.”
Milly smiled and took another sip of wine. While they were all close, Lindsay and Christina, against all odds considering how different they were, really hit it off. Milly surmised they shared similar roots beyond Broun blood. Likely a difficult childhood. Though Lindsay was vague about her past, Christina had shared hers here and there. Her family didn’t have a lot of money growing up, and things had been tough.
True to her word, the house soon filled with the smell of Christina’s cooking and not long after they were sitting at the small kitchen table enjoying delicious food.
“Oh, this is sinful,” Lindsay said as she delicately nibbled on a Hush Puppy and closed her eyes. “I don’t know how you do it, Christina.”
“Lots of practice.” Christina’s eyes met Milly’s. “Eat up, honey, it’s been a long day.”
“Oh, I am,” she assured, enjoying the soup. “Then I’m off to bed.”
As well as back up to the attic to study that bench.
“I’ve got an air mattress,” Milly continued. “You two take the beds upstairs, okay?”
“Forget that.” Christina shook her head. “I’ll be just fine on your loveseat. It’s super comfy.”
If Milly knew nothing else about Christina, it was that there was no point arguing. Like Jessie, she had her own stubborn streak, and it stretched from here straight down to Virginia.
“Thank you, Christina,” Lindsay said, still nibbling on the same Hush Puppy. “I do need my beauty sleep.”
“Of course you do, darlin’.” Christina winked. “Movies to make and better directors to find, right?”
“That’s right,” Lindsay agreed. She finally gave up on taking tiny bites and popped the whole Hush Puppy right in her mouth.
“There ya go, Linds.” Christina grinned. “Put some meat on those bones.”
Once Lindsay finished and patted her lips, she said, “I could say the same for you. Based on your eating habits I’m amazed that you haven’t grown a tad thicker.”
Christina smiled but said nothing. She was always close lipped when it came to why she was so fit. Call it humble. After all, she was the most active and admirable person Milly knew. Likely because of her upbringing and things she had yet to share, she ran a lot of marathons for charity and various disability fundraisers.
As always when Milly spent time with her friends, she had an amazing night. They enjoyed a final nightcap of expensive red wine Lindsay had brought for her housewarming then everyone made their way to bed.
Milly rested with the intention of waiting until the house grew quiet before heading to the attic, but she dozed off. Or at least she must have because the next thing she knew someone sat down beside her, gently brushed hair away from her forehead and whispered, “Come back to me, Mildred.”
“Who’s there?” she mumbled as she blinked, and sat up. Moonlight dusted the corners of her bedroom but didn’t offer much light. “Christina? Linds?”
Nobody answered because no one was there. Then she heard something else. Booted feet walking in the attic that sounded too heavy to be a woman.
Once she and Jim split, he insisted she keep one of his pocket knives for protection, and she did. Right in her bedside table drawer. Though she wished it was a bit bigger and more threatening, it would have to do. Seriously, though, who was she kidding? As she left her room, she knew better. If she truly felt she and her friends were in danger, she would have called 911 immediately.
Yet she wasn’t doing that, was she?
No, she was creeping down the short hallway, prepared to face not a living, breathing intruder but something else altogether. Christina and Jessie were downstairs, so she checked in on Lindsay as she passed.
“Oh sweetheart,” she whispered when she found her friend not getting her beauty sleep in a comfortable bed but curled up on the floor in the corner sound asleep. While tempted to get her back into bed, Milly had a funny feeling based on the turned down covers and lack of crinkles in the sheets that Lindsay was right where she wanted to be.
Where she felt safest.
Though she did not want Lindsay to wake up and be embarrassed, she had to do something, so she grabbed an extra blanket and covered her. She might be on a throw rug, but old houses tended to run cold. Especially the floors. She sighed as she eyed Lindsay one more time then shut the door. What the hell had happened to her?
By the time she was back in the hallway, her mind was still so focused on Lindsay that she nearly forgot why she was heading upstairs. No sooner did she think it than light flickered beneath the attic door. Candle light. Just like before.
“Fine then,” she whispered. “I’m coming.”
Knife at the ready, she inched along, less frightened than she supposed she ought to be as she opened the door and peered up the stairs. The light didn’t vanish but continued to flicker, so she made her way up.
Should she call out hello? Probably. But at this point, it seemed pretty silly. There wasn’t an intruder in her house. Not in the normal sense anyway. She was somewhat surprised by how readily she was accepting that.
Though her breathing was shallow, Milly felt strangely calm as she started to climb the stairs. It was then, in those moments between the sixth and ninth steps that she started to remember a dream. In this particular dream, she didn’t run but walked slowly because she knew her treasure had waited and was finally ready for her. All she had to do was find it. Then all she had to do was look at it.
That’s when she began to recall even more.
A ring with two hands holding a heart.
As a candle flickered on the floor in the middle of the room, she sank onto the bench seat and gazed around. She felt like a child again as she relived a dream that told her so much. This place, this attic, had been important. A lifeline for the Brouns. Their place.
The heart of their magic.
“Witches,” whispered through her mind.
“We were,” she murmured and closed her eyes. “Are.”
Then the candle snuffed out just like it had in the dream. Just like it had when she was a child. Because, somehow she was a child right now, wasn’t she? Caught in a dream and remembering.
“Dinnae be afraid, lass,” came a young voice close to her ear. “If I’m not then neither should ye be, aye?”
“Why aren’t you afraid?” she whispered.
“Because I am right where I should be,” he replied. “And yer right where ye should be.”
“That’s no kind of answer.”
“But ‘tis my answer and all ye need for now.” He pressed a small box into her hand. “Now go hide this, aye, wee Mildred?”
“Why are you calling me wee when you’re a kid too,” she asked.
“Because ye’ll always be more wee than me.” There was a grin in his voice. “Now go hide the box.”
“Why?”
“Well, dinnae ye want to find me?”
“No.” She frowned. “Why would I want to find you when you have a funny accent and won’t even tell me who you are?”
“Because ye already know who I am.”
“Do not.”
“Och, but ye do.”
She frowned and crossed her arms over her chest, never letting go of the box. “Tell me who you are.”
“Come find me and I will.”
“Come find you? But you’re right here.” She shook her head, not frightened in the least by the dark as long as he was there. “And aren’t I supposed to be hiding the box not playing hide and go seek?”
“Just go hide the box, Mildred.”
“My name is Milly.”
“So ye dinnae want to find me then?”
“I don’t have to find you,” she huffed. “Because you’re right here!”
“Nay, lassie,” he murmured, sad. “I am not until ye hide the box.”
Then he was gone.
Just like that.
Suddenly scared, sad and alone in the dark, she clutched the box. How was she supposed to hide a box when she couldn’t see a thing? The more she thought about it, the more she realized how many times she had hidden in this attic. In the dark.
Waiting for someone that didn’t exist.
Yet he did. Over the phone. In disguise. Out in the barn. On her bed.
Up in this attic.
Just now.
What had she done with that box? Where had she hidden it? But she knew.
“I never hid it,” she whispered. “I held onto to it and stayed hidden here until I woke up.” She shook her head. “But I never woke up...and I never let go of the box.”
Aware that she was out of the dream and no longer a child, she squeezed her hand instinctually expecting to find the box gone. But it wasn’t.
“Oh my God,” she whispered as the candle flickered to life. Her eyes dropped to the small, simple box in her hand. “It’s here. I have it. This is real.”
That’s when she remembered the little boy’s last words. Ones she had long forgotten.
“Find the ring and find me, lassie.”
How many times had she opened this box in her dreams? How many times had she seen the ring inside?
“A ring with two hands coming from opposite sides holding a heart encased gem,” she murmured. “A Claddagh ring.”
Milly closed her eyes and inhaled deeply before she, at last, did something she had done many times before. She opened the box. There it was. A platinum Claddagh ring with a heart encased clear gem nestled between the hands.
Though it had been far too large for her back then, now it looked to be a perfect size. As she had done before, she lifted it out, wide-eyed. She just knew if she put it on she would see that little boy next to her at last. He wouldn’t be gone at all.
Yet every time she put the ring on, she woke up.
Would that happen now? Was she dreaming?
“No,” she whispered. “I don’t think I am.”
Rather than overthink things she slid the ring on.
The air immediately warmed then cooled before wind started whipping. Though it was getting harder and harder to see, she could feel someone sitting next to her. Their eyes met, his pale blue and familiar. First, he was young and handsome then he was old.
Then he vanished altogether.
A breath later he reappeared or at least she thought he did, but things were getting far too scary. The air grew thinner and her surroundings jarring. While she should be screaming, something, a strange sort of peace washed over her before everything went dark. Moments later she realized that happened because she had closed her eyes, maybe even passed out.
When everything finally snapped into focus, the first thing she saw were those same pale blue eyes. It was him. Phillip. But not.
“You found me at last, lass,” he murmured. “Welcome to medieval Scotland, Mildred.”
Argyll, Scotland
Cowal Peninsula
1312
––––––––
“WELCOME TO WHERE?” she whispered, too stunned to move. Nothing was getting through. Not her changed surroundings or the fact she was sitting on a stranger’s lap.
“Scotland.” He eyed her with concern. “Are you all right, Mildred? I know ‘tis jarring traveling through time at first but—”
“Come again?” she interrupted, finally of the mind to move and damn fast. Unfortunately, her body was as thrown off as her mind, and she ended up stumbling a few steps before she landed on her butt. She never took her eyes off of him though. “What’s going on? Where are we, Phillip?” Her eyes narrowed. “If that’s even your real name.”
He appeared a little sheepish. “Actually, no, sorry about that.” He grinned. “The name’s Adlin.”
“Adlin,” she murmured and frowned before it all started to fall into place. “The boy from my dreams.” Her eyes went to the ring on her finger. “The one who said if I found the ring then I’d find him.”
“Aye, and here I am.”
He kept grinning, and it was downright distracting. Because slowly but surely, she was coming out of her daze and truly seeing him. From his nearly black hair to his impossibly handsome features. Then there were those eyes that had a way of looking right into her soul.
When he stood, Milly rounded her eyes as she looked up and up. Just like his alternate self, Phillip, he was damned tall. She swallowed as she took in his broad shoulders, muscles, and long, lean body. While all that was daunting enough, it wasn’t what had her leaping to her feet and stumbling back a few feet.
“Why are you dressed like that?” As she took in his green and blue plaid, tunic and black boots, breathing started to become a little tricky. Her eyes swept over the thick forest where moments before there had been an attic. Though never one to panic, she was pretty close right now. Hellishly close based on how everything started spinning. Was she passing out?
“Och, you’re taking this a wee bit rougher this go around,” Adlin said before he scooped her up into his arms. “Easy lassie. I think ‘tis best we get you to bed until you’ve acclimated to traveling through time.”
“No, I’m fine.” She rubbed her forehead. Did he say traveling through time? “Please put me down.” Anything to get away from his hard body. His spicy scent. “By a tree. I’ll lean against a tree.” When he hesitated, she frowned. “Please...Adlin.”
His eyes fell to her lips and lingered. Far too aware of him now, she shook her head. “What?”
“It has just been...” Emotion churned in his eyes as they met hers. “It’s been a verra long time since I’ve heard you say my name. Outside of a dream that is.”
“What do you mean?” She shook her head, upset. “None of this makes sense. Seriously, I need you to put me down, and I need to understand what’s going on because I’m really starting to get frightened.”
About five minutes ago at that, but she wasn’t going to say as much.
“I’m sorry, lass, mayhap I went about this all wrong,” he murmured and finally set her down by a tree. “’Tis just you handled it much better before and I figured having dreamt of me so often...” He handed her a strange sack. “Have a wee dram and gather yourself then I’ll explain everything.”
She looked from him to the sack. “A wee dram?”
“Aye.” He gestured at the sack, grinning again. “’Tis good Scottish whisky.”
“I’m not much of a liquor drinker but all things considered...” She took a deep swig then spat it right out. “Dear God what is this?”
Luckily, Adlin had dodged in time and missed her outburst. “You shouldnae drink it that fast the first time, lass.” He chuckled. “Small sips to start would be best.”
She frowned. “That might have been worth mentioning beforehand.”
“It might have,” he agreed, humor still in his eyes as she sipped this time. Though she didn’t much enjoy the burn of the alcohol, she did enjoy the warmth that quickly spread through her veins. The calm it offered.
Milly leaned against the tree, took a few more sips and again eyed her surroundings. Just woods. That’s all. Nothing scary. Just an attic that turned into trees. She could handle this. No, she had to handle this because she wasn’t dreaming. Was she?
“Okay,” she finally managed. “Tell me what’s going on. Starting with where we are and how we got here.” She lowered her brows at him. “Then we’ll get to why you disguised yourself as Phillip and why you keep saying I’ve been here before.”
“All right, lass. Fair enough.” Adlin made an encompassing gesture with his hand. “Me and my clan, the MacLomains, claim this land as our own and have for a verra long time. We’ve a long, rich history that I will share with you as time goes on.” His eyes held hers. “A history that you were once part of, Mildred. That’s why I say you have been here before.”
A strange sensation rolled through her. A feeling similar to what she felt when she saw the ranch and colonial. “So you’re saying I’m, what, reincarnated somehow? Because I’m not really sure what you’re getting at.”
Though she did based on what Jessie had said. No need to tell him that quite yet though.
“Aye,” he said. “Reincarnated and back with us...back with me.”
“So I’ve been here before. To this place.” Her eyes swung around the forest again. “I was Scottish?”
“Well, aye, but not like you think,” he said. “Like you are now, you were an American with Broun heritage when I met you for the first time. ‘Twas nineteen forty-two in Salem. One thousand and fifty here in Scotland.”
She wasn’t sure which date to balk at. “You can’t be serious.”
“I am.” She could tell he wanted to move closer but was letting her have space. “We’ve had some adventures together, Mildred.”
“Please call me Milly.”
“All right, Milly,” he agreed and watched her closely. “We’ve had adventures, and we’ve shared great love.”
“Love?” She perked her brows. “So we’re long lost fated lovers?”
Heat warmed her cheeks as she contemplated that.
“Aye.” He nodded. “And I cannae tell you how grateful I am to have found you again, Mildred.”
“Milly,” she reminded. “So you’re saying I’ve traveled through time before?” She swallowed hard. “And now I’ve done it again.”
“Aye.” He took a step closer, his heart in his eyes. “Soon enough, the gem in your ring will change colors. When it does, you will remember everything.”
“You,” she whispered then shook her head, so overwhelmed that she was focusing on little things. “You were saying ye to me when you were a child now you’re saying you.”
“’Tis just easier for modern day people to follow,” he explained. “That’s all.”
“Modern day people,” she murmured, eyes wide. “Because I’m in medieval Scotland.”
“Aye.”
Though hard to process, she actually was and for some reason not totally freaking out about it. Almost like the overly accepting feeling that there was something other than a normal human in her attic.
Milly’s eyes fell to the ring. “Tell me about this.” Her gaze returned to his. “Tell me why I dreamt about it. The attic. You as a child. Why you lured me back there because you clearly did.
And why putting the ring on now brought me here.”
“’Tis a bit o’ information you might not be ready for, lass,” he started, but she cut him off.
“Tell me, Adlin,” she said. “Help me make sense of everything. I deserve that at the very least.” She cocked her head. “Don’t I?”
Because something told her she did. And something told her he was about to share what Jessie had meant when she said Milly was different. As it turned out, Adlin was nothing less than detailed with his report.
“After we had our adventures and lost many years of being together, I eventually ended up with you in New Hampshire where we spent our final days together,” he said softly. “Every evening we would sit on that bench in front of your ranch and watch the sunset together. We always held hands as you rested your head on my shoulder and we talked.” His eyes never left hers. “We had so much to share of our lives. Of the life still ahead. Then one evening you...” It was clear he was struggling. “One evening you leaned your head on my shoulder, closed your eyes and said your last words.”
“What’d I say?” she whispered.
He clenched his jaw as his eyes stayed with hers. “That you loved me and you were glad we were together again.”
As she stared into his eyes, she felt a great sadness overcome her. An unexplainable sense of loneliness. “So I died.”
“Aye,” he murmured. “And within a few hours, I did the same.”
Say what? “A few hours?”
Adlin nodded, sadness in his eyes. “Without you, this world was not one I wanted to be in anymore, and it seemed my soul knew it because as I rested my head against yours and grieved, God took me.”
“I see,” she whispered, not sure she saw at all. “That’s one hell of a tale.”
“It is,” he agreed. “One of many between MacLomain men and Broun women.”
There it was. Another hint that Jessie was on to something. “Could you elaborate?”
“The ring.” He nodded at her hand and shifted a bit closer. “’Tis part of a legacy. It was created harnessing the power of the original rings given to Broun women, with a new intent not so entirely different than that of the original Claddagh rings.”
“Created? Power?” She shook her head, not sure she wanted to hear the answer to her next question. “What are you talking about?”
“The original rings were gold and brought together great love betwixt us medieval MacLomains and modern day Brouns,” he said. “Created by my mentor and me, the new ring is platinum though its gem acts in much the same way.”
“I’m gonna need you to speak English,” she whispered, totally confused.
It seemed he knew what she meant because he continued without question. “The platinum band sets your ring apart from the originals and signifies a new beginning. A mission or quest so to speak, that needs to be fulfilled by you, me and others,” he said. “To help my country get where it needs to be.”
She shook her head. “I’m still not following.”
“Eventually, the gem in the center of the ring will match the color of my eyes,” he said, closer still. “That signifies you’ve found your one true love and it will help you come into the power that is yours.”
“Power,” she said softly, remembering her thoughts in the attic. Though tempted to keep quiet, so she didn’t sound insane, she figured they were past that. “Because I’m a witch.”
“Aye,” he said, again watching her closely. “And the power the ring lends isnae just to you but your MacLomain as well. ‘Tis a mutual power.”
“So you’re a witch too?”
“Och, nay.” He smiled and flashed surprisingly straight white teeth, upping his hotness by an unneeded hundred degrees. “I’m a wizard, lass.”
She couldn’t help a small smile and a mocking tone as she tapped her chest. “So I’m a witch,” then she pointed at him, “and you’re a wizard.”
“Aye.” His smile stayed wide. “And I dare say, you’re a wee bit more powerful this time around, my lass.”
His lass? How presumptuous.
“Okay,” she said slowly. “Again, care to elaborate?”
“It might be more than you’re ready to hear,” he started, but she cut him off again.
“Just tell me, Adlin.”
“All right.” When he leaned against the tree beside her, she had a funny feeling he was positioning himself to catch her in case she fell. “As it stands, time passes differently between here and the future. Much slower here. So a man could age twenty years here in what’s only been a few years in the twenty-first century. So that explains my age.”
“Okay.” Where was he going with this? “What does that have to do with me being powerful?”
“Mildred, you and I died a few short years ago and while I’ve aged normally by being here, you,” he took her hand, “you’ve done something remarkable. You’re only a few years younger than I am now. That’s unheard of considering you were in the future the whole time.”
“How did I?” she whispered and trailed off because she had no idea how to phrase the question. “I’m sorry, but I was born in nineteen eighty nine.”
“I dinnae doubt that you were,” he said. “But it isnae just any witch who can be reborn years before she actually died.” He shook his head. “That can co-exist with her other self. ‘Tis quite impressive. A manipulation of soul and time that makes you more special than most, Mildred.”
Oh, for God’s sake, what?
“All right, let’s just say I buy into this far-fetched tale of yours,” she said. “Assuming you were a wizard in another life, which I don’t doubt you were, how did you never sense I was alive in two places at once?”
A crooked grin curled his lips. “My guess is because you didnae pull it off until after you died and we were separated. Then you were reborn in your own past. So the Mildred I spent my time with had no knowledge of it, therefore, kept nothing from me. We were so bonded, that had she known about you, I would have as well.”
“That sounds crazy.” She shook her head. “I’m not buying it.” She scowled. “And to give you an idea, not buying this is at the bottom of the massive amount of disbelief I feel right now.”
“’Tis quite unbelievable,” he agreed. “But I can tell you with certainty that you died in two thousand thirteen yet here you stand, verra much my Mildred.”
“Two thousand thirteen?” Her eyes rounded and she almost choked on nothing. “That’s only four years ago!”
“Aye, in your time.” He shrugged. “Like I said, ‘tis a bloody odd thing.”
“It is odd!” She shook her head. “And impossible.”
“Och, nothing’s impossible, lass.” Her eye was caught by the small dimple in his right cheek when he smiled again. “’Twas still the same you, just on two different time lengths. An ingenious way to find your way back to me.”
She started to speak but snapped her mouth shut. This was too crazy for words.
“’Twas you who came back to the bench first, you know,” he said softly as he took her hand. “I knew the minute you sat on it. I heard you from across the centuries.”
Her eyes flickered from their hands back to his steady gaze. “Come again?”
“Somehow your soul found that bench. A place we loved. The last place we were together. Your spectral self, or subconscious, visited it in your dreams,” he said. “It was there, when we were both children, that I first gave you the box to hide. A box that when you were of an age to find and wear the ring, would help you find your way back to me.” When he squeezed her hand, shivers raced through her. “This version of me. Not the boy from your dreams.”
“Okay, I suppose that makes some sort of warped sense,” she relented as she pulled her hand away. “Why was it so necessary to find you via the box and ring when you’d already met me disguised as Phillip?” She frowned and shook her head. “Pretty crappy thing to do by the way. If you truly believe all you’re saying, then I’m not so sure you know what love is.” She couldn’t quite meet his eyes. “Because as far as I know, you don’t lie to the people you love.”
“Nay,” he agreed. “I shouldnae have.”
Her eyes widened, and she went still when he stood in front of her and cupped her cheeks, his intense eyes inches from hers. “I only did what I did because I couldnae risk what might have happened had it been me. I couldnae have you run from me. Had the man with the brogue been the one to greet you when you came home, that might have happened.”
“Home?” she managed but realized it had been exactly that in another life. “And why would I have run when I was so drawn to you?”
“For that verra reason,” he whispered. “Had we met under normal circumstances you would have been selling a house for me, not considering buying the house yourself. The dynamics would have been considerably different, aye? And you needed to buy it and move in. ‘Twas the only way you were going to push past the dreams from your childhood, put on that ring and find me the way Fate meant it.”
Though tempted to argue with him, he had a point, and she knew he was right. Had he been standing in front of her looking and sounding as he did now, things would have gone entirely different. Maybe a date would have come out of it, but she certainly would not have bought the house and moved in. Would she?
“It went as it needed to go, lass,” he said, his hands gentle against her skin. “You had to start remembering, and you needed...”
When he drifted off, she whispered, “Needed what?”
“It doesnae matter,” he murmured as his fingers slowly began to brush across her cheek and he moved even closer.
It was becoming harder and harder to breathe.
“You’ve no idea how long I’ve waited for this moment, lass,” he murmured. “To see you again. Hear you.” His fingers trailed down the sides of her neck. “Feel you.”
Hell, if her eyelids didn’t flutter shut at his touch. At the feelings rushing through her as she tried to stay mad, confused, determined, afraid, whatever it was she was supposed to feel right now. But none of that mattered as she felt the heat of his powerful body close to hers. The anticipation of what she knew was coming. The feel of his lips. Because he was going to kiss her.
And she was going to let him.
“M’laird?” came a deep voice from somewhere off to her left. “Sorry to interrupt ye but we have a situation ye’ll want to see to.”
Her eyes shot open as yet another handsome man in a plaid approached on horseback. It was becoming more and more apparent Adlin wasn’t lying at all. At least not about being in medieval Scotland. A fact that should have her trembling in fear, but really wasn’t having that effect at all. If anything she seemed to be feeling more and more comfortable. Which seemed way off base all things considered.
“Och, mayhap ye have a more pressing situation as is.” The stranger offered her a charming smile as he swung down from his horse. With black hair and a build as broad as Adlin’s, he had the darkest, most sinful eyes she’d ever seen. After a few short strides, he dropped to a knee, kissed the back of her hand then turned those daring eyes her way with promise. “Greetings, I’m Graham, first born son of Niall and Nicole and first in command of Laird Adlin’s armies. And ye are?” He winked. “Besides bonnie that is.”
Laird Adlin? Armies? She knew enough about Scottish history to realize Adlin was not doing too badly for himself.
Milly might be overwhelmed and confused, but she couldn’t stop a smile if she tried. “I’m Milly. Nice to meet you, Graham.”
“Milly, is it?” A Cheshire, but sexy as hell grin slithered onto his face. “Well, isnae that something.”
Huh? Why was that something?
“All right then, laddie, off you go. Back to the castle.” He might be acting the jealous part, but there was a grin in Adlin’s voice as he urged Graham along. “Go spread the word. After many a year, we’ve got company from the future again. My mother and Aunt Cassie will be especially pleased.”
“Aye,” Graham agreed. “Ma will be disappointed she was away and missed such an arrival.”
Cassie was the name of the woman who started the forum Milly and her fellow Brouns met in. Could it be the same person? What were the odds?
“I’ll see to yer wishes then, m’laird,” Graham continued before he put his fingers to his lips, released a loud whistle then swung onto his horse.
“What is happening back there that’s so pressing, Graham?” Adlin asked.
“Och, ye’ll see soon enough.” Graham gave him a look. “Conall is here if that helps paint the picture for ye.”
“Bloody hell,” Adlin muttered and nodded. “Get back then. We’re right behind.”
Graham nodded once and took off through the forest but not before he shot her another quick wink.
“Watch out for that one, lass,” Adlin said, quick to return to humor. “If you’re not careful, he’ll scoop you right up.”
“You mean if you’re not careful.”
She turned away and flinched the second the words left her lips. Had she really just said that? Flirted like that?
Adlin only chuckled which told her everything she needed to know. He wasn’t threatened in the least when it came to other men. He was convinced he already had her. And not just in this life apparently.
She stepped back, eyes wide when a large black horse trotted out of the woods. This must have been the reason for Graham’s whistle before he departed.
“Meet...” Adlin did not quite look at her as he swung up. “My horse.”
“She’s beautiful.” Milly looked her over. She had always loved horses but never had the inclination or cash flow to pursue them. “She’s large for a female. Does she have a name?”
“Nay.” He held his hand down. “I just call her Horse.”
“That’s so sad,” she commented as he pulled her up. “She should have a name.”
“Mayhap one of these days.”
They started through the trees, her back to his front. A position that brought her thoughts to the kiss they almost shared.
“I think we should ah...address what just nearly happened back there,” she said, mainly because she wasn’t so sure it should happen again. “Nothing about anything going on makes much sense to me, and I’m not really interested in adding to that if you know what I mean.”
“I do know what you mean,” he conceded as he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her tighter against him.
Milly closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, taking in the feel of him. Like Jim said, it had been a while for her. Sex that is. Sad that her ex knew that but the truth was she just hadn’t gotten around to it since Jim. Her career had come first, and she didn’t have time for dating. Now she was becoming painfully aware of just how much she’d been depriving herself lately.
“So what about what happened back there would you like to address?” he murmured softly against her ear, sending a fresh round of shivers racing everywhere. “What we almost did or what I intend to do to you verra soon?”
Her breathing turned shallow and her words breathy, as Horse trotted through the forest. “I don’t think whatever you have in mind should happen, Adlin. Instead, you should probably get me home soon.” She met his eyes over her shoulder. “You do know how to get me home right?”
Because there was no disputing something had happened, and she wasn’t where she was supposed to be. While she could keep burying her head in the sand and pretend they might still be in Salem that just seemed naïve. These men weren’t actors and these woods though somewhat similar were not in New England.
“In answer to your question, I do know how to get you home,” Adlin murmured in her other ear as the forest thinned even more. “In fact, we’re nearly there.”
Milly was about to respond when the trees fell away, and the most amazing castle she had ever seen appeared on the horizon. With nothing but a wide stretch of emerald green grass leading to it and blue waters surrounding it on two sides, she knew this place....had seen it in her dreams.
She barely had a second to admire it further before Adlin somehow managed to swing her sideways onto his lap, cup her cheek and gaze into her eyes. “Welcome home, Mildred.”
There was no chance to respond.
Not when his lips closed over hers and talking became the very last thing on her mind.
––––––––
ADLIN HAD BEEN WAITING for this moment his entire life. Mildred was back in his arms and her lips against his. Now he knew everything would be all right. They were together again on MacLomain land, and all would be as it should.
While he intended the moment to be an unforgettable memory and homecoming for her, he underestimated just how much he had missed her. How strong their physical attraction still was. So as her arms wrapped around his neck, and her lips softened beneath his, his need grew hard and fast. Not to say it wasn’t before but he had managed to be discreet until now.
Though tempted to turn the horse around and go somewhere private, she did not deserve that. She deserved to finally arrive at MacLomain Castle as a welcomed guest. Not like her last life when things were hushed and confusing because they were trying to evade the enemy. No, this time she would ride in on the chieftain’s horse and God willing, be this castle’s mistress soon enough.
That in mind, he reluctantly ended the kiss but didn’t stop cupping her cheek or staring into the same thickly lashed blue eyes she’d had in another life. Though her features were slightly different, she was just as strikingly beautiful. Her gestures, way of speaking and mannerisms had changed, but that was to be expected. After all, this version of her was born in the nineteen eighties where the Mildred he had met was born in the nineteen twenties. Either way, she was the same soul on the inside and was still a perfect match for his.
Which made him wonder what the delay was with the gem in her ring.
By all accounts, it should have shone the color of his eyes the second she slid it on.
“We shouldn’t have done that,” she whispered, but she wasn’t turning away to admire the castle. Rather, her eyes were dewy and trained on his.
“Aye, we should have done that and we will again,” he promised as he urged the horse forward but kept her locked in his arms. “Until then ‘tis time for you to meet the MacLomains.”
“No.” Mildred frowned. “I don’t want to greet everyone like this.” She motioned at the way he was holding her. “Like a damsel in distress.” She shook her head. “I want to sit the way I was before.”
Adlin nodded and repositioned her. “Better?”
“Much,” she replied, and so he urged the horse on.
About the last thing he would have wished for Mildred on her first trip to MacLomain Castle was to be greeted by Conall. His cousin was not a bad man by any means. Just emboldened lately by foolhardy ideas and the general belief that he should lead everyone in what lay ahead. That for some reason he should be the first one to go into battle. So he wasn’t all that surprised to see Conall standing at the end of the drawbridge with his legs braced, his arms crossed over his chest and a look of determination on his face.
Adlin slowed the horse, swung off and helped Mildred down before turning to Conall. “Good to see you, Laird Hamilton. What brings you this way?”
As he knew would be the case his cousin was less focused on his mission and more on the woman who had just arrived. Conall did not respond right away. At least not to Adlin. Instead, he resumed a perfectly formal attitude, bowed at the waist and said, “Hello lass. I am Laird Conall Hamilton, son of Darach and Jackie Hamilton.”
“Hello.” Mildred smiled and nodded. “I’m Milly. Nice to meet you.”
Unlike most women who met Conall for the first time, Mildred seemed composed. Typically, and Adlin had yet to figure it out, his cousin’s stalwart near military attitude got the lasses in a stir. Aye, the lad cut a fine figure, but he imagined it had more to do with the fact that none could get Conall to cast them a second glance. If anything, he would bet there were a few wagers running at this point.
One brow rose a scant fraction as Conall politely nodded but did not gawk at her overly long. His cousin might be a hard shell to crack, but a slight brow raise meant Conall had certainly taken notice of her looks. Then, as was Conall’s way, any possible desire for women was set aside as he focused on what he needed to accomplish.
“We need to talk, Laird MacLomain,” he announced as they started walking beneath the first portcullis. “I know about you and grandfather’s plans, and I dinnae think you should go it alone.”
Leave it to Conall to figure out where she was from and say ‘you’ instead of ‘ye’ in consideration of Mildred. The man was always thinking though lately, he tended to get on Adlin’s nerves. If not for Grant’s assurance that his grandson was just making his way down his predestined path, he would have probably already sent Conall on his way.
Life was too short for such disciplined nonsense.
At least this life, thank God.
He had no desire to be immortal ever again. Not as long as Mildred could be by his side.
“Oh wow,” Mildred whispered as she stared with wonder at the portcullis’, drawbridges, and people walking by. “This is unbelievable.”
It would take some getting used to that she didn’t remember any of it. Granted, the last time she was here was three hundred years ago but still. She had been here. This was hers every bit as much as it was his. That’s what he wanted this time around.
A full, normal life together.
As normal as it could be considering all that lay on the horizon.
“I’ll take Milly for ye, m’laird,” said a stable boy and redirected his horse. Adlin nodded his thanks, clasped his hands behind his back nonchalantly and prayed Mildred had been too busy to notice his horse’s real name.
If only he were so lucky.
Mildred stopped short and rounded her eyes at him. “Did he just call Horse Milly?”
“Och, nay lass, ‘twas...”
“Adlin!” She planted her hands on her hips and narrowed her eyes. “I know what I heard.”
Meanwhile, Conall expressed no emotion, but Adlin didn’t miss the way his eyes lingered on the castle’s outer walls in a direction that allowed him to study Mildred just as readily.
“It might have sounded like,” he began before her eyes went round once more and she cut him off.
“Are you about to lie to me again?”
Adlin twisted his lips. Though he was tempted to avoid this by turning to greet fellow clansmen as they passed, he decided it was best to come clean. “Aye, lass, I named my horse Milly.”
She cocked her head. “Why?”
“Do you really need to ask?” he said softly. “Considering how highly I once regarded a wee lass named Milly?”
“Right, Milly not Mildred as you seem determined to call me.” Yet her gaze softened when she realized he was talking about their time as children. A time she had experienced in her dreams and was just now beginning to remember. “So why not just call me Milly, if that’s what you called me in your dreams?”
“’Tis hard to know.” He shrugged, truly uncertain. “Likely because ‘tis the first time we’re actually together in this life so in some aspects it feels unnatural to call you anything else. ‘Tis an odd thing but I will work to overcome it.”
“I thought I heard we had a visitor,” came his mother’s exclamation as she headed their way alongside Aunt Cassie. Though his ma had wisps of white in her dark hair, she had aged well, and her pale green eyes remained sharp.
“Mother, this is Mildred,” Adlin said. “Here at last.”
When Mildred shot him a look, likely because he got her name wrong again, he bit back a sigh. This was a strange twist he had not seen coming. Getting her new name correct. But he would eventually once his reincarnated soul got used to being with her in person again.
“Well, what kind of introduction is that, Son?” His mother took Mildred’s hand. “Welcome, Mildred, I’m Leslie.” She offered a warm smile. “I once lived in the colonial you now own.”
“Really?” Mildred whispered, clearly overwhelmed but holding her own.
“Yes.” Leslie looked from Adlin back to Mildred. “He hasn’t told you much about me, and his father yet has he? Or his aunts?” She shook her head. “Or any of this really.”
Mildred frowned. “I can’t say that he has.”
His mother tossed him a look then mouthed, “We’ll talk later,” before she introduced Mildred to Aunt Cassie. His aunt had faced blindness years ago but thankfully ended up keeping some of her sight. She had been mistress of this castle for many years while Uncle Logan was chieftain. When their only son Fraser died a few years back, Logan decided it was best that Adlin took over. It only made sense to everyone considering he had, in another life, started this very clan.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mildred.” Aunt Cassie embraced her. “I’ve heard so much about you.”
“You have?” Mildred’s eyes were wide as Aunt Cassie pulled away. “And please, if you don’t mind, I prefer to be called Milly.”
“Of course, sweetie.” His mother offered a comforting smile, likely remembering how she had felt when she first traveled back in time. “If you’re all right with being separated from Adlin, we’d love to show you around and help get you acclimated.”
Mildred’s eyes met his, and for a brief moment he thought she might prefer to stay by his side but ended up nodding. “I’d like that. Thank you.”
“Good then.” Aunt Cassie led her along as his mother stood on her tip toes and kissed his cheek. “Don’t worry. We’ll take good care of her.”
Their eyes met, and he nodded. “I know you will.”
His mother patted his shoulder then off she went with Mildred and Aunt Cassie. He sighed and kept hoping Mildred might glance back just once, but she did not. He couldn’t really blame her, he supposed. He had been pining for her his whole life, and she had only just met him.
“Might we go to your chambers to discuss things then, m’laird?” Conall prompted, his eyes firmly on Adlin’s.
“Och, ye can stop it now,” Adlin grumbled and strode on. “Mildred’s not here anymore.”
“I dinnae know what you speak of, m’—”
“Nay.” Adlin wagged his forefinger back and forth. “No more m’lairds. You’re my bloody cousin. Let us talk like kin, aye?”
Conall clenched his jaw as he strode alongside Adlin into the courtyard. It was high noon, so the place was busy. Well, as busy as it could be considering many men were off fighting one skirmish or another against England.
Scotland had been at war for fourteen long winters, and his beloved country was in ruin. If Adlin didn’t act soon, they would lose the war far earlier than anticipated and William Wallace’s sacrifice would have been for naught. As it was, the current war—what would someday be known as the First War of Scottish Independence—ended with a peace treaty in thirteen twenty-six. But that would never happen if Adlin did not move within the next few days.
That meant taking Mildred somewhere he would rather not.
Adlin clenched his jaw and tried to keep a chipper expression on his face as he said hello to his people on the way to his chambers.
“Me laird, Adlin,” came a piercing voice. “Wait a moment, aye? I’ve something for ye then.”
Adlin stopped, grateful for the distraction as young Euphemia lumbered his way. She had taken over position as head cook from her grandmother Euphemia who had taken the position from her mother, Euphemia, and so on and so forth. Now it was a bit of family tradition that every first daughter born be named such and aspire to become head cook. Where Euphemia’s grandmother was rail thin, her granddaughter was anything but as she waddled toward him. Yet all Adlin saw was the beauty in her dull green eyes and the jolliness of her kind soul.
“I see yer strugglin’ some with yer good nature, so I’ve made ye some of me special bannock.” She ushered him along and swatted away anyone who came too close. “Me thinks yer mood must have something to do with the missus ye brought back aye? Another wee lass from the future I’m thinkin’?”
“Aye,” he confirmed. Leave it to Euphemia to see right through him. “And I’m grateful for both yer cookin’ and yer company, lassie.”
“Aye, I know, m’laird.” She nodded avidly, her jowls jiggling. “Ye know I’ll take good care of ye.”
Conall kept pace as they made their way upstairs into the great hall. No sign of Grant but he knew his mentor would appear soon. Or at least he hoped so. Adlin needed an ally when dealing with Conall.
“Stop looking around for grandfather,” Conall muttered. “Let us deal with this as men and figure it out on our own.”
Adlin nearly snorted but stopped himself. If Conall only understood the dynamics of everything. But he did not and could not. If he did, it could change everything.
“We will speak further in my chambers,” Adlin warned out of the corner of his mouth as he smiled and clapped a man’s shoulder in passing. One of very few men left defending this castle. The majority of their safety now lay in Adlin and Grant’s magic as well as his cousins. Otherwise, they would be like most other estates in this country.
Seized by the English.
“Where’s yer grandmum, Euphemia?” His head cook might be able to read him well, but he could do the same, and there was a little less bounce in her step than usual. “She’s not gone beyond the gates again, has she?”
“Och, ‘tis hard to know.” Euphemia opened his chamber door for him and waved him along. As soon as he was through, she shut it in Conall’s face. “She comes and goes as she pleases. If she catches wind of a wee one in need, she’s off with a basket of whatever she’s been cookin’.” She shook her head. “And grandmum isnae as spry as she used to be nor are these lands safe for an elder to be travelin’.”
Adlin was well aware of the chances elder Euphemia took, but she could never turn her back on someone in need. “Worry naught, lass. I’ll send my men out to look for her.”
“Aye, m’laird, Adlin. I’d be grateful as always.” Euphemia batted him away when he tried to help her with her basket. “Just a soldier or two.”
“Done.” Adlin smirked as Conall knocked on the door Euphemia had locked before she set out the food and drinks.
“Och, lassie, ye do test that lad, aye?” He couldn’t keep humor from his voice. “Ye do know he’s a laird now right?”
“Oh, aye, I know it!” Her eyes grew wide. “All the more reason why he shouldnae be lookin’ at me the way he does.” She shook her head. “Always lookin’ at me like he wants a kiss or two that one.”
Adlin chuckled as she unlocked the door and scowled at Conall. Yet he didn’t miss her admiring his cousin’s backside in passing.
“Come sit, Cousin,” Adlin said as he flicked his wrist and a fire sprang to life on the hearth. “Let us discuss what troubles you.”
“I prefer to stand, thank you.” Conall resumed his position of braced legs and crossed arms as he watched Adlin with a steady gaze. “And I would prefer to accompany you to the first battle. In fact, I insist.”
“Why?” Adlin shook his head and filled two mugs with ale. “We’ve all talked about this and have agreed on a plan.” His eyes went to his cousin. “Why are ye now so determined to be at my battle?” He perked his brows and handed him a mug. “Is it some sort of glory ye seek then?” He shook his head. “Because there isnae glory to be had for any of us. We are silent helpers in all of this. Unrecorded by history. Ye ken that, aye?”
“So ‘tis your battle now? And here I thought ‘twas Scotland’s.” Conall nodded his thanks for the ale but didn’t drink it. “And I well ken ‘tis not for glory or prestige but to simply make sure we’ve a Scotland to call our own in a few short days.”
As Adlin sipped his ale, he remembered all too well what Longshanks had done at South Berwick. What he and those under him had managed to do since.
“And that is why I’ll be going,” Adlin bit out. While he understood Conall’s anger, he had little tolerance for being reminded of something he knew more about than his cousin. “And ye will be staying until ‘tis your time.”
“Or so we thought,” came a soft voice before Grant appeared.
Adlin poured another mug and handed it over. “Welcome.”
Conall nodded in greeting, his jaw a little tighter. “Grandfather.”
Grant nodded at them both, sipped then set aside his mug. “There has been a change of plans.”
Adlin didn’t like the sound of that. More so that it was being said with Conall here. “What do you mean?”
“I mean there have been some unforeseen developments.” Grant’s eyes met his. “The gem in Mildred’s ring does not match your eyes yet, does it?”
A strange sense of inner warning made him tense. “Nay, but ‘tis just a matter of time.”
“Time,” Grant murmured. “’Tis certainly that.”
Adlin narrowed his eyes. “What do ye speak of?”
“I speak of unexpected...trouble.”
He knew that tone far too well. Grant was biding his time. Waiting for backup. Someone who could calm Adlin better than most. No sooner did he think it than a knock came at his door.
“Come in, Da,” Adlin said softly, not needing to speak up. All of them could hear better than most and when necessary read one another’s mind.
When his father Bradon entered with not only Graham but Bryce, he knew their plans had changed dramatically and not for the better.
“Laird MacLeod.” He clasped arms, hand to elbow with his cousin. “’Tis bloody good to see ye.”
“Aye, Laird MacLomain.” Bryce nodded. “Always a pleasure.”
Born to Rònan and Erin MacLeod, Bryce was a few inches taller than the rest of them and like his da, tattooed and half dragon. Yet, he was the hardest to gauge. Sometimes he could be the life of the party like his father or more subdued like his mother. Adlin had always felt Bryce simply became what other people needed at the moment but was, deep down, someone else altogether.
Adlin murmured a chant, manifested a few more mugs, filled them with ale, then handed them over before focusing on his father. “So ye’ve been brought into this to keep my spirits calm, aye? That cannae be good.”
“’Tis what it is.” Bradon put his hand on Adlin’s shoulder. “’Tis a father’s duty to see to his son’s well-being, aye? To be there for him.”
Adlin’s brows shot up. “Och, this sounds dire indeed.”
“When we made our plans, Adlin, we didnae take into account that Longshanks might have his own men of magic,” Grant said. “More than that, we didnae take into consideration that one of them might know about Mildred’s ring and what ‘tis capable of when that gem becomes the stone ‘tis meant to be.”
All he could do was stare at Grant.
It was times like this when he felt frustration at having lost the sheer amount of power he once had. The insight. Wisdom. Not that he didn’t have a great deal of power now, but it was different. Yes, it came faster and happened quicker, but it was still a process. Grant had told him he suspected it would happen very quickly once Mildred’s gem glowed and they reconnected properly, but that was just speculation.
Either way, while becoming more powerful would help in what lay ahead, it was by no means why he wanted that gem to match his eyes. He wanted her to remember him. Everything. All they shared. And that, he realized, was likely what the enemy was counting on.
His vulnerability.
Mildred.
“Bloody hell,” Adlin swore and began pacing. “Who is it? Do we know? Have we a name? Face?” His eyes met Grant’s, and he spoke within the mind. “Do they know there are other rings? Other couples?”
“I dinnae know, but my guess is aye,” Grant responded.
As it was, none of his cousins knew there were more rings or Broun lasses though they had to be wondering. They did, however, know Adlin’s ring was special. Different. Created specifically with the upcoming battles in mind. And they all knew Adlin and Mildred had loved one another in another life. So if Grant and Adlin assured them this was the only ring, they would believe them.
None of them wished to be fated to some unknown woman despite where their mothers came from. And none were the sort to patiently wait their turn as each battle came...as each woman came.
So he supposed, in the end, he should have foreseen Grant’s next words.
“Too much is at stake, and we cannot lose our country.” Grant’s eyes stayed with his. “Not just ye and I but all of us will go to the first battle. Ye will need your cousins.”
“’Twill do nothing but put them in harm’s way when they will be needed at other battles soon enough,” Adlin muttered and took a swig from his mug. “Ye and I can handle this, Grant.”
“Mayhap,” Grant said. “But are ye truly willing to risk Mildred’s life on that theory?”
“Nay,” Adlin whispered, torn, understanding things from multiple angles. “There is naught I wouldnae do for Mildred, but I fear for kin and country.” His eyes went to Grant. “Tell us how ye came into this knowledge. Tell us what to expect.”
“If only I knew with certainty.” Grant frowned. “All I know is that there is an unknown element of ill intent and it has manipulated that ring. It has manipulated our verra magic.” He shook his head. “And that can only be done by someone who knows what we are up to.”
“Who can that possibly be?” Adlin said.
“I dinnae know.” Grant’s frown deepened. “Not yet anyway.”
“So we all go to the first battle,” Conall said, pleased.
Graham grinned. “I’m always up for a good fight.”
Bryce didn’t give an opinion either way, but his steady gaze remained on Adlin. “Tell me what ye’ll need of me, Cousin, and I will bring it. Men, weapons, lasses, anything.”
“Well, a few lasses wouldnae be a bad thing,” Graham piped up. “To keep our morale up that is.”
Adlin sat, took a hearty swig from his mug and braced his head in his hands. This was not how things were supposed to go. He and Grant had a plan, and with Mildred’s help, it was supposed to have gone...well, in a much better direction than this. Not only that but the gem was supposed to match his eyes already.
She was his, and he was hers. It was as simple as that.
Adlin and Mildred.
That’s how it was and would always be.
Or so he had assumed.
What if that changed now? Had someone figured out a way around not only his but Grant’s magic? If so, what did that mean? What bothered him most was that while the ring was created to bring them back together nothing outside of true love could turn that gem the color of his eyes. Which meant one of two things. Either true love did not exist between them in this life, or someone was powerful enough to manipulate the strength of love, and that was unheard of.
Downright impossible.
Or so he had always thought.
“Give Adlin and I a moment alone please,” his father said softly.
Bradon said nothing right away, but he was good at that. Waiting Adlin out as he sifted through his thoughts. It had been an odd thing for his ma and da to learn they were giving birth to the infamous Adlin MacLomain, but it hadn’t stopped them from being wonderful parents. Thankfully, his father shared and appreciated his sense of humor and antics because his mother didn’t always.
Leslie loved him with all her heart, but humor was not necessarily her strong point. So she had schooled Adlin in other things. Reason. Logic. Even women on occasion. Back when he was younger, that is. Back when he wasn’t entirely sure he would meet the little girl from his dreams.
“It might not be how ye planned it, Adlin,” his father finally said. “But if nothing else can be said about ye and your cousins, ‘tis that you’re stronger together. And dinnae doubt the love ye and Mildred share. ‘Tis not fair to either of ye.”
“Love that I cannae be sure of, Da,” he whispered, his head still in his hands. “At least not on her part.”
“Well, nay, not as readily as ye thought ye would,” his da conceded. “Mayhap ye should look at it from a different perspective. ‘Twill not be so easy after all. Ye willnae see the gem match your eyes, remember everything right away and fall helplessly in love.” His father paused. “Instead, ye’ll have to work at it a wee bit like the rest o’ us, aye? And might I say, there’s something to be said for having to put in your time. Gives your mind a chance to meet its mate rather than having your heart have all the say.”
“My mind?” Adlin murmured and looked at his da.
“Aye.” His father offered a small grin. “Is that not one of your favorite parts of yourself then, laddie?”
Leave it to his da to pull a smile from him despite the circumstances.
“Aye, fair enough I suppose.” He sighed. “I just always figured I would get to know her mind after her heart was already mine.”
“What fun is there in that?” His father shook his head. “I can tell ye that getting to know your mother’s mind was a good portion of why I fell in love with her. Not because we were destined to be together.”
“Though it could be argued that because ye were destined to be together your minds were already compatible,” Adlin started, but his da cut him off.
“Just be ye and get to know her, Adlin,” he said. “That, I would think, will be far more impactful to her than the color of some gem.”
“Aye, da,” he murmured because his father was right.
When he and Mildred came together in their last life, it had been rushed. Maybe this time it was supposed to happen slowly. Yet later that evening as he sat at the head table in the great hall watching her filter through the crowd, he was fairly certain there would be nothing slow about them coming together.
Dressed in a soft blue flowing gown that hugged her body in ways that made men’s heads turn, she was a vision. Her dark hair was piled high and her blue eyes magnetic. Oddly enough, the way she walked now was much like she had in another life. There was an elegance to it. Not only that but her hips swayed just enough to be seductive. Teasing.
“Who is she?” Bryce murmured to himself, his eyes trained with interest on Mildred.
“That’s my lass,” Adlin started to say with irritation before Graham cut him off.
“I knew it,” he said with anticipation as he stood, his eyes locked on Mildred as well. “I knew she was meant for me from the moment I saw her.”
“What the bloody hell are you talking about,” Adlin began, but this time Conall interrupted him.
“If she and I are meant to be, Laird MacLomain,” he murmured and stood. “Then you will just have to step aside, Cousin.”
Mildred and his mother had nearly reached the table but stopped short. Mainly because his cousins had all stood and were staring avidly at Mildred.
Or so he thought.
“I’m sorry Adlin, but the gem in the center of Mildred’s ring has chosen its color.” Graham rested his hand on Adlin’s shoulder and shook his head. “’Tis the verra darkness of my eyes. Near black.”
“Nay.” Conall frowned. “’Tis clearly my shade of green.”
What the bloody hell was going on? He glanced at Bryce with curiosity.
“Och, sorry, my friend.” He placed his hand on Adlin’s other shoulder and shook his head. “But her gem is the verra golden shade of my eyes.”
Adlin stared at her ring and saw nothing but a clear gem. Yet all of his cousins saw it matching their eyes. This made no sense. Something was gravely wrong.
It seemed Mildred felt the same because her eyes went from his, confused, to her ring where they widened. “I see a color too.”
She did? Praise God. Finally. Adlin stood, eager for the moment their eyes connected. When she finally remembered everything. They deserved this. They had for a very long time.
“Don’t you see it?” she whispered, her voice soft as her eyes went between her ring and Adlin, her expression unreadable. Anxious? Sad? Confused? “It’s not the right color...”
Adlin’s eyes held hers for a long moment before they fell to her ring and his heart stopped.
The gem was finally a color.
A color that did not match his eyes.
––––––––
THERE WAS NOTHING MORE interesting than spending the afternoon in a medieval Scottish castle with women who would have been close to her age had they not traveled back in time. While Cassie and Leslie looked great, they were now in their fifties despite the fact they had only traveled back in time two years before.
As it turned out, though Leslie wasn’t part of Cassie’s group, because she had lived in the future for a time, she was around the same age. Sadly enough, the women Leslie had initially traveled back in time with were now elderly.
Suffice it to say, all that craziness was pushed to the back of her mind as she got to know the two women better. They were exceptionally sane given all they had experienced and seemed in relatively decent spirits considering their country was at war. Leslie was practical and easy to get along with. Cassie had created the forum back home, so they spent ample time chatting about how it had attracted more Brouns.
“So there are three more of you?” Leslie asked as she crossed her arms over her chest and tapped one foot methodically as she thought that over. “What is my son up to?”
Milly wondered if Leslie knew Adlin had been reincarnated. That he had started this very clan.
“Of course I know,” Leslie muttered absently. “In fact, Adlin and I didn’t get along all that well in his previous life, but now that’s neither here nor there. He’s my boy, and I love him, pain in the ass that he’s been over the years.” She shook her head, but there was a spark of humor mixed with resolve in her eyes. “He never stops with his damn jokes.”
Milly knew her eyes must be wide as saucers. How did Leslie know what she was thinking?
Leslie only winked and proceeded to change the subject. Most of their time was spent introducing her to another world. A time long gone. The castle was astounding with its old stonework and endless nooks and crannies. She could only envision all it had seen. All it had experienced.
As she joined Cassie and Leslie later that evening on the landing overlooking the great hall, her eyes swept over the tapestries before landing on the enormous one in the middle.
“Isn’t he something,” she whispered, caught by the Viking looking right back at her. Or so it seemed.
“Who?” Leslie asked.
“The Viking in that tapestry.” It had to be thirty feet long. “He’s impressive.”
“Heidrek? He sure is.” Cassie smiled. “He’s one of the MacLomain’s Viking ancestors.”
They knew the man’s name? More than that, it almost sounded like they knew him personally. But that was impossible...right? Milly shook her head. Vikings were about one step further than she was willing to go right now but she could appreciate the workmanship nonetheless.
“You look amazing, Milly.” Leslie squeezed her hand. “Let’s head downstairs so everyone can get a good look at you.”
She ran her hands down her dress, aware of the looks she was already drawing. Her dress might be old-fashioned, but it was gorgeous. At some point, she figured she would start feeling awkward or out of place but it didn’t seem to be happening.
If anything, she felt...at home.
The haunting trill of bagpipes echoed off the castle walls as they walked down and she scanned the crowd. People were fairly subdued, and she knew why. War. Milly tried to keep a frown from her face as she made her way through the crowd. Cassie and Leslie had not held back when she asked questions. Now she knew what year it was and the state of Scotland. Evidently, Adlin hadn’t considered that important enough to tell her. But then he had been rather busy with talk of wizards and witches and, oh yes, kisses.
Milly pushed thoughts of kissing Adlin aside and focused on what was happening. What these people were going through living in this country right now.
She loved her heritage and had done plenty of research. Luckily, William Wallace and Robert the Bruce were well-known figures, so the First War of Scottish Independence was something she was relatively familiar with. If the history books were accurate, then something was off right now.
From what she heard, the country was only days away from falling to the English. But that hadn’t happened. They had never come that close that she knew of. Not now anyway. Maybe it was just talk, but it sounded like a good portion of the country was already overtaken and many estates seized. As soon as she had a chance, she intended to take Adlin aside and figure out exactly what was going on. If he was a wizard who could travel through time then surely he knew if history was somehow askew.
Speaking of Adlin.
It did not take long to spot him through the crowd. Her breath caught at the sight of him. He seemed far more formal now in a dark shirt, his tartan wrapped around him neatly with a shiny brooch at his shoulder. A few tiny braids were interwoven into his damp hair.
She honed in on those braids as a memory hovered just out of reach. She had seen them before on a child...with blue eyes. Yet the moment she thought she could visualize him he vanished. But deep down she knew it was Adlin.
She was starting to remember something.
Or at least she had been before Adlin, and the men at the head table began to stand. Though she couldn’t quite catch what they were saying, she knew they were arguing about her. First Graham, then Conall, both intent on her ring. As their words became clearer, she realized they were talking about its gem's color. A third man spoke to Adlin as well, his eyes also on her ring. She had not met him before but knew right away he was different than the others.
Adlin stood as a hush fell over the crowd. He seemed caught in the throes of disbelief, bafflement, and even anger as he stared at her ring too. It was clear he saw no color. Not yet anyway.
She widened her eyes on the gem and shook her head when it began to glow a soft golden brown. It was not the color of Adlin’s eyes. Or any of these men’s for that matter. Though she continued to gaze at the ring, her confused, murmured words were for Adlin. “Don’t you see it?”
When his eyes widened then narrowed, she knew he did.
This could not be good. Wasn’t her gem supposed to match his eyes? Wasn’t that the sole reason she was here? True love or something along those lines? What she found even more alarming though, was that the damn gem did appear to be a color. That blew her mind. Especially considering it was the wrong color. She tried not to panic, but it became difficult as the room closed in on her. As the people around her felt suffocating.
“Milly, ‘tis nice to finally meet you, lass,” came a deep, kind voice. Though much older with white hair, the man who spoke had a strong presence as he continued. “My name is Grant Hamilton.” When his gentle hand landed on her shoulder, and his eyes met hers, a strange but soothing warmth spread through her. “All will be well.”
“Hello,” she murmured, a little thrown off balance but grateful for his presence.
By the time Adlin joined them, which was rather quickly, it felt less like the room was going to swallow her. Adlin nodded at Grant as though thanking him.
“I will introduce you to everyone later.” Adlin put his hand to the small of her back. “For now, let’s get you some fresh air.”
“What’s going on, Adlin?” She shook her head as he steered her toward the door and Grant followed. “This gem...it’s...it’s...”
“’Tis all right,” he said softly and urged her to take a mug from a servant in passing. “Once we find a quiet spot, Grant and I will explain things.”
Milly flinched at the taste of whisky, but that didn’t stop her from taking a few more sips. By the time she got outside and took several deep breaths, she felt better.
“Though ‘tis likely all can be trusted ‘tis best we bring her somewhere no ears can hear us, lad,” Grant said to Adlin.
Adlin nodded, took her hand, led her down the stairs, and around a bend to a creaky door leading to utter darkness. “’Twill be a bit daunting but fear naught, lass, there is nothing beyond this door but a dungeon and ghosts.”
“Excuse me?” She frowned as he fell to one knee in front of her.
“What are you doing?” Was he proposing? “For God’s sake Adlin we just met,” she began, but he interrupted.
“Grip my shoulder.” His eyes met hers. “And give me your foot.”
Well, that’s an odd way to propose.
The corner of Adlin’s mouth shot up, and his eyes twinkled before he murmured something and a small pair of boots appeared. “You should not go below stairs in your current shoes, Mildred. ‘Tis cold, damp stone down there.”
Right. That made far more sense than a damn proposal. What was the matter with her?
“Uh...thanks.” She was caught between how strangely intimate the moment felt and the fact that he had just manifested shoes with a chant. A chant. Unreal.
Yet still, she wasn’t as shocked and disbelieving as she probably should be.
After he laced up her boots, Adlin grabbed a torch from a wall bracket and led her inside a musty smelling chamber. Soon after, they started down a long, winding staircase. “These stairs have been here since I first built this castle hundreds and hundreds of years ago. As have the dungeons and many tunnels that run beneath the castle.”
“I thought I read somewhere that dungeons didn’t exist in this time period,” she mentioned. “That prisoners were kept in towers.”
“Aye, that’s true,” he replied. “But with magic at my disposal as well as the ability to time travel and see castles from the future, I did things to my castle that others had never heard of. For privacy more than anything. The occasional enemy has been brought down here, but thanks to magic doesnae remember it once they leave. Outside of kin and close friends, most dinnae know this part of the castle exists so ‘tis a good place to meet in secret.”
“Ah, that makes sense I suppose.” She tried to focus on anything but how creepy it was. “Do you actually remember building everything?”
“Sometimes,” he replied. “I have moments of clarity on occasion. Flashes of memories.”
“Ah,” she whispered. That had to be strange.
By the time they reached the bottom the damp chill was getting to her, and she shivered.
“Here, lass.” Adlin murmured a chant and swung a fur around her shoulders before he handed one to Grant as well. “You too, mentor.”
Mentor? She glanced at Grant as he shouldered into the cloak, and headed down an arched hallway. So if Adlin was a wizard that meant, what, Grant was his teacher? Milly pondered that as they walked. More so, the strange calming effect Grant had on her earlier. Had he used some kind of magic? No doubt considering Adlin seemed to be able to chant anything he wanted into existence.
As they walked wall torches flared to life, illuminating random chains attached to the walls. Adlin made it sound like few had been brought down here, but she had to wonder.
“Pay them no mind, Mildred,” Adlin murmured from behind her as they continued down a stone hallway. “This would not have been my choice of places to show you but ‘tis the best for discretion and...”
When he trailed off, she stopped, glanced at him and perked her brows. “And what?”
“Come, lass,” Grant urged from ahead. “The lad’s mind’s going in circles, and he’s not saying things as he should.”
“No.” Milly frowned and didn’t budge. If she was learning nothing else here, it was that she should demand answers as often as possible from Adlin. And right away. If not, he would likely sweep her into another conversation or in another direction without her ever being the wiser. “Tell me, Adlin. Stop keeping secrets.”
“’Tis just that in the long run, ‘tis probably best that you familiarize yourself with all parts of our castle.” He gestured around them. “Especially beneath it as there are hidden escape routes.”
“Escape routes?” she whispered and swallowed hard. “Why would I need to escape?”
Probably not her brightest question given the state of Scotland.
“Och, laddie!” Grant, who had doubled back when he realized Adlin hadn’t kept quiet, tsked him, took her hand and urged her along. “Dinnae let the lad frighten you, lass. As I said, he’s not in his right mind at the moment.” He shook his head. “Come on, Adlin. Let’s get Milly where she can rest then we’ll answer all her questions, aye?”
Adlin said nothing but wore a frown as they continued. “They’ll be along, you know.”
“Aye, I know,” Grant said.
“Who?” Milly asked.
“The others,” Grant explained. “Adlin’s cousins.”
“What?” She shook her head, more and more aware of how dark and isolated it was down here. “I’m not sure I’m comfortable with that.”
“They would never harm you, lass,” Adlin said. “That much I can assure you.”
“Yeah, well, I seem to remember you assuring me this gem would match your eyes too,” she muttered, paying close attention to where they were going in case she needed to make a break for it. She rolled her eyes at the thought. Like she could ever outrun any of these men in a dungeon that they no doubt knew inside out.
“And the gem will match my eyes,” he assured, cutting into her thoughts. “As soon as we get to the bottom of things.”
“Which I think we should have tried to do far sooner,” she mentioned. “If you hadn’t been so focused on other things.”
While they had discussed a few topics upon arrival, he knew exactly what she was referring to. Or so she assumed based on the sensual heat in his gaze when their eyes met. He might have a lot to tell her, but she got the impression he also had quite a bit he wanted to show her...or remind her of.
“Ah, here we are,” Grant murmured as they arrived at a large, circular room with several chairs and a small table with bread, a pitcher of ale and several mugs. “And bless her, Euphemia knew we were coming.”
Adlin frowned. “Euphemia willnae go below the castle.”
“Not the youngin’, nay,” Grant said as he urged Milly to sit and poured her some ale. “But her grandmum.”
“So she’s returned then?” Adlin nodded. “Good. Euphemia will be pleased.”
Milly thanked Grant and didn’t waste any time. “Okay, start talking Adlin because I need to understand what’s going on.” She eyed the brown gem. “And why this changed color.”
“Aye,” Conall agreed as he appeared out of the darkness with Graham and the third man she had seen earlier.
“It didnae take you long,” Adlin muttered and narrowed his eyes in warning. “She doesnae ken what’s happening, so you’re to keep quiet until I’ve had a chance to explain.”
“You speak to us as though you are our laird,” Conall quipped as he crossed his arms over his chest. “When all but one of us are your equals.”
Graham snorted. “So ye think.”
“Ye arenae Adlin’s equal and never will be, Grandson.” Grant gestured at a chair, frowned and narrowed his eyes at Conall. “Now sit yer arse down and mayhap, if ye start adjusting yer attitude some, ye’ll find yer way to equal ground someday. Until then ye better remember well that ye wouldnae exist if not for all Adlin’s help in his previous life. None of us would.”
Milly strained to understand Grant because of his brogue. When these men got heated, their accents grew damn thick. She took several sips of ale as she eyed them all and tried not to focus on how she was the only woman in a dungeon full of huge guys.
First, she eyed Conall with his movie star good looks. He was classically handsome with unusually pale sage green eyes. Close to the color of Leslie’s but with more mint in them. Graham almost struck her as ethnic with his swarthy skin tone and sharp features. He was the sort of handsome that was hard to look away from.
Then there was the third man. Taller than the others, he was just as handsome but in a different way. More intense. Though his features were not quite as chiseled as Adlin’s, his slashed brows and strong stubbled chin leant him a ferociousness that she imagined many women liked...even if they shouldn’t. Then he had those strange golden eyes that she wasn’t so sure she wanted turning her way.
Yet they did.
“’Tis nice to finally meet you, Mildred,” he said, his voice a deep baritone. “I am Laird Bryce MacLeod, fast friend, and kin to Clan MacLomain.”
“Nice to meet you,” she managed under his steady appraisal. “Please, call me Milly.”
He nodded before his eyes like the others fell to her ring.
“Let us begin there then,” Adlin said as he sat and asked the same of the men. “Why it is we all see Mildred’s gem differently. Why it appears to match all of your eyes.”
Come again? Milly frowned. “What are you talking about?”
When he told her she decided a few more sips of ale were in order. “You mean to tell me that when all of you look at my ring, each of you sees the gem matching your own eye color?” She looked at Adlin. “Yet when you look at it you see the same shade as me?”
“Aye,” everyone replied.
“Oh, man,” she whispered, overly aware of how intently they were looking at her. All except Adlin that is.
“Stop looking at her like ye’ve a mind to throw her over yer shoulder and make off with her,” Grant chastised as his gaze went from man to man. “She isnae meant for any of ye but Adlin. Know it and know it well, ye ken?”
“Fair enough, Grandfather. At least for now.” Conall’s eyes turned to Adlin. “I am fairly certain I speak for all of us when I ask this. We all knew Milly was coming and that once her gem matched your eyes, we would begin to execute our plan to save Scotland.” He cocked his head. “So how are we to do this now when her gem is clearly undecided about whom her true love is. Therefore, undecided if it will assist us.”
“Good God, okay, this is where I’ve got to hit the pause button,” Milly kicked in, loosened up enough by the ale and just plain old exasperated with Adlin. So it was him she focused on. “Wouldn’t you say it’s time you explain why I’m here? Because obviously, it isn’t just about romance.” She frowned. “What are you up to? Why am I really here?”
When Adlin tried to take her hand, she shook her head. “No, none of that. Just tell me. I deserve answers. The truth.” She looked from Grant back to him. “Now.”
Adlin eyed her for a long moment before he sighed and finally started sharing. “Thanks to an unusual Viking ancestor named Aðísla, Grant and I were given a dire warning about what was going to happen to our country if we didnae take certain measures. Thanks to her particular brand of magic, we were able to witness but not stop the capture of South Berwick, which marked the beginning of all the strife happening now.”
“I’m familiar with the event,” she said softly, amazed that he had actually been there. After going back and forth between Scottish and English rule countless times, the location was now Berwick-upon-Tweed, England. “But as far as I know, that battle made William Wallace rise up then Robert the Bruce later.” She gave it some thought. “The war you’re currently fighting eventually ends in a peace treaty, right? In Edinburgh?”
“Aye, according to history books,” Adlin said. “But that can change, and Aðísla showed us. There is an alternate history, Mildred. One that will happen if you and I dinnae make sure things go as they should.”
“Pardon me?” She perked one brow then another. “You’re joking right?” She eyed the others for their reactions before looking at Adlin again. “Because I’ve heard you like to joke.”
“He’s not joking, woman,” came a soft voice with an unusual accent before two women appeared through the darkness. The one who had spoken was tall, blond and gorgeous. She wore brown leather pants and a leather tunic cinched at the waist. She had numerous braids interwoven in her hair, lightly tattooed arms and several blades tucked here and there.
“Aðísla, my lass!” Adlin crossed the room in three longs strides, embraced her and spun her once before holding her at arm’s length. “I didnae think I’d see ye back here so soon.”
As in she had been here recently, and he still seemed so damn happy to see her?
“Things have changed.” Aðísla’s eyes swept over the room, taking in everyone present before her eyes fell to Milly’s ring. “As I am sure you’ve all gathered.”
“Aye,” Grant said before he embraced the woman who had entered with her. “’Tis good to see ye again, Niece.”
Though not as tall as Aðísla, it was clear the other woman was a fighter too based on her linen trousers, tall boots, and braids. She had dark hair, delicate features and a sharp intelligence in eyes that were nearly the same shade as Adlin’s.
“Aye, Uncle Grant,” she said. “I’m glad I returned home in time.” Her eyes went to Milly, and she nodded. “Welcome. I am Blair, daughter of Logan and Cassie MacLomain.”
Ah, she had heard about Blair. How hard she had taken the loss of her brother a few years ago and her determination to avenge him. Since then, she had not worn a dress and vowed to fight alongside her countrymen until the end. According to Leslie, had Adlin not wanted the position, Clan MacLomain would have gladly made Blair the first woman chieftain in recorded history.
“Nice to meet you, Blair,” Milly said, grateful to have a few women around. Especially ones that looked like they could take these men if anything turned sour. “Your mother’s been very kind to me, and I’m thankful.”
Blair nodded. “Aye, good.” She winked. “Ma’s got a soft spot for time travelers.”
Milly didn’t miss how Adlin and Aðísla were still holding hands. What was going on with that?
“Come. Sit. Both of you.” Adlin finally let go of Aðísla’s hand as the women sat, more mugs were chanted into existence and he poured them ale. “I see you had no problem tracking all of us down here.”
Blair eyed the room. “Nay, ‘twas a good spot for ye to pick.” She gestured at Adlin. “Please, continue explaining things to Milly. She deserves it at the verra least.”
Blair was already Milly’s kind of girl.
Adlin nodded and returned to Milly’s side before he resumed speaking. “So as I was saying, there is an alternate history. One that will happen, is happening, if you and I dinnae make sure things go as they should.” His eyes met hers. “The history you know will cease to exist without our help. There will be no such thing as Scotland in the twenty-first century but only England. They will have overtaken the continent entirely.”
Milly started to talk but couldn’t find the words. Was he serious? How was that possible?
“Because of Aðísla’s gifts, she was able to see the demise of not only the MacLomains but all Scottish clans,” he said softly. “All of Scotland gone. We will become nothing but relics dug up far in the future.”
“But...” Milly shook her head, overwhelmed, and barely able to speak. “How am I supposed to help with this?” She kept shaking her head. “I don’t know how to battle or anything along those lines.” She rounded her eyes at Adlin. “I’m a twenty-first century woman who sells real estate not some sort of...savior of history!” Overwhelmed but determined, she stood. “I don’t belong here. I’ve had enough. I’m ready to go home.” She narrowed her eyes at him. “I’m sure you can help with that.”
“He can and he will,” Grant said, his voice soothing on her raw nerves. “But first, I beg of you Milly, hear Adlin out. Hear all of us out. Then make your decision.”
“I don’t see how anything he says is going to make a difference,” she said.
“Mayhap not,” Grant said. “But mayhap.” His eyes held hers. “Please, just listen. ‘Tis all I’m asking, lass.”
Milly’s eyes stayed with his before they flickered over the men then returned to Grant. “I will just as long as they stop staring at me like I’m some sort of prize to be claimed.”
Conall and Graham had the decency to look away and mutter words of apology but not Bryce. His eyes remained on her but his words, at least, were kind. “My apologies, lass. I willnae claim you against your will, but I willnae remove my eyes from you until I know with certainty you dinnae belong to me.”
Belong to him? Wow. Now there was some genuine medieval talk.
Blair shook her head and snorted. “Dinnae mind him, lass. Bryce would never hurt you.” Her eyes shot to his and her brows perked. “Right, Laird MacLeod?”
“Aye,” he concurred, but those golden eyes of his didn’t budge an inch.
So Milly refocused on Adlin as she sat. “Okay, tell me the rest then take me home.”
Adlin nodded.
“According to Aðísla’s vision, you and I were at the Battle of Stirling Bridge on the eleventh of September in our Lord’s year, twelve ninety seven.” Adlin’s hand slid into hers. “Only because your gem glowed the color of my eyes, did Sir William Wallace and Andrew Moray defeat the English.” Adlin squeezed her hand. “Because of you and me, history became what it is today not what it was supposed to be.”
––––––––
ADLIN WATCHED MILDRED closely as she considered his words, Aðísla’s vision. She seemed more stunned than anything.
“So you’re telling me that this gem.” Milly held up her finger. “Is essentially supposed to save Scotland?”
“Essentially,” he concurred. “But there’s more to it, lass. Much more.”
“How much more?” She looked from the ring to him. “Because as far as I can tell there can’t be much more if this ring doesn’t even work right.” She made a flourish with her hand at his cousins then him. “And it definitely doesn’t based on what’s happening. Heck, Adlin, this gem’s color doesn’t match anyone’s eyes.”
True, and that alarmed him to no end. Because somewhere out there, it did match someone’s eyes and he feared who that might be.
“That doesnae dispel what Aðísla saw,” he said. “And that ‘twas you and I that helped bring about Wallace’s success.”
“William Wallace,” she whispered and shook her head. “So you mean to tell me I’m going to meet William Wallace? The infamous Guardian of Scotland?”
“You know your history,” he murmured, impressed but not overly surprised that she had educated herself. “Aye, one and the same.”
Mildred shook her head and simply stared at him in disbelief.
“If it makes ye feel more comfortable, lass,” Graham said. “My ma, da, aunts, and uncles all met Wallace and Robert the Bruce when the lads were but wee bairns. ‘Twas because of them that the men have a secret if not turbulent alliance as adults.”
Mildred’s eyes never left Adlin’s as she kept shaking her head.
“We dinnae know why the ring’s gem is so fickle,” Adlin continued. “But ‘tis our only hope right now. Once we go back in time to the Battle of Stirling Bridge, I’m sure everything will be as it should. Then from there, my cousins will be able to fight their battles until we ensure the treaty that will lead this country in the right direction.”
“Fight their battles,” Mildred said softly as her eyes turned their way. “All because this ring’s gem is supposed to match your eyes, Adlin?”
“Aye.” He didn’t dare meet Grant’s eyes but wondered if his mentor knew Mildred’s magic was stirring. If he could feel it. It was picking up something he was surprised his cousins had not asked about considering the Claddagh rings had brought their parents together.
“What about my friends?” Mildred’s eyes returned to Adlin. “I’ve learned a lot from your mom and Aunt Cassie about connections across time.” Curious, her eyes flickered from the men back to him. “Are you telling me that despite what’s happened generation after generation between Brouns and MacLomains, that you and I are the last stop?” Her eyes fell to the ring. “That this is all that’s left?” Her eyes returned to his. “That you and I are the spark that gets the ball rolling and that’s all it’ll take? My friends will never be involved?”
Adlin was well aware of how still his cousins had become.
How closely they were watching him.
“Ye shouldnae tell them yet, lad,” Grant said into his mind. “’Tis enough what they’re dealing with now. Mildred’s ring. The potential of more fated lasses will only complicate things.”
“I dinnae know.” Adlin debated it. Perhaps telling them of the others would get their focus off of Mildred. “’Tis not sitting overly well with me anymore lying to my kin such as I am.”
“Adlin MacLomain,” Grant chastised. “Remember that ye were once the elder and I the bairn so I know well the way yer mind works even if ‘tis a different life.”
Adlin couldn’t help a small smile.
“What are you smiling at?” Conall frowned as he looked from Adlin to Grant. “Another private conversation where you manipulate the lives of your loved ones?”
Adlin sighed and did his best to stay out of things. Conall’s grudge against Grant was long and as many things were, misunderstood. Grant had lost a son, and Conall a father, and his cousin was unwilling or unable to see things for how they had been.
“There are more important things to focus on than your paranoia, Conall.” Grant looked from man to man. “The bigger issue now is who might be affecting Milly’s ring because have no doubt, someone is. And ‘tis for that reason, whether or not Milly joins you, that all of you must travel back in time with Adlin. There is an unseen enemy that needs to be dealt with. One I fear is far more powerful than Wallace can handle.”
“I will be there, Adlin,” Bryce ground out. “I will stand by your side always, Cousin.”
Graham nodded. “As will I.”
“For the love of Scotland,” Conall said. “I wouldnae be anywhere else.”
“Nor I,” Blair said. “I will accompany you.”
“As will I,” Aðísla agreed as her eyes met Adlin’s and her voice warmed with a bit too much affection. “You will need me.”
He knew what she was up to and though he should not feed into it, he did.
“I will need you as well, Aðísla.” He kept his eyes with hers and his voice a little too soft to be considered decent. “I’ve always needed you.”
“So let me get this straight,” Mildred finally spoke up. “You’re all going back to this battle to protect William Wallace and the fate of Scotland even if I don’t go? Even if you don’t have the ring and the power and...” she shrugged. “The backing of a vision?”
Adlin could tell by the way Mildred was eying Aðísla that she was jealous and he couldn’t be more pleased. Naturally, Aðísla was using that to everyone’s advantage. Devious Viking. If she could have winked at him without Mildred seeing she probably would have because his lass had fallen right into her trap. If Mildred were truly interested in Adlin, it would give her a reason to join them. Because if not, Adlin might just end up with Aðísla. Or so they hoped that’s what Mildred thought.
Meanwhile, Grant picked up where Adlin and Aðísla left off.
“Surely you ken there isnae anything we wouldnae do for our country, Milly.” Both sadness and determination lit his eyes. “With or without your ring and the love destined to exist betwixt you and Adlin, we will go, and we will fight. Protect.” His voice softened, became more intense. “Otherwise, having the knowledge we do, are we not solely responsible for the demise of our country? Our countrymen and their kin?”
“I cannae imagine a world without Scotland,” Blair whispered, swiftly following in Grant’s wake. Though her chin was jutted out in defiance, her eyes were damp as they met Mildred’s. “So much gone. So much culture and life.” She swallowed hard before she took a deep swig of ale. “Such a great loss.”
Mildred sighed and frowned as her lips twisted in consideration and her eyes went to Aðísla. “If I hadn’t traveled back in time less than twenty-four hours ago and learned that magic existed, I probably wouldn’t be asking you this. But I did, so I am.” Her eyes stayed locked firmly on the Viking. “What exactly did you see in this vision of yours? How precisely did Adlin and I help William Wallace?”
When Aðísla began by saying, “The ring,” Mildred shook her head and sat forward.
“No, I want more.” She narrowed her eyes. “I want an exact image. I want to know how I made a difference.”
Aðísla’s gaze flickered from Adlin to Mildred before she murmured, “It is not always wise to ask to see so much.”
“Tell me.” Mildred’s eyes swung from Adlin to Aðísla. “Tell me so that I have more to go on.”
“More than Scotland falling beneath Sassenach rule?” Conall bit out. “Ceasing to exist?”
Mildred didn’t bother looking his way but kept her eyes locked on Aðísla.
The Viking considered her for a long moment before she nodded, stood, then crouched in front of Mildred. “If you are so determined to see, woman, then give me your hands, and I will show you.”
“Nay, ‘tis not a good idea,” Adlin murmured but knew Mildred well enough to know she would not back down. She needed proof, so she took Aðísla’s hands. Half a breath later, she yanked them away, her eyes wide as she shook her head. “That can’t be right.”
She had been shown the vision very quickly.
All she needed to know.
“But it is,” Aðísla said softly as she stood, her eyes still with Mildred’s. “Now you must decide if you want Adlin to go it alone. More than that, you must decide if you’re willing to lead him to his fate.”
“Hell,” Mildred whispered and shook her head. “This is...” Her eyes went to Adlin. “This is more than should be asked of anyone.”
“Yet you saw it,” Adlin said. “Felt it.” He took her hand. “’Twill be all right, Mildred. ‘Twill be worth it.”
“How can you say that?” she murmured, sadness in her eyes. “Because I just saw your death.”
“You saw what looked like my death,” he said. “You saw what needed to happen to save Wallace and turn that battle in his favor.”
“So you don’t die?”
“’Tis hard to know,” he said. “’Tis not as likely if Aðísla is there. Few are as powerful at healing as she.”
What he would not tell her was that while Aðísla was most certainly a good healer, she was an even better prophet. If she saw Adlin’s death at Stirling Bridge, then it would happen. But that was the least of his worries, especially if it meant saving his country. More so, if it meant spending at least some time with Mildred before he met his ultimate demise.
“I see,” Mildred whispered before she squeezed her eyes shut then opened them as she shook her head. “What am I supposed to do now?”
This time Adlin crouched in front of her, took her hands and kept his eyes on hers. “Travel back with me and my kin. Meet Wallace. Help save Scotland.”
“I still don’t see how this is all going to pan out with my ring going haywire,” she argued, but he saw the defiant flicker in her eyes as they searched his. Mildred had not liked what she saw. She didn’t want to lose him.
“We will deal with that when the time comes.” He fell to his knees and cupped her cheeks. “As we have before, we will handle whatever Fate throws our way, Mildred. Please trust that if you trust nothing else.”
Mildred was about to respond when her eyes fell to her ring, she squinted then turned her head away. “Why is it suddenly so bright? What’s going on?”
“Bloody hell,” Adlin muttered as the pressure dropped. He pulled Mildred into his arms as he stood, freed his blade and kept his eyes on his surroundings. “Grant?”
Grant was already chanting and trying to fight whatever was happening, but it was too powerful. Even when Adlin and his cousins joined in, it made no difference. Whatever had them was strong.
“Hold onto me, lass,” he whispered in Mildred’s ear as he held her tight. “It seems we’re going on an adventure sooner than expected.”
She pressed her cheek against his chest and said nothing as colors swirled around them. Whatever magic it was, it didn’t seem all that threatening. Just pressing. In a rush.
As all modes of time travel worked, this one was not much different. The wind soon stopped, and the pressure returned to normal, leaving them wherever they were. Which, unfortunately, proved to be at the end of a great many swords.
“Who goes there,” came a sharp voice. “Declare yerself now, strangers.”
Adlin took in the clothing and state of the men surrounding them. Though most wore trousers, he was able to figure out what clans they belonged to by the scraps of plaids tying off their braids.
“Declare yerself,” the voice repeated, more persistent this time.
Mildred remained perfectly still against him as Adlin scanned the forest. The only kin he saw was Graham, but he knew the others had made it. All but Grant.
Now he needed to make a decision based on little knowledge. Say who he was or remain vague. On the one hand, if he said who he was and these were Wallace sympathizers, all would be well. But if they weren’t, that could be very bad. It all depended on where they landed in time because if he sensed nothing else, it was close to where they needed to be.
Mildred’s hand twisted in his tunic and her eyes slowly rose to his as she whispered, “Tell them the truth, Adlin.”
As their eyes held, he realized she wasn’t quite herself. Either because of her own repressed magic or someone else’s. She held up her hand between them. There was no missing the shine of the gem. Whatever was here was calling to her. All the more reason to say nothing.
It soon became the least of his concerns as a blade slipped around Mildred’s neck, and dark eyes narrowed on Adlin.
Now there were a lot of ways in which he could be handled to get answers, but threatening his lass’s life wasn’t one of them. Adlin did not care where he was or what he should or shouldn’t do but muttered a chant and flung out his hand. The man’s blade whipped away seconds before Adlin wrapped his hand around his throat and he drove him against a tree. The man might be close to his size, but he wasn’t going anywhere.
“Anyone steps closer to us, and this man is done for,” Adlin roared.
“Declare yerself,” came the same voice, but far closer.
“Just tell him,” Mildred whispered into his mind without realizing it. “It’s okay.”
But it might not be. The MacLomains were known in many circles and if these men were English sympathizers then...
“We’re of Clan MacLomain,” Graham roared as he ducked, twirled, swung his blade and worked his own brand of magic until he was able to take up position in front of Mildred. “Loyal to Scotland and Scotland only!”
Silence fell over the forest before a tall, relatively muscled man appeared and gestured that his men stand down. His sharp eyes went from Mildred and Graham to Adlin, his voice gravely when he spoke softly. “If ye need to end that man’s life, know that yer taking one of Scotland’s finest.”
Their eyes held as Adlin considered his words. “I dinnae take kindly to anyone threatening my lass’s life.”
“Aye.” The man gestured at Mildred. “But is she not safe enough now, lad?”
“Ye tell me.” Adlin’s eyes swept over the men surrounding them. “I cannae say I feel all that confident in her safety just yet.”
When the man made another gesture, all faded into the forest. That by no means meant they were gone. No, he suspected the man he held was far more important than anyone was letting on. So his eyes met the lad’s. “Are ye familiar with the MacLomains then? Have ye heard the rumors about what we’re capable of?”
Unfortunately, or fortunately depending, despite how discreet he and his fellow clansmen had been over the past decade or two, rumors had started to circulate about Clan MacLomain. Some claimed they were heretics and practitioners of the dark arts. Where even fifty winters ago that might have meant less, nowadays, with the English intrusion and Christianity more common than paganism, that meant very bad things for his clan.
The man kept a level eye on him and pointed at his throat, as calm as he had been since first being slammed against the tree. Adlin narrowed his eyes before he loosened his hold enough that the man could speak.
“’Tis good to see yer everything I’d hoped ye’d be,” his eyes remained unwavering, “Adlin MacLomain.”
Adlin loosened his grip a fraction more. “Who are ye? How do ye know me?”
“How does anyone know the infamous Adlin MacLomain?” The man’s words were as assessing as his hard gaze. “Though ‘tis hard to believe ye’ve yet to figure it out, my name is Andrew Moray and yer just the lad I’ve been waiting for.”
Strangely enough, the second the man admitted who he was, Adlin could sense it clearly. He pulled his hand away, upset he had nearly killed someone so important to their cause. “Why not say who ye were right away? Why play these games?”
“Need ye ask in these changin’ times?” Moray’s eyes went to the man who had been speaking on his behalf, likely his first-in-command. “Send word then gather the others and bring them back to camp.”
“Send word to who?” Graham asked, his blade still at the ready.
“Stand down, Cousin,” Adlin said. “We’re amongst allies.”
“I look forward to speaking with ye later, Adlin, but for now I’ve things to attend to,” Moray said. “My men will see ye back.”
Then he strode into the forest without another word.
Though a commander, Moray was known to be more hands on when it came to battles. It was said he would go off alone for hours and contemplate the land upon which he would be warring. What strategy was best. Which, naturally, made Adlin wonder how close to September eleventh it might be.
Graham lowered his sword but remained near Mildred. Adlin stepped close, cupped the side of her neck, stroked a finger across where Moray’s blade had been and made sure her eyes were with his. “Are you all right, Mildred?”
“I’m fine,” she whispered. “Just...was that really him? Did Andrew Moray just hold a blade to my neck?”
“Aye,” he murmured before he rested his forehead against hers. “Welcome to history, lass.”
For a split second her hands rested against his chest. It had been something she did in their previous life. A way to, “Put my hands on you so you won’t vanish again,” she used to say in those precious moments they had toward the end. They might have been old, but when their eyes met, she was young again and lying beneath him in a meadow at the foot of one of his Highland Defiances.
As it had been back then, their moments were equally fleeting now as he pulled away and tried to figure out who was with him and who wasn’t. As he suspected, outside of being able to lay eyes on MacLeod, all had traveled with them except the one person he needed most.
Grant.
Yet if his mentor were here now, he would tell him to improvise and come up with a new plan. Know that he could handle it. And he could.
“Where is Bryce?” Adlin asked Graham who was determined to stay with Mildred until she was safely wherever they were heading. He well understood given the time frame and where he figured they must be.
“He thought he saw something when we arrived,” Blair said, striding alongside. “So he’s gone to investigate.”
“Here?” Adlin frowned. “Now?”
“’Tis Bryce,” Conall muttered, not far off. “What do you expect?”
They might all hold positions of power in one way or another, but they had all been bairns together, so Adlin understood what Conall meant. When he was young, if Bryce’s dragon had been caught by curiosity, he could go missing for days. Though it was hard to know if he was so heavily controlled by his inner beast now, it was worth noting. Especially considering where they were.
When his eyes met Aðísla’s, she shook her head once and looked away. That meant two things. Don’t speak within the mind and do not send anyone after Bryce. There were scant few of them and times were especially dangerous. More than that, they knew who Adlin was almost as if they expected him.
And that was not part of any vision she had.
Daughter of Valan Hamilton and Meyla Sigdir, more so, granddaughter to former Viking King, Naðr Véurr Sigdir, he trusted her without question. She was here to assist him of her own accord despite the fact there might be a way back to her people.
Her love for Adlin was absolute as was his for her.
Just not in the way they had led Mildred to believe.
“So where exactly are we?” Mildred murmured, never letting go of his hand once he took hers. “Obviously Scotland, but I’m guessing a different era.” Her eyes went to Adlin’s. “Tell me the truth. Did you shift me through time without my permission? Without giving me a few more moments to process everything and decide on my own?”
“Nay.” He shook his head and steered her a little closer. “I would never do that nor would Grant.” His eyes stayed with hers. “Never. You need to believe that, Mildred.”
Her brows shot up. “You understand that might be difficult considering how you whipped me back in time to begin with without my permission. Not the best foundation for trust.”
“Aye,” he agreed. “Fair enough, lass.” He grew deadly serious as their eyes held. “But rest assured, I wouldnae have forced you to come here. Not if you didnae want to.”
“Here.” Her gaze drifted to the path ahead. “So we are here. Near where so much happened...” Her eyes shot to his again. “Is going to happen.”
Adlin steered her even closer and whispered in her ear, “Aye, we’re close but ‘tis probably not good to talk about it, aye?”
Mildred’s eyes shifted left and right, taking in the men walking with them. Moray’s men. She nodded but said nothing more as they continued. As soon as her finicky ring got things straight, they would be able to speak within the mind more. While he could say things to her here and there, it couldn’t compare to how he knew it would feel once she could speak to him more readily.
What he conveniently pushed to the back of his mind as they traveled was the fact her ring’s gem was acting peculiar. That it was still glistening brown. Not a good or bad shade, just an unexplainable one. What if by some strange stroke of Fate, Mildred wasn’t really his? That she was meant to be with someone else?
“What if’s dinnae get ye anywhere lad,” Grant would have said. “Just more deeply into yer own mind where ‘tis a toss-up whether ye’ll only find yer own insecure answers or some abstract truth ye yerself created.”
He thought at the time that Grant was an over thinker but now upon reflection, the words held a grain of truth. Had Grant been here he would have nodded, grinned and said, “Aye, of course, they do. My mentor taught them to me after all.”
They only took a few more steps before he heard a sound that most would think was a bird. Then he heard another, more persistent this time. Those were a warning.
Seconds later a band of men came out of nowhere.
“Stay behind me, lass,” he warned Mildred as he and his cousins pulled their swords free. While not a large band, these men were English and fiercer fighters than Adlin anticipated as his blade met another’s. He never traveled far from Mildred as they crossed blades several times before he side kicked the man in the gut. As the enemy buckled forward, Adlin swiped his blade across his throat and ended it.
When he heard Mildred gasp, he spun and intercepted a man heading her way as Conall blocked another. The fool wore too much armor. Not only did it slow him down but cost him his life when Adlin was able to get behind him and snap his neck. After that, the fighting was furious but brief as the last man fell beneath Blair’s blade.
“Bloody Sassenach,” Moray’s man muttered as he wiped the blood off his blade then sheathed it. “There have been too many bands of them as of late.” He scanned the forest and frowned. “Come, let’s go.” He led them in a slightly different direction. “Where there are some there are bound to be more so we’ll take an indirect route until I know they’ve lost our trail.”
Though tempted to use magic, Adlin had been damn foolish to have used it already. They didn’t know what they were up against and how powerful their enemy really was. If he were to guess, this ambush happened in direct response to him using magic when they arrived.
Mildred might be trembling, but he was impressed by the calm look of determination in her eyes. As in her previous life, she wasn’t prone to antics or extreme anxiety, and he could only be grateful. Especially considering what she had just witnessed.
“This way.” Their leader ducked into a cave hidden behind a cluster of bushes. “Dinnae talk or create light of any kind. ‘Twill draw unwanted attention.”
Soon after, they began traveling through a vast network of caves. Adlin stayed in front of Mildred and held her hand while Graham took up position behind her. Bryce, for all he vowed to keep his eyes on Mildred, was still nowhere to be found. What had distracted him so? Because this was odd even for his dragon.
It was a tricky journey in darkness, but Mildred remained calm. He was glad she had the fur cloak to keep her warm and wore boots not shoes. Eventually, they came to an entrance and made their way through a dimly lit forest. Not only was it late in the day, but storm clouds gathered.
Soon enough clicks and bird sounds echoed through the trees, and he knew they were close. Less than ten minutes later, they arrived at a vast encampment hidden well by mountains. The air smelled of wood smoke and damp pine. The sound of blades being sharpened and crackling fires mingled with low voices and random grunts of passion from tents. There could be no doubt based on the amount of weaponry on scene that these men were heading to war.
Moray’s man looked at Adlin’s kin. “My men will see ye fed and lodged.” His eyes went to Adlin and Mildred. “Ye come with me.”
Adlin nodded to his kin to let them know that it was all right and kept Mildred’s hand in his as they made their way past endless tents. As expected, men eyed her with interest but were smart enough to look away when Adlin rested his hand on the hilt of his sheathed blade and made it clear she was his. If nothing else could be said, these men were facing death any day now, and that made a lass the likes of Mildred look like gold.
As he suspected, they stopped at one of the larger tents where Moray’s man ordered them to wait before he ducked inside. Moments later, another man stepped out. As tall as Adlin and looking well, he grinned and shook hands.
“Adlin MacLomain, ‘tis bloody good to see ye, old friend.”
“Aye, ye as well.” He put his hand on the small of his lass’s back to keep her steady. “William, meet Mildred.” He gestured at the man. “Mildred, William Wallace.”
He didn’t think Mildred’s eyes could possibly get any rounder as she stared at him.
“’Tis nice to meet ye, lassie.” He bowed and kissed the back of her hand before his eyes lingered on her ring. “Ye better watch the glow of that in these parts, Mildred. A bauble like that could attract unwanted attention.”
Adlin swore his heart stopped beating altogether as he looked at her ring. Was he seeing correctly? It could not be possible. Yet it seemed Mildred saw the same thing because her words were a squeaked whisper.
“Oh, dear God, you’re William Wallace.” She looked from the ring to his face. “And your eyes match my gem.”
6 September 1297
Just north of Stirling, Scotland
––––––––
THERE WERE DOZENS OF things she might have imagined saying to the infamous William Wallace the first time she met him, but not this. Not that her gem matched his eyes. Holy hell, what did this mean? Based on his frown it seemed Adlin was just as perplexed as they followed William into his tent.
She had to admit William was not what she expected. If anything, he was more handsome than anticipated with rich brown hair, a light beard, and warm brown eyes. Somewhere in his late twenties, he wasn’t as attractive as Adlin, but he was in good shape and definitely possessed a certain sex appeal that must translate to most women.
“Sit. Please.” He gestured to two chairs at a round table he used for a desk based on the crude maps scattered about. “All I have is whisky. Will that do, Mildred?”
“Call me Milly.” She smiled and nodded. “Whisky’s fine, thank you.”
William handed her and Adlin a cup then sat across from them. His eyes lingered on Milly for a moment before they landed firmly on Adlin. “So what brings ye my way at such a crucial time, friend? Not only with several of yer own kin but a wee foreign lass the likes I havenae come across in years.”
That’s right. William had met Cassie and her friends, hadn’t he? So he had been around twenty-first century women before.
“Fate, it seems.” Adlin took a swig of whisky then seemed to measure his response. “We’re here to help you in your endeavor, William.”
Milly was surprised he did not address William as sir but then, when was William made a knight? She could not quite remember. Obviously not yet because she couldn’t imagine Adlin not addressing his countryman with his proper title. Then again, his countryman appeared to be Milly’s one true love based on her ring. Which seemed strange considering who William was and that she had only just met him. But then she supposed the same could be said about Adlin.
“Fate, ye say?” William’s eyes went to Milly again. “Would that be why I have a lass from the future in my tent days before I go to war?” His eyes fell to her ring. “And why that bauble seems to upset ye so, Adlin.” One brow rose as his steady eyes met Adlin’s. “Because ‘tis a rare day I dinnae see a smile on yer face or at least humor in yer eyes. Or so ‘twas the case with the Adlin I remember.”
“Aye, ‘twas a different Adlin in a different life,” Adlin reminded. “At least for me.” He sighed. “And is it really so surprising I can find little humor when you and my countrymen ride to battle? Because I know what you are planning, William.”
“Somehow that doesnae surprise me.” His eyes fell to the maps in front of him. “I’ve a good feeling about this though.” He tapped his finger on a location. “Mark my words, a few days from now right here on the River Forth we will defeat those Sassenach bastards as well as any Welsh or traitorous Scots they have with them.” William’s eyes narrowed on Adlin. “Tell me I am wrong, wizard.”
“I cannae tell you anything about the future, and well you know it.” Adlin unsheathed a dagger and laid it on the table. “What I can tell you is that you’ve my blade and those of some of the best warriors I know at your back. We’ll lay down our lives for you and our country, Wallace. Never doubt that.”
“I dinnae,” William acknowledged as a wry grin tugged at his lips. “But ye cannae blame me for trying to see how that might go, aye?”
“Nay, I suppose not.” When Adlin, at last, managed a small smile, Milly was surprised by her reaction. The unexpected happiness it brought her. William was right. It was unnatural for Adlin to be down and it seemed on some level, she realized that.
Recognized it.
There was that feeling again. Like a memory or maybe several hovered just out of reach. A moment shared with Adlin. The humor he always offered. The way he made her laugh.
“So ye are here to help and ‘tis much appreciated,” William continued as his eyes again went between her and Adlin. “But I’ve something I need to know.”
Adlin’s brows perked. “Aye?”
“Aye.” William wore an assessing look that bespoke intelligence. “If ye’ve no mind to me being blunt, I well remember a group of time travelers from my youth that wore rings similar to Milly’s.” His eyes held Adlin’s. “Why does her gem match my eyes? Because as I recall there was romance involved when it came to the stone in the rings, aye?”
Milly glanced at Adlin, damn curious how he intended to handle this.
“Aye.” Adlin was back to scowling and his brogue, in accordance, was thickening. “I think ye well know what those rings were about, William. Ye were a sharp youth with a good eye.” Adlin took another swig of whisky and muttered, “A good eye toward lasses it seems.”
Amusement flickered in William’s eyes. “Can ye blame me? I was young but beauty’s beauty, aye?” He looked at Milly. “And it seems the future holds much of that.”
She knew she was blushing. It wasn’t every day an infamous man all but told her she was beautiful and if she wasn’t mistaken by the warmth in his eyes, not opposed in the least by what the ring might mean.
Adlin cleared his throat and started tapping his finger on the side of his cup as his eyes flickered between them and his frown deepened. Though he did not seem to be threatened by any other men, his cousins included, William Wallace might just give him a run for his money.
“Will he then, lass?” floated through her mind.
Her eyes shot to Adlin. He had just spoken telepathically, hadn’t he? He was not looking at her but focused on William as he said, “I would like to hear of your battle strategy. What you have planned.” Adlin eyed the maps. “Mayhap you can have one of the lasses I came with fetch Mildred and see that she’s properly cared for as I cannae imagine she’s interested in this.”
Oh, really? Not impressed, she rounded her eyes at him. “Did you just request that someone come fetch me?” He started to respond, but she narrowed her eyes and cut him off. “Because I’m not really the sort to be fetched, Adlin.” Before he could get a word in edgewise, she turned her attention to William. “I know we’re not in a day and age where you’d let a woman sit in on this, but I’d absolutely love to hear about your battle strategy, William.” She dished out a special smile she reserved for single male clients back home and even batted her lashes for good measure. “In fact, I’d be honored.”
Adlin’s eyes narrowed on her as William smiled and nodded, charm in his voice when he replied. “Actually, I’ve always preferred a lass or two around for council. I find ye wiser than most.”
“Wonderful.” She grinned and perked her brows at Adlin. “So it seems I’ll be sticking around after all.”
Though he was still scowling, she didn’t miss the spark of amusement in his eyes. He might be frustrated with what was happening, but he still appreciated her sass.
Adlin tilted his head at William in acknowledgement and shrugged. “’Twill be as you wish, Wallace.”
William nodded, smiled and did the last thing Milly and evidently Adlin expected based on his grunt. He swung his chair around until he was next to Milly, pulled the maps over and though he spoke to them both, focused more on her.
“This is where we are heading. North of the River Forth.” He pointed at a location. “’Tis called Abbey Craig and will afford us a good viewpoint of John de Warenne and that traitorous bastard Sir Hugh de Cressingham.” His finger swung downward, a determined glint in his eyes. “Though Moray might come back with an alternative route, right now I’m counting on the Sassenach to be as pompous and arrogant as they’ve always been and cross here at Stirling Bridge.”
When William’s eyes met hers, and he continued it was clear he didn’t mind in the least speaking to a woman about war. She was every inch his equal if she believed herself as much which damn straight, she did.
“’Twill be a sizable garrison sent by Longshanks, but if we do it right, it can be done.” His finger stayed on the bridge. “’Tis so narrow that two mayhap three horsemen can cross side by side. We’ll let as many come over that we can take, and then attack.” His finger swept up to Abbey Craig again. “We’ll order our spearmen down and fend off a charge from the Sassenach heavy cavalry before counterattacking their infantry.”
Milly might have learned about this time period in history but had not paid attention to how the battle was executed. Not until now. Her eyes met William’s, and she felt his excitement. Exhilarated, she ignored another one of Adlin’s grunts as she considered the map and what William had shared.
“So, what?” She tapped one side of the bridge, thrilled that she was sitting in on such an important part of history. “You hope to take control of the southern side of the bridge and cut off English reinforcements from crossing?”
“Aye! Verra good.” William grinned and placed his hand over hers, more so his finger. “Right where yer pointing.”
“Those that are trapped are going to try to swim back across the river,” she remarked.
“Aye, no doubt,” William agreed. “But they’ll be caught on the low ground in the loop of the river. At least most of them.”
“True,” she conceded, eying the map. “So what of the English still to the south? The ones who never cross the bridge?”
“We’ll attack them if need be,” he said. “With any luck, with their numbers down and their spirits low, they’ll retreat.”
Adlin grunted again but said nothing.
“Ah.” She bit her bottom lip and nodded. “That makes sense.”
“Would ye do it differently then?” When William’s thickly lashed brown eyes met hers, she suddenly realized what he was up to.
“You’re trying to get it out of me,” she whispered. “You want to know how this battle will go.”
“Do ye blame me?” he said softly as his hand stayed over hers and he kept using his bedroom eyes to full advantage. “Would ye not do the same to protect those ye love, Milly?”
“Probably.” She pulled her hand away. “But that doesn’t make me feel any less foolish at the moment.”
When her eyes went to Adlin, he only shrugged, gave her a ‘didn’t you see this coming?’ look and took another sip of whisky.
Great. No help there.
So she turned her attention back to one of the most famous men in Scottish history. A man, as it turns out, that kept looking at her with a great deal of interest. Not the sort that said he was overly concerned about the battle, but more so how attached her and Adlin might really be.
“Och, the things ye never see coming,” Adlin muttered under his breath as he stood. “William, if ‘twould not be a bother, Mildred and I would like to take shelter soon and rest for the eve.”
She frowned at Adlin. “We would?”
“Aye.” He downed the last of his whisky then held out his hand to her while he spoke to William. “I’m sure you ken we’re weary. If you can spare a tent, I’ll do my own hunting and see Mildred is well cared for.”
William’s brows rose. “Do ye not mean ‘Milly’ then, Adlin?”
Mildred crossed her arms over her chest, ignored Adlin’s hand and gave him an ‘at least he can get my name right’ look.
Adlin’s jaw clenched, and she swore she saw a teeny, tiny vein throb in his left temple as he tried to play it cool. “Aye, Milly.” Though he seemed jovial enough, she did not miss the challenge in his eyes when they met hers. “I grow weary and must rest so that I can assist my countrymen on the morrow. Should I send Blair or Aðísla to see you safely to sleep when you’re ready?”
Milly wanted to smack him upside the head. They both knew she was not going to let him leave without her. It wasn’t that she felt unsafe with William, just she felt safer with Adlin. She would love to stay here for hours and learn as much as she could from William, maybe even enjoy the way he looked at her, but not without Adlin. He was her safety net.
The only one she trusted to get her home.
The only one she suspected knew how.
Or so she kept telling herself as she stood and smiled at William. “Thank you so much for...” she shook her head and eyed the maps, then him. “For trusting me even if you were trying to use me.”
“Och, lass, ‘tis not as bad as that.” He stood so swiftly, his height so imposing, that she nearly stumbled back had he not caught her. Milly’s mouth went dry as William’s arm came around her lower back and he again brought the back of her hand to his lips before his eyes dropped to her ring. “Might ye remember that ‘twas the gem and ye that first caught my interest, Milly. Not what ye could tell me of the future.”
“I know.” And she did. “But I have to...”
Suddenly, though he had simply rested his hand on the table, Milly felt Adlin all around her. His varied but strong emotions. His humor at her gall. His jealousy at the look of desire in William’s eyes. His anger that another man was laying a finger on her. His inner wisdom as he tried to keep things in perspective and measure out their situation in its entirety.
When wind rushed through the tent and maps scattered everywhere, she glanced over her shoulder into his eyes and saw something profound. For a flicker of a moment, his eyes shone bright blue, and she saw him. The real him. Who he was on the inside. A man she had known so well.
A blink later, however, he was gone.
Or was he?
“Might we be given some shelter then, William?” Adlin said softly, his eyes never leaving hers.
William remained cordial and if she was not mistaken, a bit flirtatious as he responded to Adlin but kept his eyes on her. “Aye, of course. I’ll see Milly well cared for...” His eyes drifted over her head to Adlin. “Both of ye that is.”
“Good then, my friend.” Adlin nodded, took her hand and pulled her out of William’s arms. “’Tis much appreciated.”
William’s eyes lingered on her for a moment before he said, “Come along then,” and strode out of the tent.
Milly narrowed her eyes when the corner of Adlin’s mouth tilted up, he winked then pulled her after him. Hell, he knew exactly what he was doing. She would bet he could anticipate and get his way every time no matter the circumstance. She almost wondered as they followed William if he hadn’t somehow manipulated the situation from the very moment they walked into William’s tent. Because wasn’t she now willingly, for her own safety, agreeing to sleep in his tent when earlier she was frustrated with him and would have felt much better with his female cousins?
“Ye should find yer kin in this area as they’ve been given tents close to me,” William said as he stopped and gestured toward a particular tent. “As we’re a traveling war party, I’ve not much to offer ye, Adlin, but ye should find at least one skin of whisky in there and a blanket or two.”
“Many thanks.” Adlin nodded and shook hands with William again. “I look forward to fighting alongside ye, Wallace. ‘Twill be a true pleasure.”
“And ‘twill be good to have ye.” William’s eyes met hers before he turned away. “Both of ye.”
Milly could not help but notice there were women floating throughout the camp now. She didn’t need to guess what they were about as one locked arms with William, offered him a sultry practiced smile and swung her hips as they walked off together.
When Adlin made a small sound of appreciation, she frowned and looked at him only to see him eying not the woman but the inside of a dark tent. “’Twill offer plenty of shelter for us both.”
“So you're that impressed by the tent, eh?” Yeah right. “It’s too dark inside to see anything.”
“Och, nay, ‘tis light enough for us wizards. But that wasnae the real reason for the sound I made.” He winked as he took her hand and led her toward a fire. “’Twas more to see if I could make you jealous too.”
“I’m not sure what you’re talking about,” she lied.
Adlin said nothing more about it, but it was clear he thought he had proven his point as he sat her down at a fire alongside his cousins. “Warm yourself, Mildred, and enjoy my kin.”
She frowned when he didn’t sit but seemed to be readying himself for something. “Where are you going?”
“To hunt.”
“Hunt?” Her eyes went to Graham who appeared to be skinning some sort of animal. “I think your cousin already did that.”
“Aye.” Adlin nodded, his eyes trained on the dark forest. “But I wish to hunt more.”
It didn’t take Milly long to figure out what was going on. “You’re angry.”
Graham’s brows perked, and Blair and Aðísla’s conversation did not quite stop but lessened as they eavesdropped. Though Conall leaned against a tree contemplating the encampment, she knew he was paying as close attention as everyone else.
Adlin didn’t bother giving Milly a response but made a come-hither motion to Aðísla, his tone and eyes as irritatingly soft as they had been with her back at his castle. “Might I use your blade, lass? Yours always serves me better than the rest.”
Milly’s eyes went between them, and she frowned. It seemed he wasn’t done trying to make her jealous. What was the deal with those two?
“It is all yours then.” Aðísla tossed him one of her blades. “Hunt well, friend.”
For some reason, she suddenly got the sense they might be playing some sort of game at her expense. As he walked away, she muttered softly, “So how am I supposed to know when he’s being serious?”
Because it was clear Adlin liked to play games.
It seemed her statement was overheard because the corner of Blair’s mouth shot up. “Och, we’ve all wondered that at one time or another.” Her eyes went to Adlin as he vanished into the darkness. “He’s my cousin, but he’s also...who he was before.” She shook her head as she wove sticks together with some sort of string. “A lad so great...”
When she trailed off, Milly said, “I know. The infamous Adlin MacLomain. The man who started this clan.”
“Och, he was a lot more than that, lass,” Graham said as he continued skinning. A process Milly did her best to avert her eyes from because it wasn’t pretty. “Adlin was so much for so many. He lived a selfless existence for well over five hundred years. He—”
“Wait,” Milly interrupted, not sure she heard right. “Did you say over five hundred years?”
“Aye,” Blair said. “Well over if rumor holds true. Conceived in Ireland and born to Scotland by the gods, Adlin MacLomain was immortal as was his sister, Iosbail.”
Milly barely breathed as she listened.
“Like Uncle Grant, Adlin was once an arch wizard,” Graham continued. “Yet he struggles now.”
Milly frowned. “What do you mean?”
“I would say that is Adlin’s business,” Aðísla kicked in as her eyes met Milly’s. “If you are so curious about him, then should you not ask him these questions?”
While she likely would have thought Adlin’s story ridiculous a mere forty-eight hours ago, now she had traveled through time and seen actual magic happen. So she did believe what was being told to her. Which, oddly enough, only made her frustration with him grow.
“I would have asked him if he had the decency to be more forthright from the beginning,” she shot back, not about to be bullied or put in her place by someone who wanted Adlin for herself. She tapped her chest in frustration, surprised by how strongly she felt considering the short amount of time she had known him. “I’m the one who was yanked back in time not once but twice!” She gestured at their surroundings. “I’m the one from a peaceful century thrown into the brink of a medieval war.” Now she was just trying to get a reaction. “If all that isn’t enough, it seems I’m not fated to be with Adlin at all, but William Wallace!”
When voices at nearby fires started to hush, she knew she had said too much.
“I didn’t mean,” she started to whisper, but the remainder of her words died off when Conall strode forward and shook his head. He might have the poster boy looks of every woman’s fantasy medieval Scotsman, but right now, there was a little something going on in his eyes she didn’t much like.
“What?” She shook her head and started to bolt, but it was too late. He snatched her up, flung her over his shoulder and started walking. The next thing she knew he plunked her down in a dark tent, put a finger to her lips then ranted at her loudly. “I thought we had an understanding, lass. Yer mine and I’m yers, aye?” He made a strange grunt that almost sounded sexual. “Aye, there ye go, my wee lassie. ‘Twas sweet ye making me jealous with William but now yer just where I need ye.”
Milly swallowed hard as she realized what he was doing. He was putting on a show for anyone listening.
“I think not, ye bloody fool,” Adlin roared. “That’s my lass, and we all know who she’s been longin’ for, aye?”
Seconds later, he ducked into the tent, flung her over his shoulder, and she was off again. For goodness sake, really? What were these numbnuts up to? She had heard the phrase, ‘crazy Scots,’ and it seemed she was witnessing it firsthand.
By the time he plunked her down in the next pitch black tent, she’d had enough and was about to say so when Adlin's hand clamped over her mouth, and he whispered, “Say nothing, lass and let this matter be settled or else.”
Or else what? Had he just threatened her life?
“Ye just bloody declared ye were fated to be with William Wallace,” he muttered under his breath before his voice grew loud enough for others to hear, his brogue so thick she barely caught a word. “Stop yer muttering, and join me now beneath the blankets where ye belong, lass.”
“Where I belong?” she hissed the minute his hand loosened.
He didn't respond but plunked her down then followed. Hell if she could see him because it was so damned dark. But she could smell him. That spicy scent that should, if she knew what was good for her, repel her. Yet she inhaled deeply and did not push him away but pulled him closer.
“Och, nay,” he murmured as he put a finger to her lips. He was so close she could feel his breath fan her cheek. Then the gentle touch of his hand on her back. Which suddenly brought her mind back to her bedroom in the colonial. How soothing he had been. How caring his touch. Though he moved away, she remained frozen and said nothing. Adlin had been there on her bed in the future. Not as a boy from her childhood dreams and not as Phillip, a magically enhanced Scotsman turned Brit.
No, he had been there and touched her as he had just done.
Milly blinked several times as a small fire flickered to life, and Adlin’s eyes met hers. “I’m sorry about that, but ‘twas necessary.” He shook his head. “’Twill do you no favors in this era to be sworn to the likes of Wallace. Not if that information ends up falling on the wrong ears.” He sighed. “As it is, we’ll be lucky if word of what you claimed doesnae travel anyway.”
She might feel like a fool for having blurted out that she might be meant for William, but she was at her wit’s end. “Well, maybe if you’d stuck around and helped me understand what was going on rather than taking off like that, I might never have said it to begin with.”
Adlin clenched his jaw and eyed her before he nodded. “You’re right. ‘Twas not what I should have done, but I needed to clear my head.” He sounded remarkably sincere. “I’m sorry I didnae tell you who I had been from the moment we met.” He searched her eyes. “More than that, I’m sorry that I didnae tell you more about the man I’ve become in this life.”
“So you heard what your family said to me.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “And Aðísla, of course.”
“I heard enough to know that I havenae gone about this as well as I could have.” Adlin’s apologetic eyes never left hers. “I am not the man you once knew, Mildred...Milly.” His voice softened. “I am not half the man, I’m afraid.”
“What does that mean?” She frowned and shook her head. “Are you talking about what your cousin’s just told me? That you were supposedly immortal in your last life and evidently quite revered.”
“Aye, somewhat.” Adlin sighed and held out a skin. “Here. Drink if you like.”
“I don’t want distractions, just answers.” Milly took the skin but did not drink as she kept her eyes on his. “Obviously based on everything that’s happened, we’ve known each other for a long time. Or should I say you’ve known me because I don’t remember much which I suppose would be fine enough,” she kept frowning, “if I didn’t know you did know everything and you’re just keeping it from me.”
“Not everything,” he whispered, his eyes on the fire. “Not nearly.”
“Adlin,” Milly groaned, exasperated. “Just say the things that need to be said rather than being...cryptic. Tell me about your previous life.” She cocked her head. “And tell me what you think is wrong with my ring’s gem rather than stomping off to clear your head.”
Disappointed in what she soon realized was himself, Adlin’s eyes stayed on the low flames. “As a rule, I’ve never been difficult to deal with,” he said softly. “Not until you arrived it seems.” His eyes returned to hers. “The only reason I didnae tell you much about who I was in my last life was because I didnae want to overwhelm you, Milly. I didnae want to frighten you anymore than you already seemed to be when you arrived.”
Now they were getting somewhere. Not to mention he was finally calling her Milly.
“See, that’s all you had to say,” she said just as softly. “And that makes sense. Thank you.” She considered him. “But now I think it might be best if you just came clean. No more evasiveness. I need to know...” Her eyes dropped to the ring before she looked at him again. “I need to know who you are, who we were, and what’s going on with this gem.” She perked her brows. “Is it all somehow related?”
“I dinnae think who I was before or who we were together has much to do with what the ring is doing now. I think there’s another force at work.” His eyes stayed with hers, and his next words took her by surprise. “Unfortunately, if we cannae figure out what it is, the ring will have it’s way.”
“What does that mean?” she whispered.
“It means that you will likely become part of history as the bride Wallace wed as he fought for his country’s freedom,” he murmured. “Not only does that put your verra life at risk but ‘twill rewrite history yet again, and I fear ‘twill be for the worse.”
––––––––
IN SOME WAYS IT WAS a relief to share everything with Mildred but in other ways, daunting. Adlin had always been somewhat in control of them coming back together, and now it seemed he was anything but. If her ring’s gem matching his kins’ eyes wasn’t enough, now it thought to pair her with Wallace. Worse yet, William did not seem opposed to that in the least.
“So you and I never married in our last life?” she eventually asked. “In fact, it sounds like we didn’t really have much of a life together at all.”
“Because we didnae,” he replied softly. “Our time was brief when you traveled back to eleventh century Scotland then it felt far too brief in those last few years in New Hampshire.”
“So you chose to spend your last days with me in the future rather than with your family?” She tilted her head in question. “And obviously you grew old. How is that possible if you were immortal?”
“Meeting you, my one true love, began a verra slow aging process,” he explained then told her far more. About who Jim had been before. Everything.
“Ah,” she whispered. She might not remember him yet, but it was obvious she was starting to understand how close they had been.
“Aye, I did choose to spend those last days with you.” Though tempted to take her hand, he didn’t. “You were the love of my life Milly, and in the end, there was nowhere else I wanted to be.”
Emotion churned in her eyes as she gazed at the fire. “It sounds like your family was right. You’ve sacrificed an awful lot for everyone.” Her eyes met his. “Even us for a long time too.” She gave him a curious look. “So me and Jim? Really?”
Adlin nodded. When he decided to share he didn’t hold back. Not anymore. And that meant telling her that she and Jim had married and found love in their last life. He knew they had come together again in this life first as lovers and now friends. He also knew it might have gone that way before had he not interfered. Had he not pushed her into Jim’s arms in the end.
“That’s sort of uncanny, isn’t it?” she whispered. “That I found Jim again?”
“Not when it comes to reincarnation,” he replied. “It happens more than you might think.”
“Evidently.” She sighed and took a sip of whisky. “So after all that, here we are again, and it looks like things might not go how you wanted them to.”
At least it seemed she believed everything he told her. She had not said much about William or what the ring might mean, and he was fine with that. As it was, he nearly drew his blade on Wallace in the tent earlier, and that would have led everyone down an unfortunate path indeed. Jealousy had no room in any of this, but despite his best efforts, it was impossible to avoid.
What he should be focusing on rather than petty emotions, was the bigger problem. Who was controlling that ring? A gem that should be untouchable by everyone including its makers.
“Cousin?” came a low murmur from the tent entrance. Graham brought them some cooked meat. Grateful, he thanked his cousin then asked that he keep his ears open to rumors throughout camp. He could only hope that everyone had believed the show he and Conall had put on. Again, though his cousin was problematic lately, he certainly thought fast and came through when needed.
Mildred thanked him when he handed her some meat then remained quiet while they ate. He knew she was mulling over everything he had told her. What direction all this might be taking her. Eventually, her eyes turned his way. “All things considered, I understand your jealousy when it comes to William...to a degree. I guess what I don’t understand, is what’s happening between you and Aðísla. Because it looks to me like there’s something there.” She frowned. “I know you pulled me back in time because you and I are somehow supposed to see this battle through, but why be jealous of William considering the feelings you clearly have for Aðísla?”
“Och, you’ve misunderstood that because I’ve allowed it.” He supposed he wore a sheepish expression. “’Tis not what you think it is betwixt us, lass. There isnae romantic love but the sort meant for kin. I shared a brief romance with Aðísla’s mother, Meyla in my previous life and we had a child. So she’s important to me in ways that are difficult to explain.” He shook his head. “But we arenae in love with one another. ‘Twould never be like that with us. We’re just good friends.”
“Oh,” Mildred whispered, her eyes round. “Well, I certainly didn’t see that coming.” She cocked her head. “Why is Aðísla here anyway? It’s obvious she’s different than the rest of you.”
“Aye.” He nodded and explained his Viking ancestors. “’Tis a complicated web but thanks to time travel we Scotsmen have often assisted the Vikings and vice versa.”
“Interesting,” she murmured as her brows pinched together. “So does that mean you had a child with one of your own ancestors?”
“Nay.” He chuckled and shook his head. “My MacLomains might share blood ties with Vikings but not me. Or at least I didnae in my last life. I was Irish before I became Scottish with the gods’ blessings.”
“Right,” she said, eying him then the ring. “Hence the Claddagh?”
“Aye,” he said. “But that is a long tale and better left for another day.” He turned his attention to the ring as well. “Unless, of course, it does as it should. Then you will remember everything. All the tales I told you in another life.”
“I know you believe as much and it’s always been the case with these rings but what if...” Mildred hesitated before she seemed to rally her courage and continued. “I mean what says love can’t be found between Brouns and MacLomains without the gem saying so?”
Hopeful though he should not be, his eyes went to hers. “It has never been done, lass. ‘Tis not how the ring works.”
“So you say.” She kept staring at it and frowned. “But I wasn’t even looking for love to begin with so why should this ring control something so important in my life.”
“You might not have been looking for love,” he acknowledged softly. “But ‘tis verra likely the ring would have found its way to you no matter what.” He tapped the heart holding the gem. “’Tis part of its verra essence to be drawn to an open heart. A ready heart.”
“Which, it seems, led me to you.” Her eyes met his again. “Every once in a while, I feel like I’m on the verge of remembering something, lots of things actually. Things that happened with you, Adlin. Why would that happen if I’m meant to be with William? Is it just because of the life you and I shared before?”
It better not be.
“Nay, ‘tis doubtful,” he lied because the truth was he had no way of knowing for sure. He could only pray as he took her hand. “One way or another, this ring has been with us for a long time, Milly. From when we were wee bairns.”
“Since childhood,” she murmured as their eyes held. “A ring didn’t bring us together before, did it? This would be the first time.”
“Aye.” He stroked his finger back and forth over the ring absently. “There was no ring for us before yet still there was great love.”
“So it can happen without a ring,” she whispered.
‘Only if the ring hadn’t brought us together, to begin with,’ he nearly said but saw something in her eyes that gave him pause. Flickers of recognition perhaps? Even defiance against anything that dictated how she was supposed to feel about him.
Unfortunately, in this case, Fate was in control and not the other way around.
And, evidently, a third party who remained a mystery.
Either way, he sensed a softening in her he fully intended to take advantage of so he cupped her cheeks and kissed her. As it had been on the horse, she didn’t pull away but returned the kiss with as much ardor. Even the way she tasted was so similar to before. The way her tongue danced around his with the practiced skill of someone who had kissed him many times. They were perfectly matched and the passion intense, so it was no surprise his cock sprang to attention.
What was a surprise was her straddling him.
He could well remember the way she felt beneath him in another life. She might have been a virgin then, but she clearly was not now. While he could appreciate both versions, he had to admit he was especially enjoying her aggressiveness this time around. More than appreciative as she dug her hands into his hair, pressed her hot center against him and groaned as she kissed him.
Perhaps he would not have to worry about the ring after all.
Perhaps, somehow by the grace of God, the ring had nothing to do with this...with them.
He should have known better when she flinched and suddenly pulled back. “Ow!”
“What is it?” He frowned as she tugged at the ring.
“It just got steaming hot.” She blew on it and flinched again. “It’s burning my finger, and I can’t get the damned thing off.”
Adlin didn’t waste time but scooped her up and headed outside. Besides Wallace’s warriors posted for look-out, most of the camp was slumbering. Not Conall, however, who had been leaning against a tree, ever watchful. As Adlin moved swiftly though the dark forest toward a nearby stream, Conall was at his back, his blade drawn in protection. His cousin murmured something to one of William’s men in passing. Likely that it was only them so nobody would be alerted.
It took almost more than he was capable of not to use magic as he dropped to his knees beside the stream and submerged Mildred’s hand in the frigid water, alarmed when the water actually hissed.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered and kissed her temple. “’Twill only be for a moment. Is it helping?”
“Yeah.” She kept her hand underwater and frowned. “Why did it do that? Because it almost seemed like a direct response to what we were doing.” She squinted. “And why is it so damn bright brown now?”
“I dinnae know.” He frowned as well. “’Tis known to warm when you’re with your one true love but not burn. Not cause that kind of pain.”
Conall crouched beside them, frowning as well when she finally pulled her hand out. “’Tis certainly brighter but as far as I can see, ‘tis still the color of my eyes.” His gaze narrowed on Adlin. “And what were you two doing when you know full well she might not belong to you?”
“Belong to him?” Mildred frowned. “Sorry, but I don’t belong to any man.” Her brows drew together, and she muttered, “Any more than I can be fetched by someone.”
Adlin shot Conall a look, shook his head, then examined her finger for burn marks. None were obvious but based on the way the water reacted he would have thought the ring was red hot. His eyes went to hers. “How does it feel now?”
“Better.” She shifted in his arms. “You can put me down now. I’m okay.”
Though that was about the last thing he wanted to do, he complied.
“What do you think happened?” Conall stood as they did. “Why is her ring doing this? Did you and grandfather not create it?”
“You know we did,” Adlin grumbled as they headed back toward camp. What he didn’t mention was that he had been a mere child at the time and Grant had been the mastermind behind it. All the more reason why he needed to speak with his mentor. Because, though he had not said as much, Adlin was beginning to suspect there might have been something more to the creation of this ring. Something that was affecting everything now.
When Mildred staggered a little, Adlin wrapped his arm around her. “Are you well, lass?”
“I think so...just really tired.” She pinched the bridge of her nose. “And dizzy...”
Adlin and Conall frowned at each other before Adlin scooped her up again and headed back to the tent. He did not have to say anything to his cousin. Conall knew to get Aðísla and to be quiet about it. Outside of Wallace, this was a superstitious lot. A few minutes later, she joined them. Concern knit her brow as Adlin wrapped Mildred in a fur and kept her on his lap close to the fire.
Now she was shivering and complaining of a bad headache before her eyes rolled back in her head and she passed out. If he didn’t know better, he would say black magic was at work. Aðísla confirmed it when her eyes met his, and she nodded. “Tell me what happened.”
So he did.
Because of her blood connection to her father Valan, or better yet his long gone evil warlock of a father, Keir Hamilton, Aðísla had a special talent for recognizing black magic. Some said even the ability to use it. But that was beside the point. Right now, the truly alarming thing was that the magic seemed to have originated in the ring.
“What is it doing to her?” He tugged gently at the ring, but it would not budge. If she continued to worsen, he would find a way get the bloody thing off if it was the last thing he did.
“I am not sure.” Aðísla pressed the pad of her thumb to the area between Mildred’s eyes, also known as her third eye. The Viking didn’t dare use magic but was implementing something close to it. Something akin to dragon glamour. “There is another tied to her soul somehow,” she whispered. “He and others...connected not just to her but possibly to other Brouns.”
Conall clenched his jaw, and his frown grew heavier as Graham entered, squinted and muttered, “Bloody hell, her ring’s getting brighter, is it not?” He shook his head. “And still the same color as my eyes.” Concern tugged at his lips as he joined them and studied Mildred. “She doesnae look good. What’s wrong with her?”
Adlin shook his head, more worried by the moment. Mildred’s head lolled on his chest now, and her eyelids fluttered.
“This isn’t all him...them,” Aðísla murmured, as she sensed or saw something they could not. “Milly is fighting his hold on her. That is what is making her ill. Her magic fights him like it would an infection.” Her eyes met Adlin’s. “And she is winning. She will win this time.”
Bloody hell, where was Grant when he needed him?
Aðísla was about to pull her hand away but stopped.
“Loki’s cock,” she whispered, evidently seeing something else. “That’s where Bryce is.” Her eyes snapped to Adlin. “He saw her with this unknown foe. Her and another.”
How was that possible? Mildred had been with Adlin and his kin the whole time.
“Who?”
She shook her head. “Another woman. One from the future I’d say based on her clothing.”
“Och,” Adlin muttered, feeling more frustrated and helpless by the moment. “I assure you only Milly traveled back in time. At least to our time frame.” He shook his head. “And how could Bryce see Mildred somewhere else when she’s clearly here?”
“I dinnae think anything is as clear as we think it is,” Conall muttered as he continued to eye her ring. “As it is that ring cannae seem to decide who her true love is.”
“I am her true love,” Adlin warned, more venom in his voice than he intended. “Ye best get that straight now, Cousin.”
Conall shrugged as though not all that convinced. “I’m going to go fill my skin with water from the stream in case she wakes with thirst.”
Adlin nodded and looked at Graham. “I suggest ye squelch rumors amongst the night watchmen before they even get started. Mayhap that she had a wee bit too much to drink and we’re seeing to her.”
Graham nodded, his eyes lingering on Mildred for a moment before he left.
“I dinnae like this, Aðísla.” Adlin stroked Mildred’s cheek. “What am I to do when I cannae even use my magic? How am I to help her?”
“You help her by staying with her.” Aðísla studied Mildred’s ring. “You help her by giving her strength as she fights her battles.”
“She has my strength,” he vowed softly. “Always. As much as I have to give.”
He had never felt such guilt as he did now. As he realized none of this would be happening if he hadn’t urged her to find the ring. To put it on. To travel back in time.
“You had no choice,” Aðísla murmured. She might not necessarily be reading his mind, but few had the ability to guess his thoughts as well as she did. “No matter where our hearts may lay, they must always lie first and foremost with our kin and country. For you, that must always be Scotland, Adlin. Even before a woman.”
Be that as it may, it didn’t change how he felt. Not for a moment.
“Cousin,” came Blair’s soft voice as she ducked into the tent with a damp cloth and a skin of what he suspected was water. His bet was she intercepted Conall when she realized what was happening and he would likely not see the Hamilton laird again until morning. His speculations were confirmed when she crouched, looked Mildred over and murmured, “I assured Conall I would see to Milly and that ‘twas no longer appropriate for anyone but ye and us lasses to be in here whilst she rested and recovered.”
“Many thanks.” Adlin took the cool scrap of plaid from Blair and pressed it against Mildred’s forehead. Her color seemed to be returning to normal, but she still shivered.
“When did this begin?” Blair brushed a lock of hair back from Midred’s face. “She seemed fine earlier.”
“Here in our tent.” Adlin didn’t quite meet her eyes. “Whilst we were talking.”
“Talking, was it?” Blair said. He did not miss the knowing look the women tossed each other.
“Och,” Adlin muttered, never able to get much past these two. “Ye bloody well know ‘twas more than talking.”
“How much more?” Aðísla asked. When he frowned at her, she gave him an exasperated look. “We both know that the level of intimacy between a Broun and MacLomain can make all the difference. Were you two...”
“Nay, lass,” Adlin cut her off. “We were not lying together.”
But they might have. He bloody well wished they could have.
“Hmm.” Aðísla frowned. “So the ring started giving her trouble as you merely kissed?”
“Aye.” He nodded. “And ‘twas not the first time we’ve kissed if that’s your next question.”
“But it is the first time you have kissed since the ring became undecided, yes?” Aðísla inquired.
“Well, aye, but what difference does that make?”
“It might make all the difference,” she replied, “if there is some sort of spell cast on the ring that repels anyone that is not her one true love.”
Adlin didn’t like the sound of that. “But I am her one true love.”
“Be that as it may,” Aðísla conceded. “Right now it seems the ring disagrees so if I were you I would watch how intimate you are with Milly until we figure this out.”
When Adlin shook his head, displeased with that assessment, Blair offered her opinion as well. “She’s right, Cousin. Ye cannae risk her life. And ‘tis not in yer nature to put another in harm’s way for mere lust, aye?”
There was nothing mere about lust when it came to Mildred. Adlin grumbled under his breath as he continued pressing the cool cloth against her face. The truth was they were right.
“She seems to be improved.” Aðísla pressed her thumb against Mildred’s third eye again, went still then soon nodded. “Whatever haunted her has passed. She has won her battle. Now she should rest.”
Adlin nodded his thanks as they left, then lay down beside Mildred, and covered them both with a fur. He tried to rest, but it didn’t come easily as he sifted through all possible scenarios. As he tried to come to terms with the fact he wasn’t powerful enough to protect her. Not yet. Not ever possibly if they didn’t find love as they should. Something he had assumed would happen so very easily. Though he drifted off for a short time, it wasn’t long. Not when she could become infected again.
When Mildred awoke in the morning, he was watching her. Despite what she had gone through, she looked lovely as her drowsy eyes focused on him and a soft smile came to her lips. For a split second, as their eyes held, he swore she remembered him. That she recalled the many mornings she would awaken to him admiring her in their later years.
“Good morn, lass,” he said softly. “How did you sleep?”
She inhaled deeply and stretched, whispering. “Good, thank you...” Then she hesitated as it seemed she started to remember. “What happened, Adlin?” Her eyes went to her ring. “The last thing I recall was walking back from the stream after this burned me...”
“Aye.” He explained what had happened while he helped her up, leaving out the part about black magic. “’Twas most alarming but you seem to have come through it just fine.”
Mildred said nothing to that, but he could see the worry in her eyes. More so, the frustration. If he was not mistaken, she was reading between the lines. Soon enough, she proved him correct. “There’s more to this, isn’t there?” She shook her head as their eyes held. “I remember snippets of dreams. They had to be dreams, right?”
Though tempted to assure her they were, what if his coddling caused her more harm? When it came to magic, it was best to know as much as possible so if for no other reason in this day and age, you could mask it from others.
“I dinnae know, lass.” Though he did not want to, he ended up sharing what happened. “Whatever it was you fought it, Milly and you won.”
She stared at him, wide-eyed, before murmuring, “I did, didn’t I?”
He held her shoulders lightly and nodded. “Aye, do you remember it then?”
“I remember a tall, gaunt man with unpredictable eyes.” She swallowed. “He was surrounded by an army that spoke a strange sort of English...but it was English. He was British...they all were except a few. Somehow I understood them.”
It sounded like she had been in the enemy’s camp.
The enemy they knew about that is.
“He was talking about where they would attack.” She frowned. “And I don’t think it’s going to be Stirling Bridge.” She shook her head. “I don’t think it’s going to be where it’s supposed to be.”
Adlin narrowed his eyes as he considered history. As he thought about what might be happening at this very moment. “Was the man dark haired? The sort that seems to possess wiry strength?”
“Yeah.” She nodded. “He was.”
“’Twas likely the Earl of Surrey you witnessed then.” Adlin rolled their fur. “We’ll tell Wallace and Moray of this to make what they will of it.”
Mildred nodded and considered him. “That’s not all I remember.”
Adlin didn’t like the look in her eyes. “What is it, lass?”
“They’ve taken prisoners,” she said. “Prisoners they somehow mean to use as bait.”
He had not told her about the other woman Aðísla had seen. He could only pray she hadn’t seen one of her friends because there could be no worse fate for a lass than to be taken by an English army. No worse fate for just about anyone. “Did you see the prisoners in your dream, then?”
“No, but I heard them talking about one of them...what they had already done to him...” Her pained eyes met his. “They claimed they caught the largest Scotsman alive and had already shrunk him down some.”
––––––––
MILLY KNEW BY THE LOOK on Adlin’s face that he feared for his cousin’s life.
“Laird MacLeod didn’t come back last night, did he?” she said softly because she did not doubt for a second that’s who the English had to be talking about.
Adlin only shook his head as they exited the tent and headed for his family, who sat around a fire just where she had left them. Or so it almost seemed. All stood as they approached, their breath hitting the chilly air in foggy puffs as they looked from Adlin to Milly.
“What is it?” Blair’s eyes were alarmed, almost as if she sensed something. “Milly was able to tell you more about what happened last eve, wasn’t she?”
“Aye,” Adlin said. “Though there is no way to confirm it, we believe the enemy camp has Bryce.”
“I do not believe it.” Aðísla shook her head as she looked Milly over. Based on the concern in her eyes, she was making sure she was all right. “He is dragon therefore Viking.”
Milly didn’t blame her for thinking otherwise. She might not entirely believe the dragon part, but she had never seen a larger, more intimidating man than Laird MacLeod. It was hard to imagine him becoming anyone’s prisoner let alone being taken to begin with.
“I believe Milly saw what she saw,” Adlin stated. “Which means I intend to find a way to save him.”
“As you also steer Wallace in the right direction to save Scotland,” Conall said dryly, his eyes never leaving Milly. “Because I suspect our lass has more to share, aye?”
Milly frowned at Conall. How could he possibly know that?
“No offense but I’m nobody’s lass,” she muttered. “But yes, there’s more...” So she shared what she knew about the Earl of Surrey’s plans. “My impression is that they’re going to try to negotiate and stall as they plan another route of attack altogether.”
“That is my thought as well, lass,” came a deep, amused voice before Andrew Moray appeared through the morning fog, his intense eyes locked on her. “Yet I wonder how ye came to all these astute conclusions without the knowledge of a seasoned warrior, or even the mind of a strategist.”
Where she found William Wallace handsome, intelligent and charming, Moray came across another way altogether. While his looks were appealing enough, it was his cutting intellect that she supposed would draw a woman’s eye and put most men on edge. While most of twenty-first century America tended to think Wallace was the man in charge thanks to Hollywood cinematics, she knew better. Andrew de Moray was the real mastermind. The man behind the scenes always watching and waiting. Planning. The all-seeing eye.
“My apologies for the blade yesterday, lass,” he said softly as he stopped in front of her, lowered his head then met her eyes again. “But ye seem no worse off for it. A true survivor if I ever did see one.”
“Some might argue a survivor has the mind of a natural born strategist,” she pointed out, not about to be intimidated by him and certainly not kowtowed.
“Aye,” he agreed. The corner of his mouth turned up ever-so-slightly. “Yet I sense there’s more to ye, lass. Something,” he fingered the end of a tendril of her hair, “far more interesting than yer unusual accent and uncanny knowledge of our enemy.”
She felt more than saw Adlin tense and shift his hand closer to his blade.
“Och, Laird MacLomain has his hand on his dagger,” William boomed, grinning as he entered their small circle. “Which means ye must have laid eyes on his lass again, Moray.”
“I’ve laid eyes on her right enough,” Moray acknowledged before he nodded again at Milly then turned his attention to Adlin. “I insist ye and yer lass join me in my tent.” His eyes went to William’s and they exchanged a look before Wallace’s regard turned their way. For a minute she thought he was going to hold out his elbow to her but instead gestured that they follow.
“Moray doesnae want William pursuing you,” Adlin explained softly as they followed. “Not right now...not quite yet.”
She frowned at him. What did that mean?
“I’m sure by now, Moray’s caught wind of the ring’s gem and the possible connection betwixt you and Wallace,” Adlin murmured as he put a hand to the small of her back and steered her through the camp. “’Twould not only be unwise because of my reputation but because Moray is a man of war. A true leader of warriors. Which means he knows verra well the effect a lass could have on his comrade in arms. Because even a man the likes of Wallace is capable of stumbling when it comes to his heart. Of making mistakes that could cost them this battle. This verra war.”
While Milly understood the concept, she found it a little hard to believe that she could have that profound an influence.
“Then you underestimate your beauty and intelligence,” whispered through her mind.
Adlin? When she glanced his way, he only winked. So it had been him. But of course it had been based on the sudden warmth of her skin. Or was that because of the feel of his hand against her back?
Milly licked her lips as thoughts of what had nearly happened last night came to mind. She knew he had not expected her to straddle him or to be so aggressive but she couldn’t help herself. He had felt so amazing, so familiar, and she wanted more. Far more. She wanted to feel what she sensed was just out of reach. Something she knew she had felt before and had blown her mind.
“Welcome again.” William nodded at them both as they joined him and Andrew in another large tent. Unlike Wallace’s there were no maps or much of anything except a cot, a few chairs, and a small table. Somehow she knew based on its minimalist décor that it was Moray’s.
“I hear ye’ve much to share, Milly.” William rested his hands on the back of a chair and gestured at another. “Please, sit and tell me what ye’ve learned, aye? Both of ye.”
While she knew neither Moray nor Wallace would hurt them, there was no missing the hardness in their eyes. These men might think highly of Adlin and respect Milly enough, but they put their country first. That meant she was not going anywhere until she was forthright about any information that might help them defeat the English.
Thankfully, Adlin took the matter out of her hands when he led out and shared far more than she expected. At least in front of Moray. “So there ye have it,” Adlin said in conclusion. “Milly is from the far future and me, the more immediate future, sent to aid ye in this battle. Sent to make sure Scotland sees victory and nothing else.”
Where William lounged back in a chair with his arms crossed over his chest and his legs stretched out in front of him, completely at ease, Andrew was the opposite. He stood with his legs braced and his hands clasped behind his back as he listened closely to everything Adlin had to say.
Milly didn’t miss that Adlin left out all mention of Bryce or the fact he intended to rescue him. It also seemed Andrew had not heard that tidbit upon his initial arrival.
“So what make ye of this, Moray?” William contemplated Milly and Adlin while he spoke to his friend. “Did ye see proof of this as ye explored?”
“Aye,” Moray said softly. “Enough to know Adlin and his kin are either helping us or helping the enemy.”
“Och, man, this is Adlin MacLomain.” William frowned at his comrade. “If I know nothing else, ‘tis that he would die for this country as would his kin.”
“Aye, so it has been said,” Andrew concurred, his keen eyes locked on Adlin. “But it has also been said they practice dark magic. That they are against the church and see only to their own welfare.”
Adlin’s eyes never left Andrew’s. “Dark magic? Nay. Magic? Aye.”
She was surprised how hard Adlin could look as his gaze remained unwavering, his voice almost disgusted. Or was that just a tone he cultivated to rile? Because somehow she suspected it might be.
“If ye’ve the mind to question my devotion to our country, Moray,” Adlin continued, “then mayhap yer not nearly the lad I thought ye were.” His brow raised a scant fraction. “Mayhap ye’ve no place going up against the likes of what yer facing right now.”
Andrew’s lips curled up, but his gaze stayed hard. “I have heard of ye, Adlin MacLomain and will admit I was hoping we might see ye, but unlike most, I have no intention of respecting ye until I’ve reason to.” He cocked his head. “In fact, I have no intention of trusting ye until ye’ve earned it.”
Tension lay like a thick blanket as Adlin and Andrew eyed one other. What were the odds she would be with three infamous men yet the man she had never heard of almost seemed more powerful than the other two? Because Adlin appeared infinitely more powerful as his pale blue eyes bore into Moray’s. He seemed to weigh, perceive and over-analyze every little moment almost more intensely than Andrew himself did.
The only one who seemed to be able to cut through the intensity was William, as his eyes went slowly between the men before softening on her. “Would ye care to take a walk whilst these two work through things, lassie?”
It seemed Adlin was back to being quite sure of himself when it came to her because he nodded his approval at the same time as Andrew. Well then, there you go. And truthfully? Nothing sounded better than getting the hell out of this tent.
Yet as she and William left, she felt a smidge unsure. Almost as if she belonged by Adlin’s side. That she should stand by him whether he asked her to or not.
“We willnae travel far,” William assured as he redirected her away from the main camp toward the same stream Adlin had brought her to the night before. “Despite what ye might think, no matter what that gem of yers does or how bonnie I find ye, I wouldnae go against Adlin if he’s taken a likin’ to ye, lass.”
When her eyes met his in surprise, she knew he was being truthful. “That’s good of you.”
“Och, it cannae be any other way unless yer so inclined,” he said. “Adlin, Grant, all of them did much for me in my youth and I willnae forget it nor will I repay it with anything but what it deserves.”
Milly was not sure what to say to that so merely nodded. While she might have thought the conversation inside was surreal enough, this was even stranger. William Wallace was telling her he was interested but would not pursue her if Adlin wasn’t okay with it. Better yet, if she wasn’t. It said a lot not only about William but Adlin. About the caliber of men she was lucky to have met when she traveled back in time.
‘Traveled back in time,’ she nearly whispered in awe but bit her tongue. It was still hard to believe, hard to accept, yet she did, as readily as everything else coming her way. Almost as if she were meant to be here, as if she somehow knew this was coming. But then if she had spent time with Adlin as a child in that attic, she very well might have.
“Can I be honest with you, William?” she asked as they stopped beside a horse she assumed was his based on the way he ran his hand down its mane with affection.
“I would prefer it, lass.”
“Good.” Milly’s eyes fell to her hand. “I’m not a fan of anything this ring has been doing lately.” Her eyes met his. “Outside of allowing me to meet men like you and Adlin...” Then she said with added emphasis, so he took her meaning, “Especially Adlin.”
“Ah,” he murmured as his eyes stayed with hers. “So ye’ve affection for him then, aye?”
“I have something for him,” she conceded. “Though I’m not entirely sure what it is yet.”
“I’d say based on the pink staining yer cheeks when ye speak of him yer more sure than ye realize.” Though she didn’t miss the flicker of disappointment in his eyes, the warmth in his gaze as he looked at her was genuine. “If nothing else can be said about Adlin MacLomain, ‘tis that he is a good man and known to love his lasses as thoroughly as he does Scotland.”
Milly tried not to frown. “His lasses?”
Like there had been so many.
“Aye, did ye not know he was once immortal and rumored to have been with quite a few...”
“I’ve heard,” she interrupted before he could innocently drive her away from Adlin. “He’s quite loved.”
“Aye, quite,” William agreed, grinning as he eyed her. “But for all the rumored lasses ‘tis also said that only one ever truly claimed his heart.”
“Is that right?” she murmured, surprised by how winded she suddenly felt. “And who was that?”
“I think ye well know who she was, lassie,” William said softly as he took her hand and pulled her after him.
“Not sure I do,” she murmured as they stopped almost at the very spot Adlin had dipped her hand in the water the night before.
“Were ye not once called Mildred then?” William asked as he pulled off his shirt. “Were ye not called by the same name in another life?”
“I...uh...oh...what are you doing?” Her eyes widened as he yanked his boots off then did the same with his pants.
“I think ‘tis obvious.” He grinned as he waded into the water naked. Milly knew she should turn, but for shit’s sake, this was William Wallace and what modern day Scots loving girl in her right mind would look away? Unfortunately, after a brief glimpse, it seemed she would as she averted her eyes then did, in fact, turn away.
“What’s obvious is that you just stripped down in front of me,” she called over her shoulder.
“Aye.” He issued a low whistle. “And ‘tis bloody cold!”
“I know.” She sure as hell did. “So back to what you said before...”
“And what was that?” came a low, dark tone she almost did not recognize as Adlin until he appeared through the woods with a thunderous look on his face. One solely focused on William.
Milly’s mouth dropped as he yanked off his shirt but didn’t bother with anything else except his boots before he strode into the water with rage in his eyes. “My kin and I treated ye bloody good, lad, yet here ye are strippin’ down in front of my lass! What are ye hoping for being so brazen because ‘tis bloody disrespectful to both Milly and me!”
She was so focused on Adlin’s upper body and how cut he was that she didn’t realize he had a sword and seemed set to kill William. An important man with one hell of an army nearby. One that would come to his defense in no time. For that matter, based on the whistles then roars, she would guess they were seconds away.
“Och, nay, ye’ve got this all wrong, Adlin.” William shook his head and ducked beneath the first swing of Adlin’s sword. “I wasnae wooin’ her.”
“Nay?” When Adlin thrust, William leapt to the side. “Yet ye’ve yer cock swingin’ for her to admire, aye then?”
“I wasn’t admiring anything,” she called out. Her voice trailed off as plain old female appreciation took over. She tilted her head and started admiring a whole lot as Adlin’s tartan started to slip.
“Oh, look at that,” she whispered, her eyes wide on his tight ass as he thrust his blade at William so quickly that Wallace stumbled back into the water. But not before someone tossed him a sword, and he blocked Adlin’s blade as it came down hard.
It was that, the harsh sound of metal clanging against metal, that finally snapped her out of her reverie and she screeched, “Stop, you’ve got it all wrong, Adlin!”
That did not slow him in the least. He was roaring mad and going at William with fury.
“Oh no, oh no, no,” she kept muttering as she raced into the water after them. By that time they were going at each other viciously as William mostly defended and tried to explain that Milly wanted Adlin and no one else. Though she might argue that to some degree it did not stop her from splashing downstream after them.
“Adlin, stop!” she cried, but with all their clinking and clanging she wasn’t sure anyone heard a word.
Adlin was out for blood, and at this point, it seemed William was too. Adlin slashed, William ducked. William thrust, Adlin leapt to the side. They were well matched and moving fast. How could this end well? It would not if she were the judge of it. Especially seeing how she was the only one willing to stop the battle in a river now lined with warriors.
“No,” she cried again and stumbled forward, determined to see an end to this. Unfortunately, she was so caught up in stopping it that she didn’t realize how foolish she was until she leapt in between them and William’s sword came down on her.
Luckily, a scant few inches from her face, Adlin’s blade intercepted.
The men froze as they realized what had nearly happened. How dangerous a position she had put herself in. Yet, despite her near death experience, she could not help but focus on something else altogether.
Had her ring’s gem just flickered light blue? The color of Adlin’s eyes?
She blinked a few times only to see it return to the brown of William’s eyes.
“No,” she whispered, her gaze still on the ring as their blades pulled away.
“No is right,” came Moray’s low but amused voice. “Ye men have had yer battle now I suggest ye ready yerself for one far more important.”
Adlin and William nodded and stepped back, both muttering about how they had nearly bested the other. Soon after, realizing the show was over, some men whistled their approval and clapped where others murmured softly to each other. At first, she thought it was because the men had decided to stand down but soon realized it might be for another reason altogether.
Sopping wet, her dress clung to her and revealed a little bit more than she wanted to show anyone, especially a bunch of strange men.
“Come, lass.” Blair stood on the edge of the stream and held out her hand. “Let’s go get you dried off, aye?”
“Aye,” Adlin agreed, a mad scowl on his face as he narrowed his eyes at William, tossed his blade to Graham, then swung her up into his arms.
Milly looked at William over Adlin's shoulder and mouthed, “I’m sorry,” but he did not seem all that concerned. If anything, there was a speculative look on his face as Adlin carried her off. When she glanced at the forest, she realized Andrew still watched, that this might have all been a set-up. But to what end? Because a woman knew when she was desired and William had wanted her. Yet she suspected he wanted something far more. Something that made him infamous.
Scotland.
“Adlin,” she implored, trying to get him to look at her but he would not. “It wasn’t what it looked like.”
He said nothing but strode nearly nude back through an encampment that was almost packed up before he ducked into their tent, plunked her down on her feet then proceeded to kiss the life right out of her. Though she intended to push him away and tell him what a presumptuous ass he had just been, the second his tongue wrapped with hers she was done.
Gone.
Somewhere only he could take her.
It didn’t matter to either of them that they should keep their hands off each other, that she could get sick again.
“Milly,” he whispered against her lips as he grabbed her ass and lifted her until she wrapped her legs around him and her arms over his shoulders. “Please.”
She knew what he wanted. What was pressed against her butt and a few centimeters of wet material away from springing free. “I...we...” she started to say, breathing heavily between kisses she was so turned on, so ready to take what he was offering. “Yes,” she finally croaked, be damned with all the reasons she shouldn’t. “Yes.”
“Adlin? Milly?” Conall didn’t wait for a response but barged right in, a heavy frown on his face as Adlin swore under his breath, brought Milly to the ground and glared at him. “What the bloody hell is it?”
“’Tis time to go, Laird MacLomain,” Conall said between clenched teeth, clearly not impressed with any of this. “’Tis time to ensure that Scotland’s history knows we stand behind it and that we arenae heretics, aye?” His nostrils flared he was so upset. “Because right now, rumors are about. ‘The ring glowed so Milly must be a witch!’”
“Who is saying this?” Adlin said.
When Conall ignored him and started to stride out, Adlin grabbed him by the back of his collar, yanked him inside and came nose to nose with him. “Ye best tell me and tell me quick, or ye willnae like the outcome, Laird Hamilton.”
Conall narrowed his eyes. “I’m not sure I like the outcome already.”
Though Adlin scowled at Conall, he soon let him go and sighed. “What do you mean they’re calling Milly a witch?”
“They arenae but soon will,” Conall spat as he adjusted his shirt. “A few saw something, and now a handful are thinking it. You know how that goes.” He purposefully kept his eyes off of her, and she knew it was because of her wet, revealing state. “Something happened in that stream.” His voice thickened with unexpected emotion. “Something that will get ye killed if ye dinnae head it off soon, Laird MacLomain.”
Adlin started to respond, but it was too late. Conall was already gone.
It seemed Laird Hamilton might have a heart after all. And it appeared he cared more for Adlin than he let on.
“I’m sorry, lass.” Adlin rubbed a hand over his face and eyed her. “All that out at the stream might have seemed foolish but like last night, ‘twas necessary. I had to defend your honor and squash rumors of a romance betwixt you and Wallace.”
“Bullshit.” She snorted. “Maybe a small portion of that display was what you claim it to be, but I’d say most of it was genuine jealousy.”
“Och, nay.” Yet he looked a little guilty. “Well, mayhap just a wee bit.” His eyes rounded. “The man had the nerve to strip down in front of you knowing full well that you’re mine.”
“I meant what I said to Andrew,” she bit back. “I belong to no man. Not even you, Adlin.”
“I didnae mean it quite that way. Those are just words men around here would better ken.” His heart was in his eyes as they met hers. “And though I’m sorry enough for the necessary display out there, I’m even sorrier that I kissed you when I knew better. When it could have made you ill again.”
“But it didn’t,” she said softly. “I feel fine. Besides, I knew the risks.” Not that she was thinking of them in the least. She shook her head and rubbed her hands in front of a dwindling fire, more aware of her soaked clothing by the moment. “Did you see it too? The gem glowing?”
“So ‘tis true?”
His voice was so soft and hopeful that her chest tightened as she looked at him. “It’s true. I saw it glow the color of your eyes for a moment. Didn’t you?”
“Nay,” he whispered, disappointment in his eyes as he somewhat owned up to his impetuous behavior. “But mayhap I didnae deserve to...not yet.”
Milly frowned as their eyes held. As she suddenly saw an ancient and wise man caught in a new body...a new life. How happy he was, but at the same time embarrassed that he could not measure up to who he had once been. In his mind, all the greatness he once possessed seemed to have dwindled down to nothing more than a foolhardy, lovesick man.
“Hey,” she murmured, saddened by what she saw. “Don’t be so hard on yourself. We all do silly things on occasion.”
“Aye, mayhap. But ‘tis not wise in these changing times. ‘Tis not wise at all,” he murmured as he wrapped a fur around her shoulders. “Truth be told ‘twas no easy thing seeing you admiring Wallace’s arse.”
If she didn’t see the twinkle of amusement in his eyes, she might have kept defending herself. Instead, she ended up teasing right along with him. “Risky business, playing with swords when nude. You might have cut off his you know what.”
“Aye.” A grin was on his lips and the devil in his eyes. “’Twas half my goal to be honest.”
She had to give Adlin credit. His dark moods did not stick around for long.
“Is that so?” Milly bit back her own grin. “How would cutting off William Wallace’s dick help anything?” She rounded her eyes and shook her head. “I’m no historian, but my bet is that would’ve been a deal changer.”
“Well, ‘twould have changed something to be sure,” he huffed, his brogue thickening with emotion. “Yer eyes on his arse for starters.”
“You mean my eyes on your ass,” she shot back before she could stop herself, well aware of the sudden heat in his gaze and the promising huskiness of his voice.
“So ye’ve an eye for my arse then, lassie?”
Her breath caught at the look he gave her. A look that reminded her how close they had come to going well beyond simply admiring asses.
“Adlin? Milly?” Blair stuck her head in. “’Tis time to leave. I have a change of clothing for ye both. Dinnae take too long. ‘Twould be best if ye were seen out in the open with Wallace and Moray.”
Adlin nodded his thanks as he handed some of the clothing to Milly. Though she urged him to turn around and keep his eyes elsewhere, she caught him peeking as she changed.
“Adlin!” she said.
“Aye?” he asked innocently as he pulled on trousers, his eyes lingering on her backside.
“I asked you not to look.”
“Yet you’re looking,” he pointed out. “But then you did mention you’ve a thing for my arse.”
Very true. This time, however, she had been hoping for a glimpse of something else. Because based on what she had felt between his legs, she knew it would be well worth it.
As if he read her mind, he murmured, “But I suspect you’re hoping to see something else, aye lass?” His voice dropped a few octaves. “That day cannae come soon enough.”
Milly could not agree more. She might not have known him long, but that wasn’t slowing down the blazing chemistry between them. It didn’t help any when his hands were suddenly on her back and his husky words in her ear. “Let me help you tie this.”
Unlike the dress she wore before, this one had a few string ties in the back. Ones she could not get to if she tried. So she nodded and worked to keep her breathing even as he began tying.
“So no side effects at all after we kissed?” he said softly, his words close, his body even closer. Though most might think he was talking about her getting ill from magic, she knew better.
“Do you really have to ask?” she replied, her voice breathy and her skin hotter by the moment.
“I think ‘tis better to be safe than sorry,” he murmured, pressing his luck when he brushed her hair aside and dropped small kisses down the side of her neck.
“I don’t think there’s anything safe about what you’re doing,” she whispered as her eyes slid shut. Her stomach might be flipping, but it had nothing to do with sickness.
His arm wrapped around her waist as he kept kissing her neck before he pulled her back against him. A sharp ache formed between her thighs at the feel of his thick erection. What she wouldn’t do to pick up where they left off.
“Cousin,” Graham called out from just beyond the tent entrance. “Everyone is leaving, and Moray requests your presence.”
Adlin sighed, brushed his lips against her neck one more time then pulled away. After he doused the flames and shouldered the satchel with their meager belongings, his eyes went to hers, and his voice remained soft. “Because of the gem, everyone will be watching you far too closely. Say nothing unless spoken to and stay close to me at all times, aye? I swear on my life I willnae let anything happen to you, lass.”
“I know,” she said as their eyes held. Though she knew she should be frightened, knowing he would be close kept fear at bay.
“Cousin, we must go,” Graham said, breaking the reverie they were caught in, the feelings she realized already existed without truly remembering anything from their past. Somehow, though she had only known him a few days, he meant something to her. Probably more than he should.
“Aye,” Adlin responded to his cousin before he caught her off guard yet again by tossing her over his shoulder. She yelped when he slapped her ass and declared as he exited, “’Tis time all know that ye truly belong to me, lassie.”
––––––––
“THEY’VE PROVIDED SOME horses for us,” Graham said after they had packed up their tent. He handed Adlin the reigns to a horse at least sixteen hands high. “War horses all.”
Not surprisingly, Aðísla was without one. Though everyone seemed amiable enough, it was clear she was not one of them. Though she had somewhat altered her accent, her clothing still bespoke Viking blood and as a whole, the Norse were not entirely trusted. His bet was that she would be riding with someone Moray appointed and they would keep a close eye on her.
“Aye, ‘twas kind of Wallace indeed to provide such beasties.” Adlin nodded as he plunked Mildred on the horse then swung up behind her. “’Tis more than I expected.”
“Aye,” Blair said, trotting up alongside them. “If I were ye, I’d get my arse up to wherever Wallace is and make amends seeing how he sent these our way.”
“Bloody good of him all things considered,” Graham declared, putting on a show for anyone listening. “He’s a kind and forgiving lad.”
The goal was to act as normal as possible and squash rumors before they gained too much traction. So he wrapped Mildred’s hands, most specifically her ring finger, beneath her fur cloak and started through the woods in William’s direction.
For the most part, Mildred had been right when she accused him of attacking William out of jealousy. He was still somewhat shocked by how out of control he had felt. How close he came to cutting down someone so important not only to him but their country. Yet he had and all over a lass. If he did not take care and embrace a more reserved attitude bloody fast, he could very well ruin everything he and Grant were trying so hard to accomplish.
He knew better than to have acted that way. He had seen Mildred turn away from Wallace yet still, he saw red, felt fury and wanted blood. His reaction had been grossly out of character, and he couldn’t help but wonder if it didn’t have something to do with the gem’s dark magic. If somehow, because he had taken part in creating the ring, the magic was able to possess him as it did her, but in a different way.
Though he had been tempted to explain all of that to Mildred, something about her reaction in the tent gave him pause. If he didn’t know better, a small part of her had liked it. So naturally, he exploited that to get her back into his arms. Which, again, made him wonder about the gem’s influence over him because the last thing they should have been doing was kissing. It could have harmed her. Yet he could not seem to keep his hands off her regardless of how unwise.
“Laird MacLomain.” William nodded at them as they joined him. “Milly.”
When Mildred offered Wallace a warm smile, Adlin wanted to rip the man off his horse and get back to battling. He scowled inwardly. This had to stop. He could not afford these petty emotions, yet they only seemed to be worsening.
It had to be because of the gem.
As far as Moray knew, however, Adlin was just doing what was asked of him.
“I will admit ye seem to have more of a changeable nature than I anticipated, Adlin.” Andrew’s eyes slid his way as he fell in beside him. “But then I cannae be that surprised I suppose all things considered.”
Adlin narrowed his eyes as he continued playing the part they had agreed to earlier after William and Mildred left Andrew’s tent. “Aye, I’m glad ye ken my bold actions. ‘Tis not every day a wee bonnie lass the likes of Milly comes along.”
“Nay, ‘tis not.” Andrew’s eyes went to Mildred. “How fare ye lass after stealing the hearts of two such important men? After having them lose their minds and fight over ye when there are far more important things they should be focusing on.”
Milly tensed but kept her voice light. “Well, I don’t know. I’d say giving your men such an exciting show likely got their mind off of war for a few minutes.” She perked her brows at him. “The last I heard a little morale boost could be considered important enough before war.”
When Moray chuckled and kept eying her, Adlin realized Mildred might have caught the eye of not two but three men. The fickle ring needed to make up its mind and do it soon.
“Oh, aye, ye gave them a show all right, lassie.” Moray was bold enough to look her over with appreciation. “And I’m sure many got just the sort of morale boost they needed.”
Adlin grumbled under his breath, knowing full well what Andrew was up to. More rumors. More talk that lessened the threat of the great Adlin MacLomain’s arrival. Because in truth, that was what they were trying to accomplish. Moray knew full well if his own men had heard such heroic things about Adlin then surely the enemy had too and that, unfortunately, was why Andrew suspected the English were reconsidering their method of attack.
The question of course at the forefront of Adlin’s mind was who had told the enemy of Adlin’s arrival? Was it Bryce under the duress of torture or was it one of Moray’s own men? Unlike most commanders, Andrew was not overly quick to come to his men’s defense. While he claimed the majority were stalwart and devoted to kin and country, others had been stragglers who joined en route. Men who were likely once mercenaries. Always in need of more able bodies and seasoned warriors, he was hard pressed to turn them away.
All that aside, what Adlin did know without a doubt was that Bryce would never talk no matter what they did to him. He was one of the most loyal men Adlin knew, and it bothered him greatly that he might have been taken. That he might be suffering.
As if she sensed his sudden melancholy, Mildred’s hand rested on his thigh beneath the cloak. While he could speculate she did it to reassure him she wasn’t interested in her effect on Moray’s men, he somehow knew her touch was in regards to Bryce. Which meant they were starting to bond despite the blasted gem.
A gem that had, at last, flickered light blue.
“We will travel most of the day and should arrive north of the bridge by nightfall,” William said as they slowed down on purpose. “I’ve sent some of my men ahead to join up with yer scouts, Moray.”
Adlin remained silent but watchful as the men talked about things they had already discussed in private earlier. Things said to test the loyalty of those listening. While scouts had certainly been dispatched, more warriors, trusted men all, were in hiding, ordered to follow any that might break away or try to send a message to the English.
All part of Moray’s plan. All anticipated. Except for what Mildred’s ring had done. Though Moray seemed to be taking it in stride, Adlin knew the commander wasn’t overly pleased with his men thinking they had a witch amongst them. That, he imagined, was the main reason he and Mildred were between the two leaders now. So that all could see Moray and Wallace accepted them which meant that magic could not possibly be involved. After all, the likes of William and Andrew would never allow a witch to interfere in something so important.
It turned out to be a relatively uneventful, but long day for Mildred who wasn’t used to riding. Though she never complained he could tell she was sore when they stopped mid-day to eat and even worse off when he helped her down later that evening.
“I need to work out more often,” she groaned, clearly grateful that he stayed beside her for support. He knew better than to comment on her state of fitness but as far as he could tell, she was doing just fine. Based on her slim yet curvy body against his all day, he would say she didn’t need to make any changes at all. So said his constant arousal.
As her eyes lingered on his, he realized the ride had been equally testing for her. Grant better make an appearance soon and help him figure out her moody ring because keeping his hands off of her was bound to get more difficult. Not that he had been showing much restraint as it was. Maybe because since it had flashed his eye color, it didn’t seem to be making her ill. Still, it was reckless of him considering all the unknown possibilities.
“Watch your wandering hands,” Aðísla bit out from nearby. She had ridden with Moray’s first-in-command and wasn’t too happy about it based on the way she glared at him as she hopped down. Though it would have been better had she kept a low, submissive profile, nothing was less likely when it came to the Viking.
Where most men preferred eying Blair because she was of their ilk, he didn’t miss the hint of interest in Moray’s eyes when they skimmed over Aðísla. Suffice it to say, neither lass seemed concerned in the least by the men. If anything, he got the impression they were more interested in the upcoming battle and based on Blair’s heavy frown, the whereabouts of Bryce.
“I’m going to scout the area,” Conall informed, his voice low as he joined Adlin and Mildred. “Bryce is out there somewhere, and I intend to find him.”
“Aye.” Adlin nodded. “Wait until night falls then bring Aðísla with you lest you find him injured.”
His cousin nodded before he strode off. Meanwhile, Graham had an odd look on his face as he stared into the forest.
“What is it?” Adlin asked. “What are you sensing?”
“Deception,” Graham murmured. “Someone is not who we thought they were...a pretender.”
Adlin frowned. “Who?”
“Her,” Graham whispered, his eyes still distant. “The lass with white hair.”
“I dinnae ken.” Graham was known to do this sort of thing on occasion but had not in some time. “What lass?”
Graham looked at him, blinked and frowned. “What do you mean, what lass?”
Adlin repeated what he just said, but as tended to happen to Graham, he had no recollection of what were likely prophetic words.
“My apologies, m’laird.” Graham squeezed Adlin’s shoulder and shook his head. “I dinnae remember but can only hope I help.” He shrugged. “I’ll go start setting up our tents, aye?”
“Aye.” Adlin sighed as Graham walked away.
“What was that all about?” Mildred asked.
“I’ll explain, but first let us get you somewhere you can rest for a wee bit.” He grabbed the skin of whisky he had been given earlier and led her through the forest until they came to a clearing. It overlooked a valley cut through with a winding river.
“Oh, wow, that’s Stirling Castle, isn’t it?” she whispered as her eyes went to the castle in the distance surrounded on three sides by steep cliffs. Before he could confirm, she continued. “I wasn’t sure at first because it looks so different. Smaller.” She turned and eyed the forested hill behind them. “We’ve arrived on Abbey Craig, haven’t we?”
“Aye.” He pointed downward. “And that is the River Forth and the original Stirling Bridge.”
“Right,” she whispered. “Because the Stirling Bridge that exists in the twenty-first century is rebuilt and not where the original one was.”
“That’s right,” Adlin said. “But ‘tis not far off.” He scowled, his eyes once again on the infamous castle. “I would take you to see Stirling Castle, but the bloody Sassenach are using it for their garrison right now.”
“No worries,” she murmured as she rested a comforting hand on his shoulder. “I know it sees more sieges throughout history than most castles, but at least it ends up in Scottish hands.” Her eyes returned to the castle. “But I wouldn’t mind checking it out if we get the opportunity.”
“Which we will,” Adlin assured as he rested his hand over hers. “When all is said and done, I will take you there, lass.”
She nodded but said nothing more about it. Likely because she didn’t want to tempt Fate.
“I’ve seen pictures of all this, but it’s so different now.” Mildred’s eyes again swung up the hill. “God, there’s a fort there now whereas in the future it’s crumbled to nothing and...” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “Of course, the William Wallace monument isn’t there yet.” She swallowed hard, still staring. “I can’t believe I’m here.” Her eyes finally turned to his. “I can’t believe we’re actually part of all this.”
“Aye, we are,” he replied softly. “Really and truly part of it though no history book will ever remember us.”
“That’s unreal.” She shook her head. “All of this is.”
Adlin smiled, glad that she seemed to take everything in stride and looked for the positive instead of being frightened.
She sat on a rock next to him and swigged some whisky as she took everything in. Eventually, her eyes turned his way again, and she grew curious. “So what happened back there with Graham? Is he okay?”
“Aye, he’s fine, lass,” he said. “’Tis just a thing that happens to him on occasion. Like his father, Graham’s element is water. Therefore his powers which sometimes include prophecy, are more likely to happen if he’s near a body of water like the River Forth.”
“Interesting,” she murmured. “So what do you think he meant? Do you know any women with white hair?”
Adlin shook his head and wondered how much he should reveal. Honestly, how much was she ready to hear? Handle? Yet as their eyes held he knew he would be pressing his luck if he kept his silence and the woman with white hair turned out to be someone he hoped it wasn’t.
“I dinnae know a lass the likes of that,” he said softly. “But mayhap you do.”
It didn’t take Mildred long take his meaning and shoot to her feet. “Please tell me you’re not talking about Lindsay.”
“Does she not have rather light hair?” Though he urged her to sit again, she refused. “Please, Milly, you need to rest.”
“No, what I need is to understand what’s going on, Adlin.” Her eyes narrowed as she considered him. “What aren’t you telling me? What secrets are you keeping now?”
Grant might have urged him to say nothing but his mentor was not here, and he suspected the truth was about to reveal herself in little time. “Sit, and I will tell you everything.” He gestured at the rock. “Please.”
A frown tugged at her lips as Mildred eyed him for another long moment before she finally sat. “I’m listening.”
“Yours is likely not the only ring, Milly,” he began. “The magic used when creating yours opened a doorway of sorts meant to continue protecting Scotland if need be.”
“I’m not sure I follow.” Her eyes narrowed further as she whispered, “Or is it as I suspected...my friends are going to somehow be involved in all this?”
Adlin was careful with his words. “’Tis hard to know with any certainty, but ‘tis looking more and more likely.”
“More and more likely you say.” She ground her jaw and shook her head. “Why do I get the feeling it’s been far more than likely from the very beginning?”
“There is a lot at stake here, lass,” he explained. “’Twas unwise to say too much at the start so as to not upset my kin.”
“Your kin.” Her eyes widened. “What about my friends?” She made an encompassing gesture that must signify medieval Scotland. “What about warning them? Preparing them for what’s to come? Letting them know that they might be caught up in all this danger!”
“Och, lass,” he began, but she cut him off.
“I think you’ve known everything from the very beginning when you stood in my driveway pretending to be English of all things.” Her eyes grew round as saucers. “No, I think it started before I even met you when I whispered foghar, and you told me that meant autumn...my time.” She shook her head. “What was the point of that anyway?”
Adlin frowned, alarmed. “I dinnae ken what you speak of.”
“Of course you do,” she exclaimed. “It was your voice in my mind, Adlin.”
“Nay.” He shook his head. “I assure you ‘twas not because I dinnae relate foghar with you at all. If anything, ‘twould be spring as that was your favorite season in your last life.”
Mildred kept eying him. “You’re serious, aren’t you?”
“Aye, it wasnae me who spoke to you.” He took her hand. “But rest assured, I will find out who it was.”
“Adlin, they spoke within my mind.” Her hand trembled slightly, and her anger turned to concern. “It’s one thing to know you do on occasion but the idea of some stranger doing it...”
Adlin did not much like the thought either but kept concern out of his voice and reassurance in his eyes. “’Twill be all right, lass. I willnae let anything harm you.” He shook his head. “Not ever, you ken?”
Mildred swallowed and nodded. “Yeah, I understand.” Fear faded, but disappointment remained in her eyes. “I get your reasoning when it comes to your family, but why not just tell me about the rings and my friends from the start?”
“Because there was no way to be sure they would become involved and I didnae want to upset you any more than you already were,” he said softly. “You had enough happening to you, and it’s been my experience that it doesnae do a person good to worry unnecessarily.”
“Maybe not,” she said. “But it’s affected how much I trust you, Adlin. It makes me wonder what other secrets you might be keeping.”
“I know,” he murmured. “And I’m sorry for that, lass. I truly am.”
She said nothing for several minutes but sipped the whisky and continued staring down at the bridge then further south until she finally whispered, “I had hoped they were just dreams after the ring burned me.” Her eyes turned to his. “There was another there in the English encampment. A woman. I just couldn’t see her face...I couldn’t...”
When her voice broke, he pulled her against him. “You cannae know with any certainty ‘twas Lindsay.”
“She felt familiar though,” she whispered. “I knew her, Adlin and there’s no way that’s possible in this era.”
“Actually, with dark magic, anything is possible.” He stroked her hair. “Whatever has attached itself to your ring could have verra well put false images in your mind. Images meant to lure us closer. To bring us to them versus the other way around.”
She pulled back and looked at him. “What do you mean?” Her voice grew a little shaky as she realized his intentions. “What are you planning to do, Adlin?”
“What I have to.” He kept his voice gentle rather than express the determination and anger he truly felt at the idea of Bryce being tortured. Worse yet, an innocent lass from the future. “I’m going to save whoever might need saving.”
“But you just implied that you don’t know with any certainty that anyone needs saving,” she countered. “That this might be a trap laid by black magic.”
He was touched by her reaction. That she feared for his safety.
“Of course I fear for your safety.” She shook her head, amazed. “Don’t you remember what else is supposed to happen here? Your possible death?”
Adlin eyed her, both pleased and curious. “I never said you feared for my safety, Milly.”
“Yes, you did. I heard it clear as day.”
“Nay.” Adlin tapped his temple. “You heard my thoughts clear as day, lass.” He couldn’t suppress a grin. “If nothing else is being proven, ‘tis that we dinnae need a ring’s glow this life any more than we did in another life. We’re bonding without the gem’s magic, Milly.”
Her eyes stayed with his as she whispered, “But it sounded so real.”
“Aye.” He cupped her cheek and ran the pad of his thumb over her soft skin. “And ‘twill only sound more real as we grow closer. As you remember the love that I have never been able to forget.”
He swore as her eyes stayed with his that for a flicker of a moment she saw him, remembered, but whatever he thought he saw soon fled. Even so, something remained. Something new. The beginning of a romance he had not anticipated given how little time she had known him.
Yet there it was. The sort of genuine affection that could support true love. The spark of something that could, all on its very own, make her heart his.
Adlin was about to kiss her but stopped when he sensed someone watching them.
“When I move, duck down behind this rock,” he whispered in her ear as he shifted his hand to the dagger at his side. He leapt over the rock and moved so quickly the intruder never saw him coming until he was behind him.
“Wait, stop, Adlin,” Mildred cried as he brought his blade to the man’s throat. “I know him, and I’m pretty sure you do too.”
When Adlin frowned in confusion, she continued.
“Adlin, it’s Jim.” Shock rounded her eyes. “My Jim from home.”
––––––––
“OH, MY GOD WHAT ARE you doing here, sweetie?” Milly cried before she flew into Jim’s arms. “You shouldn’t be...this makes no sense.” She held him at arm’s length and looked him over. “Are you okay?” She shook her head. “How are you even here?”
“Beats the shit out of me.” Jim shook his head as well, obviously confused. “One sec I was with Linds, the next here.” He frowned as he looked around, rubbed his throat and eyed Adlin with uncertainty. “I saw the light through the forest, you two, then the next thing I knew I had a damn knife to my throat.”
Adlin made a disgruntled sound that might have been an apology before he sheathed his blade and Milly made introductions. Though Adlin might know who Jim was, her friend certainly had no clue who the Scotsman was.
“So where am I exactly?” Jim looked around again. “Because this definitely isn’t anywhere near your house, Milly.”
Leave it to Jim to take all this in stride as she sat him down and warily told him the whole story. He never said a word but listened until she was finished.
“Well, I’ll be damned. Really?” In typical Jim fashion, he crossed his arms over his chest and glanced from her to Adlin. “Time travel? Medieval Scotland?”
“He’s taking this verra well,” Adlin commented, handing the skin of whisky to him.
“Thanks...I think.” Jim continued eying Adlin, clearly not sure what to make of him.
“Go on and drink it, lad,” Adlin urged. “’Twill not harm you.”
“No.” Jim gestured at Adlin’s blade. “But that might again.”
“Och, nay.” Adlin shook his head. “My apologies. I thought you meant Milly harm.”
“Right...Milly...my ex...who you think is your one true love,” Jim muttered as he took a deep swig, his eyes never leaving Adlin.
“I dinnae think but know.”
Adlin sat beside Milly which put her between them.
She gave Jim a lot of credit for not choking on the whisky because of its taste. Instead, he wiped his mouth and gave a nod of approval. “Damn good.”
“Aye.” Adlin grinned and nudged Milly, apparently finding humor in the whole situation. “It seems he has good taste when it comes to both lasses and whisky.”
“Yup.” Jim winked at Milly. “Always have.”
She sighed, shook her head and grabbed the whisky. “Glad to see everyone’s getting along.”
“Why wouldnae we?” Adlin kept grinning. “Is he not the lad I picked for you in our last life?”
“What’s that?” Jim asked.
So Adlin explained.
“Isn’t that something.” Jim chuckled, clearly eased by the liquor. “Looks like he’ll be able to keep you this time around though, which sounds like the happy ending you both deserve.”
Confused, Milly looked from Adlin to Jim. “What do you mean?”
He gestured at her ring. “That’s what caught my attention when I arrived it was so bright.”
“I know it can be,” she said, curious what color he saw. “So you saw the brown glow?”
“What?” Jim shook his head. “No.” He gestured from the gem to Adlin’s eyes. “It’s the same color as his eyes.”
“What?” Adlin and Milly said at the same time.
Jim looked between them and shrugged. “Not sure what you were expecting me to say,” he gestured at the ring again, “but that stone matches Adlin’s eyes.”
“As is, you shouldnae even be able to see the gem without magic,” Adlin murmured. “Yet you do, and it matches my eyes.” He shook his head, still smiling. “Bloody strange, but most welcome.”
“Yet it still matches William’s eyes as far as I can tell,” she murmured.
“William Wallace.” Jim shook his head. “I can’t believe I’m going to actually meet him.”
“I can’t believe you’re taking all of this so well.” Restless, Milly stood. “Now tell me again what happened after I left. Where did you last see Lindsay?”
“Upstairs in the attic the next morning,” he said. “I came back early because I was worried about Jessie. Everyone was still sleeping except for you and Linds. Neither of you were in bed. When I heard something upstairs, I headed that way.”
“That’s where you found Linds,” Milly said. “Just staring out the window.”
“Yeah.” He nodded. “She seemed to be in some sort of trance, mumbling the same words over and over.”
“I’m going to be taken,” she murmured. “That sounds so ominous.”
“I thought so,” he agreed. “But there was this look on her face, Milly.” His eyes met hers. “We both know Lindsay is pretty practiced at being anyone people need her to be. That’s what makes her such a great actress.” His eyes were hopeful. Compassionate. “This might be a stretch, but I’d say the look on her face was the real her. The woman beneath all the fronts she puts up.”
Milly wasn’t sure she had ever really seen that person. The Lindsay without the camouflage she wore so well. The protective shell she only came close to letting down when she was with her friends. Yet she remembered well the night she left. How Lindsay had been curled up on the floor sleeping. Her friend obviously had deep wounds and even deeper secrets.
“Are you sure there were tears on her face?” Milly murmured.
“Yeah.” Jim sighed. “Definitely tears though she seemed so...” He shrugged. “At peace in a way I’ve never seen her.”
“Poor Linds,” Milly murmured as she paced and mulled over her friend’s strange behavior before she met Jim’s eyes again. “Then she looked at you and poof, you experienced everything I did when I traveled back in time.”
He nodded. “Sounds like it.”
“I know you’re super laid back,” she mentioned. “But aren’t you frightened in the least by all this?”
“Sure,” he admitted. “But what good’s it going to do me?” His eyes went to Adlin’s various weapons. “If medieval Scotland is filled with men his size wielding weapons like those then panicking isn’t gonna get me anywhere.” He tapped his temple. “But this might if I remain calm.”
She could tell by Adlin’s nod of approval that he agreed with Jim’s assessment. One brow shot up, and a twinkle lit his eyes as they met hers. “’Twas with good reason that I pushed you into the arms of this one in another life, lass. He has a sound mind.”
Well, he did have that, thank goodness. Otherwise, this could have gone much differently.
When a low whistle resounded, Adlin whistled back. Seconds later, Blair appeared through the forest. Her hand rested on the hilt of her dagger as she approached slowly and called out, “Is all well, Cousin?”
“Aye.” Adlin nodded and stood. “It seems we have the pleasure of another time-traveler.” He made introductions. “Jim was once Milly’s lover, but now they are just good friends.”
Milly frowned at Adlin and shook her head. “Definite overshare.”
“Matter of opinion,” he said out of the corner of his mouth, grinning as Blair and Jim said hello then continued to eye each other with interest. Hence the ‘overshare.’ Blair was clearly beautiful, but it was times like this that Milly remembered just how good looking Jim was with his thick dark hair and magnetic eyes. She saw him on such a platonic level now she had forgotten he could catch a woman’s eye faster than most.
So said Blair’s eyes as they lingered on Jim for another moment before she focused on Adlin. “Scouts have reported back. The Sassenach have camped downriver and like us are biding time as they debate their next move. A storm is gathering, and Moray has requested all return to camp. Small fires will be kept to tents this eve so as to not draw unwanted attention.”
Adlin nodded. “We will do as he asks then, based on what Conall discovers, move accordingly.”
Blair nodded. “I will let Graham and Aðísla know.” She hesitated. “Moray has taken a liking to our Viking relative. It might not be easy for her to slip away.”
Adlin grinned. “Och, lassie, you forget who you’re talking about. Nothing holds Aðísla back if she doesnae want such.”
“Then let us hope she doesnae want such, aye?” Blair said.
Milly glanced at Adlin, surprised. “Would she then? Is she attracted to Andrew?”
“Och, ‘tis hard to imagine but stranger things have happened.” He took Milly’s hand. “Come, let us return, introduce Jim, then take shelter.”
Jim, meanwhile, seemed relatively at ease as he talked with Blair. The Scotswoman said little, but there was no missing that she was intrigued by him. Later that evening as Milly and Adlin sat by a small fire in his tent, she wondered where that intrigue might be leading her ex now. Because he was sharing a tent with Blair.
“All of that went better than I expected,” she said as she munched on meat and eyed Adlin. He might have a fur wrapped around him, but it didn’t hide how broad his shoulders were or how powerful his body.
“Jim certainly took all of this quite well.” He nodded. “And, thanks to Blair, all have taken his arrival much better than anticipated.”
“Right.” Milly snorted. “She really took one for the team, didn’t she?”
Adlin clearly understood what she meant based on the amusement in his eyes as he tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear. “Are you all right with her actions, lass? Because it almost sounds like it upsets you that Blair declared Jim was her lad. That she had not seen him in years and his traveling made his accent unfortunate.”
It had sounded that way, hadn’t it? But nothing was further from the truth. Well, at least not in the way Adlin was implying.
“I guess I’m a little overprotective of him,” she admitted. “Not in a jealous ex sort of way but in a...”
When she trailed off, not sure how to phrase it, Adlin cocked his head. “You both say ‘twas a mutual decision, but you ended the romance with him, aye?”
“I did,” she admitted softly. “Because I knew he deserved more. I wouldn’t be able to give him what he wanted.”
“And what was that?”
Milly shook her head and stared into the low flames as the wind gusted and rain pattered on the animal skin. “I don’t really know. Love I suppose. I mean I’ve always loved him but not like I should have.” Her eyes returned to his. “Does that make sense?” She sighed because she knew it didn’t. “I kept waiting for this rush to come. This breathless feeling that made it hard to think about anyone but him.” She shook her head. “Yet the years came and went, and it never happened. Not like I imagined it should.”
“What made you imagine a certain definition for love, to begin with?” Adlin said softly. “Because it sounds like you know precisely how you were supposed to feel though you had never felt it.”
“It does, doesn’t it?” she whispered.
While she knew what Adlin was hinting at, he was gracious enough not to voice it. To point out that the only reason she understood true love was because she had experienced it with him. That he had, somehow, in another life, allowed her to feel something unequalled. Something so intense and powerful that it had provided a roadmap in this life of all that was possible. All that was out there. What love should be.
She fingered one of his skinny braids and roamed the masculine plains of his face as she contemplated that. As she suddenly realized that she believed something like that could happen. That she believed a man like Adlin could have truly existed for her before. Her eyes wandered from the curvature of his well-formed lips to the intensity of his blue eyes as he watched her.
Waited.
Because he was waiting for something. Or someone. Her. To give in to this.
Milly pulled her hand away and inhaled deeply. Too much had happened. So much said. From the rings to her friends to Lindsay’s possible whereabouts. Was she still in the attic or had she traveled back in time? If so, was she with the English? She knew her thoughts were all over the place and if she wasn’t careful, she would stop thinking reasonably altogether.
“As soon as Conall gets back we’ll have more answers,” Adlin said, following her thoughts more readily by the moment. “Until then, you should rest, Milly. There’s nothing you can do and speculating willnae help any.”
“I know,” she whispered and lay back when he urged her to. “But it’s hard to shut off a worried mind.”
“Aye,” he agreed as he pulled the fur over them then cupped the side of her neck. “But you must. We might be awakened in a few short hours and lack of sleep will only do you more harm than good.”
Milly nodded, closed her eyes, and tried to ignore the feel of his touch. She knew he was only trying to sooth her, but her heart was starting to race, and the ache between her thighs that had been a dull throb was becoming a little too painful.
This was what had been lacking with Jim.
This was that elusive feeling.
The unparalleled rush.
She squeezed her eyes tighter and most certainly her thighs as she tried not to breathe. As she tried not to inhale the spicy, all-male scent that clung to him. They had been riding all day, no bath, yet here he smelled like her idea of heaven. Maybe it was a wizard thing because hell if he shouldn’t have body odor or even bad breath, but no, he suffered none of that which made no sense really.
Sleep, Milly, sleep, she preached inwardly as the rain fell harder and the wind grew gustier. Stop thinking about Adlin because you know it’s not safe. Just look what happened last time you made a move. Well, two times ago. Technically, the last time went just fine. No sickness.
Then there was the fact Jim saw the ring glow the color of Adlin’s eyes. It had been the very first thing he saw when he traveled back in time. Almost as if in some small way, he was returning the favor to Adlin for the life Jim and Milly had shared thanks to him. For the love they had found.
Now that was something.
A stretch for sure.
Yet...
When she opened her eyes, Adlin was looking right at her.
“You followed all those thoughts, didn’t you?” she whispered.
Adlin said nothing but he didn’t need to. They both knew what was going to happen next if she did not turn away. Neither could fight this, and both were willing to take the risk. Yet that risk could cost them both so much.
Scotland’s fate.
Her life.
Yet a split second later, her lips were against his, and she had no idea who made the first move. Maybe it was mutual. All she knew was she could not get enough of him. The feel of his lips, tongue, the touch of his hands as they cupped her cheeks then the sides of her neck before they were everywhere.
“Adlin,” she groaned and arched as his hand rode up her thigh beneath her skirts until he was inches away from touching her where she needed it most. He stayed there for a while stroking and teasing her upper thighs and even her ass as his kiss deepened.
She was so lost in the feel of his kiss that she barely realized how much he was building her up until he finally skimmed the rough pad of his thumb lightly over her clit and she exploded. Caught in a lusty wail of pleasure, he left her lips and started suckling down her throat, half kissing, half something else that felt so good she started whimpering for more.
A split second later, his mouth was where his thumb had been. When he repeated that delicious suckling she shot straight up. Anticipating her knee-jerk reaction, he managed to simultaneously keep his mouth where it was while at the same time wrapping her in his arms and gently lowering her back to the ground.
Milly gripped his shoulders as her eyes rolled back in her head but not before she swore she saw her ring flicker blue again. While she meant to tell him, the things he was doing between her legs made speech impossible. She could groan, moan, even cry out, but actual coherent speech? Forget it.
They might be fully clothed, but it didn’t make a damn bit of difference. How he licked, stroked and touched her made her feel exposed in a way that went way past simple nudity. She had never felt so sensual, so...feminine. Beautiful and sexy in a way that made her grow aggressive and needy.
“Adlin,” she panted. And it was just that, panting as his name came out choppy again and again. He was making her feel so much, bringing her to peak so rapidly that she couldn’t breathe, could not feel anything but raw pleasure.
Yet she wanted more.
What shocked her as she tugged at the material on his shoulders was that she wanted to remember. It felt like something was just out of reach. An intense memory teasing and taunting.
As if he sensed it, as if he knew, Adlin was suddenly with her, over her, his hoarse voice against her ear, his brogue as thick as his erection. “How do ye feel, lass. Are ye well or is the illness upon ye?”
“Dear God, what?” she whispered, her voice as raspy as his, her heart thundering just as strongly. “No, Adlin.” Her eyes pleaded with his, desperate. “Furthest thing from it.”
He never said another word, but his eyes stayed with hers as he began yanking at the strings on his trousers. There was something especially intense about that. The way his eyes delved deeper into hers as a strange calm settled between them. A calm completely at odds with their heavy breathing and the raging sparks between them.
When he pushed her skirts up further and settled between her thighs, she was never more ready. They knew this might cause more harm than good, but it was beyond being stopped now. Not as his eyes stayed with hers and he pressed forward.
That’s when she saw it again.
The flicker of bright blue in his eyes.
His magic.
“Adlin,” she whispered, but nothing came out. Words were impossible as he began to fill her. Suddenly, all she could see was him in a foreign chamber. They were in a bed with wispy white fabric overhead and around the bedposts. Somewhere beyond him, she sensed a window shaped much like a Celtic cross.
The original Highland Defiance.
Half a breath later, they were back in the tent, and his lips were touching hers as he thrust and filled her completely. After that, nothing else got through but him and what he made her feel. She clenched his shoulder with one hand and dug the other into the fur beneath her as he began moving.
Then nothing but sharp euphoric-like pleasure gripped her.
They moved together, felt one another, in an unexplainable sort of passion. An intense lovemaking that had her far more verbal than she had ever been. She felt opened up wide but at the same time closed around him as if her body didn’t want to let go. As if her very core was determined to keep him with her.
“Mildred,” he groaned and moved faster, as desperate as her it seemed.
She wrapped her legs around him and urged him on, wanting this so much it hurt.
“Bloody hell, lass,” he cursed as he braced a hand on the ground and started thrusting so deep and hard her legs fell apart, and she began shaking with anticipation. Then everything grew very loud. At first, she thought it was the rain but soon realized it was the sound of her own blood rushing though her veins. Her own thundering heart filling her eardrums.
Then it was all him.
All Adlin as he roared, pressed deep one last time and let go.
At that moment, it was almost as if the air whooshed right out of her. Like whiplash combined with the sort of climatic sexual explosion that made her whole body seize up and her toes curl. It felt like an earthquake of mini tremors went off then one so strong she locked up in something way beyond pleasure.
Milly gasped for breath but could not draw in air for the life of her. It was too much, too intense, too...suddenly visions started to bombard her. A man stood outside the colonial back in New Hampshire, but she could tell it was a long time ago. He didn’t quite look like Adlin did now, but she knew it was him. They had already been together, but now he was gone, and she was falling in love with Jim because of Adlin’s magic.
Yet there he stood, years later, outside her window late at night looking up. Then outside every window wherever she moved over the years as she and Jim shared a life together and had children.
As she grew older.
Life had moved on, but Adlin never forgot her. He never truly moved on, but kept watch over her as the years passed. Always a protector of sorts. Always very much in love with her, though he let her go. Then they were together again. Old but happier than ever as they sat on the bench in front of her ranch.
“No matter what happens, I’ll find you again, Adlin,” she whispered, smiling into his eyes before she rested her head on his shoulder. “I swear it.” She sighed and squeezed his hand. “Remember that. Remember what I say now. When I find you in another life, and I will, remember that I’m sworn to my highland laird.” Her eyes drifted shut. “I’m sworn to you always, Adlin. Every single time.”
“Oh God,” she whispered, tears in her eyes as she opened them, not in that life but back in this one. In Adlin’s arms and drifting down from the best orgasm she’d ever had.
“The ring,” he managed as his damp eyes met hers. “Are ye well, lass?”
He had just relived what she had seen. She knew it without question.
“I’m fine,” she whispered. “Better than fine.”
She pulled his lips to hers and kissed him, all the while still climaxing and remembering. Him. Her. Bits and pieces of what they had been. Parts that made up a whole that she was eager to find again because she knew it had been so rich. That what they had shared then had been what was missing in this life.
A love she never gave up on.
Much later, as she snuggled against him beneath the fur, she meant to speak, talk about all she had seen but words were still impossible. All she was capable of doing was feeling him now. Remembering how good he had felt once upon a time.
It seemed she must have dozed though because the next thing she knew a dripping wet Conall was crouched beside the fire with Adlin, his words hushed but not impossible to hear.
“They’ve prisoners to be sure,” he reported. “I didnae catch a glimpse of any, but there was someone spoken about with much appreciation...a lass...”
When Conall hesitated, Adlin frowned. “Well, out with it, lad.”
“From what I overheard, Cressingham has taken himself a new pet.” There was a darkness in Conall’s eyes as they stayed with Adlin’s. “One he has entertaining his men in a most unusual way.”
“What way?” Milly pulled the fur around her and sat up, trying not to panic. “Who is she?”
When Conall hesitated, Adlin bit out, “You can tell Milly anything you see fit to tell me.”
“Aye, then,” Conall muttered, clearly not comfortable with it as he continued. “’Tis said she is verra bonnie and doesnae lay with them but entertains them.”
Oh no.
“What does that mean exactly?” Milly asked as she joined them. “What does entertain mean in this era?”
“It means a smidge better than laying with them,” Adlin assured. “That I can promise you.”
“A smidge?” She frowned at Conall. “Tell us the rest. What do you know?”
Conall continued to look uncomfortable as his eyes met Adlin’s. “I dinnae think this is appropriate for—”
“Aye, ‘tis,” Adlin growled. “You’ll tell Milly whatever she wants to know, you ken, Laird Hamilton?”
Jaw clenched, eyes unimpressed, Conall held Adlin’s gaze before his tone dried considerably. “Aye, Laird MacLomain.” He continued as asked. “’Tis not often Sir Hugh de Cressingham takes himself a pet and protects her within a war party no less. So many have taken notice.”
“What does she look like?” Milly asked, more concerned by the moment because if anyone could wrap a tyrant around her little finger, it was Lindsay. “I’m sure you’ve heard specifics.”
“Only that she has hair the color of the whitest cloud lit by sunlight,” Conall said. “And eyes as silver as moonlight over water.”
“Oh, no,” Milly groaned as her eyes whipped to Adlin’s. “It’s her. It’s Linds. I just know it. I’m telling you, nobody looks like her.”
“I know ‘tis hard, but dinnae focus on your emotions, Milly,” Adlin said. “Focus on the better part of what he said. Whoever this lass is, she’s under Cressingham’s protection, and that is one of the better positions she can be in right now.”
“Yeah, tell that to William,” she argued. “You saw how much he hated Cressingham and based on what I’ve read he had every reason. The man’s a turd.”
“Be that as it may...” Adlin’s hand rested over hers, calmed her. “He has power and enough intelligence that he wouldnae risk harming someone that gave such morale to his soldiers, aye?”
“We can only hope,” she muttered before she narrowed her eyes on Conall again. “Let’s get back to the word entertain and what it might mean outside of sex because don’t tell me it doesn’t mean that too.”
When Conall glanced at Adlin again, unsure, he nodded. “Just tell her. ‘Tis not such a bad thing in her day and age.”
“What’s not?” Her eyes rounded between them. “What the hell is Linds doing?”
Conall sighed and finally came clean. “It seems this lass they speak of is...pretending to be someone she’s not.”
Like Adlin, she was startled by his description because it sounded so much like what Graham had said earlier.
“It seems she’s acting,” Conall continued with distaste. “Becoming anything they want to see and doing it bloody well by the sounds of it. So well,” he looked from Milly to Adlin, “that it seems she might have convinced the bloody Sassenach to go over Stirling Bridge after all.”
––––––––
ADLIN CONTINUED TO contemplate Conall’s report the next morning as Milly muttered, “It’s Linds. No damned doubt about it. Only she could convince a medieval Brit to change his battle maneuvers.”
He had been making an effort to call her Milly as she wished and as such was even starting to think of her by that name.
“Mayhap you’re right and ‘tis Lindsay with the enemy,” he said as he helped secure her dress. Though he never got around to taking it off, it was no better for the wear. “But keep in mind even the strongest of wizards like Conall can be deceived. They can be tricked.”
“Not like this.” Milly’s eyes met his over her shoulder. “Linds is one of a kind. She can’t be made up by anyone or anything. Not even black magic.”
“You speak as though you ken such magic, lass,” he murmured as he spun her until she faced him. “’Tis unpredictable.” He shook his head and made sure she understood the gravity of the situation. “More deceptive than you can imagine.”
“Too much is adding up, and you know it,” she said softly. “They’ve got Bryce and Linds, and we need to save them soon.”
“Aye, and we will,” he assured, wishing they could talk about anything but this. That he could hold her in his arms again and feel her sweet heat. See the pleasure in her eyes as they finally came together. As he sank so deep into her, he thought he would lose himself.
“I might be off on my math but isn’t September eleventh only a few days away?” she said. “Which means we don’t have much time to accomplish this covert mission to rescue them that I know you’re planning.”
“Aye,” he agreed. They would have gone last night, but the weather made it foolish by anyone’s standards. “But ‘tis nothing you should speak of, aye, lass? We dinnae want the enemy to catch on.”
“I know,” she murmured. As Milly’s gaze held his, her eyes softened with what he knew were memories of the night before. As it turned out, though the gem in her ring was still brown, she had yet to grow ill again. If anything, she appeared more vibrant than ever.
“I want ye again, lass,” he whispered, unable to stop his brogue as he kissed her and she melted against him. Being with her the eve before had brought back so much more than he had anticipated. Far more than he thought considering the fickle ring. She remembered the things she had said to him toward the end of their last life. She remembered how strongly they had felt.
Their kiss deepened, and he would have continued in a pleasurable direction if someone hadn’t cleared their throat outside the tent entrance. “Milly, you awake?”
Milly ended the kiss and nodded though her former lover could not see her. “Yeah, I’m up, Jim,” she replied. “Be right out.”
While Adlin was immensely impressed with Jim, the man had less than perfect timing. A fact he muttered under his breath as he and Milly exited the tent. Jim grinned as his eyes went between them. “Sorry to get you up but the new missus has gone hunting.” He gestured at himself. “And her latest trophy doesn’t exactly fit in around here if you know what I mean.”
“The new missus, eh?” Milly rolled her eyes and chuckled. “Is that what you’re calling Blair now?”
“Oh, I’d call her something else altogether if we weren’t surrounded by so many men with swords.” He wore nothing but a satisfied smile. “They just don’t make women like that anymore.” When Adlin frowned, curious if he should defend Blair’s honor, Jim held up his hands in surrender. “Oh, hell no, totally not what you’re thinking. Nothing happened.” He actually looked a little smitten as he stared off in the direction Blair must have gone. “That woman is nothing but a queen.”
Milly smiled. “I’m glad it went well.”
Adlin still wasn’t sure what to make of any of it but figured if Jim wasn’t already dead by Blair’s blade, then things must have gone all right. Because rare was the day that any unwanted man made it through the evening in her chamber or tent without running for their life in the middle of the night. Or, in fact, ending up with their throat slit by morn because they attempted something they shouldn’t have.
“So...” Jim looked from Adlin to Milly, his eyes mischievous. “How are you two doing this morning?”
Adlin started to respond but ended up muttering, “Bloody Vikings,” when he saw Aðísla come out of Moray’s tent. That alone might not have been alarming had she not stood outside the entrance and stretched like a kitten that had just sampled warm milk and liked the taste of it more than she anticipated.
He did not need her stirring things up or altering history.
“What is it?” Milly’s eyes followed his, and a wry grin came to her mouth. “Ah, they moved pretty fast, eh?”
No faster than anybody else during wartime but still. Aðísla knew better. Her presence in medieval Scotland was by no means natural so she sure as hell shouldn’t risk altering the future by lying with such an important man.
Adlin made sure she knew as much as Aðísla joined them.
“’Twas foolish, lass,” he grumbled.
“Probably,” she agreed as her eyes met Moray’s when he came out. “But the man is not a natural born leader for no good reason.” She licked her lips, watching Andrew’s ass as he walked away. “Loki’s cock, he would make a good Viking if given half a chance.”
“Be that as it may,” Adlin allowed, using a tone that meant business. “We’ve got other things we need to focus on now.”
As he knew he could count on, she gave him her undivided attention. “What do you need, Adlin.”
It was not a question but a statement because there was nothing she wouldn’t do to help the MacLomains. She was every inch Naðr Véurr’s granddaughter.
“Something only you can provide, my friend,” he said but kept things vague as they joined the others and broke their fast over freshly hunted game and muted conversations in case the enemy had unknown scouts.
Though Milly never knew it, he had, with a few encrypted words in what sounded like general conversation, told the Viking all she needed to know. Though she had somehow managed to go with Conall last night despite entertaining Moray, he wanted her to go back to the enemy encampment again today. Gather all intel possible. If captured, do whatever she felt best.
Some might think that a cold request of kin but none were like Aðísla. She could do things no one else could and escape unscathed. That’s what he needed now. Someone who could get in and out without much suspicion and gather the information he needed. Tell him without a doubt that both Bryce and Lindsay were being held prisoner, no matter how gilded their bars.
“What is it she can do exactly because it sounds like you’re sending her straight into hell,” Milly whispered under her breath some time later as they listened to a rallying speech by Wallace. “She’s a Viking, Adlin. So how can she possibly waltz into an English war camp and get all the answers you need?”
He was again amazed by how clearly she seemed to be reading his thoughts. How readily their minds were connecting despite the stubbornly brown gem in her ring.
“Because she can glamour herself,” he said softly. “She can become what she needs to be to get answers.”
“That sounds dangerous.” Her eyes met his. “And it sounds like she’ll be using magic which you told me yourself isn’t good right now.”
“Her magic is different,” he said. “’Tis dragon magic.”
“But it’s still magic,” she argued and was absolutely right to do so. “Isn’t it?”
Adlin sighed and nodded toward William. “’Tis time to listen and be rallied, lass.” He couldn’t meet her eyes. Not right now. “Trust that I wouldnae send my kin to their death. She will be well.”
Milly didn’t respond, but he felt her heavy gaze on him. She did not believe him, and he didn’t blame her. Nonetheless, this was a matter of his country’s future. It was a matter of sniffing out any unseen problems and doing away with them before they ruined everything.
What he conveniently set aside was that there was already the element of dark magic involved and that in itself might very well be the end of them. There were too many players at this point in what had originally been a relatively simple plan laid out by him and Grant. Too much was unpredictable and too much left to chance.
The day proceeded to pass as he knew it would. With Wallace entertaining England’s Earl of Surrey’s negotiations via one of his trusted messengers while Surrey’s nasty counterpart, Hugh de Cressingham kept searching out other avenues of attack. Wallace knew very well it was all a stall tactic. He knew how men like the Earl and Cressingham worked.
Though many thought William was born without noble blood that was the furthest thing from the truth. He was a Scottish aristocrat who saw firsthand what even a title such as his meant. How it was worth nothing more to the English than the mud beneath their boots.
But then he had some help with that.
After all, in his former life, Adlin had taken William in after his parents were killed and saw that he was fostered well. More so, he made sure he crossed paths with Robert the Bruce when they were bairns. The Bruce was of royal blood and would someday mean as much to Scotland as Wallace.
Until that happened, William would rise up.
With a fierce compassion for those suffering, William had made Adlin and his foster parent’s goal that much easier. To create an honorable, loyal man who felt for his countrymen’s hardship and would fight for their rights and well being. For their country. To cultivate a man who would always have the steadfast, unrelenting heart of a warrior.
Almost by nature, Wallace was all these things, but with a little help along the way he was steered in the right direction and became the man he was meant to be. He became someone who rallied Scotland behind him with a ferociousness even Adlin hadn’t anticipated. So said the speech he gave. So said the venom in his gaze as he sharpened his blade and eyed the south as he and Adlin sat together later.
Milly was with Adlin’s kin for the moment as she and Jim got a tour of the fort. Satisfied that she was safe, he had joined William, curious to see where his mind was. While he might have helped lead this man to this moment, it by no means meant he knew what Wallace was thinking.
William said nothing when Adlin first sat down next to him. He just stared out, contemplating Stirling Bridge, contemplating a battle he had no idea would make him so famous. Eventually, he spoke, his voice soft but his words intense. “In the end, ‘twill be as simple as that.” He gestured downward. “That bridge and my wits against the Sassenach.”
“Nothing is ever as simple as that,” Adlin murmured. “And well ye’d do to remember it, lad.”
“So I’m wrong then?” Wallace cocked a brow at him. “’Tis not a sound defeat if done there?”
“Mayhap.” Adlin shrugged. “We both know I willnae tell ye. ‘Tis yers to discover on yer own.”
“Yet ye’ve told me so much along the way,” William muttered. “In one life or another.”
Adlin offered no response but met William’s eyes and urged him to share his thoughts. “Tell me what weighs on yer mind. What plans ye might have.”
“Will ye tell me if I’m right then?” William searched Adlin’s eyes and evidently saw the answer. “Nay, I dinnae think ye will.” He grinned and shook his head. “I think yer testing me, exercising my mind, aye?”
“What if I am?” Adlin shrugged. “Is that so bad? Sometimes we can better see things if said aloud, aye?”
“Aye.” A wistful smile curled William’s lips as his eyes returned to the River Forth. “But ye well know I’d much rather hear about the future.” His eyes returned to Adlin’s. “I want to know if I’m leading my men to certain death.”
“The only certain death ye’ll lead yer men to is if ye go down a path not well thought out,” Adlin murmured. “And if I know nothing else about ye William Wallace, ‘tis that ye dinnae do anything without giving it a great deal of thought.”
If William read between the lines, he would know he had just been given his answer.
He had just been given reassurance.
“Aye,” Wallace agreed, his astute eyes stayed with Adlin’s. “But this is so much greater than mere thought. This, right here, is where we Scots take a stance. Where we dinnae let the Sassenach go any further...” His voice dropped to a whisper as his eyes returned to the bridge. “Where we create history...”
William’s hatred ran deep as he continued. “They have killed so many. Raped, tortured, forced...” Wallace clenched his jaw, no longer the defiant boy Adlin once knew but a man made of grit and determination. A man set to single-handedly right all the wrongs done to his country. “Cressingham...” he said between clenched teeth.
None were quite so loathed by the Scots as Sir Hugh de Cressingham, treasurer of the English administration in Scotland and advisor to John de Warenne, the Earl of Surrey. The truth was he wasn’t liked much by either side, but had burned far more bridges with his acquaintances in Scotland. By all accounts, he had become a symbol of disloyalty. A traitor of the people, garnering their trust and lining his pockets with what little money they had. He had done it while turning a blind eye to the atrocities England was raining down on the Scots. He did it while remaining a willing informant to whoever paid him the most. That, of course, was always the Sassenach.
So, it was no surprise that he had landed on William Wallace’s radar.
“I’ll see him skinned alive,” William vowed. His determined, vehement gaze never left the bridge. “Then I’ll divide up the pieces of skin amongst my most loyal followers.” His hand rested on the hilt of his blade. “But not before I create a new baldrick for my sword.”
That, as Adlin knew all too well, was a threat William would see through if all went as planned.
“So if ye willnae tell me of the future, Adlin MacLomain,” William murmured. “Mayhap then, ye’ll tell me why Milly’s gem is causing so much havoc.” His steady eyes turned to Adlin. “Does the enemy have magic? Have they men like ye that I should be aware of?”
Adlin debated how much to tell him. “I dinnae know, but I will find out this eve.”
“This eve?” William’s brows lowered. “Is that not giving me little notice before the battle?”
“Aye, but even little warning is worth much when it comes to wizards.”
“Is that why there are so many of ye here then? Not just ye but yer kin too?” William kept considering him. “Because ye knew we’d be fighting the likes of magic?”
“I cannae tell ye if that is true because Grant wasnae specific,” he said. “But I think ‘tis verra likely.”
“Ye know I was halfway expecting ye to show up,” William commented. “And I told Moray such.”
“Aye, I sensed as much when we arrived,” Adlin said. “But figured if it were relevant to all this ye would have mentioned it sooner.”
“Nay, ‘twas just a feeling.” He eyed Adlin. “Ye have a tendency to show up at turning points in my life which tells me a great deal about the upcoming battle.”
Adlin remained vague. “Yet ye keep searching for hidden truths.”
“What sort of leader would I be otherwise?” William kept considering Adlin. “Everything aside, I am grateful ye arrived, old friend. I dinnae doubt that ye have our country’s best interests in mind.”
“And yer best interests as well.” Adlin clasped William’s shoulder. “It can be no other way.”
Wallace nodded before he frowned. “What about Milly? Is there not a safer place for her in all this?”
Adlin wasn’t about to mention that Milly was destined to be here. So he skirted the truth. “’Tis all part of her and I coming together.”
“She has a strong will.” William eyed him for another moment before his gaze returned to the bridge. “’Tis lucky that she was clear about who she wants, or I might have battled ye a wee bit harder in that stream.”
Adlin perked a brow. “Was she clear then?”
“Aye.” William stood, shook his head and winked. “So says all the bloody ruckus coming from yer tent last eve.”
Adlin grinned but offered no response as they headed back. If he had felt confident enough to use magic to muffle her sounds of pleasure he would have. Unfortunately, it was far too risky. Therefore, those such as Wallace or anyone else who might have had designs on her could no longer question where her desires lay. Not that it appeared William did.
Yet later as he prepared for his rescue mission, he had to give Wallace credit. Though he had remained vague, Adlin sensed Milly had said something and William kept her confidence. His guess was she flat out told him she was interested in Adlin, rather than give him false hope. She respected Wallace too much.
“I don’t like this.” Milly frowned as she watched Adlin strap on his weapons. “I wish I could help somehow.”
“You can help by staying safe,” he replied as he readied himself to go save Bryce and possibly Lindsay. “All will go well, and I’ll be back in no time.”
Concern knit her brow as she touched his arm and met his eyes. “Please be careful, Adlin.”
“Aye, lass,” he murmured and pulled her against him. “Dinnae worry about me. I’m a seasoned warrior, and I’ll use magic if I have to. Nothing will happen to me, and if she’s there, I’ll get Lindsay back safely. I swear it.”
“I know you will,” she whispered as he tucked a damp tendril behind her ear. They had bathed as best they could in the stream earlier. Because of that, it was hard to see anything else in his mind’s eye right now. She had looked like a beautiful wood nymph with her dark hair and voluptuous body.
A small knowing smile came to her lips. “I bet I know what you’re thinking about right now.”
Because it was so cold and too many could have happened upon them, it had been a chaste experience but well worth remembering. They had laughed and shared life experiences as they got to know each other better. He found her dynamic and a pleasure to chat with. She was as intelligent as she’d ever been with a sense of humor he was glad to see followed her from life to life. As all would agree, it would be unfortunate for any woman lacking a sense of humor to be destined for him.
“Promise me you’ll stay in this tent with Blair and Aðísla,” Adlin said. “Do not exit under any circumstance, you ken?”
“I know.” She shook her head. “I won’t.”
Though he did not want to leave her, there was no choice. He had to find Bryce, and he could not put her in harm’s way. Not yet. Because he knew that if they were to see all this through properly, that’s exactly where she would end up. In the thick of a battle that would offer nothing but danger.
It was with that thought in mind that he kissed her for all he was worth. A kiss that would have had them back beneath the furs if he didn’t break it off. So he brushed his lips across hers a few more times, made sure Blair and Aðísla were with her then departed.
He would travel with Conall and Graham on horseback for a ways then leave them at the forest’s edge. Thankfully, there was ample cloud cover, and the added darkness was prime for stealth because not even Wallace’s and Moray’s watchmen saw them leave.
“Do ye really think ye can pull this off, Adlin?” Graham said softly when they eventually swung off their horses. “I know ye’ve a way with the glamour and an alarming gift when it comes to mimicking a Sassenach, but how can ye trust if they’ve magic of their own that yers willnae be detected?”
The truth was this was a risk all the way around with only two options. Aðísla had been able to provide very little new information other than that she sensed both familiar and unfamiliar magic. So no matter whether they snuck into camp or sauntered in for all to see, whoever possessed that unfamiliar magic, would know. She was, however, able to glean enough useful information, mainly names, to help him gain access to the camp.
In the end, Adlin had decided to proceed disguised as the enemy so he could better assess the situation and best know how to get Bryce and anyone else out of there. He had done away with his braids, removed all signs of his clan’s colors and tied back his hair. He fully expected to find a mix of dialects including old English, Norman-French, Welsh, Bretton and sadly enough, even Scots Gaelic. English was his strongpoint outside of Gaelic so he would go with that.
“Ye’ll go no further lads,” he murmured as they approached an area just upriver from Stirling Bridge. It was a rare spot that was close enough to the encampment yet difficult to see. “Once I’ve established what is happening and need yer assistance, I’ll signal ye.”
Conall wore a heavy frown. “I dinnae like this, Cousin.”
So it seemed considering he wasn’t Laird MacLomain for a change.
“We’ve no choice.” Adlin pulled off his boots and rolled up his pants to keep them dry. “Have faith that all will go as it should.”
“I have to agree with Conall.” Graham shook his head. “There is an odd feeling about all this.”
“Odd feeling or not we’ve no direction to go but forward.” He nodded goodbye to both. “Stay vigilant and wait for my signal.”
Disgruntled, both nodded in return before he set off and carefully navigated his horse across the river. Once he reached the other side, he put on his boots, rolled down his pants and swung off. After he patted down the horse thoroughly eradicating evidence of moisture, he remounted and headed for the encampment.
It didn’t take long for someone to call out, “Who goes there!”
“Geoffrey de Beauchamp,” he called back. “Ordered to keep an eye on the river.”
“By who?”
“Constable Hauville.”
“Are you infantry or cavalry?”
Though Hauville would typically give his orders to cavalry, he had been overseeing both for the past few days so that question had been a test.
“Infantry. ‘Tis time for my post to be relieved.” And for added measure. “The eve’s half gone and I’ve yet to have me a taste of that redheaded whore.”
Silence fell before he was given approval to move forward. Though things were relatively low-key, more men than he would have expected were still awake and sitting around fires. None paid him much mind but then he had a very convincing accent, and he knew whose eyes he should meet and whose he should not. Men, no matter their nationality, became different beasts during wartime. Some welcomed the comfort and comradery simple eye contact afforded where others took it more aggressively.
He was about to sit by a fire and see what new information he could gather when a peel of laughter rippled through the night, and a feminine voice rang out. “Will it not be an absolute bore if we take that animalistic fury out of his eyes?”
Men perked their heads and headed toward her voice, their eyes eager for what Adlin expected was yet another show. What he found in the clearing ahead, though, made him stop dead in his tracks and clench his fists in rage.
Bryce was strung up between two trees, badly beaten and whipped. All but his plaid had been removed, and it was clear he had used no dragon magic to heal himself. While that was sound thinking, he was so close to death, Adlin would have not faulted him if he had. Based on Milly’s description from her dream, he knew without a shred of doubt who the man seated before Bryce was.
Sir Hugh de Cressingham.
Like every hot-blooded man there, Adlin honed in on the blond sitting next to him like a queen. Yet unlike the rest, he was not lusting after her.
“I do not know.” Legs sprawled, totally at ease, Cressingham rested his chin on his fist and contemplated Bryce with arrogant disgust. “It has been so entertaining the past few nights watching him suffer.” He sighed and perked a brow at her. “Are you quite sure you do not want to end him now? I did promise you as much in return for,” he eyed her with lust, “certain favors, yes?”
It took all he was capable of for Adlin to smooth his expression to one that made sense in this crowd rather than whip his dagger straight into Cressingham’s jugular. Because once he did, he would close the distance and rip his head off with his bare hands.
What managed to keep him calm and focused was Lindsay. Because he knew without question, it was her. And remarkably enough, she seemed to be the only one keeping Bryce alive.
“Oh, you’ll have those favors from me, Sir Cressingham,” Lindsay purred, dusting her fingers along his jaw with avid appreciation and definite promise. “All I have to offer.” She gave him a look that would melt most men’s hearts before her eyes drifted to Bryce and a small pout somehow made her appear even more attractive. “I think we should do it soon enough...” Her eyes grew wide with excitement and of all things, bloodlust. “Oh, ‘twould be the perfect sacrifice on the eve of the battle, would it not? Scots blood to pave the way to English victory!”
Adlin had to give her credit for her accent. It was almost perfect. Where it wasn’t quite right, she added just a wee bit of a Norman accent. Enough to sound as though she might have resided in both England and France.
“’Twould not be the first time we found victory in such a way,” Cressingham acknowledged as he considered Bryce. “And he’s bound to have more blood than most, is he not?”
A sly yet haughty smile slithered onto Lindsay’s face as she eyed Bryce. “Oh yes, my Lord. I’d say you’re quite right.” She batted her lashes, and her cheeks grew pink as she gazed at Cressingham with adoration. “But should you not ask the Earl of Surrey first? I would not want to step on any toes.”
“Yet you do at every turn,” came a dry voice as another man appeared.
Lindsay tilted her head down in respect, her demeanor suddenly very submissive. “My apologies, my Lord, if I have somehow offended you.”
Adlin eyed John de Warenne, the 6th Earl of Surrey. An English noble and military commander, he had been appointed ‘warden of the kingdom and land of Scotland’ by the king the previous year but hadn’t stayed in Scotland long due to the climate. Or so rumor had it. Based on his stature, Adlin wasn’t surprised by that. He seemed overly thin and not as big as expected.
The Earl wrapped his hand into Lindsay’s hair and yanked her head back until their eyes were aligned. “Did I not tell you that you were to stay in my tent, woman? Was that not clear?”
Lindsay’s lower lip quivered and her eyes filled with tears. “I just...”
“You just what?” John barked.
“My apologies, my Lord,” Cressingham interjected, not as alarmed as he should be considering he addressed his superior. “She’s here upon my request.”
The Earl offered no response but yanked her by the hair and dragged her deeper into the encampment.
“I guess I will have to wait my turn to have her,” Cressingham said dismissively before he gestured at the crowd, grinning. “As soon as I do she’s all yours, compliments of the crown to do with as you please.”
As the men roared with approval, Adlin made to follow Lindsay, but a hand landed on his shoulder. “I would not follow lest risk your head.”
“Will he not kill her,” he started to say but trailed off when he saw who had spoken.
“Oh, he’ll kill her,” Grant said softly as his eyes met Adlin’s. “As is his right, is it not?”
––––––––
WHEN MILLY HEARD WHAT sounded like Lindsay screaming she bolted upright from a sound sleep. At first, she had no idea where she was but soon realized it was on the back of a horse. She wore a hooded cloak and rode behind two men through a heavily wooded forest. Though it was dark, she could make out the crest on one of the men’s shields.
Lundie.
She knew that name. How though? From history obviously but what was his role?
“The Earl willnae listen because Cressingham’s got that bitch in his ear,” Lundie muttered. “My men and I could cross two miles downstream and outflank Wallace and Moray, but Cressingham convinced the Earl ‘tis best to cross at Stirling Bridge.” He shook his head. “’Tis bloody foolish when sixty men can easily cross at the same time downstream.”
Milly didn’t have to rack her brain any longer. This could only be Sir Richard Lundie, a Scots knight who joined the English because he was impatient and fed up with Scottish nobles arguing instead of taking action. Or so history speculated. Good thing she studied all of this or she would be lost. Even then, she was somewhat surprised it all came back to her so quickly.
The man riding with him wore a black, hooded cloak, his voice raspy as though he had inhaled far too much smoke. “What matters is that Wallace and Moray hear that this is being planned and that the Earl is hesitating. That will ensure what needs to reach my enemy’s ears, does.”
Milly frowned and tried to get a closer look at the man but couldn’t.
“As it is, the bait has been taken,” the man continued, “and the rings are doing as they should. Causing dissent and confusion.”
The rings? As in her ring and possibly others meant for her friends? Because the one on her finger had definitely been doing both of those things.
“So we will move forward as planned,” Lundie said. “We will still send men across the river?”
“Yes,” the other man replied. “And all will perish as you single-handedly change history.”
That’s when he looked at Lundie, and she saw just enough of his sinister face. More than that, she saw the unnatural glow of his eyes. This was dark magic.
He was a wizard.
“Milly, can ye hear me, lass?” came a feminine whisper through the forest. “If ye can, just close your eyes, leave wherever ye are and follow the sound of my voice.”
She frowned and looked around. Blair? But it almost sounded like it was coming from the trees. Maybe even the ground. Like a faraway echo.
“Just do as I ask, ye ken?” Blair whispered, her tone dire. “And do it now.”
Trusting the Scotswoman completely, she closed her eyes and followed the sound of Blair’s voice. Like a whisper on the wind, it led her out until everything went black, and she jolted awake. This time she was sitting on the ground perched against a tree with Blair and Aðísla crouched in front of her.
“Ah, there ye are,” Blair murmured as Aðísla pulled her thumb away from Milly’s forehead. “How are ye feeling, lass?”
“Confused.” Her mouth was so dry she welcomed the skin of cold water Blair held to her lips. After she had taken several swallows, she glanced around. “Where are we? What happened?”
“We’re doing exactly what Adlin did not want,” Aðísla informed. “But you were in one of your trances and babbling all sorts of alarming things, so we knew it was best to head his way.”
“Is she back to herself then?” came Graham’s soft voice before he appeared through the darkness and crouched in front of her as well.
“Aye.” Blair urged Milly to remain sitting when she tried to stand. “Nay, lass, not yet. Give yerself a few moments to acclimate.”
Milly nodded and eyed Blair. “How did you do that anyway? How did you pull me out of what I assume was a dream?”
“That was no dream,” Aðísla said, troubled. “But magic.”
“And that’s obviously a bad thing,” Milly said.
“Aye,” Conall replied as he emerged out of the darkness and leaned against the same tree. As usual, his posture was stiff and his eyes trained anywhere but on her. “You were under the influence of both good and black magic. ‘Twas unnerving.”
“Was it the ring again?” She glanced at it. “Did it make me sick?”
“Not quite,” Blair said. “But we think it did somehow control ye...or mayhap the other way around.”
“So how did you save me?”
Because how else should she phrase it?
“Aðísla used her ability to access yer third eye which showed us where ye were,” Blair explained. “Because of my ma’s semi-blindness, I inherited an unusual ability to see via magic, so I trailed Aðísla’s channel into yer second sight. Then, like my da, my element is of the earth, so I can speak through anything born of it. Even the trees.”
Come again?
“I see,” Milly whispered, more than a little alarmed.
“Och, yer overwhelming her,” Graham muttered. He handed her another skin and a comforting smile. “Here, lassie. A wee dram to take the edge off from listening to these two, aye?”
“Thanks.” She managed a weak smile before she took a hearty gulp of whisky and held out her hand to Graham. “Mind helping me up?”
“Aye, lass,” he said and made sure she was steady afterward. “How do ye feel? Are ye well?”
She found it interesting that he was the only one out of the men who did not make a point of saying ‘you’ versus ‘ye.’ Not that it really mattered. It just made her curious because she sensed there was something behind it.
“I’m okay,” she said as she gained her bearings. “Thank you, Graham.”
“Adlin will not be pleased she’s so close to the enemy,” Conall said. “’Twould probably be best if you headed back now that you know all is well enough.”
“We know no such thing.” Aðísla frowned. “What we do know is that Milly told us to seek out Adlin when she was in her trance. That Lindsay and Bryce were in dire trouble and we all needed to get here as soon as possible. Something would be happening soon.”
“I said all that?” Milly shook her head. “But that has nothing to do with what I was dreaming about.” She shared what she saw and heard between Lundie and the hooded wizard. “What if you bringing me here was some sort of trap?” A shiver raced up her spine. “What if I’ve somehow put everyone in danger?”
“Then we will face it without fear,” Conall said, surprising her when he put a comforting hand on her shoulder. “If nothing else is certain, ‘tis that magic is always about and you cannae blame yourself if it takes hold of you.” His eyes met hers. “And what is also certain is that your gem now glows the color of Adlin’s eyes when I look at it, and that is telling. That is right, Milly. It would not lead you astray.”
Milly glanced at the ring but still saw brown. Her eyes went to Graham. “What about you? What color is my gem now?”
“’Tis blue, lass,” he replied softly. “It has been blue since Blair and Aðísla arrived with ye.”
Milly’s chest tightened at their words. The ring was finally doing what Adlin swore it would. That in itself was calming, almost empowering. Because that meant they were pushing past whatever darkness had attached itself to the gem...right?
“So we’re close to Stirling Bridge?” she murmured, finally starting to see things clearly. “And we’re all here.” Her eyes widened as it occurred to her who wasn’t. “All of us except Jim.”
“Jim is just fine,” Aðísla assured. “He is sound asleep in Blair’s tent and under Moray’s protection if for some reason we do not return this eve.”
Milly frowned. Andrew Moray? “How can you be so sure?”
“Because I’ve bedded him,” Aðísla said. “That is all it took.”
Why did it almost sound like Aðísla bedded him with the foresight she might need to call on a favor?
“Och, nay, ye’ve got it all wrong, Milly.” Blair grinned. “As a rule, lasses dinnae bed the lad so easily if we need a favor. Aðísla is, like me, just verra good at what she does. Even a man the likes of Moray doesnae come back from that so easily and will always want more.”
Milly chuckled as she looked between them. Based on their ‘that’s just the way it is’ expressions, she didn’t doubt them. Go woman power. Way to be confident.
“Enough with tales of your prowess,” Conall said. “We all need to keep a vigilant eye to the encampment lest—”
“Wait, what was that?” Milly interrupted and pointed into the distance. “I just saw a flicker of light in that direction.”
Everyone looked and waited, but all remained dark.
“I’m going to move closer and get a better look,” Conall said as he slowly unsheathed his blade. “Graham, stay with the lasses.”
Graham pulled his weapon free as well and nodded as Blair muttered, “My arse. As if us lasses intend to stay behind. I’m coming too, Conall.”
They had only taken a few steps when Milly swore she saw her ring flicker blue. Yet when she looked again, it was brown.
“Look.” Aðísla pointed at the ground. “Do you see it?”
Everyone nodded as what appeared to be the gem’s blue light flickered across the forest floor and headed for the river.
“I think we’re supposed to follow,” Milly murmured before she started after it.
Graham and Aðísla took up position on either side of her as Conall led and Blair fell in behind. They trusted her judgement and were protecting her. A few minutes later, they stood near the river’s edge as the light died out in the water.
“What does this mean?” Graham started to say until Conall must have caught a glimpse of something, shook his head sharply and put a finger to his mouth. Seconds later, everyone saw it. Movement. Just south on the opposite side of the river.
“Bloody hell, ‘tis Bryce,” Conall whispered as he yanked off his boots and was in the water in no time. Graham followed swiftly as the women, swords at the ready, took up position in front and back of Milly.
Milly put a hand over her mouth when she finally spied Adlin wading across the river with Bryce flung over his shoulders. As far as she could tell, he refused Conall and Graham’s help but urged them to assist another. Soon enough she realized who when she saw a dark figure carrying someone with platinum blond hair.
“Oh, God,” she whispered and tried to rush forward, but the women blocked her path.
“Dinnae be foolish, Milly.” Blair’s eyes met hers. “The men will get her here safely.”
A few minutes later, Adlin came ashore, the look on his face ferocious as his eyes met Aðísla’s. “Where are the horses?”
“This way,” she said as she started back through the woods.
Milly’s heart was in her throat at the state of Bryce. What the hell had they done to him? How could anyone be so cruel? Blair stayed by her side as the rest came ashore. It seemed Grant had been carrying Lindsay but then handed her to Conall.
“Oh, Linds.” Tears came to her eyes as she tried to see if her friend was okay. “What happened to you?”
Lindsey whispered something incoherent as her head lolled against Conall’s chest. Alarmed, she looked at Grant and tried not to imagine the worst. “What’s wrong with her? What did they do?”
“Your friend will be just fine, lass,” he assured. “She is a fighter.” He gestured that they follow him. “Come, we must head back to the encampment.”
Milly started to follow but stopped short as a strange feeling washed over her. “No.” She shook her head. “That’s the wrong direction.”
Grant turned and cocked his head at her, not in question but as though he sensed something as well. “What do you mean, lass?”
“I’m not sure,” she murmured as flashes of her dream came back. Lundie and the wizard co-conspiring. “I think we need to be south of here by tomorrow night.”
His eyes went from her ring to her face and lingered before he whispered, “Ah, how clever of them.” He nodded. “South it is then. Thank you, Milly.”
Nothing more was said as Bryce was laid on his own horse due to his size and the others paired up on the remaining horses. Milly rode with Adlin and Conall kept a still slumbering Lindsay with him. While Milly had numerous questions, she knew they would have to wait. They were heading into especially dangerous territory, and the enemy could be about. More than that, she sensed Adlin was trying to rein in deeply repressed rage. Trying to find reason within fury.
A few hours went by before they came to what appeared to be a small abandoned castle cushioned well by trees. By that time, Lindsay seemed a little more lucid. Her first concern was for Bryce as Conall set her on a chair in the main hall and Graham lit a small fire.
“He will be fine,” Grant assured as he and Adlin joined them after settling Bryce down somewhere upstairs. “Now that he’s allowing it, his dragon blood will have him healed by morn.”
Lindsay did not seem all that shocked by the information as her eyes drifted to Milly. “Hello, darling,” she whispered, her eyes still somewhat glazed. “I was hoping I might see you along the way.”
“Oh, Linds.” She pulled her into a tight embrace. “I’m so damned sorry about this. All of it. Everything you must have gone through.”
“Never mind that,” Lindsay murmured, sounding a bit dopey. “Just make sure Bryce is okay. He’s a fierce one.”
“So I’ve heard.” She pulled back and kept eying Lindsay over, sickened by what she must have suffered.
“No,” Lindsay whispered and shook her head. Her eyes might not be all that clear, but they were focused on Milly. “Nobody raped me, sweetheart. Nobody outside of the weak one lay a God damned finger on me.” Her eyes narrowed with a strength and determination Milly had never seen before. “I was too smart to let that happen.”
When Milly felt Lindsay’s strength almost physically blow through her, she whispered, “You were, weren’t you?”
“Aye.” Grant sat down beside Lindsay and brought a skin to her lips. “Drink, lass. ‘Twill help counteract the herbs so you can rest easier.”
“Herbs?” Milly frowned. “What herbs?”
“You’re a sly one Grant Hamilton,” Lindsay mumbled as she sipped then winked at him. “But with looks like yours, you’ll get what you want every time.”
“My wife would agree.” He winked right back. “She will like you, lassie.”
“I’m sure.” She might be drowsy and vulnerable, but Lindsay was still Lindsay when she whispered, “She’ll never believe my heart’s been taken by another after seeing you, will she?”
Well, what did she mean by that? Because Milly knew very well Lindsay kept men at arm’s length back home. She claimed she didn’t want the social media scandal, but they all knew better. Something had happened to Lindsay along the way, and she truly wanted nothing to do with men. Not when she had her career. Another fib covering some great secret they all accepted they might never know.
“’Tis time to rest now, lass.” Grant gave Conall a look before his attention returned to Lindsay. “We will speak of hearts taken another day, aye?”
There was no missing the tightness around Conall’s mouth and the hardness in his eyes as he scooped up Lindsay. “You’ll stay with Blair and Aðísla this eve. They will keep you safe.”
Lindsay didn’t respond but rested her cheek against his chest. For a split second, Milly was shocked by what she saw on her friend’s face. What she knew for certain Jim had seen before he traveled back in time. A different Lindsay. Someone new. A woman more vulnerable but at the same time at peace.
“He willnae stray far from her,” Grant said so softly she barely caught it.
When Milly looked at him, Grant added to his statement, his voice now a normal octave. “Nobody will, lass. Not the lasses or Graham and definitely not Conall. Lindsay is safe now.”
Milly nodded because she believed him. “What happened, Grant?” Her eyes went to Adlin, grateful to lay eyes on him. To know he was safe. “I dreamt...I have news I think.”
Adlin nodded. “I know.” His eyes went to her ring. “When I saw it flicker through the darkness, I knew. I saw what you saw.”
“How,” she started but stopped and shook her head. If she had figured out nothing else about Adlin and all of this, it was that things just happened. Magic happened. “You’re going to intercept Lundie and his men, aren’t you? Because they’re going to defy the Earl’s orders and cross the River Forth somewhere near here and if that happens, the battle at Stirling Bridge won’t happen. Wallace and Moray will be taken unaware.”
“Aye,” Adlin said. “’Tis now our job to make sure history remains intact and Lundie’s and this warlock’s wayward mission is ended before it begins.”
“Warlock?” she whispered.
“Aye,” Grant said. “A wizard who’s strength lies in dark magic.”
Oh, hell.
“But there are only a handful of you,” she murmured. “There are going to be far more of them.”
“Aye, but in this battle, we can more readily use magic.” The corner of Adlin’s mouth shot up. “And that will be verra beneficial.”
“Here’s hoping,” she murmured, looking between them before her gaze settled on Grant. “I need to know what happened to Lindsay. How did you end up with her?” She shook her head. “How did all three of you end up there?”
“’Twas just a matter of ending up in the same place when we were first thrust back in time,” Grant said. “Bryce and I were taken then Lindsay soon after.”
“What sent us back in time, to begin with?” She frowned. “Because I was under the impression it might have been you. That you knew what was going on with my ring.”
“I did, but I didnae have much warning.” Grant sighed. “Since I am more connected to the magic used to make your ring than Adlin, I knew something was interfering with it verra soon after you traveled back in time from New Hampshire. I had hoped to figure out what that was before we were shifted back to this era.”
“What could have possibly interfered with our magic, Grant?” Adlin frowned. “We were verra careful.”
“Aye,” Grant agreed. “But mayhap we were also verra presumptuous.” His eyes met Adlin’s. “You were verra young, and I was too confident when we recreated something that was originally born one way or another of the Celtic gods.” A sad but wise look entered Grant’s eyes. “I believe I underestimated several factors when we made Milly’s ring. First, that you were but a wee bairn reborn trying to find his way and not the powerful mentor you used to be.”
“And secondly?” Adlin prompted when Grant trailed off.
“Secondly,” Grant said softly. “I failed to take into consideration that you and Mildred were never connected by a ring, as it was. That your love was different than those tied together by the previous Claddagh’s.”
“What does that mean?” Milly said, thrown a little by the look on Grant’s face. “Because I hear nothing’s stronger in your neck of the woods than these Claddagh rings.” She narrowed her eyes. “In fact, Blair told me one of these brought you and your wife together.”
“Aye and I’m blessed to still have my wee Sheila with me,” Grant murmured as though saying a prayer. “As to the love you and Adlin share, ‘tis timeless and different. It wasnae fated or pre-ordained like those of the Claddagh but a unity that belonged to itself.” His eyes went between them. “Twin souls that found one another against all the odds and without the help of any magic or gods. Not that we know of anyway.”
“As romantic as that sounds,” she said. “Why would that cause what sounds like a weakness or vulnerability to darkness when you created my ring?”
“’Tis simple,” Adlin murmured, clearly having caught on. “’Tis always unwise to manipulate the supernatural if you dinnae ken exactly what you’re dealing with. It would open you to unanticipated possibilities.”
“Hell.” Milly laughed nervously. “You almost make it sound like one of those Ouija boards.”
“Aye, ‘tis much like that,” Adlin said. “In our ignorance, it seems we might have overstepped our bounds and allowed something in that doesnae belong. Something dark.” His eyes went to Grant’s. “Now we need figure out what that is and how to stop it.”
“Wow,” she whispered as her eyes fell to her ring. “I didn’t see one of these on Lindsay’s fingers.” Her eyes went to Grant. “She didn’t have one on when she first traveled back in time, did she?”
“Not that I saw.” He shook his head, troubled as he glanced at Adlin. “And ‘tis usually impossible to get off once ‘tis on.”
Why did she get the feeling that he was not being entirely truthful? That he might have just played on words?
“Usually.” She frowned. “Why does that sound like she might’ve taken it off?”
Grant gave her an odd look. “You really dinnae know what your friend is capable of, do you?”
“I thought I did.” Milly kept with her frown. “But obviously, she’s one tough nut in the face of adversity.”
“She is, if nothing else, a survivor,” Grant conceded. “I’ve never seen the likes of her.”
“’Tis telling, that,” Adlin remarked. “Because Grant has seen much.”
“So Lindsay worked her own brand of magic and managed not to get beaten or raped,” she said to Grant. “While you somehow remained unscathed and Bryce clearly got the crap kicked out of him.” She frowned. “Not that I mean that in a bad way. I’m glad they didn’t hurt you. I’m just confused.” She shook her head and sighed. “All of this is confusing.”
“We all became what they needed us to become,” Grant said softly. “What we needed to become until we got out of there.”
When Milly shook her head, baffled, Adlin took over.
“Och, you’re becoming as cryptic as I once was, Grant,” Adlin admonished before he explained in greater detail. “Grant became a traveling healer, Bryce the hated Scotsman and Lindsay, his stalwart protector because she was smart enough to be what the men in charge needed her to be. Cressingham adores to be worshiped and teased by beautiful women, and the Earl likes to appear stronger than he is by abusing lasses.”
Her eyes rounded. “So she was abused?”
“Nay, I dinnae think so.” Now there was amusement and likely even respect in his eyes. “I think she somehow played a part for him that made him feel more the man. Whatever it was, ‘twas a brilliant move because the Earl is known to have killed a lass or two in his time.”
“Well, I’ll be damned.” She crossed her arms over her chest and eyed Grant. “So all three of you are okay? Even Bryce?”
“Aye,” Grant assured. “Laird MacLeod isnae so easy to topple.”
“I thought for sure we were going to find a few body parts missing based on my dream...or vision,” she said, wary. “But he’s not though, right? Down a body part or two?”
“Nay.” Grant shook his head as he stood. “I can assure you he’s as whole as he was before thanks to Lindsay.”
“So how did you guys manage to escape?” she asked. “Because it sounds like both Bryce and Linds were closely guarded.”
“Magic,” Grant said. “As your vision implied, whoever this warlock is, he wasnae there, so all I needed was Adlin to help me. I’m afraid Laird MacLeod is far too heavy for me to carry.”
Honestly, it said a lot for how well he had aged that Grant was able to carry Lindsay. Her friend was thin but still. Grant wasn’t a young man anymore.
“So who drugged her?” Milly frowned. “And was it really necessary?”
“’Twas not us,” Adlin said. “Grant surmises that Cressingham might have done it to finally get what he had been promised.” He shook his head. “’Twas unlikely the Earl because he prefers defiance from his lasses.”
“She will be all right, lass,” Grant said. “’Twas not an overly potent amount.” He frowned. “He wanted her somewhat awake.”
“Aye,” Adlin agreed. “Either way our timing was good because had the Earl realized she’d been drugged, he might have confronted Cressingham and had the whole camp on the lookout for trouble.”
“So you used magic to get them out of there?” She looked between them. “How exactly?”
“We put everyone to sleep.” Grant shrugged. “A rather easy trick really.”
“Aren’t they going to be alarmed when they awake to find Bryce and Linds gone?”
“Aye, I’m sure.” Adlin grinned. “But by that time ‘twill be far closer to the battle and their focus will be on other things.”
Her eyes rounded. “They’re going to sleep that long?”
“Some to be sure,” Grant said. “Our magic can be verra strong when combined.”
Milly had a feeling their magic could be pretty damn strong alone as well.
“So you see,” Adlin continued. “This makes it a wee bit easier to have an unknown battle south of the bridge.”
“Ah,” she murmured. “So it does.” Yet she wondered. “Richard Lundie was a known figure in the Battle of Stirling Bridge for trying to convince the Earl of this unknown battle you’re about to fight. Won’t it change things if he vanishes from history?”
“Dinnae worry about that, lass.” Adlin had a devious look in his eyes. “We’ll see that everything goes as it should.”
She could only imagine what that meant.
“I’m off to bed.” Grant yawned and headed for a small cot in the corner. “Such as it is.”
“Grant,” Milly said. “Quick question.”
“Aye, lass,” he said without looking back, almost as if he knew what she was going to ask.
“About what Lindsay said earlier...who’s taken her heart?”
“Do you want to tell her or should I, Adlin?” Grant said, still not looking back.
“I will,” Adlin said softly as he took Milly’s hand and met her eyes. “According to her, Lindsay did have a ring on when she traveled back in time but removed it so others wouldn’t see the expensive gem at its center.” A strange sense of anxiety made her heart thud harder as his eyes stayed with hers. “Though groggy, she claimed upon meeting me that the gem was the verra shade of my eyes and that I now held her heart.”
––––––––
MILLY REMAINED SO SILENT as they found their way to a chamber on the top floor of the narrow castle, that he knew she wasn’t taking the news of Lindsay’s ring well. Thankfully, Blair and Aðísla had packed several extra furs, so they had plenty to keep them warm. Confident that Milly’s ring was beginning to mask the enemy’s magic, Grant had provided halfway decent cots for all but said no more fires should be lit. It was too risky.
“So what does this mean, Adlin?” Milly stood at a window and stared out at the dark tree tops blowing in the wind. “That you and Linds are meant to be together?”
“Nay.” He shook his head, spun her and pulled her against him. “I am meant for no one but you, Milly. You hold my heart. ‘Twill never belong to another.”
“Funny, until you told me about Lindsay’s gem...” She shook her head, turned in his arms and stared out the window again. “I just didn’t realize how comfortable I’d gotten with the idea of us.” Her chuckle sounded strained. “For Christ sake, I only just met you a few days ago, and I’ve not only slept with you but let news like this...”
When she trailed off this time, she didn’t continue.
So he did.
“Let news like this what, Milly?” He cupped her shoulders, pulled her back against him and murmured in her ear. “Affect you too much? Make you realize that you dinnae want to lose me? That there’s something betwixt us far more powerful than the whims of an undecided gem?”
“Just one gem is undecided,” she said, her voice a little too calm for his taste. “Not the other apparently.”
“I hear your gem is really not all that undecided,” he said softly. “Conall tells me that it matches my eyes now and Graham sees the same.”
What Graham also told him and would not be shared with Milly was that Conall had lied and Graham supported him because it was for the greater good. The gem still glowed their eye colors as far as they could see, but Conall felt it was better for Milly to think otherwise. Again, Adlin was grateful for Conall’s quick thinking because it kept her stronger and hopeful when she needed it most. And any Scotsman worth half his grain knew that simple hope was powerful in its own right.
“So what if they see the gem matching your eyes now,” she said softly. “We still don’t.”
“Mayhap not.” He braced his hands on either side of her on the sill and rested his head beside hers. “But I dinnae care anymore. Your ring is influenced by another’s magic hence ‘tis no true symbol of our love. Not in the least.”
“But it helped me so it can’t be all that bad,” she said. “It led everyone to you earlier when you crossed the river.”
“What do you mean?”
When she told him about the dancing light that came off of her ring, he felt a strange surge of hope. “Our magic is pushing past the darkness somehow...our love.”
“Love,” she whispered and shook her head. “Not so sure about that...”
She didn’t get another word out before he whipped her around and cupped her cheeks. “Aye, Milly, love. ‘Tis what we shared in another life and what is happening betwixt us now.”
Her eyes searched his, raw with emotion as her lower lip trembled slightly and she whispered, “Why am I afraid of it, Adlin? Right down to my core in places I didn’t know existed I’m frightened. Of you. Us. Losing something I didn’t even know I wanted.” She released a ragged breath. “And what scares me the most is how fast it’s happening. I mean seriously fast. That can’t be right.” She shook her head. “This can’t be right...”
He didn’t allow another foolish word to come out of her mouth but closed his lips over hers. If he could not convince her with words, then he would bloody well show her with touch. So he deepened the kiss and began stroking her everywhere. Affectionate but loving touches that grew more aggressive as he untied her dress, freed her breasts and dropped to his knees in worship. Bloody hell, she was well formed, and he made sure she knew it as he kissed, stroked and enjoyed everything she had to offer from the waist up until he finally suckled an erect nipple.
When she flung her head back, groaned in pleasure and her knees buckled, he swung her into his arms and brought her to the cot. This time he took things at a leisurely pace and removed her clothing, appreciating every inch of flesh revealed.
“Bloody hell, yer beautiful,” he murmured against her skin as he peppered kisses down her stomach and worked at getting his own clothing off. He didn’t want material between them anymore. He needed to feel her soft skin against his. Hold her like he hadn’t in a lifetime. To see the pleasure on her face and hear it in her voice when he made her feel like nobody else could.
“Adlin,” she groaned. Before she got too lost in his touch, she decided to take matters into her own hands quite literally when she grabbed his cock and began stroking.
“Lie back,” she urged.
Not one to argue when she was making him feel so good, he did as she asked and tossed aside his shirt. It didn’t matter in the least that his breeches were around his ankles and his boots remained on. Though he might make the argument that this was one of those moments a tartan might come in handy.
Nonetheless, he was always up for a good adventure and grinned as she tried to remain graceful on a cot that was too narrow and ill-made. Though it was a wobbly good time for sure, a chuckle died on his lips as her mouth began doing things to his cock that he didn’t recall she knew how to do the last lifetime around.
And here she thought she didn’t know magic.
Bloody hell.
His mouth fell open as he watched and felt her do things to his manhood that had him digging his hands into her hair and grunting with approval. She had these full sensual lips...and this way with her tongue...and he was so damned close.
But he wanted something else right now.
The intimacy of pressing into her, gazing into her eyes and letting her see how much he cared. How much he loved her. So he flipped her beneath him, readied her with a loving gaze then thrust...only to thump down and be wrapped up in a cocoon of bedding.
“What the bloody...” he started to say only to realize Milly was laughing and they were wrapped up in a flimsy mattress. It seemed the cot’s ropes could not support their weight and they were stuck in its small wooden frame. Most lasses might be alarmed by the situation but not her. No, her merry eyes met his as she continued laughing. “Too bad spring mattresses haven’t been invented yet. You wouldn’t lack the spring you need right now.” She snorted through her laughter. “No pun intended.”
Even as he struggled to keep his weight off of her and break free of the awkward cage, he couldn’t help but laugh too. What made all of this far more difficult was that he still had his damn breeches around his ankles. So this was going to take some maneuvering. Or—he glanced from side to side—some brute finesse she wouldn’t see coming.
So he kept his weight off her with one hand and kissed the laughter right out of her. Locked right where he wanted her, he smacked one side of the wooden frame until it gave way. Then he rolled, flipping her and the mattress over him, then she was beneath him again once they were free of the cumbersome contraption.
Though she yelped, chuckled and mumbled something about him getting splinters in his ass, he got her mind right back where he wanted it when he resumed kissing her. Slow, deep, passionately, he kissed her long and hard as he finally got his damn boots and breeches off.
Annoying clothing, however, became the last thing on his mind when she spread her legs and they finally came together the way they were meant to. As he, at last, felt her skin against his and pressed into her welcoming heat. Though he meant to stare into her eyes and show her all he felt, make sure she understood how much he loved her and no one else, he wasn’t nearly so controlled.
No, when they came together this time, it was as if something brand new combusted between them, and he lost all sense of reasonable thought. All he could do was kiss and taste her as he moved faster and faster. Their bodies slickened with sweat as he clasped her wrist beside her head with one hand and stroked her cheek with the other as their lips hovered inches from each other.
Her breath was as harsh as his, her trembling as obvious.
They might not have the power of a gem behind them, but they had something untouchable, all theirs, as they moved against each other. As they struggled yet enjoyed every second of the sensual mountain they were climbing.
Their climaxes hovered just out of reach as their kissing became more intense, as the need they felt for one another became near violent. The push and pull of their bodies. The love that was in every thrust, every grind.
“Adlin,” she half whimpered, half demanded as they got close, closer. He lowered his body until they nearly touched from head to toe. Until her overly sensitive skin felt every centimeter of him against her. Until tears began to leak from the corners of her eyes, her lips fell open, and her eyes drifted shut.
Nothing was more stunning.
Nothing else was worth waiting for.
When she arched and released a ragged cry, he pressed deep and let go. There was no greater satisfaction than watching and feeling her caught in a state of rigid limbo as he throbbed within her. As he filled her with his seed and hoped that this life might give them their first child. That they could finally have that.
He held himself in her for a long time before he rolled to his side and brought her with him. Her eyes were dewy, and her cheeks flushed as her gaze stayed with his. They remained that way until they drifted off.
Staring into each other’s eyes.
Basking in the afterglow of their lovemaking.
It was something they had little time for in their last life. At least not until the end on the bench outside of her ranch. That, of course, had not been sexual but it had been the same sort of deep connection. It was that, her, that he could see so clearly in Milly’s eyes now. In the way she was gazing at him. As though she was on the verge of remembering.
As though she was desperate to.
“Never for a moment think my heart could belong to anyone but you,” he whispered. “It isnae possible, lass. It wasnae then, and willnae be in all the futures ahead of us.”
She gave no response, but the pain that was in her eyes before had vanished. Lindsay was no longer a concern. In fact, as Milly brushed her lips across his, he would say they were past letting the gem dictate them at all.
Now he could only hope they found the power they needed without the ring.
“Tell me about the time we spent together as children in this life,” she murmured. “How often you visited my dreams.”
“’Twas often enough,” he said softly, smiling as he remembered the numerous times. “And ‘twas not just when you were a child.”
“Oh, really.” There was a twinkle in her eyes. “Did you give me my first real kiss then?”
“Actually, I did.” He touched her cheek. Though tempted to say it was something she would eventually remember, he no longer knew that for certain. “But ‘twas only in a dream. Nothing like the one I gave you on my horse.”
“And we talked a lot?” she murmured. “In my dreams?”
“Aye.” He smiled. “We played as bairns then talked as young adults then mayhap a wee more as we got older.”
Her eyes widened. “Did you take advantage of me, Adlin MacLomain?”
“Aye.” He grinned. “As often as you’d let me.”
Milly’s eyes remained wistful as her smile grew softer. “I hope I remember it all someday. All the moments we shared in this life...even if only in my dreams.” She twisted her ring until the gem was palm side and she didn’t have to look at it. “With or without this.”
“Aye, lass.” He pulled her closer, recalling some particularly passionate dreams they had shared. “If, for some reason you dinnae, I will tell you all about them once this is over.”
When he flipped her beneath him and closed his lips over hers again, all talk faded and half the night passed before they dozed off.
Well aware they were not only on English soil but near a threat far more powerful than Cressingham and the Earl, he didn’t sleep long and was up early. He joined his mentor outside the castle as the sun crested the horizon. Not surprisingly, Grant had a troubled look on his face as he gazed south.
“There are few left capable of manipulating our magic like this warlock did,” Adlin said as he sat on the rock beside him. “Have ye any suspicions then?”
“My suspicions can only go so far as to what drove him,” Grant said softly. “Or, as I strongly suspect, them.”
“Aye,” Adlin murmured, thinking the same. “If they were somehow part of making these rings, then ‘tis safe to assume they will spread out their power betwixt all rings. All battles ahead.”
Grant nodded. “I would expect no less.”
Adlin sighed. “’Twas such a simple plan.”
“Aye,” Grant murmured. “But then ‘tis rare that things tend to stay simple.”
“So should we assume they’ve sent their strongest warlock first?” Adlin said. “Considering ‘twas me they’d be dealing with?”
“Och, ye know better than to assume.” Grant perked a brow. “Watch yer sense of pride, Adlin and use yer head, aye? If I were them, I’d send my weakest first in hopes ye might think highly of yerself as ye do, and assume just what ye did. I would save my strongest for those I perceived as weaker which would be yer cousins.”
Adlin sighed. “Well, at least my cousins will have not only ye but me at my fullest power when they face their foes.”
Or so he hoped.
“Assuming we’re there,” Grant countered. “Because if I were the enemy, and had such time to plan ahead, I would find some way to make sure ye and I were not with yer cousins.”
“Then we must plan that we are,” Adlin said. “Surely now that we have foresight, such a thing can be accomplished.”
“Aye, mayhap,” Grant said. “I’ve been giving it some thought but fear we need more information first. Hopefully, ‘twill become clearer once we meet this warlock and mayhap glean more about who he is.”
“There was one strange thing.” Adlin met Grant’s eyes. “I think ‘tis likely the enemy spoke within Milly’s mind before her and I even crossed paths.”
He shared what was said to her about foghar, or autumn, being her season.
“That is odd indeed.” Grant mulled it over. “Did she say if the voice seemed threatening?”
“Nay.” He shook his head. “And considering she thought it was me, I think she would have mentioned as much if she did.”
“Aye,” Grant murmured. “I think mayhap we may have an unknown ally.”
“So ye dinnae think ‘twas the enemy?”
“I think the enemy is connected to her ring.” Grant shook his head. “And she didnae have the ring on yet did she?”
“Verra true,” Adlin conceded, having thought the same thing. “But ‘tis rare for anything to get by me, especially something or someone entering Milly’s thoughts.”
“All the more reason why I suspect this is in our favor,” Grant said. “Ye would have sensed darkness. No, I think this person was helping her along.” His brows rose slowly. “Because is it not autumn and did she not finally find ye, laddie?”
“Aye,” he murmured. “But I thought I was solely responsible for getting her to the colonial.”
“I think ye likely were,” Grant said. “Whoever this voice was it sounds to me like someone letting her know she was on the right path. That we are on the right path. And I think they have continued to steer us along.”
Adlin eyed him for a moment before he said, “Ye think that’s who whisked us back in time from MacLomain Castle, aye?”
“’Twas not me,” Grant said. “And ‘twas certainly not me that got another ring to Lindsay or brought her and Jim back in time.”
Adlin frowned. “I thought mayhap that was her ring.”
“Nay, I dinnae think so,” he replied. “Not entirely that is.”
“So we’ve an unknown enemy,” Adlin muttered. “And an unknown ally.”
“Aye.” Grant shrugged. “’Twould not be the first time we’re on an adventure with unseen complications.” He cocked a look at Adlin and lightened the moment as the corner of his mouth edged up. “But none so great as ropes that give out when yer trying to...rest.”
Ah, so there was a culprit when it came to last night’s comedy.
Adlin narrowed his eyes. “’Twas ye behind all that then?”
“Och, nay, I’m not known for my humor.” He patted Adlin on the back and winked. “But I am known for seeing that ye never lose yers.”
It was good to see some light in Grant’s eyes. It had been a long, hard few years since his son Darach went missing. Made longer yet by the unease between him and Conall.
Grant and Darach had been visiting a nearby village on Hamilton land when he simply vanished. Times were very difficult, and even with protection, it was easy to fall prey to riffraff roaming their country. It had been a devastating time for all as the days ticked by, and he was never found. Darach was both a powerful wizard and a well-loved laird, so Grant assumed he had been taken by those with equally strong magic. Which naturally broke his mentor’s heart because he had experienced something similar. Grant had been kidnapped when he was younger and held by the enemy for fourteen winters.
Regardless, Conall still blamed him. He was supposed to be the most powerful wizard in Scotland. How then, was his own son stolen right out from under his nose? How could he have allowed such a thing to happen? After that, Conall changed from the lighthearted man he once was to the overly disciplined man he was today. One who no longer saw humor in things because he harbored too much resentment. Of course it didn’t help that their cousin Fraser had died in battle around that time too. A blow that had affected Conall deeply. Now, all that pain and anger was directed at Grant though none of it was his fault.
Clearly following his thoughts, Grant murmured, “I dinnae blame the lad for his behavior and nor should ye. Conall and his da were close.”
“As were ye and yer son,” Adlin said softly. “Yet ye’ve the wisdom to see things for what they are and not let anger rule ye.”
“I’ve over fifty extra winters to have established that wisdom,” Grant reminded. “Give Conall time. The day will come when he sees things clearly.”
Adlin could only hope so because he missed the man Conall had once been. While some could say his change of demeanor was a result of becoming chieftain and the level of responsibility it entailed, he knew better. Conall’s new persona was a direct result of Uncle Darach going missing and Fraser's death.
“Well, good morning,” came a soft murmur.
When they glanced over their shoulders, they saw Lindsay looking quite well all things considered. Where Graham stayed by her side, charming as ever, Conall hung back and his eyes swept over their surroundings. As he did with Milly, it didn’t get past Adlin that his cousin’s discreet eyes grazed Lindsay as well.
“Good morn, lassie,” Grant said as they stood. “How are you feeling?”
“Besides a slight headache, better than I’ve been in a few days.” She offered Graham a lovely smile. “Not surprising considering I have such a valiant protector.”
“That ye do, lassie.” Graham kissed the back of her hand, his eyes lingering on hers. “And for as long as ye’ll have me.”
Conall’s expression darkened as he ignored Lindsay, kept his eyes on the wood line and said, “I will go scout and see if I can track down—”
“You’ll do no such thing,” Grant said. “Aðísla went out hours ago and already reported back. There’s a sizeable amount of men gathering downriver just as Milly said there might be.”
As if she knew she was being talked about, Milly poked her head out the window of the top floor “Linds, you’re awake! I’ll be right down.”
Lindsay smiled and waved before her eyes skirted over Conall and went to Adlin. “Thank you for last night, Adlin.”
“Of course, lass.” He handed her a skin of water. “Drink this. ‘Twill help with yer headache.”
“Thank you.” She nodded, eying him with interest. “So you’re the one who’s stolen Milly’s heart, are you?”
“He’s done no such thing,” Milly muttered upon a very fast arrival indeed. “How are you feeling, sweetie?” She embraced Lindsay. “Again, I’m so sorry about what happened to you.” She shook her head, held her at arm’s length and searched her eyes. “Are you really, truly okay?”
“I am,” Lindsay assured, offering a warm smile meant to comfort. “And ready to take a break from acting and just be myself for a bit.”
Adlin could not help but speculate that even now Lindsay might be acting. Playing the part Milly need to see so that she wouldn’t worry. Graham, meanwhile, had stars in his eyes as he gazed at her. Or so it appeared.
I will go hunt,” Conall started before Blair appeared. “No need, Cousin. I’ve caught enough to feed us all.”
So much for Conall making an escape. Because he knew as his cousin watched Graham falling all over Lindsay, that’s exactly what Conall was trying to do.
A little while later as meat roasted over a fire, Milly sat beside Adlin, and they finally had a chance to say good morning.
“How’d you sleep?” she said. She had a glow to her skin that hadn’t been there the previous day.
“Fine, lass, and you?” They had been making eyes at each other since she awoke. In fact, he had started to feel like a youngin’ again hoping the pretty lass would sit next to him.
“Great.” Her eyes sparkled as they met his. “Thanks to you.”
“’Twas a verra good night,” he agreed, a heartbeat away from scooping her up and returning to bed.
“Och, listen to the two of ye.” Blair grinned as she joined them. “’Tis love found betwixt ye then, aye?”
“No,” Mildred said as Adlin replied, “Aye.”
Blair kept grinning as her eyes went between them. “’Tis always more fun if ‘tis not admitted right away.”
Adlin grinned as Milly blushed and made a non-committal sound.
“So what are we going to do about Lindsay?” Blair said softly. “I dinnae think ‘tis wise to have her anywhere near this battle.”
“Nay,” Adlin agreed. “Neither she nor Milly.”
“Actually,” Grant said, his attention on them from across the fire, a means to let everyone know the conversation should be heard by all. “While she willnae be at the battle in person, I do believe Milly should be there.”
Adlin frowned. He didn’t like where Grant was going.
“What do you mean?” Milly asked.
“Well, if nothing else can be said about your ring,” Grant replied, “’Tis that it allows you to hear and see things without being detected.”
“That you know of,” Adlin argued. “The warlock could have known she was behind him the whole time. That this is a set-up upon a set-up.”
“We both know ‘tis not based on what Aðísla saw this morning,” Grant said. “Set aside your emotions and see this for the opportunity it is, Adlin.”
“She doesnae even know why the ring takes her into the visions,” Adlin countered. “Worse than that, she doesnae know how to control it.”
“I’m not so sure that’s true,” Aðísla said as she cut the meat, put it on sticks and started handing it out. “Or should I say that with help from Blair and me, she might have all the control she needs.”
Adlin shook his head. “But we’ll need you two at the battle.”
“Mayhap not,” Grant said. “Aðísla counted Lundie’s men at no more than two hundred.”
“And there are only four of us outside of the lasses,” Graham reminded.
“You mean five,” came a deep voice before Bryce, looking much better, dropped to a knee in front of Lindsay and lowered his head. “You have my thanks for saving my life, lass. You will always have the support and backing of Clan MacLeod if ever you need it.”
While happy to see his cousin well, he couldn’t help but frown. Though foolish, he and his cousins should have tried to save Bryce sooner. He should not have been made to suffer any longer than necessary.
“You can’t think like that, Adlin,” Milly responded. “My guess is you saved lives by not rushing into something when you knew how treacherous it was.”
She had spoken within his mind.
When his eyes went to hers, she only offered a few soft words. “It seems I am.” Her eyes dropped to her ring. “So maybe the stone’s working after all.”
A stone that still shone brown.
No matter. He took her hand and smiled, grateful she was so comfortable speaking telepathically. That she did not seem daunted in the least.
“So that makes four young warriors who are also powerful wizards,” Grant said. “And me.”
Grant had always been humble about how much power he really possessed, but Adlin had a good idea. After all, why else would he have made him his apprentice in another life? That and Grant had an inner wisdom and self-control not all with magic possessed.
“We go, we fight, and we make it quick.” Grant’s eyes went to Milly. “Meanwhile, with the help of Aðísla and Blair, Milly, we need you to point us in the right direction and help us anticipate the enemy’s moves.”
He was impressed by the courage he saw in Milly’s eyes as she nodded. “Just tell me what to do, and I’ll do it.” Her eyes flickered from Adlin to Grant. “Anything to keep you guys safe.” She frowned. “The only problem is I have no idea how I got where I was either time.” She shook her head. “And Adlin told me that I saw myself with the enemy when I was ill. Any clue what that’s all about?”
Adlin kept a smile at bay. He never told her that tidbit. She had read his mind along the way without even realizing it. Yet another sign of how close they were becoming.
“My guess is you somehow saw yourself keeping an eye on Lindsay,” Grant said. “Just like you astral-projected yourself to Lundie and the warlock without them ever being the wiser.” His eyes went to Lindsay. “I dinnae know about you, but I never heard anyone say there was a lass who looked like Milly in camp, did you? That one was taken prisoner who fit her description?”
“No.” Lindsay shook her head and met Milly’s eyes. “And with looks like yours, we would have heard if you were around, darling.”
Milly didn’t comment on the compliment as her curious eyes returned to Grant. “So what about me getting so sick? What do you think that was?”
“Again just a guess, but I’d say that was you separating yourself from any black magic attached to the gem,” he said. “’Twould not be a pleasant experience for even the strongest of us. You are verra gifted in magic, Milly.”
Which was interesting considering in her previous life she was the least powerful witch in her family. It was clear Milly wasn’t quite sure how to respond other than to say, “So do you think that’s why the gem is slowly but surely becoming the color it’s supposed to be? The color of Adlin’s eyes?”
Thankfully, Grant didn’t bat a lash at her false statement. “Aye, lass, ‘tis verra probable.”
Milly smiled at Adlin. “It sounds like things are starting to fall into place.”
“It does,” Lindsay agreed, taking in everything with a perceptive eye. “And I’m happy for you, Milly.”
Despite being drugged the night before and the things she said, it was obvious Lindsay saw what existed between him and Milly. So she had to be wondering about the gem in her own ring.
“I still can’t believe how well you’re taking all this, Linds.” Milly shook her head. “You’ve seriously blown me away.”
“It was frightening at first,” Lindsay conceded as her eyes drifted over the men. “But now, it’s more interesting than anything else.” She urged Bryce to sit next to her, the look in her eyes unexplainable as she gazed at him. Maybe amazement mixed with a little something else. “I can’t believe how improved you are, Bryce.” She rested her hand on his shoulder. “You are the strongest man I’ve ever met.”
There was no missing the reaction of the other men. Conall tensed while Graham took more immediate action by plunking down on Lindsay’s other side. “Ye will always have the thanks of the MacLomains for what ye did for Laird MacLeod.” He nodded. “His betrothed will be most grateful.”
“Oh.” Lindsay removed her hand from Bryce’s shoulder. “You’re engaged then?”
Adlin was surprised how well Lindsay was taking Bryce’s miraculous recovery if nothing else.
“’Tis a pre-arranged alliance.” Bryce’s eyes went to Milly. “One that I willnae see through until I know with certainty I am not meant to claim another.”
Adlin scowled. Leave it to the dragon not to play nice.
“So my ring’s still the color of your eyes, Bryce?” Milly sighed. “Really?”
“Aye.” Adlin knew Bryce didn’t mean to dash her hopes. If anything, his was a bigger agenda considering he had been fighting his marriage alliance for years, and this might give him an out. “I’m afraid your gem is still golden, lass.”
“Well, I’m sure it’ll work itself out soon,” she said. Adlin couldn’t stop a triumphant smile as her eyes met his. “Because the only man I intend to be with if I stay in Scotland is Adlin.”
While he liked the second part, the first part didn’t sit so well. She thought she would be going home? Better yet, did she actually want to?
“Why would ye not stay, lass?” Blair said, coming to Adlin’s rescue. “Have ye someone better than my cousin from where ye hail? Have ye a lad who looks at ye like he does?”
“Well, no,” she started to say, but Blair kept going.
“Of course ye dinnae.” A knowing look entered her eyes. “Jim was the closest ye ever came to love and that wasnae the real thing...not like this.”
“Is that so?” Milly’s brows perked. “And what do you know of Jim and I and what we shared?”
“I know that ye were willing to let him go when ye didnae have to.” She shrugged and gave Milly a look that spoke volumes. “And I know he let ye go so easily because he heard nothing but Adlin’s name on yer lips while you slept. The entire time ye were together at that.”
––––––––
“DAMN HIM,” MILLY MUMBLED. “Jim never said a word, Linds.”
The two of them remained alone in front of the fire while the horses were packed up. When Lindsay remained unnaturally quiet, Milly’s eyes widened on her. “Oh no, did he tell you?”
“Yes,” she confessed with a guilty look. “Both me and Christina, actually.”
“Ugh,” Milly groaned. “Poor Jim.”
“I wouldn’t say that.” Lindsay shook her head. “He seemed okay. Sure, a little sad, but not as sad as he should have been if he were all that broken up about it.”
“Still.” She frowned. “What an awful thing to put him through...for years no less!”
“I know it seems it but...” when Lindsay trailed off, Milly prompted her to continue.
“Well,” Lindsay said. “He always seemed more accepting than normal about it. Almost as if he knew it was coming...that Adlin was coming.”
“That’s weird,” Milly murmured.
“We always thought so,” Lindsay agreed. “But I would not be upset with yourself over it, Milly. It wasn’t your fault, and I know Jim never held it against you.”
Milly eyed Lindsay, a little surprised by how close she and her ex apparently were.
“No.” Lindsay shook her head. “Don’t you look at me like that, Milly. It was never like that between Jim and me.”
“Though it could be now,” Milly said.
“What, and fight Christina for his affection?” Lindsay smiled. “Because it’s clear he desires her, wouldn’t you say?”
It seemed Lindsay didn’t miss much.
“He might have.” Milly grinned and shrugged. “Before he met Blair.”
“No!” Lindsay admonished, her face as animated as ever. “The warrior Scotswoman and Jim?”
“He spent the night in her tent.”
“How delicious.” Lindsay laughed. “Things might have been atrocious since arriving here but news such as that...well....” She shook her head, still chuckling. “Makes it all worth it.”
Milly chuckled as well. It was a hell of a match up, but Jim seemed smitten, and Blair was gorgeous.
“So where did your ring go, Lynds,” Milly murmured as their chuckles died down. “Because I know you had one when you first traveled back in time.”
“I gave it to Grant.” Lindsay’s eyes went to Milly’s in surprise. “Did he not tell you?”
“Nope.” Milly’s gaze turned to the fire in contemplation. So as he and Adlin dropped that bombshell last night, Grant had Lindsay’s ring and never cared to mention it? A ring with a gem that apparently matched Adlin’s eyes? “How did you know, Lynds?” Her eyes returned to her friend. “How did you know that the gem in the center of your ring was supposed to match your one true love’s eyes?”
“What are you talking about?” Lindsay appeared genuinely confused. “I only just learned about what the rings can do this morning.”
“But last night you said your gem matched Adlin’s eyes,” Milly explained. “You told him he held your heart.”
“While yes, the gem in my ring matches Adlin’s eyes,” Lindsay shook her head, amused, “I knew nothing about this true love connection. Even if I did, I would never believe it. At least not when it comes to me.” Her eyes grew a little wider. “And I most certainly would not imply to Adlin that he was my true love.”
Well, that was curious, but then Lindsay was drugged, so maybe it was just a fluke.
Milly was about to say more when the men returned.
“’Tis time to leave,” Adlin said. “’Twill not be a long ride. Grant knows a place we can house safely and be ready to battle at nightfall when they cross.”
“How do you know that’s when it’s going to happen?” Milly shook her head. “I don’t remember seeing that in my vision.”
“Because our enemy is a warlock.” He wrapped a fur around her shoulders as Conall doused the flames and Graham saw to Lindsay. “Which means his power is greatest at night.”
“Not only that but ‘tis wise to cross and travel north at nightfall,” Conall said. “’Tis a better time to catch Wallace and Moray’s men unaware.”
“I know it’s over the border, but I’m surprised Moray doesn’t have at least a few men positioned down this way in anticipation of something like this happening,” Milly said. “He doesn’t strike me as the type to take chances.”
“Nay, he isnae,” Adlin said. A wry grin came to his mouth as they exited. “Not at all.”
Sure as heck, Andrew Moray was standing outside talking with Grant and Aðísla. He nodded at Milly then looked at Adlin, loathing in his voice. “I have told Grant I wish to fight the traitorous Lundie. I’ve men with me to help.”
Adlin looked at Grant who seemed undecided.
“’Twould be unwise, would it not?” Adlin said. “We cannae risk Moray being absent at the Stirling Bridge battle.” He shook his head. “We cannae risk anything happening to him.”
Grant appeared to contemplate it before he finally spoke. “Ye and yer men can help but not in the way yer thinking.”
When Moray frowned, not pleased, Grant continued. “Thanks to a friend of mine.” He nodded at Lindsay. “I’ve learned that Cressingham and the Earl are still having doubts about how they wish to go about the attack. Whilst heading south where Lundie suggested is no longer going to happen as far as they know, they continue to question their strategy. Something we cannae afford. I need ye and yers to see that they cross and battle at that bridge by any means necessary.”
“But this battle is fated, is it not?” Moray looked from Adlin to Grant. “So why should I concern myself with such things?”
“Because as Grant said,” Lindsay kicked in, “they may go about the attack another way entirely.”
Moray frowned at her. “And who are you?”
“Lindsay.” Her eyes went to Milly in apology before they returned to Andrew. “And I’m fairly certain you are going to need my help.”
Milly frowned. “What are you talking about?”
Then it occurred to her. Lindsay not only had quite an impact on Cressingham but possibly the Earl and intended to use it to everyone’s advantage.
“Oh, hell no, Linds.” She shook her head. “Are you out of your mind?”
“No,” Lindsay said calmly. “If anyone can get them to charge that bridge, it’s me. Especially if it’s Cressingham at the lead.” She shrugged, appearing far too sure of herself. “And is it not the perfect excuse to brush up on my acting skills some more?” She put the back of her hand to her forehead and pretended to swoon. “I’ll be the best damsel in distress anyone ever saw.”
“I don’t like this,” Milly started, but Grant cut her off.
“This may be just the thing,” he murmured as he looked at Lindsay. “Are you sure you want to do this, lass? ‘Twill be verra dangerous.”
“No more dangerous than any other audition,” Lyndsay said dryly then winked. “There are always at least two dozen of the enemy who want to stab me in the back at those.”
“This is so not the same thing.” Milly took Lindsay’s hand and shook her head. “Stay with me. Don’t do this. You’re putting your life on the line, Linds.”
“As are you,” Lindsay reminded. There was no missing the well-repressed anger as her eyes went from Bryce to Milly. “They’re capable of awful things. If I’m able to help stop them, let me, okay? And trust that I’m a survivor so if things don’t go as planned, I’ll find a way out. I’ll be all right.”
Again, Milly felt taken aback by her friend. Proud of her in a way she never imagined possible. By how well she was taking all this. Her courage and cleverness in the face of what had to be so much fear.
“I’m damn impressed by you,” she whispered and hugged her. “I love you, sweetie.”
“Well, I would hope so.” Lindsay notched her chin and flicked her hair back in a sensual fashion that drew every man’s attention but Adlin’s and Grant’s. “I can be quite fabulous on occasion.”
“Yes you can,” Milly agreed.
“Will ye see Lindsay back then?” Grant asked Moray. “Will ye keep her well protected until we return then allow her to help in the battle?”
Moray considered Lindsay for a moment as she met his eyes with determination and maybe a dash of challenge. It was clear her friend knew how to deal with Andrew because though there might have been a smidge of exasperation in his sharp eyes, there was also respect.
“I will see the lass back to the encampment and well protected,” Moray finally agreed. “Under the condition that Aðísla travels with her.”
Adlin shook his head. They would need the Viking to help Milly.
It seemed Grant was of a different mind though because he nodded. “As you wish.”
“I will go as well,” Graham volunteered. “’Twould be best if—”
“’Twould be best if ye thought with yer head instead of yer cock,” Grant interrupted. “Ye’ll stay with us, lad. We’ll need yer strength.”
“Och,” Graham muttered but knew better than to question Grant as he whistled and his horse trotted over. “She’ll at least have my horse then.”
“Do not be a fool. You will need your horse, MacLomain,” Aðísla said as she swung onto her mount, trotted over to Lindsay and held her hand down. “Come, ride with me.”
Lindsay nodded and swung up fairly smoothly before her eyes returned to Milly. “I’ll be okay, darling. Just focus on what you need to do now, all right?”
Milly nodded. “I will.” She squeezed Lindsay’s hand. “Stay safe, please. I’ll see you in less than a day.”
“Yes you will,” Lindsay assured before Moray swung onto his horse and Aðísla and Lindsay followed him into the woods.
“I wish ye all good luck,” Moray tossed over his shoulder without looking back. “If ye’ve half the mind, flay Richard Lundie for me, aye? ‘Twould warm my heart in ways ye couldnae imagine.”
It did not go unnoticed that he left off Lundie’s title.
“We should set out,” Grant said. “The day dwindles, and we need to get into position by this eve.”
All agreed and mounted, but Milly didn’t miss the fact Conall kept an uneasy eye in the direction that Lindsay had gone. Did he sense something was wrong? Did he know something they didn’t?”
“Nay, lass,” Adlin said softly as they headed south. “Conall just doesnae ken his own heart is all.”
“His own heart?” She glanced over her shoulder at him, surprised. “You think Conall has a thing for Lindsay?”
“Aye,” he said. “And ‘tis likely he feels strongly considering his behavior.”
“Is that right,” she replied, keeping her voice down. “Because Conall seemed pretty distant and downright irritated with her most of the time.”
“He was,” Adlin agreed. “Which tells me he has fallen hard, indeed.”
Milly couldn’t help a small chuckle. “She really knows how to leave a wake of men behind her.”
“Och, not so much Graham,” he commented. “And most certainly not Bryce.”
She wasn’t that bad at reading men, was she? “You’re out of your mind.” She shook her head. “Graham was so far gone it was almost embarrassing.”
“Aye, so it seemed even to me at first,” he agreed. “Until he kept with his ‘ye’s’ instead of ‘you’s.’ ‘Tis a sure sign his heart isnae truly into woo’ing the lass.”
“You know, I was wondering about that.” She liked how he kept one strong arm around her waist at all times. “He’s the only one who does it.”
“Aye,” Adlin said. “Because he’s plotting, that one. Scheming a way out of having to see through these rings and their connections.”
“By being so chivalrous and dashing to us twenty-first century women?” She arched her brows at him over her shoulder, mocking. “How dare he.”
“Trust me, I dinnae know his reasons yet, but he’s up to something,” Adlin said. “And ‘tis trying to avoid being with any of you.”
Interesting. And damn strange. But Adlin knew Graham far better than her so he would know.
Which brought her mind to the fiercest of them all. “And Bryce?”
“Och, bloody dragons.” But there was amusement in his voice. “He’s yours until the ring says otherwise then he’ll seek out your friends in hopes to find a way out of his betrothal.”
“That’s sad for the woman he’s meant to marry,” she commented.
“Nay, not really.” They fell in behind Blair’s horse as they followed a tight path through thick woods. His voice grew softer. “His intended bride is one of few lasses that want nothing to do with him. She swears he’s the son of the devil because of his dragon blood.”
“Oh no,” she murmured, almost forgetting what a superstitious age it was. “Because she buys into the supposed fact he’s a dragon.”
“Supposed?” There was surprise in Adlin’s voice. “Do you mean you still dinnae believe he’s half dragon after how quickly he healed?”
“Well, he is a wizard, isn’t he?”
“Aye, but we cannae heal like that, lass.”
Milly didn’t respond because what did she really know about wizards. What did she really know about dragons for that matter? Only what she had read about in one mythology book or another. Yet here she sat doubting their existence when time travel, magic, witches, and wizards existed. Pretty silly she supposed. But dragons? That was a little extra leap.
“So Conall is smitten despite himself,” she said. “And Graham and Bryce are, one way or another, trying to get out of doing what they’re supposed to.”
“Aye,” Adlin said. “Pretty much.”
“Wonderful,” she whispered, sending up a little prayer for her poor friends.
“I dinnae like what you’re about to do for us, Milly,” he said softly. “Might you not reconsider?”
“No way. Not if it means saving so many.” She met his eyes again. “Not if it means saving you.”
“’Tis all too unpredictable,” he muttered. “There’s no way to know if I can protect you.”
“Then have faith in Blair,” she replied. “Because I do. I know she’ll see me safely through this.”
Adlin’s grumble was incoherent, but she knew it had to do with Grant allowing Aðísla to leave with Moray.
“Blair and I will figure it out, Adlin.” Milly turned her eyes ahead again. “You just have to have a little faith.”
The truth was they were both banking on Grant knowing more than he was letting on because as far as she knew, Aðísla was the key to this whole process. Or at least some of it. Because the Viking was the only one who could access Milly’s third eye when she was in a trance.
“I think ‘tis like this,” Grant said later that day as they made camp inside a small cave. He held Milly’s hand and tapped the ring. “Both times this took you elsewhere ‘twas because of strong feelings for Adlin. The first time because you were nearly intimate. The second because you feared for his life, aye?”
“Yeah, you could say that.” She glanced at the ring. “So you’re saying that I can access the power of this thing when I have strong emotions for Adlin?”
“I would say so, aye.” Grant looked from Adlin to Milly. “And I propose an experiment to test the theory.”
“What kind of experiment?”
“Come, join me.” His eyes met Adlin’s and then fixed on Bryce. “You two as well.”
Milly frowned but followed as Grant led them further into the dark cave toward the sound of crashing water. Seconds later, a waterfall came into view that poured into a small pond.
“Och, Laird MacLeod, now is not the time to take out yer vengeance on me,” Adlin grumbled out of the blue. “Just ken that ye willnae have Milly,” he said through clenched teeth. “Not now or ever.”
Milly frowned at him and shook her head. Why was he pulling this all of a sudden? Or should she say again. Because it reminded her of his behavior at the stream and they had come pretty far since then.
“I’ll have her if she’s meant for me,” Bryce growled.
“Not while I’m still alive,” Adlin challenged.
“Then mayhap ‘tis time to see how strong ye really are, wizard,” Bryce shot back.
Milly’s eyes widened as the men freed their swords and went after each other. What the hell? Was this some kind of joke? She glanced at Grant and shook her head. “Are you going to let this happen?”
They were supposed to be focusing on how to help her not exercise their male egos.
“Och, lassie, sometimes ‘tis best if men settle things the way they see fit,” Grant said. “Despite unfortunate timing.”
Was he kidding? He had to be. Because this was getting a bit too alpha crazy for her taste. These men were better than this. Adlin was better than this.
Yet he and Bryce cursed at each other and fought like madmen, slashing and ducking, nearly taking each other’s life several times until Bryce got the upper hand. He drove Adlin back so quickly with his sword, Milly’s heart leapt into her throat.
This was too much. It had to stop.
When was it going to stop?
Suddenly, Bryce slashed, Adlin teetered then fell backward right off the cliff.
“No,” Milly cried. Terrified for him, she didn’t think but dove after him only to see a flash of blue and find herself somewhere else entirely. She floated in the pond at the foot of the waterfall as Adlin crashed down into the water. Calm and focused, she dove after him only to hear him whisper in her ear, “Wake up, Milly...follow my voice and wake up.”
She did until her eyes snapped open and she was again standing on the cliff. Grant, Adlin, and Bryce watched her closely.
“Welcome back,” Adlin murmured as he cupped her cheeks and brushed his lips across hers. “And thank you for trying to save me.”
As he pulled away, she realized what they had done. Staged a situation that made her fear for Adlin’s life. “How did...” She looked between Adlin and Bryce. “I saw you go over, Adlin.”
“’Twas just a bit o’ magic,” he said. “To show you how quickly you can project yourself out of your body now. How you can perceive and relay back to me everything you’re seeing and doing.”
“So you caught all that?” she whispered as her heart hammered. “You never plunged to your death? You tricked me? And as you did you used our mental connection and saw everything I did?”
He grinned, quite pleased with himself. “Aye.”
Well, wasn’t that something. Fresh anger bubbled up.
“So you allowed me to feel like that for an experiment?” Her eyes widened as she poked his chest. “To think your cousin had just ended you and I might never see you again?”
“Well, ‘twas not quite like that,” Adlin said carefully, wary now as he realized how upset she was.
“It was exactly like that, Adlin!” Baffled, Milly eyed him for a moment before she headed back the way they came. She understood why they had to do it like that, but it didn’t make her thundering heart any calmer. She had thought she was going to lose him and it scared the living crap out of her.
A man she met days ago.
“Adlin MacLomain,” she muttered under her breath. “My one true love, eh?” She shook her head as she tromped along. “I’m not so sure about that.”
Blair said nothing as Milly thumped down beside her and crossed her arms over her chest. When Adlin crouched in front of her, she refused to look at him.
“Dinnae be this way, lass,” Adlin said softly as he cocked his head. “’Twas just a means to show you what you were capable of. Not to upset you so.”
“You could’ve found a better way.” Her eyes narrowed on Grant and Bryce. “All of you.”
“This was something that needed to be shown not told,” Grant said as he stopped at the mouth of the cave and eyed the sky. “You have a gift, Milly. One that will aid us well in this upcoming battle as long as your heart stays true to Adlin.”
She wasn’t up for talk of hearts or Adlin. “I’ll help in any way I can, and you know it.”
“Lass.” Adlin tilted her chin until their eyes met. “Is your heart true to me?”
Milly was not entirely sure what to say because it sounded a lot like if she said ‘yes’ she was saying, ‘I love you.’
“Tell me exactly what happened back there,” she murmured, avoiding the question. “Tell me what you saw.”
“You were in two places at once,” he said. “You stood on the cliff while at the same time you were in the pond trying to save me. Your physical mind controlled your astral projection.”
“That sounds insane,” she whispered.
“Aye,” he agreed. “But ‘tis true and ‘tis a gift, Milly. A powerful one if used correctly.”
“And how am I supposed to know what correctly is?”
She gasped when he pulled her up and against him. His fingers remained on her chin, never allowing her to look elsewhere. “Doing what you did out of love is handling your magic correctly. ‘Tis the purest form of control in your case.” The pad of his thumb brushed over her lower lip. “Our case.”
Hell if her heart did not start hammering again. The man had an effect on her that made rational thought impossible. Good reasoning and quick wit went out the window as he stared into her eyes. As always, she turned to putty in his arms. Because that’s pretty much what it felt like as she started to feel lighter and her limbs didn’t seem to work quite right. If they were, she would not have allowed his lips to brush hers then the kiss to deepen.
Here she was again. Caught in what she was starting to think of as the perfect Adlin recipe for turning her into a mindless pushover. One part knee-weakening kiss followed by a dash of charming smile combined with a knowing twinkle in his light blue eyes.
“Do you love me, Milly?” he murmured as he cupped her cheek. “Is it ours yet?”
Yes, she nearly blurted but held her tongue. It was too soon for all that. They had not come nearly far enough.
“’Tis all right,” he whispered before his lips brushed hers again. “Dinnae say it until you’re ready.”
When he pulled away, she nearly fell over she had become so liquefied in his arms. How could she not when flashes of the night before came to mind. How passionate they had been together. The wild sex they shared. Sex that, like before, came with what she was beginning to suspect were glimpses of their previous life. This time they had been in a meadow with a massive stone wall bordering the ocean far below. Carved in its center was that same Celtic cross from before.
Another Highland Defiance but much larger.
Then it was gone as was the meadow and they were back in the run-down castle making love nearly all night. He had been so tender and caring but at the same time just aggressive enough. Exciting. It had all been like something out of a fairytale. Something that touched her far deeper than she expected.
“You will help her through this, aye?” Adlin said to Blair, his voice intense. “No harm must come to Milly.”
“I will do my verra best,” Blair vowed as she stood. “Ye have my word, Cousin.”
Oh God, they were getting ready to leave, weren’t they? Already. But there were so few of them. “Why didn’t you at least keep some of Moray’s men?”
Adlin must have realized she was starting to panic because he gripped her shoulders gently and stared into her eyes. “We couldnae risk any of them telling the tale of this battle, lass. ‘Twould have only meant their eventual death by our hand because Scotland must always come first. Not even our magic to make them forget could be depended upon.”
“Damn,” she whispered. “You mean you would have killed those who meant to help you?”
When Adlin hesitated, pain in his eyes, Conall dutifully said, “Aye, none but us must survive what is about to happen. History must never know of it.”
“Yet Moray knows of it.” Her eyes stayed with Adlin’s. “And his men who traveled with him.”
“Aye, Moray does,” Adlin conceded. “But not his men. They hung back while he spoke with us. And he will make sure they never know the real reason they and their commander turned back.”
“You put a lot of faith in one man,” she said.
“Aye,” Grant said. “There is a reason Moray is so beloved by his countrymen far into the future. He would do anything to protect them. Least of all, lie to them and his clan to achieve such.”
Milly didn’t bother arguing because history had, by all accounts, kept Andrew Moray a true hero to the Scots. One as beloved as Wallace and soon enough, Robert the Bruce.
She nodded her acknowledgment as the five of them readied their weapons and prepared to take on two hundred. This was unthinkable. Almost too much. How could they ever survive no matter how much magic they had? Because the bad guy had magic too.
“’Tis time for us to go,” Adlin said softly as he pulled her into his arms again. “Trust in Blair to help you, and we will see each other again soon in battle, aye?”
Hell, that sounded scary, but at the same time, she wouldn’t want to be anywhere else if it meant keeping him safe.
“Trust in your power, Milly.” Adlin’s eyes stayed with hers, and for a split second, she thought they glowed. “Trust in your love for me, aye?”
“You put a lot of faith in something I haven’t declared yet,” she whispered. “A lot of faith in love.”
“What better thing is there to put faith in?” he whispered before he kissed her again, this time more tenderly than before.
A kiss that said goodbye.
Soon after, he and the other men were gone to fight a battle that was not supposed to happen. That would never make history if all went as it should. Milly wrung her hands and stared into the forest a few hours later as if she could somehow see Adlin across the distance.
“He will be all right, lass,” Blair said as she offered her a skin of whisky. “Drink some. Relax. And soon enough we will travel ourselves.”
“How can you be so calm?” She took a deep swig then shook her head. “I feel so out of control.”
“But ye dinnae look it and for the most part ye arenae acting it,” Blair said. “As to me remaining so calm? ‘Tis because I know my kin well. They are the fiercest warriors and strong in magic. If they rode toward something with intent, ‘twas not to end their lineages but to see Scotland through to where she needs to go next.”
“I know they’re fierce, well-armed and all that but...” Her voice dropped to a whisper as she remembered Adlin riding away. She had an awful feeling that she might never see him again. That they had done this very thing before. “But it doesn’t make it any easier to watch.”
“Nay, it doesnae,” Blair agreed and locked eyes with Milly. “Might we follow then? Might we ready ourselves?”
“Can we without some sort of signal?” She frowned. “Not that I know what that’s supposed to be because Adlin never mentioned it.”
“Signal or not, I’d say ‘tis time.” Blair led her back into the cave. “I think if we start following them now ‘twill better to aid them later, aye?”
“I agree.” Milly nodded as Blair stoked the fire. She wasn’t thinking about the scary prospect of leaving her body but solely of being there to protect Adlin. “The sooner, the better.”
“Then come sit beside me.” Blair pulled a few furs over them as she and Milly sat. “These should keep us warm.”
Milly nodded, a bit nervous but also eager.
“We dinnae have Aðísla to open your third eye,” Blair said, “But I’m fairly certain if your feelings toward Adlin are strong enough, I should be able to assist ye in the same way.”
“Okay.” Milly eyed Blair. “But usually what gets me going is a strong reaction to Adlin or something happening to him.” She shrugged. “How do we achieve that right now?”
Blair clenched her jaw and shook her head. “Not in a way ye will like.”
Something about the expression on her face alarmed Milly. Now that she thought about it, Blair had been a little too insistent to get moving with this, hadn’t she? “What is it, Blair? What’s happening?”
“He didn’t want me to tell ye,” Blair said softly, her eyes still averted.
Her blood ran cold. “Tell me what?”
“That he knew it was coming this eve.”
“What?” Milly frowned. “Just tell me, Blair.”
The Scotswoman eyed her for a moment before she finally said, “’Twas never the Battle of Stirling Bridge, Milly.” She squeezed her hand, tears in her eyes. “’Twas this battle tonight...this is the battle that will take Adlin’s life.”
––––––––
“THEY’RE LOOKING RIGHT back, but dinnae see us,” Bryce whispered. “I know it like I know my own cock.”
Adlin nodded, his eyes trained on the dark, gurgling river and the black forest beyond. “Aye, they lay in wait making sure...watching for any trouble.”
He and his kin lay on their bellies on a small hill surrounded by tall trees and thick foliage. The air was chilly, and frost coated the grass.
“They willnae linger overly long.” Grant’s eyes went to the sky. “They have the added benefit of a cloud bank covering the moon if they but wait a few more minutes. ‘Twill be that they take advantage of because if they delay much longer, they’ll face an added chill down from the mountains and an even icier river.”
“They’ll face that nonetheless,” Conall vowed. “Water so cold ‘twill make their ballocks shrivel, and their blood grow sluggish.”
“Aye.” Battle lust deepened Graham’s voice. “’Twill make the sting of my blade cutting through soft Sassenach flesh all the better.”
“And mine through Scottish,” Bryce seethed, his sole focus on Lundie. “’Tis not often I get to cut down a traitor.”
“Remember well that we’ll use limited magic before brute strength,” Adlin said. “Then ‘twill be a swift battle just as soon as we’ve downed their warlock.” He cast his cousins a stern look. “We’ll do things in the order we discussed, ye ken?”
They nodded.
They knew they were waiting for Milly.
When Adlin’s eyes met Grant’s briefly in concern, his mentor nodded in reassurance. He had no doubt Milly would be able to handle this task. That she would come, seek out the warlock, then alert them to his position. Because as he knew would be the case, they could not get a lock on anyone with magic. They were well hidden.
“There,” Graham whispered and pointed. “Movement toward the water’s edge.”
Adlin nodded and eyed the forest again hoping that Blair had gotten Milly here in time. That his lass was seeking out the warlock at this very moment.
That’s when he saw it.
A flash of blue in the forest on the other side of the river.
“She’s there,” he said. “Milly has arrived.”
Thankfully, she would only be in ethereal form, so he knew she was safe.
Soon, Lundie’s men waded into the water as they started crossing. This was their opportunity, so he nodded at Graham who took his cue and began manipulating his element, water. He did it so minutely that it would be difficult to detect his magic. If anything it appeared almost natural.
The river began to pick up speed. Just enough to catch many men unaware and sweep them away, only to be caught in a rough, rocky current they wouldn’t survive. As men cried out and dragged others with them, those remaining scattered in separate directions. Some continued forward where others fell back.
Their count was down to about one hundred and fifty men now.
All the while, Adlin’s eyes remained focused on the flickering blue light through the trees. One he knew only he could see now as Milly led the way. As she stayed close to the warlock without him ever being the wiser.
“I’m going now,” Adlin said. “Be careful, aye?”
“Aye.” Grant clasped his shoulder. “Stay safe, Adlin. I dinnae want to be the one to tell Milly ye did anything but, ye ken?”
He nodded and left his kin. They had a plan and would see it through. Meanwhile, his mission was to find and confront the warlock with Grant to follow if he was able. The river was difficult at this time of year for a young man never mind one of Grant’s age, wizard or no.
Adlin traveled downriver before crossing in case he slipped. Seeing his body float by would most certainly alert the Sassenach, and that was the last thing his kin needed. So he kept low, maintained a careful foothold, and made his way across the river. Though he murmured a chant to warm him against the water, it did little good.
His journey across the River Forth without a horse was by no means easy, but eventually, he made it. He shook off his slow limbs and ducked into the woods, all the while keeping his eyes on his surroundings. It was an eerie sight watching men float past, their unseeing eyes wide to a death they never saw coming. Adlin and Grant would use magic later to dispose of the bodies in case anyone happened upon them.
The moment he knew Adlin had crossed, Conall manipulated his element, air, and chilled everything even more. This included a rapid cooling of the water that slowed everyone down considerably and, as he had promised, made their movements sluggish.
Like Graham, Conall had implemented his magic very smoothly and discreetly. It almost felt like a Scottish squall whipping down through the glen. The sort that could drop the temperature sharply in a matter of minutes.
As soon as the men were slowed enough, it would be Bryce’s turn.
The MacLeod would use his element, fire, to warm and give extra energy to him and his cousins so the three of them could silently and swiftly begin cutting down the remaining men. Meanwhile, Grant would bide his time, keep his power strong and be the back-up plan if needed. No enemy ever truly wanted to be on the other end of Grant Hamilton when it came to keeping his kin safe.
“Go,” Grant murmured into his mind. “Go find our warlock, Adlin.”
Adlin did just that, slipping further into the woods seconds before his cousins rushed forward and began the tricky process of cutting down a small army without causing too much of a stir. Then again, when you had an arch wizard at your back muffling the cries of pain with magic, it became far easier.
“I’m coming, Milly,” he whispered as he ignored the chill in his bones and crept through the dark forest. “Just keep leading the way.”
As it turned out, she did with the glimmer of her ring. A light blue gem that was certainly starting to come through even if it wasn’t in the way he hoped for most. Yet she, it, was leading him forward and showing him the way.
Then he saw her.
Clear as day.
“No,” she said telepathically as she shook her head and pointed behind him, her eyes wide with fright.
Adlin spun, but there was nothing there. What was she talking about? What had she seen? He no sooner turned back to ask when something whipped his feet out from beneath him. His back hit the ground so hard the air whooshed right out of him.
“Bloody hell,” he muttered before he sprang to his feet.
Whatever attacked him was invisible, and only Milly could give him warning.
“There!” When she pointed to the right of him, he dodged.
She continued doing that and kept him one step ahead of the warlock. He ducked, leapt, twirled and evaded. Over and over as he stumbled through the woods.
“He’s going to try to kill you, Adlin,” she warned. “But you already knew that didn’t you?”
“Aye.” He shook his head. Of course, Blair had used that to get Milly here. “But I willnae let it happen...”
Or so he hoped.
Yet he had sensed it earlier. Felt death close.
So he knew this was his final battle, though Aðísla had said it would happen at Stirling Bridge. Well, actually more like implied it would if one wanted to get technical.
The truth was—and he should have seen it sooner—the Viking had a certain talent with manipulation. A talent, he realized, of which he had been made a victim. Yet as he dodged an unseen foe, it became clear Aðísla had been sending him a subliminal message.
Destiny could be altered. Changed. Death was indeed near, but there might be another way.
No there was another way.
One that fulfilled Aðísla’s prophecy but saw a different ending. Because as his eyes focused on Milly’s, he knew he could not leave her. Not again. And he certainly wasn’t ready to abandon his kin or even Scotland to face this evil alone. Yet only one person could alter his fate. Milly. More so, how she truly felt about him. So as he continued to duck and dodge an invisible blade, he knew what he needed to do. The one thing that might save him. Save everyone for that matter.
He had to help Milly embrace all of her power.
In doing so, perhaps come into his full power as well.
“Tell me what to do, Milly,” he said into her mind. “Tell me how to end the warlock.”
“You can’t.” She shook her head. “I don’t think it’s possible. He’s too...sly.”
“Anything is possible,” Adlin replied as he kept dodging the warlock’s rather weak advances with her help. “Just tell me what the key is. How to win.”
“How am I supposed to know?” she wailed. “Aren’t you the most powerful wizard in the world?”
“Scotland mostly,” he conceded. “And some might say Ireland.”
“Adlin,” she groaned, tears in her eyes as the warlock came at him hard. He had powerful magic, he would give him that, but he was starting to suspect Grant was right. This wasn’t the strongest magic he ever felt.
“This is something you and I can beat, Milly,” he said as he ducked and twirled away, never losing eye contact with her. “But I dinnae think you’re going to like how it has to be done.”
“What do you mean?”
“Do you really want me to show you?” He allowed a solid punch from the warlock, who had remained mysteriously quiet up to this point. Something that became less important than leading Milly where she needed to go.
“Of course I want you to show me,” she said, more and more alarmed as the warlock pursued him. “What do I do?”
“You’ll know, lass,” he said softly. “Or so I hope.”
He tossed aside his blade, held out his arms and waited.
“Adlin,” she screamed as the warlock finally spoke and murmured, “You’re not half as powerful as they led me to believe,” and ran Adlin through with his sword before yanking it free.
Adlin clenched his jaw against searing pain and kept his eyes on hers. He tried to stay afoot, but his legs gave way. As he fell to his knees, Milly wailed in grief and flew to him which, as it turned out, passed her right through the enemy. She fell to her knees and wrapped her ethereal arms around Adlin as though she could feel him. Touch him. And as he hoped might happen...she did.
Even better? He felt her. Not just in a much stronger way mentally, but physically.
Her magic.
Her love for him.
Almost like a magical bomb went off, her gem glowed even brighter.
Then several things occured at once.
When the ring’s magic in combination with Milly’s newfound power passed through the warlock, horrific things began to happen to their nemesis. Fortunately, the opposite happened to Adlin who was a few breaths away from death before life rushed back into him and his wound healed.
As the warlock became visible, Adlin locked his hand around its decaying throat and growled, “Who are you?”
It offered no reply but narrowed its eyes with unmistakable hatred. There would be no answers. Regrettably, it was too risky to try to enter its tainted and dying mind. So Adlin released the foul creature, pulled Milly against him and shielded her eyes from the rapidly decomposing body. Unfortunately, the putrid stench alone left little to the imagination.
“I’m okay,” Mildred mumbled against his chest as she sneaked a peak. “I can handle it, Adlin.”
He had to give her credit because it seemed she could.
“Are you well, lass?” He looked her over. “How do you feel?”
“I’m good,” she said softly, tears in her eyes as she touched where his wound had been. “I think the bigger question is how are you?” She shook her head. “I saw you get stabbed...I thought I was going to lose you...”
“I’m well,” he assured. “Verra well thanks to you.” Before she could respond, he said, “We will talk about what happened and how you came to be here soon, but right now we must help my kin.”
She nodded as he looked over the corpse hoping to find something that might offer the warlock’s identity. Nothing was there but bones and putrid flesh. Had he been Scottish? English?
“Come along and remain quiet, lass.” Adlin scoffed the warlock’s sword and pulled her after him. Perhaps the blade could tell them something that the body could not.
He led her through the woods only to find things had been going very well in his absence. Many had been cut down, and his cousins were still standing.
“I’ll be with Milly soon and will keep her safe,” Grant said into Adlin’s mind. “Go help your kin finish them off.”
Adlin relayed the message to Milly. “Stay down and dinnae move from this location, aye?” He pressed a dagger into her hand. “Though I think the ring will protect you, take this and dinnae hesitate to use it if need be.”
Milly nodded. When he held back, unsure if he should leave her, she said, “Go help them, Adlin. I’ll be fine.”
Based on the strength and determination in her eyes, she would be. So he set aside the enemy’s sword and rushed into battle. Almost all in the river were dead which only left two dozen or so on the southern shore. Grant continued to muffle the sound of warfare lest it traveled on the wind and echoed off the hills, so Adlin didn’t hold back a roar as he crossed blades.
They did not parry long before he sliced the man’s mid-section open and moved onto the next. He and his kin reveled in bloodlust and thought nothing of their six-to-one odds. Bryce embraced the berserker as he fought, crazed and lethal as he toyed with his victims. As always, Graham chuckled here and there as he dealt a particularly harmful blow. He embraced a disconcerting sense of humor that made his rivals wary every time. Conall fought like he acted lately, stern and strict, his moves methodical but effective as he slayed men quickly.
Two dozen men soon became a few then just one.
One they had specifically saved for last.
Richard Lundie.
“’Twill be most satisfying when the Earl of Surrey learns of your defeat,” Adlin said, knowing full well it would be too late by then. “Ye traitorous bastard.”
Lundie, afoot and surrounded, held up his sword, a little too haughty considering his current position. “It doesnae matter.” He shook his head. “The English will take ye soon. We will see victory.”
“We,” Graham balked, swinging his blade back and forth with promise. “Ye speak as though yer one of them. As though ye’ve Sassenach blood in yer veins.”
Lundie didn’t respond other than to narrow his eyes. He turned slowly as he attempted to keep an eye on each and every one of them. All it took was a swing of Bryce’s blade for him to let his guard down. Just enough for Adlin to come up behind him and put a blade to his neck.
“Who was the man in the cloak?” he growled. “Who was the magic man I just finished off?”
He could tell by the way Lundie stilled that his alarm had more to do with learning the warlock was dead than having a dagger to his neck.
“Ye think I’m going to tell ye that,” Lundie started before Adlin punched him several times and then drove him to his knees. He didn’t dare enter the man’s mind in case the warlock had left some sort of dark trick locked away just waiting to infect another.
“Ye’ll not get a word out of me,” Lundie continued before Adlin yanked his head back and held the blade to his nose, angrier by the moment. “Are the Sassenach worth giving up yer bonnie good looks for, lad?”
Adlin made sure Lundie saw how deadly serious he was. More than that, how eager he was to cut. Lucky for him, it worked, and Lundie started talking.
“He came from the north and offered to help,” he sputtered. “That’s all I know.”
“So he’s Scottish?” Adlin growled.
“Aye.” He shrugged his shoulders a fraction. “Mayhap. I was never truly sure.”
“Yet ye trusted him.”
“Aye.” His nose twitched against the blade and sweat glistened on his forehead. “He had a way about him...”
Adlin could tell by the confused look in Lundie’s eyes that he had been bewitched and was just starting to realize it. More unnerving, mainly for Lundie, was his sudden confusion.
“Bloody hell,” Adlin muttered as the warlock’s influence vanished altogether and he finally got a good sense of what happened. “’Twas dark magic that compelled Lundie to defect. He’s no willing traitor.”
When Adlin pulled away, Lundie staggered to his feet holding his head against what was likely the same throbbing headache Milly had experienced. He had been subjected to dark magic for far longer though so it would take some time to wear off.
“Do ye remember everything ye did, lad?” Bryce spat. “Plotting against yer own countrymen on behalf of Longshanks?”
“Aye,” Lundie whispered, a heavy frown on his face. “I remember everything but ‘twas as if I was controlled by another.”
“Because ye were.” Adlin sighed. History spoke of Lundie switching allegiances back to Scotland again, and now he understood why. He had never willingly turned from his country to begin with.
Yet this presented them with an opportunity.
First Adlin explained to Lundie what had happened then how they might benefit from it.
“Yer in the perfect position to spy now,” Adlin said in closure. “Never speak of what happened here this night. Return to the Sassenach camp and continue to gather information. Help Scotland’s cause from behind enemy lines for as long as yer able then come fight alongside us again, aye?”
“Aye.” Lundie eyed the river with baffled frustration, clearly coming to the conclusion that he had indeed just fought alongside his sworn enemy. “The Earl barely trusts me as it is. How am I to explain the loss of so many men?”
“These men will never be found, and ye were never here,” Adlin said. “So as far as ye know they could have ended up anywhere.” He shook his head. “They were never put under yer charge, so ye arenae responsible for their whereabouts.”
Lundie considered Adlin and his kin before he, at last, nodded. “Spying is the least I can do after battling my own countrymen.” He ground his jaw, anger, and shame in his eyes. “For conspiring against Wallace and Moray.”
“’Twas unknowing on yer part and they’ll hear of it,” Adlin promised. “They’ll hear of the risk yer willing to take now on their behalf.” He nodded. “On Scotland’s behalf.”
Adlin held his hand out in a show of support he knew his cousins were not quite ready to give. Lundie eyed him for a long moment before he clasped hands with Adlin. “Thank ye for the opportunity and for sparing my life.”
“Not to mention yer nose,” Graham muttered.
Lundie nodded at them all before he backed away and vanished into the night.
Though he knew his kin remained disgruntled over letting Lundie leave unscathed, they trusted Adlin implicitly. They would not see Sir Richard Lundie again anytime soon, but he would become an important part of this war. He would stay true to Scotland and come through for his countrymen.
Later, as they arrived back at the cave, he still pondered what they were truly up against. Was that the last they would see of warlocks? Or was it as Grant speculated and this was just the beginning? All he knew for certain was that it didn’t do much good worrying about it right now. If anything, it was time to revel in the fact that at long last, Milly’s gem shone the color of his eyes for all to see.
“I still can’t believe I used magic to get from here to there...and then I actually was there.” Milly's grateful eyes went to Blair. “Thank you so much for all your help. Your support.”
“Aye, lass, ‘twas the verra least I could do,” Blair grinned, “considering ye single-handedly took down a warlock.”
“Well, I wouldn’t say single-handedly. I had a little help after all.” She offered Adlin the sort of smile that promised she would be thanking him in a most pleasurable way later. “A lot of help actually.”
“I had verra little to do with it,” Adlin replied as he offered her a piece of rabbit they had cooked. “Had you not given such good instructions to help me avoid the warlock then opened your heart to me, we wouldnae be sitting here now.”
Though she blushed, there was a teasing fire in her eyes. “I should be more upset with you for letting yourself get stabbed like that.” She shook her head. “For having a little too much faith that I could save you from death.”
“Och, lass, were you not the one preaching faith before we left this verra cave?” He threaded his fingers with hers. “Now look where we are. All the good you have done?”
“We did,” she whispered, her eyes lingering on his before turning to the others. “All of us.”
Conall had already headed back to Abbey Craig, determined to make sure Lindsay was well protected. Naturally, Graham followed to keep up appearances and Bryce soon after when he realized Milly’s gem matched Adlin’s eyes and all hope was lost. As least when it came to her.
The rest of them had remained here so that Grant could get some rest. The water had been hard for him, but he seemed to have fared well enough. Aunt Sheila would likely bat Adlin upside the head when she learned Grant had braved such frigid waters. But even she knew there was no holding the old wizard back when it came to protecting his kin. He could be as stubborn as the rest of them.
“So you really don’t think Cressingham and the Earl will catch wind of this?” Milly glanced from Grant to Adlin. “How can you be sure your magic got rid of all the bodies?”
“Because we are the most powerful wizards in all of Scotland.” Grant nodded at Adlin before his eyes returned to Milly. “Both of us now thanks to you, lass.”
There was nothing quite like seeing her gem glow the color of his eyes and then feeling the remainder of his long lost power fill him. Now, soon enough, she would start to remember everything. He knew it with certainty and was eager to see it happen. To finally join together as they should.
Regrettably, they were no closer to learning how dark magic had manipulated her ring but would cross that bridge if and when they came to it. All that mattered now was that it was no longer controlled by anyone but her.
“So ye dinnae sense anything off the warlock’s blade, Grant?” Adlin eyed the sword resting against the wall. “Not even where it might have been forged?”
“Nay, ‘tis naught but a simple blade now,” Grant murmured. “When the warlock perished, so too did the sword’s history.”
Adlin sighed. He knew as much but had hoped perhaps Grant would sense something he did not.
“Things are going as planned and we had a fine victory this eve,” Grant continued as he leaned his head back against the stone, closed his eyes and yawned. “I’m off to sleep and suggest you all do the same. We’ll be leaving soon enough to get to the next battle.”
Blair tucked her fur around Grant after he dozed off then settled down beside him. When Adlin stood and offered her his, she shook her head. “Nay, I’m fine. Keep Milly warm with that.”
“Milly will be kept plenty warm,” he assured as he covered Blair, took Milly’s hand and said, “Come, lass, let us find a spot with a wee bit more space.”
And more room to see through that promising smile she had given him.
He was surprised to see Conall swinging down from his horse as they exited the cave.
“Is everything okay, Conall?” Concern drew Milly’s finely arched brows together. “Is Lindsay all right?”
“Aye, she’ll be fine with my cousins seeing to her.” He didn’t quite meet Adlin’s eyes as he passed, muttering, “I grow tired and must rest.”
As Adlin watched Conall enter the cave, he could not help a small, hopeful smile.
“What is it?” Milly asked as Adlin pulled her along a narrow path to another cave. “Why is Conall back?”
“Though he’d never admit it, my guess is to keep an eye on his grandfather.” It said a lot about Conall’s true feelings toward Grant considering how taken his cousin was with Lindsay.
“Glad to hear it,” she replied.
In no mood to talk about family squabbles, he ducked into a cave, whispered a chant and started a fire. Though he wanted to pull Milly into his arms and kiss her senseless, he knew she was going to have a strong reaction to what she saw.
“Oh my God,” she whispered, her eyes wide on the stone archway between them and a small pool of water. “Why is that here?”
Though roughly strewn, there was no mistaking its shape.
“Why is what here, Milly?” he murmured, wanting to hear her say it...wanting so much for her to remember everything.
“It’s called a Highland Defiance isn’t it?” she said softly as her eyes met his. “And you created it.”
“Aye,” he murmured. “I can create them anywhere now thanks to you.”
“I remember the shape.” Her eyes returned to the roughly strewn Celtic cross. “I remember seeing it in various places when we...”
Adlin waited...hoped.
Her gem started glowing as her eyes slowly returned to his and she whispered, “Those places were in our previous life, weren’t they? Here in Scotland when I traveled back in time before.”
“Aye.” He cupped her cheek as faint memories began brushing her mind. The adventures they’d had. The enemies they already faced. “I’ve missed ye something fierce, lass.”
Her eyes grew moist as she rested her cheek against his palm and remained silent. As she searched for more, eager to recall what remained just out of reach.
“Come then, lass,” he whispered and threaded his fingers with hers like he had earlier. “Walk with me and finally see what you’ve forgotten, aye?”
Milly nodded, trusting him completely as he led her under the Defiance’s archway straight into the attic of the colonial in New Hampshire. Her eyes widened in surprise as she watched herself as a little girl in a dream walk up the stairs and call out, “Adlin? Where are you?”
“Och, like I’d bloody tell ye, lassie,” came his young voice from the shadows.
“Seems to me you are telling me just by talking,” she pointed out as she looked around. She had been such a cute wee bairn. It warmed his heart to see her again, even if just in a memory.
Little Adlin got quiet after that but not before he rolled a wobbly ring from the shadows to the middle of the attic floor.
“Oh, not this again,” Milly groaned and huffed, “I’m sick of trying on a ring that’s never gonna fit me.”
Little Adlin said nothing and stayed hidden with wide eyes as he waited for her to try on the ring. He barely understood what he wanted it to do other than to bring her back to Scotland with him. To be best friends and play together in his homeland.
“Fine then,” she announced and gathered up the ring. “If I put it on, you’ll come out and play, right?”
“Aye,” he called, unable to stay quiet.
Like every other time, the overly large ring did nothing when she slid it on her finger.
“See,” she declared and frowned. “I told you so.”
Adlin sighed and came out, momentarily crestfallen before they were off and running again. Sometimes they remained in the house, and at other times they played in the yard and barn. Sometimes they went out as far as the old Stonehenge through the woods.
As Milly and Adlin followed their younger selves down the attic stairs, they found another version of Adlin leaning against the wall outside a door. He was around thirteen winters if he recalled correctly. “What’s taking ye so long, Milly?”
“Nothing.”
“Just tell me already, lass.”
“No.”
“Aye.”
A long stretch passed before the door finally opened, and she stood there looking rather embarrassed.
“I remember that,” Milly whispered. “I remember how worried I was that the boy from my dreams wouldn’t like my new haircut.”
Adlin grinned, remembering all too well. It had been a most unflattering cut. But all he saw when he looked at her was a beautiful lass due to be kissed soon.
“Why are you staring at me like that, Adlin?” younger Milly murmured, tucking her hair behind her ear as though that might somehow fix it.
“Because...” he started, his eyes round as saucers as he tried to work up the courage.
“Because why?” She frowned and started to go on which would be a mouthful knowing her, but he leapt forward, puckered his lips and kissed her before she could.
“Adlin,” Milly chastised from beside him. “I was a little young, don’t you think?”
Adlin chuckled as the memory faded and they made their way out to the yard where he, in a dream, pushed her on the swing that once hung from the old oak. They were teenagers now and stealing more kisses than not.
“I’m surprised we never had sex,” Milly murmured fondly. “Because I remember how close we came.”
“Aye,” he agreed, recalling how much he had wanted to. “’Twas harder to navigate our dreams once Julie and the dragons moved in.”
“Say what?” she began as the yard filled with strangers coming and going. “Who are all these people?”
“Believe it or not, they were Viking dragon shifters hiding out.” He grinned and shrugged. “They stayed here for quite some time and Julie....” He nodded at a redhead leaning against a tree. “She helped keep things in order.”
“My God,” Milly whispered. “This house has quite the history, doesn’t it?”
“Aye.” He smiled, remembering. “So verra much.”
“So where is Julie now?”
“In Winter Harbor overseeing another house,” he said, sensing something as he watched Julie’s residual energy fade. “But I wouldnae be surprised if her ties to this house arenae over quite yet.”
“And what about your ties to it, Adlin?” Milly said, perceptive as she watched him. “You seem awfully connected.”
“Aye.” His eyes turned to hers. “But only because ‘twas such a part of you.”
A breath later, they were in the attic and older still in their dreams. Full grown.
“It’s not right anymore,” Milly murmured as they sat on the floor against the wall. “Even in my dreams.”
She was talking about the stolen kisses.
“But this isnae real,” Adlin said softly, his heart in his throat. “’Twould not be a betrayal to your...friend.”
“Boyfriend,” Milly corrected and swallowed hard as she held the ring in her palm. “And what you and I share feels real, Adlin. It feels like something I shouldn’t be doing while I’m in a relationship with someone else.”
Adlin remembered the tight feeling in his chest as their eyes held. “I can make it so that you dinnae see me, lass...just...”
Milly sighed and rested her hand over his. “Do you intend to just stare at me as I wander through your dreams aimlessly? That sounds so sad.”
If she only knew. But something was better than nothing.
“You’ve got to stop pulling me here,” she whispered. “We both know we can’t have anything beyond this. That it’s make-believe.”
“There is nothing make-believe about the way I feel,” Adlin murmured. “I love you, Milly.”
Her eyes held his, moist. “I love you too.” She frowned, closed her eyes and shook her head. “It can’t be healthy loving a figment of my imagination.”
Adlin recalled how he had weighed his response. How he wanted to tell her that he was real but he knew the time wasn’t right. Not yet. Not until Grant said so.
“Here.” She gave him the ring. “This isn’t mine anymore.”
He frowned and could not stop from saying, “’Twill always and only ever be yours, lass.”
“No, Adlin, it’s not.” Her eyes would not go to his. “And I’m not...yours that is.”
The emotion churning in both of their eyes was unmistakable as Adlin hung his head, sighed then murmured a chant.
“What is that?” she said softly as her eyes went to the small box he had manifested.
“’Tis naught but a box.” He dropped the ring inside. Before she could pull away, he cupped her hands around it and murmured, “I will always love ye, Milly and someday ye will realize ye feel the same. Until then I will hide this box and ring inside our memories...inside ye.”
Though she shook her head, he kept talking, his heart in his eyes. “Someday ye will come looking for me, Milly. When ye do, I will be waiting, and our journey together will truly begin.”
As they faded, another couple appeared on the bench behind them.
Them mere days ago as she opened the box...as she put the ring on and unlike before, it shined light blue.
“Adlin,” Milly whispered from beside him as tears rolled down her cheeks. “I can see...I can remember so much now.” Her eyes met his in shock. “And I know who spoke within my mind right before I arrived at the colonial.”
––––––––
MILLY LEANED HER HEAD against Adlin’s chest as they sank into the magically warmed pool just beyond the archway. They had returned to the cave, and he felt it best she relax as she came to terms with so much.
As she remembered a lifetime worth of memories.
“I don’t know why her voice came across as masculine in my mind,” she said. “But it was definitely your foster sister from your previous life.” Her eyes went to his. “It was Iosbail.”
Like Adlin, Iosbail had been immortal though their paths were remarkably different. In fact, she had given birth to the Broun clan. A clan that eventually led to those like Milly and her friends, who were fated to be with MacLomains.
“She must be helping from the afterlife then,” he said softly, clearly pondering the possibility. “God bless her for helping. For seeing through more great loves.”
Milly nodded. Iosbail had come through for her in one life and seemed to be doing so again. Yet as her eyes stayed with Adlin’s, his sister’s goodwill took a backseat to all she was feeling. All that kept rushing at her.
How close they had been.
How much she had loved him.
“I can’t believe...” Milly closed her eyes against a wave of emotion as she whispered, “I can’t believe we found each other again.” She opened her eyes and touched his cheek as her vision blurred with tears. “How did I ever forget you, Adlin?”
“You didnae,” he murmured as his lips brushed hers. “Not in the end.”
“You look different,” she whispered and managed a smile as she saw both the man he had been and the one he was now. “Guess you got the hot end of the stick both times around, eh?”
He grinned and winked. “So they say.”
“Cocky much?” she murmured before she pulled his lips to hers. She loved the way he kissed, the way every part of him felt from the inside out. Now that he didn’t have to hold back his magic anymore, he had manifested her favorite soap and was randomly rubbing it up and down her thigh.
Though they had not kept their clothes on long after returning, they had yet to be intimate. Strangely, she felt shy. As if she were suddenly with a stranger though she knew him so well. Better than anyone.
“’Tis normal to feel as ye do, lass,” he whispered, his brogue thick as his lips trailed down her neck and he rubbed soap over her sensitive breast. “In some ways, yer just meeting me for the first time.”
“In some ways,” she agreed as her eyelids fluttered shut and she arched into his touch. But not all ways. No, the more he stroked her, the more she remembered. He felt so similar to how he had before. So loving. So very good at what he did.
Breathing became trickier as he kept caressing her, as his actions drove her to ache and squirm. She wanted more. Needed it so much her throat thickened with emotion, with every sensation he drew from her.
When his lips returned to hers, she straddled him and cupped his cheeks, so turned on she almost felt dizzy. That didn’t stop her from kissing him more intensely though. And it definitely did not keep her from sinking onto him. Slowly, inch by tantalizing inch, she lowered as their kisses intensified.
His large, weapon-roughened hands grabbed her ass and held her tight against him as he filled her completely. A tremble rippled through her body as his kisses slowed yet deepened. As their tongues wrapped and tangled and struggled to get as close as their flesh. To experience the pulsing perfection of nearly being part of one another because that’s how it felt. As though he was inside her in more ways than one. As if she filled him just as readily.
When they started moving it was perfectly synchronized.
Everything about them.
This. Him and her. All they had shared and all they would share.
As she rode him, he clenched her butt tighter, and the waves of pleasure already washing over her only grew stronger. Based on his groans of pleasure and what she sensed inside his mind, he felt the same. A flood of sensual memories only intensified the passion as she wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed close as he took over.
His movements were fast and powerful, the friction of his body against hers a heady aphrodisiac that had her gasping for air. Her body started to quiver and pulse, sending rolling waves of heady heat and spine-tingling shivers through her. Everything inside felt like it was coming alive, wakening, both physically and mentally.
When her climax came it was so fast and furious she was fairly certain she screamed. It was hard to know she was so lost in the feel of him wrapping his arms around her, pressing deep, groaning and letting go as well.
They stayed that way for a long time.
Holding each other.
Finally coming together despite it all.
Eventually, he cupped her cheeks and kissed her until it started all over again. The next thing she knew she was beneath him on furs beside the water as he thrust and filled her. After that, they got little if any sleep. How could they when they had just found each other? When nothing separated them anymore?
She must have nodded off at some point because Adlin was suddenly murmuring, “Wake up, Milly. ‘Tis time to go.”
“Okay,” she whispered and stretched, wishing she could stay here with him. That they did not have to go face another battle. Which brought her mind to Lindsay and she bolted upright. “It hasn’t begun yet, right?” She frowned as Adlin pulled her up and began dressing her. “Linds hasn’t become bait yet, has she?”
“Nay.” He helped her into her dress, his hands brushing her bare flesh here and there. “The battle isnae until tomorrow morning. We’ve still got time.”
“Phew,” she said under her breath, more and more aware of his touch. “Hey, why aren’t you just chanting my dress on?”
“Why do that when I can do this?” His eyes twinkled as he cinched up the ties between her breasts while dropping kisses along her cleavage. “’Tis so much better than magic stealing all the fun.”
Milly bit her lower lip as he crouched, made sure she was steady then propped one foot on his knee.
“What are you doing?” she managed as he pushed her skirt up until it rested high on her thigh.
“Thinking I probably should have put yer boots on first, but there’s something about seeing yer skirts as they are...” He ran his hand up her calf, over her knee then along her inner thigh. She could tell by his thickening brogue and lustful eyes that the Battle of Stirling Bridge might just have to happen without them after all.
“Come on, ye two,” Blair called into the cave. “Grant’s eager to travel.”
“Aye, then, Cousin,” Adlin grumbled as he proceeded to help Milly with her boots, all the while managing to keep one hand available to touch and stroke her legs. Though winded and damned turned on by the time he finished, she thought he would end it civilly but should have known better.
She yelped and dug her nails into his shoulder when he braced his arm beneath one of her knees, vanished beneath her skirt and locked his mouth on the far-too-sensitive flesh between her legs.
“Adlin,” she groaned and held on tight as he used his hand and tongue so well that one hell of an orgasm ripped through her in less than thirty seconds. Luckily, when her legs gave way, he scooped her up before she hit the ground.
“Och, youngin’s,” Grant muttered in amusement as he watched Adlin swing her onto his horse a few minutes later. A feat that might have gone better had she not been turned to putty. As it was, she sort of flailed, her body still clenching and tingling as she tried to pull herself together.
Adlin swung up behind her and locked her tight against him before she likely sprawled across the poor horse’s neck. He offered nothing but a shrug and wink to Grant. “’Tis always a glorious thing coming together with our Broun lassies, aye?”
Grant chuckled as he mounted his horse. “Aye, lad, ‘tis the best time of our lives.”
Milly remained mute for a while as she gathered herself. When she finally spoke, she kept her voice down. “Where’s Conall?”
“Gone before Grant ever knew he was here,” Adlin replied. “Unwilling to let his grandfather know how much he really cares.”
“Sad,” she replied. “Life’s too short.” She remembered how often she had wished for a family to love and now knew she had shared as much with Adlin when they were children. Whenever the phone rang at her foster home, she always wondered if it might be her mom or dad looking for her. How lonely she would have been if not for Adlin.
“I didn’t have a horrible experience in foster care,” she murmured, well aware he followed her thoughts. “I was with one family most of my childhood, and they were good to me.”
“I know,” Adlin said softly. “You always said as much.”
“I did, didn’t I?”
“Aye.”
“Sort of ironic that I not only ended up with the same name but I don’t have parents I’d be leaving behind if I end up in medieval Scotland,” she contemplated aloud. “Strange, don’t you think?”
“Not really,” he replied. “Where ‘tis rather extraordinary that you came by the same name, ‘tis more common than naught that the Broun lasses who travel back in time dinnae have much tying them to the future.”
“Convenient,” she murmured.
“Merciful I’d say,” Adlin said. “’Twould be far more difficult for all parties involved otherwise, aye?”
“True,” she agreed, still sifting through so many memories.
It was strange knowing she had shared so much with him. So much more than anyone else in her life and starting at a very young age. He had been her confidant. But then, she had, on some level, thought she was speaking to herself within a dream.
“Nay,” Adlin murmured in her ear. “Try to convince yourself otherwise all you want, but you always knew, Milly...you always knew I was real.”
She didn’t argue and rested her head back against his chest as they traveled. The truth was she had not known for certain, but she had so hoped. Like a woman imagining her knight in shining armor existed. That he was just waiting for her to remember him...come to him.
“We should make camp by nightfall,” Grant said.
Though the day grew colder, the sun kept them warm enough as they made their way upstream without any trouble. They stopped once to eat by the run-down castle they had stayed at before but did not linger long. She could tell both Adlin and Grant were eager to get back. To see how everyone fared the eve before such an important battle.
As it turned out, all seemed well enough as they entered the encampment at sunset. If anything, spirits seemed rallied and rather high considering what the next day would bring. When she mentioned as much, Adlin had a ready response.
“These are Scots being led by the likes of Moray and Wallace, lass. Men who have already recaptured Inverness, Elgin, Banff, Aberdeen, Irvine, Fife, and Dundee,” Adlin said. “So they dinnae have any reservations about tomorrow despite the odds. They’re thirsty for Sassenach blood and eager to pay back with a swing of their blade just a small part of the harm that’s been inflicted on their kin and country.”
“I can imagine.” She frowned. “What are their odds anyway?”
“’Twill depend on how well they execute their plan,” he replied. “Because as it stands now, the Scots only number around three hundred cavalry and ten thousand infantry.”
“And the English?”
“Quite a bit more,” he relented, not sounding all that worried. “Somewhere close to three thousand cavalry and uncountable infantry. Mayhap as many as fifty thousand.”
“Holy shit,” she whispered.
“Aye,” Adlin replied. “’Twould be better odds if the Earl of Lennox and James Stewart, the High Steward of Scotland, were a sure thing rather than hovering on the outskirts of the battle with a troop of cavalry.”
She kept frowning. “And why are they doing that again?”
“Because the bloody arses dinnae think their countrymen stand a chance and they dinnae want to risk their forces,” Adlin said. “’Tis said to spare the annihilation of their fellow Scots, they approached the Earl with the initiation that they parlay, but Wallace and Moray didnae agree.” He shook his head. “And ‘tis good considering what we know about the outcome of this battle that they stood their ground.”
“You mean the potential outcome of this battle,” she reminded.
Adlin nodded, his confidence much improved after the last battle.
“You know I’ve never read anywhere that a woman had anything to do with tomorrow’s battle,” she remarked. “Which makes me wonder, wouldn’t we be altering history with what Lindsay is about to do?”
“My guess is her ring may play a part in that.”
“How so?”
“Well, her ring led her to the enemy when she first traveled back in time,” he said. “So I’d say that is part of her journey. Like your ring will likely do for all of those who saw you here, hers will leave everyone none-the-wiser once she leaves.”
“Ah,” she whispered. “That’s pretty unbelievable.”
“’Tis,” he agreed. “But ‘tis most beneficial, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Definitely.” She scanned the encampment as Adlin cared for his horse. “Speaking of Linds, I hope she’s okay. I should go find her.”
“She’s just fine,” came a familiar voice from behind. “You know Linds.”
“Jim.” She smiled and embraced him. “Good to see you’re okay, sweetie.”
“How else would I be with Andrew Moray protecting me?” He grinned and shrugged. “When he didn’t want time alone with Aðísla that is.”
“That doesn’t surprise me.” She chuckled. “I’m surprised you’re here saying hello to me when you could be swooning over Blair some more.”
“Swooning? Yeah, call it that if you want to.” His eyes scanned the encampment, proving to her that he had been looking for Blair from the start but ran into Milly first. “How is she anyway? She doing okay?”
“She’s fine,” Milly assured as she eyed him. At first, she was not going to say anything but realized she had to. She owed it to him. So she touched his arm, met his eyes and spoke softly. “Thank you for supporting Adlin and I after I said his name so many times in my sleep.” She shook her head. “That couldn’t have been easy for you...any of it.”
Surprise flickered in his eyes, and though he had to know Lindsay had shared, he didn’t blame her but focused on what mattered. “It wasn’t easy at first, but then I wasn’t too worried about it. After all, who had a name like Adlin? So he was no real threat. Not really.” A wry grin tugged at his lips. “Turns out someone did have that name, and I’m glad because...”
When he trailed off, clearly thrown, she urged him to continue.
“I’m glad because I always knew whoever he was, he loved you like you deserved to be loved.” His eyes stayed with hers. “You always woke up smiling after dreaming about him and that made it okay.”
“Not if you loved me.” She shook her head. “That had to be awful for you.”
“Naw.” He pulled her close and rested his chin on top of her head like he always had before. “Because I loved you it wasn’t awful. Sure, it made me jealous on occasion but mostly just happy that he, whoever he was, made you happy.”
“You’re one of a kind, you know that?” she murmured as she rested her cheek against his chest. “I’m so glad you’re here. I’m so glad you’re with me and a part of all this.”
“Aye, part of it in a way I didnae anticipate considering ye lay with my cousin last night, Milly,” Blair muttered from somewhere nearby. “But if Adlin is fine with ye in the arms of yer former lover, who am I to complain?”
She heard the grin in Jim’s voice. “Good to see you again, Blair.”
When Milly went to pull away, Jim kept her close and whispered in her ear, “Go with it, all right? Then we’ll be even.”
Milly grinned and winked at Adlin as he watched the whole exchange with amusement.
“Adlin doesn’t seem all that worried.” Jim shrugged and planted a kiss on top of Milly’s head. “So all’s good, right, Blair?”
“That depends.” Blair sauntered over, eying Jim up and down.
“Depends on what?” he rumbled, using the special tone he reserved for flirting.
Milly’s eyes widened when Blair came up behind Jim and grabbed between his legs, her tone overly seductive. “How much ye want to spend another night in my tent.”
Milly smirked and backed away, mouthing, “Sorry, but I’m out.”
Blair didn’t say another word, but she did not have to based on the pleasure that flashed in Jim’s eyes. Meanwhile, Adlin grabbed Milly’s hand and whipped her into their tent before she could go too far.
“That was arousing, aye?” he murmured as his lips ran down the side of her neck.
“Being held by my ex while he was molested by another woman?” Her eyes widened as his mouth latched onto her nipple through her clothing. “Not so much...”
Those last words were a strained whisper as he started to lower her to the ground only to stop short when a voice rang out. “Adlin MacLomain, ye and yer lass have been summoned.”
“Bloody hell,” Adlin muttered before he kissed her soundly then shook his head. “I’d ignore it if I didnae know who it was from.”
Milly understood when they stood in a tent with William Wallace, Andrew Moray, Grant and Lindsay a few minutes later. Grateful to see her friend, she embraced her. “Glad you’re all right, hon.”
“Oh, sure,” Lindsay said softly, eying William with appreciation. “Hard not to be, wouldn’t you say?”
Hell, if Lindsay didn’t adjust well to just about any situation.
William, naturally, was by no means immune to Lindsay as he offered her a small smile and urged everyone to sit and recount what had happened south of them. He frowned as Adlin finished telling him the same thing Grant likely had.
“So no sign of the Bruce?” William said. “I thought for sure I’d see him at this battle. Or at least the better version of him from the future thanks to time travel.”
“Nay, no sign of him.” Adlin shook his head. “But I didnae think he would arrive at this battle.” He tilted his head. “The next ones, however, ‘tis far more likely.”
“And what battles are those?” William asked, his eyes settling on Milly’s ring as he saw what everyone else did. Light blue. The color of Adlin’s eyes.
“Ye know I’m not going to say, lad.” Adlin shook his head. “Any more than I would tell ye the details of yer upcoming battle.”
William sighed and looked to Moray. “Are yer men ready then?”
“Aye, and as eager as yers,” Moray assured.
“We’ve heard what Lindsay endured and what she is willing to do on behalf of the Scottish cause,” William said as his eyes went to her friend. “Are ye truly prepared for what yer aboot to face, lass.”
Though William’s brogue was thicker than ever, Lindsay seemed to follow him just fine and nodded. “Yes, I am.”
“And what is yer reasoning again?” Andrew said softly, his wary eyes on Lindsay. “Seeing as ye were held prisoner by the Sassenach for days.” He fingered a lock of her hair as he walked around her. “Yet ye came out unscathed and for all appearances untouched.”
Milly narrowed her eyes as she realized what this was really about. They wanted to know that Lindsay truly was who she said she was. Hell, they thought she might be a spy.
“I told ye well what the lass did for me,” came a deep rumble before Bryce ducked into the tent.
“Ye werenae invited,” Moray started, but Bryce stopped him mid-sentence.
“I was invited the minute I knew ye were talking about my protector.” Dressed in the MacLeod tartan, he took up position beside Lindsay and rested his hand on the hilt of his blade. “I am alive now because of this lass, and I will die before I allow any, even men so great and beloved as ye, to doubt her good name or honor.”
Lindsay said nothing but kept her eyes on William as he did the same with her.
“I do believe ye mean it,” Wallace murmured. “But not nearly as much as the Hamilton who has an arrow trained on Moray from thirty yards outside this tent without one of my bloody men being the wiser.”
Milly’s brows perked. Conall?
The corner of Moray’s mouth twitched. “Though I have one of my men with an arrow aimed at the Hamilton.”
“And I have a lass with an arrow aimed at yer man,” Grant said, his tone dangerous and his eyes cutting. “Ye’ll want to start trusting in Lindsay, more so us, her protectors, and have yer man stand down Moray, or ye willnae like what I do next. Ye will not like the feeling of those that admire and support ye turning away when ye will need us the most.”
William’s eyes never left Lindsay’s as he murmured, “Moray, have yer man stand down then everyone leave so I can have a word with Lindsay alone.”
When Milly glanced at Lindsay and frowned, her friend nodded. “I’ll be fine, sweetness.” She winked and pursed her lips in such a way, Milly knew she was about to wrap Wallace around her little finger like all the rest. “Promise.”
If she did not genuinely like William Wallace, Milly would have refused to leave. He might be capable of many things but pressuring a woman who said no was not one of them. Moray said nothing as they exited the tent, but made a gesture she knew called off the man with an arrow locked on Conall.
Conall never made an appearance, but she could almost sense his turmoil. His angst over Lindsay remaining in that tent with Wallace.
“’Twill happen to you more often as time goes by,” Adlin said softly, his hand to the small of her back as they walked. “You will sense my kin more and more because they’re close to me.”
“You were right about Conall.” Milly frowned. “He’s pretty into Linds, isn’t he?”
“Aye,” he said. “The morrow willnae be easy for him.”
Milly sighed and joined Adlin and his family around a small fire to eat. Little was said, and she supposed that made sense given what was about to happen. The Battle of Stirling Bridge. She still couldn’t believe that she was sitting amongst the warriors who would fight in such a famous battle tomorrow...tomorrow. A few scant hours away and it would happen with men and women she knew charging the way.
Later that night, despite how smoothly everything was falling into place, she lay in Adlin’s arms worrying. “What if something goes wrong? What if they shoot Linds with an arrow before anyone sees it coming?”
“Rest assured, Lindsay will be well protected not only by many on this side, but I suspect the other as well,” he said.
“True,” she murmured. He was absolutely right, and his reminder allowed her to relax enough to enjoy several hours worth of killer sex before they both dozed off. She didn’t waken until she heard a whisper outside her tent.
Lindsay.
“Hey,” she whispered, wrapping a fur around her shoulders as she ducked out into the blue-black light of pre-dawn. “Are you all right?”
She started to pull Lindsay back into her tent, but Linds shook her head and spoke softly. “I’m perfectly fine. Come walk with me, Milly.”
“Sure, okay.” Milly joined her as they veered away from the main encampment into the foggy forest. “What happened last night? Please tell me William didn’t do anything bad to you.”
“William Wallace?” Lindsay’s brows shot up in surprise, and she shook her head. “Absolutely not. Why would you ask such a thing?”
“Because he demanded that you stay behind in his tent,” Milly reminded.
“Demanded?” Lindsay made a flippant gesture with her hand. “Good God, no. He asked, and I accepted.”
“And why did he ask.” Milly did her best to take Lindsay’s dismissiveness in stride. “Because it seemed like he was interested in you.”
“Not in the least,” Lindsay said casually as they stopped and sat on a rock. Her amused eyes went to Milly. “If anything, he wanted to know about you and Adlin. Why your gem changed colors.” A knowing smile curled her lips. “Were the rumors true? Had you found love with Adlin and was there no hope for him?”
Milly wasn’t sure what to say to that other than, “You’re so full of it.”
“I’m not, and you know it.” Lindsay nudged her shoulder. “What’s it like knowing the infamous William Wallace has a crush on you?”
“Had,” Milly said, a little embarrassed and not sure why.
“Has,” Lindsay retaliated before she wrapped an arm around Milly’s shoulder. “He knows you’re in love with Adlin, darling, so no worries, aye?”
Milly perked her brows. “Did you just say ‘aye’”
“When in Rome,” Lindsay said absently before she focused on other things. “William also wanted to know about Moray and Aðísla. What sort of sway she might have over him seeing how smitten he seems.”
“And what’d you say?”
“What could I say?” Lindsay looked perfectly innocent. “I barely know either of them.”
And she did not. Or she shouldn’t. Yet Milly got the feeling her friend might have gathered quite a bit on their tryst north along the River Forth.
“A man like Moray is a tough egg to crack,” Lindsay murmured. “But he has a weakness.” Her eyes went to Milly’s. “He cares about Aðísla. Enough to let his guard down.”
“What do you mean?”
“I don’t know,” Lindsay said softly. “Yet.”
If Milly didn’t know better, she would think Lindsay had some sort of witchy gift too. “I see you’re not wearing it but did you get your ring back from Grant?”
“Yes,” she replied, her eyes trained on the south. “I’ve got it and will keep it safe.”
“You should wear it, Linds.” Milly recalled what Adlin had said. “It’ll keep you safe.”
Lindsay shrugged and appeared less than convinced.
“Aren’t you the least bit concerned by what it might mean?” Her eyes dropped to her own ring. “What it does mean?”
“Not really and certainly not right now.” Lindsay took Milly’s hand. “I woke you early to make sure you’re okay. I know you’ve been going through a lot.”
“No more than you,” Milly replied. “But yes, I’m fine. Happier than I’ve ever been actually.”
“Good.” Lindsay smiled warmly. “You deserve it, Milly.”
Milly eyed her friend. Why did this suddenly feel like goodbye? “You’re going to be okay today.” She shook her head. “Adlin and his cousins aren’t going to let anything happen to you.”
“I know,” Lindsay said softly. “I have absolute confidence in them.” Before Milly could continue, Linds stood. “People are starting to wake up. We should head back.”
“How do you know that?” she started to say before Bryce melted out of the woods and fell in beside Lindsay. “You’re up early, lassies.”
“We are,” Lindsay conceded as she held out the crook of her elbow to him. “Always good to see you, Laird MacLeod.”
She nearly rolled her eyes as Lindsay sauntered ahead with Bryce, flirting all the while. Milly was about to enter the main area of tents when she sensed something behind her. When she turned and scanned the forest, she saw nothing but knew who had been watching and protecting them from afar, more so Lindsay.
Conall yet again.
Where Bryce had seemed a little disheveled as though he had just awoken and realized Lindsay was roaming, she would bet Conall had already been waiting. She bit back a chuckle when Graham staggered out of a tent ahead, dropped to a knee in front of Lindsay and lowered his head. “Good morn, lassie. I hope ye slept well.”
Milly might have thought he was buzzed if she didn’t see the woman sneaking out of the back of his tent. Graham was not drunk but overtired from having sex all night.
Bryce grunted and shook his head at Graham’s antics as Milly’s eyes were drawn to who leaned against a tree eying her. She smiled, and her heart skipped a beat as her eyes met Adlin’s. He might seem relaxed and happy-go-lucky, but she knew he had been watching her and Lindsay as avidly as Conall had been from the moment they left.
She was about to rush into his arms despite how silly it might seem, but low bird-like whistles began, and everyone sprang to life. Men poured out of their tents, weapons in hand and started through the forest.
“’Tis time,” Adlin murmured as he took her hand and they started walking.
Her eyes widened as she followed. “Like...time.”
“Aye, lass.” His eyes met hers. “The Sassenach are awakening, and the battle is nearly upon us.”
––––––––
ADLIN WAS SOMEWHAT surprised Wallace allowed Lindsay to leave his tent considering how important she was to this endeavor. Then again, if he had learned nothing else about the woman, it was that she had a remarkable way with men. They didn’t even need to love or lust after her. Because he knew as William exited his tent and his eyes went first to Milly, that Wallace would have loved her before all else if given half the chance.
“Are ye ready then, lass?” Moray asked as he appeared out of the fog beside Lindsay. “Will ye get them to cross the bridge?”
“I will,” Lindsay vowed, a reassuring look in her eyes as they met Milly’s. “It’s going to be okay. Like you said, I’ve got a lot of brave men backing me up.”
Again, Adlin got the impression she was playing a part. This time it was not just for Milly but all of them. Most especially Moray.
“So who is going to do it?” Lindsay asked as she held out her hands, fist against fist, offering to have them tied. “Who is going to help me bait them?”
Before anyone could respond, a firm voice echoed through the forest moments before Conall appeared. His expression was fierce and his eyes determined as they met Moray’s. “Time is limited. I just spoke with Aðísla who did some spying in the wee hours. The Earl slumbered too long for Cressingham’s taste, and he already sent Sassenach and Welsh archers over but had to call them back.”
“Aye, ‘tis all about patience with this battle,” William said, clearly already aware this had happened.
“As was made apparent, Cressingham is eager to take action despite the Earl’s reservations,” Conall continued. “’Tis rumored he believes Lindsay was taken by William and Moray and it has angered him greatly.” He gestured at Lindsay. “Allow me to help her fuel that anger so that they act sooner rather than later.”
When Moray and Wallace hesitated, Grant stepped forward. “John de Warenne might be an overly-arrogant Earl, but he’s also one of England’s most seasoned commanders. If he decides to change his plan of attack, it could cost Scotland this battle.” Only Adlin detected the hint of emotion in Grant’s voice as his hard eyes went between the men in charge. “None are as loyal to this country as my grandson. Allow him to do this for ye. Trust him with what matters to ye most. Giving Cressingham the reason he needs to lead the charge now. Lindsay.”
Moray eyed Conall for a long moment. “He willnae charge without the Earl’s order.”
“Then let us hope the Earl was equally enamored with Lindsay as I suspect he was and is as arrogant as we know he is,” Grant countered. “As ye well know, since he defeated Scotland’s aristocracy at the Battle of Dunbar, he is overly confident. As I hear it, he thinks he’s battling nothing but a rabble here and is greatly underestimating yer forces.”
Moray considered Grant’s words before he finally nodded. “Aye, if Wallace agrees, Conall and the lass can go ahead as planned.”
“The name is Lindsay,” Lindsay corrected as she gave Moray a level look. “Not lass.”
Moray nodded, a flicker of amusement in his eyes that she would worry about such a thing right now. “Lindsay, then.”
William looked from Lindsay to Conall before he offered his opinion. “Aye, then, but ye’d best make it quick.” He wore a look of disgust as his eyes turned south. “I’ve a need for Sassenach blood on my sword.”
When Conall started to lead Lindsay in the direction of the bridge, Milly caught her hand and met her eyes. “Be careful, sweetie...please.” Her eyes went to Conall, and her voice grew hoarse with emotion. “Don’t let anything happen to her.”
Conall again surprised Adlin when he took her hands, lowered his head, and murmured a prayer. When finished, his solemn eyes met hers. “I will take care of her, Milly. No harm will befall your friend as long as I draw breath.”
Milly nodded before he led Lindsay through the forest closer to the clearing in front of the bridge. Instead of tying her hands, Conall yanked her along as though forcing her, stopped at the edge of the woods where they would be visible to the English and did the last thing anyone expected.
He locked Lindsay against a tree and kissed her.
“Damn,” Mildred whispered. “What’s he doing?”
It didn’t take Adlin long to figure it out.
“Trying to bait the Sassenach so she doesnae have to,” he murmured.
Lindsay struggled against him, but Conall allowed no escape.
“Hmm.” Mildred narrowed her eyes, obviously getting the sense her friend was not truly opposed to the kiss at all. “I think this might be the first time I’ve seen Lindsay overact.”
“Aye, it seems something can distract her from executing her craft perfectly after all,” Adlin commented.
Thankfully, Conall’s instinct was right because the English began crossing the bridge as fog curled in heavy drifts. One such bank soon took Conall and Lindsay from sight.
“I can’t see her,” Milly said, concerned. “I can’t see either of them. Can you?”
“Nay, but that doesnae mean they arenae there, lass.” His eyes went to Grant. “’Twill be some time before enough Sassenach cross and Wallace takes action. I’m going to check on your grandson, and Lindsay then prepare to fight. Watch over Milly, aye?”
“Aye, with my life,” Grant assured.
When fear flashed in Milly’s eyes, Adlin cupped her cheeks. “All will be well, lass. I must see this through, you ken, aye?”
“I do,” she whispered. “But it doesn’t make this any easier.” She swallowed. “There are a ton of English out there, Adlin.”
“Aye.” He brushed his thumbs over her cheekbones, his touch tender. “And you have my word I’ll not fall beneath their blades. Not when we, at last, have a chance to live a full life together...to do so many things we never got to do before.”
“We better.” She put her hand against his chest. “Don’t make me come after you, Adlin MacLomain. Because I will.”
“Nay, you willnae,” he murmured. “Not with Grant watching over you.”
Before she could argue, he kissed her soundly, whispered ‘I love you’ then headed through the forest. He found no sign of Conall and Lindsay by the tree. For that matter, he found no sign that they had walked away at all. So he touched the trunk and tried to sense what might have happened. He frowned and pulled his hand away. Whatever it was, it had been very abrupt and of a magical nature.
Adlin did not linger long but joined Wallace and Moray as their warriors laid in wait.
“Where are Conall and Lindsay?” Bryce asked as he came alongside, an eager look in his eyes as he watched more and more English cross the bridge.
Adlin shook his head. “I dinnae know.”
Graham eyed him as he joined them. “But ye speculate?”
“Based on the magic I felt, I think either Conall or an ally spirited both of them out of here,” Adlin said.
Bryce narrowed his eyes. “What ally?”
Adlin shook his head. “’Tis hard to know just yet.”
What he wasn’t going to tell them at this juncture was that it could have very well been her ring. Because he had not missed that she slipped it on as Conall pulled her after him.
“Just as long as she’s safe, I suppose,” Graham said. “’Twas one hell of a kiss, aye?” He snorted. “I didnae think Hamilton had it in him he’s become so stiff lately.” He grinned and winked. “And rumor has it not in the way the lassies like.”
“She could verra well be my future mate.” Bryce scowled. “So watch yer tongue, MacLomain.”
Graham shrugged. “And she could just as easily be mine, aye?”
Adlin shook his head. “’Tis time to focus more on battling and less on lasses.”
Bryce grunted his agreement as he eyed the English with relish. “’Twill be a bloody good battle.”
“Aye.” Graham kept grinning, a wild look in his eyes. “I’ve never been so eager to cross blades with a Sassenach.”
Adlin couldn’t agree more and took great pleasure in being part of such an epic battle.
Though they were clearly eager, Wallace and Moray’s men were exercising the patience asked of them as the English slowly but surely made their way over the bridge. They had absolute faith in their leaders’ plan of attack and a need for vengeance that was as great as their loyalty to their county.
When at last enough of the vanguard, including over two-thousand English and Welsh infantry plus several hundred cavalry had crossed the bridge, Wallace and Moray gave the signal to attack. Their front line rushed from their position on the lower slopes of the Ochils and charged the English bridgehead. With spears leveled at the horrified English infantry, their attack was ruthless and swift, and the bridgehead was soon cut off from retreat.
“Pro Libertate,” Wallace finally roared as he raced forward. It was his clan’s motto and meant ‘For Freedom.’
Adlin and his cousins joined the main force of Scots as they fell upon the leading ranks on the causeway that led from the bridge to more solid ground. Left vulnerable to the oncoming Scots, the English cavalry charge would soon be ripped apart before their infantry was counterattacked.
Eager for blood, Adlin ducked beneath the swing of a sword then ran his dagger across the man’s throat before he crossed blades with another. He made quick work of ending him then kicked an oncoming man in the gut while parrying with yet another before he roared with rage and ran him through.
All the while, he engaged and taunted more to rush him.
He punched a man in the gut twice then dealt an uppercut to his chin before he drove his dagger into the side of his neck. Before he fell, Adlin shoved him into two more men and engaged a third with his sword. He didn’t spend much time on him but lopped off his head and went after the two who had struggled free of the man he had pushed at them.
His heart raced with the thrill of battle as he assessed them. One man’s eyes were wide with shock. The other, who seemed far too confident, was taken down fast as Adlin whipped a blade into his windpipe. The second, who stumbled back in fear, tried to get a better grip on the hilt of his weapon, but his palms were too sweaty. That, unfortunately for him, made his death easy as Adlin drove a blade straight into his heart.
As he fought, he remembered all too well the innocents who had been slaughtered beneath the blades of Longshanks’ ruthless men in South Berwick. He took his revenge for that vicious atrocity now as he slashed man after man and became covered in the blood of his enemies.
Like his fellow Scotsmen, he relished the sweet taste of vengeance. The fury and passion born of retribution and righteousness. He continued to stab and gut and punch, immersed in the release this battle afforded.
Jostled from the causeway, horses heavy with armored English knights plunged into the deep mire on either side, unable to move or charge. Adlin had just cut down his current combatant when he spied Moray. Like the rest of them he was battling hard, but unlike most Scots, he was doing so wounded. Determined to protect him, Adlin fought his way over and fell in beside him.
Andrew nodded his thanks but did not slow down. Caught in the throes of adrenaline and battle lust, he was ferocious as he cut down several men with one swipe of his blade. Relentless and driven, it was clear he was determined to end as many Sassenach as he could.
Trapped, caught in an unexpected slaughter, several Englishmen shed their armor and tried to swim back across the river but ended up with arrows in their backs. More than gifted with the bow, Bryce took down five in rapid succession. Graham fell in on the other side of Moray, making many wary with his berserker laughter before his blade ended them swiftly.
Meanwhile, the Earl of Surrey who was left with few archers could only watch helplessly from the other side as his vanguard was massacred. The bulk of his army was still intact, and he could have held the line at the River Forth, but as Wallace had hoped, his confidence was gone.
After Sir Marmaduke Tweng, the last of roughly two hundred men to make it across, reached the other side, the Earl ordered the bridge’s destruction and retreated towards Berwick. He left the garrison at Stirling Castle isolated and at long last abandoned the Lowlands to the Scots. Even then not all made it out unscathed as James Stewart finally chose a side in the battle and charged the fleeing baggage train, depriving the English of supplies and munitions.
Much to Wallace’s pleasure, Cressingham was caught on the wrong side of the river and taken prisoner for what was bound to be a torturous death indeed. Meanwhile, Adlin helped Moray back to camp where Aðísla joined them and began tending his wounds. She wore a heavy frown, and he didn’t blame her.
“Keep Milly with ye for now,” he said into Grant’s mind. “She doesnae need to see me like this.”
“I’ll get water and clean bandages,” Adlin said aloud.
“Nay, dinnae trouble yerself,” Moray mumbled as he laid back and allowed Aðísla to remove his boots. “Have one of my men fetch it.”
Adlin would do no such thing. Caring for a man the likes of Andrew Moray was nothing short of a privilege. Saddened, he exited the tent only to find Milly standing there with her heart in her eyes as she whispered, “Adlin...I’m so sorry...”
“So ye remember this part of history, aye?” he said, his brogue thick with emotion as she wrapped her arms around him before he could stop her. He was covered in blood, and now she would be too.
“I remember,” she whispered as Wallace appeared, just as bloody. Grim, his eyes met Adlin’s before he entered Moray’s tent.
“Come, Milly,” Adlin murmured as he took her hand and they fetched what Aðísla requested. By the time they returned, Moray’s shirt was off, and William sat nearby, a haunting sadness in his eyes as he handed his friend a skin of whisky. Unfortunately, when Moray tried to swallow it, he only coughed it up along with blood.
“It seems my days of drinking fine Scottish whisky are over,” he muttered as he handed it back to Wallace.
“Mayhap for a day or two,” Wallace conceded as Adlin gave Aðísla what she had requested.
“I’ll start some water boiling,” Adlin said, but Moray shook his head.
“Nay, my friend.” Moray coughed up more blood into the cloth Aðísla held to his mouth. “’Twill not allow me all that much time and I’d like to enjoy this victory.” His eyes went to the Viking. “Clean it, dress it then I’ll have some time with my men.”
“It is best to clean it with hot water and alcohol,” she began, but Moray shook his head. “Just use what ye have, lass.” He gestured at his trunk, his gaze promising despite his ailing health. “Then I’ll let ye help me into my tartan, aye? ‘Twill be good to wear it one last time.”
Aðísla shook her head, but it was clear she appreciated his bravery, his good humor considering what he faced.
“A wee bit o’ privacy, aye then, Wallace?” Moray met William’s eyes. “See my men rallied then do me the pleasure of letting us view yer punishment on Cressingham.” Relish lit his eyes as they flickered from Aðísla to William. “Outside of feeling this lass in my arms one last time, ‘twill be a good sendoff.”
Wallace nodded and left.
“We willnae stay to watch Wallace’s punishment,” Adlin said as he pulled Milly out of the tent. “’Twill be brutal, and you shouldnae see it.”
“While I agree I’d rather pass on seeing a man skinned alive, I’m not as fragile as you think, Adlin.” Her pained but strong eyes met his. “I watched every minute of the fighting. The whole battle. All the killing...” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “You.”
“Och, I wish you hadnae.” Adlin pulled her into their tent, murmured a chant and did away with the blood on them both. “’Twas not something I want you to remember when you look at me.”
“Why? I’ve never been more proud.” Her hands trembled slightly as she cupped his cheeks and stared into his eyes. “You were magnificent out there, Adlin and that is what I will remember every time I look at you.” She shook her head. “You fought with your heart and were willing to lay down your life for your country every step of the way.”
Her voice thickened with emotion. “A life that I’m glad you didn’t lose today...so glad.” She stood on her tip-toes and brushed her lips across his. “Because I want a chance at a full life with you. A normal one.” The corner of her lip twitched with amusement. “Well, as normal as it can be with a man like you.”
“Like me?” He managed a small smile, never so happy to hear her declaration.
“Yes, like you,” she murmured as she dropped a few more kisses on his lips. “Crazy and caring and full of humor at often inappropriate times.”
Adlin liked where this was going and wrapped his arms around her. “So will ye be staying then?” He dropped a few kisses this time as his brogue only thickened. “Will ye stay with me in Scotland despite everything on the horizon? Will ye stay with me knowing my country may verra well fall soon?”
“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” she began but didn’t get another word out before he closed his lips over hers and kissed any further talk away. His blood still pumped from battle, and all he wanted was to be deep inside her.
Seconds later, he had her beneath him on the furs, her skirts pushed up as he thrust hard. Ready for him, understanding this would be fast, rough, an outlet for the last of his battle lust, she wrapped her legs around him and dug her booted heels into his arse.
Her lips fell open, and her half-mast eyes held his as he thrust again and again. This was not a romantic encounter but a desperate one. A rush to reach a pinnacle that had him moving fast and long moans trailing from her lips.
“Adlin,” she cried out as she began climaxing.
He rode the clenching of her inner muscles until he roared, released and spent the last of his energy in her sweet body. Though he wanted to hold her in his arms and continue all night, there was no time. They must go to spare her from what was to come.
As they adjusted their clothing, Milly’s eyes met his. “Grant told me Lindsay is gone, but she’s all right, and I believe him.” She never looked away from him. “But I want your take on what happened. Where do you think she is? Where is Conall?”
“I dinnae know but rest assured Laird Hamilton is alive and still protecting her.”
“How do you know?” Worry snapped her brows together. “She could be anywhere. She might be...”
“No.” He held her shoulders gently, stared into her eyes and shook his head. “Dinnae think of ‘what if’s’ but trust in fact. If she had somehow lost her life, Conall would be dead too, and his heart would no longer be beating. If that were the case, not only me but all of his kin would know.”
“You put an awful lot of faith in him protecting her,” she whispered.
“I put every last ounce of faith I have in it.” He shook his head. “Conall and I may not always see eye to eye, but no man is more devoted to a cause once he sets his mind to it. No man nobler.” Adlin cupped Mildred’s cheek, offering comfort. “Laird Hamilton will protect Lindsay no matter where they might be because they are somewhere. They are alive, you ken?”
“That’s what Grant said,” she murmured.
“And Grant would know better than any of us,” he replied. “This is his grandson we’re talking about.”
“I know,” she whispered. “Doesn’t mean I don’t still worry.”
“Aye, lass,” he whispered and brushed his lips over hers again before they left the tent.
“Where are we going?” she said.
“Now that the Sassenach have fled south and ‘tis safe enough, I thought you might like to go to Stirling Castle.”
“I would,” she exclaimed but stopped short as a voice drifted through the forest. “Andrew Moray’s speaking to his men.” Her eyes went to his. “I’d really like to hear what he has to say.”
Adlin nodded, and they headed that way. His cousins and Jim were already there standing on the outer rim of a sizeable crowd. Though his skin was drawn and pale, Moray stood with his arms crossed over his chest in front of a roaring fire. Wallace was at the ready in case he needed assistance. Aðísla wasn’t too far off either.
“I have never been prouder of ye than I was today, lads,” Moray said, his voice loud and clear as his eyes went from man to man. “Ye were clever, and patient then fought with the heart of true Scotsmen.”
Men roared with triumph, most still covered in blood as whores came alongside, ready to help them transition from battle lust to another type of lust entirely.
Moray unsheathed his sword and eyed it with fondness. “This has cut down many a Sassenach and traitor alike, but I’m afraid ‘twill no longer do so at my hand.” He held the hilt out to William. “Might ye carry on my blade’s legacy and see more Sassenach blood stain its steel.”
A heavy sadness settled over the men as they realized what was happening. As they realized their commander’s battle wound was far worse than he let on.
“Aye, my friend, ‘twould be my honor.” Wallace lowered his head as he took the blade. “Might I wield it as well as ye did.”
“Och, I dinnae doubt ye will.” Moray clasped his shoulder and met his eyes. “It has been a true honor fighting alongside ye and yer men, Wallace. Might ye and yers always fight for Scotland’s freedom as ferociously as ye did today.”
Another roar went up far and wide as not only Moray’s men responded but William’s.
“Ye’ve followed me for a long time, and I’m grateful, but I’ve two more things to ask of ye, lads,” Moray called out to his men, his voice still strong, though he kept a firm hand on Wallace’s shoulder, likely for support.
When his men nodded, many replying ‘anything,’ Moray continued. “After this night, I willnae be yer commander anymore.” He shook his head. “I willnae be amongst the living.” Again, he looked from man to man, speaking more directly to some than others. “Promise me ye’ll spread rumor that I still live for as long as possible so that we dinnae appear weakened.” His eyes went to William before sweeping over the crowd again. “And swear yer allegiance to William Wallace here and now. Fight for him as ye fought for me.”
There was no hesitation but a roar of approval.
These men had been devoted to Moray and would fight just as hard for Wallace.
As it turned out, they would also keep Moray alive for some time after this battle with rumor alone.
After the cheers died down, Moray grinned at William. “Now that we’ve settled all that, I believe ye promised me the perfect ending to a bloody good victory, Wallace.”
“Aye.” Wallace met his grin as Cressingham was dragged forward and shoved to his knees. “That I did.”
––––––––
MILLY SIGHED AS SHE stood on one of Stirling Castle’s battlements and stared down on the River Forth. The sun was setting, its rays as red as the blood-stained ground. “So everything went as it should.”
It had been unbelievable walking through the castle. To step foot in it during this day and age. Heck, she had walked its halls hundreds of years before Mary, Queen of Scots would. It was a humbling and powerful feeling. All of this was.
“Aye, lass,” Adlin murmured as he stood behind her and rested his hands on her shoulders. “History, as it should be, is on the road to recovery.”
“History as it should be,” she murmured and turned in his arms. “It’s hard to imagine after what I saw today that things could go wrong.” She pressed her lips together. “Though I know they will...there’s a lot ahead for this country.” Her eyes fell to his chest so she would not by chance see any dreaded truth. “And for my friends, it seems.”
“Milly.” He tilted her chin until their eyes met again. “You have to know at this point that whether fated to be together or not my kin will protect your friends with their life. They willnae let anything happen to them nor will I.”
“Assuming you’re there,” she reminded. “Assuming we’re both there.”
“Either way,” he said. “I truly believe they will be well protected. More than that, based on what I saw of Lindsay, I believe they can handle whatever’s thrown their way.”
Milly flinched. “Maybe Christina but Jessie...I just don’t know.” She shook her head. “She’s so fragile. And on her own page.”
“Does at least half if not all my kin strike you as being on their own page as well?” He offered a lopsided grin. “Do I not?”
She couldn’t help a small smile. “You are one of a kind, Adlin.”
“Aye.” He kept grinning, clearly trying to cheer her up. “Would you like to return to the future and check on your friends?”
“Do you think Lindsay is there?”
Adlin shook his head. “Not with any certainty.”
“What about creating one of your Highland Defiances and taking a peek?”
“’Twould be unwise,” came Grant’s soft voice before he appeared on the battlement alongside Jim. “The less magic right now, the better.”
When Adlin perked a brow at him, Grant said, “’Tis best that Jim returns to the future to check on the other lasses and mayhap prepare them for what’s to come.” His eyes went between Milly and Adlin. “Though ‘tis clear other rings are at work, you’d best be prepared to attend future battles. To assist if need be.”
“Of course,” Milly replied, not frightened in the least by the prospect. “Where and when?”
“The Action at Earnside Skirmish and the Action at Hepprew,” Grant replied. “Both in our Lord’s year, thirteen hundred and four. Seven years from now.”
“Will William be at both?” Milly asked.
“Aye.” Grant nodded. “Wallace at both and Robert the Bruce at Hepprew.”
“Robert the Bruce,” Milly whispered. “Now there’s someone I look forward to meeting.”
“As if you didnae enjoy meeting Wallace,” Adlin commented, grinning.
“And Moray,” she agreed, saddened as she thought of his fate. He might have a hard personality, but he was an admirable man. His death would be a great loss for Scotland.
“He’ll die in Aðísla’s arms with an eye to the sun setting over his homeland,” Adlin said softly. “He’ll die with a mighty victory under his belt and great hope for his country.”
“I know,” she whispered, blinking away unexpected tears before she looked at Jim. “So you’re heading home? What about...” She gestured at Blair as she headed their way. “You know.”
“I intend to go with him,” Blair answered, her eyes narrowed on Grant. “He should not face time travel alone. ‘Tis unpredictable.”
“Is it now?” Jim looked at her with amusement. “I think I can handle whatever the twenty-first century throws at me.”
“Ye barely managed what I threw at ye.” She gave him a don’t-you-remember look before her eyes went between Adlin and Grant. “I’ll see the lad kept safe, aye?”
“I managed what you threw at me just fine which wasn’t much, sweetheart, for all the teasing you did.” Jim snorted and shook his head. “So don’t sweat protecting me. I know how to defend myself.”
Milly smirked at both the banter and the ludicrous declaration. Jim didn’t know shit about protecting himself against magic or medieval time travelers that could pull a blade on him. Which, as she gave it more thought, made her nervous.
“I agree with Blair,” Milly said. “Sending Jim back to the future undefended doesn’t sound like a good idea at all.”
Jim perked his brows at Milly in surprise as Blair nodded and said, “There ye have it. I should go.”
“Who will protect MacLomain Castle then if Adlin’s off on another adventure?” Graham asked as he joined them. “Me?”
“Aye,” Blair said, pleased with the idea. “Ye’ve enough practice considering all the riffraff country folk yer always seeing to. Many say ye’d make a good laird if ye saw fit to set out on yer own and start yer own clan.”
Milly eyed Graham, surprised by the revelation.
“Ye cannae just start yer own clan,” Graham muttered under his breath. “It doesnae work that way.”
“Be that as it may,” Blair started before Grant smoothly intercepted.
“I think mayhap ‘twould be a good idea for Blair to travel with Jim and for the rest of us to go back to MacLomain Castle where we began.”
“Aye,” Bryce agreed as he joined them. “I could use some time at home before I go in search of Lindsay, who may verra well be my mate.”
Milly looked at Jim. “Are you sure you’re going to be okay?”
“Do you even need to ask?” He gave her a solid hug and a wink. “I mean how can I go wrong with a woman like Blair along?”
Milly glanced at Blair, shook her head and grinned. “Good luck and thank you.”
“Aye, lass.” Blair embraced her then met her eyes. “I’ll see ye soon enough, friend. Until then, love well. Ye cannae hope for any better than Adlin MacLomain.”
“Don’t I know it.” Milly smiled and met Adlin’s eyes moments before he pulled her close, and everything started swirling around them. The pressure dropped then readjusted quickly as the wind died and they once again stood in MacLomain Castle. This time they were not in the dungeons but on a wall walk overlooking a peaceful loch.
“Lass, ‘twas truly a pleasure meeting you,” Grant murmured as he embraced her. “Thank you for all your help. I will see you again soon.”
Milly nodded and smiled, thankful for all the comfort he offered her during the battle. “I look forward to it, Grant.”
Graham didn’t bother with words but embraced her, kissed her on the cheek then whispered in her ear, “Love Adlin and love him well. No one deserves it more. But then you already know that, aye?”
Surprised that he had finally said ‘you’ instead of ‘ye’ she started to respond, but he was already gone.
“Milly, it would have been a privilege to claim you as my mate had Fate allowed it.” Bryce held her hand and stared so intently at her she swore she saw a flash of golden catlike eyes. “Laird MacLomain is a verra lucky man.”
She smiled, charmed despite his intensity. “Thank you, Bryce...Laird MacLeod.”
Then, like Graham, he was gone, and she and Adlin were alone.
The Battle of Stirling Bridge was again fifteen years in their past.
Milly tried to stay strong as she stared out at the horizon. As she felt how lost in time William Wallace and Andrew Moray really were now.
“They will always be here,” Adlin said softly as he pulled her close, his blue eyes even lighter than usual as they searched hers. “They will always be part of this land and part of our hearts, lass.”
“I know,” she whispered. And she did. Now more than ever and she suspected even more before this was all said and done. She had been given a glimpse inside history. She had met its heroes and seen its battles, both known and unknown.
More than that, she had been part of it.
Would continue to be part of it.
“Soon,” Adlin murmured before he scooped her up, a sparkle in his eyes. “But first we’re going to spend some time in my chamber...quite a lot of time.”
“And then what?” she whispered as she wrapped her arm around his neck and smiled.
“Need ye ask?” Adlin smiled as well. “I’m going to make ye Lady of the Castle then get busy making some wee bairns to fill it up with.”
Children had been the last thing on her mind before traveling back in time and meeting Adlin, but now it seemed like the most natural concept in the world. Life would change, she would adapt, but she knew with a man like Adlin she could do anything she wanted here...once they conquered evil and saved Scotland’s history that is.
But that was for another day.
Right now, as Adlin lay her down in bed and eyed her with adoration, she lived in the moment and pulled him down after her. Strife was ahead and the future unpredictable, but it was more promising now that they were together.
They had found power and strength in love.
A chance to have what they were denied before.
So as the sun dipped below the horizon on a day that would never be forgotten, Adlin and Milly finally started over.
One life was behind them, and another had just begun.
––––––––
The End
