Highlander's Faerie (Highlander Heat Book 5) by Joanne Wadsworth Read Free Book Online Page B

said, ‘ To bring peace, you must unite. ’” Her voice floated away, and as the sun slipped behind a layer of cloud, the room darkened. In the looking glass, the glow around her dispersed and she once again appeared her usual self.
    “She’s gone, but she was here. My mother came to me, as I dreamt she did in the circle. It’s all real. All of it.”
    “I believe you.” He gripped her shoulders, ran his hands down her arms and back up again as he stared into her eyes. “You feel far too warm.”
    “My mother told me my fae blood strengthens now I’m in this time and closer to the fae realm. I’m to embrace that part of me and allow my visions to guide me. We’re soul bound.”
    “What? Soul bound? Are you sure? How did that happen?”
    “In the circle, I breathed my last and the fae intervened. A piece of my soul lifted free and bound itself to you. It’s you who keeps me grounded to this time.” Her fingers tingled and she clenched and unclenched her fists. “I cannot live if you do not. My mother’s words, and they were crystal clear.”
    He lifted her hands to his lips, ran his thumbs across her palms then blew cool air across them. “What I feel for you runs deep and has since the moment we met. In truth, I can easily accept we’re soul bound. I freely desire such a bond.”
    “Being soul bound doesn’t mean I’m going to change your future. It just means I have to take more care.”
    He tipped up her chin with one hand, wrapped his arm around her waist with the other and drew her more fully against him. Every inch where they touched sizzled. Even her nipples ached, so sharp and painfully.
    “The more we’re together, John, the closer we become.”
    “Aye.”
    “We can’t allow this bond to take us over.” She pulled away and paced the chamber. “We’ll need a plan.”
    “Katherine.” John stepped in her path and blocked her way. “I dinnae care to see you so anxious.”
    “Everything’s changed.”
    “Aye, but in a good way.”
    “In a way that can never last.”
    “I willnae take things further with you unless you wish it. I give you my word on that. I’m no rogue.”
    “I need some time to think through all that my mother has said.”
    “Then take that time, but this afternoon, we will talk more.” He dropped a kiss on the top of her head and left, his last glance over his shoulder, a smoldering one.
    The heat in his golden gaze spoke of promises she longed to accept, to claim for herself. If only she’d always lived in this time. No matter what her mother said, his future was set.
     

Chapter 3
     
    Katherine shed her nightrail and stepped into the tub. After sinking into the glorious water, she lazed her head on the rim and relaxed with a heartfelt sigh. She needed this moment, to consider all her options. Traveling to her MacLean kin on Mull and seeing to the fae’s request was paramount. The mission given to her by the little folk had to come first.
    She stroked the amulet at her neck. Mary’s talisman, now hers to hold, would provide the safe passage she needed. Only how could she change John’s mind about coming with her?
    The water cooled and she picked up the soap and lathered it. She went under then emerged and worked soap bubbles through her hair. Done, she dipped and rinsed again
    “Katherine?” A knock sounded on the door. “’Tis Mary. John sent me to sit with you. He worries.”
    “Come in, Mary.”
    Mary bustled in wearing a billowy burgundy gown, her riot of red-gold curls swaying forward over her distended belly, her baby now due in only a few more weeks. Slowly, she eased into the navy padded corner armchair, stretched her legs and wriggled her slippered feet. “So, what have you done to cause poor John to worry this day?”
    “He worries because last night I was drawn to the circle and once I slipped inside, one of the fae spoke to me.” Leaning closer to Mary, she rested her arms on the rim. “I’ve been instructed to wear your amulet and to