[The Mackalls of Dunnet Head 01.0] Her Trusted Highlander Read online

  Her Trusted Highlander

  Book 1 of The Mackalls of Dunnet Head

  Jennae Vale

  Jennae Vale

  Contents

  Copyright

  Dedication

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Also by Jennae Vale

  Copyright © 2016 by Jennae Vale

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  ISBN: 978-0-9970064-2-1

  Created with Vellum

  For my Family - David, Felicia and Jeff

  Prologue

  Malcolm Granger had come too far to let anyone stop him before he reached his goal. He could see an army of men off in the distance, being led by a woman with a streak of blue running through her otherwise white hair. They were charging towards him and all hell would be breaking loose shortly. His men already appeared panicked. He was the only one who could take control of the situation, which would allow him to retrieve the Twin Sword from its burial place in the rocky hillside and then use it to silence these highlanders forever. Once he had it in his hands they’d be hard pressed to stop him. The power of the sword was capable of bringing them all down, clearing the way for him to return home to San Francisco where he would use it to become the most powerful man on earth. Once back in his own time, not a soul would be able to stop him in his quest. They’d all be forced to bow down to him. Malcolm had built his empire with the incredible intelligence he possessed, but was never given the respect he felt he deserved. He’d been called every name in the book - nerd, geek, oddball. The world would pay for the disrespect they’d shown him from the time he was a child.

  The explosives were set. All he needed now was to ignite the fuse and the rock wall before him would disintegrate into thousands of pieces. Malcolm had brought guns and explosives with him, knowing he might need them. And he had, having already shot someone who’d tried to get in his way. Surprisingly, he hadn’t even hesitated and he’d do it again. He’d shoot as many of them as necessary if they tried to stop him. It didn’t matter to him how many of them died, or if their deaths would affect the future. All that mattered was the sword. It would be his in a few short moments. Malcolm shouted orders to his men and then with one last glance over his shoulder to see where his opponents were, he set off the fuse. Rock shards and chunks rained down around him, as those nearby ran for cover. Malcolm didn’t run. He stood his ground as every piece of flying rock missed him, landing at his feet and beside him. Without waiting for things to settle down, Malcolm ran to the mouth of the cave. He could hear the loud rumble of horses arriving, carrying those who wished to put a halt to his victorious find, but he paid them no heed. No. Nothing could stop him now, nothing except witchcraft. One minute he was running towards the opening he’d created in the wall and the next everything went black.

  Chapter 1

  Scotland 1514

  Hands trembling, Kat wiped the bloody knife across the filthy white linens of her marriage bed. The adrenaline coursing through her veins spoke of the terror and revulsion gripping her with unexpected nausea. She stood staring at her husband as he lay wounded on the bed, blood staining the sheets and his nightshirt. As he cursed her and threatened her with bodily harm, images of his dirty fingernails clawing at her clothing, her hair, her breasts, caused her to retch what little food she had in her belly all over the floor. She had no way of knowing whether the injuries she’d caused him were life threatening and she didn’t care. She’d wanted to kill him, but when she was done and he wasn’t dead, she found she couldn’t finish what she’d begun. All she could do now was run. Run for her life, because once he sounded the alarm they’d come after her and she knew she’d end up right back here beneath Bearach Calhoun.

  Kat hurried from the wedding chamber, wearing only the now torn and tattered dress she’d been wearing earlier when, surrounded by strangers, she’d been forced to marry. If she hadn’t been worried before, seeing their fearful and pitying glances as she was dragged in front of Laird Calhoun caused her to tremble in shocked dismay. How could this be happening to her? How could any of it be real? She forced her mind back to the present and down the passageway she shot and then to the stairs, through the doors and possibly to freedom. She needed a horse and the stables were just a short sprint across the courtyard, but what would she find when she got there. She could barely see her hand in front of her face it was so dark. The moon was completely hidden behind the clouds making it difficult for her to get her bearings, but giving her the cover she’d need in case anyone was out patrolling the courtyard. Grasping the knife in her hand, she ran blindly towards the entrance of the stables and then stopped. Kat flattened herself against the building and drew in a deep breath, slowly opening the doors only to find a young lad on the other side, staring wide-eyed at her as he took in her appearance and the sight of the knife in her hand. She had a moment of regret about what she must do. She didn’t want to do it, but she had to. She put the knife to the lad’s throat and attempted to be as menacing as possible.

  “I need a horse. That one will do.” She pointed to the large black steed in the first stall.

  The boy eyed her warily, knees shaking. “That be Laird Calhoun’s horse.” He didn’t move, instead staring at her, mouth agape.

  Was he trying to be brave? God she hoped not, because if he was she’d be sunk. She couldn’t possibly hurt him; she just hoped he didn’t know that. Kat straightened her back and narrowed her eyes. “I don’t care. Saddle him for me and be quick about it.” She waved the knife in his direction, knowing that she was frightening him, but that was what she needed. She needed him to be so afraid that he’d do whatever she asked with no questions and no hesitation. Time was passing quickly and it would only be a short while before the whole castle would be awakened and then, if she wasn’t already long gone, she’d be caught.

  The lad did as she’d ordered and in moments the horse was ready and waiting for her. Keeping her eye on the lad, she quickly mounted and headed for the doors. “Don’t even think about sounding the alarm. You’ll regret it if you do.” Kat was doing her best to be as intimidating as possible, but she couldn’t be sure it was working. Exiting the stables she scanned the courtyard. She could barely see, but it seemed no one was out and the gates were wide open and unguarded. The wedding feast had gone on long into the night and it was obvious that the guards were all so drunk that they’d just passed out where they stood. That might also explain why no one was looking for her yet.

  Digging her heels into the horse and riding low over his neck, Kat bolted through the gates, down the road and through the village, sneaking quick peeks behind her as she went. She had no idea where she was or where she was going, but it didn’t matter - getting away was her only goal. Somehow she’d
find a way to get back home, but for now Kat needed to put as much time and space between herself and Laird Calhoun as she possibly could.

  * * *

  The moon peeked out from behind the clouds, lighting her way down the forested path she found herself on. Luck was on her side so far. No one appeared to be following her, but she couldn’t stop, not even for a moment. Kat had been riding for hours and hadn’t come across a single soul. That could work to her advantage, but at some point she really hoped she could find a place to get warm and spend the night. Still, it was probably just as well that she hadn’t come across any cottages or even another village. She had no way of knowing how far ahead of her pursuers she might be. She hoped it would be many hours before anyone found the laird and the pursuit began in earnest. Not knowing was doing strange things to her. She found herself jumping at any noise near or far. Her horse had been strong and steady, controlling the great power she could feel beneath her. She was grateful he did because her riding skills were a bit rusty. She didn’t even know his name, but she got the feeling he too was relieved to be away from Laird Calhoun. Kat rubbed his neck and bent forward to whisper her thanks into his ear.

  The days were short now, making this night long and the air icy cold. Her fingers and feet were numb, making frostbite and hypothermia a very real possibility. She’d need to find a place to stop and warm herself, but being unfamiliar with her surroundings wasn’t helping her. She might just freeze to death before she reached civilization. Kat had been in such a rush that she hadn’t thought to take a cloak with her and now she was more than paying the price. Her teeth were chattering and it would be another hour or so before the sun rose in the sky and hopefully warmed her enough to prevent her becoming an ice statue. She would have cried, but any tears she shed would only freeze before they left her eyes.

  Deciding to stop for a few moments, Kat dismounted and jumped up and down in an effort to warm herself. She noted the steam escaping her horse’s nostrils and she placed her cold hands there, hoping it would thaw her fingers. The steed flinched at her icy touch, but Kat soothed him with some quiet cooing. He nuzzled her with his nose and Kat wrapped her arms around his big neck, hoping some of his body heat would transfer to her. Hopelessness was beginning to seep in along with the cold. She wanted to scream so badly at the predicament she found herself in, but she refrained, thinking her pursuers might hear, and it would lead them directly to her.

  What a mess she had gotten herself into. Kat didn’t even know how it had all happened. Yes, she did. She knew exactly how it had happened. It was why that boggled her mind. Why was she here? Why was this happening to her?

  Shouts in the distance had her jumping back on her horse and urging him forward into a gallop. She’d given herself a headache just thinking about everything that had happened and this frantic pace they were now traveling at wasn’t helping any. Kat gazed up through the treetops as a new wave of despair overtook her. And then, as if things weren’t bad enough, the first flakes of a winter storm silently drifted to the ground.

  Chapter 2

  It had been snowing all day and damned if he hadn’t forgotten what that could be like. Beautiful, to be sure, but it also meant the temperature had to be frigid enough for those gentle flakes of white to fall. He pulled his hooded cape tightly around his head, feeling the icy breeze more acutely than he might have in the past. He’d better get used to this weather quickly because it would be months before it was warm again.

  Nick had spent the last few years of his life in a land and time far, far away from his beloved Scotland. San Francisco wasn’t known for its frigid climate or snowfall and that was one thing he’d rather enjoyed about his stay five hundred years in the future. Excitement spurred him on as he headed home to his beloved family. They surely must think him long dead. He chuckled to himself as he thought of the reception he’d receive upon his arrival. His brothers and hunting companions, Rory and Duncan, after their initial shock would likely crush him in bear hugs along with his two youngest brothers, Aidan and Lockie. His mother surely would shed a tear or two, as would his sisters. He was sorry for the suffering she must have endured thinking her oldest bairn lost to her forever. The happy images of his homecoming continued to play out in his mind, after all, what else did he have to do but daydream on this long ride home.

  More images formed in his mind - a beautiful young woman, his betrothed, Skye Maguire. Had she waited for him? He wondered why she would. Theirs was not a love match, at least not for him, but if she had waited, he would do his duty and marry her for the good of his clan.

  The dappled light shining through the trees was angled such that he knew it would soon disappear and he’d be forced to spend yet another night camping here in these woods. The days were shorter at this time of year and the sun set earlier and earlier every day. Sizing up the situation, Nick decided he’d ride a bit further before finding a spot to set up camp. He had enough food to last him until he reached home, and the thought of all the work involved in creating a shelter and a fire to keep warm, had him rethinking his decision to ride on. If he stopped now, he’d still reach home by nightfall tomorrow. He drew his horse to a stop and surveyed his surroundings. Noting some fallen tree branches he could use to create a shelter on a relatively dry patch of ground convinced Nick this would be a good place to spend the night.

  As he prepared to dismount, Laoch spooked, jumping and planting all four hooves firmly on the ground, ready to run. Nick whispered soft, calming words and stroked his steed’s tense neck. Pricked straight forward, his horse’s ears were an indicator of the direction the perceived threat was coming from. Sitting as quietly as possible, Nick searched for the source of his horse’s anxiety, his eyes taking in every inch of the wooded area around him. He listened closely for anything out of the ordinary and then he heard it, the sounds of a horse galloping his way and shortly he saw both horse and rider barreling in his direction. The rider continuously looked behind as if being chased. Nick was prepared to take action should he need to, but patience was best in these situations. Why react before he knew exactly what he was reacting to. As the rider approached, Nick realized it was a woman. She had a determined expression on her face as she crouched low over her horse’s neck, charging directly at him. Nick placed his horse squarely in her way in an effort to stop her. If she needed help, he was sure he could assist her, no matter what she was fleeing from. Her golden hair caught the last glimmers of light as they filtered through the trees and he saw that she wore no cloak for warmth. She would freeze to death when she stopped to rest. There were no villages or crofts anywhere in this area where she could seek refuge. He knew because he had just ridden an entire day without seeing another soul.

  As the woman galloped closer, Nick waved his arms in the air to catch her attention. She didn’t notice as she was focused on whoever was chasing her. Her horse, however, came to a screeching halt, tossing his head in the air and then rearing. The rider, unprepared, tumbled to the ground cursing much like the women Nick had known in San Francisco.

  * * *

  “What do you think you’re doing?” she fumed as she rose from the ground and dusted herself off. Kat grabbed her horse’s reins and prepared to mount the skittish equine. “Whoa! Whoa!”

  “Is everything alright?” the very tall and handsome man atop the chestnut steed asked. “Who are you fleeing from?”

  How on earth did he know she was running away? “I don’t think that’s any of your damn business,” Kat didn’t have time for introductions or conversation, she had to get moving and quickly. She’d ridden through what had remained of the night before and now this entire day. She wasn’t sure how much progress she’d made, but she certainly didn’t have the luxury of standing here chatting with this stranger. Her husband and his men would be after her. Unfortunately, in her haste to get away, she hadn’t done enough damage to the vile man to keep him from pursuing her.

  “My name is Nick Mackall,” the man introduced himself.

&n
bsp; Kat didn’t answer him, instead continuing her efforts to calm her horse, who maddeningly refused to stand still. He pulled backwards to get away and Kat found herself being dragged down the path in the direction she’d just come. “Whoa! Stop!” she yelled to no avail as the horse reared, crow-hopped and tried to spin away from her. She planted her feet, but her small frame was no match for the giant steed who was continuing to drag her. Her foot caught on a root and she fell face first in a pile of snow, letting the horse go before she got dragged across the ground behind him. “Damn it!” She turned, ready to run on foot and instead ran directly into a very solid man, who steadied her with his hands on her arms and a smile on his lips.

  “Do you mind telling me who you’re running from?” he asked.

  Kat bristled in his arms, looking up at him through stormy eyes. “Let me go. I have to run. He’ll kill me if he finds me, or worse.” She tried to break free, but his firm grasp held her in place.

  “What could be worse, lass?” He gazed down at her with an amused expression.

  “Do you really need to ask? Just let me go, please.” Again she tried to wrench herself free.

  “I can’t in good conscience allow ye to run off into the woods without a cloak or a horse, now can I?” He tipped his head and cocked an eyebrow in her direction.

  “Yeah. Well thanks for your concern, but it’s your fault that I find myself without a horse.” She stared angrily into his eyes, triumphant in the knowledge that she’d stated the obvious.

  “Point taken, and I apologize, lass. Perhaps I can be of service. As I said before, my name is Nick Mackall, and ye’d be…”