A Turn In Time: Book 5 of The Thistle & Hive Series Read online

  The trip to Castle Treun should take no more than three days and three agonizing nights where she would be able to sleep beside Dougall, but both would need to be discreet. Logan, who followed along behind her, was a deterrent to anything other than a chaste kiss or hug taking place while they camped. Still, Helene’s mind wandered to thoughts of more passionate nights to come, causing her to squirm in her saddle.

  The scenery around them became even more beautiful the further away from Breaghacraig they ventured. Carpets of lavender, wild orchids and thistle blanketed the landscape and were offset by rugged cliffs and coastline. Dougall had explained their route to her. While this was all new to her, he was an expert. He knew exactly where he was going and had planned the most expedient route. She knew, because he’d explained it to her that they’d be travelling through the Cuillin Mountains, Trottenish Ridge and across something called The Table. She would never forget this journey. How could she? At the end of it she’d become the wife of Dougall MacRae.

  Dougall stopped Broch and waited for Helene to reach him before continuing on at her side. The road was wider here and he wished to be as close to her as he could this day.

  “Are ye afeared, Helene?” he asked, concern in his voice.

  “Aye. A wee bit.” Her soft voice was like music to his ears.

  “I’m here with ye. Ye’ve nae a thing to fear, love.” He hoped that the warmth he was feeling towards Helene was shining from his eyes for her to see.

  “I ken it. Yer a braw man, Dougall. I feel safe with ye.” She returned his smile.

  It was a wonder to him that the curve of her lips in that soft, sweet way of hers could completely undo him. In all his years as a warrior, he’d never been defeated, even by the most ferocious of adversaries. They’d surely laugh in his face if they saw the way she made him melt. He would fight every one of them again to keep her safe. He vowed then and there, never to let anyone harm her. “Good. I never want ye to be afeared, Helene. I’ll always take care of ye.”

  “Will we marry when we get to Castle Treun?” she asked.

  “Aye. I believe so. I’m happy to have ye meet me Da, me brothers and me sister. Ye’ll meet me mother’s sister as well. She’s a sweet one, much like mother was.” He always got a little melancholy speaking of his mother. She was a bright light in his otherwise dark childhood. He was putting on a good show for Helene. He didn’t wish her to be any more apprehensive than she already was, but his Da and brothers were a rough lot. He wasn’t sure why he’d been called home, but it couldn’t be for anything good. Of that he was sure.

  Logan rode up beside them, interrupting their conversation. “We’ll make good time today. The weather’s on our side.”

  “Nary a cloud in the sky,” Dougall answered.

  “Are ye enjoying the sights, Helene?” Logan asked.

  “’Tis so verra beautiful,” she answered.

  “I’ve seen it many times, but yet I’m always taken by it.” He sat tall in his saddle, scanning the area they travelled through.

  “Are ye married, Logan?” Helene asked.

  “Nay.”

  “Why? Yer a handsome man. The lasses must love ye.” Helene thought him quite handsome, in fact. Not as handsome as her man, but she imagined he’d turn a head or two if he were at Breaghacraig.

  “I have nay time fer it. Dougall’s father keeps me quite busy. I’m always off on some errand or another. I spend verra little time at the castle.”

  “’Tis a shame.” She meant it and immediately started thinking of the lasses she knew who might be right for him.

  “’Tis. I hope that someday I’ll be as lucky as Dougall and I’ll meet a lovely woman like yerself.”

  “Soon, I hope.” Helene smiled warmly at Logan. She liked him. Dougall had explained that he was an old friend from his childhood and that he hadn’t seen him since he’d left Breaghacraig years ago. They’d picked up right where they’d left off. The regard they had for each other was obvious and she felt doubly safe with them both by her side.

  * * *

  “We’ve many miles to cover this day. Will ye be alright if we take the horses up to a trot for a while?” Dougall directed his question to Helene.

  “I’ll be fine. I’ve ridden many times with Ashley, remember.” Helene tipped her head and cocked an eyebrow in Dougall’s direction.

  “We’re off then,” Logan said, with a conspiratorial wink at Helene.

  She sent her palfrey into a comfortable trot, but her much smaller horse was having a hard time keeping up with Dougall and Logan’s larger stallions.

  “Wait fer us,” she called after them. Both men slowed to a walk and waited for her to catch up.

  “Shall we try again?” Dougall asked, smiling indulgently at her.

  Helene nodded and the men fell in on either side of her keeping their horses to a slower, more controlled trot, while her palfrey’s smaller legs had to work much harder to stay apace. They rode that way for some time, but it became apparent that Helene’s horse was in need of a rest and so they stopped along the shore of a sparkling blue loch to have a bite to eat.

  “Do ye think she’ll be alright?” Helene asked. She was most concerned for Gealach’s well-being.

  “Ye will ride with me, this afternoon. She’ll have an easier time of it without ye on her back,” Dougall said.

  “Do ye believe I’m too heavy for her to carry?” Helene was feeling self-conscious and a bit irritated all of a sudden.

  Dougall seemed to understand he may have inadvertently hurt her feelings. “She hasn’t been ridden this far before. It’ll take some time fer her to get used to it.”

  How could she stay upset with him? And why would she want to? She was going to ride with Dougall, wrapped in his strong arms. Wouldn’t that be nice?

  Dougall chucked her under the chin. “I love ye, Helene.”

  She knew he did. She could see it in his eyes and hear it in his voice. Standing on tiptoe, she reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck, giving him a quick peck on the lips. He responded swiftly, grabbing her around the waist and turning that quick peck into a much longer, deeper kiss. One that she really didn’t want to end, but the sound of Logan clearing his throat behind them brought them to a swift halt.

  “Who has the food?” Logan asked. He had a look of mischief about him.

  Dougall shook his head and set Helene away from himself. “I believe ye ken where the food is Logan. ’Tis unlike yer well-trained nose nae to be able to find it on yer own.”

  Logan laughed and headed to the saddle bags, where he took out some of the food they’d been provided when they left Breaghacraig.

  Dougall led Helene to a large rock near the water and lifted her so she could sit on it. She made herself comfortable, fixing her skirts and gazing out on the sparkling sapphire blue of the loch. There was a slight breeze, which ruffled her hair, sending strands across her face. Dougall gently caught them with his fingers and tucked them behind her ear. Warmth from the rock relaxed her and she realized how at peace she was. It had been hard leaving the MacKenzies behind, but she hoped she’d be returning to them soon. Dougall didnae ken the reason he’d been called to Castle Treun, but he’d told her they’d be returning to the castle they called home as soon as possible. In the meantime, she was planning to enjoy this journey, knowing that at its end her wish would come true.

  Logan joined them with a sack of food, handing Helene some bread and cheese. He sliced some for himself and handed the rest to Dougall. They each had their quaich with them and Logan poured some wine into each. It wasn’t a lot of food, but it was enough. They still had two more days of travelling ahead of them and it wouldn’t be wise to eat everything they’d brought all in one sitting.

  They journeyed on until the sky began to darken. Luck was with them. The sun had shined throughout the day and the night sky was clear, leaving the air crisp and cool. Helene wrapped her plaid more tightly around her as Dougall and Logan searched the area for an appropriate place
to stop.

  “We’ll make camp here,” Dougall said as he stopped Broch and dismounted. He came to Helene’s side and helped her dismount. “Logan, take care of the horses. I’ll get a fire started.”

  “What shall I do?” Helene asked.

  “There’s nary a thing fer ye to do, love. Logan and I have done this all many times before. We’ll be quick about our work and back with ye in no time.” Dougall kissed her forehead and caressed her cheek with his hand.

  “But I’d like to help.”

  “You help enough at Breaghacraig. ’Tis a pleasant break fer ye. Here, sit and rest.” Dougall guided her to a fallen tree. “I’ll be back quickly.”

  Helene glanced around at the spot they’d chosen to spend the night. The ground was flat and covered with aromatic pine needles. The trees overhead would shelter them from wind, and if need be, rain. It took all her will power to stay seated while Dougall and Logan worked. For as long as she could remember, it had been her duty to serve others. Granted, serving the MacKenzies was a fine position to hold. They treated her more as a family member than a servant. She knew she was lucky they had taken her in when she needed it most.

  Dougall got a fire blazing with little effort and made a spot for them to sit near it. “Come, Helene.” He took her hand and helped her get seated on the plaid he’d spread on the ground, before joining her. Logan returned from settling the horses for the nightand sat on the opposite side of the fire.

  “Something’s missing,” Logan said.

  “Aye. Ye’ll be wanting the saddle bags.” Dougall noted.

  Logan rose to get them and Dougall took that moment to brush Helene’s hair from her neck so he could sneak a kiss there.

  “Dougall,” Helene protested, although she really didn’t mind at all.

  “Dinnae fear, love. Logan kens the way of it. Once we’ve had something to eat, he’ll conveniently disappear so we can share some private time.”

  Helene nervously clasped her hands in her lap. If she’d had her way, this private time Dougall spoke of would have happened already. Food was of no interest to her now. What she really wanted was Dougall. They’d both been very good at controlling their lustful urges these past months, but the thought of being alone with Dougall, here by the fire, had her body tingling from head to toe. She wished Logan would hurry back with the saddle bags so he could eat and then leave them. She wasn’t sure she’d be able to stop herself from climbing atop Dougall where he sat and having her way with him. She suppressed a giggle at her sultry thoughts.

  “Did ye say something, love?” Dougall asked.

  “Nae.” Helene stared into Dougall’s deep blue eyes, hoping that he could see how much she wanted him and from the way he returned her gaze, he did.

  “Logan, hurry with those bags,” Dougall called.

  “Coming, coming,” Logan said as he hurried back to the fire. “There’s a stream nearby. I could try to catch us a fish fer our meal.”

  “Nae. Not tonight, friend. Let’s just eat what’s been packed. If ye wish to fish after we’re done, mayhap ye’ll catch something we can cook up for the morning.” Dougall winked at Logan, who winked back. Helene was sure they thought they were being surreptitious when in actual fact they were nothing of the kind.

  More bread and cheese made up their evening meal, along with bannocks and some apples, which Logan sliced and placed on the griddle. Despite the fact that it wasn’t a lavish meal, it satisfied them all and was quite delicious. It probably helped that they hadn’t had anything to eat in hours and were all famished.

  “I’m going to go sleep down by the stream. I’ll see what I can catch fer the morn.” Helene began to protest, but Logan stopped her before she could speak a word. “Dinnae give me another thought, lass. I’ll build a nice fire and I’ll be dreaming about some Highland lovelies before too verra long. Good night to ye both. I’d say sleep well, but I dinnae ken there will be any sleeping happening in yer wee camp.”

  “Good night, Logan,” Dougall said.

  Helene was happy it was too dark for him to see her reddened cheeks. She was nervous. Dougall had never slept with her before this night. She had her own room in the women’s solar and he had one with the men in the soldier’s barracks. They’d done their share of kissing and cuddling, but it always ended too soon with both of them retiring to their own chambers. Anticipation caused her heartbeat to quicken and her breath to come in shallow gulps, while her core was telling her she was more than ready for this moment.

  Chapter 3

  Dougall moved from her side. He laid out another plaid, next to the one Helene was seated on and stretched his large frame out across it.

  “Come, Helene.” He held out his hand and when she took it, pulled her down next to him. His large hands spanned her waistline, moving her so close it would be impossible for her not to feel the hardness of his wanting her.

  Helene let out a small gasp and whispered something unintelligible.

  “Do I frighten ye, love?” His finger traced a line from her ear to her lips.

  “Nae. ’Tis just that we’ve never done this before,” her voice quivered and her hands shook.

  “We’ve been so close, so many times. I promise ye, Helene, I willnae hurt ye. I wish to love ye the way ye were meant to be loved and I wish it to be so good that ye’ll be eager fer more.” His voice was low and husky. “Do ye trust me?”

  “Aye.”

  He could feel her apprehension waning as he kissed each of her fingers in turn and then the palm of each of her hands. “Let me love ye, Helene.”

  “Aye.” She closed her eyes.

  Watching her this way, his sweet, innocent Helene, Dougall felt a great responsibility to do this right. “Let me guide ye, love. Ye’ll nae regret it.” He wanted her more than he’d ever wanted any woman. She was perfection in his eyes and he would enjoy watching her as he gave her the pleasure he knew she yearned for. His rigid staff throbbed with needing her. His sure fingers unlaced her bodice, revealing a thin shift. He cupped her breasts in his hands, thumbs stroking pebbled nipples that strained against the gauzy fabric. Dougall smiled as a sensual moan escaped her lips. “Do ye like that, love? Do ye wish me to continue?”

  “Mmmm…” Another passion filled moan.

  A deep, soft chuckle erupted from his throat at her response. He moved his hands up to her shoulders, drawing the shift down, lower and lower until her sweet breasts were revealed to him. He took one and then the other into his mouth as he slowly and thoroughly sucked, nipped and licked them, all the while keeping an eye on Helene, who was now moving against him, fingers entwined in his hair, holding his head fast.

  Lifting her, he positioned her atop him, where she moved against his shaft. He was the one to moan this time. She smiled down at him as he undid the belt that held his kilt in place. Her hands fumbled with the yards of fabric he was wrapped in. Little did she know that each glancing touch to his rod was causing him agonizing pleasure. Between the two of them the kilt was finally out of their way and Helene’s gaze was now travelling here and there to avoid what was so obviously standing at attention between her legs.

  “Helene, look at me,” Dougall commanded. When she did, he took her face in his hands and brought her lips down to meet his. Her hands ran across his chest as his tender, slow kisses explored her velvety warmth. Her tongue met his and welcomed him in, where they mingled together. Her taste was sweet and sultry and he wanted more. Gathering the folds of her skirt, he pulled them up and out of the way. He wanted to feel her womanly warmth against his skin as he plundered her mouth and set his hands to work touching and discovering the places that had been forbidden to him in the past. Each caress was met with the satisfying sounds of Helene’s pleasure. His fingers gently probed her slick, womanly center as she closed her eyes and moved over them.

  Flipping Helene onto her back, Dougall removed the rest of her clothing before laying atop her. His large frame covered her easily and not wishing to crush her, he propped himself
on his elbows to gaze down on the beauty who trusted him enough to allow this most intimate of moments. She reached up, coiling her arms around his neck and shyly raised her eyes to look into his.

  “Kiss me more, Dougall,” she whispered.

  “With pleasure, love.”

  Their lips met again as their bodies pressed and rubbed against each other. The chill of the night air against their sweat slicked bodies was hardly noticed; they were consumed with each other.

  Helene seemed braver, as her hand reached between them to grasp his swollen manhood and Dougall gasped in surprised pleasure. Her sweet smile as she watched him was not a match for the seductive gaze she aimed his way.

  “Helene,” he whispered on quickening breath.

  The little minx was a quick study, stroking him and caressing him to the brink of release.

  “Not yet, love. We must go on this journey together.” He moved her hand away, positioning himself to breach the walls of her fortress. In small increments, so as not to hurt her, he pushed further and further inside of the liquid heat that would lead them on their passage to pleasure. Together in their own little world, they moved together, each wanting to please the other more than themselves. Their pace quickened, breath coming in gasps until they both reached their climax, laying satisfied and exhausted together.

  Dougall reached for the plaid and pulled it up to cover them both from the night air, which had suddenly become apparent. Helene rested her head on his chest and her hand on his belly. He was content knowing he had pleased her and that they were now connected in a way that no one could take away or destroy. He tenderly kissed the top of her head before closing his eyes and thanking the stars above for his good fortune. He truly was the luckiest man alive.

  Helene lay snuggly in Dougall’s arms, feeling safe and secure. She wanted to stay there forever. Smiling and red faced at the thought of their lovemaking, she burrowed closer to Dougall, who turned to face her and pulled her further in to the protection of his body. The fire crackled and warmed, but she hadn’t noticed it until this very moment. It was as if they had been sheltered in a cocoon of love and desire, which burst open into the quiet sounds of a woodland forest at night. Dougall had been a kind and thoughtful lover. This being her first time, she had been frightened, although she tried not to show it, and Dougall took care not to hurt her. He took his time and loved her the way she’d always known he would. This was a night she would relive in her mind over and over again. She loved Dougall so much - she hoped he knew how much. He was her handsome highland warrior - fierce on the battlefield, but always soft and sweet with her.