Portals Of Time Read online

  He halted. “Ye do nae ken who I am?”

  She shook her head, instantly regretting the action as pain shot through her temple.

  He snorted. “Nae a very good seer, are ye? I be Malcolm Maclean, Chief of the Macleans! And ye will be me bride afore nightfall.”

  Arianna’s mouth fell open in shock. There’s not a snowball’s chance in hell that that’s going to happen! I know that I’m meant for the ‘other’...whoever he is. I have to get away from these lunatics! She smiled up at his rugged face.

  “You want to wed me? How exciting! Where is your priest? I will not settle for less than a proper wedding.” She glanced at his clansmen expectantly, searching for the clergy.

  She IS daft! Very well. Since she seems ta be willing I will take her to the abby. An agreeable bride makes for a better wedding night.

  “There is an abby a league from here. We will wed there. Mount your steed so we may leave here.”

  She flashed her teeth in a satisfied grin then leapt into Shalizar’s saddle. A burly Scotsman reached for the reins to lead her mount. The black stallion screamed in protest as he reared up then sprang forward as if shot from a bow, racing across the glen to the north. Arianna leaned low over his neck as he found his stride. “Fly, my pet.” Behind her she heard the men shouting in confusion as they hurried to give chase. The pounding of hooves drew closer but she dared not look back.

  A road appeared on the other side and she steered her mount onto it, never breaking their stride. Rounding a curve, her eyes widened in dismay. Before her was at least thirty mounted Highlanders blocking her way.

  Determined not to stop, she gave Shalizar his head and barreled down on them. The terrified guardsmen scattered out of her way except for one man. Her neck began to burn as the tattoo glowed irridescently the closer she came. Their eyes locked.

  “Duck!” she screamed in a panic as Shalizar gathered himself to leap over the obstacle.

  Lucian was entranced by her wild beauty. She will stop...I think. Jesu! She thinks to jump me like a wall! Realizing that he had misjudged her actions, he lay flat on his destriar’s back as he felt the breeze of their passing inches from his backside. He turned his head quickly to see her land safely and continue on her way. What a little hellion! Father chose well. He grinned as he straightened on his mount, then jerked his head around at the sound of riders.

  “Ta me men. She will nae go far.” His guard lined up in formation just as Malcolm and his men pulled up before them.

  The Earl eyed the tresspassers with disdain, settling his gaze on Malcolm. Eyes hard as flint, he growled at him.

  “Let us pass, Dunbar. I have a need ta recover me betrothed.” Malcolm was bluffing but he did not know what else to do. Hopefully, the Earl did not know who the lass was.

  He shook his head slowly, his vivid green eyes boring a hole in the laird. “Ye are mistaken, Maclean. The only lass that has passed by here was MY betrothed. I am thinking ye thought ta steal her.”

  “Ye be certain of that, m’laird?” Malcolm’s eyes rounded as he noticed the Earl’s lion glowing just before he reached up to rub the irritation. Magic! He kens who she is alright.

  “Aye! There be nae mistaking my lion’s mate. Mayhap ye did nae see the mark?”

  “Mayhap.” Malcolm knew they were no match for thirty guardsmen. He would have to retreat for the moment. “Well, if ye be certain, m’laird...”

  “I am.”

  “Very well. I bid ye good eve then.”He jerked his reins back, spinning his horse about and left the way they had come.

  With a gesture, two of his guard followed the band discreetly, assuring that they left Lucian’s lands.

  Chapter Three

  Arianna slowed her mount about half a league away. She was certain that the Highlander they had jumped over would not allow Malcolm to follow.

  Rubbing her throbbing temple, she tried to collect her thoughts. Who was that man? I know him from somewhere. I felt it when he looked into my eyes. She sighed. One thing was certain...there was no going back to the present. Even if the gate stood, she knew that the world was destroyed.

  The sound of hoofbeats invaded her thoughts as the Earl of Dunbar caught up with her. Surrounded by his men she turned to gaze up at her savior as he sidled up to her. A gasp escaped her as her neck began to burn. He reached out, brushing aside her fiery hair, exposing the glowing lioness on her neck. Startled, his eyes darted to hers.

  “I was told ye were dead, Arianna! Where have ye been?”

  The pounding in her head grew thunderous as she slipped into a black void. The wild ride had been more than she could stand. Lucian caught her, transferring her onto his lap, as she fell limp.

  “Ian, take her mount,” he barked. Searching for injuries, he felt a lump on her scalp but no blood. Good! Tis nae serious. We will go ta the abby ta tend her and continue on in the morn.

  Ian pulled up beside him with Shalizar in tow. “Who is she, m’laird?”

  Lucian grinned widely, pleased with the results of this day. Holding her close had eased the burning pain on his neck assuring him that her’s had eased as well. Stroking her cheek with his thumb, he responded absently.

  “This is me long-lost betrothed...Arianna MacGregor...returned ta me.”

  He studied her from his place on the bench. Lucian didn’t know what to make of her strange clothes. He had never seen anything like them before. He shook his head. One thing is for certain...they reveal too much of me betrothed! He growled with displeasure. It did not matter. By morn Ian will have returned with proper attire and then they will be immediately wed. It was supposed to have occurred three years ago. He refused to wait one more day, especially with Maclean sniffing about her skirts!

  Lucian gave Arianna an appreciative appraisal as his eyes lazily ran the length of her supple form. She had grown into a stunning woman. Fiery red hair fell past her arse thick and luxurious. Long dark lashes graced her cheeks as she slept, hiding ceruleun eyes as deep as the sky. Her skin glowed from many hours spent in the sun and across her pert nose was a light dusting of freckles.

  His gaze faltered as it fell across her lips. Lips that held a promise of untold pleasures to come. A smile teased his mouth as he remembered their meeting. What spirit the lass has! I saw nae fear in her eye as she leapt over me...only concern. I ken of nae man who would attempt such a feat! Wherever she has been these past years...they have trained her well.

  There was a scratching at the door just then. The Earl rose silently and slipped out to the corridor where Ian stood with his bundle.

  “Did ye bring all that I asked?”

  “Aye, m’laird. I forgot naught.” Handing him the bundle and a small pouch, he turned and left.

  Lucian returned to the bench to take up his vigilance once again. Opening the pouch, he extracted a ring and examined it. It was his mother’s ring from when she had been wed. The golden lion’s emerald eye glinted at him, reflecting the candlelight in the small chamber. Replacing it in the pouch, he leaned back against the stone wall to catch a few hours rest before the wedding.

  Arianna woke slowly. Wow! What a nightmare! That was the most realistic one yet! She cracked open one eye in trepidation of what she would find. Her other eye popped open in shock as she gasped. Oh shit! It was not a bad dream at all! Leaning against the wall, slept the handsomest man she’d ever seen. The one who had always been hidden in the shadows...except for his eyes. Her tat began to warm as she backed out of the other side of the bed. The chill air causing her skin to prickle alerted her to another problem.

  Where’s my clothes? I’m naked! She turned a suspicious eye at the sleeping stranger...and who removed them? She swiftly wrapped the coarse blanket about her, then frantically began searching out her clothing.

  Smooth as silk, a deep voice rumbled at her, causing her to jump.

  “If it be your clothing for which ye search...ye will nae find them.”

  Arianna spun around to confront the stranger.

  �
��Where are they? I need to dress and be on my way.” She had no clue of where she would be “on her way to” but he didn’t know that. Her eyes narrowed. “And who, exactly, removed them from me?”

  A slow smile spread across his full mouth as she gasped in horror.

  “You...y-you undressed me? You’re a lecherous pig!” He had seen her naked! Touched her! She blushed in embarrassment. “Give me my clothes at once!”

  His eyes bore into hers for several moments before he shook his head. “I think nae. I prefer ye as ye are.”

  This is getting me nowhere fast. Perhaps a different tactic is called for. She rubbed her tatoo as the warmth began to irritate her. Arianna glanced over at him as he sprawled casually on the bench.

  “Who are you, anyway?”

  “Why I am struck ta the bone that ye do nae remember your betrothed!” His brow arched in question. “Ye truly do nae ken me?”

  She shook her tousled head.

  “I remember your eyes from my dreams...but that is all.” Nightmare would be more accurate.

  His head jerked up. She has the “knowing” if she dreamt of me.

  “Tell me of your dreams.”

  She shook her head again. “I can never remember them...not the details, anyway. I always see that man, Malcolm,” she shuddered, “and your green eyes. I wake up with a forboding and also...a yearning for something that I can’t explain. It’s the same every time, although it has become stronger lately.”

  Lucian watched the animation of her expressions as she answered him. He was satisfied that she spoke true. He rose from the stone bench and retrieved the bundle his squire had fetched for him.

  “Ye may wear these.” He handed the clothes to Arianna. “I will try ta explain things as ye dress.”

  “I would prefer privacy!”

  “That ye can nae have...but I vow I will nae watch if that makes ye feel better.”

  Snatching the bundle from him, she stalked over to a darkened corner muttering to herself. “What good is that vow when he’s already seen everything anyway? I should charge admission!”

  He chuckled as he overheard her. One thing was certain...their life together would not be boring!

  “Well? I’m waiting.”

  Lucian cleared his throat.

  “We were betrothed when ye was but a summer auld...I had seen eleven summers by then. When I was ten and nine, Father sent for ye ta live in Dunbar Castle with us so ye could learn how ta run it. That is when the MacGregor came empty-handed ta inform us of your abduction when ye were two summers auld. We were ta be wed three summers past.”

  “If your betrothed was only two then how can you be certain that it is me?” She stepped out of the shadows as he turned toward her.

  He inhaled deeply at the transformation. The blue silk gown matched her eyes perfectly as the material hugged her voluptuous curves. Stunning was not accurate enough to describe her beauty. Lucian snapped his mouth shut and continued as his finger delicately traced the lioness on her neck.

  “Because of this. We both acquired these when the contract was signed.”

  “It could just be coincidence though. Where I come from these tattoos are pretty common.”

  Lucian shook his head. “Nay, lass. These lions are special. Have ye never examined it closely?”

  She shook her head. Her body quivering at his delicate touch. He reached for the candle bringing it close to his head. “See for yourself, lass.”

  Her eyes were drawn to the exquisite artwork of the black and gold rampant lion. She gasped suddenly and stepped back, her eyes darting to his.

  “I can see my name written in the mane! It could still be coincidence.” She shook her head in denial.

  “If that be true, then how do ye explain me name written in your lioness’ tail?”

  “I don’t believe you!” She reached for her throat in a panic.

  “See for yourself, Arianna.” He handed her a piece of brightly polished metal and held the candle closer. Her eyes expanded in shock as she dropped the metal to the floor.

  Shaking her head, she cried out, “How can this be? I’m from the future...almost nine hundred years apart!”

  Lucian was stunned. I must have misheard her! Tis nae possible unless...Mavis! If anyone could have done this, twould be her! There is nae denying that she has mysterious powers. That could explain the strange clothing. If this is true then Arianna has untold knowledge of historical events! Such knowledge in Maclean’s hands would be disastrous! He shook his head. He would not allow that to happen.

  A feeling of dread snaked up her spine. She should not have said that to him! He will either think she is crazy or a witch! Neither idea appealed to her as she slowly raised her eyes to meet Lucian’s hard stare.

  Chapter Four

  Alarm seized her heart as she stared into his indecipherable emerald eyes. She gulped as she slowly withdrew from his reach. Arianna knew enough about this age to understand that he could easily snap her neck if he was so inclined.

  Lucian sensed her distress as panic flashed in her eyes. He needed to let her know that she should not fear him. But how? Mere words would not calm her.

  He grinned widely at her, baring his even white teeth.

  “Ye will nae dissuade me from wedding ye with such a wild story, lass. Ye and I are betrothed and we will be wed this very morn. Come...the priest awaits us in the chapel.” He held out his arm for her to lay her hand on as he watched her relax. Good. She thinks I do nae believe her.

  “Marry? When did I agree to that?”

  “When ye were one summer. Your father pledged ye ta me...that has nae changed.” He studied her for a moment...then continued. “Have ye nae noticed the burning of the mark when we be too far apart?”

  Arianna nodded, surprised. He had felt it, too?

  Lucian grunted. “Tis because there was magic involved when the deed was done. Our souls were wed on that day. We are mates, lass, for all eternity. Naught will change that. The burning is a sign of recognition betwixt us so we do nae stray far apart.” Aware that he had her full attention, he continued in a husky voice. “Once our bodies are joined as well, the burning will cease unless ye be in danger.”

  She gasped as heat flooded her body at the tone of his voice. Her heart pounded in her chest with each ragged breath. Damned if I don’t believe him! Was this the yearning in my nightmares? Regardless, he is very easy on the eye and he makes my blood boil! She shrugged. I cannot return to the future anyway...it is gone, and he wants me. Who am I to argue? Trembling, she placed her hand on his steely forearm.

  “I am ready, my laird, except for one thing.”

  He arched a brow.

  “What would that be, lass?”

  She licked her dry lips.

  “Who are you?”

  Lucian threw back his head and roared with laughter. Her candor was refreshing. With a twinkle in his eye, he replied, “I am Lucian Dunbar, my lady, Earl of Dunbar...and your ‘soon ta be’ husband if I can get ye moving.”

  “Lucian...I like that name.” She smiled at him as they departed for the chapel.

  The ceremony had been quick. Lucian was anxious to get his bride safely home before Malcolm could return with more men. There was a fierce burning on his neck as he ventured too far ahead of his bride. He slowed his pace until she came alongside of him.

  Glancing over at her, he asked, “Why did ye jump over me, wife? Twas very risky.”

  Arianna gave him a surprised look.

  “It didn’t seem risky to me. I knew Shalizar could clear your horse...I just wasn’t sure if he would miss you, too.”

  He arched his black brow.

  “Ye did nae care if he killed me?”

  She grinned.

  “Let’s just say that the danger behind me was more pressing than the risk of hitting you.”

  He laughed.

  “I like ye, Arianna. We will do well together.” His smile soon turned into a frown as a thick fog moved in surrounding them.


  Reaching over, he took hold of her reins to keep her close. He would take no chances of loosing her in the thick whiteness that enveloped them.

  Arianna was about to protest but, glancing toward her husband, she realized that she could not see him. We are barely three feet apart! I’ve never seen such a fog before. Her voice quavered.

  “L-Lucian?”

  “Aye, lass. Do nae fear. I am beside ye. If we happen ta separate though, let your mark lead ye ta me.” He heard the anxiety in her tone and wished to reassure her. Until she was bedded there was still a great danger of losing his mate and this fog made an attack all too easy. Fearing the worst, he reached over and pulled her before him on his destriar.

  She sighed as the burning eased, snuggling closer to him. Inhaling his scent deeply, she stroked his broad chest through his tunic. Desire surged at the contact. She nibbled playfully at his throat.

  “Woman! Ye must cease or we will nae make it ta me home! I need ta concentrate.”

  “I can’t help it. Something is pulling me to you. How much farther is it?”

  Lucian growled deep in his throat as his shaft thickened. “Too far! An hour...mayhap two.” Moving her to his steed may have been a mistake. His lust was overwhelming him. He grit his teeth while steeling himself for the torturous ride ahead.

  To distract himself, he contemplated what she had revealed about her whereabouts these past summers. Nine hundred years! She must hold a fountain of knowledge in her wee head. I have nae need of such...tis best ta leave it be. But Malcolm! He would use her understanding of the future for his own ends. I will nae allow it.

  The white blanket began to thin as they topped a rise a short while later looking down on Castle Dunbar. Surveying the area before him, Lucian saw no danger and proceeded to his home.

  Arianna was startled to wakefulness by a cacophony of bells ringing announcing their return. His grip tightened on her waist to prevent a fall. “Steady, wife. Tis only a greeting.”

  She blushed. “I was not afraid, only startled. I had dozed off.” Her eyes darted all around the bailey excitedly as she observed the things she had only read about. Anxious to explore, she turned her eyes back to her husband to seek permission and noticed a change in his demeanor. His body stiffened as he sat with a regal flair atop his destriar. A mask descended over his face as his eyes grew distant.