Page 20 of Wendy Meets the Highlander Hamish (Scottish Highlander I Never Knew #5)
“ D id Aine give you the answers you were seeking?” Cam asked when Hamish and Wendy returned.
"We didnae actually make it to Aine’s. Before we reached the path to take us to the boat, we encountered a stranger on the road. Wendy thought he might be Dub Sith at first, but it t’was nae him. The man didnae give his name, but asked why we were going to see Aine.”
“Was he Fae? Perhaps Aine has taken a sentinel to guard her isle?” Cam suggested.
Wendy shook her head. “I don’t think so.”
“Wendy’s right, the man had nothing to do with Aine. Though we didnae know that at the time. Wendy told him of the kelpie, and he gave us advice. Detailed advice on how to handle the creature."
Wendy added, her voice steady, "We believe the man may have been the kelpie himself.”
Cam froze, his gaze meeting theirs. “Why do you believe that?”
“His hair was dripping wet, and I know from the stories that kelpie can shift into the form of a human. The one way to tell is that their hair always remains wet, no matter what form they take.”
Nodding slowly, Cam said, “What advice did he give you?”
Hamish answered, “He told us to return to Loch Finlaggan, and wait patiently for the kelpie to appear, and then follow it. He said something is driving the kelpie to attack, and if we can discover what, we might be able to end its rampage."
Cam leaned back, fingers tapping rhythmically on the table. "We must proceed carefully. If the kelpie can shift into a human form, we'll need to be vigilant. We'll not be caught unawares should he choose to attack us again."
“So should we do as he asked, do you think?” Hamish questioned.
“I think that may be a wise decision, but stay watchful. These Fae can be tricksters and I willnae have either of you, nor any of our men falling prey to this one.”
“Aye, then we’ll leave at first light and return to Loch Finlaggan.”
Cam nodded. “Get an early night.”
Later in the evening, as Wendy sat wide awake in her bed, there was a firm knock on her door. She grabbed up her robe, which Bridie had called a dressing gown, and put it on. Her fingers lingered on the fabric, and she took a deep breath before opening the door.
To her pleasant surprise, Hamish stood on the other side, his silhouette outlined by the soft glow of the corridor torches. Wendy's eyes met his, and for a fleeting moment, time seemed to pause.
"Hamish," she greeted with a subtle smile, and warmth in her eyes. The castle corridor echoed with the muted sounds of castle life, and Wendy gestured for him to enter.
Hamish held up a bottle of whisky, the rich aroma of the Highland spirit wafting through the air. "Cannae sleep. Join me for a drink, lass?" he invited.
A smile played on Wendy's lips, and she replied, "I would love to.
" She felt nervous having him here like this, but also slightly naughty and mischievous. Was this even allowed in this era? Did unwed women allow men into their bedchambers for a night cap? And if they did, would they then be thought of as loose women? Was Hamish even actually interested in her in that way? He’d only kissed her the once, maybe all he was thinking of was sharing a drink with a friend.
That thought sent her spirits crashing to the floor.
Hamish settled into a sturdy wooden chair at the small table, and then looked at her with curiosity. “Everything well with you, lass?” he asked as he poured them each a cup of the whisky.
“Yes, I’m fine.” Wendy smiled and took a seat in the other chair.
"To new beginnings," Hamish toasted, and Wendy raised her glass in agreement.
The whisky, like a comforting embrace, warmed her from within.
Wendy sighed. “So why can’t you sleep? Is it the man we encountered on the road?
Cause that’s what’s keeping me up, I can tell you.
I just don’t get it. If it was the kelpie, why didn’t he just tell us what’s going on?
” She looked over at Hamish, her eyes wide as she took another gulp of the whisky.
"It tis, lass. I keep wondering if this is a trap. Or perhaps the creature is actually being forced or goaded into attacking our people. If that is so, who is responsible for that?"
Their questions hung in the air, echoing the uncertainty that enveloped them.
“I think the man’s suggestion is our best course of action though.” Wendy met Hamish’s gaze.
“Aye, you could be right, lass. An’ it cannae hurt to learn what is driving the kelpie to act.”
As the weight of the Kelpie's mystery lingered in the air, Hamish stood and pulled Wendy up from her chair and into his arms, drawing her into a warm embrace that spoke of unspoken emotions.
Their lips met in a kiss filled with passion and longing. Time seemed to suspend as the kiss went on and on, making Wendy’s toes curl and setting her skin ablaze.
The happiness that surged through Wendy was an acknowledgment of the strength of her feelings for Hamish, feelings that had quietly woven themselves into the fabric of her being.
"You are a vision of beauty that even the most radiant sunrise could nae rival, Wendy.
The stars themselves envy the sparkle in your eyes," Hamish said, his voice husky as their kiss ended.
He traced the contours of her face with his fingertips, each touch an affirmation of the connection they shared.
"I cannae help but think about you, lass.
In the forge, in the quiet of the night, your image dances in my mind like a cherished melody. "
"I love hearing you say that," she whispered between kisses. “I hoped you felt the same way I’ve been feeling toward you. I’m so glad you do.”
A smile played on his lips as he continued, "When the moonlight spills over the loch, I'm reminded of the soft glow that surrounds you. It's as if the very heavens conspired to create a reflection of your grace and beauty."
“Hamish,” she murmured, loving the words that were falling from his lips.
"I've ne'er known a woman like you, Wendy. You've become the heartbeat of my days and the whispered prayer of my nights."
“And you mine as well,” Wendy shared, her voice barely a whisper as she gazed up at him lovingly.
Hamish, with a gentleness that matched the Highland mist, continued to express his admiration as he kissed her neck. "Your spirit, lass, tis a force that guides my steps. I find myself lost in sound of your laughter, and in the quiet moments, it's the echo of your name that fills my soul."
Wendy moaned in response to his kisses and words.
In a moment of unrestrained passion, Hamish swept Wendy off her feet. His powerful arms cradled her, and with a fervent kiss, he conveyed feelings that words alone could not express.
As they shared this tender moment, Wendy, nestled in Hamish's embrace, felt the beating of her heart synchronize with the rhythm of his. The world around them seemed to fade, leaving only the echo of their mutual longing.
Breaking the silence, Wendy, with eyes that spoke volumes, uttered words that hung in the air like a sweet melody. "Hamish, I’m falling in love with you," she confessed, her voice a gentle whisper that carried the weight of her emotions.
Hamish, his gaze reflecting the sincerity of his feelings, tightened his embrace, as if seeking to protect this fragile yet powerful bond between them. “And I with you, lass.”
Their lips met in a dance of passion, a symphony of longing that echoed through the room. Hamish's hands, strong and knowing, traced the contours of Wendy's body, igniting a flame that burned with an intensity that Wendy had never experienced before.
As their kisses deepened, Wendy's fingers traced the rugged terrain of Hamish's shoulders. Hamish laid her down upon the bed, and gazed into her eyes. “Are you sure, lass?” he murmured.
“Yes, Hamish, please, I want you,” she replied, sitting up to remove her night dress.
Hamish slowly moved down Wendy's body. She moaned with every amount of him lowering his body between her legs.
"Mm, lass. You are a beauty," he moaned as he plunged his face between her milky thighs. His skilled lips and tongue moved in a way that made Wendy arch her back up off the mattress.
"Oh Hamish, oh that feels so good," she cried.
Her fingers entwined his hair as he pleasured her. Wendy felt like a wanton woman as he brought her to ecstasy. She had yearned for this moment and now that it was happening the feeling of joy and elation was too much to handle.
"Oh, Hamish," she whispered. The words barely left her lips before a tremor rocked through her body. She felt the pulse of her body quicken beneath his skilled tongue.
Hamish stood up from the bed and smiled at her, pleased with himself of course, as he removed his plaid, tunic, kilt, and undergarments. The sight of him naked before her made her mouth water.
"You are incredibly handsome," she said.
"Not nearly the vision you are, lass," he said. He rejoined her on the bed. "I want you, lass. Do you want me? All of me?" he asked as he kissed her neck, down her chest, and took her nipple into his mouth.
"I do, Hamish. I want you inside me," she replied breathless as she laid back onto the bed.
Wendy wrapped her legs and arms around his strong body, holding on as he moved slowly, making passionate love to each other. His mouth found hers and engaged in a deep kiss that seemed to last hours.
His strong hand fondled her breast while the other held him up hovering over her.
Wendy felt like she was in a dream. The sensations that moved through her hit on every inch of her skin.
She did not care who heard her in the moment of bliss she shared with him.
Once their lovemaking was finished, they fell asleep wrapped in each other’s arms.