Highlander's Passion (The Matheson Brothers Book 2) by Joanne Wadsworth Page B

racing across her skin.
    “’Tis naught.” She focused on her heat and keeping it contained. Causing a heat wave in front of so many would do nothing but bring about harm. She had to maintain her control.
    “That’s not the answer I seek.” He tugged her into the darkened alcove near the chief’s solar where they were assured of a little privacy. “You’ve nothing to fear by sharing what’s in your heart with me. I want to know everything, all that you think, all that worries you.”
    “I’ve always wanted bairns, but known I’d never be a mother. I still cannae see how such a thing could be.”
    “Arabel, you’re the one I’ve been searching for, the one I would never have ceased searching for. There is no other woman for me other than you. I give you my word we’ll tackle each coming day together. Good times and bad, we’ll always stand by each other’s sides.”
    “I cannae deny these feelings I have for you, the deep need to protect you, although the only way for that to happen is if I let you go afore I no longer can.”
    A bubbling laugh floated toward her. Isla gazed into Iain’s eyes with such a wealth of love. Their bond was strong, but then Isla couldn’t kill her mate as she could kill hers.
    “Look at me.” Finlay planted his hands on the paneled wall either side of her head and leaned in. “From the moment they met, they were inseparable, and Iain desires only Isla’s happiness, her safety and wellbeing, just as I desire yours.” He surrounded her, his delicious scent wrapping around and comforting her. “We’ll find a way around your skill, but you need to keep the faith that we will. They’ll be no letting go, for either you or me.”
    “This is difficult. I never expected to embark on a relationship, particularly one as strong and as all-consuming as the mated bond. You are relentless, and you’re also driving me to complete distraction.” She grasped his tan shirtfront and tugged him with her into the chief’s solar, thankfully devoid of their chief since Gilleoin still remained at the village. The side antechamber held a chunky wooden desk, a tall chest with ornately carved feet and an array of chairs and benches around the perimeter of the room. She halted in the center and said, “Those of us who are fae must uphold ourselves to the sacred laws of our people. There have been six fire-wielders afore me, and the law states that should a fire-wielder cause the death of another through intimacy, then they forfeit their own life. ’Tis a law I will uphold.”
    “You’re my mate, and as I’ve told you, there isn’t a chance you can bring harm to me, just as I can’t bring any harm to you. There will be no loss of life, either yours or mine.”
    “You cannae change who I am, but I assure you, I will protect you, with my dying breath if I must.” She leaned in and nipped his lower lip. “This is an impossible bond, one I want, yet I’m completely frightened to embrace.”
    “We’ll embrace all the challenges ahead together, and no matter how impossible our bond appears right now, being with you is all I desire and I’ll fight for that right.” Grimacing, he scrubbed a hand across his forehead then frowned.
    Something brushed against her mind then pushed as if trying to find a way in. Ouch. She rubbed her forehead.
    “I’m sorry. That’s me. My mind is trying to forge the merged link but is coming up against a solid barrier. A barrier I don’t care for.”
    “Gilleoin and Sorcha have such a merged link. They can speak to each other at will along a pathway known only to them, mind to mind.”
    “It’s a skill inherent in my shifter blood. The fact I’m trying to forge a telepathic link with you is absolute proof you’re my chosen one, not that I needed it.”
    “Can you pull your mind back?”
    “Of course.” The pain abruptly ceased as he did. “Everything within me desires to be a part of you, Arabel, to speak with you at ease, no matter where you