Stone of Destiny Read online

  Stone of Destiny

  Copyright ©2011 by Laura Eno

  All rights reserved.

  Nook Edition

  First edition published August 2011

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Chapter One

  The sultry woman who lay in his bed didn’t fool him. Gavin knew her for what she really was – one of the Fae. He smiled to himself. Perhaps she’d heard of his legendary prowess and wished to test him. From the look of her, he’d passed.

  “Maybe I'll stay here for a while.” Her voice was smooth velvet, issued from lips that moments ago had begged him for more.

  “I dinna think so. My betrothed will arrive in a fortnight and it wouldna look right to still have you lying in my bed, now would it?”

  It didn’t matter that he’d never even met the girl. A contract marriage, arranged by his father many years ago, was still sacred and he intended to be faithful…no matter how badly it turned out.

  Her eyes narrowed at his dismissal. A small stone appeared in her hand, its smooth surface striated with bands of green.

  “Do you know what this is?”

  Gavin eyed the rock. It was too small to do him any damage if she threw it at him.

  “It’s a small stone. What of it?”

  She laughed and rose from the bed, coming over to place the stone against his bare chest. The rock felt warm, alive somehow.

  “This is a Stone of Destiny…yours.”

  She tossed it up in the air and it disappeared, as did she a moment later, leaving Gavin to wonder what she meant. No matter, he decided. She was gone and not likely to return.

  ***

  The lunch-hour crowd had finally thinned out. Abbie had cleaned her own tables for the last two hours and she needed a break. They were short-handed today, so the pace had been hectic.

  Clearing off the last of her area, she noticed her customer, a sweet old lady, had left her a rock as a tip. Sighing, Abbie scooped it into her pocket. If she put it in with the dishes it was likely to end up in the sink instead of the trash and her boss would probably charge her for the plumbing repairs with her luck. This job wasn’t great, but she needed it to get through school so the fewer confrontations with that cranky bastard the better.

  A customer walked in and sat at one of her tables. A muscle-bound type, Abbie noted with disdain, whose brain most likely centered three feet lower than his head. He caught her eye and winked. Repeating her mantra 'any customer is a good customer' to herself, she plastered a smile on her face and handed him a menu.

  “You have all the luck.” Kristen whispered to her as Abbie stuck the order on the wheel.

  “Him? He kept trying to add me onto the menu.” Having to deal with men like that and still be pleasant taxed her energy.

  “I would have offered myself as dessert.” Kristen had a dreamy look on her face as she said it.

  Abbie laughed. “He’d probably take you up on it, too.”

  Kristen was a tall, willowy blonde, making Abbie seem short and stocky by comparison. Although her best features were large green eyes and a riot of auburn curls, right now her hair was pulled back tight in a rather severe bun. She felt downright matronly at the moment.

  “Do you want to take the table for me? I’ve got a class later and it wouldn’t hurt to get there early for once.”

  Kristen didn’t need to be asked twice, almost running Abbie down in her haste to get over to the man and introduce herself. Well, at least one of us is happy today. She shook her head at the thought and left.

  Driving home to change clothes before class, Abbie tried to figure out why she was feeling so restless. Was it the lack of a social life? She didn’t need the complications of dating right now. Only one semester away before starting med school, she needed to focus on that first. Abbie was already twenty-five; starting a career would be a top priority for a while. She could meet guys later.

  I’ll end up with the bookworm type anyway. She snorted. Brainy, sensitive men were more appealing to her, not domineering hunks who flexed their muscles while watching themselves in the mirror.

  Once home, she changed out of her uniform, dropping it on the floor next to her bed and donned a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. Yanking her hair out of the bun, she passed a brush haphazardly through it and left for school.

  After class she grabbed a late dinner and took it home, studying while she ate. There was a message on the answering machine from Kristen, inviting her out to some new club with a group of Kristen’s friends. She liked Kristen, who was perhaps her only friend, but Abbie didn’t want to get into the whole going out and partying thing. She didn’t have time for it.

  Her eyelids grew heavy from all the reading. Abbie stretched but it didn't help. She glanced at the coffee pot then decided against it, heading for the bedroom instead. An extra hour of sleep would do her some good.

  Dropping her clothes in a pile on the floor, Abbie turned off the light and crawled into bed, falling asleep as soon as she closed her eyes. A green glow filled the room, emanating from the forgotten stone in her uniform pocket. Unaware of the strange light, Abbie began to dream.

  A sinfully gorgeous man moved slowly over to the bed where she was lying in breathless anticipation. She knew this man; he had loved her before. His exotic looks started a fire within her. His muscular chest tapered down to slim hips and powerful thighs. He unbound his dark hair, knowing how much she loved feeling that silky mass flowing over her body. Abbie reached for him, but he grabbed her hand and held it aloft, grinning with his sexy smile.

  “You are mine, Abbie, for now and always.”

  He bent to lavish kisses on her breasts, slowly moving down to flick his tongue across her body, then lower still to gather in her heat. The man moved with the grace of a warrior, but she had captured his heart. Wild in her need, she attempted to draw him in, but he only laughed, pinning her arms above her head with one hand. She managed to bite his nipple as he slid down her body, causing him to groan with desire.

  Pushing inside and filling her completely, he drove hard within her. She called out his name as she climaxed and he kissed her with an insatiable desire. He brought her again to that pinnacle and moved with her until he could no longer hold back. Cradling her in his arms afterwards, he spoke of his love for her until she drifted off to sleep in contentment.

  Abbie woke up confused and looked around her sun-lightened room.

  “Whoa…that was definitely an out of the ordinary dream.” The exact details were starting to fade now that she was awake, but it had felt more like a vision of the future rather than a dream. Besides, still being a virgin at twenty-five hadn’t exactly prepared her for dreaming in such detail. She was getting hot again just trying to recall it all.

  And what was up with the hunk? Was her libido trying to tell her that it wasn’t going for the bookworm type and she would have to get over her preconceived notions about muscle boys? I’ll make you a deal, she told her alter ego. If you can come up with a brainy, sensitive hunk who’s not domineering then I’ll agree and we can both be happy. She sighed. Fat chance…

  After a quick shower, Abbie started sorting clothes. She wanted to get all the laundry done early to give herself a few hours of free time before afternoon classes started. As she picked up her uniform from yesterday the rock fell out of her pocket. She had forgotten about it. Bending closer to inspect it, she noticed it had bands of a sparkly green color running through it. Abbie carried it over to the open doorway where the sunlight seemed to radiate through the rock as it struck the bands.

  I wonder if
somebody in the geology department can tell me what it is. It was worth a try anyway. She stuck it in the pocket of her shorts so she wouldn’t forget it.

  The doorway grew hazy but before Abbie could step back, the floor began to tilt. She felt as if something grabbed her just as her vision went black.

  Chapter Two

  When the light reappeared, Abbie was sitting on the ground outside of a castle, gazing up at a giant of a man who had his back to her. His long, dark hair flowed freely to his waist and he wore a kilt. He turned around and Abbie found herself looking into the face of the most magnificent man she’d ever seen.

  Gavin stared at the young lass on the ground directly in front of him. She was mostly undressed, wearing only men’s trews that were cut off and a thin shirt, both of which fit her like a second skin and revealed voluptuous curves for all to see. No doubt quite wanton, dressed that way. She had glorious hair and mesmerizing eyes, not to mention large breasts and plump hips.

  Gavin felt himself grow hard as he assessed her. She must have noticed the rise in his kilt, for her eyes remained focused there and she licked her lips invitingly. His nostrils flared as lust surged through him.

  Get a hold of yourself, Abbie! She realized she was staring in the wrong place as his kilt moved, spreading out to an impossible length, while her eyes refused to glance away. No one could be that large, not that she had any comparisons to go by, but still…

  Ohmigod, did I just lick my lips? She groaned audibly.

  The man obviously took it as an invitation, for he laughed low in his throat, a guttural purr of satisfaction dripping with sexual overtones. He spoke to her then, in a sensual voice that sent shockwaves of desire running through her body. Abbie was so caught up in the sensation that it took her a moment to realize she hadn’t understood his words.

  “I’m sorry, what did you say?” She managed to tear her eyes away from his kilt-at-full-mast in time to see the shock register on his face and eyes narrow as he watched her.

  “You are English?” That wasn’t quite right either; she spoke in an odd accent, one that he couldn’t place.

  “What? No, American.” What kind of a question was that? He was a bit hard to understand, with his rolling r's.

  “Where am I?” And how did I get here? She must have hit her head or something…or maybe this was just a dream.

  “Well, if I’m dreaming I can look where I want, right?”

  “Have a good look, lass.” His smile was wicked, intoxicating.

  “Did I just say that out loud?”

  “Aye, you did. As to where you are, this is Bealach na Ba.”

  Abbie had never heard of it. This wasn’t progressing like a normal dream, either. Why would she come up with names that she had a hard time pronouncing? She tried again.

  “Where is Bealach na Ba?”

  He looked at her strangely. “It is by Loch Carrann.”

  “Loch…as in Scotland?” Her voice came out in a squeak.

  “Aye, the highlands.” Gavin watched the lass faint away. Why would she react in such a way, as if his mention of the highlands had frightened her? Well, she wasn't in any condition to answer his questions at the moment. He gathered her up and carried her to a room upstairs, reluctantly releasing her onto the bed. She felt good in his arms, as if she belonged there. Her bare legs were smooth, silky to the touch. Did she remove all of her body hair?

  This is nae time to start with thoughts like that. Iona Matheson would be here in a fortnight to begin their official betrothal. This woman needed to be sent on her way well before that time. He left the room and went in search of Katherine to oversee the details.

  ***

  When Abbie woke up, an older woman was sitting beside the bed.

  “How do ye feel?” Her voice was gentle and kind, gaining Abbie’s immediate trust.

  “I’m not sure yet. I don’t understand how I ended up here.” She looked at her surroundings; they were unlike any she’d ever seen before. There was a massive fireplace along one wall and the four-poster bed she was lying on was intricately carved.

  “Ye dinna know how ye came to be on MacKenzie land?”

  “No, I mean I don’t know how I got to Scotland.”

  The woman looked closely at her for a moment but let it pass. “My name is Katherine and I run the household for the Laird. Ye can feel free to talk to me about anything. First, we need to find ye something to wear. Whatever happened to yer clothing?”

  Abbie looked down at her shorts and tank top. They were old, as she was about to do the laundry, but perfectly serviceable. She noticed Katherine’s dress for the first time and her eyes widened. Abbie scanned the room again; candles sat where lamps should have been and no electronics graced the shelves at all.

  “Wha…what year is this?” Abbie’s head was spinning again.

  There was real concern in Katherine’s eyes now. “Did ye receive a bump on the head?”

  “Please, just tell me.”

  “1617…what year did ye think it was?”

  “2011.” She fainted again.

  ***

  Yep, I’m still here, Abbie thought as she woke up for the second time. This time was different though. That testosterone-filled man sat on the bed, staring down at her. Someone, most likely Katherine, had covered her up with a thin blanket. He has the most beautiful golden eyes was her errant thought before reality snapped back into place.

  “How did you bring me here?” Abbie ground that out while trying not to notice his perfectly kissable lips as he grinned at her.

  Katherine had apprised him of the lass’s belief that she had traveled 400 years into the past. Maybe she was addled, although she didn’t sound like it.

  “I am Gavin MacKenzie and the Laird here so I will ask the questions. Who sent you here and why?”

  She ignored him, becoming angry with the whole situation.

  “I don’t know how you brought me here but I demand you return me home immediately.”

  She was even more beautiful when she was mad, Gavin thought. Her eyes flashed with a silver light as she spoke.

  “Might I know your name first?”

  “Abbie Kyle.”

  “Abbie, that’s a nice name.”

  The way he spoke her name with his brogue made her heart flutter.

  “I didna bring you here, Abbie. You must have received a knock on the head and wandered through the gate.” He’d already checked with the guard though; she hadn’t passed through that way. And when he’d turned she was already sitting on the ground. He should have been able to hear her approaching him.

  Abbie struggled to get up, only then realizing that her clothes were gone and all she was wearing was a thin nightgown.

  “Where are my clothes? Get out of here and let me get dressed,” she demanded. “I’ll find my own way back.”

  Gavin sought to restrain her, only increasing her ire as he did so. He enjoyed the fight in her, so different from most women of his acquaintance. She was still shouting, but he didn’t hear the words. Overwhelmed with a desire he didn’t understand, Gavin kissed her hard. The she-devil bit him, enticing him even more. He stretched his full weight on her in a show of dominance as he continued to kiss those lovely lips.

  Abbie quit struggling as her traitorous body responded to the Neanderthal. She’d never been kissed so completely in her entire life. His impossibly large erection started nudging her in the leg, causing her nipples to harden. Her mind was still sending out danger signals, although somewhat half-heartedly.

  “Stop.” Was that really her voice, panting?

  Gavin held onto her for a moment longer, at last releasing her when she didn’t try to fight him. He was having a hard time reigning his emotions back in. Most peculiar…

  “Stay the night.” He spoke gently to her now, no longer in a hurry to see her leave. “We’ll try to find some answers tomorrow.”

  Abbie nodded, not trusting her voice. Gavin left, sending Katherine back up to attend to her. She had an ar
mload of clothes and several people with buckets of hot water trailing in her wake.

  “I thought a good soak might help ye relax a bit and these clothes ought to fit ye just fine. We will be eating in about an hour, if yer feeling up to coming downstairs?”

  “Thank you, Katherine. I’ll be down.” She needed some answers and she wasn’t going to find them shut up here in this room.

  Chapter Three

  The bath actually did help her to relax. Abbie next tried to figure out the different layers of clothing and which one went on first. Her own had disappeared so she was stuck with this dress. The simple shift was apparently the only undergarment supplied and Abbie felt a bit exposed.

  After putting the other layers on she turned to the mirror, pleased by what she saw. The dress suited her figure, accentuating her breasts and minimizing the rest. She felt beautiful in it. Footwear was a form of slipper; not exactly her hiking boots but they worked with the gown. Turning to go downstairs, she sternly reminded herself that she was looking for the way back home and not trying to impress that domineering, although magnificent, man.

  When Abbie descended the stairs for the noon meal, Gavin couldn’t take his eyes off her. She was a vision to behold and it took all of his discipline to keep from sweeping her up and taking her back to his room. The lavender gown set off her deep auburn curls and green eyes. The cut showed full breasts that he wanted to bury his face in.

  Katherine walked by at that moment and shoved a dish into his hands. “Yer staring at the poor lass,” she muttered. Recalling himself, Gavin walked to the foot of the stairs and escorted Abbie to her seat at the table, sitting directly across from her instead of at the head. Katherine slid into the vacant chair as if nothing was amiss.

  Dinner was a lively affair, with tacksmen, various relatives and the captain of the guard joining them at the table. Gavin introduced Abbie all around, without informing anyone of the circumstances surrounding her arrival. As they ate, Abbie noticed surreptitious glances aimed at both her and Gavin alike.

  It was a unique experience for Abbie. Having been an only child, she’d never been introduced to large family gatherings, even before her parents had died. Ever since they’d been killed in the accident, Abbie had been alone in the world and fought against a natural tendency to be reclusive.