HAND ON THE hilt of the dagger at his side, Graham narrowed his eyes at Sven and debated his next move. Jessie had warned of another dragon, and now one was here. Too coincidental in his opinion. “How do we know ye are who ye say ye are?”

“Ask your cousin.” Sven’s hard eyes stayed on Graham’s blade though he made no move toward his own weapon. “Bryce can sense my inner dragon and knows the truth of it. I have come to ensure your safety.”

“Why?”

Sven’s eyes met his, his reply straightforward. “Because you are kin.”

Graham kept eying him before he called out to Bryce. “Is what he says true, Cousin?”

“Aye,” Bryce replied, his voice echoing through the cave. “I sense his dragon. ‘Tis related and it doesnae mean us any harm.” Before anyone could respond, Christina turned troubled eyes Sven’s way and said, “Are you responsible for what I just saw in that tapestry?” Her eyes went to Graham. “A Viking who spoke to me by the way.”

“That is King Heidrek,” Bryce called out. “What did he say?”

“The same thing Rona said about death coming to those who fly and death to Scotland.” Her eyes returned to Sven. “Then you showed up talking about a prophecy.”

Graham frowned, his hand still firmly on his dagger as he eyed the Viking. “What prophecy?”

“The one my aunt is trying to save you all from,” Sven said. “One interconnected with my own era and my kin. That is all I can share.”

Graham could tell by the look in Sven's eyes that they would get very little information out of him. He had a mission and meant to see it through.

“I saw Jessie’s picture in that tapestry too,” Christina said. “The dragon on fire.” Her eyes narrowed slightly at Sven. “Maybe it was just me, but I got the impression you saw it too, and that’s why you mentioned a prophecy.”

Sven considered her for a moment before he said more than Graham anticipated. “It is connected with Aunt Aðísla’s prophecy and must be heeded by my people. It’s more related to what’s happening in my era than what is happening in Scotland.”

Confused, Christina shook her head. “Then why did my friend Jessie draw it?”

“I do not know.” Sven shook his head. “But it’s my hope that I will find out while I’m here. As it was, that symbol finally helped us locate my aunt. To what end we cannot entirely be sure. Now that I’m here, though, it’s clear you need help so I can only hope the symbol is working in our favor.”

Graham wasn’t sure he liked the sound of this but what could he do? Sven was here and determined to stay.

“I’m surprised you speak English,” Kenna remarked softly.

“Because we have often interacted with twenty-first century women over the years, we have made a point of learning it as a second language,” Sven said.

“Well, I’ll be damned,” Christina murmured. “You Vikings hook up with time travelers too?”

“Och, will someone bloody well help me out of here?” Bryce grumbled.

“I dinnae know.” Graham shook his head as he and Sven located Bryce. “Because of ye, I  doused my lass in moat water.”

“Just help Sven get me out,” he muttered, wedged at an unfortunate angle between two rocks that seemed to bottom out in an endless crevice. “This is bloody uncomfortable.”

“I would imagine,” Graham commented, smirking as Christina shook her head and frowned at him as she and Kenna joined them.

“What?” He shrugged. “I will help.”

“Ye better.” Kenna frowned and rounded her eyes at him. “That’s yer blood right there ye bastard.”

“I agree,” Christina added, peering into what little they could see of the crevice. “I can understand why Bryce would be uncomfortable down there.”

“They’re kind hearted lasses,” Bryce called up as Sven tossed aside his weapons, leapt over the side and began shimmying down. “Too good for the likes of ye, Graham.” His random mutterings kept echoing off the rock. “Gets to travel through time with both his lasses. ‘Tis not right!”

So Bryce was convinced Christina was his? Good.

He set aside the fact his cousin was under the impression he and Kenna were together when that was supposed to be a secret.

“Och,” Graham muttered, tossing aside his weapons before he followed. “Leave it to ye to land here of all places when time traveling, Cousin.”

“Do ye think I had a choice in the matter?” Bryce growled.

It was no easy task getting to where he was, never mind helping a man Bryce’s size out of such a tight spot. While Sven was easily his size and Graham close enough, Bryce was over six foot seven inches of solid muscle and moody dragon countenance. A foul mood he suspected had more to do with looking so foolish in front of the lasses.

To make matters worse, he was wounded enough that they had to somewhat drag him up.

By the time they all flopped down on the ground, safe, Graham realized how poorly this would have gone had Sven not been here. Even with magic, he wasn’t sure he would have been able to pull his cousin to safety.

He nodded at Sven in thanks before he frowned at Bryce. “Have ye a broken bone then?”

“Nay.” Bryce frowned and shook his head as he sat back against a rock. “Just bad sprains here and there.”

“Why is it so damp?” Christina asked, trying to peer beyond the small torch Sven had somehow manifested, and Kenna now held. “I don’t sense water all that close...I don’t think.”

When Graham and Bryce glanced at her, interested in her odd wording, she clarified. “I meant hear not sense.”

There was water much deeper down than where they were now. But how did she know that?

Graham looked at Bryce again, trying to hide his concern over their circumstances. “Why not heal yourself with dragon magic?”

“’Tis unwise to use magic with a possible warlock around and well you know it.” Bryce’s eyes went to Sven. “You probably should not use yours anymore either.”

“After they leave, I will use just enough to help you heal slowly,” he replied. “No warlock will sense my magic when used so sparingly.”

“After we leave?” Graham frowned. “Nay.” He shook his head. “I willnae go without my cousin. He will not be left behind.”

More than that, he would not lose another cousin.

“You have no choice,” Sven replied. “Though it’s nearly summer, it will only get colder down here. We are dragon so it will not bother us as much.” His eyes met Graham’s in warning. “It would be best if Bryce did not appear weakened to those you will be facing.”

Graham frowned and glanced at Bryce, not happy with the idea of leaving him alone with a stranger. One who was dragon no less. “I willnae leave ye, Cousin.”

“Aye, you will.” Bryce frowned at Graham. “The lasses cannae stay down here. ‘Tis too dangerous. As soon as I’m recovered, I’ll find you. Dinnae worry.”

Unsure, and not happy about this, Graham eyed his cousin before Bryce scowled. “You need to go. I’ll be safe with our ancestor. My dragon would know otherwise.”

Graham sighed and nodded as he clasped Bryce’s shoulder. “I will see ye again soon enough, Cousin. Heal well.” His eyes narrowed on Sven in warning before he stood, paid close attention to the slight draft then looked at Christina and Kenna. “I’ll lead the way. Do yer best to follow my every step and walk with care, aye?”

Both nodded, clearly nervous but remaining strong.

“’Twill be all right,” he assured, looking from Kenna to Christina as he took the torch. “I’ll go slowly so that you can make your way carefully, aye?”

“Take these.” Sven handed him a few more daggers to add to the weapons he already had. Luckily, he still had several on him from battling the Sassenach earlier.

He nodded, his eyes flickering from Bryce to Sven. “Have ye enough left to defend yerselves?”

Sven nodded. “Yes, we will be fine.”

“Aye, then,” Graham muttered and started up a narrow tunnel in the direction from which he felt the draft. He could not imagine a worse position to be in right now than the sole protector of two lasses. Especially two who had little experience fighting. Kenna knew some but not much and certainly not enough to fight the likes of seasoned warriors. And Christina? None.

Or so he assumed.

His mind went back to how she had saved his mother. Her lightning fast reflexes. They clearly had something to do with her magic. What sort of magic though? Milly could astral-project, and Lindsay enchanted. So what could Christina do? Beyond what appeared to be supernatural senses and notable strength and speed.

Then again, that was more than enough.

When “I would think so,” floated through his mind, he smiled then felt a bit more than that. The sound of Christina’s voice in his mind was bloody arousing despite their unfortunate circumstances. Though tempted to respond, she didn’t know she had spoken to him telepathically, and that was for the best. He should not allow their connection to become too authentic.

As he took a left then a sharp right before continuing, he conveniently set aside what their speaking within the mind might mean. While he would not be opposed in the least being destined for a lass like Christina, it was just not possible. He would not let Kenna and her people down.

The way wasn’t as bad as it could have been and they made it to an exit within the hour. Based on the position of the moon, he would say it was just past midnight. Now what? Luckily, it was warmer than he expected so at least they didn’t have to worry about lighting a fire. Still, he had no way of knowing precisely where they were located or which direction to go in.

A moment later, bless the gods, much welcomed company appeared out of the forest.

“Linds?” Christina exclaimed softly before she closed the distance and embraced her friend.

Graham smiled in relief as Conall and Uncle Grant appeared as well. He embraced them both, muttering, “’Tis about bloody time ye showed up.”

“Aye.” Uncle Grant shook his head. “And ‘twas no fault of mine. One moment we were at Hamilton Castle, the next here.” He looked beyond them. “Did you travel alone with the lasses then?”

“Nay.” Graham shared everything that had happened including Sven’s apparent role.

“Sven?” Grant mused, not overly concerned with his revelations it seemed. “It’s been many winters since I last saw him. How fares the boy?”

So they had met? Why did that not surprise him?

“Oh, he’s no boy.” Christina chuckled and winked at Lindsay. “The furthest thing from it actually.”

Lindsay’s brows shot up in curiosity before she embraced Graham. “Good to see you again, darling.” She tossed a knowing look from him to Christina. “And you’re here with Christina. What a shocker.” Then her eyes landed on Kenna. “Well, hello there.” She sauntered Kenna’s way, with a look in her eyes he knew all too well. “And you are? More so, your intentions toward Graham are what exactly?”

“Och, nay, lass.” Conall redirected her away from Kenna. “You’ll not be enchanting the lass into giving truths she may not want to give.”

“I was doing no such thing,” Lindsay murmured softly, eying Conall flirtatiously. “Now let me just go ask her...”

“My name is Kenna MacLauchlin,” Kenna provided, looking at Graham with affection. “Graham is a longtime dear friend and saved my life this verra night.”

“Is that so?” Lindsay’s eyes widened on Kenna then Graham. “And where was Christina when you were off saving Kenna?”

“At MacLomain Castle getting to know the family so retract your claws, honey.” Christina chuckled as she slid her hand into Graham’s and looked at him with adoration. “I look forward to spending more time with them...and Graham.” She wiggled her ring finger then placed her hand on his chest. “Especially seeing how we’re destined to be together.”

This time surprise lit not just Lindsay’s face but Conall’s and Grant’s.

“Seriously?” Lindsay exclaimed. “You two hooked up already?” She frowned. “What did I miss? Have you already been on your adventure?” She cocked her head at Grant. “I thought you said we arrived here mere days before the Battle of Bannockburn?”

“We did. We have.” Grant nodded, eying Graham and Christina with a mixture of amusement and mayhap disbelief. “So ‘tis a love connection betwixt you already then?” His wise eyes fell to her ring. “The gem shines the color of Graham’s eyes?”

“It does,” Graham and Christina said at the same time as he dropped a kiss on her cheek and pulled her against his side.

“It happened verra quickly,” he explained. “Within minutes of meeting her.”

“In New Hampshire,” she added, pressing against him. “It surprised us both, but we’re not complaining.” Her eyes met his. “Are we, handsome?”

“Nay,” he murmured, enjoying their pretend exchange tremendously. “Yer a bonnie lass, ye are.”

“Well, thank you darlin’,” she said softly, batting her lashes.

“Anytime, lass,” he whispered, caught by the sparkle in her eyes that seemed to exist solely for him. He was so caught up in looking at her, he didn’t snap out of it until Grant cleared his throat.

“Though I’m glad to hear you two made a connection,” he said. “I worry that it might have been faster than usual so ‘tis best that you both remain vigilant to the threat facing you.”

When Graham finally tore his eyes from Christina and met Grant’s skeptical gaze he knew his uncle had figured them out. Which, no doubt, meant Adlin likely had as well. Nonetheless, he intended to keep putting on a show until he knew otherwise.

“We will be vigilant,” Graham assured as his eyes met Christina’s again.

“Very,” she agreed, grinning even though they were talking about danger. Something that should have them frightened, not smiling into each other’s eyes.

“I see this is going to be an interesting adventure indeed,” Conall remarked under his breath.

“Looks like it,” Lindsay said with amusement.

“So where do we go next?” Kenna asked. “And where are we exactly?”

“Och, ye poor thing caught up in all this.” Grant put a comforting arm around her shoulders. “I know this might be hard to believe, but ye’ve traveled through time a wee bit,” he explained. “Not far. Only two or so years into yer future.”

Her eyes rounded with curiosity rather than fear. “My future?”

“Aye.” Grant nodded, eying her with interest. “This is not the first ye’ve heard of time travel, is it, lassie?”

When Kenna remained silent, Grant patted her on the back and stepped away. “’Tis all right, lass. Ye dinnae need to share until yer ready.”

As Graham considered Kenna, the truth became clear. Fraser had shared the Broun, MacLomain connection with her. But then that wasn’t surprising he supposed. Fraser’s mother was from the twenty-first century as well as his aunts and great-aunts. Fraser and Kenna had loved each other so it made sense that his cousin might have confided such a thing to her. That he might have warned her just in case a Broun headed his way someday.

“I found a place we can seek shelter for the night,” Grant said. “’Tis best that we find King Robert the Bruce on the morn.”

“King Robert the Bruce.” Kenna’s eyes widened. “Is he not in hiding? Mayhap even killed?”

Kenna was going off the reality they had just come from. A Scotland going downhill far faster than it should. A Scotland where Robert the Bruce was barely holding his own. Unless that is, Graham and his cousins ensured that all went as it should at the Battle of Bannockburn.

“Not here, lass,” Grant said softly as he ushered Kenna along. “Not yet.”

“So I take it you haven’t seen Milly or Adlin here?” Christina asked Lindsay as the two of them walked ahead of Graham and Conall.

“No,” Lindsay responded before they continued their conversation softly.

Meanwhile, Graham spoke to Conall within the mind lest the lasses hear them and grow concerned. “Have ye scouted the area? Have ye located the Bruce and his kin?”

If history proved correct, Robert the Bruce should be leading a sizable retinue of Scottish warriors alongside his brother, Edward Bruce, Earl of Carrick and his nephew, Commander Thomas Randolph, 1st Earl of Moray. Not—though it got bloody confusing—of the same lot as Andrew Moray who fought alongside William Wallace at the Battle of Stirling Bridge.

“We’ve had little time,” Conall replied. “We arrived here shortly before ye, and Grandda felt it best to find safety for the night knowing we’d have lasses to protect.”

Graham nodded, grateful yet still concerned. “So ye’ve come across no Sassenach? No tracks?”

“Nay but we both know that doesnae mean anything.” He glanced at Graham. “Ye play a dangerous game if yer lying about Christina's gem, Cousin.”

He had always been close to Conall so shared more than intended. “Christina and I are doing what we must.”

“Ye do remember what Adlin and Milly dealt with when it came to their warlock, aye?” A heavy frown settled on Conall’s face. “Then Lindsay and me?” He shook his head. “Ye cannae go up against these beasties without the power of the ring, Cousin. Without finding true love with yer lass.”

“Aye, but ‘twill be all right,” he replied, surprisingly convinced by his words. “I dinnae doubt it.”

“’Tis fine enough that ye dinnae doubt it,” Conall replied, glancing at him. “But remember, whatever game ye play, ‘tis not only yer life on the line but yer kin, Scotland’s history and most especially, Christina’s life. If ye go up against this warlock with lies on yer tongue and a faulty ring then ‘twill be a truly terrifying death for her, will it not? Because these warlocks are nothing if not brutal.”

Discomforted by his cousin’s astute assessment and blunt advice, Graham gave no response. He had been so busy trying to save the MacLauchlin’s, he had given little thought to the bigger picture. Yet all aside, true love could not be forced. It did not just conveniently happen.

His eyes flickered between Conall and Lindsay. It might have been a bit of a slippery slope, but it had happened rather quickly for them, hadn’t it? And though Milly and Adlin had been fated, their love was damn instant as well.

“There is another Broun lass,” Graham remarked, not really sure why he said it. “Jessie.”

“Aye,” Conall replied, humor in his internal voice. “Fated, it seems, to be with a dragon.”

“Or me,” Graham countered.

Conall chuckled and shook his head. It might be good to see his cousin returned to a bit of his old humor but still.

“Why do ye laugh?”

“Because ‘tis good to see ye dealing with denial now, as I get to nudge ye in a direction ye dinnae see so clearly,” he said. “When ‘twas so verra recently ye took great pleasure in doing the same to me.”

“Och, nay, ‘twas never like that.” Though it was. “Ye and Lindsay were obviously smitten.”

“Aye,” Conall agreed. “So said ye and I’m grateful for it.” Mischievousness colored his words. “Might I readily return the favor.”

Graham narrowed his eyes, not missing what his cousin meant by that. Conall offered no further comment just a small smile as they arrived at a clearing surrounded by dense shrubs and trees. Grass and pine needles were to be their bedding.

“’Twill not be a comfortable night for any of us,” Grant said as he sat. “I wouldnae recommend a fire or even hunting right now. Not until we’re able to get a better lay of the land in the light of day.”

“Aw, we can handle this, can’t we?” Lindsay smiled reassuringly at Grant as she removed her cloak and handed it to him. “You, however, are going to at least use this, okay?”

It was clear Grant knew better than to argue with her as he nodded. “I’ll only accept this because I know my grandson will keep you warm.”

“That’s right,” Lindsay said as she sat down beside Conall.

Graham, in the meantime, found himself in a rather awkward position. It made sense based on their pretense of being together that he lay beside Christina, but what about Kenna? She knew that they were pretending, but regardless, it seemed strange. Uncomfortable. While love didn’t exist between them, she would soon be his wife.

Conall, true to his word, seemed to be enjoying himself immensely as his eyes went from Graham to Kenna and then to Christina as they all stood there trying to figure out their next move. In fact, it appeared he intended to become as ruthless as Bryce.

“It seems you’re tasked to warm two lasses this eve, Cousin.” Conall’s tone was comically dire. “Mayhap if you just lie down, they will too.”

“Conall,” Lindsay chastised, though there was a grin in her voice as they curled up together. “Be nice. That’s my friend you’re talking about and goodness, sharing her man would be above and beyond what’s asked of most of us time traveling gals.”

“Actually.” Christina stretched, flinched and looked at Graham. “My back’s been off since the whole random-arrow-almost-hit-your-mother thing.” She shook her head, woeful. “So I’m gonna need to sleep a certain way I’m afraid.” She sat carefully, as though wounded, with her back to a tree and her legs crossed in front of her as she gestured at Conall and Kenna. “Please, keep each other warm.”

She yawned, rested her head back against the tree, closed her eyes and never said another word. It seemed Lindsay wasn’t the only actress around here. Technically, if this farce was working he should be beside Christina, no questions asked.

Instead, he would be joining the lass he was actually with.

Things were backward. Or were they? How had his cousin managed to turn this all around? Because he had. Based on his muffled chuckle, Conall clearly followed his thoughts. Graham scowled and ignored him.

Though it was truly an unseasonably nice night, he was troubled by Christina being alone as he sat and urged Kenna to join him. They did not touch but lay down beside each other. It wasn’t the first time they had done such a thing. She was his friend. A good friend at that.

Yet he felt guilty and wasn’t entirely sure why. Christina never opened her eyes that he knew of. But then he dozed off faster than anticipated. Almost as if it were out of his hands. The next thing he knew dawn teased his eyelids and his magic alerted him to trouble.

Something was terribly off.

So off that his eyes shot open and locked on Christina.

More so, the man leaning over her.

Blade in hand, Graham roared with rage as he ripped the man away, slammed him back against another tree and pressed a dagger against his windpipe. It only took ten or so swords pointed directly at his head and the stern words, “Unhand the King or be hanged for treason,” to finally get through.

What he saw as his infuriated haze cleared was fairly damning.

It appeared he was moments away from killing none other than King Robert the Bruce.