Page 87 of Dark Victory

Branches snapped.

Tabby jerked—Kristin was gone.

Tabby looked at the fire. “Fire obey me, fire be gone.”

The fire became the size of a large man.

Tabby repeated the command, and the fire was reduced to a few dancing flames and embers. Tabby glanced back at the woman.

The woman returned her stare. She had long, curly reddish-blond hair, a striking face and searing eyes. She looked as if she lifted weights and ran triathlons. Her power came from the other side, white and bright. It was very much like Sam’s. But Tabby didn’t have to feel that to know that she was a Highland warrior.

“Macleod is here,” she said in heavily accented English. She turned the horse and galloped into the forest, her vast army following her.

As the thunder subsided, Tabby began to shake, collapsing against a tree.

Kristin had followed her through time; Kristin wanted to kill her; Kristin would be at An Tùir-Tara.

Hoofbeats sounded. Tabby looked up, feeling Macleod’s power. Relief made her weak. He galloped through the trees, a handful of mounted men behind him. He leaped from his black stallion before it halted, reaching her in a stride. He clasped her, pulling her forward. Tabby went into his embrace.

“Kristin followed me from New York.”

“The deamhan-ghost?” he demanded.

“No, she’s a black witch—and a powerful one.”

His intense gaze moved over her face. “I felt her, Tabitha, an’ I felt yer fear. I followed yer fear until I found ye. What are ye doin’ so far from Blayde?”

Tabby breathed deeply. “She cast a spell and lured me out. Macleod, a warrior woman with great white power appeared in the nick of time. Kristin was afraid, and so were the subs. She chased them away. Who was that?”

“The Lady of An Roinn-Mor,” he said abruptly. “Some say she’s a goddess. I dinna ken, but she can rouse two thousand mortal men an’ each one will die fer her.”

Tabby absorbed that.

“Are ye tellin’ me Kristin is more powerful than ye?” Macleod asked. His hands moved to her face.

Tabby didn’t hesitate. “Way more powerful.” His eyes darkened. “Macleod. She seems to be allied with Melvaig and she wants me dead.”

His eyes burned with anger. “Then I will ha’ to kill her.”

“There’s more.” She clasped his arms tightly. “You’re not the only one who will be at An Tùir-Tara. I am going to be there, too.”

TABBY SIGHED AND CURLED her toes and sighed again, smiling. It was late. The sky outside was gleaming ebony, but spangled with a billion stars. She stared at Macleod, her smile widening. He knelt naked before the fire, which he was starting with a tinderbox.

She leaned up on one elbow, so she could admire every inch of his body. Starlight illuminated him, highlighting his bulging muscles and powerful build. “Fire obey me, fire begin. Fire obey me, fire come in,” she said.

Macleod turned, sending her a slow and sexy, very satisfied smile. Behind him, the fire started, a few small flames crackling. He glanced at it and stood.

Tabby actually felt herself blush. “More?”

“Aye, if ye can manage to match me.”

“A challenge I can hardly refuse.” She wet her lips, trying not to stare, but then she decided to give up. Why not stare when he was so magnificent? She glanced at the fire. “Fire obey me, fire rise up.” The fire grew, its flames filling the hearth.

Macleod sat beside her. “A useful spell. I wish a word, Tabitha.”

His tone was somber and she tensed. Macleod was not inclined to conversation much less discussion. They had been making love ever since he’d found her in the forest. She straightened. They certainly had a lot to discuss.

“This war betwixt us is over,” he said, and it was not a question.