Lost in the Highlands, Volume 3, page 1
This is a work of fiction.
Lost in the Highlands, Volume 3 © 2018 Lorraine Beaumont
Lost in the Highlands Series © 2017 Lorraine Beaumont
Names, characters, organizations, places, events, and incidents either are figments of the authors imagination or used fictitiously.
Text Copyright © 2018 Lorraine Beaumont
All Rights Reserved
SMASHWORDS EDITION
No part of this book may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system, transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the express written permission of the author.
Praise for the Lost in the Highland Series
” Irresistible characters, fresh voice and a hero to die for…what’s there not to like!” Jamie Scott, Award Winning Author
“One of THE BEST series I have ever read! You won't be disappointed I promise. I hope this series NEVER ENDS!” Cheri
“Time Travel at its finest! This is by far one of the best books I have read in the past year and I read a lot of books.” Barbara McCarthy
“Book itself is very entertaining but be warned it is also very funny. Paige wants to meet a real Highlander. You mix mead, Highland games, gypsy fortuneteller, and a contract signed in blood. You get an entertaining novella. Well-developed characterization and well-written story line.” Amazon Reader
“I enjoyed the suspense and intrigue. Can wait for the next one. Gavin and Paige are a cute couple.” Jana
“Hard to put it down the wonderful feeling of being lost in another world. I'm absolutely satisfied with the author. First time reading Lorraine Beaumont can't wait to read another one of her books. Good job my friend. Loved it. Thanks.” Dwanda Evans.
“Great book!” Cheryl R Stubbs
“I thoroughly enjoyed the book so much that I immediately downloaded next in the series. Can't wait to read more!” Brigg Lady
“OMG yes! Loved every page turn... love and hate relationship... Twists and turns in this amazing story about believing in hope and love...A must read book!” Lilianna
“This book is fast paced and well written. The characters are interesting and the drama is fantasy.” Christy Williams
“Great book!” Dawn Rivell
“I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it in a day. I caught myself laughing aloud at some of the antics going on. I rarely rate a book 5 stars but this one was definitely a 5-star read!” Patty C
“It's an awesome Read and I can't wait to read the next one!” Booknerd
“Very good story line. enjoyed it. Will read this author again. Characters were believable. Love time travel stories.” Sharon Yoss
“I purchased the Audible edition of this book to listen to while driving on vacation. I laughed so hard a few times that I almost had to pull over! I loved the story and the narrator did a wonderful job! I'm really looking forward to the next one!” Amazon Reader
“If you enjoy time traveling novels this is the one to read. I cannot wait to read the others in this series. The characters and story line are well developed and one can relate to the characters. I would recommend this book.” Brenda L Langham
Other titles by Lorraine Beaumont
Ravenhurst Series
#1 Bestselling Time Travel Romance
Forgotten Time
Shadows of Yesterday
Time to Remember
Dreams of Tomorrow
Now and Forever
A Victorian Christmas
Lucian
Merlin
A Modern-Day Christmas
Ravenhurst Box Set
♦
Ravenhurst Special Edition Trilogy
Ravenhurst, Vol I
Ravenhurst, Vol II
Ravenhurst, Vol III
♦
Lost in the Highland Series
#1 Bestselling Scottish Time Travel Romance
Lost in the Highlands, Book I
Lost in the Highlands, Book II
Lost in the Highlands, Book III
A Modern-Day Christmas
The Thirteen Scotsman - Clarion
♦
Briarcliff Series
#1 Bestselling Paranormal Urban Fantasy
Briarcliff Volume One
Briarcliff Volume Two
Briarcliff Volume Three
Briarcliff Box Set
♦
Edenbrooke Hollow Series
Paranormal Time Travel Romance
The Witches of Edenbrooke
♦
New Series in the Works
TABLE OF CONTENTS
READERS CHOICE EDITION
FIRST PERSON VERSION
THIRD PERSON VERSION
PROLOUGE
SECOND PROLOUGE
CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER 2
CHAPTER 3
CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 5
CHAPTER 6
CHAPTER 7
CHAPTER 8
CHAPTER 9
CHAPTER 10
CHAPTER 11
CHAPTER 12
CHAPTER 13
CHAPTER 14
CHAPTER 15
CHAPTER 16
CHAPTER 17
CHAPTER 18
CHAPTER 19
CHAPTER 20
CHAPTER 21
CHAPTER 22
CHAPTER 23
CHAPTER 24
CHAPTER 25
CHAPTER 26
CHAPTER 27
CHAPTER 28
CHAPTER 29
CHAPTER 30
CHAPTER 31
CHAPTER 32
CHAPTER 33
CHAPTER 34
CHAPTER 35
CHAPTER 36
CHAPTER 37
CHAPTER 38
CHAPTER 39
CHAPTER 40
CHAPTER 41
CHAPTER 42
CHAPTER 43
CHAPTER 44
CHAPTER 45
CHAPTER 46
CHAPTER 47
CHAPTER 48
CHAPTER 49
CHAPTER 50
CHAPTER 51
CHAPTER 52
CHAPTER 53
CHAPTER 54
CHAPTER 55
CHAPTER 56
A Personal Note from Lorraine –
RAVENHURST SERIES
EDENBROOKE HOLLOW SERIES
BRIARCLIFF SERIES
ABOUT LORRAINE
For Paige Walsh
Wherever you are
PART THREE
FIRST PERSON VERSION
PROLOUGE
LOCH MORAR, SCOTLAND
The Cottage-Somewhere on Greystone Lands
Morag pounded another nail into the floorboards. “Good-riddance,” she said, swinging the hammer madly to bring home the last nail.
Once she was sure the boards were going to stay put, she stood up and pressed her hands into her lower back. She wasn’t the young miss she once was, but even she had to admit, after the last full moon, she did feel significantly spryer. A good spell would do that, she thought.
Looking at the cauldron simmering away inside the hearth, she wondered how much time she had left. That damn Highlander was delaying things, things she need to accomplish, all because of his contrary emotions. “Och, I no want this one. The lass, is no good enough,” she mimicked with irritation.
A thump and a groan of pain sounded from under the floorboards stopping her rant.
“Och!” She stomped her foot down. “Shut yer mouth or I will be giving ye something ta complain about.”
The groaning and thumping abruptly stopped.
She smiled, revealing four missing teeth. “There now, see, I am no inhospitable.”
Brushing off her hands, and glancing one last time at her handiwork, she walked outside of the cottage, her cottage, and looked up at the sky, biding her time until the next full moon. Then she would have everything promised to her—she could hardly wait.
SECOND PROLOUGE
LOCH MORAR, SCOTLAND
The Castle-Greystone
Gavin was in the midst of the same nightmare that kept replaying itself over and over again in his unconscious mind.
He was back a Loch Morar and this time, Jillian was there but she didn’t look the same. His lass, Paige, was there as well. He couldn’t quite grasp why he was seeing both of them at the same time. Paige was standing in front of the Loch and Jillian was laughing. Not at him, but at his lass. His heart tugged in two separate directions.
“What are ye doing?” he asked and his voice vibrated strangely in his ears.
“I’m helping you get the treasure,” she said, gleefully.
The answer was innocent enough, he supposed, but something about her demeanor set his nerves on edge. “How?”
“We are going to use her.” Jillian pointed her finger at Paige.
Gavin shook his head. “Jillian, she is no going ta be a sacrifice.”
“Of course, she is. That’s what she is here for.”
“Nay.” He shook his head again. “There must be another way.”
“No, my Laird.” She laughed again and her voice crackled eerily reminding him of someone else. “Why else would she be here? She is the one you have fallen in love with and now, she must be sacrificed.”
“Nay, Jillian, I love ye.” As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he knew what he was saying was no longer true. He loved her at one time, aye, but not now.
&n
Before Gavin could move, or say another word, the monster emerged from the Loch. The scaly head listed back and forth about to strike his lass.
“Naaaaay….”
♦
Gavin jerked awake. His entire body hurt but at the same time he was uncomfortably aroused. Blinking, he tried to see, but the room was dim. And even though he could not see very well he felt, rather than saw, that he was home again. Had it all been a nightmare? He couldn’t help but wonder. He tried to sit up and groaned in pain. Falling back on the pillows, he shut his eyes once again.
“Shhh,” said a familiar voice as the bed gave at his side. “It’s all right my love, I am here now.”
Cool, clammy, hands slid up his thighs and wrapped around his jutting erection.
Gavin pulled in a sharp intake of air. “Lass,” he half moaned/groaned. Reaching down, he grabbed her hands and opened his eyes. In disbelief, he stared up at the crimson haired beauty. The one that had plagued him many a night in his dreams. Sure he was dreaming, he closed his eyes and reopened them again.
She was still there.
“Jillian?”
“Aye, laird, it’s me, your love, Jillian.” She tightened her hold, making him gasp in pain. “Were you expecting someone else?” Her ice blue eyes sparkled with venom.
Although her tone was sweet in an almost sickly way, Gavin had a hard time coming to terms with what he was seeing. Gritting back the pain she was causing, he choked, “Nay.”
“And here I thought you would be happy to see me.” Her ice blue eyes flashed with venom.
“How?” It was the only word he seemed to be able to manage.
Jillian dug her nails in deeper to the point she was almost drawing blood. “I’ve fought my way back from the dead for you. For us.”
Gavin tried to lift his hands but found he could do naught but endure the torture she was wielding against his person with her nails. “Jillian,” he gasped and then groaned as she dug her nails in deeper.
“Did you miss me?” She asked sweetly enough but there was still a sickly tone of contempt accompanying it.
“Yes,” he nodded.
She smiled then. It wasn’t a nice smile and then to his utter amazement, she lowered her mouth and suckled him.
His entire body tensed and at first, the intense pleasure he felt from her mouth made his erection stiffen even more but then she nipped at him and caused another unwelcome bought of pain.
Again, he tried to move but his body wasn’t cooperating. Dizzily, he looked around the room. Everything seemed to be moving in and out of focus.
Jillian continued her ministrations and just when he was on the precipice, she pulled away again.
His body shook from the conflicting sensations. Pain, pleasure, and then pain again. “Why are ye doing this?” he rasped out.
“That’s the million dollar question, my laird, she scathed. “ Why indeed.” She gave him a wicked mocking smile and then lowered her head once again.
CHAPTER 1
HIGHLAND GAMES, CENTRAL VIRGINIA
Present Day
Clarion, the oldest living member/heir of the cursed Grey clan by a few meagre minutes, pressed his palms down on the round table.
Leaning forward, he gave the witch sitting on the other side a look that many a man had run from in the past. “Where did ye send him, witch?”
Looking unfazed, she merely sat back and crossed her arms. “I am no witch.”
Clarion slapped his palms down, causing the table to shake and the very large Highlander to his right, to take a step forward.
Tilde cut a look to the Highlander named Timothy and shook her head.
Obeying, Timothy took a step back and resumed his silent vigil at her side.
“Woman, or witch, I no care what ye are…if ye do no tell me where ye sent me brother, I will release yer head from yer shoulders and enjoy doing it.”
Tilde shrugged. “Try if ye like but killing me will no bring yer brother back to ye or release him from the curse ye have brought against him and yer family.”
“I am no the cause of that damnable curse!” he roared.
“Makes no never mind ta me. It will no change what has already been set in motion.”
Clarion was at the end of his tether. He had spent a fortnight following his brother but was always a step behind. Every time he got close, something untoward happened and he lost sight of him once more. He figured the forces that be, were working against him, but that was nothing new. He had dealt with worse in his life thus far and was not one to give up so easily. Besides, if he did, he probably wouldn’t be around much longer and neither would his brother—damnable witches.
Trying another tactic, he pulled out a chair and sat down. “I have coin,” he said.
Tilde seemed to contemplate what he said and then finally asked, “How much coin?”
“More than ye could spend in yer lifetime.”
Her red brow raised an inch and her eyes took on a glassy fevered look that Clarion knew well—greed.
“I can no guarantee ye anything…”
“If ye can no…”
“Let me finish, Highlander,” she snapped.
Clarion gritted his teeth. “Speak yer mind, woman, and do it quickly, else I may lose what little patience I have left.”
Tilde leaned forward and grabbed a deck of tarot cards off the table. One by one, she laid them out. Turning one over, she studied it. “It will no be an easy task, but I may be able ta help ye get ta yer kin on the next full moon.”
“Is that what the cards say?”
She let out a loud cackling laugh. “No, Highlander. It is no what the cards say.”
“If the cards are no telling ye anything, why are ye putting them out on the table?”
“Oh, but they are telling me something. Jes not what ye think they are telling me.”
“Witch, I am warning ye…”
“And I am warning ye, Highlander…speak ta me thusly one more time and ye can forget about ever finding yer kin.”
Fighting for patience, Clarion scrubbed his hands over his face and then set them back on the table. “I am listening.”
Tilde gave him a toothy grin and settled back in her chair. “Glad ta see ye have come ta yer senses.”
“Get on with it,” he forced out.
“As I was saying, before ye rudely interrupted me…I may be able ta send ye back on the next full moon.”
“When is that going ta be?”
“In three weeks.”
“Three weeks,” he repeated. “I can no wait that long.”
“Well…” She shrugged. “I can no help that. The moon will be full in three weeks. If ye need ta leave before that, try ta find another witch ta do yer bidding.”
Clarion scowled at her. “I thought ye said that ye were no witch.”
She shrugged and flipped another card over. “Time will tell, Highlander. Time will tell.”
“Och, bloody contrary witches.” He stood up from the table.
“Not so fast, Highlander. Where is my coin?” Again, the fevered look of greed entered her eyes.
“I will give it ta ye, when ye give me what I ask.”
“So be it. Return in three weeks, before the moon is at its highest peak.”
“What time is that?”
“The witching hour, of course.”
“Unlike ye, I am no witch, so would ye care ta elaborate further?”
She gave him a doubtful look but replied anyway, “Before midnight.”
“Great.” He turned to leave.
“Highlander,” she called.
Clarion turned back around and gave her a bland stare.
“If ye try ta double cross me, there will be Hell ta pay,” she warned.
“What else is new,” he muttered, garnering more cackling laughter from the witch.
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