© Copyright 2017 by Numees Collins -All rights reserved.
In no way is it legal to reproduce, duplicate, or transmit any part of this document in either electronic means or in printed format. Recording of this publication is strictly prohibited and any storage of this document is not allowed unless with written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved. Respective authors own all copyrights not held by the publisher.
This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to any person, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
Thanks for purchasing this short story book.
Highlander's Curse
A Highlander and Contemporary Romance Story
By: Numees Collins
Table of Contents
Highlander's Curse
Description
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Highlander's Curse
Description
Aengus MacLachlan's life had been perfect. He's a respected warrior in his clan and the heir to his father's title and lands. Everything changes in a blink of an eye. Suffering a severe injury, Aengus' loses everything that matters in his life. And when he is on the verge of desperation, young witch Tara lures him out of the castle at night to save him.
The feelings that develop between the two of them might be magical and foretold long before their births, but no magic can spare them from a curse that Aengus earns betraying the woman he loves.
The curse will follow every firstborn son of the MacLachlan family until the day when a pure love between a highlander and a witch will have the power to undo it. Now, it is Connor's turn as the firstborn son in the family to either fight his curse or accept the destiny of his ancestors.
Chapter 1
The flames in the fireplace jumped cheerfully, fighting the cold air in the room. Aengus set in his armchair staring at the fire. That was about all he did in the long, lonely nights inside his chambers. Usually, watching the flames devour the dry wood calmed his thoughts. Tonight, though, unease crept into his soul, gnawing at it, not giving him rest. Behind the narrow window of his chamber, the sun was bleeding in the darkening sky. Tonight, the celestial fiery giant was as wounded as him.
Aengus MacLachlan's life had been perfect. He was the son of Laird Brodrick MacLachlan and had been a respected warrior of his clan, the heir to his father's lands and betrothed to a lovely lady who was soon to become his wife. It seemed as if the future was laid right in front of him. And then, in a blink of an eye, he was ripped of all of those dreams.
Since suffering from a serious knee injury while defending the borders of his father's lands, Aengus was now stuck in his hateful armchair. At times, he felt like a caged, wounded beast, who spend his days roaring at others, getting mad and cursing his destiny, yet unable to change his faith.
These dark days had tested the loyalty of many of his brethren. Those who once swore to be by his side in peril were now keeping a safe distance from him. His own younger brothers had already taken charge of his men and disregarded Aengus' advice and mentorship.
Lady Nessia did not break their engagement. Yet. Aengus knew that it would be for the better. He hated to see the sadness and pity in her eyes. Once, she saw a brave warrior in him—someone who could protect and take care of her. Now, she had limited their interaction to her brief visits in the evening when she offered him a cup of freshly brewed tea and a kind smile.
Tonight, when she knocked at his door, Aengus thought to pretend to be asleep. He couldn't bear lying to her that he was fine while his knee hurt like hell and his wrist felt too weak even to hold that mug of tea she was going to offer him. He had not spoken to anyone during the last two days. Just to make sure he had still not lost the ability to form coherent words, he invited her in.
"I hope ye feel better tonight, Laird?" she asked avoiding looking him in the eyes.
She looked pretty. There had been a time when Aengus thought it would be more than enough to love her. Now, he could barely exchange two words with her. He knew he had to free her from her promise. She could still find happiness with another man.
"Would ye like some tea?" the lady hurried to add without waiting for Aengus to reply regarding his well-being.
No, he did not need that damned tea. He never even liked tea. What he needed was to be able to hold a sword in his hand again, to ride his horse, to breath the air of freedom as he rode across the fast lands. He needed her to look at him with admiration for his courage. Could he give any of that to her? Aengus grabbed the mug in a death grip and was surprised it did not shatter into hundreds of pieces.
"Thank you, my lady," he forced the words out of his throat. "Are my father and brothers in the castle?" He had not seen them for two days.
"Ah, they..." she paused and shifted from one leg to another. Aengus narrowed his eyes at her. He knew he could be enough intimidating for her to get confused and tell him the truth. "They... there has been some disquiet in the villages on the border," she said and quickly looked away.
"I see." Before, it had been his duty to care for the safety of their villages. Now, Aengus was a useless burden that needed to be hidden in the dark corridors of the castle and left to be forgotten. There was no glory and no adventures left for him. The centuries to come would not remember his name or his deeds.
"Shall I stay and play chess with you?" she asked. Probably having mercy of the poor, abandoned cripple.
"I dinnae play chess when my land is under attack!"
