Zarik

Dedication

To all those that have been born to the wrong country and the wrong time period.

...and...

To my beautiful 17 -year-old daughter. You will be 18 in just under three months. I will continue to hope you will slow down and make the correct choices rather than allowing your older brother and sister to push into what they think is better.

Know this: You will always have a place to come home to. I love you.

♥♥ Character Guide ♥♥

Dunakin – MacKinnon Keep

Tsarina Fraser – From 2018; Trystan’s sister; Tom & Nadine’s daughter

Trystan Fraser – From 2018; Tsarina’s sister; Tom & Nadine’s son

Nadine Fraser – Tsarina & Trystan’s mom; deceased before start of book

Tom Fraser – Tsarina & Trystan’s dad; deceased before start of book

Niall MacKinnon – Laird of the MacKinnon Clan; Father to Zarik, Torradan, and Odhran

Zarik MacKinnon – Eldest son of Niall; brother to Torradan and Odhran; Tsarina’s husband

Torradan (Tor) MacKinnon – Middle son of Niall; brother to Zarik and Odhran

Odhran MacKinnon – Youngest son of Niall; brother to Zarik and Torradan

Rage – Zarik’s horse

Argus – Old Druid of Clan MacKinnon; Niall’s trusted and best friend

Mary – Argus’ wife; deceased before start of book

Drostan – MacKinnon warrior; best friend to Zarik; married to Jenny

Jenny – Drostan’s wife

Caelan – MacKinnon warrior; best friend to Zarik

Gabhran – MacKinnon warrior

Faolan – MacKinnon warrior

Igrid – Tsarina’s maid

Isobel – Overseer of Keep MacKinnon

Gregor MacLean – Laird of Clan MacLean; enemy of Clan MacKinnon; father of Lachlann and Elizabeth

Lachlann MacLean – Son of Gregor; older brother to Elizabeth; enemy of Clan MacKinnon

Elizabeth MacLean – Daughter of Gregor; younger sister to Lachlann

♥ Chapter One ♥

Tsarina Fraser rolled her eyes in frustration at her over-protective brother. Letting out a sigh, she tried to make him see reason. Trystan, he’s your friend, I know this. But he’s sweet and funny. There’s no reason we can’t date. I’ve known him as long as you have. Why are your friends always off limits?

They’re off limits because you’re my sister. I want what’s best for you. Plus, I don’t care to hear what they’re doing with you when I’m not around. There’s plenty of reason you can’t date him. I know him Tsarina. Trystan stood from his seat at the kitchen table and walked toward his sister’s front door. I know the way he thinks, how he speaks of girls he finds attractive, how he brags about getting them into bed with him and then tossing them aside when he’s finished. Is that what you want to be? Another notch for his belt? Someone more for him to tell tales about? Yes, Kaeden is my friend. But he’s not going to date my sister. Wait a minute – sweet? Trystan shook his head. He's a complete man whore. Do you really want to lower yourself to that? Even if you do, do you want the reputation of being on his list?

Have you forgotten that your sister happens to be an adult? And I've not heard anything about anyone he's dated past the news that they broke up.

Raising his eyebrow, Trystan looked at his sister. She was an adult, at least by her age. Sometimes he questioned her maturity. Once again, you’re being rash. You aren’t thinking it through. It's why I'm constantly having to save you from yourself and everything else. As far as the details on the girls on his list, it's locker room gossip for the boys. Men talk, Tsarina.

Saving me? From everything? From myself? Tsarina felt her temper rising. Are you serious right now? You’re just a brut and have spent years bullying everyone into doing it your way. Well, Mr. Overgrown NFL Football Player Brother, it doesn’t work on me. I’m not afraid of you.

Tsarina knew her brother had become mega-alpha male since getting into the NFL, but this was too much. Junior high and high school had been almost impossible. Everyone was afraid to date her because of Trystan, the big and tough football player. Then came the college football scholarship free ride – talk about him really pushing on her to be her boss. Finally came the NFL offer that doomed her life to having a dark cloud over her own decision making for the rest of eternity during his last year in college.

Oh, Tsarina, I don’t want you to be afraid of me. I just want you to listen to reason. Don’t you want to find the perfect guy, settle down, and then have a family? Kaeden isn’t that man. Why waste time on something you know won't work? Someone who isn't worth even a minute of your time. You aren't eighteen anymore. You need something stable. A relationship. A family of your own. Not one-night stands.

It might last a week. And where is your wife Trystan? Tsarina smiled as she watched her brother roll his eyes. If only Trystan knew the extent of the truth in his words. Tsarina wanted a large extended family and lots of children. She wanted aunts and uncles and cousins. Grandparents and nieces and nephews. She wanted nosy sister-in-laws and over-protective brother-in-laws. She even wanted a bossy husband to take care of. The Fraser family hated one another. Several years ago, they’d all even given up trying to appear as a well-adjusted extended family by canceling such bitter events as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and family reunions. They had all settled into small immediate family functions with close family and friends that they didn’t want to stab with their forks over dinner. For her, that list of family for gatherings became only her and her brother. A few of their friends occasionally popped in, but they had their own families to be with. Tsarina, more than anything, felt her youth slipping away – felt that a family and Mr. Perfect was never going to be hers.

I simply wish I could be booted from this century. Perhaps to Scotland, in the 1300’s. I could wear pretty dresses, have people who helped me brush my stubborn hair and who made certain my bath was warm. I’d have a husband that would honor me until his death. I’d have many children and a huge clan to call family.

As Trystan cleared his throat to gain his sister’s attention, he shook his head. Umm, Tsarina, snap out of it. Sometimes I think you take your history major a bit too seriously. Maybe you need a vacation from work. Aren’t you a bit old for fairy tales? Besides, I know you. Remember? You wouldn't want anyone to get hurt for you. You’d never allow anyone to wait on you. We’ve done everything on our own for ages. Who wants servants and people who pretend to love you to your face? The second they turn around, gossip starts about how demanding you are. Even more, you'd never allow someone else to bleed for you or die in your place. If I remember correctly, it was fairly common in those times. As was listening to your closest male kin, they determined what you would do, who you would marry. Trystan sent her a look, allowing her to realize that in those days, he very well could keep her away from any and all of his friends. As for my relationship status, it’s complicated and you know that. Football rarely allows me to meet anyone that’s interested in me rather than my career. I’d rather not be bothered with it.

Before she could stop herself, Tsarina had crossed her arms across her chest and stomped her foot, just stopping short of sticking out her tongue. A girl’s gotta have her dreams. You know? But the back-stabbing doesn’t seem too different from life around here. She wasn't even about to admit just how accurate her brother's thoughts were. She often accused him of not knowing her. It seemed she was wrong. Very wrong.

Dreaming is good. But how about we try to keep it at least minimally realistic? Your medieval Highlander in a kilt isn’t going to show up at the front door, sword in hand swearing to defend you to the death. And if he does, little sister, I’ll even put on a kilt.

She watched as Trystan finally opened the front door to leave. Trystan, you do know what they wear under a kilt? Her smile was as big as her brother’s as he shook his head and closed the front door.

Tsarina heard his truck pull out of the driveway and found herself still laughing out loud at the thought of her macho brother wearing what he considered a skirt. With nothing under it. It was a sight she’d pay dearly to see, if only there was a chance in hell of it. It would be nice to see him have to eat his words for once. It had always been everyone else around him condemned to that fate.

Locking the door, she turned to go upstairs for a much-needed shower. Then it was time to dive into her weekend of research for a project she was putting together. Tsarina was determined to show the Campbell’s in true Scottish fashion even though they received slights due to siding with the English all those centuries ago. There had to be something, and she was going to find the proof.

AN HOUR AND A HALF later, Tsarina was out of the bubble bath she had decided on and was sitting cross legged in the center of her living room floor. Piles of papers, a dozen books, several notebooks, numerous pens and pencils and her cup of Revv coffee from her Kriueg individual serving coffee machine circled her on the floor and coffee table. Getting the individual servings and making one cup at a time had been the best thing she'd ever decided to do. The coffee was always fresh and always fast. Plus, it was practical, she rarely had company over that would require sharing coffee. Wonderful. My life's become so drab, I now get excited about my coffee.

Her thrills of the evening, besides her cozy down overly soft blanket were the books she managed to score from the University. They were written in Gaelic and Tsarina was hopeful that perhaps something had been lost in translation. As she ran her hand down the binding of one, sadness filled her. Even in Scotland only four percent of the population spoke Gaelic. Feeling sadness of the loss of history and such a beautiful language made tears form. If only she could have been there to hear it when everyone spoke it. She’d bet money that it was beautiful when spoken by those native to the language, especially all those centuries ago when it was still completely original. Languages, like everything else, change with time, even in places native to the language.

Trying to ignore her phone that wouldn’t stop ringing, Tsarina continued on her research. There has to be something. She spoke aloud. Not to be out done, the phone kept ringing. Whoever was calling was hanging up and redialing. Just as persistent in calling as she was in her research. Tsarina could appreciate that.

What do you want? There is this thing called voice mail. I do have it. People should use it. I am trying to work. Tsarina finally answered the phone, none to pleasantly. Something terrible better have happened. This wasn’t like her. She was becoming overly obsessed with her work. She made a mental note to call Kaeden, no matter her brother’s objections. She needed a break.

Tsarina? What has you all worked up? Great, it was her boss on the line. The one time she chose to dish out attitude, it was to one of the only people she shouldn't have it with.

Nothing, Sam. Just buried in research and you keep calling. No matter how she tried, she couldn’t manage to keep the annoyance from her voice. You know, it’s the research for you that I’ve been working almost day and night on and not charging you overtime for.

Sam’s laugh annoyed her even more. That’s great, Tsarina, it’s exactly what I was wanting to talk to you about. Would you be interested in a little out of the area research?

What do you mean? I can have books transferred from library to library. I’ve been doing that for months.

Yes, but not all books. What about the originals in Scotland?

Scotland? Are you saying you want me to go to Scotland? Tsarina was about to jump up and down and scream.

Yes, the firm will cover your flight, hotel stay, meals and a daily spending allowance.

Sam, I could kiss you. I’d love to go to Scotland. Tsarina couldn’t believe they were going to send her and pay the bill for it. She wondered if she’d get paid her regular wage but didn’t dare ask. That would be far too greedy on her part. She was going to Scotland. Free. That was good enough. Never look a gift horse in the mouth, her mom always said.

Well, don’t kiss me yet. We’ve arranged for you to stay in castle Campbell. It seemed appropriate since it’s Campbell research that you are doing.

Umm, you already set it up? Why did she feel annoyed? She wanted to go and was sure it was obvious, but sometimes her boss really took things too far, always assuming she’d do exactly as asked. Immediately. No discussion.

I told my partners that I was almost positive you’d want to go. You know I wasn’t wrong either. So, will you stay at the castle?

Of course. You are paying for the trip. Right? I’ll stay where you say I'm staying. After all, it was a castle. How bad could it really be? And, she made a mental note to herself, this type of response was exactly why Sam made plans without asking first.

By the way, there is also a bonus available. If you uncover the information we seek, you’ll be given a hefty bonus and a promotion upon your return. How does newest partner sound to you?

Now Tsarina couldn’t help it. She squealed in the phone. She’d be the youngest partner in the history of the Stockton Institute. Partner? For real? Oh my God! Tsarina screamed into the phone again.

I do love your enthusiasm; however, you may blow out my eardrum. She heard Sam’s chuckle as he spoke.

So, when do I leave and how long will I be staying?

You leave in two weeks and we’ve set you up there for six weeks. If you have a good trail or lead, we’ll extend the stay. If not, based on what you send us, we could even shorten the stay. We need progress on this. We’ve arrange for Galen Campbell to be your guide. He’ll be available to you Monday through Saturday from six in the morning until seven at night. Please try to schedule what you’ll need him for between those hours. I’ll send the itinerary and other pertinent information via email within the hour. Enjoy your trip, Tsarina. Good night.

Good night, Sam. And thank you. She knew she completely lucked out when she found this job. Really, she had selected to major in history. That was almost as much of dead end as majoring in philosophy. You can claim your degree, but there isn’t a job in sight. She’d also lucked out with Sam, he was an amazing boss and she never had horror stories about work to share with anyone. Tsarina couldn’t imagine being stuck in a job she hated. It seemed many of her acquaintances were.

And now – Scotland. Expense paid. Damn, she loved her job.

Tsarina hurriedly cleaned up her piles of papers, books, writing utensils and everything else she’d managed to scatter around. She was going to Scotland. How was she ever going to get any work done until she left?

HOURS LATER, AS SHE crawled into bed, she called Kaeden. Tsarina needed to do something to occupy herself or she'd go crazy waiting for the day of her trip to arrive. Scotland. She let out a little squeal of joy again. So far, she was well on her way to pacing a hole into the length of her living room carpet in anticipation, lucky for it she was going to bed.

Hey. Tsarina? Everything okay? He sounded sleepy. She must have gotten him up.

Sorry, Kaeden. I forgot how late it was. I’ll just talk to you later.

No, don’t hang up. It’s fine. I’m usually not in bed this early anyway. No, he probably was usually out being the man whore her brother claimed him to be. Tsarina had to hold in a giggle as she thought of Trystan's comments. Those generally didn't have you in early. Or did he take the girls to his house? She gave herself a mental shake. It didn't matter anyway. She only wanted one thing and it wouldn't be happening at his house anyway. Besides, to be a man whore, he had to at least be great in bed. So, the outlook was good. You can’t ever go wrong with great sex.

Well, if you’re sure, I was thinking we could go out this weekend? Tsarina held her breath. As much as she’d love some Scotsman action, it seemed she'd be doing nothing but working most of her time there. Evidently, her employer felt she should put in at least the hours Galen Campbell was available to her. Although, Tsarina couldn't help but to wonder how they had managed to get his employer to be so generous with his time. Maybe Galen would be a Scottish hottie.

Pulling herself back on track she decided it was now or never. And, if she was going to be gone for at least six weeks, because failure was not an option, perhaps the notch in his belt concept would have passed by the time she got back. And just maybe her brother would be over being angry with her if word got back to him.

Silence.

Kaeden are you there?

Yes, I just wasn’t expecting that is all. Trystan will kill me. He’s already told me to stay away from you. I don’t know if it’s a great idea or not.

Look at it this way, in two weeks I’m going out of the country for work. Silently she was thanking herself for being smart enough to get a passport when she never thought she’d have need for one. In an annoying twist of events, her state had opted to not do federal updates on renewed licenses. That meant they were all marked with the phrase Not for Federal Identification Purposes. So, she couldn’t even get on a plane with it. She’d needed a passport just to fly within the country. You wouldn’t have to even let him know that we hooked up. It could be our secret. Besides, my brother needs to quit trying to run my life. And he needs to quit trying to control every person that's around him, Trystan can't tell either of us who to see or who not to see.

It's just how Trystan is. He's always been that way. Kaeden responded.

That's because we've always let him. Ever think of what would happen if we didn't allow it anymore? Tsarina, knowing she was becoming annoyed, reeled herself in

You know he just has always wanted the best for you. That will never change. No matter how old you get. Hey, where are you going anyway? He asked.

They’re sending me to research things on location in Scotland. I get to stay at least six weeks. Tsarina didn’t even want to think about having to return early.

So, you are planning to use me for two-week sex and then leave?

Damn. When he put it that way it sounded terrible. But it was exactly what her brother said he’d do to her. Kaeden, it’s not really like that. You never stay with one girl long. This way you wouldn’t have the break up guilt. Right? We’re both adults. What’s wrong with some friends with benefits for a couple of weeks? It might do us both some good.

You think I'm that much of a dog? Tsarina heard the annoyance in his voice. We’re not telling your brother about this?

No, I don't. I just think we're on the same page with this. And, no, not a word to him. Trystan doesn’t need to know. I can even pick you up somewhere, so he wouldn’t see your truck here. Boy did she sound sneaky. Tsarina laughed. You’d think she’d been doing this all the time. Suddenly she felt like a sixteen-year-old sneaking a boy into her bedroom through a window while her parents slept down the hall.

You’re embarrassed because of the stuff Trystan said about me?

Not embarrassed. I’m just not wanting to hear about me adding to your list. Plus, Trystan would be pissed, and he’d feel like he had to be mad at you. The two of you are best friends. I can’t let that happen. This way’s just easier. It works out where everyone stays happy and we all get what we want. Hmmm, or are you just not interested in me? It's okay if you aren't. I'm a big girl. I can handle the honesty.

Right. Easier. Not interested? Geez, Tsarina, you need to ask? I've been interested in you for years and I find it difficult to believe you don't have a clue. Kaeden didn’t sound happy or convinced. Was he really not interested.

So, I’ll see you Friday? I’ll pick you up at the mall, you know the spot. Trystan’s spot? Trystan always parked in one area. That was it. He’d walk five miles before parking anywhere else. It didn't matter if he only needed one thing and knew it was on the opposite side of the building. He was definitely a creature of habit.

Sure. I’ll see you there at seven. Do you want to get something to eat? Tsarina could hear the hesitation in his voice. She hoped neither of them would regret this later.

I’ll order pizza for delivery. With a smile, she hung up. Two days until the weekend. And maybe her orgasm would reappear. Seven long months without sex, it had to be hiding in there somewhere, likely screaming it’s head off for release. Oh orgasm, where art thou?

KAEDEN COULDN’T BELIEVE it. Tsarina didn’t want to be seen with him. It’s true her brother would be a problem, but he was all right with that. He could handle Trystan. Did she think him a pussy? That he had to hide behind her skirts rather than be a man? He’d never been hidden before. Evidently his reputation for screwing and losing was becoming a huge label. One that Tsarina didn’t agree with or want to sully her good girl reputation.

She'd been the victim. The good girl. The Oh poor Tsarina. after the breakup with her loser ex-boyfriend. It was an image she planned to work and take advantage of for as long as she could.

Still, his cock wouldn’t let him say no to the date. Tsarina, willing and without trying to win over? Absolutely perfect. He’d had a crush on her since junior high. Here’s to hoping he didn’t blow one the second he was near her. Having her for a couple weeks was better than never being able to have her at all. He’d take it.

For once, staying in had proved to be a good thing.

♥ Chapter Two ♥

The last few days were a blur of work and nightly research. Tsarina would not fail on her trip to Scotland.

It was finally Friday night and she was ready to pick up Kaeden. At least no one would ever know that she changed six times before deciding what to wear. Tsarina didn’t want to appear desperate or too conservative or slutty. It was a lot of work. Hopefully her little black dress and come fuck me heels would do the trick. It was simple. A mix of class and tramp. But she didn’t want to look like she hadn’t been laid in seven months. Looking completely desperate, which she was, was definitely out of the question. She had to keep some pride.

Tsarina easily found Kaeden’s truck parked toward the back of the lot. He hopped in and they