The Highlander's Promise

Cheer Up Buttercup

I have to say I hated the weepy, depressed individual I had become since all this drama happened. I didn’t use to be this weak, and now, now it was like the littlest things set me off. I had feelings for Mack but he was just another guy in a long line of men.

Yet, there was something about him that I kept getting drawn back to him. The same could be said about Alexei as well. I was going to have to make a decision soon and I would rather make the decision than have it made for me.

“Do you want to go back home sooner than later? I can book us a flight and I can even go talk to the police if you want.” I blinked at Sullivan and realized he was staring at me and the cup of tea that was growing cold.

“What do you think is going to happen to the kid?” I felt bad for the child it wasn’t his fault his mom was a raging psychopath. It also wasn’t his fault that his dad might be someone I was in love with. The child should not have to pay for the sins of the parents.

“I guess they may either put him in a group home or find a foster family. Four years old is still young enough that a family would take him in.” I looked at Sullivan and shook my head. He was staring down at his hands and his mug of tea.

“Do you think they would let us take the kid to Scotland? Just until they could find someone to adopt him?” I watched Sullivan and narrowed my eyes at him. That could be both brilliant and stupid on our part.

I dug out my phone and shot Alexei a text, we could probably test his DNA easier to see if he was in fact Mack’s kid and if he wasn’t we can get him away from whatever riffraff he was staying with, and maybe we can track down the kid’s real father if he isn’t Mack. Something has to be better than a group home. Although living out in the highlands might not be ideal for a four-year-old.

“You are texting Alexei, aren’t you? Anna, you don’t have to do this though. If the kid is my brother’s it isn’t fair for you to be constantly reminded of the pain.” I shot him an annoyed glare and he went back to staring at his tea.

“I don’t even know if it would be possible and that is why I am having Alexei handle it all because frankly if anyone could get the answers we need it is him. Plus if the kid can come to stay with us it will give Melina practice and Jer practice as well.” Sullivan c****d an eyebrow at me and I rolled my eyes.

“I don’t plan on being stupid and forgetting about my birth control again. Honestly, anything has to be better than letting the kid stay in a group home. Did you see how filthy and skinny he was?” I choked on the words and Sullivan pushed his chair back and stood behind me. The next thing I know he is hugging me and I am blinking back tears.

“Regardless if he is my nephew or not. I support you and I will treat that kid as if he is my own flesh and blood. That is how us Mackenzies roll.” I snorted and let out bark of laughter. They were definitely a good lot, despite the older Mackenzie being a thorn in my ass and breaking my heart.

“Can we go do some sightseeing now? I wanna check out all the haunted places and the Jack the Ripper tour.” I wiped the tears from my eyes and blew my nose. He shook his head and then went to lay on the bed.

“Go get ready and shower, cause you smell like the street. I’m going to call Alexei and talk to him a little bit. I know you texted him but I can explain what we figured out.” I stuck my tongue out at him and lay down on the bed next to him staring at the ceiling.

“Do you think he is Mack’s kid?” I was torn that maybe the kid was his and then he would be stuck with Claire but he would also be reunited with the child he didn’t know he had. Then there was the other side of the coin that if he became attached to the child and then found out the kid was not his at all and then he would be crushed. It would be hard on Sullivan too because the kid could be his nephew and then again if he became attached he would be heartbroken.

“I want to say the kid isn’t his but then again I really can’t even begin to guess. Claire could have taught him how to act and whatnot. She is a deceitful cow.” I snorted and smacked him in the stomach he let out a loud grunt.

“That is insulting to cows damn you. I don’t want to go out, after all, let’s order food in and get some alcohol. Things are always better with booze.” It was his turn to snort and he glanced at me out of the corner of his eye.

“Fine, but you still need a shower and I still need to call Alexei.” I closed my eyes and nodded; I just didn’t feel like moving right now. I was emotionally and physically drained, and all I could think about was that poor child getting stuck in the middle of Claire’s drama.

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I woke up with my face buried in Sullivan’s chest and I was clinging to him as a koala clings to a tree. Blinking I looked at the wet spot on his shirt. I tried wiping away the drool mark and he grabbed my hand and looked at me with bleary eyes.

“I already know you drool, and you snore. But did you also know that you kind of kick and twitch like a puppy in your sleep.” He was grinning at me and damned if he didn’t look good with bedhead and sleepy eyes. Then the reality set in and I scrambled off him and ran into the bathroom. How could I be so stupid? I know I just fell asleep on him but that is how this whole mess started with the older Mackenzie.

“What is with you damn Mackenzie men being so comfortable with random women sleeping on you.” He started laughing and I caught myself blushing in the mirror. My hair was stuck to the side of my face with dried-up drool and I buried my head in my hands, oh my God.

“When you are done berating yourself for falling asleep on me, come on out we will grab some food and maybe a pint.” I scowled at the door and the amusement in his voice. Oh, he was dangerous there was no way I was going to get drunk around him.

“Just order in I’m going to shower since I stink so much.” Rolling my eyes turned the shower on and started stripping my clothes. I heard his phone ring and then he knocked on the door. I leaned against it, dreading to hear what he would say.

“Alexei just called me, I’m going to talk with him and then get dinner. I will be gone for a bit so you can have some time to yourself.” I nodded and then swallowed the lump in my throat.

“Ok, let me know what he says, even if it is bad news ok?” I hated the shakiness in my voice. I needed to get it together and stop being so weak.

“You know I will Anna.” The way he said it made the butterflies in my stomach flap crazily. It was the same way Mack used to talk to me. I needed to get my head out of my butt and screw it on straight because there is a chance I will never get Gregor Mackenzie back.