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Category:
Romance
ISBN-10: 1500432792
Type: Fiction
Pages: 330
Copyright: Nov, 19, 2013
ISBN-13: 9781493717958
Price: $4.99 (eBook)
Book Two - The Gunn Guardsmen have always pledged their duty comes first: to protect their laird, his family, each other, and when necessary, the clan. When each of them finds unexpected love, they have no choice but to surrender their heart.
Titles in series: One & Only, On A Highland Hill, A Highlander In Peril, In Love With A Warrior.
They were destined to meet, but they never expected to fall in love…
His tormented soul
Kenneth McInnish, a guardsman for the powerful Gunn Clan, is not prepared for the tender devotion from the lass his clan steals from the king. Tricked into marrying her, he makes the best of it. But it’s her kisses that win him over to the fact that he might enjoy being married. Beneath Kenneth’s wounded heart lies a protector. But Elisa is more than capable of taking care of herself. The only place he’s sure of himself is at night when he shares the most passionate experiences of his life.
Her giving nature
Elisa always thought she’d marry the ruthless warrior who abducted her. When she finds out the truth behind her abduction and is mercifully rescued, she is forced to wed for her protection. She chooses a warrior whose soul needs saving the most. Everything she does to aid Kenneth goes awry and puts him in a worse position. Faced with the possibility of endangering his clan, she risks her own peril to save him.
Their dangerous encounter
When Kenneth learns of the trickery which caused him to marry Elisa and forces him to confront his demons, he’s not sure how to proceed. She’s everything he never knew he could have. As they aid those around them, can they save each other and find the love they both need and desire?
Excerpt
PROLOGUE
McInnish Clan Holding
Highlands, Scotland
Winter 1215
The old lady limped into the darkened cottage of the wisest woman in the clan. It was said, if anyone wanted to know anything, she was the one who foretold of certain futures. A brisk wind blew the door closed behind her and sent the cottage into obscurity. She heard the bustle of the seer, but she couldn’t see well as it was too dark within.
The old lady’s heart thumped madly for needed answers. She avoided coming here because she wasn’t sure she wanted the disheartening news.
“Come, sit, and I shall tell all. I expected you.”
She did as she was bid and noticed the glow from a small candle alit on the table near the cold hearth. Why the seer had no fire lit on such a windswept chilly night, the lady didn’t discern nor would she ask. She set her misshaped stick beside her, the only crutch she would use as she had long since been unable to walk on her own.
“You come seeking answers?”
“Aye, I hope it is noble news and not ill?” As she waited, she watched with expectant nerves.
The seer became still and quiet. Her long white hair blew from unknown wind, and her glowing bright eyes looked at her with a bemused gaze. “Firstly, I shall speak of my forsooth…then I shall tell you about the McInnish. For that’s why you have sought my guidance.”
“I am gladdened to learn anything you say,” the lady said exuberantly and hoped for good tidings.
“Sad events will happen before the one to lead the clan returns. Deaths and such woe, I see. The laird’s son who you believe to be the heir will be taken from the McInnish and this world.”
Her hopes dashed. “You mean…he shall die?” The lady frowned at the thought of the heir being lost to them, for they hadn’t much time before her husband’s demise, which was why she sought the wise guidance of the seer. Though her husband’s sons were her stepsons, she cared for them and considered them her own.
“Aye, the eldest shall not exist long enough to lead the McInnish clan and shall perish before the laird, your husband. The other shall be hesitant to take his place, but a lass is the key to the younger McInnish’s heart and only she will bring about the clan’s forbearance of him and his acceptance of his position.”
“When shall he come?” the lady asked. “We haven’t much time before my dearest departs.”
“Events must happen before the younger one can return. Return he shall, on a night when you least expect. He will show himself and take the mighty position as his father wills.”
“I must tell my husband for he will be gladdened our clan will bode well when he departs. He shall be dispirited by this news, but at least a McInnish will lead our people. My husband won’t say he worries, but he does. I cannot allow him to meet his maker without knowing such tidings. He will at least be at peace.” The lady began to rise but slowly sat back when the seer motioned her to wait.
“The lass who comes is crucial to the McInnish’s happiness, och the lass will have help. For the Red Lady will aid her and she won’t be alone in her endeavor.”
“Is the lass to be the McInnish bride?”
The seer closed her eyes waved her hands over the candle which flickered and sent light to the farthest part of the cottage. She moaned. “Ah, the poor lass, for she only wants to be loved and needed. But the heir doesn’t want any help from anyone and prefers to be alone. She will have a hard time convincing him.”
“How long do we have?”
The seer took a deep breath and then spat on the table. She used her curved nail and scratched through the saliva before she dripped a bit of candle wax and mixed it with the liquid. She stared at it for several moments. The old lady was afraid to interrupt her thoughts and remained silent and patient.
“Events are already unfolding. Much time will pass before he comes and the clan will be destitute and sorely in need of his leadership.”
“We cannot wait that long, we could perish before his return,” the lady said dolefully, sadly realizing the woe that would befall her clan.
“You have no choice, for it will be as I foretold.”
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