The Wolf of Skye
Released just in time for holiday reading!
Fate's
wicked sense of humor strikes Highland guard Faolan Mackinnon when he ends up
betrothed to Catriona Grant, a fiery lass, who he met only minutes earlier.
A
heartbroken Highland guard's last desperate attempt to regain the woman he
loves becomes a journey across Scotland to a mysterious well that grants
wishes. However upon getting to know a beautiful lass in the village of Moy,
Faolan Mackinnon questions his true feelings.
Catriona
Grant is sure both her overbearing brother and the handsome stranger from Skye
will balk when she challenges the newcomer to announce their betrothal. Instead she finds herself tied to a man, who
is too honorable to dismiss her public pronouncement.
How
will two people who destiny brings together in the most unconventional way find
they are meant to be?
Excerpt
Still dancing, her
bright smile faltered when Paden got to his feet. "She'll be the death of
me." His new friend rushed to the table, plucked the lass from the
tabletop and set her upon the floor. "Go home, Catriona, and see about
that unruly mess of hair." The crowd booed at Paden, but he ignored them.
"I will
not." She rushed to the table where Faolan sat and plopped down onto Paden's
empty chair. With a pout, she lifted Paden's tankard and drank deeply.
"Catriona,"
Paden growled, then gave up. He dragged another chair over and sat. "Why
do you insist on being foolish?" Her brother took the tankard back while
she gifted him with a broad smile.
"I love you,
brother of mine, but you are much too serious." She had a melodious voice
that matched her beauty perfectly. Instead of sitting upright and still as any
lady should, she rocked side to side in time to the music. "I love this
tune."
Paden looked to
Faolan. "Do you see now why I cannot marry as of yet?"
"Aye,"
Faolan replied only to garner a glare from Catriona who just then seemed to
notice him. Her face reddened and she blinked several times while studying him.
"Who are you?"
"Catriona,"
Paden motioned to Faolan. "This is Faolan Mackinnon of Skye."
"Skye
really?" She leaned forward inspecting him as if he were the most
interesting thing. "Truly?"
"Aye."
Faolan's throat became dry and his heart beat faster. "Have you been
there?"
She shook her head
slowly and then looked to Paden, who studied them both. "Is this he?"
"What are you
referring to sister?" Paden motioned for a tavern woman to come and refill
their drinks. "I have no idea what you speak of."
The lass narrowed
her eyes at Faolan. "It is you. I know it."
"Who do you
think I am?"
"Fine,
continue to play this silly game." She huffed and got to her feet. Her
gaze on Faolan, she lifted an eyebrow as if in challenge. "Do not expect
me to become a wilted lolly who will do every one of your biddings."
"I would never
expect that of you lass," Faolan said truthfully. He rather liked her
nature and hoped no one would ever try to change her.
She turned to her
brother. "Very well then. Bring him along. I'll do it."
Both he and Paden
exchanged questioning looks and then waited for Catriona to elaborate. Instead,
she laughed at something someone said to her and clapped to get everyone's
attention. Someone motioned to the musicians and the music ceased. The crowd
quieted.
The slender lass
climbed onto the chair and held her arms out as if welcoming the room. "Attention
everyone. My lout of a brother has decided to marry me off." She waited
for the hisses and boos to end before continuing. "Hence forth, I will
soon be married to Faolan Mackinnon, the Wolf of Skye." She motioned to
him with much fanfare and the entire room focused on him with eager expressions.
Obviously she'd used the Celtic meaning of his name to garner a reaction from
the crowd.
Paden let out a
groan and shrugged when Faolan looked to him for help.
The silence
lingered until finally Faolan got to his feet and lifted a hand. The room
erupted in cheers and tankards were lifted in toasts. A group of men rushed over
and lifted Faolan onto their shoulders, carrying him around the room as the
music resumed.
When he was brought
back to the table and dropped onto the chair, drinks were shoved into Faolan's
hands and more than one man clapped him on the back calling him courageous.
Catriona watched
with arms crossed and a triumphant look as an older man approached. "Foolhardy
if you ask me. No one would marry the lass; she's a good girl but much too
strong-willed for her own good. If it were not for the announcement, I'd advise
you to run and go as far as possible." The man shook his head and placed a
bottle of whiskey on the table. "This may help."
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