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?
Prologue excerpt from On A Highland Hill copyright @ 2019 Kara Griffin
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.”
Don't miss On A Highland Hill
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This is another all nighter from Kara Griffin. Those hot Gunn Guardsman keep me coming back for more. Anxiously awaiting the next Gunn heart stealer.
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