Excerpts
Chapter One “Everyone walk this way, please,” the guide said as she herded the group of tourists off the bus. “This way, please.”
Kenna MacKellar grabbed her Nikon D40 off the seat and hung it around her neck. She had to admit that she was ready to get out and walk around. Her back felt stiff and sore from all the traveling she’d been doing lately. An old Army injury to her back made it hard to move sometimes.
She had spent the past 20 years focusing on her career as an MP in the United States Army and that had been hard on her body, too. She’d only been injured once in a firefight and felt blessed that God allowed her to live. Her partner hadn’t been so lucky.
Kenna had enjoyed the Army life and was proud to say she retired as a Sergeant Major with 4 tours of duty to She sighed as her feet touched the ground, and then looked up to see a breathtaking view of the castle ruins and Loch Ness. She raised her camera and began to take pictures. Laughing to herself; wouldn’t it be funny if she caught Nessie in one of her shots!
“Ok, everyone. Before I let you go exploring the castle for yourselves, I need to give you a few guidelines to follow.” Everyone looked towards the guide to listen. “First of all, because the
Smiling, Kenna took off down the path towards the castle in anticipation. Over the past three days, she must have seen a dozen castle ruins, so why was it she felt her heart leap into her throat with this one? She stopped just shy of the gangway crossing to take a picture. Her chest tightened and she felt a rush of adrenalin coming on; the beginnings of a panic attack. She’d not had one of these since that night in “Come on, soldier, it’s just a bunch of stones for crying out loud,” Kenna scolded herself. Then a little voice inside of her head said, “Yes, but a bunch of stones that the infamous Edward Longshanks and Robert the Bruce treaded upon.”
She opened her eyes and started across the gangway where the original drawbridge had once stood. Halfway across the narrow bridge, she felt it shake and heard horses galloping and screaming towards her. “Out of the way, Lass!” She heard a man’s voice call out as she ran the rest of the way across and moved to the side only to find nothing behind her except an old woman who was moving slower than a seven year itch.
With her heart still racing, she looked around to see if anyone else had heard the horses. Everyone was going about their own business, taking in the castle.
Kenna felt as if she was losing her mind. “Great!” she said to herself. “I survived 20 years of service and now I go crazy!” Convinced it was just belated jet lag, she continued towards the castle. “Why do those mannequins have to look so creepy?” a young teenage girl asked her father. He didn’t have an answer for his daughter so he just smiled at her and said, “So young hooligans like you will behave themselves.”
She nudged his arm and exclaimed, “Oh, Dad!” The two laughed and then moved on. Kenna took a few pictures of the cell. She could swear she heard the whimpering of a female voice from inside. Feeling a cold shiver move down her spine, she, too, moved on; not liking the atmosphere of the room.
Kenna found herself in the middle of what looked to be the great hall. The upper floors and ceilings were now gone and you could see the remains of the fireplaces on each floor. One in particular drew her attention. She knew it wasn’t possible, but she was seeing it as it once was. She blinked her eyes a couple of times, yet it still looked new. This time, she rubbed her eyes and again looked back at the ruin. She really was more tired than she thought. She brought her camera to her eye and clicked.
Her Highland Destiny
Scotland – Urquhart Castle
Present day
Kenna entered the main gatehouse and noticed a doorway on the left hand side. Out of curiosity, she walked across the room to open the door. Inside, there was an exhibit of a few artifacts that had been uncovered at the castle and a tiny prison cell with a mannequin that represented a prisoner.
All of the sudden, she felt the ground shake violently. The winds picked up as thunder and lightning engulfed her. Kenna’s head began to whirl and her stomach churned and she felt as if she was going to vomit. Never before had she felt terror like this. She felt her camera drop away from her hands as her feet left the ground. She let out a blood curdling scream as she felt as if her body were being ripped apart; the winds whipping and swirling around her, tearing her clothing to shreds. The thunder rolled louder and with a final scream, and a harsh blow to the side of her head, all went black.
Her Noble Destiny
by: Annie Marshall
The Second book in
The Destiny Series
There was no answer. “Katie, whose room have you brought me to?” Jaedin inquired again.
After a slight pause, the girl finally answered, “Tis Laird MacAlister’s chamber, milady.”
“I thought I was supposed to be taken to my room?” she asked the girl, afraid of finding out the answer.
“Laird MacAlister instructed me to bring ye here.” the girl said sheepishly.
Jaedin drew in a deep breath. “So, I’m to be taken directly into the lion’s den, am I?” she jested with a slight snicker, as she felt around the wall to find the window.
“If I may, milady, why do ye always go to the windows?” the timid girl asked.
“Good question.” Jaedin thought for a moment of why she did seek out the windows. “I suppose it’s because without my sight, I feel closed in. The air from the windows allows me to breathe. The breeze calms me,” she admitted as she took a deep breath. “So you see, Katie, I’m not as strong as you may think.”
“Dinna let her fool ye Katie. I have the bruises on mi body that tell a different tale.” Aiden proclaimed as he walked in the room.
“You deserved every single one of them, MacAlister.” Jaedin justified her previous actions.
“Ye may go now, Katie. Lady Jaedin willna be needin’ yer assistance tonight.”
Jaedin heard him behind her and then the closing of the door. Was that the lock?
Then there was silence. She turned around to lean her back against the window. She heard something heavy being hung on the wall, and then she heard the sound of metal on metal. Buckles, the sound she heard were buckles. Dear God, her heart began to race!
Then Jaedin heard the splashing of water and a slight groan from Aiden. She quickly turned around to face out the window, knowing she couldn’t see him; it was still unsettling to her. She closed her eyes as she envisioned him in the tub, water and soap streaming down his muscular body, his dark hair slicked back, her hands kneading his hard…
“Turn around Jaedin.” Aiden said in a low tone of voice, interrupting her fantasy.
“This was not our agreement, MacAlister.” Jaedin said as she crossed her arms in defiance, trying to maintain composure.
“Ye canna see me, lass, now turn around. I’ll not talk to ye through yer back.” He said with as much patience he could muster.
Jaedin collected herself then slowly turned around to face him with her arms still crossed.
“Why am I here and not in my own room?” she asked.
“We have guests, ye ken that. I gave them the best chamber in the keep… yers.” He stated. “While they are here, ye’ll be stayin’ in here with me.” She heard the water sloshing around again. “Tis after all what a man and his bride would do.”
Taking a deep breath, “Don’t think we’ll be sharing a bed, MacAlister.” she spat, not quite accepting her circumstances.
“Dinna fash that hot head of yers, lass. I’ve no wish to play with fire.” he bit back, beginning to lose his patience, he stood up. “A man, who plays with fire, gets burnt.” He stepped out of the tub and grabbed a cloth. “Besides, if and when I need to bed someone, the lass will come to me willingly. Now help me dry off.” He ordered as he tossed her the cloth, startling her.
Absolutely stunned by his remarks, she threw the fabric back across the room, hoping it would hit her intended target.
“You are the supreme master, Laird MacAlister. I’m sure women weep with yearning for you.” She turned back around to face the window. “You’ll not find me begging for your…”
“That’ll be enough outta ye.” Aiden interrupted as he closed the distance between them by walking up behind her and grasped her hips tightly and pulled her close, holding her firmly against him, causing him to instantly grow hard. “I dinna ken about other women, but by mornin’, ye’ll be the one weepin’ with yearnin’ for my cruaidh breall.” He growled into her ear, slowly grinding his hard root into her backside while nipping at her neck, sending chills down Jaedin’s spine. He heard her take a deep breath and she leaned back further into him. He took that as his invitation, continuing to nibble down her neck. He grasped the yoke of her chemise and slowly slid it down her shoulder so he could continue to trail kisses on her bare, soft skin.
Jaedin closed her eyes. This shouldn’t be happening. She’d done everything she could to ward him off and to cause him to hate her. She’d been horrible to him, yet now, his lips and teeth were causing her heart to race with lightning fury. She should stop this…she should…
“Now’s the time, Jaedin,” he purred into her ear in that oh so sexy deep brogue of his, using her name. Oh, she loved the sound of her name across this man’s lips. “Stop me now lass, for I’ve not the will to stop myself.”
Haunted Legacy
A tale about Lust
Sheena stood outside her room looking at the doorway across the hall. His door…Lachlan’s door. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and for a brief moment, thought about hiding, and then the last of the boys that brought up the hot water exited through his door. It wasn’t like this was the first bath she’d attended to. But this man made her nervous.
She took another deep breath then knocked on the doorframe. Lachlan was standing by the fireplace with his back to her, dressed in nothing but his trewes and boots. The muscles in his back were well defined; the fire’s glow alternately cast shadows or revealed a few scars. Taking his time, he took a drink of his ale then turned around to face her. A smile spread wide across his handsome face and his blue eyes shone brightly even though the room was fairly dim.
Lachlan loved the pursuit of a new conquest and this lass had fire. He fancied the chase she’d give him and the thought made him hard just thinking about how wonderful her hands would feel on his body.
Sheena stood in the doorway waiting for Lachlan to speak to her. She soon found she’d be waiting a little while longer. He set down his drink, and then slowly finished undressing. Sheena pretended to not be interested and looked around the room and then inspected the items in her basket. When she looked up, he was standing in front of her completely naked. He walked towards her, took her hand, drew her into the room, and then he closed the door behind her.
“We dinna need the warm air to escape.” He said in a low seductive voice. “Heat…we most certainly should have heat.”
Sheena backed away from him, “If yer wanting to bathe, I would suggest ye get into the tub.”
“Do ye wish to join me?” he asked with a smile spread wide across his handsome face.
“I think not.” She replied.
With a low chuckle, Lachlan turned around and walked across the room, downed the rest of his drink, and then stepped into the tub. Sheena found it completely impossible to keep her eyes off this giant. There was no mistaking the strength this man held behind the tight skin that held his muscular body together. She knew that from that day on, she would compare all men to him and find them lacking. She took a deep breath then approached the tub and as she sat down her basket, she reached in and pulled out the cake of soap and began running it across his back working her way down. Her heart pounded furiously inside her chest as she followed each muscle, each crevasse, and each scar.
Barely able to speak, “Please sit.” Without a word, he turned his head to the side to look at her then slowly sank into the tub. Sheena glanced into his eyes and noticed the change. Before, they were a crystal clear blue and now, they were deep pools of midnight.
Sheena picked up a cloth and began using it to rinse the soap from his body. All was silent between them except for the crackling and popping of the fire, the sound of the wind blowing outside the window, and the sloshing of the water as it met with his skin and slid down his muscular body. She then picked up a cup and doused his hair then added a bit of soap to it. His shoulder length light brown hair was thick and curled around her fingers as she scrubbed on his scalp.
“Mmmmmm. Ye’ve a healing touch, lass.” He softly stated.
Once she had rinsed the soap from his hair, she took out the scented oil and began rubbing it on his back, then moved to his arms, then chest.
“Are ye certain ye dinna wish to join me, lass?” he inquired then leaned his mouth close to her ear, “On my honor, Sheena, you’ll enjoy my touch.” He purred.
Sheena quickly stood up. “I think not, mighty laird.”
He rose from his bath and grasped her hand swiftly before she could move away, then placed it over his heart. “Do ye feel that? Tis my heart beating only for ye, my bonnie Sheena.” She stared into his smoldering eyes. A deep bubbling pool of blue. He then ever so slowly moved her hand down his torso and rested it just below his navel. Leaning once more into her ear, “Shall I continue further, my love?” he asked in a low husky brogue, nuzzling her neck just below her ear.
Sheena nearly fainted as she brought herself to reality and became conscious of what was going on. “Ye can finish bathin’ yerself.” She barely squeaked out and quickly left the room. Closing the door behind her, she leaned back against it trying to regain composure. She couldn’t be for certain, however she thought she’d heard him laughing behind that door. “Christ Almighty,” was all she could say as she recalled the way Lachlan’s body had felt. Never before had a man affected her in such a way. She placed her hands upon her cheeks, feeling how flush she had become. Heat she felt in that man. Raw, unbridled heat. There would be no way she could face him after this, for he would surely find humor in how she ran from him. Where was her courage, she asked herself.
Giovanni's Angel
He was there…standing before Isabel. She couldn’t move as his hand reached out to caress her cheek. With one fluid motion, his other arm circled her waist and pulled her to him. His seductive brown eyes locked with hers as he slowly brought his mouth to hers. His lips were warm and he tasted sweet. His kiss was so tender. He drew her closer into him.
Isabel’s body trembled as she pressed against this man who held her in this intimate embrace. She could feel his heart beating beneath his lightweight shirt.
His tongue played and explored her and his scent was intoxicating. Everything that he was doing enveloped her very soul.
The hand holding her face slowly moved down her neck to her breast, lightly grazing her. Gently, he took her in his hand.
Isabel cried out for more of what this beautiful man was doing; her legs weak with desire.
Sensing what she needed, he picked her up and carried her to the bed.
His mouth left her long enough to say in a deep husky voice, “Cosi bella… mia angelo… mia amore. Lei me e’ ritornare."
Isabel’s eyes flew open as she shot straight up on the bed! The room was full of long shadows. What in the world, she asked herself! How long had I been asleep? Who was the man who invaded my dream?
“So beautiful…my angel…my love. You have returned to me.” He had whispered those very words right before she woke up.
Her body trembled and her heart raced! Isabel fled to the bathroom
to grab a cool washcloth to press against her face. How a dream
could do such things to her? Never before had she had such a vivid dream! She leaned down to bury her face in the soft cold fabric, trying to regain control of her senses. She looked up from the sink to view herself in the mirror. Her lips were swollen from being kissed! She ran her fingers across them. They we so sensitive! How could that be? No one was in the room with her! It was just a dream! The man who kissed her was nothing more than a dream!
Ghosts of the Past Lachlan goes to look for Neilina on horseback. He finds her at the old pavilion.
“We really need to stop meeting like this Lachlan Gunn. People are going to start talking.” Neilina teased.
“People are already talking, Neilina Keith.” He replied, continuing the formality in an annoyed tone as he dismounted and grabbed a leather bag.
“And what are they saying?” she asked while taking note of how incredibly sexy he looked on horseback.
“They’re talkin’ about an old feud between our two clans.” He replied as he handed her the bag.
“The feud is long dead with them. What would that have to do with me now?” she asked.
“Ya’ve been away from Scotland too long Neilina Keith if ya’re askin me that. Ya should ken that clan feuds never die. They only simmer until the right time to turn up the heat.”
“It’s not our fault what happened between the clans once upon a time.” Neilina said as Lachlan placed his jacket around her shoulders. Then he knelt in front of her and looked deep in her eyes.
“It does matter, Lina. At least it does to the people of Stonehaven and the clans. It should matter to ya’.”
“And does it matter to you, Lachlan? Is that why you’re here? Are you going to rescue me or is it time to turn up the heat?”
He didn’t move. They were locked in a gaze; studying each other. Then he leaned in and gently placed a kiss on her lips. So soft, so warm. “Lina.” He breathed then drew her into his arms, pulling her off the bench to lie on the ground with him. His kiss deepened as he covered her body with his.
Was the ground cold? She couldn’t tell. She was on fire. Oh, this man felt good! He knew exactly what he was doing. He knew exactly were to kiss her…to touch her. He tugged on her shirt to lift it up, exposing her skin to his touch. His hands slowly caressing her bare skin, finding her breast. With a low growl, he released her mouth and gazed down at her breast. His eyes were heavy with desire. He lowered his head to take one breast in that glorious mouth of his. This was nearly Nelina’s undoing. His tongue circled the tight nipple and his teeth gently tugged.
“Lachlan, please.” She pleaded with him.
Raising up to look into her eyes again, “Please what, Lina?” he purred. “Please stop?” his mouth returned to her nipple. “Not a chance.” He began unbuttoning her jeans. “Please, more?” His hand sliding down to find the dark curls that hid what he wanted so much to taste. Smiling at feeling how wet she was for him, “Definitely more, my bonnie lass.” He reclaimed her mouth with his as his fingers played with the hard nub sending shockwaves through her body. His mouth devoured her cries, feeding on them. Then he slid one finger deep into her. Oh, how warm and wet she was for him.
The rain masked the sounds of the two intruders.
“Och the rain sure provides a settin’, huh Lachlan Gunn?” The older woman said and her walking companion giggled as they kept walking up the hill.
Lachlan quickly covered Neilina with his jacket to shield her.
Neilina was mortified! She pushed Lachlan off of her and moved to sit back on the bench. “Caught in the act as if we were teenagers!” She said as she put herself back together. “If the town wasn’t talking before, they sure will be now!” She tossed the jacket back to Lachlan.
