Prologue

MacMillan Castle, two years ago…

Even in June, Caitlyn MacMillan needed a shawl around her shoulders. The wind tugged at the pages of the book in her lap, teasing them open, threatening to blow them over and make her completely lose her page. However, as she sat in the gardens surrounding her father’s huge castle, it was not the wind or her turning pages that distracted her. She had now read the same passage nearly four times and had not retained one single word.

It was, in fact, the thought of Aengus Lamont who held her concentration, for while she sat and attempted to read, Caitlyn was waiting for his arrival. She and Aengus had been courting for four months now, and she was certain, he would soon ask for her hand in marriage. In her mind, it was simply the next logical step.

Of course, she would say yes. A summer wedding would be so pretty. They might even have it in the very gardens where she sat. Her father’s castle was large enough that even if the weather was not favorable, the great hall would certainly accommodate all who might attend. But Caitlyn would much prefer the gathering in the beautiful outdoors that surrounded her home. Looking about her, she imagined the ribbons and wreaths, the laughter and chatter of their guests, the music in the air, and she, the proud wife of a fine man.

The sound of footfalls behind her gave her great excitement. Not caring that she would lose her place, she slammed the book closed and jumped from the bench. With a wide smile, she turned to look upon the man she hoped would soon be her betrothed. Only, it wasn’t Aengus at all.

“Good day tae ye, Caitlyn,” Edan MacLachlan declared, striding confidently toward her.

Caitlyn dropped her smile and regarded him with the disdain she felt at his approach. While other lasses could hardly keep their eyes off him, Caitlyn was the opposite, and with good reason. Indeed, his dark hair flowed to his shoulders, and his striking looks got him anything he desired. He was tall, and broad, and full of charm. Charm she found repulsive.

Where other lasses saw Edan as the man he was now, Caitlyn had the unpleasant memories of a time when he was far less accomplished. When he had been younger and had relished in her making her life a misery.

Their fathers had been good friends for many years and would often travel the glens to visit each other. Thus, as her mother and father would enjoy the delights of Laird and Lady MacLachlan, Caitlyn and her sister Effie were forced into the company of Edan and his brother, Darach.

While close, the brothers could not be more unlike each other. Darach had always been serious and intelligent, while Edan was always the prankster or picking a fight. Given their characteristics, one might imagine that Darach was the older of the two, but as it happened, Edan was two years his senior.

The MacLachlan’s visits came with instruction from Caitlyn’s mother and father that she and Effie were to entertain the boys. And as much as she hated it, Caitlyn had no choice but to suffer Edan spending the entire visit making her life miserable. He loved teasing her and playing pranks – on one occasion, he actually put a frog in her bed, causing her to scream and cause an embarrassing commotion.

He would start arguments, and then blame her when the maids came to break up the fight. He pulled ribbons from her hair, making her chase him to retrieve them. He teased her about being delicate, comparing her to fine china. And on and on it went.

Edan MacLachlan had been the bane of her childhood.

After the dreadful murder of his father, Edan had taken on his role as laird of the MacLachlan Clan. Four years older than her, at seven and twenty, he led his people with bravery and fairness. But no matter how powerful, or mighty, or courageous he was, Caitlyn had never been able to shift her resentment.

Even now, after all these years, he still found great satisfaction in frustrating her. Bracing herself for whatever might be coming, she gave him a steady gaze.

“What are ye doing out here, Edan? Should ye nae be with me sister?”

“I cannae be with Effie every minute o’ the day now, can I?” He smirked. “We’ll be married soon enough, and then she’ll be tied tae me.”

Gritting her teeth, she tried to repress her annoyance at his arrogance. “Ye are intolerable.” She spun around and turned her back to him. “I dinnae ken what me older sister sees in ye.”

“Clearly, me good looks and charming personality,” Edan continued, ignoring Caitlyn’s rudeness, and walking around to face her.

“Well, ye may find somewhere else tae be. Aengus will arrive soon. I’m certain he’s with me faither this minute, asking fer me hand.”

Edan snarled. “Ye cannae be serious in wanting tae marry that man, Caitlyn.”

“Who are ye tae judge? Aengus is a good and fine person, which is more than I can say fer ye.”

As fine a man as Aengus was, Caitlyn was not in love with him. Not the kind of love the novels talked about. Not the love she had often witnessed gushing from her older sister when she gazed up at Edan. But that didn’t matter. That was fairytale love, and from what she had seen, very few people discovered it anyway. Aengus made her feel comfortable. They had much in common, and she felt excited when she saw him.

They had met many years before at a carnival. Caitlyn had been much younger then, but he had made her laugh, and she had enjoyed being with him. Providence had caused their paths to cross once more just over seven months ago. Their friendship had started slowly, until one afternoon, Aengus had asked her if he might court her. It was certainly not love at first sight, but Aengus was a man of principles and great manners, and those things had impressed her. Was that not better than marrying a person she hardly knew, as so many of her peers had been forced to do over the last couple of years?

She would never disclose such a thing to Edan, of course. For a start, it was none of his business how she felt. But that was not her main reason for keeping it to herself. Edan, the trickster and teaser of her childhood, had not changed much in that regard. The last thing she needed was his snide remarks about her and Aengus’s relationship. She had never confided in the man, and she certainly was not going to start now.

A movement behind Edan’s shoulder caught Caitlyn’s attention, and she beamed a smile as Aengus approached. While he was neither as tall nor as handsome as Edan, Aengus was still a striking man. He kept his blonde hair tied, emphasizing his strong jaw. His eyes were dark and intelligent, and his wide mouth always had a smile for her.

Until today, for as he approached, his brow knotted at the sight of Edan. The men shared a dark look, before Aengus finally came to stand at Caitlyn’s side.

“Edan,” Aengus growled.

“Aengus,” Edan scowled back.

Caitlyn looked from one to the other worriedly. Fearing Edan’s presence would scare Angus away, she said, “Ye must leave us now, Edan. Aengus and I have much tae speak about.”

“Gladly,” Edan spat. And without another word, he spun on his heels and stormed away.

Even as confusion danced in Caitlyn’s head, she pushed it down. The two men were not often in each other’s company, and thus, she couldn’t remember a time before now, where they had displayed such anger towards each other. Clearly, something had happened.

Now isnae the time tae ask.

No, it wasn’t. She would find that out later. At that moment, she was just delighted that Aengus was by her side.

Turning to him, she gave him a warm smile. “I am so delighted tae see ye, Aengus.”

Pushing herself onto her toes, she reached to kiss his cheek, the way she always greeted him. Only, to her surprise, Aengus took a swift step back. At her stunned expression, Aengus took her two hands in his and sighed heavily.

“I need tae talk tae ye, Caitlyn. I have something important tae say.”

While she felt bewildered at his reaction, she concluded that it might, perhaps, have something to do with Edan’s presence only moments before. Internally, she scowled. Was she never to be rid of him ruining everything?

Shaking Edan’s face from her mind, her heart skipped a beat as Aengus led her to the bench she had been sitting on earlier. Guiding her to sit, he settled himself beside her. Caitlyn could hardly contain herself as the anticipation grew.

This is it. He is going tae propose.

“I’ve been speaking tae yer faither—”

“Aye, and?” she said, the eagerness too much for her to contain.

“I’m here tae say me farewells, Caitlyn,” Aengus replied steadily.

What?

So stunned was she, Caitlyn could only gawp at him for several seconds. In startled silence, her thoughts escaped her, like her mind had been wiped clean of all the words she knew. It took a little time for the strange numbness to pass. And then, a wave of fear started in the pit of her stomach. Her mind whirled, trying to grasp on to a meaning that would make her heart stop thumping, but she could think of anything that would make any sense. Eventually, she seemed to find her voice.

“I beg yer pardon?”

Aengus lowered his gaze and continued. “We willnae be courting any longer. Nor will there be a union between us.”

While she had already, if not a little slowly, come to that realization, hearing it stated so plainly stabbed at her heart. How could this be true? It made no sense. Why, after all this time, had Aengus decided that he didn’t want to be with her?

Maybe this wasnae his decision.

Anger welled up in her breast as she drew the only conclusion that made any sense. “Me faither refused ye?”

Aengus looked at her sadly, and then shook his head. “Nae, Caitlyn. It wasnae yer faither. I didnae go tae him tae ask fer yer hand in marriage. I went tae tell him that I’m breaking off the courtship. I thought it was only right that he kent first.”

Caitlyn could not feel more confused. Only yesterday, she and Aengus had wandered around the castle, gleefully talking about their future. Aengus had spoken about inheriting his father’s land, and what he wanted to do with it. Caitlyn had talked about a family, and what a joy it would be for them to have children of their own.

What has changed? What happened between then and now, fer Aengus tae suddenly change his mind?

Caitlyn felt her heart shattering into a thousand tiny pieces. The future she had been imagining for the last few months had been snatched away in a few simple words. As devastated as she felt, however, her stubborn independence refused to let her emotions show. As delicate as everyone thought she was, inside she was as resilient as any of her father’s soldiers. If she wasn’t good enough for Aengus, then he certainly didn’t deserve to see her heartbreak.

Steeling herself, she shifted and lifted her chin, determined to save face. At least, on the outside. “May I ask why?”

Aengus dropped his gaze, but didn’t reply immediately. He seemed to be weighing up what he ought to say. Finally, but still without looking at her directly, Aengus murmured, “I cannae court ye any longer because o’ Edan MacLachlan.”

Caitlyn was now even more stunned. As the wave of shock washed over her, her earlier anger returned. Narrowing her eyes, she stared at Aengus. “What has our marriage got tae dae with him?”

“Edan doesnae approve o’ me marrying ye. He’s made it clear, he’ll make mine and my clan’s life hell if I go through with it.” Aengus stood, and as astonished as she was, Caitlyn stood with him.

“But, Aengus—”

“I’m sorry, Caitlyn. Truly, I am. I’ll miss our conversations. I’ll miss yer soft brown hair and the vibrant green o’ yer eyes. Ye’re such a charming and elegant wee lass, and I was lucky tae have yer company fer as long as I did.”

Taking her hand to his lips, he kissed it tenderly. Sorrow marred his face, and with a final heavy look, he turned, leaving Caitlyn stunned, alone, and reeling.

It was hard to imagine how she was supposed to feel, but feel she did. Everything from devastation to inner rage raced through her body. Dropping onto the bench in astonishment, a flurry of thoughts battled for her attention. Why had Edan threatened Aengus and his clan? What had happened between them?

Whatever it was, it didn’t matter. Edan had no right. He had no right to threaten Aengus. He had no right to tell the man who he could or could not marry. He had no right to ruin the future she had been looking forward to this past month.

Who the hell does he think he is?

Aengus was hardly off the hook, either. One threat was all it had taken. One threat, and he had turned and ran. What kind of man was he? What kind of warrior was he? Was she not worth fighting for?

Clearly not.

Back and forth her mind went; anger, confusion, despair. The life she had imagined would make her happy had been just there, on the horizon, beckoning her. Now, it had dissipated, faded like the early morning mist under the heat of the rising sun. Edan had done that to her. Did he truly hate her that much? As the anger boiled in her heart, Caitlyn determined one thing that would remain true for the rest of her life.

I will forever loathe Edan MacLachlan.

Chapter One

A tavern in the village next to Castle MacMillan. Present day…

The tavern was full of boisterous noise, but none of the group seemed to mind. A week before Effie and Edan’s wedding, they were spending some time away from the castle to enjoy a drink and a little fun.

Caitlyn sat beside Effie, listening to the conversation she was having with their cousin, Kieran. The son of their father’s brother, Kieran was strong and mighty. His arms and body were covered in tattoos, reminders of the battles he had fought and won. His hair was long and blonde, and his eyes were gray.

His parents had been slaughtered when Kieran was only a boy of seven. Her father had taken him in, and he had grown up with them, more like an older brother than a cousin. As the war leader of Clan MacMillan, Kieran was trying to explain why her father was concerned about Effie’s upcoming wedding.

“Ye have tae understand, Effie,” Kieran said, sitting straight in his chair, and wearing the same serious expression that donned his face on most days. “Yer faither worries fer yer safety and the safety o’ the clan.”

“It’s a wedding, Kieran. Nae a battle,” Effie defended.

“Aye. A wedding where anyone could infiltrate the castle posing as one o’ the MacLachlan’s.”

Effie was not convinced. “Och, ye’re being ridiculous.”

“He has a point, Effie,” Edan interjected. Edan and Darach sat across the table, listening with interest. “Yer faither’s only doing what he thinks is best. Laird MacTavish has caused nae end o’ trouble so far. Dinnae be so naïve tae imagine, after all he’s put yer clan through, that he’ll nae try tae ruin this union.”

The wedding had already been put off for far too long. Edan had been made to attend to some business connected to his extended family, forcing him to travel to Spain. He had been gone for nearly eleven months. Laird Brendan MacTavish had upped his advances, determined to take over the MacMillan Clan, and this union was, in part, a way to deter the greedy laird. When the MacMillan and MacLachlan clans joined forces, they would be a formidable opponent.

“Fine. Well, ye can choose tae think o’ all the things that might go wrong.” Effie tilted her chin defiantly. “I, on the other hand, came here tae have some fun. Can we nae dae that instead?”

While Caitlyn was the more serious of the sisters, Effie enjoyed having fun and did not take life too seriously. As beautiful as her sister was, with her long dark hair, and thick eyelashes that fluttered around deep blue eyes, Effie’s reputation for getting herself into trouble was only surpassed by her kindness, and her willingness to help another in need.

“I agree,” Caitlyn said. “We can have such doom and gloom while sitting at home in the castle.”

“The lasses are right,” Edan declared, jumping up from his chair. “We’re meant tae be having a good time. Right. ‘Tis me round.” Edan turned and headed for more drinks, leaving the other four to continue the conversation.

“Yer faither is only trying tae be practical, Effie,” Darach said.

“Darach!” Effie and Caitlyn cried at the same time.

Kieran chuckled at their indignation, and turning to Darach, he lifted an eyebrow. “Maybe ‘tis time we changed the subject, me friend.”

Darach gave a dismissive shrug and lifted his tankard from the knotted and stained wooden table. He was both taller and broader than his older brother, but far more serious. His dark intelligent eyes betrayed the fact that his mind never stopped working, and for as long as Caitlyn could remember, he was always three steps ahead, which made playing chess with him a losing battle before it had even begun.

Edan returned with drinks for all. After placing down tankards of ale for the men, he gave Effie a glass of whisky, and with a broad smile, handed Caitlyn her glass. “And for the only one among us who doesnae drink, a glass o’ elderberry.”

Caitlyn rolled her eyes at his snide remark and took the glass. “Thank ye, Edan.”

“Aye, thanks, braither,” Darach said. His appreciation was mirrored by the others.

Lifting the glass to her lips, Caitlyn took a long draw. But as she went to swallow, a strange and potent taste hit the back of her throat, and Caitlyn found herself spitting the drink out all around her. Across the table, Edan fell into hysterical laughter, slamming his hand on the solid wood in delight.

“What the devil is wrong with ye?” Caitlyn screeched, glaring at Edan as he sat across from her. “What’s in this?” She lifted the glass she still held in her hand.

“Och, I might have asked the barman tae add a wee dram o’ whisky.” He could barely speak through his laughter. “I thought it might bring ye down from yer high horse.”

But Caitlyn did not find his antics funny at all. She never had, and that wasn’t going to change any time soon. Pushing herself from her seat, she edged around the table. “Ye are a child, Edan MacLachlan. Naething but a child.” She then turned and stormed away.

She didn’t get too far before she felt a gentle hand on her shoulder. When Caitlyn turned, Effie was stood there, looking apologetic. “Dinnae let him ruin the afternoon, Caitlyn. Ye ken what he’s like.”

“I dae,” Caitlyn hissed back. “He’s an idiot. I still dinnae ken what ye see in him.”

“Please, Caitlyn. Dinnae fight with him. Our wedding is only a week away, and I cannae imagine a future with me sister and me husband at each other’s throats. I ken ye dinnae hate him—”

“Dinnae I?” Caitlyn glared back at her. “Yer betrothed acts like a child, even as a man o’ nearly thirty years of age. I surely hope ye can knock some sense intae him when ye finally dae marry.”

Effie dropped her gaze, and Caitlyn quickly realized that perhaps, she had gone a little too far. “I’m sorry, Effie. He just drives me mad,” she growled. Taking a deep breath in, she tried to calm herself, and looking at her sister a little more gently, she continued. “I’m just away for some fresh air. I’ll come back tae the table in a wee while.”

“All right,” Effie said with a nod.

Walking outside, Caitlyn could still hear music trickle out of the tavern. She didn’t want to stray far, and turning the corner, she walked into the alley at the side of the stone building. Leaning on the wall, she took a deep breath in, still shaking with frustration.

Calm yersel’, Caitlyn.

With the constant of her inner thoughts reminding her of all the tricks Edan had played on her over the years, it was far easier said than done. It was bewildering to believe that the same man was actually a laird over an entire clan. And yet, she had witnessed the strength and fairness of his rule herself. The MacLachlan Clan not only loved him, but they revered and respected him.

Aye, well. I’ll bet he doesnae play silly tricks on those people.

The frustration was slowly waning, when Caitlyn felt a strange sensation creep across her skin. She looked about, but saw no one, although she felt like she was being watched. After Laird MacTavish’s efforts these last six months, it was probably unwise for her to be out there alone. Pushing herself off the wall, she was about to return to the others, when a man turned the corner and drunkenly swayed towards her. Clearly, he had just left the tavern himself.

“I ken ye, dinnae I?” he said, struggling to form his words as he closed in. “I ken yer face.”

He was at least her father’s age, but the crevices of his skin betrayed a man who had spent more time in the ale house than anywhere else. White frizzy hair framed a grubby face, and black teeth, those that were left, jumped in and out of view as he spoke.

Caitlyn shook her head. “I’m afraid ye have me confused with another, sir. I dinnae ken ye at all.” She side-stepped to try and get around him, but as drunk as he was, he matched her step, and blocked her path.

A stench of ale and old body odor reached her now that he was so close. It took all her strength and manners not to screw up her nose. Torn, stained clothes hung off his frame, and though he looked as thin as a whippet, he was tall.

“Och, ye dinnae have tae be running away, lass. I only want tae talk tae ye.”

Seeing her escape blocked, Caitlyn backed up and found herself trapped. The alley was narrow, and with him in her way, she had nowhere to go.

“As I’ve told ye,” Caitlyn continued, now trying to sound far more confident than she felt. “I dinnae ken ye. Now, let me by.”

The drunkard continued with his approach, closing the gap between them. The stench of his odor made her gasp for air.

“What’s yer hurry, lassie?” he sang, a smirk dancing on his lips.

There was no one else about, and Caitlyn now regretted leaving the others and putting herself in such a stupid position. Trying to remember the things Kieran had told her about protecting herself, she forced a smile to her lips.

“Disarm them first, Caitlyn. With that beautiful smile, it willnae be hard.”

Seeing the closeness of the man, she then planted her two feet firmly on the ground. She pictured Kieran standing in front of her, telling her exactly what she should do.

“Now, ye lift yer two hands and grab his shoulders. Dae it tae me,” Kieran had instructed, tapping his shoulders. Caitlyn had gripped Kieran’s muscular shoulders, though her hands hardly covered their full size. “Good. Now, drive yer knee intae my groin as fast as ye can.”

“I cannae dae that tae ye,” Caitlyn had balked.

Kieran had placed his hands, one on top of the other and held them in front of himself for protection. “Dae it, Caitlyn. Dae it with all the force ye can muster.”

“How about a little kiss, lassie,” the old man crooned. He took another step forward. A thick tongue slipped out of his mouth and ran along his dry, cracked lips, as though he were about to eat.

Terror ran from the soles of Caitlyn’s feet to the top of her head. She had to do it now, before this man lay a finger on her. She lifted her hands to grab his shoulders, when suddenly, the man spun around at great speed. By his expression, he was as surprised as Caitlyn, but his mouth dropped when he saw the dark face of Edan who now glared at him.

“What the hell dae ye think yer playing at?” he barked. “Get away from her before I give ye a bloody hiding.” Edan shoved the man with such force, he nearly fell forwards, and like a rat, he scurried up the alley and turned the corner toward the tavern.

Edan then turned to her with a terrified expression. “Are ye all right, Caitlyn?” Did he hurt ye?”

Even though he had just saved her from what could have been a dreadful ordeal, Caitlyn could not help but feel frustration rising. She had been ready to save herself, and the fact that Edan did it before she got the chance, only irritated her further, for some strange reason. It was just a natural reaction after all the years of his constant harassment.

“Och, as if ye care how I am?” she hissed.

Edan stared at her as though he could hardly believe her words, but then, his face relaxed. With a steady gaze, he said, “I dinnae hate ye the way ye dae me, Caitlyn. Fer all my teasing, I would never wish any harm tae come tae ye. I care about ye. I’m surprised ye dinnae ken that by now. After all the years we’ve kent each other, ye dinnae really ken me at all.”

“Aye, ye care fer me so much, ye broke off me engagement. Ye sent away the only man I ever cared about. In fact, ye threatened him tae the point that he left and never returned.”

Edan frowned and looked confused. “What are ye talking about?”

Caitlyn’s eyes flew wide. “Ye deny it?” she said incredulously. “Ye have just conveniently forgotten what ye did tae me and Aengus?”

At the mention of his name, Edan nodded. “Och, that.”

“Aye, that. I’ve never forgiven ye fer that, Edan. And I never will. I dinnae care that ye’re marrying me sister, or that ye’ll soon become me brother-in-law. I willnae forgive ye. Ever.”

Edan shook his head. “I ken ye dinnae understand, Caitlyn. But I didnae like the man. I assure ye, it was fer the best.”

Maybe it was because she was still a little shook up from being accosted by a dirty drunkard, or maybe it was because she had thought far too many times of Edan’s arrogance in what he had done, but something within her just snapped.

“It was never yer decision tae make,” Caitlyn shrieked. “He was marrying me, nae ye. Neither ye nor me faither nor anyone else, fer that matter, had any right tae take that away from me. Ye’ve done naething but make me life hell from the day and hour I met ye. But ruining my childhood wasnae enough fer ye, was it, Edan? Ye continue tae interfere and make me life a misery even now.”

While at first, Edan’s eyes had widened at Caitlyn’s attack, by the time she had finished, his eyebrows had knotted together as he scowled at her. Taking a step toward her, his face not an inch away from her own, he hissed, “There are many things ye dinnae ken, Caitlyn. ‘Tis best fer ye tae accept what happened as a good thing. Ye havenae any right tae speak tae me like this.”

With the two of them clearly angry, neither of them seemed to know what to say for several minutes. Caitlyn tried to calm herself, and in that time of consideration, realized that the least she ought to do was show her appreciation for Edan’s timely arrival.

“Fine,” she said a little brusquely. “We should get back inside. And fer what it’s worth, I thank ye fer what ye did.”

Edan opened his mouth to answer, when a noise behind him caught their attention. Caitlyn imagined the drunk was back in hope that Edan had left her be. But as they both turned toward the sound, two huge men appeared out of the shadows. Grabbing Caitlyn, Edan shoved her behind him and stood protectively between her and the approaching men.

“What dae ye want?” Edan demanded.

But neither of the men replied, and without a word, the first launched his fists at Edan. While Edan defended himself and battled back, the other side-stepped the fight and grabbed Caitlyn by her arm. His thick fingers dug painfully into her soft skin. “Argh. Let me go,” she screamed.

Edan fought with great strength, while Caitlyn, still trying to pull herself free, kicking and swiping at the man who held her captive, watched on in terror, praying that Edan could overpower the man he fought. While throwing heavy punches, Edan threw a glance back to see where Caitlyn was.

“It’s all right, Caitlyn,” he yelled breathlessly. “I’m going tae save ye in a minute.”

Edan continued to battle, but the huge man he fought did not relent. He was several inches taller than Edan, though both men looked as strong.

“Let me go,” Caitlyn screamed again.

Edan was struggling to fight off one man, there was no way he could battle two of them alone. If she could get someone in the tavern to hear her, they could fetch Kieran and Darach.

“Help! Somebody help us,” she screeched.

Immediately, she felt a huge hand slam over her mouth. Her lips crashed into her teeth, and a second later, the coppery taste of blood sat on her tongue. His hand didn’t stop her from trying. But she knew her muffled cries were useless.

“Get it done,” her captor bellowed.

“He’s fighting fer her,” the other growled back. “I’ll have tae kill him.”

Caitlyn’s eyes flew wide at those words. “Nnn,” she screamed, though her cry was barely audible.

“Nae. He’ll nae want that. We’ll just have tae take them both.”

“Fine.”

Caitlyn’s panic had reached epic proportions. Fear swirled with confusion about who these men were. Why were they attacking her and Edan? And, where were they taking them? She was still struggling against the immovable strength of the man who held her, when she felt a heavy, sharp pain at the back of her head. An overwhelming nauseous feeling came up from her stomach, her legs buckled beneath her, and everything around her seemed to blur.

Before she collapsed completely, she felt the strong arms of her captor around her body, halting her from hitting the ground. Thrown over his shoulder like she weighed nothing at all, her head lolled from side to side, and as the blackness edged in, the last thing she saw was Edan falling to the ground.

How likely are you to recommend this preview to a friend?

Not at all Likely Extremely Likely
0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10

Submit