Yesterday saw the publication of Mary Wine's second Highland Weddings book, Highland Vixen. We're excited to share an excerpt from the book to celebrate!
EXCERPT
EXCERPT
She was not afraid of him.
At least, Helen had told herself so a
hundred times over, and had even made certain to tell Marcus MacPherson the
same when he was glowering down at her.
Yet, the truth was, she was running
from him, and that bit of truth left her cheeks warm from temper. She snorted,
finally pleased with some part of her circumstances. Standing in the rain,
looking out over a deserted moor, she needed any way to warm herself, even
being disgruntled. Her fingers were frozen, and beggars couldn’t be choosers,
after all.
“Having second thoughts, Helen?”
Helen turned to look at Brenda Grant.
“No, simply enjoying a view that does no’ include MacPherson Castle.”
“Ye were there a long time.” Brenda
spoke softly, her tone hinting that she wasn’t convinced by Helen’s answer.
“Long enough to consider it home.”
Helen shook her head. “It is no’ me
home—that’s why I left with ye.” She felt something tugging at her heart but
was determined to resist naming it. She’d made the choice to leave, so there
would be no dwelling on anything left behind.
One of the Grant retainers burst out
laughing. He was sitting with his comrades farther up the hillside from them in
front of a fire. The men had built a crude shelter for the women before
withdrawing to what was likely thought to be a respectable distance to preserve
their good names. In the middle of the wilderness, it seemed ridiculous.
Brenda let out a sigh. “No’ that I am
one to offer advice on men. Me own circumstances are a mess, to be sure.”
She patted the length of wool next to
her. “Sit down, Helen, I am nae yer mistress. Share the shelter with me.”
“I’ve no quarrel with me
circumstances,” Helen responded. “I am grateful.”
Brenda’s face contorted with disgust.
“Oh aye, we are both reduced to being grateful for having to
run like a pair of
rabbits from the places that should have been our homes. Men have no kindness
in them.”
Helen settled down next to Brenda.
“Do ye think they know we’re gone?”
Brenda asked.
“I hope no’. The longer they think
we’re in the chamber with Ailis, the better.”
Brenda looked toward her. “Ye think
Marcus will come after ye?”
“Nay, he has too much pride. The man
is War Chief of the MacPhersons,” Helen answered. “I worry they will come after
ye, because returning ye to Grant land would gain them good favor.”
Brenda was the niece of the current
laird of the Grants, and she was a rare beauty. Laird Grant had arranged a
second marriage for her, and she’d run before being forced to the altar.
“That is all we are to men in the end.
A tool to be utilized,” Brenda said. “Ailis is fortunate to have Bhaic’s love.”
“She is,” Helen agreed as the rain
increased and they both drew their feet up.
Brenda’s words were haunting. Helen
heard them well into the dark hours of the night, likely because the fairies
and other night creatures enjoyed tormenting her by reminding her of her lot.
Her simple life had shattered the moment she met Marcus MacPherson. He’d
plucked her from her happy home as easily as he might a flower.
But she would not be broken, would not
wither. No, she was going to find a way to regain control of her fate. So she’d
left MacPherson Castle dressed as Brenda’s serving woman. For sure, many would
tell her it was reckless to venture out with so few men, but her alternative
was to remain inside the castle and wait for Marcus to force a marriage on her.
She shifted in her sleep, the memory
rising in full color. Marcus had lined up his men and offered her as a bride to
them. To settle her into her life, he’d said. Well, she’d have none of it. Nor
was she going to think about the way the man had decided to fight over her
before one and all, as though he’d offered her even a single kind word that
might have made her inclined to accept him. Damn him. He was her captor. She
wouldn’t be forgetting that.
Ever.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Fierce Highland war
chief seeks comely lass for fun, frolic, and marriage
Marcus MacPherson is every
inch the fearsome Highlander. He’s used to men averting their eyes and women
cowering before him. He thinks he’ll eventually settle down with a nice,
obedient bride. Instead, he gets Helen Grant… Stubborn as the day is long,
fearless and dedicated to raising as much hell as possible, Helen is definitely
going to challenge Marcus. And challenge him some more. And then some.
It’s
anyone’s guess who’ll win this battle of the heart…
Acclaimed
author Mary Wine has written over 30 works of Scottish Highland romance,
romantic suspense and erotic romance. An avid history-buff and historical
costumer, she and her family enjoy participating in historical reenactments.
Mary lives in Yorba Linda, California with her husband and two sons. Website
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