Nessia Stephenson’s world was safe until a threat from a neighbouring clan forces her to accept a betrothal to a man whose family can offer her the protection she needs. The real threat lies in her intense attraction to the man who arranged the match””the clan’s chief and her intended’s brother, Fergus MacKay.

When powerful warlord Fergus MacKay arranges a marriage for his younger brother, William, he has no idea the price will be his own heart. Fergus is captivated by the wildly beautiful Nessia, a woman he can never have.

When the feud between the MacKay and Sutherland clans escalates, Nessia, William, and Fergus all must make sacrifices for their future. Longing and loss, honour and duty. How can love triumph under such desperate circumstances?

 Excerpt

William paced while Fergus leaned back in his chair with his long legs stretched out and his arms crossed over his chest. Stephenson was late, not by much, but enough to make William fidget and Fergus take notice. Their three younger siblings, Freya who was in her sixteenth year, John who was fourteen, and eleven-year-old Stephen, waited as well, all in various states of impatience.

The great hall was large and welcoming with dark wooden beams framing the ceiling and walls. Fergus had counted the eighteen beams along the length of the room about a hundred times. William had worn a permanent path on the wide plank floor in front of the red sandstone hearth beneath the many MacKay hunting trophies. Young John sighed again.

“You know, for a man who isn’t eager to meet his future wife, you’ve got quite a set of nerves there lad,” Fergus said to William.

William straightened his linen shirt and smoothed his tunic as he glared at Fergus. Yet, the comment was absorbed and William ceased his pacing to sit on a chair near the fire. Fergus watched his brother adjust his belt again. The young man wore his usual dress, but had taken greater pains today to perfect his appearance. Fergus glanced down at his linen shirt and leather sleeveless tunic. William’s long hair was tied at his nape while Fergus’s was left hanging loose. Fergus recalled having to take extra pains upon his betrothal. Thankfully, those days had passed and he needn’t overly worry anymore. A young lass would surely find William’s neat, respectable appearance appealing. He hoped so, but before he could dwell on it further a servant entered, announcing the arrival of Thomas Stephenson, his daughter Nessia and several of their clansmen.

William sprang to his feet and crossed the floor in a few quick strides to greet them. He continued to fidget as Fergus sauntered up from behind.

“Thomas! Welcome. We thought we’d have to send out a search party soon.” Fergus led the stout man into the great hall.

“Aye, the road was a bit rough with a wagon in tow.” The man’s brow was streaked with sweat and he looked weary from his travels.

“We’ve had a lot of rains this harvest, there’s no doubting that.” In truth he would have gone searching himself had another hour passed. Earlier that day he’d heard more rumours about Ronan Sutherland. Apparently, the lad had agreed to his father’s suggestion and would commence his campaign in the coming days.

Fergus sensed William stiffen beside him as Thomas began the introductions.

“Fergus, William, this is my brother Neville and these three are my sons, Colin, Robert, and Camden my youngest. And this is my daughter, Nessia.”

Fergus acknowledged each man in turn. When the introduction came to the girl and his gaze fell on her, his breath caught in his throat. With black hair and bright blue eyes, she stood proudly before him with her chin lifted and all the regal confidence of a noblewoman. She displayed no fear or reservation at all, something which was unusual in most men he met, but was more so in a woman. The gentler sex usually cowered before him””not this lass.

Fergus stared at her, his heart drumming hard inside his chest. His guts clenched as if he’d been punched. He had to force himself from moving toward her to touch her hair, which looked like spun silk, for surely it could not be real.

Fergus remembered his brother then, and tore his gaze from her to find William’s eyes wide and his jaw slacked. An unexpected pang ran through him. When he

turned back it was to find her still staring at him, seemingly unabashed for staring openly at a man. A bold one, then. Fergus drew his brows together. What did she want?

Thomas finally broke the awkward silence. “Well lads, are you going to stare at my daughter all eve or will you offer us libations?”

Thomas’s words managed to part the mist that had formed in Fergus’s head. He nodded and motioned for them to follow him to the table. Some food had been laid out, together with pitchers of heather mead and ale. The party sat to enjoy a brief respite since the feasting would not begin until after the ceremony. The time allowed him to reflect on his reaction to the girl, she had taken him by surprise””more like she sent his heart thudding like a wild stag on the hunt for a mate. He’d been told she was pleasant looking, but nothing could have prepared him for the vision that had been put before him””so like the one that had haunted his dreams of late. But how could that be? He’d not laid eyes on her before today.

Fergus glanced at William whose head was tilted to the side to catch Nessia’s eye. She, however, continued to glance in Fergus’s direction, and each time their eyes made contact, another jolt passed through him. This was not good. He needed to find a topic of discussion that would draw William and Nessia together.

Looking around the table then, Fergus noticed only a few Stephensons in attendance for the ceremony. “Is this the extent of your party Thomas, or shall we expect to see more Stephensons soon? I would have thought every one of yours would be here to see your daughter betrothed to the most eligible William MacKay.”

“The others will be here a little later, in plenty of time to celebrate. Not to worry, Fergus. We came ahead to ensure aught was in order,” Thomas said.

The lass glared at her father and frowned. Fergus understood the man’s meaning. It appeared his arguments with William were not unique then.

“You needn’t worry, Thomas. ‘Tis all in order here. Right, William?” Fergus nudged William under the table. He nodded.

Nessia’s glower was then bestowed upon Fergus before lowering her eyes to her lap. This one had courage, that much was certain. And a healthy dose of spite it would seem. Fergus imagined many interesting conversations with her over the coming months with that kind of spirit. He shook his head. She wasn’t here for him. Once again, Fergus nudged William under the table.

At last, William found his tongue. “Thomas, Nessia, welcome to MacKay House, we hope you enjoy your stay here.” His words spewed from his lips as though they were one long word instead of several.

The lass looked at him then, as though she noticed him for the first time.

“It’s about time you spoke lad.” Thomas grinned. “I was beginning to wonder if you were mute.”

“Aye, Thomas, I must admit your lovely daughter’s beauty had all but struck me speechless.” His gaze never left Nessia’s face. “I’m fully recovered now and must say I’d happily give up speech altogether if she would look upon me and smile.

Fergus was delighted when Nessia did exactly that and then blushed, encouraging a broad grin from William. Thank God. Fergus drew a deep breath. The two engaged in a discussion about the harvest, allowing Fergus to observe them both. There was no doubt William was satisfied with the match. The way he chose the best meats from his trencher for her and let his gaze drift over her showed his interest.

Fergus had to look away from her gown and the way it hugged her womanly curves. His fingers twitched with the need to touch. He shifted in his seat, his discomfort growing by the second.He had no source to ease his desire this night and his lustful thoughts would only cause him grief and a sleepless night. He must turn his mind to another topic or all would be lost. He was ready to carry the lass off to his bed and spend the next several hours pleasuring her.

The couple before him laughed. That was what he’d hoped for. His momentary attraction to her would soon pass, leaving his brother with no barrier to settle down with a wife and start a family. Aye, he’d made the right decision. He would never interfere.

Once the party had satisfied itself with a light meal, they made their way to a small chapel toward the back of the castle. Fergus and William entered first and walked to where Father Morris waited at the front to perform his service. Fergus stood to the side while William turned and waited for Nessia to come forward with her father.

Fergus stood behind William and from his vantage point, had a perfect view of Nessia’s face. Father Morris began the ceremony, a brief one, consisting of laying hands on the scripted gospels and a short committal from each person to accept and honour the betrothal.

Fergus watched her when it was her turn to speak. He noted her smooth skin and full, pink mouth. The chapel window cast a yellow light across her hair and though it seemed impossible, made it shine even more. Fergus stretched his fingers to keep from reaching out to grasp a piece. How he longed to smell it. He had to work hard to shake his improper thoughts, because William deserved better from him.

“Do you enter into this marriage contract of your own free will?” the Father asked.

Nessia’s eyes darted from William to Fergus and back to William again. “Aye, I do.”

“Will you honour the terms of this marriage contract?”

Again her gaze shifted from brother to brother. “Aye, I will.”

“And will you honour William as your betrothed until you exchange your marriage vows?”

This time, Nessia’s eyes locked on William and several beats went by before she spoke. Fergus’s heart drummed. Christ, what was wrong with him? How could he stand there hoping she’d say she wanted him instead? Those words would drive a wedge between him and William for ever. Fergus frowned. She should not hesitate like this. He wanted to tell her to do her duty, but could say nothing, only glare at her and hope she would speak the right words at once. Fergus did not breathe until she answered.

“Aye, I will honour William,” she said, her voice a breathless whisper.

The couple made their way to the entrance of the chapel to receive congratulations from the witnesses. Fergus was last in line and watched his brother as he accepted good wishes from future family. He looked happy. Fergus’s heart swelled at the thought that it may turn out well after all. He could endure one night in her presence and on the morrow he’d leave before dawn. Once in Inverness, he’d be sure to find a loose wench””or three.

When Fergus reached the couple, his brother embraced him and whispered in his ear. “Thank you, Brother. Jesus, aye, thank you!”

Fergus smiled. What could he say? Enjoy bedding the lass who is a human cast of my nightly visions? When he turned toward Nessia he found the same wide-eyed

stare she had bestowed upon him earlier. A knot crept it’s way into his stomach. He recognized attraction when he saw it. Christ, this could not go on. He had to put a stop to it now. Fergus took a deep breath, placed his hands on her shoulders and kissed her cheek, trying not to notice the intoxicating cloud of lavender hanging around her. He’d like to lay her on a bed of it.

“Welcome to our home and our family.” His lips accidentally brushed her ear. She stiffened.

The words sounded foreign to Fergus as he spoke the traditional greeting to his future sister. William didn’t wait for her reply and instead ushered her out the door and back to MacKay House so the celebration could begin. Fergus stayed rooted to the spot for several minutes. He raked his hands through his hair and cursed under his breath. What the hell was he going to do?

He’d need to at least cool his fired blood before returning to the house. He’d known the lass for no more than a couple of hours and he already didn’t trust himself in her presence. He needed to stay the hell away from her, that’s what he needed to do.

What kind of depraved man lusted after his brother’s betrothed?

About the Author

Kate Robbins writes historical romance novels out of pure escapism and a love for all things Scottish, not to mention a life-long enjoyment of reading romance.

Kate loves the research process and delving into secondary sources in order to blend authentic historical fact into her stories. She has travelled to Scotland twice and visited the sites described in her Highland Chiefs series.

Her Highland Chiefs series is set in the early fifteenth century during the reign of James Stewart, first of his name.

Kate is the pen name of Debbie Robbins who lives in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada with her man-beast and two man-cubs.

www.katerobbinsauthor.com