Total pages in book: 40
Estimated words: 36641 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 183(@200wpm)___ 147(@250wpm)___ 122(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 36641 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 183(@200wpm)___ 147(@250wpm)___ 122(@300wpm)
Was she out of her mind for even giving such a ridiculous notion thought?
It was a perfect storm, not believing in werewolves and not recalling the last time she had sex, leaving her attraction to Tiernan’s smile and scent and touch combined with what she just read to strike the absurd thought in her head.
He’s a werewolf.
She laughed at the outrageous idea and blamed it on lack of sleep, having traveled nonstop from plane ride to train ride, to here. A good night’s sleep would clear her mind as would no more reading about werewolves tonight. She placed The Allure of Werewolves book on the table with the other two books and walked to the window.
Having been so engrossed in the books, she hadn’t realized that night had fallen. The holiday lights cast a lovely glow over the ground that was completely covered in snow. The snow was falling heavier than before, and she was reminded of the engineer’s warning about leaving early if the snow worsened or she might be stuck there. She didn’t want to leave. She had just gotten here and had had no time to do any substantial research or speak in length with Tiernan.
She was about to turn away when a sudden movement caught her eye, and she gasped, startled to see a lone black wolf stride into view along the front of the castle. The creature was magnificent, his sleek black fur shimmering under the soft glow of the holiday lights, making him appear almost otherworldly. He was larger than any wolf she had ever seen, his size alone enough to send a ripple of unease through her. Could he have escaped the preserve? The thought lingered uneasily in her mind. Then, as if sensing her very question, the wolf paused, turned, and looked up. Her breath caught in her throat. It felt as if he was staring directly at her through the window, his bold green eyes gleaming with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine. For a heartbeat, they remained locked in that unsettling gaze. Then, without warning, the wolf lifted his head and released a haunting, piercing howl that echoed through the night before he bolted, disappearing into the shadows.
CHAPTER 3
“He signals the wolves to hunt.”
Olivia jumped and turned to face Fay.
“Sorry to frighten you,” Fay apologized.
“I was lost in thought, watching a large, black wolf in the front of the castle. Did one escape the preserve?”
“Nay, that’s Laird.”
Olivia’s first thought was that Fay was referring to Tiernan but that was another absurd thought.
“He’s called Laird because he is the leader of the pack that dominates the preserve. The first snow has him leaving the preserve and roaming wherever he pleases on MacMadadh land. Lord Tiernan allows him free rein in the winter when the place is closed. He’s a fierce protector of his pack and keeps his distance from humans. His howl was a call for his pack to hunt.” Fay smiled playfully. “But you need not hunt for your food, supper awaits. Lord Tiernan sends his apologies. He will not be joining you for supper. There is an ill wolf that needs his attention.”
“I can help,” Olivia said, taking an anxious step forward.
“A kind offer but not necessary. Besides, with the wolf not familiar with your scent, your presence might upset him.”
“That’s true,” Olivia said. “When it comes to wolves, I am always eager to help. They are such magnificent creatures. I just can’t resist them.”
“I hope you get a chance to meet some of the wolves, but with the way the snowstorm shifted, you might be wise to take the first train out of here tomorrow. If not, you may be stuck for some time, possibly throughout the winter.”
Either way, it was devastating news. She wasn’t ready to leave yet, and she certainly wasn’t ready to be marooned here for the winter. Unless, of course, she had a position here.
“The train engineer did warn me about that,” Olivia said.
“Well, nothing can be done about it until morning. So, come and enjoy some Scottish steak pie. It will warm your innards and fill you on this snowy night,” Fay encouraged.
Olivia cast a quick glance at the three books on the coffee table. “Would it be all right if I brought those three books with me?”
“I’m sure his lordship wouldn’t mind.”
Olivia smiled and grabbed them off the table, along with her tote from the couch, and followed Fay to a small dining room.
“This is quite lovely, Fay, but for future meals without his lordship, the kitchen would suit me just fine.”
Fay laughed softly. “Maybe you, but not his lordship. When you finish, I will see you to your bedroom with a pot of tea for the evening, then I’ll be leaving with my husband for our cottage.”
“I will be alone in the castle until Lord Tiernan returns?”