Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 95196 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 476(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95196 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 476(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Determined to reclaim her normal life, Elle will do anything necessary to switch back with Callen’s real wife. First, she must ditch the disciplined warrior. An impossibility when he refuses to relinquish the bride chosen for him by fate, even though he despises her. Or does he? The growing heat in his eyes says otherwise. Not that it matters. There’s no way this temporary queen will fall for the moody, broody secretive warrior who belongs to another woman. Nope. Not Elle. Not ever. Probably.
*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************
Prologue
Come gather ‘round, both young and old.
Listen well to a forgotten history retold.
Long ago, a powerful star fragment crashed into earth. Word quickly spread, espousing its great worth.
Soon armies gathered, each with the same goal:
win the glowing sky stone to immortalize their soul.
Except, from this relic rose songs of rage and pain,
trapping any who neared with an invisible chain.
Ultimately the worst happened, a growing bloodlust too strong to be denied.
A savage brawl erupted, and thousands upon thousands died.
As combatants morphed into beasts, with fangs and claws to brandish,
no one noticed the great and terrible moment the stone vanished.
But at last the battle ended, only ten soldiers still on their feet.
When one drew near to another, their tempers did again heat.
To prevent another violent clash, these newly minted immortals scattered to different lands.
All the while, they burned with flames of fury that should never be fanned.
They called themselves sentinels and crowned themselves kings.
And as their numbers grew, to their rules they did cling.
Even those in their lineage possess untold power and might.
Most seek calm to finally end their internal plight.
Man against beast and beast against man,
forever does the internal war span.
Victory comes when a fated bond is found, tested and tried.
Only then can the warriors and inner peace eternally abide.
So on and on the search for a mate continues.
Until they meet their match and know in their very sinew.
He is for her, and she is for him,
and their love is more precious than even their limbs.
Chapter
One
Escape to the magic of Scotland's breathtaking scenery and ancient ruins, where every corner holds the promise of adventure.
Isle of Adventure Travel Company
Istrolled through a bustling outdoor market in Edinburgh, Scotland, rolling my suitcase along a cobblestone path. Bypassing vendors selling single malt whiskey, heathergems, and cashmere sweaters—excuse me, jumpers—I kept my sights on the true treasure: a display of kilts. The perfect souvenir for myself. On cold winter evenings, I’d curl up with it and fondly remember eight blissful days spent touring magnificent castles, searching murky waters for monsters, and hiking through lush fairy glens.
The scent of lavender and fresh baked bread dominated the soft breeze as I riffled through the plaid selections. Oh, how I was going to miss this extraordinary place. Don’t get me wrong. I loved the two-bedroom farmhouse I inherited from my grandparents. I even loved my job. In roughly two weeks, I’d be kicking off my next year as a special education teacher at a public school in Oklahoma City. But. Inverness. Loch Ness. Isle of Skye. And let’s not forget the warrior-rouges with sexy accents who populated each area. Talk about Heaven on Earth!
I’d scrimped and saved for years to make this vacation happen. If given the opportunity, I would move here. Although, that meant leaving behind my mom and stepdad, Joshua, and I enjoyed being near them, no matter how maddening they were.
Six months ago, I’d broken up with my boyfriend, August, and ever since, my parents had worked nonstop to set me up with strangers. The reason I’d finally pulled the trigger and taken this trip. Everyone needed an escape now and then.
With a sigh, I selected and paid for my favorite kilt. A bold blue and black with a paper tag that read, “From Clan Bruce. The family motto is Uisge ciùin, meaning ‘Calm waters’.” The little taste of history only added to the garment’s appeal.
As I strolled off, navigating through the growing crowd, I checked the time on my phone. One hour before I needed to catch a ride to the airport. Why not re-explore the city of my dreams a bit longer? The sky continued to gray with the promise of a coming storm, sure, but wet or dry, I was exactly where I wanted to be. How many people could say the same?
Up ahead, a man leaned against a brick wall, casually eating a cookie. No, a biscuit. That’s what the Scots called them. I didn’t mean to, but I stutter-stepped as I neared. Men like him should come with a warning label. Side effects include racing heart, fever flush and loss of brain cells.
He wasn’t wearing a kilt, but his outfit wasn’t without appeal. The tight black T-shirt and leather pants, with metal spikes banded around both of his wrists might be my second favorite. Didn’t hurt that curly blond hair framed rich hazel eyes and perfectly chiseled features.
When he aimed a slow, teasing smile in my direction, I glanced over my shoulder to steal a peek at the greeting’s recipient. Wait. No one walked behind me. That meant…
My eyes widened as I refocused on him. He smiled at me. Elizabeth Darcy. The world’s worst flirter, who’d only crashed and burned in the romance department since the big breakup with August.
My knees trembled, but I didn’t slow. “Hi, hello, how are you?” I blurted as I passed him. My cheeks burned. See! World’s worst.