New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Donna Grant returns to the beautiful and mysterious Isle of Skye with a captivating tale of magic, mystery, and unexpected passion.
A desire that won’t be denied.
Ferne Crawford is a Seer with unique abilities that set her apart from other Druids. She once ignored her magic with tragic results. So, when she’s bombarded with visions of a great evil that call her to a place she’s been warned never to go, she’s powerless to resist. Her life takes a drastic turn the moment she arrives on Skye and encounters a handsome, valiant stranger. Theo makes her ache for his touch. Their meeting stirs an explosive passion, awakening a yearning that only he can satisfy. However, there’s more than the malice which brought her to the isle that intends her harm.
Detective Inspector Theo Frasier carries the weight of the isle and his people on his shoulders. With more Druid murders and no leads on who’s controlling the killing mist, he’s beginning to feel the strain. The last thing he needs is anything—or anyone—distracting him. But once he meets Ferne, he can’t get her out of his head. Or his heart. She fills his every thought, day and night. His need for her consumes him, pushing everything else aside. But will his love be enough to save them from the growing threat?
EXCERPT:
Theo Frasier slammed the door of his vehicle too hard as he got inside. He blew out a frustrated breath and rested his hands on the steering wheel. It had been a particularly wearisome day with still no leads on who was controlling the Druid-murdering mist.
He yanked his tie loose and tossed it into the seat beside him before starting the car. His stomach was sour from too much coffee. Still, a part of him wanted to stride back into the station and pick up where he had left off. The other part knew he needed to find a decent meal—something besides what was in a vending machine or he could pick up as takeaway. He also needed a long shower and a decent night’s sleep. He hadn’t had much of any of that since the murders had begun.
Theo drove out of the police station’s car park, but he didn’t turn toward home. He needed somewhere quiet where he could think. And he knew just the spot. His father had taken him to the Fairy Pools on numerous occasions. Sometimes, it was just to enjoy the day. Other times, it was to have serious conversations. There were also the times when his father needed to think through things. It wasn’t long before Theo took up the habit himself.
Joel Frasier always said the magic of the isle allowed him to put aside the noise of the world, as well as his thoughts, and get to the heart of a matter. It had led Theo’s father to become one of the best detectives in Skye’s history. Those were large shoes to fill at times—well, all the time, really.
The drive to the pools was quick. With dusk falling soon, and the intermittent weather, Theo knew there wouldn’t be many tourists—just the way he liked it. He noted the black Mini Cooper convertible with its red racing stripes as he parked. Theo looked toward the pools but didn’t immediately make out where the individual might be.
He climbed out of his vehicle and locked the doors behind him as he set off at a quick pace. Almost as soon as he crossed the road and his foot hit the soil, he felt the tension ease from his shoulders. He didn’t slow as he made his way to his favorite spot.
There was nothing quite like the Fairy Pools when no one else was about. Each time he came, he experienced something different. Today, he felt small and insignificant against the backdrop of the Cuillins and the clouds growing darker by the moment. He had often wondered who’d first found the pools. He imagined the Druid had borne the same awe and appreciation as he did every time he saw them. Any season, in any type of weather.
Theo was bound to Skye and the pools, just as every ancestor through his bloodline had been.
He released a long breath, feeling the muscles in his shoulders ease a little. He was nearly to his spot when his gaze lit upon a figure. She stood on a rock out in the middle of a waterfall. Many people made their way to it. He had done it himself multiple times—but when the rocks were dry, not damp from recent rains.
She looked at the mountains, her hands in the pockets of her olive-green coat. Her long, curly, black hair was gathered at the base of her neck and fell down her back. His steps slowed. He didn’t want to surprise her, lest she slip and fall. The water below was deep enough that she could jump, but there were also many rocks and boulders she could hit unless she was experienced.
The roar of the water drowned out the sound of his approach. Her attention was on the subtle shades of the sunset penetrating the thick cloud cover. He moved ahead of her, keeping his gaze locked on her face, waiting until she noticed him. Her head swung to the left, their gazes connecting. Even from a distance, he could make out the green color of her eyes. He saw her stiffen slightly. She was a woman alone, and he instantly took steps to ease her concern.
Theo lifted his hands before him. “Hi. I just wanted to be sure you could get back to safety. The rocks are slippery.”
“I did notice that once I got out here,” she said with a twist of her lips.
He noted her British accent. Theo glanced around to see if any others were about, but he didn’t see anyone. He slid his gaze back to her. “I’m happy to leave, but I’d be remiss if I didna ask if you wanted help.”
“Actually,” she said, glancing at the sky, “I think I might take you up on the offer. The water is a tad chilly for me.”
Theo walked to the rocky edge. He bent, using his hand to steady himself as he dropped to the boulder below. He carefully crept closer and extended his arm to her over the rushing waterfall. “Inch closer. Be mindful of the edge of the rock, it dips slightly. I slipped on that once.”
“Once?” she asked as she did as he instructed, her eyes locked on the rock in question.
“It only takes once.”
“What happened?”
He watched her, letting her take her time. “I fell on a rock you can’t see because of the waterfall. Broke my arm in two places.”
She stopped and peered into the water before looking up at him. Now that she was closer, he saw that her eyes weren’t just any green. A band of dark olive ringed an iris two shades lighter.
“Getting out here is a lot easier than getting back.”
He inclined his head. “Aye. The pools can be deceptive.”
“Are you sure you can get me out without both of us falling in?”
Theo flashed a grin. “I’ve swum in the pools my entire life. I know exactly what to do. You’re almost to me. Just a little more. Once I have your hand, I’ll pull you over.”
“Sounds easy enough.”
It was, but Theo couldn’t stop thinking about his fall and how easily he could’ve died that day had he tumbled a half inch more to the side. He steadied his feet and stretched his arm out a little more. His other hand gripped the wall of rock. Her arm lifted, and their fingers brushed.
“Almost there,” he urged.
She looked at him the moment he wrapped his fingers around her hand. “I’m ready.”
A shiver ran down his spine at the words. He ignored it and tugged her over the rushing water. He yanked harder than necessary, and she crashed into his chest. Instinctively, his arms went around her, steadying them both. He felt her heart pounding. Or maybe it was his. He wasn’t certain. Her hands gripped him tightly, and she looked up at him. They stood as close as lovers. Strands of dark hair had moved to curl around her cheeks. His gaze swept over her oval face, taking in her brown skin, gently arched brows, and thick lashes. His attention dropped to her full, slightly parted lips.
A swell of desire hit him so hard it seized his breath. He told himself to loosen his arms and put some space between his body and hers, but he couldn’t. His arms were locked in place. His gaze moved slowly up her face. The roar that was ever-present in his mind as he tried to sort through the puzzle of whatever case he was working on silenced for the first time. Ever. The drumbeat of his heart grew louder. Or was it hers?
He fell into the color of her eyes. It was a dark, warm, yellowish green. Inviting. Curious. Earnest. Years as a cop had taught him to read people, and he liked what he saw in her. He liked it a lot. That alone should’ve jerked him out of the stupor he’d fallen into. Yet she felt good against him. She held his gaze, seemingly as dazed as he.
To his surprise, her chin lifted. Without even realizing it, he lowered his head to her. He didn’t go around kissing strangers, no matter how beautiful they were. But Theo couldn’t stop himself if he tried. And he didn’t want this to end.
Their mouths met in a gentle brush. She sighed softly. He went back for another taste, letting his lips linger. A deep, wild yearning filled him in response. The answer was the woman in his arms. She was the responding song to an invitation he didn’t remember crafting. The calm to his storm.
The spark to his desire.
And just like kindling, he went up in flames. They wrapped around him, consuming him as he deepened the kiss. She melted against him and kissed him back with just as much fervor and need as what surged through him.
He wanted her. Needed her. To have their bodies joined, their souls mated. He’d never felt such deep-rooted lust before. It shook him to his core to have such a visceral reaction to anyone, but especially a stranger.
Theo slowed their kiss and eventually lifted his head to look at her. He bit back a groan at her kiss-swollen lips. She was breathing as hard as he was, her hands clutching his arms. Her tongue peeked out as she licked her lower lip. He fought against the urge to take her mouth again.
CATCH UP ON THE SERIES
Book 1 – GET YOURS
Book 2 – GET YOURS
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