PRE-ORDER!
AVAILABLE: Friday, December 12th
Tavish MacAlary had always been a man of two worlds. As a Highland Scotsman, he was steeped in tradition, honor, and the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Yet, beneath his stoic exterior lay a secret: his wolf was a legacy he had long resented. He had never felt a connection to his wolf, viewing it as a curse rather than a gift.
Mairi had loved Tavish since they were children, her heart entwined with his in a way that felt destined. But the love that once brought her joy had turned to ash when she overheard him call her a gold digger. In her heartbreak, she fled to her cousin in Sheridan, Colorado.
Years later, her quiet refuge is shattered when Tavish walks through the door, holding divorce papers. Yet with one look at her, his wolf comes alive, demanding his mate. His world is turned upside down. Now, as Tavish sets out to win back Mairi’s heart, he discovers that the bond they share is deeper than he ever realized. Can the power of second chances lead to forgiveness?
It was the mystery woman from the diner. Once again, his wolf surged forward and the word mate roared through his head.
“Excuse me, lass,” he murmured, stepping back. “I saw you in the diner.”
“So, you did.”
Twilight had started to fall, and in the muted light he searched her features for any sign that she felt the same. He had never believed in the romantic stories of finding a mate. That you could find the love of your life simply from a scent. Yet, here she was, smelling like warm cinnamon rolls with vanilla icing melting on top. For the first time since his initial transition, his wolf no longer felt disconnected from his sense of self. The beast no longer an unwanted entity residing within. With one inhaled fragrance from his mate, everything changed. It was different. He was different. He might not be a free man yet, but it was extremely hard to ignore the calling in his soul.
“What’s your name?”
She tilted her head as she stared at him, curiosity resting in her scowl. He reached up and smoothed out the frown line between her eyes. She flinched and jerked back, and he held up his hands.
“I won’t hurt you.”
“I didn’t give you permission to touch me.”
“You’re absolutely right,” he said solemnly. “I apologize for overreaching.”
He expected her to back away, but instead, she tilted her head to study him. It gave him hope that she felt the same pull he did.
“Do you have business with Alpha Jericho?”
“Nae,” he replied. “I’m here for personal reasons.”
“You’ll be gone soon?”
“Tomorrow.”
She searched his eyes as if looking for something, and looked disappointed when she didn’t find it. A moment of silence stretched between them before he cleared his throat.
“I, ah, didn’t believe in scent-matched mates,” he confessed.
“I did,” she said softly.
“I’m sorry it took me so long to get here.”
She gave a ghost of a smile, but it only emphasized the sadness in her eyes. He wanted to ask what was the matter, and wipe away the furrow between her eyes.
“Do you want a scent-matched mate?” she asked.
“I…” His words faltered, wondering how he could explain his predicament. “I can’t.”
“Can’t? Or don’t?”
“I’m not sure,” he replied, honestly. She deserved the truth. “There’s so much static in my head that I can’t seem to settle on any one thought, but I have to be honest with you. I’m not free, even if I did want a fated mate. You see, I’m a married man, although it’s not a marriage I want. Regardless, I can’t disrespect her.”
