The Destiny Stone Trilogy

By Georgia Tribell

DESTINY OF LOVE

After discovering a magical stone, an impoverished noblewoman cannot find peace until she stops the impending murder of a handsome laird.

Cambria of Stoneglade wants only to live in peace, but when she finds a mesmerizing stone, her life takes a dark turn. Wearing the stone allows Cambria’s dreams to become more vivid, more real and when she sees a handsome lord being murdered, she must decide if its just a dream or a foretelling of what is to come...

DESTINY’S FORTUNE

When the man she despises is really the man of her dreams, it can only be . . . Destiny’s Fortune.

Samantha Covington wants to become a respected archeologist in Victorian England. Making life even more difficult is the constant success of the infamous and handsome treasure-hunter, Dex Diamond. He’s beaten her to every major find, ensuring both that her success remains elusive and that she despises him with every bone in her body. No matter–she has her dreams to comfort her, and the leading man at night does nothing but make her heart soar. When she sets her sights on an ancient Celtic legend, she not only has Dex Diamond to contend with, but the powers of a strange malachite stone.

DESTINY’S GUARDIAN

When your new secretive client has the same face as the lover in your most erotic dreams, it can only be . . . Destiny’s Guardian

Beth Winfield is an uptight real estate agent who prides herself on her dedication to her career. That is until she received a package from her maternal grandmother and learned she was appointed the next guardian of her family’s greatest secret, the Destiny Stone. Soon she finds herself plagued by nightmares and the most erotic dreams she’s ever had. Between stress at work, money troubles and lack of sleep, she’s sure her perfect life is about to fall apart. That is until her dream lover walks into her life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Georgia Tribell
• Release date: May 7, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476447711

Georgia Tribell

I’ve been an avid reader of fiction since I learned there was more out there than the books that were assigned in school. I love to be taken away from reality and shuttled into the future or dropped into the middle of a contemporary adventure, murder mystery and of course a romance. Story telling has always been in my blood and my head, but it wasn’t until later in life that I started putting those stories on paper. I love our world and the time we live in, even with all the problems, which explains why I normally write contemporary romantic suspense. Recently I stepped out of my box and tried my hand at a futuristic romantic suspense. I must admit that trying something so new was exciting, now we’ll just have to see if any thing comes of it. I’m a Texan from the top of my head to my feet, but you’ll seldom see me in a cowboy hat or boots. I attended the University of Houston earning a BA in Computer Information System. From there I went to work for a NASA contractor and spent several enjoyable years helping install and test software in the control center. After leaving that position I ventured into the world of contracting, which was exhausting, before landing a job at Enron. I’m sure you know how that ended, so I won’t bore you with the details. Don’t feel sorry for me though, after Enron left me, I took a job that allowed me to spend more time with my family and concentrate more on my writing. I live in the same town I grew up in with my husband, two boys and two dogs. When I’m not being housekeeper, chauffer, chef, plumber or wife you’ll find me with my laptop typing away and ignoring the mayhem that seems to constantly surround me.

Book preview

Chapter One

Stoneglade, Highlands of Scotland

Summer, 1127

Patience wasn’t a virtue Cambria was born with. Usually she managed a bucket full for her grandmother, but that morning she was already scraping the bottom.

If you would only listen to me, her grandmother grumbled as she finished washing the dishes from their sparse morning meal. We could be living the life of grandeur as we should be had it not been for Alexander, the sorry excuse for a king.

Cambria had lost track of the times she’d heard the story of how her great grandfather had gotten caught trying to aid King David’s bid for the crown and in the process was beheaded, his lands and title stripped from the family. Since that time, Cambria’s family had scraped by at the small cottage in Stoneglade, a clearing nestled in the middle of two great clans, the MacCaig’s and the Frasier’s.

Grandmother, we are quite rich in our love, she said in an attempt to gather as much patience as she could. Her grandmother was all she had left in the way of family.

Och, lass, her grandmother said wearily and sank into a rickety old chair. If only you knew.

Cambria had heard enough. She wasn’t sure why she wasn’t able to listen to her grandmother’s grumbling as she normally did, but this morning she had a need to run free in the forest.

She reached for the fishing pole she had constructed and headed to the door. I’m going to catch us a fish for our noon meal and maybe another for supper.

Her grandmother merely waved her away, and Cambria hastily left the cottage. She took a deep breath once the door was closed behind her and slowly blew it out while she looked around the beauty that was Scotland.

A smile pulled at her lips as she started the trek to the loch. Her journey was slow through the forest. She loved to see the sunlight filter through the tall pine and fir trees. Ferns grew in clumps on the damp earth, birds sang noisily, and all was right in the world. The forest was her haven. All she had to do was venture into it, and she found the peace she needed so desperately with her grandmother.

She couldn’t understand why her grandmother didn’t realize that they were likely to be poor for the rest of their lives. Dreaming wouldn’t change that. Her grandfather had taken a risk, and it cost him and the family everything,

With a shake of her head, she pushed her dark thoughts away and smiled as a falcon flew overhead through the dense canopy of trees. Its cry was one that touched a part of her soul. For a few moments she stayed where she was with her eyes closed, listening to the falcon’s cries.

When the bird’s cries became too distant, Cambria opened her eyes, a smile on her face before she headed to the loch. Few clouds were in the sky, and the sun was bright and hot as it shown down on the dark waters.

Cambria went to her usual place atop one of the massive stones protruding from the ground at the shores of the loch and cast her rod. She was content to sit in the sun and enjoy the beautiful day while she waited for the fish to bite. Yet, as the sun climbed higher in the sky, she knew it was unlikely that she would catch something in time for the noon meal.

When the sun was directly overhead, she untied the cloth from the oatcake and cheese she had packed and began to eat, unable to keep from worrying if her grandmother was eating the loaf of bread she had left for her. It wasn’t unusual for Cambria not to return to the cottage during the day since most of the time she was fishing, hunting or in the small village trading for necessities they might need.

She hated that there were days she couldn’t get away from her grandmother fast enough, for she knew there would come a day very soon when her grandmother would no longer be around. Cambria wasn’t looking forward to being alone but, then again, her options were few.

The pickings in the village were slim, and what men did show an interest in her she couldn’t abide being near. Long ago she had accustomed herself to living her life alone. She wished it were as easy as her grandmother made it sound because, if it were, she would already have a husband and maybe a bairn or two playing in the sun.

Cambria sighed. Daydreaming was for the foolish, and she was anything but foolish.

A tug on her line caught her attention, and she jumped to her feet to pull the fish in. The more she pulled, the more the fish fought. The fish jumped out of the loch as it fought to free itself. Cambria whistled at its massive size, knowing it would feed her and her grandmother for two days.

Come on, she yelled to herself.

Sweat beaded her brow as she fought the huge fish. Every time she thought she had gotten him, he would pull away again. Cambria’s arms and back ached, but she refused to release the fish.

You bloody fish, she ground out between clenched teeth just before the line broke and she fell backwards onto the rock.

Tears stung her eyes as her breath came in great gulps and her eyes watched the fish dive deeper into the dark waters of the loch.

So much for a good supper.

Chapter Two

If there was one thing Gawain hated, it was being bored. Ever since his father had died and he’d been called from court, he had found nothing but boredom at Lochmoor. Boredom and a despair of forever being alone.

His father left him a very wealthy man with a castle needing few repairs, loyal clansmen, and a title steeped in tradition. He was Laird of Lochmoor, lord over clan MacCaig, yet something was lacking.

What exactly, he didn’t know. He just knew he had to do something or else go daft.

Laird, would you like to go over the accounts today?

Gawain refrained from rolling his eyes. Barely. He turned from the window in the solar to face Nivan, Lochmoor’s loyal steward who looked so old one would think the wind could break him. He was a good man, kept the books meticulously, and had a need to show Gawain the books at least four times a week. Once a month would be sufficient, but Gawain had yet to make Nivan understand that.

Nay, not today, Nivan. I just looked at them yesterday.

The steward licked his lips and shuffled his feet. His silver hair had a tendency to stick up everywhere, except the very top of his head where he was going bald. Laird, what if I’m cheating you?

Gawain couldn’t stop the chuckle that escaped. Nivan, he said and clapped the steward on his thin shoulder. My father trusted you and, from what I’ve seen of the books, you aren’t cheating me. Nor, I think, do you have the gumption to do so.

Never, Nivan said vehemently, his head shaking side to side. I’ve served the MacCaig’s faithfully.

I know. I’ll look over the books once a week. Will that suit you?

A slow smile pulled at Nivan’s lined face. Aye, laird, it most certainly does.

Good. I’ll see you next week then. Gawain didn’t wait for the steward to reply as he hurried from the solar. He needed to stretch his legs and get away from the castle for a bit.

He’d only returned home four months ago but, during that time, he hadn’t done much outside the castle. Oh, he’d ridden the perimeter of his lands, but he wanted to walk today. Besides, walking would keep him away until dusk, maybe even longer if he planned it correctly.

It wasn’t right that he felt so alone in his own home, but he did. With his parents no longer there, he felt out of place and adrift if he were honest with himself. He missed his friends who were still at court and trysting with eager young ladies, though he didn’t miss the constant nagging from mothers eager to marry off their daughters.

Gawain nodded to servants as he left the castle. The bailey was large and overflowed with the people of Lochmoor. The large gates of Lochmoor Castle were opened as people traveled in and out of the castle. Two guards stood sentry by the gates, and another two were in the gatehouse above.

Childhood memories surfaced and flooded Gawain’s mind. He’d had a good childhood with a loving mother though his father was rarely at home. Gawain’s training had begun early by the knights stationed at the castle but, because of his father’s knowledge, the castle had always been well guarded and Gawain never had a need to fight.

Not so while he was at court though.

Now that he had returned to Lochmoor he remembered why he had been so eager to leave it. Though it was beautiful, there was also a sadness about it, as if the castle itself was lonely, much like Gawain himself.

He turned on the road and looked at the massive, foreboding structure of Lochmoor Castle. Time might have weathered the stone, but no man had breached her walls. Or ever would if he had anything to say about it.

Gawain turned back to the well-traveled road and stretched his legs. It felt wonderful to be out in the sunshine with a slight breeze blowing. His stride increased. He took deep breaths of the clean mountain air and thought again of his friends at court. A smile pulled at his lips as he wondered if Hamish had managed to get out of marrying the young lady he had seduced.

One by one, each of his friends had found themselves bound to marry. Gawain’s brow furrowed, and he speculated if he should take a bride as well. He needed to secure heirs for sure and, with a woman about the castle, his days might not be so dark.

Gawain kicked a clod of dirt and rested his hand on the hilt of his sword. He was wound as tight as a bow, and he needed to release some of his tension. Immediately he thought of the loch and turned to the left. He had passed many a day swimming in the deep, dark waters of the loch as a young lad.

His steps lengthened as he found himself rushing toward the dark water and memories of a happier time.

* * * * *

Cambria threw down her rod after another hour of fishing and kicked off her shoes. Her anger at losing the enormous fish had yet to dissipate, and the heated day did little to help. If she returned to the cottage without any food, her grandmother would once again start in on how she needed to marry quickly.

She rolled her eyes at the thought. We’re in the Highlands. Women are supposed to be able to fend for themselves.

With a loud sigh, she slapped her hands on the rock and rose to her feet. The warmth from the stone penetrated her bare feet, and she looked at the inviting loch. She quickly divested herself of her clothing and dove into the cool water.

She surfaced and wiped the hair from her face that had come loose from its braid. Since the fish weren’t going to fill her belly, she decided to enjoy a few moments before she returned to the cottage.

With a small movement she turned onto her back and floated in the still waters as the sun blinded her in its glory. Cambria didn’t mind though. She was content to look at the bright blue sky and the occasional cloud that drifted over her.

Two doves circled above her, each calling to the other. It brought to mind that a bird could find a mate, but she couldn’t. Part of her wondered if she tried harder if she would be married by now, yet, she knew her grandmother wouldn’t be satisfied with the village miller. She expected Cambria to marry a wealthy lord.

Not likely, she muttered before she flipped over and dove beneath the water again.

The rush of water around her, as she swam beneath the waves, always brought a thrill. She stayed under until her lungs began to burn, and then she moved to the surface. Just before she broke the water, something far below winked at her.

She gulped in much-needed air and wondered what could possibly be on the bottom of the loch that glistened in the sunlight. And why hadn’t she ever noticed it before?

After several deep breaths, Cambria dove beneath the water eager to discover the hidden treasure of the loch. Time and again she retreated to the surface for air before diving back under. No matter how hard she looked, she couldn’t find what had caught her eye the first time and, with the sun sinking slowly into the horizon, she feared she never would.

Her arms and legs grew tired, and she alternated between staying afloat and searching for the item. Her lungs screamed for her to stop, but she had to try one last time before she returned to her grandmother.

Cambria took a breath and dove under. The water was so dark she could only see parts of the bottom of the loch in the deeper end. She kicked feverishly to propel herself to the floor. Her eyes scanned the bottom rapidly, hoping against hope that she would spot the shiny object once more.

Just as she was about to give up and rise to the surface, she saw it.

With her lungs burning, she reached for the object and used the bottom of the loch to push herself to the surface.

Weakly, she swam toward shore holding her prize firmly in her grasp. As soon as her feet touched the sand, she stopped and tried to calm her rapid breathing and racing heart. Her hands shook. She opened her right hand and glimpsed what she nearly drowned trying to claim.

Mud and sand covered the object, so Cambria hastily washed it off and got her first look at the beautiful green rock. It was the size of a coin and more beautiful than anything she had ever seen.

It was smooth yet shiny with darker green rings running through it. Slowly, she ran her fingers over the stone, amazement at her find making her forget the world around her. Without warning, she felt something pulse through her fingers, and she jerked, suddenly fearful of the stone. But that emotion vanished as quickly as it had come.

Cambria looked from the smooth stone to her fingers. Nothing marked her, but something had definitely happened.

Before she could think on it further something moved in the water.

Chapter Three

Gawain broke the surface of the loch, a smile on his face. The water was chilly but exhilarating. His years of training alerted him instantly that he wasn’t alone. He turned in the water, his arms and legs keeping him afloat, to find a woman. A very naked, very beautiful woman.

Her large, expressive bright blue eyes watched him warily. She stood near the shore lowered in the water that hid all but her shoulders and the swell of her breasts.

Hello, he said. Her face was heart shaped, with full lips and a high forehead. Dark brows arched regally over her eyes, accentuating them. Her skin was bronzed, telling him she spent a great deal of time outside.

Water glistened on her face, neck and shoulders, yet she never moved, never made a sound.

I won’t hurt you, Gawain said and swam a little away from her.

Who are you?

Her voice was like velvet, dark and smooth. She was most likely a commoner and, once she learned who he was, she was liable to bolt like a frightened deer.

Consider me a friend.

She grunted and moved her hands behind her back. Friends state their names.

He smiled at her defensive attitude and moved until his feet touched the bottom. Call me Gawain.

Instead of stating her name, she just lifted a delicate brow. Gawain found her fascinating. The longer he was around her, the longer he wanted to stay near her.

He moved slowly through the water, inching his way toward her. Though she was nude, he had no doubt if he got too close she’d be out of the water faster than he could blink. So, he kept his distance.

What do you have behind your back? he asked after several quiet moments.

Her chin lifted a notch. Nothing, she responded quickly. A little too quickly.

Gawain narrowed his eyes. You’re hiding something from me. What is it? A fish?

She snorted. A very unladylike snort that brought a smile to Gawain’s lips.

Nay, no fish. Besides, don’t you think it would be splashing around?

Gawain nodded. Hmm. Good point. So, why don’t you tell me what you’re hiding?

Why do you want to know?

Gawain blinked. Not many people refused to do his bidding, and the few who dared were his closest friends. His first instinct was to order her to show her hand to him, but then he’d be telling her who he was, and he wasn’t ready for that yet. Instead, he took a deep breath and tried again.

I’m curious by nature.

She laughed, the sound pure and beautiful. She didn’t cover her mouth with her hand or bow her head.

What you are, sir, is someone who can’t stand not having what he wants, she said after she had stopped laughing, though a smile was still on her lips.

Gawain returned her smile. Ah, you think so? So, what can I do to make you show me what you have?

Nothing.

Nothing? he repeated, trying to hide his disappointment. There isn’t anything you want in exchange?

Her eyes lowered, and he could see that there just might be something he had.

Name what it is you want in exchange.

Cambria thought over the arrogant man’s boast. In exchange for showing him her beautiful green rock, she could probably have a decent meal for her and her grandmother that night. But was it worth the risk?

There was something about the stone that made her hesitate. She took a deep breath and shook her head. There is much that I could use, but I must decline.

Cambria rubbed the green stone between her fingers and felt it warm. She yearned to investigate it further, to study its shape, to take time to count the many shades of green it held. Though the man was handsome with his black hair slicked to his head and hanging past his neck where water dripped onto his thick shoulders, she knew he was dangerous. It was the look in his black eyes, a feral look, one that told her he would do what it took to get what he wanted.

Her gaze looked over his face. His jaw was strong, his nose aristocratic, his lips thin and wide. Black brows slashed over his eyes, accentuating his high forehead. As much as she hated to admit it, she’d love to see what the rest of him looked like. Were his legs and arms as muscular as his shoulders?

The fact that she was getting more curious about him let her know that she had stayed in the water long enough. That and the fact that her fingers had begun to wrinkle.

I wish you wouldn’t deny my offer, he said softly. At least give me your name.

His voice was velvet smooth and deep. She had no doubt that women fell over themselves to catch his eye. It wasn’t just his devastatingly good looks, it was his confident-bordering-on-arrogant attitude. In another life and time, Cambria could see herself trying to catch his attention, but not now. By his cultured language, he was nobility and beyond her reach.

Nay.

He chuckled and moved closer to her. What will giving me your name hurt? I told you mine?

Cambria smiled despite herself. He was genuinely perplexed at her answers. And she loved it. He was gradually softening her, and she had to get away from him. Her mind raced with possibilities while she edged closer to the shore.

Of a sudden, she looked over his shoulder and gasped. He jerked around giving her the time she needed to jump from the loch and race around the boulder where her clothes lay hidden.

She covered her mouth as a chuckle threatened to escape when she heard him let out a string of foul curses. As hastily as she could with her wet skin, she hauled on her clothing and shoes.

Only then did she peek around the boulder to see the man still looking for her. He didn’t call out, but his eyes saw everything. If she made one wrong move, he would spot her. She kept perfectly still and, after a few more tense moments, he gave up and slapped his hand on the water.

When he began to swim, Cambria was startled at his smooth, easy strokes. It was obvious he spent a lot of time in the water. Curious that she had never run into him before now.

She thanked God her grandmother wasn’t there to see her interest in the man, for her grandmother would already be planning the wedding. Cambria chuckled again then gasped when the man tucked his legs against him before diving under the water, giving her a nice view of his bum.

Though she knew she needed to return to the cottage, she couldn’t tear herself away from the man yet. Never before had she had the opportunity to feast her eyes upon such a specimen, and she wasn’t about to leave yet.

No sooner had that thought crossed her mind than the man swam to the edge of the loch and stood. Cambria’s mouth went dry as she stared at the most magnificent creature she had ever seen.

He was tall, yet walked with determination instead of a gangly gait. His arms, legs and chest bulged with muscles. Water ran in rivets down his body and through the coarse black hair that graced his chest to narrow into a line that led to his…

Cambria sucked in a breath when he turned toward her. His wide shoulders tapered to his hips, and she lowered her eyes to find herself looking at his rod. She gulped and hastily turned around before she made a bigger fool of herself.

It’s time to return to the cottage, she whispered as her heart raced