Highlander's Burden

By Krystal LaCroix

His duty to his family brought them together, but can he soothe her fears in time to save them both?

Siobhán Maclachlan knew the traditions. She knew that her handsome husband and his equally-handsome cousin--both proud and strong lairds of their estates around Lachlan Bay--went to battle together for a specific purpose. But Colin was unbeatable, and she knew he’d always come back to her.

John Maclachlan had always admired his cousin’s choice of a wife; Siobhán was beautiful, smart, and loyal. When he is forced to take the body of her husband to her door, he hates seeing the stark fear and pain that settles inside her. So he stays, to help her pull herself together and protect her in the process.

It’s a dangerous time in the Highlands, and safety is hard to come by. Siobhan feels afraid and broken—unless John is around, that is. His rugged masculinity is something she can’t help but notice, in a way she never did with her husband.

Grief and guilt can only keep them apart for so long until all of Siobhan’s carefully erected ideas of safety and security are blown to pieces in one night. Now, she must decide if she can forgive herself in time to let him in before it’s too late for them both.

• Language: English
• Publisher: eBook Publishing World
• Release date: Jul 9, 2014
• ISBN: 9781501445194

Book preview

HIGHLANDER'S BURDEN

Siobhán tended to her garden. She hummed contentedly to herself. Even after five years of marriage to Colin, she was still a woman of the earth. She smiled as she picked the bounty and placed the fruits of her labor in a basket. Colin Maclachlan was a good man, wise of the ways of the sea and fishing; but, he was hopeless when it came to all but the most basic tasks in the garden. He tilled the soil as she directed. He complained bitterly as he toiled; yet, he ate the potatoes and carrots she grew readily enough.

Siobhán rose. Her potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, and peas were neatly arranged in her basket, ready to be cleaned and prepared for dinner. Before she turned back to the manor, she once again gazed out upon Lachlan Bay. The still blue water and rugged coastline filled her with peace. She was born to a noble house, but never had a view such as this.

Siobhán worked in the kitchen with her maids, laughing and talking as if equal in rank. They finally accepted that her kindness wasn’t some cruel trick or deception. She enjoyed the work and she liked to keep her hands busy.

She also enjoyed listening to the gossip from both her own manor and those in the surrounding countryside. There was word that the men had successfully pushed the English  back. Those who went to battle would return home soon. She had heard that rumor before, only to be crushed with disappointment.

It had been three months since Colin left to push the English back and hold what was rightfully Scottish land. Soon, he would return to her arms and her thighs. They would try again for an heir.

As Siobhán’s nimble fingers stripped the peas from their pod, she worried that she was barren. Then, she pushed the thought away. They were still young, only twenty-one summers old. They had plenty of time; but, if she wasn’t with child soon, they would have to try something else. She wouldn’t enjoy sharing Colin with one of the maids; but, if