Highlander's Bride

By Stephanie Payne Hurt

In the 2nd book of the Cowen series, adventure and romance fill the pages as Laird Ewan thought he'd be starting his life with Evina, the one woman that stole his breath away, but Laird McKinney had other plans. With Evina kidnapped only moments before the wedding, Laird Ewan, angry and desperate, goes out in search of his love, vowing to bring her back, even if it meant his life. With everything at stake, Ewan and his army search the land for Evina, but when they find her, will it be too late? Will they have their happily ever after or will McKinney get his revenge and win the one woman that Ewan can't live without?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stephanie Payne Hurt
• Release date: Dec 8, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370282098

Stephanie Payne Hurt

Stephanie Payne Hurt has been writing stories since she was a teenager, but only started publishing her work in 2012, 30 years later. The romance genre drew her in at an early age. Since 2012 she's published over 35 Romance novels/novellas.Stephanie is a busy lady. She's a Children's Minister, Accountant, wife, and mother along with a blogger and writer, along with starting a publishing service called Horseshoe Publishing alongside her publisher. It's been an exciting ride and she looks forward to what the future holds for her writing.Currently, she writes romance ranging from Christian, Contemporary, Suspense and Cowboy. Her work is available at many online retailers, on her website, and in a bookstore in Zebulon, Georgia near her home.Come by and visit her at http://www.stephaniehurtauthor.com/ and subscribe to get updates and release dates, also her monthly newsletter!

Book preview

Highlander’s Bride

2nd Book in the Cowen Clan Series

Highlander’s

Bride

By:

Stephanie Payne Hurt

Highlander’s Bride ©2016 Stephanie Payne Hurt

Smashwords Edition

Horseshoe Publishing

Cover Designer: Ally Payne

Any person mentioned in this book is not based on any person, living or nonliving.

This book is a work of fiction. This book may not be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in whole or in part by any means, including graphic, electronic, or mechanical without the express written consent of the publisher.

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Chapter 1

The sun slipped below the horizon as Ewan and Colin rode out of the gates of Colin’s Village. Ewan sent one of Colin’s fastest riders to Cowen Manor to get his men. It would take their whole army to get Evina back safely.

Ewan’s heart ached at the thought of his betrothed. Although they’d only known one another a short time, she’d gotten under his skin, in a pleasant way. He prayed that she was alright and McKinney hadn’t harmed her.

His anger grew as he thought about McKinney laying a hand on the woman he loved. It spurred him forward, passing Colin in a flash as they rode toward the meeting place for the two clans. Colin’s clan was joining Ewan’s to fight McKinney. Together they were a force to be reckoned with.

Colin finally forced Ewan to stop and let the horse rest. He’d been riding hard all evening and nightfall had long since come on.

Ewan, I know you want to get to her, but if you and your horse are exhausted, then you won’t do her any good. Not to mention the men around you. He put his hand on the large highlander’s shoulder. We’ll rest for a couple of hours, then ride out again. Just sit down and eat. The last words were spoken in a forceful tone, meaning for him to listen.

Ewan grunted in frustration, as he agreed with Colin, he didn’t want to stop until she was back in his arms again. They’d be getting married the next day if McKinney hadn’t kidnapped her. All he could think about was her beautiful eyes looking at him with love.

The night was long as Ewan sat, propped against a tall rock, staring into the darkness. She was somewhere out there, scared and unsure of her future. He slammed his fist into the ground every time he thought about her in McKinney’s evil hands. If that man did anything to her...

Just before the sun rose in the far sky, Ewan was up and getting his horse ready for the long day ahead. Hopefully by this evening they’d be joining forces with the Cowen warriors. Something in his mind told him that this wouldn’t be the day they found Evina. His second sight was clear this morning and it spurred him forward.

As they rode out, Colin tried to calm Ewan. We need to take it slow so we don’t miss anything. McKinney will head for his village. They are several hours ahead of us and that means it will be a while before we catch up, if we’re headed in the right direction.

Ewan turned to his old friend, the look in his eyes dark, We’re heading in the right direction. McKinney is planning on marrying Evina as soon as possible, so we have no time to waste.

Colin knew Ewan’s fear. If he had his sweet wife back, he’d not leave any stone unturned until she was back in his arms.

The first hour or more of their search was met with no leads, then a glimpse of hope. Ewan was riding along the edge of the forest, his eyes scanning the area for any sign of fresh tracks when he spotted something hanging from a limb just ahead. He jumped from his horse, hitting the ground in a run. It was a piece of white cloth. Ewan brought it to his nose, closing his eyes as he brought her scent in as he crushed the fabric in his hand. A smile crossed his face as he thought about his brave lass. She knew what to do and when he found her, he planned to kiss her senseless.

What did you find? Colin rode up beside where Ewan stood.

The lass has left us a clue. He held up the piece of cloth.

How do you know it’s hers?

Ewan looked up at his old friend with a grin, Aye, her smell is all over this cloth. I’d know it anywhere. Then he put the little piece of cloth in the small bag that hung on his side. They’re headed to his old stronghold on the edge of Cowen land. McKinney thinks I probably forgot about it. He reached up and felt the tiny scar at the base of his neck, But scars keep memories alive.

He climbed back in the saddle, sniffing the wind. It wouldn’t be long before they reached his men. He could feel them growing closer as he nudged his horse forward with his knee.

An hour later they met up with the Cowen men. Ewan was glad to see his men and felt they’d accomplish their goal and soon.

Brayer was the first to approach Ewan, Brother, what happened? I figured you’d be married by now. His look of concern making Ewan frown.

As I, but McKinney took Evina, vowing to marry her. Brayer, this will be a long battle, one for which I know we’ll be victorious. Ewan said as he clamped his hand on Brayer’s shoulder. Old friend, we’ve done this many times and this time won’t be any different.

What do you know so far? Brayer said as he moved in line with