The Immortal Druid

By Nicole Kiefer

Thousands of years ago events were set in motion to save the human race from extinction and lead them into the future. Fate wove and entwined bloodlines, so in the end, there would one powerful woman and one powerful man, leading her children to Utopia.
Lisa Longshire is the last in a long line of many courageous and powerful woman, and when her unusual dreams lead her to Toronto, she takes the first steps towards a destiny that will either make her the most powerful woman alive or destroy her.
Alastair McScath has long given up hope of finding his fated mate and stopped looking centuries ago. If not for his brother Condan and his endless meddling, Lisa would have never crossed his path.
A net of intrigue, romance and danger is set in motion, the only guidance a prophecy promising them dark times and horror before they can reach their goal. If they survive that long.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nicole Kiefer
• Release date: May 12, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370161607

Nicole Kiefer

I was born in 1979 in German, my parents called me their miracle child, because by medical standards then, I shouldn't have come into existence. Still I wasn't born perfect, but with the typical deformities for Nail-Patella-Syndrome. As the name says it causes deformities in nails and joints as well as deformed, or to small patella's.In 1995, I finished school with a secondary school degree, glad that school, which was hell in many ways, was over.My first endeavor into the world of labor wasn't successful, and I returned to school for a while but then after turning 18 discovered a new world and lifestyle. I discovered the bar scene, and quickly fell under the spell of alcohol and fun while changing into a different version of myself. A version that was freer, and which less high emotional walls, outgoing and capable of connecting to other people.Then after meeting my first love, I was diagnosed with Dyslexia and some of my life suddenly fell into place, like this one missing puzzle piece that when you place it into the puzzle reveals the whole picture and makes sense of it.Less than a year later I became pregnant and my life and the way I lived it changed. I stopped drinking, got my life in order and became responsible. After having the child, I took a job, with the help of my parents support. Another year later I got married and moved with my husband into a larger apartment.In 2002, I had my second child and we moved to France where we had found a larger apartment and much needed relieve from the horrendous taxation in Germany.Being a home staying mom gave me the time to explore the internet, to relieve the boredom I felt between housekeeping and diaper changing. During my excursions into several online communities, I was often asked about rules and regulations when it came to immigrating to France. The questions became often enough that I decided to put all info on a website, simply because I didn't want to answer the questions over and over again.In 2005, a publisher stumbled upon my website and talked me into transforming it into a book and getting it published. I warned the publisher that I was dyslexic and making a book out of my data would be a lot of work since I had nobody to look over what I wrote. Yet the publisher just shrugged and told me that this was what editors were for. I agreed and got to work, then in March 2006 my first book was published.It was a heady feeling to hold my own book in my hands, exhilarating and exciting as nothing else. It wasn't a big book, just 80 - 90 pages, but it was a testament that I could write after all, maybe not spell it right but produce something with meaning conveyed by words on paper.Since it was a small publisher I took it upon myself to help promote the book, putting the information about it in all the communities I had talked to before, as well as new ones. Only to discover adversity and insult far too often. When I even got told that people like me should be put down, I had enough and in a way snapped. Since I could hardly strangle someone through the internet, I sat down and poured all my anger into words. I was fed up with being insulted, hearing how useless I was since first grade, I not only poured my new anger into those pages but all my anger for all the years gone by.I didn't do it planned, but a few days later I not only felt better but held the draft of my life's story in my hands. Reading it again, I decided to try and offered it to my publisher, not really believing he would go for it. After all, who was I that anyone would want to read about my life. It wasn't like I was someone of importance, so why would anyone care to read it. When my publisher almost jumped on it, I was more than just surprised, I was stumped.At the end of 2006, my life's story was published, at the same time as we decided to immigrate to Canada. My husband had lost his Job earlier in the Year and hadn't been able to find a new one, neither had I any success in finding a position. It was a hard and life altering decision, but not long into the New Year did we get ready to move.Mai 2007 we entered Canada with a work permit, and for reasons I will never be able to explain, it felt like coming home. I had left my parents behind, my family and friends, and yet seeing the open fields and prairie, the little towns surrounded by it, it felt like I belonged. As scared as I was taking the step, I never regretted it.After we settled in and the kids were settled in school, I joined my husband in the labor force. And for the next few years, we were a two-income household, until I got sick in 2011 and was diagnosed after half a year of living in pain, with Fibromyalgia. As I read up on this chronic pain illness I had developed I realized that at some point I wouldn't be able to continue with my job as a cook, or any job with physical labor.I knew that finding an office job with being dyslexic was just as unlikely as finding a job with no physical labor that wasn't in an office. Unsure what to do I started writing again, first just for myself to cope with this new situation. A while later I worked consciously on improving my English and adapting a writing style fitting the North American market.In 2013 I had to stop working and not long after quit my job, knowing I just couldn't do it anymore. Still undecided what I wanted to do with the rest of my life, I got a little depressed and felt lost for some time. Then in 2014, we had to go to Toronto to get our German Passports renewed and the change of scenery was like a being battered with inspiration.Back home I began to write to create a world like nothing I had ever read or seen or imagined before. What had started as a short contemporary romance short story, became a fantasy romance novel series of five books. Representing anything and everything I loved about history, mythology and fables. I had created a world but knew it was far from ready for publishing.In early 2015 my husband fell ill with a hernia and went into emergency surgery. While waiting in the visitors lounge, pacing from one end to the other, dark worries and thoughts swirled through my mind. The next morning, back home, knowing my husband would be fine, I sat down and began to write mostly in order to come with the experience. One that had me rattled and unsettled.Before I knew it I had the draft to a full blown contemporary romance novel in my hands. Waiting in the Wings was born, and after working on it for a while and having someone look over it, I published it independently. My spell and grammar check couldn't find anything, neither could the person I had asked to look over it, or anyone else I asked. I was thinking I had done it, I had written a book without mistakes as dyslexic.Well, you might imagine that I was wrong, which I was told not long after having it published. I invested the money for a professional editor and republished it a few months later.And that is how my writing career in North America begun.

Book preview

Lisa

The moment she stepped out of Toronto's airport, Lisa inhaled deeply. The air was hot, drenched with the scent of exhaust fumes, cigarette smoke and sweat. There wasn't a breeze to ease the stench or the heat trapped under the roof. Quickly she located the closest taxi and got inside.

Inn Town Suites Hotel at Church Street, please, she told the driver, glad for the clean, air-conditioned air inside the car.

Sinking into the comfortable leather seat, Lisa's gaze wandered out the window towards the skyscrapers towering over the city she would call home for the next two weeks. Her blue eyes reflecting in the window stared back at her, as her full lips curled into a smile remembering her departure. Shyanne, her best friend for nine years, had clucked over her like a mother hen. Probably not something she should have been surprised about. Since her parents' death, the two had been inseparable, together since they were teens. Your destiny awaits, Lisa mumbled, remembering Shyanne's last words before her friend had hugged her harder than ever before, and departed rather quickly the moment she had let go of her. Shaking her head, she tried to draw her focus back to the city, and its enormously tall buildings, as they approached.

Yet, as fascinating as the sight was, it wasn't enough to dispel the worries her friend’s words had nurtured into existence. It wasn't just her words about her destiny, as if she believed in such a thing, but Shyanne's whole behavior over the last six months.

It had started with Shyanne thinking Lisa needed a man in her life, someone to love and be loved. She had started nagging her:

Your dreams aren't a curse Lisa, stop using them as an excuse. You can't live with your heart closed off, that's not living, it's a cowards move and you're no coward. Stop acting like one and let others in.

As if it was that easy. It wasn't like she didn't want to fall in love, or have a man at her side. She was 24 years old, and the closest she had come to intimacy was a kiss. Never had she ventured further, unwilling to explain her dreams. She could just imagine how that would go, once she woke for the first time with a scream on her lips beside her lover.

Don't worry this will happen every other night... some people have nightmares, others have wet dreams and I have retrocognitive dreams that make me scream sometimes... meaning I dream of bloody battles, women burned as witches, raped in an invasion, beat by their husband... If the guy hadn't left by then, the next part would chase him away for sure. And the darnedest thing about it is, that I only dream of women, and they are all my ancestors from several centuries in the past... what... no honey, I am not imagining it, believe me I wish I was. You can find it all in history books... and I always dream of it long before I ever know of those events... It's like having a horror history book in my head the moment I go to bed...

Lisa snickered and sighed at the same time at the image her mind conjured of a man walking away, declaring her crazy, and maybe she was. It didn't matter that her uncle had insisted that she was special until the day he died, or that Shyanne was blowing into the same horn. More so for the past six months, ever since she had seen that interview with Alastair McScath and then forced her to watch it as well.

Lisa noticed the changes of scenery as they drove into the city of Toronto, the pulsating life at every corner, the vibrant colors, and noisy streets. Yet it only registered in the periphery of her mind, while most of it was lost in the memory of the interview. Alastair McScath was a history professor at the University of Toronto, one that was often contradicting what was considered proven history. The odd thing about it was, that his versions often came closer to what Lisa dreamed then what was in the history books. As much as all her dreams were traceable to a certain point in time, the details were often different.

It had been Shyanne's argument, and the leverage her friend had used to talk her into attending this seminar. Telling her repeatedly that with this professor's theories she might be able to understand her dreams better. A point Lisa hadn't been able to refute; however, Shyanne also hadn't stopped pointing out how handsome the man was.

You have to admit, he is the kind of guy you would fall for in a heartbeat. I bet he wouldn’t have any problem with your dreams. She had told her, being even more pushy then usual. There are guy’s you can date, but this guy, he is the kind you marry and have a happily ever after with. He is the kind only fate can give Shyanne had insisted and looked at her as though she were seeing her in a white dress walking down the aisle. Like she knew it would happen and just needed her to believe it as well. Lisa softly huffed at the memory, unwilling to even contemplate such things as love at first sight, or fated love.

With a sigh, Lisa let go of the confusion over the last six months, knowing it was futile to think about it now. She was here, she would be attending the seminar and have her private meeting with the professor. Anything beyond that was fantasy, no matter how attractive the man was.

When they turned onto Church Street, she stared out the window in awe of the rainbow-colored part of Toronto. She was tempted to roll the window down, so she could find out if the sounds she imagined would find her ears. The taxi turned and rolled to a stop in front of the hotel before she could do so.

That's one hundred and twenty dollars, love, the driver said in a heavy Irish accent.

After a glance at the meter, she handed the money over, wondering how anyone could afford to take a taxi more than once a year, with those prices.

A moment later she stood in front of the tall building, looking up only noticing the departure of the taxi in the periphery of her mind. It wasn't the sort of skyscraper she had seen earlier tower over the city, but still tall compared to any building she had ever been in. Her guess was that it had maybe thirty floors, which would make it twenty floors higher than the highest building she had ever entered. Hoping she had a room close to the top, Lisa moved towards the sliding doors and entered.

Instantly the cool air and clean scent of the air condition enveloped her. The interior design was appealing. To her left was a comfortable looking lounge area with a fake fire burning, and separated from the reception area by a glass wall. On her right was the check-in counter, made of gray marble so it would match the floor, which complimented the sand-colored wallpapers. Compared to anything she had stayed in before, this was upscale.

Lisa fished for her reservation confirmation and stepped to the reception area, where a man and a woman in uniform smiled at her. The phone rang and the woman turned to take the call, leaving Lisa to hand her registration to the man. He was tall, scrawny with a triangular shaped face that made him look like a weasel. What disturbed her were his eyes, a light shade of green, yet cold as ice with no hint of emotion. Just facing him caused a chill to run down her spine, making her want to step away and wait for the woman to be free.

Don't be stupid, she scolded herself, the man most likely just didn't like his job, and it wasn't like she would have to deal with him for long.

As he took the confirmation email, their hands touched slightly, causing her to shiver and pull back quickly. She forced a smile while all her instincts told her to get away from this man.

Just a moment miss, it won't take long, he said, his voice as void of emotions as his eyes, and a smile on his face that was more a grimace than something to take comfort in.

She watched him type in the information, and then turn to her with another fake smile, We upgraded you to a luxury one bedroom suite, for no extra charge of course.

She nodded, thanks, not sure what else to say, it wasn't like she had asked for the upgrade, she only hoped it wouldn't delay her checking in, because this man gave her the heebie-jeebies. She couldn't wait to get away from him.

She felt his presence before his shadow fell over her, making her instinctively look up. A man had come up next her, tall, broad shouldered, and muscular. It was the body of Adonis in a three-piece suit. What captivated her where his piercing blue eyes that looked at her with curiosity and amusement. She studied him for a moment. He was attractive, hot even, and for some reason he looked familiar to her. What surprised her the most was that since he had come up beside her, the creepy feeling caused by the concierge had diminished. Where just a moment ago, she had felt uncomfortable and unsafe, she now felt the opposite.

Miss Longshire, the concierge said, forcing her to focus on him again. Here is your keycard, you have room two two zero eight. Have a nice stay and if you need anything just call down.

Thank you. Lisa took the keycard, careful not to touch the concierge again. After giving the man a forced smile, she took her suitcase, backpack and carry on before striding towards the row of elevators. Only a moment after pushing the call button the doors slid open, and she went into the small cabin. She had just pushed the twenty-two when she saw the man from the reception counter rush towards the closing doors. Yet before she could politely push the door open button, the man had pushed his foot between the closing doors, causing them to slide open again.

Giving her a wide grin he pushed the button for the penthouse and the doors began to close again. Still grinning the man held his hand out in greeting, Hi, I'm Condan McScath, but most people call me Con.

His voice was husky and pleasant, making Lisa feel at ease immediately. Lisa Longshire, she answered, shaking his hand. As the name sunk in, she suddenly knew why he looked familiar, You're related to Alastair McScath, the professor? she blurted out making it sound like a statement instead of the question it was.

He grinned.

You know my brother? he asked amused

Only from a TV interview, I'm here to attend his seminar, she quickly explained, not wanting to give him the wrong impression.

Condan nodded.

He should be back from campus soon. Would you like to meet him?

Not sure if it was some sort of pickup line she shook her head.

Thanks, but no. I have a meeting with him at the end of the week and for today, I just want to take a bath and settle in. Maybe go out for supper later. She answered surprising herself with her openness. It wasn't like her to share her plans with strangers, but for some reason, Condan put her at ease with just his presence.

The doors sliding open as they reached her floor, saved her from sharing more information, she really shouldn't be sharing with a stranger. Yet when she looked at him, she somehow felt safe, which was absolutely ridicules and crazy. Shaking her head softly over her behavior Lisa exited the elevator.

It was a pleasure meeting you, Lisa. I hope to see you again soon, Condan called after her, making her look back. She couldn't help but smile and nod, as she watched the doors slide closed.

Still smiling she began walking down the hallway. This had been the most unusual encounter as far as she could think back. Not only did she feel safe around a strange man, this man who looked like a GQ model, had noticed her. Something that rarely happened simply because she didn't act invitingly and most men could tell, leaving her alone from the start. More confusing however was that she felt intrigued, yet not attracted to Condan. If this meeting was any indication, her meeting with Alastair McScath would be interesting, possibly even intense.

Her room was just around the corner and almost dark when she entered, the heavy drapes pulled in front of the windows blocking most of the light. She fumbled for the light switch, glad that it was right beside the door. The bulbs came alive, illuminating the room with a comfortable, soft light. She took in the open concept design. Living room and kitchenette flowed into each other, stylish double doors led into the bedroom and a small door to the bathroom. Wanting to unpack the few things she had brought, Lisa moved towards the double doors. Noticing how soft the leather couch looked, it would be a delight to sink into it, watching TV on the large screen across from it. Entering the bedroom, she smiled at how large the bed was, no wonder this was called a luxury suite, the bed filled almost the whole bedroom. While a small dresser and a commode took up the rest of the floor space. While unpacking, she thought how nice it would be to climb into bed tonight, and watch some TV, since she had one in here as well. It was something she could consider a luxury as well, since at home she had to share the only TV with Shyanne.

Once she had unpacked, she opened the only other door in the bedroom, discovering that it led into the bathroom as well. Since she had never stayed in a hotel, she wasn't sure if housekeeping would knock or just come in if she didn't hear them or when they made their rounds usually. Wanting to be rather safe than sorry, she locked the door leading from the bathroom into the living room, before letting the water run into the large tub. A bath sounded like a dream right now.

A few moments later she slipped into the steaming water, its heat surrounding her, loosening muscles she hadn't noticed were tense. Reclining, she inhaled the steam and savored the delicious limber feeling the heat infused, closing her eyes she relaxed fully. Still amused by her unusual encounter with Condan McScath, her mind conjured up a different man, one she hadn't met yet, but seen on TV. Condan's brother Alastair, a man she associated with history and the Scottish Highlands from which he probably haled. Which most likely was the reason she imagined him in medieval age style breeches, and a claymore at his side, while his muscular chest was unclothed. He looked formidable and sexy as hell the way she imagined him. His muscles well defined and no ounce of useless flesh on him, it was a body not even Jason Statham or Joan Claude Van Damme could compare with. Only all that strong beauty did not as much for her as the way she imagined him looking at her. His crystal clear blue eyes stared at her with longing, lust, and desire. The kind of gaze that promised more than just a good time, it was the kind of look she gave her book characters when they wanted forever, with the woman they were looking at.

With a sigh, she let the imagined Alastair slip from her mind, it was nothing but a dream, maybe Shyanne was right and she simply had been alone for too long. Her body was in the age where most women began to think about children and settling down with a man, where they had some experience in love and the loving.

As the water grew colder she got out and dried off while it drained. When she was dry she stood in front of the mirror, wondering what Condan had seen, or what his brother would see looking at her. She didn't ponder often about her looks, yet didn't think of herself as ugly, in fact, she was quite pretty, attractive even. She was tall for a woman with close to six feet, she had nice curves and her body was muscular enough, thanks to carrying heavy server trays around at one of her three jobs. Shyanne had told her more than once that she had a body like sin, only that she never used it. Chuckling at her best friend's antics, she got dressed in a pair of shorts and a shirt. It was too early to go out for something to eat, and now that she had thought of her, she remembered that she had promised Shyanne to call, once she had settled in.

A little while later, Lisa hung up the phone after leaving a message on Shyanne's voice mail, not overly surprised she hadn't reached her; the way her boss was working her lately. If she didn't call her back, she would try again in the morning. For now, the soft leather couch was calling for her, inviting her to relax in front of the TV.

Flicking through the channels, Lisa wondered how it was possible to have three hundred channels and nothing on that was interesting. She was considering getting dressed and exploring the city, when she discovered a rerun of the interview with Alastair McScath that Shyanne had made her watch. Thinking it would be nice to watch it without her friend's constant comments about how handsome he was, and how much she could learn from him, she tuned into it.

He was sitting opposite a pretty lady who did the interview with him, desperately trying to get him to talk about himself, but he elegantly directed her back to his work and history each time. He was dressed in a conservative three-piece suit, and he looked good in it, just not as good as in her imagination.

Every time he spoke, she wanted to hear more of his voice, it was like a warm breeze caressing her skin, soft, husky, and dreamy, when he talked about history. He had a killer smile, and from time to time he looked into the camera as if he was looking at her, smiling wistfully as if he knew she was watching. Lisa chuckled at that thought, but had to admit that with every minute she watched, she regretted to have declined Condan's offer. By the time the interview was done, she was considering getting dressed and simply showing up on his doorstep, acting as if she had never declined.

She wasn't just fascinated by the way he looked, it wasn't simple attraction, but she loved the way he saw history, how he interpreted it and how much he gave the impression that he had been there. To most that thought would have sounded crazy, to her it only made her wonder if there were more people able to see the past, and if he might be such a person. Yet no matter if he was or not, it would be a delight to talk to him. Even if it didn't bring her any closer to understanding why she had those dreams.

She was still contemplating when there was a knock at the door. Wondering who it could be, she stood and when at the door looked through the spyglass. Her breath caught with surprise, when she recognized Condan standing outside, a wide smile on his face. Not certain if he was a godsend or a mistake, she pulled the door open, looking at him puzzled but smiling.

Hi Lisa, I remembered that you said you wanted to go out for supper, and that you most likely have no idea where to go, so I thought I invite you. Can't have you walk into some dump, and think that that's all Toronto has to offer. My brother will join us if you don't mind.

For the time of a heartbeat, she considered, then waved him inside.

That would be nice, I appreciate it. Come on in and get comfortable, I just need to change quickly. She said already wondering what she should wear, she hadn't exactly packed for anything even remotely fancy. As Condan sank down on the couch she smiled at him, I'll be right back, and went into the bedroom.

As she stared at the few clothes she had come with, wondering what would be a good choice, Condan shouted from the other room. Wear something casual Lisa, it's just a pub, nothing special. But the food is to die for.

Relieved he hadn't picked something high profile, she quickly dressed in some jeans and a button-down blouse in cyan, which would complement her almost fiery red hair. Since she hadn't planned for this, there was no time to put a face on as Shyanne called it. All she could do was quickly brush out her hair, so the few tangles that had formed while it dried where smooth and shining silkily. Then she returned to Condan, who smiled widely the moment he saw her.

She smiled back, unable to help herself, wondering why she felt such an intense feeling of safety with him. She would have understood if she had felt attracted, after all, he looked a lot like his brother, yet nothing even remotely in that direction came up. All she felt was the potential of friendship when she looked at him. It made her wonder if it would be the same with his brother once she met him in person, would the attraction she felt to him on TV vanish then? Somehow, she didn't think so.

Condan stood and offered her his arm.

Ready?

She nodded reaching for her purse before she let him lead her out the door.

You look beautiful Lisa, I just hope my brother and I will be able to protect you from all those hungry males, Condan teased but his eyes were filled with appreciation and affection.

Is that so? And here I thought I booked a room in the gay and lesbian area. Shouldn't I be afraid of women as well? She teased back, surprising herself with her boldness. She wasn't usually this forward and outspoken with someone she just met.

Laughing loudly, he nodded.

You have a point there. Maybe we should hire a bodyguard then.

Feeling more at ease with every passing minute, she found it easy to talk to Condan and tell him about how she came to sign up for his brother's seminar. Where she came from, and how Shyanne had bullied her into attending. She had expected that at some point she would see a less brotherly interest reflect in his eyes, but all she saw throughout their drive was curiosity and the same kind of interest she would expect to see in a long-lost brother you just met.

The drive was short as he had promised, and soon the car parked in front of a beautiful old brownstone with large arched windows. Condan got out and offered her his hand, making her smile shyly at the old-fashioned gesture. Staring at the building for a moment, she noticed the name above the entrance, O'Grady's, an Irish pub. Just looking at it, she fell in love with it.

Ready, Lisa? Condan asked leading her inside.

Grinning at the gesture, she placed her hand on his offered arm. The second they stepped through the door, the noise of people talking, shouting, and even singing surrounded her. The long but narrow room was filled with people toasting, laughing, and having fun. The interior was as charming as the outside, reminding her of old times, comfort, and good company. It was a place she knew she could spend hours in, and be comfortable.

Yet, before Condan even turned her in that direction, as if there was an invisible force, she felt the need to look towards the corner booth by the window. Her eyes met a pair of blue ones, so much like Condan's yet they had a very different effect on her. Their gazes met, he stood and the world melted away. Unable to break the connection, she let Condan slowly lead her towards those endless blue eyes. They sparkled at her in a way that warmed and scared her in almost equal measure. Never had she felt like this, as if an emptiness she hadn't known existed, suddenly filled with something warm and wonderful. Her steps faltered and she stumbled, as emotions she had never known before threatened to overwhelm her. Desire, lust, and need expanded inside her, making her tummy flutter, her head swim and her core moist.

If not for Condan holding on to her arm she would have fallen over her own feet. Yet she could have sworn that the moment she had seemed to fall, Alastair had looked concerned. She knew she should break eye contact and that she was staring. Only she couldn't politely look away, and it seemed neither could he.

There was nothing in the large room but him. His large, muscular physique with his broad shoulders, hidden by jeans and a light sweater. His chiseled features, that reminded her of Michael Angelo's David, with those sinful lips that curled into a smile as she came closer. Yet what kept her captive were his eyes which were as blue as the bluest sky, and they shone at her with fascination, attraction, and recognition, as unlikely as it was.

Condan only stopped when they were in front of his brother. She knew she was staring, but it didn't feel awkward as it should and she couldn't look away. The only comfort she had was that he seemed just as incapable as she.

Condan chuckled, Lisa this is my brother, Alastair, he said, and the spell was broken, the noise of people returned. She smiled shyly at Alastair and lowered her gaze, glad that she could. Alastair, meet Lisa, it's her first time in Toronto.

Alastair offered her his hand, and as she took it their eyes met again for a moment, she realized he had never looked away. More surprising was the sudden charge rushing through her, intense like an electrical shock, without the pain. Muscles contracted in areas she hadn't even known she had any, making her feel confused, and yet she only reluctantly let go of his hand.

It is a pleasure to meet you Lisa. Come sit, please, Alastair said while Condan pulled out a chair for her across from him.

With a silent sigh, she sat down, glad that Condan would be between them, as a buffer. Not that it was so much easier with him in her direct line of sight, especially since they both seemed entranced.

What brings you to Toronto, he asked smiling, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.

You, she answered outright, biting her lower lip as she realized how much it sounded like a bad come on. I mean your seminar, she hastily added feeling her cheeks turn red.

Laughter in his eyes, Condan slapped his brother on the back.

You just have it all, man: brains, brawn and the ladies. I most definitely have the wrong job.

Taking the chance to divert attention away from her, she forced herself to break eye contact and look at Condan instead.

What is it you do? she asked, fighting the pull of Alastair. After a few moments it became easier and she focused on Condan as he answered.

Me? Condan grinned. I'm an old stuffy antiquity dealer. My headquarters are here in Toronto, but I have auction houses, stores, and galleries all over North America and Europe. Here in Canada, my company is the direct concurrence to Maynard's.

Blinking Lisa mentally checked that she wasn't drooling, not only had her father, an appraiser, instilled a love for antiquities in her, but she knew of his business; he wasn't some curator or antiquity dealer, he was the king of them all.

Wow, my dad, specialized in European antiques. If you are direct competition to Maynard's, then you're the owner of...

Scath & Scath, Condan finished for her and bowed in his chair, including waving his arms in a flourish. He smiled at her until suddenly the sound of a foghorn disturbed their conversation, and he pulled out his cell phone. Glancing at the screen, he hit the answering button and stood. Sorry I have to take this. He excused himself and walked towards the door.

Not wanting to end up staring at Alastair again, she looked out the window until Condan came into view. The easy-going and funny man she had gotten to know so far, had been replaced by a serious business man, fully concentrated on whatever problem had come up. Concern spread over his face just before he hung up and returned inside.

A moment later he stood behind his chair, not even attempting to sit. With a smile, he said, I am sorry, but there is a problem with an upcoming auction. I need to take care of it right away. Then he turned to his brother. You make sure Lisa has a good time. I promised her good food and company. It's her first time in Toronto, so make a good impression.

She almost grinned seeing Alastair's expression of annoyance; he most likely thought his brother was insulting him with his remark.

Condan turned to her again and smiled. I'm truly sorry, but Alastair will take good care of you and make sure you get back to your room without a problem.

Before Lisa could do more than nod, Condan had turned and rushed outside where his car was already waiting for him. When he had vanished into traffic, she swallowed hard, knowing instinctively that Alastair was staring at her. She could feel his gaze prickle on her skin, and it made her wonder if it wasn't better if she excused herself to go home. Still, making up her mind she met his gaze and was just as spellbound as before. Never had she felt like this, it was frightening how connected she felt, almost like a rope linking them. His eyes seemed to see more than others would, as if he could see into her soul, and liked what he saw.

Before she could talk herself into leaving, the server came and brought their menus.

Can I get you a drink miss? he asked, interrupting her train of thought.

White wine, Muscato or Pino Grigio if you have one, she answered automatically.

The server nodded and looked at Alastair, asking the same question.

Make it a bottle, Alastair answered reaching for the menu.

His choice of wine surprised and intrigued her, distracting her from her earlier thoughts, making her glance at him with curiosity.

What? Did I say something wrong? he asked, brows raised in confusion.

No, no of course not. It's just... men usually order dry wines, not fruity sweet ones, Lisa said, trying to explain her confusion.

Well is that so? he asks, smiling at her, his amusement reflected in his eyes. Perhaps I'm unusual then.

That you are! Lisa blurted, wondering the next second if she had left her brain in Winnipeg. Why the hell couldn't she think straight around this man, it was like the brothers had cast some spell on her. Both affected her, only in different ways, one by invoking sisterly feelings, the other by making her blood boil, her hormones go haywire and her skin flush.

What brought you to that conclusion? he asked, amusement in his eyes, tilting his head.

The way he looked at her, was sexy and adorable, the kind of way she couldn't resist. Swallowing hard, she gathered her scattered senses.

Because of the way you see history. How you interpret it and make it come alive when you talk about it. You don't let the written records of victors distract you or impact your opinion. When you talk about it, it's as if you were there, and it pulls me in, making it feel like..., ahem... time travel. She bit her lower lip, having just managed to stop before she had said my dreams, the last thing she needed was this man thinking she was some lunatic. She couldn't imagine it would go well if she told him she dreamed of the past, of battles and people that had existed, one of them even talking to her directly.

Well, if that qualifies, then I most certainly am unusual. Alastair said grinning, To me, history is alive, and I feel like I was there, as if I stood beside the Kings, Queens, and simple folk, watching as history unfolds. He shrugged, Imagining myself part of it, helps to see it from a different angle.

His eyes sparkled as he talked, just like during the interview, yet they seemed to be more intense, more focused on her. Slowly the nervousness she had felt dissipated and she grew comfortable around Alastair. He was smart, funny and when she talked he listened with fascination. The only time they interrupted their conversation was when their food arrived, but even then they talked in-between bites. Time began to fly, and before Lisa knew it they had talked away hours and it was already midnight.

She might not even have noticed if Alastair hadn't looked at his wrist watch and exclaimed in surprise what time it was. I think we should go back to the hotel. The seminar starts tomorrow and it would be embarrassing if the host slept in, he said waving for the server to bring their check. His eyes, however, told her that he regretted ending their conversation just as much as she did.

When she reached for her purse to pay her half, he simply shook his head.

Not going to happen. You were invited, meaning you leave your wallet in your purse where it belongs.

She stared at him while he settled the bill, not sure if this man was for real. In a time where you could be glad, if the guy you went out on a date with, didn't stiff you with the bill, a man who paid while not on a date was... well... unimaginable to her. Yet she shouldn't have been surprised, after all throughout the evening he had demonstrated an old world charm, with manners so impeccable it was mind boggling. Even now as they were leaving, he placed his hand against the small of her back and softly steered her towards the exit.

As they exited she almost stumbled seeing the car, suddenly the electric current she had been able to ignore while talking, was back and more intense than before. The thought of getting into the cramped space of a car with him, suddenly unsettled her.

Noticing her hesitancy, Alastair looked at her puzzled before smiling.

You know, it's much warmer than I thought, and a bit of fresh air would be nice. Why don't we walk, the hotel isn't that far?

Feeling grateful and foolish for her hesitation at the same time she smiled at him.

That would be nice, and it is a warm night after all.

Alastair nodded and stepped to the passenger side window as it opened. He said