Holding Out For A Hunter: The Sidhe Hunters, #1

By Sloane McClain

HUNTERS: Men and women who protect the world from things that go bump in the night.

Cerridwyn Lavaine is hoping a move to a new state will bring a fresh start to her life. When she meets Maxen Maclean, she thinks it just might. He's tall and gorgeous.

          Then Cerri's new home gets blown up before she even gets to see it, and she's forced to move in with Max and his four younger brothers. She soon discovers that the magical abilities she supposedly has but never believed worked actually do.

           If all that wasn't enough, someone from another dimension wants her for reasons unknown.

          Max doesn't even need to meet Cerri to know there's something special about her. Just hearing her voice over the phone is enough. Then he meets her, and it only gets better. At least until he realizes she is in some serious danger. Can he protect her?

          Life just got a lot more complicated, but hopefully there's still time for some romance.

 

HOLDING OUT FOR A HUNTER is a full-length, stand-alone romance with paranormal & fantasy elements. There is no cliffhanger and it ends with an HEA.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sloane McClain
• Release date: Jan 16, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393722748

Sloane McClain

Sloane has always loved mysteries. The first "book" she ever wrote was a mystery. Though at age eight, the "book" was only around twelve pages long. She's finally combining her love of mysteries, the paranormal, and some Southern charm in this new paranormal, cozy mystery series. Sloane currently has two very spoiled rescue dogs. She also loves photography. You'll often find her photographs on her social media pages. You can contact her on Facebook: SloaneMcClainAuthor BookBub: @SloaneMcClain BlueSky @ sloanemcclain.bsky.social Instagram: @pendragonsandhunters [e-mail]

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Cerridwyn Lavaine wasn’t a fan of change. She preferred order and routine.

Both of which could be hard to come by when one was supposed to be the descendant of a human-fairy mating generations back in her genealogy. Cerri had seen a few members of her family do some amazing things, but she had never been able to do a single fairy-like thing herself.

Which probably wasn’t a bad thing considering that some of her family had died under very unusual circumstances.

However, this was no time to dwell on the past. It was a new beginning. A fresh start in a new town and state where no one knew her. Hopefully, once she reached her new home, it wouldn’t take long for things to settle down to a regular, comfortable routine.

Her first order of business was to pick up the key from a woman named Elinora Moran, who ran a bar and grill named The Hollow Hills.

Cerri drove her beat up old van down the two-lane highway that led into the valley of the same name as the town. The road turned out to be the main one through the village. The Hollow Hills was on the other end of town.

Unfortunately, the one thing she didn’t see while driving through the town of Cosaint was a library. However, since her great-uncle’s attorney assured her that she would have high-speed internet access at her new home, it wasn’t overly concerning. Plus, the town wasn’t far from a couple of cities, one with a college. That was bound to have a decent library. The rest she would worry about later.

Cerri parked her eleven-year-old van in front of an unassuming stone building with a covered porch across the entire front. A car and two pickups were parked out front. Darkness was beginning to settle, and the neon lights announcing The Hollow Hills gave off a cheerful glow.

Too shy to ever frequent bars, Cerri nonetheless entered this one eagerly. Tables were spread out to her left and right. A small dance floor was at the back of the far right-hand side near a jukebox and a small stage. Two pool tables were near the back on the left. Against the back wall on the left near a doorway with a ‘restrooms’ sign over it were four video games. The bar itself was a large U-shape and took up the center back of the establishment.

Two men, one of average size wearing a well-worn baseball cap and one rather large man with overlong shaggy black hair, were playing pool. Another man with blond hair sat at the back corner of the bar near the pool tables. He had a laptop open on the bar and was busy tapping away at the keys. Two young boys occupied two of the video games. A middle-aged woman with long brown hair was behind the bar talking to the computer guy while she polished shot glasses with a bar towel.

At Cerri’s entrance, every single eye in the place focused on her. She froze like a deer in headlights at the unexpected and unwanted attention. She was familiar with the phrase, but now she understood it.

Come on in, honey, the woman behind the bar called out cheerfully. Don’t let all this testosterone frighten you. They’re all nicer than they look.

Cerri smiled nervously. She nodded a greeting to the others and then focused her attention on the only other woman. Otherwise, she feared she would turn tail and run like the coward she felt. So, she wouldn’t have to raise her voice, she waited until she reached the bar before asking, Are you, Elinora Moran? My name is Cerridwyn Lavaine.

The woman nodded, smiling a welcome.

Old Tobias Lavaine’s niece? the older man who had been playing pool asked.

Cerri nodded. Great-niece, actually. Did you know him?

The man laid down his pool cue and walked over to shake her hand. Yes, I did. He was a good man. An excellent hunter in his day, too. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Bobby Montgomery.

Cerri shook his hand. She liked him immediately. The pleasure is mine. Call me Cerri.

Well, Cerri, let me introduce you to the rest of the bunch. The geek at the bar here is Teagan MacKenna. He’s a one-man IT department for the valley.

Said geek raised his head long enough to nod.

My unworthy opponent over there is Kayne Gallagher.

The big, dark-haired man nodded but didn’t smile. Just Kayne. It’s a pleasure.

The two boys had walked up on either side of the older man. He put a hand on each of their shoulders. This is Kellen, he introduced her to the older boy who appeared to be around twelve. He had curly, dark brown hair, green eyes, and an adorable scattering of freckles across his nose and cheeks. He nodded at her, a shy smile on his face.

And this rascal is Colin, he introduced the youngest boy, a cute one with straight, light brown hair and the same green eyes as his brother. He was probably about eight or nine. He gave her a big smile.

It’s nice to meet all of you. She smiled back at the boys.

You’re here a little early, aren’t you, honey? Elli observed. The movers won’t have your stuff unloaded until tomorrow afternoon.

Yes, I know. I just couldn’t wait. I thought I’d find a motel nearby, spend the night, and be ready to start unpacking the moment they finish.

We could help you unpack, Colin offered eagerly.

Nearest motel’s thirty-two miles away, Bobby informed her simultaneously.

No need to spend money on a motel when I’ve got a guestroom now that one of my boys got married and moved out, Elli said. You’re more than welcome to it.

Cerri didn’t know what to say. It would be more practical in several ways, but she wasn’t sure she’d be comfortable staying in a stranger’s house.

Elli smiled as if she could read her mind. Have a seat. Let me get you something to eat for supper and you can think about it.

Hey, old man, are we going to finish this game or what? Kayne asked. He stood by the pool table, leaning on his cue.

I’m coming. Don’t get your boxers in a twist. Bobby winked at her before going to the pool table and picking up his cue stick. You should’ve quit while you were even.

Big words, old man.

Cerri took a seat at the bar with a few barstools between her and the man called Teagan. Elli placed a menu in front of her.

Though Cerri didn’t want to admit it, but all the testosterone, as Elli called it, was making her a little uneasy. She wasn’t used to being surrounded by so many people at one time, let alone so many very male, males. It was a sad commentary on how much time she spent alone.

Cerri looked over the menu. It offered a little of everything. There was food for the junk food aficionado, the health food junkie, and everyone in between. She was in the mood for comfort food, which for her meant a nice juicy hamburger. She ordered one with a side of homemade French fries and a glass of unsweetened tea.

Elli disappeared through a door behind the bar, which apparently went to the kitchen. She returned a moment later with Cerri’s tea.

Cerri jumped, startled when Colin sat down on the stool beside her. Kellen took the stool on the other side of Colin between Colin and Teagan. Both boys looked at her, Colin with a smile on his face and Kellen as if he were waiting for something.

So, you’ll be living here now? Colin asked conversationally.

Cerri smiled. She couldn’t help it; both boys were darling. Children she had no trouble conversing with; it was adults that made her shy. Yes. I’m going to move into my great-uncle’s house. Do you know where it is?

Both boys nodded, but it was Colin who answered. Yeah. We don’t live too far from there. We’d be glad to help you out with anything you need. He glanced at his brother. Wouldn’t we, Kellen?

Kellen nodded eagerly in agreement. Anything.

That’s very sweet of you. I might just take you up on that.

Feel free to do so, Bobby called from the pool table where he was waiting on Kayne to make a shot. The boys could use a few more chores. And it would get them out of my hair some when their older brothers aren’t around.

Well, that certainly aroused Cerri’s curiosity. Your brothers? she asked the two boys.

Both nodded. Our two oldest brothers are out hunting right now, Colin told her.

It was Fall. Cerri didn’t know hunting schedules, but she guessed deer season was probably in. Do they like to hunt? she asked conversationally.

The boys exchanged glances before Kellen answered, "I don’t know that they like it, but it’s something we have to do."

Cerri took that to mean that they needed to hunt to put meat on the table. She could understand that. Do you hunt, too?

Not yet, but they’re teaching us, Colin said. We have to be ready.

Colin, Bobby spoke up. I don’t believe Cerri wants to hear all about our hunting expeditions when she’s about to eat supper.

I’m sorry, Colin apologized, though she could tell he wasn’t exactly sure what the problem was.

Cerri smiled. It’s okay. I have a pretty strong stomach.

Colin and Kellen grinned at her.

The door burst open, and another tall man with shaggy black hair stormed in, a sawed-off shotgun in his right hand and an army-green canvas bag in his other hand. He stalked up to the center of the bar and dropped the bag and the gun on top.

Cerri looked around, but no one seemed concerned by a man with a gun, so she tried to relax.

Any luck? Kayne asked.

Dark eyes turned toward the pool table. Of course. I got him. That’s one more ho..., he stopped when he saw Cerri, and then continued, ...bear that won’t be bothering campers. Walking over, he held out his hand toward Cerri. They both seemed to notice the blood on it at the same time. He immediately pulled it back. I’d shake your hand, but it appears I need to wash up first. I’m Quinn Gallagher, at your service.

Cerri Lavaine. A pleasure. She hoped. He seemed to be Kayne’s younger brother. She felt as if she’d somehow stepped into a modern Highland village full of large warriors who were only playacting at being civilized, modern men.

He nodded. Elli! I want a double cheeseburger with the works. I’m gonna wash up.

Elli stuck her head out from the kitchen. Coming right up, Quinn. Just don’t get blood all over my bathroom again or you’re cleaning it up.

Yes, ma’am. He grinned at Elli before sauntering off down the hall to the restrooms.

One thing about it, all the males were good looking—even the young ones. Apparently, there was something in the local water that grew the men large, tall, and handsome. Perhaps there were going to be more advantages to her move than Cerri had expected.

Aunt Elli, can we eat now, too? Kellen called.

Of course. The usual for you both?

Both boys nodded, wide grins on their faces.

I’ll be back in a minute with all your meals. She looked over at the pool table. What about you two? Hungry yet?

Of course, we’re hungry, woman, Bobby replied. But we’re in the middle of a game. Food’ll wait.

Cerri decided she was going to like this place. She felt at home already, which was an amazing feat for her. The people were welcoming, even to a stranger. Only she didn’t feel like a stranger here. She felt as if she’d come home.

What do you do? Colin asked.

Do you mean for a living? Cerri asked.

He nodded.

I’m a researcher. I look things up for people who don’t have the time or the inclination to do it themselves, she told them.

I bet you’re really smart. Colin nodded for emphasis.

I do all right, Cerri replied modestly.

Bet you do better than all right, love, Quinn said as he returned from the restroom and took the barstool on the other side of her. With your looks and brains to boot, I’ll bet you run a man on a merry chase.

Cerri didn’t know what to say to that. She’d barely dated. She was too shy. She’d never run a man on any sort of chase in all her twenty-seven years. And wasn’t that just a pitiful thing to admit—even to herself? No way was she going to tell that to a man who looked as if he could step out of the pages of GQ, so she just smiled at him.

He smiled back with a smile that nearly took her breath away. His eyes were such a dark blue as to be almost black.

Elli returned with not only her plate but Quinn’s and the two boys’ as well, saving her from a verbal response. It looked like they were all going for the burgers.

Might as well bring me one, too, Elli, Teagan said from his spot at the bar.

Coming up. Elli again disappeared into the kitchen.

Cerri discovered that she was starving after the first bite of what had to be the best burger she’d had in ages. And the fries were hand-cut and delicious.

Good, isn’t it? Quinn asked, watching her.

Very, Cerri replied. She kept her gaze on her plate and not on the handsome man beside her, who seemed as interested in watching her as he was in eating his meal.

She saw him grin out of the corner of her eye before he focused on his meal. The boys were working on theirs with gusto, but then she thought most young boys were always hungry.

Elli came back out and put a plate in front of Teagan. She turned back to Quinn. What would you like to drink, hon?

Beer will be fine.

Right. Boys?

Milk, Colin answered, and Kellen nodded in agreement.

Teagan?

Better make it tea for me. I’ve got a job later. Need to be on my game.

So, you’re old man Lavaine’s great-niece, Quinn observed. Never would have thought his family could have produced something as fine as you.

Cerri couldn’t help but grin at his flirting. He was gorgeous, and she liked him, but he didn’t affect her in that way. Already she felt more like she’d found a brother rather than a potential lover. That was part of her problem; Cerri had only once met a man who made her want to get naked with him. It had not ended well, and she had never again been tempted. She was beginning to wonder if she was a freak.

Flirting probably won’t get you where you want to go, she informed him with a grin of her own, but I am enjoying it.

He looked startled for a moment, before laughing.

Teagan choked on the swallow of tea he’d just taken. When he could breathe again, he burst out laughing.

Sounds like she’s got your number already, bro, Kayne observed dryly from the pool table.

Quinn nodded. Aye, it would seem she does. Doesn’t mean I won’t keep trying.

Cerri shrugged. It doesn’t hurt to try.

My thoughts exactly. If you need any help moving your things, let me know.

We’re helping her, Kellen spoke up from her other side.

Colin nodded his agreement.

Don’t worry, guys. I’m sure Cerri will have enough work for us all. Quinn assured them.

Cerri didn’t mind the boys helping her, but if this kept up, every person in the village would be helping her unpack her belongings. There really isn’t that much. I’m sure that the boys’ help will be more than enough.

Quinn nodded and smiled. You won’t get rid of me that easily, love.

The door opened again. A tall, muscular black man who appeared to be in his late fifties walked in. He was bald with a neatly trimmed mustache. He had a rifle slung over his back, and a pistol tucked into his belt.

On his heels came a young man with close-cropped brown hair and the slender build of someone still rapidly growing. He carried a sawed-off shotgun in his left hand, and Cerri could see the wooden handle of a large knife sticking out of the top of his right boot.

Declan! Colin exclaimed happily. Jumping down from the barstool, he ran over to hug the younger man.

Kellen didn’t get up, but he appeared just as happy to see the young man who looked to be in his late teens or early twenties.

Successful hunt? Bobby asked.

Oh yes, the black man replied. The kid’s gonna be as good a Hunter as his older brothers and his old man.

Never doubted it. Bobby punctuated his response with the sound of the ball going into a pocket. Max and Kier are excellent teachers. You realize that Max is gonna have your guts for garters when he finds out you took Declan on a hunt.

The young man let out a loud sigh. He carefully laid his gun on the bar next to Quinn’s plate. I’m going to wash up. He disappeared into the back.

The man glanced at the two younger boys before replying. You know as well as I do that these boys need to learn to hunt. That’s why you didn’t stop me. That and the fact you’d rather Max be mad at me than at you.

Bobby nodded, not denying it. I agree with you. Just reminding you that Max wants the younger ones to have normal lives. He won’t be happy about this, Yancy.

Normal lives, Quinn scoffed from beside her. None of us can have normal lives.

What he said, the man now identified as Yancy indicated Quinn with a nod of his head. Now I need to wash up, too. Quinn, order me a steak, will you? With that, he disappeared down the hall after Declan.

You got it, Quinn said just as Elli came out of the kitchen. He immediately placed the order.

Cerri didn’t know what to make of the strange exchange. She glanced at the two younger boys to see how they were taking it. Colin looked only slightly subdued. Kellen, however, was staring worriedly down at his plate. Cerri wished she could help him, but she wasn’t entirely sure what was going on.

It seemed a big fuss for taking a young man hunting. Glancing at the gun Declan had left on the bar, she frowned. She knew extraordinarily little about hunting, but what type of animal did one hunt with a sawed-off shotgun?

Elli stuck her head in the kitchen for a moment and called out the order to someone working in the there. She turned back to Quinn. That takes care of Yancy. What about Declan? She looked at the two boys. Did your brother say what he wanted?

Colin shook his head.

He’ll want the same as Quinn, Kellen spoke up with authority. He always does after a hunt.

All right then. Elli disappeared into the kitchen for a moment. She returned with a glass of tea which she placed on the bar in front of the seat on the other side of Quinn.

It drew Cerri’s attention back to the gun. It surprised her that all the firepower didn’t scare her. Where she came from, no one would have been openly carrying around firearms—let alone walking into bars or eating establishments with them as if they were nothing more than wallets. And it wasn’t the fear that these men didn’t know how to handle them. No men she had ever encountered had given off more waves of confidence than these men did.

Perhaps it was the hair. Except for Teagan, Quinn, and the three boys, every man in the place was sporting some type of beard or mustache. Kayne’s looked like a five-o’clock shadow, but Bobby’s and Yancy’s were all well-established ones, though neatly trimmed.

Yancy appeared to shave his head, and while she couldn’t see Bobby’s hair for his cap, she guessed it was close-cropped. Kayne, Quinn, and Teagan were all sporting the thick, shaggy look. Only the younger boys looked like most of the males with whom she was familiar. Declan was sporting a sort of relaxed buzz-cut, short on the sides and back and a little longer on the top. Kellen’s dark brown hair was fairly short, probably to keep his curls in check, and Colin’s light brown hair was straight and neatly trimmed to fall no longer in the back than the nape of his neck.

Declan soon returned. He eyed her curiously, taking note of his younger brothers’ proximity to her as well as Quinn’s. Cerri had the feeling that his watchful eyes missed little.

Quinn reached out and grabbed him as he started past. I know you’re hungry, but I want you to meet our newest resident. Cerri, this is Declan Maclean, the middle son. Declan, Cerri Lavaine. She’ll be moving into her great-uncle Tobias’s house. The boys and I are going to help her move in. Want to join us?

Declan nodded hesitantly in her direction. Nice to meet you. I’d be glad to help. His words were friendly, but his expression remained serious. He obviously was reserving judgment on her.

Just as Cerri was telling Declan how pleased she was to meet him, and Yancy was making his way toward the bar, there was a tremendous boom that shook the entire building. Glasses and bottles rattled against each other. Dust rained down from the ceiling.

Suddenly guns appeared in nearly everyone’s hands, even Elli’s. Only the two youngest boys and Cerri didn’t have a weapon. Teagan remained in his seat, a pistol in his hand. Kayne and Quinn each had pistols in their hands—both hands, Cerri noted—and had taken up positions between the bar and the front entrance. Elli remained behind the bar, but she, too, had a pistol in her hand. Declan had picked his weapon up from the bar and stood slightly behind Quinn. Only Bobby and Yancy headed toward the door.

Stay here, Bobby ordered. We’ll be back as soon as we can. If we need help, we’ll call. He and Yancy hurried out the door.

Cerri looked around. Not a single soul appeared as rattled as she was. Well, perhaps Kellen and Colin looked a little worried. The rest, however, were merely watching and waiting, as if things like this happened all the time. She hoped that loud, building-shaking booms didn’t happen often enough that people got used to it.

Just what kind of place had she moved to? Cerri wanted to ask questions, but she didn’t even know where to begin.

Don’t worry, hon, Elli said from behind her. Strange things happen around here all the time. Usually not a big deal. You’ll get used to it.

Not what she wanted to hear. Cerri wasn’t sure she could get used to it. Or even that she wanted to try. But she had little choice. She couldn’t afford to rent again, let alone move.

Do you know how to shoot a gun, Cerri? Quinn asked, his eyes never leaving the entrance.

N-no. There’s never been a need to learn, she replied uncertainly.

There’s a need now, Kayne stated, his back to her as he, too, remained facing the door. Priority one, my lady, we teach you to handle firearms.

No, priority one is an amulet from Aran, Elli spoke up. Then you boys can teach her to shoot.

Cerri didn’t think she wanted to learn to handle firearms. She wasn’t sure she could shoot something, even if she knew how. And why would she need an amulet? What kind of amulet? And did they seriously believe that a piece of jewelry offered any real protection? Against anything? Who were these people?

But then her family believed that a sigil that appeared on her back and looked like a tattoo was a form of protection, so she shouldn’t judge.

She was seriously regretting changing her life without first investigating her great-uncle’s bequest. Now it was too late. There was no choice; she would have to live here. Not that she probably wouldn’t have had to live here anyway, considering her financial situation.

Kayne glanced over his shoulder at her. Learning to protect yourself isn’t an option; it’s necessity. If you stay here, you have to be able to handle weapons.

Cerri turned to face Elli. I don’t understand. If you have some sort of wildlife problem, isn’t there a state agency you can call?

Love, whatever made that boom wasn’t natural. The local fauna didn't cause that, Quinn said in all seriousness.

Cerri stared at him in shock. But surely whatever caused that noise was an accident of some sort. Maybe a mining issue? West Virginia has mines, doesn’t it?

We’ll see, Kayne said doubtfully. I can tell you now, though, that there are no working mines in this valley. We’ll know when Bobby calls.

Cerri wondered if she had stumbled into one of those crazy, off-the-beaten-path towns like in the horror movies where the unsuspecting traveler stopped and never to be heard from again. Was it possible for an entire town to be crazy? Or was she just lucky enough to stumble into the one spot in town where the crazies hung out? Her luck had never been the best, but this seemed too much.

Either way, it didn’t sound good. So much for feeling at home.

Elli tucked her pistol into the back waistband of her jeans. Sit down, Cerri, and finish your supper. We’ll know soon enough what that was.

Luckily, Cerri had already eaten most of her meal because she wasn’t going to be able to swallow anything else that wasn’t liquid. I think I’m finished, Elli. Thank you. That’s the best hamburger I’ve had in ages.

Elli smiled, pleased. I’m glad. I hope you’ll be a regular here.

Cerri swallowed. She even managed a small nod. At this point, she wasn’t sure she even wanted to stay in Cosaint. Perhaps she’d become a hermit at her new home.

Elli smiled once again. Cerri was sure the older woman knew exactly what she was thinking. It’s all right, Cerri. It’s new to you, I know, but you’ll get used to things around here.

Cerri nodded again. She would have to.

It’s nice here. Really, Colin said earnestly from beside her. He seemed afraid that they would scare away her.

And safe, too, Kellen added. Usually.

Well, that was comforting, Cerri thought. She very much wanted to ask why he thought he needed to tell her it was safe, but she didn’t have the nerve at the moment. Maybe tomorrow after she’d moved into her new home and felt more settled.

Quinn walked back to his barstool, placing his pistols on the bar beside his plate. Whatever it was, doesn’t appear to be anything nearby.

Declan sat down but kept his eyes on the entrance and his gun in his lap.

Kayne walked outside.  He returned a couple of moments later. Smoke coming from the west. Something’s burning over that way. He took the barstool on the other corner where he could easily see the entrance. He put one pistol on the bar but kept one in his left hand.

I hope no one was hurt, Elli stated. There aren’t many homes out that way, though. She looked at Cerri and frowned.

Cerri got a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach. Somehow, she just knew. Is Uncle Tobias’s house out that way?

Kayne nodded. Don’t borrow trouble, Cerri. No reason to believe it has anything to do with your uncle’s house.

Cerri nodded. He was right; there wasn’t. Except she did believe it. And she thought Elli believed it as well.

I think I’m going to call Aran and ask her to start work on a talisman, Elli said, confirming Cerri’s worries.

Quinn nodded. Can’t hurt.

The phone on the wooden column at the right end of the bar rang just as Elli reached for it. She picked it up. Hollow... Oh, yes, Bobby.

Cerri didn’t like her expression, nor the fact that she was looking Cerri’s way with a very sympathetic look on her face.

I’ll tell her. Be careful. She hung up and walked over in front of Cerri. Honey, I hate to tell you this, but that noise was your Uncle Tobias’s house exploding.

Exploding! Cerri shook her head. She must have wax in her ears because she couldn’t have heard that right. What would make a house explode? Houses just didn’t blow up. And more to the point, what was she supposed to do now? She no longer had a place to live.

Bobby and Yancy are looking it over, along with the fire department. They weren’t able to save anything of your uncle’s. I’m sorry. By the time they got there, Bobby said the whole place was engulfed in flames.

Cerri shook her head again. "No. No, I don’t understand. How can