Stone of Fear
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" He'd chase her through time to save her. "
The Historic Environment of Scotland sent Marie O’Donnell, a historical expert on church and spiritual buildings, to Dunstaffnage to assist in the renovation of the Chapel in the Woods. Marie was kidnapped by a fanatical Priest from Iona and taken back to the 15th century, where she was forced to search religious crosses to locate and harness the power of one of The Stones of Iona. John MacArthur as the hereditary captain of the castle; the Fae designated him as one guardian of The Stones of Iona. He must risk everything and go back in time to rescue his love and save her from her fated death at the hands of the fanatical priest. Marie O’Donnell needed to overcome her buried fear of being alone so she could see her one true love, John MacArthur, who must risk everything and go back to the 15th century to rescue his love and save her from a foretold death at the hands of the fanatical priest; together they must face their fears and risk everything to find the Stone of Fear and save a lost individual’s soul.
An excerpt from stone of Fear
Stone of Fear
Chapter 3
Marie went down the stairs and through the great hall towards the kitchen, stepping inside. She set the candle on the counter and opened a cabinet, but no cups. Marie moved to the next cabinet. She sighed. The cups must be here somewhere. Behind her was a sound and Marie whipped around. No one was there. Marie stood still for a moment in the dimly lit room. She could have sworn she saw a movement in the shadows. Her breath came in an uneven pattern as the light from her candle cast ominous shapes on the wall and doorway. She turned back to the cabinet and opened another, reaching for a cup, and her candle went out, leaving her in pitch dark. She gasped, gripping the cup to her chest. She turned around, trying to discern the candle in the dark to relight it. Lightning lit up the room, and she saw the candle for a moment. Marie placed her hand on the counter and patted down, only to find the sink. Thunder boomed again, and she yelped, gripping the cup to her chest. She reached her hand out again, encountering something warm. Marie screamed, holding onto the cup for dear life. Large arms wrapped around her in a warm embrace, and her face rested against a man’s naked chest. He was chuckling. She took a deep breath, smelled John’s scent, and relaxed in his embrace.“Sorry, a nighean,” my girl. “I only meant to play with ye. I didn’t think I’d scare ye.” Marie huffed out her breath and pushed against him. “Well, ye scared me alright. Thought I found the ghostie, the Green Lady of Dunstaffnage in the flesh.” She lifted her head to peek at him and rested her hand on his chest, his very naked chest. He took her cup from her and set it on the counter. Without even looking, he walked to the stove, grabbed the kettle, crossed to the sink, and filled it with water. She could see his shadow in the moonlight and how he easily navigated the kitchen in the darkness. “Didn’t ye want some tea?” She took another deep breath. “Aye, tea would be nice.” John chuckled, “Aye, this happens every storm.” He returned to the stove, and without looking down, he opened the drawer, pulled out a long lighter, and held it up for her to see. He smiled, flicked the gas on, then lit the stove manually. Without missing a beat, he reached over her and lit the candle. A warm light illuminated the room, casting a golden glow on them both. As he pulled back, he stopped when their faces were a mere breath apart and stared into her eyes for a moment. He stepped closer to her and smiled as he reached for the cabinet behind Marie, getting another cup. Marie shifted out of his way, but he placed the cup on the counter, stopping her motion. He placed the lighter on the other side, trapping her between his arms.
Without taking his eyes from hers, John opened the drawer next to her hip and felt around, then pulled out the tea and tea strainers, setting them on the counter. His gaze held hers. Marie raised an eyebrow. “I see ye have done this in the dark before.” John smiled, “Aye.” Lightning lit up the room, and thunder reverberated off the walls. Marie jumped, and her hands gripped his shoulders. John took her hands from his shoulders, kissed them, then placed them around his neck, wrapping her in his embrace. She instinctively rested her head on his chest, her ear aligned with his heart. Beneath his warm skin, she could hear its steady beat. Marie took a deep breath, and they stood there in the night, holding each other. She could see the shadows the rain made on the moonlit window, running down the glass, making wavy patterns. Thunder rumbled, but further away now. She wasn't certain who moved first, but she gazed into his eyes. She watched him move closer then closed her eyes as his lips brushed hers lightly. She didn't stop to think; she only felt. Marie heard his heartbeat, then her heartbeat their lips twirled. She relished in the relaxing play of their mouths. His hand caressed her face while the other at her back anchored her to his body. John turned them in a slow dance, kissing her, and backing her up against the counter. Her hands rubbed his chest, running her fingers through the soft hair. As he deepened the kiss, she molded her palms over the muscles of his shoulders, then trailed them back to his chest again, where his hair sent tingles from her fingertips to her toes. She tilted her head back and moaned as John trailed kisses down her neck. The tea kettle whistled loudly. She tried to jump away, but John held on to her. He whispered, “Stay right here, don’t move an inch.” John went to the stove, shut off the gas, and moved the kettle to another burner. He stopped and lowered his head, rubbing his neck. They stood there for a moment, his back to her, she watching him. She glanced down, took a deep breath, and turned away. Before she could move further, he was beside her, taking her into his arms, her face in his hands. “Where ye going?” Marie wouldn’t look at him. “Back to bed.” Using his thumb, John tilted her head, so their eyes were even. He stared at her a moment, glancing over her face, eyes, and mouth. With one hand, he caressed her hair. “Sit up with me, please?” He glanced over her face again. “I can’t sleep in storms. Spend the time with me over a cup of tea. We can sit by the fireplace in the hall.” Marie blushed. “Aye, I can’t sleep either. I’ll sit up with ye.” John kissed her nose, then stepped away to make them each a cup of tea. John moved close to her, handed her a cup, and then placed his hand on her back as they made their way out of the kitchen. Marie stopped. “John, the candle. Ye need to blow out the candle.” He leaned down and blew out the candle. “That’s the second time I’ve blown that candle out tonight.”
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Riveting, could not put it down. Can't wait for the next book!London Sho
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Fell in love all over again. A must read!Jenny Hill
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My favorite new series!Alie Down
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Aenean volutpat ex aliquet augue tempor et rhoncus non libero. Suspendisse lobortis mattis.Mia Howell
★★★★★
Aenean volutpat ex aliquet augue tempor et rhoncus non libero. Suspendisse lobortis mattis.Jett Bottrill
★★★★★
Aenean volutpat ex aliquet augue tempor et rhoncus non libero. Suspendisse lobortis mattis.Adam Down