by Terry Spear
“At the MacNeill’s castle? No,” she said, shaking her head. She wasn’t lying. Ian MacNeill swore they would never have another film shot at their castle. At the time they’d been in dire straits financially, and the only way to keep the castle solvent was to do the film. Wolf packs had to keep their identity secret. Having tons of non-wolves traipsing through Argent Castle and the grounds could be problematic. They had had to send a couple of newly turned wolves to stay with the MacQuarries, just so they would have no surprise shifting during the full moon.
Several female members of her wolf pack would really love a chance to playact in another film, though. She was waiting on a call from Colleen MacQuarrie, confirming how many would get a chance to be in the new film at the MacQuarrie’s Farraige Castle. Heather was excited to take part also. Maybe she’d even get to see Enrick fighting in good form on the battlefield.
The MacNeill leaders and Enrick’s pack leaders had talked about having the movie filmed at the MacQuarrie castle this time because the MacNeills would need to send reinforcements for the battle scenes and as extras around the keep. But it was all hush-hush so she didn’t know if Enrick was aware of it yet. And Robert and Patrick could very well have served as a couple of the extras who got into a fight with her people during that earlier film and were looking to stir up trouble again.
In just a few minutes, one of the MacNeill women brought out two steak and kidney pies in a box. Heather thanked her and began ringing up the sale, wanting to get the brothers out of there quickly without making it appear she was trying to rush them.
“I think you know more than you’re saying,” Robert said, glancing over his shoulder at Enrick, finally noticing she had a wolf warrior watching over things, standing off to the side, arms folded across his chest.
Stiffening a little, Robert sneered at Enrick, who didn’t move a muscle, just stared him and his brother down in a wolf-to-wolf kind of confrontation like he was ready for the fight, come and get it. They didn’t need whiskey to make them cantankerous. All they needed was their clan pride, and in this case, their wolf pack pride too. The battle between the clans had been going on forever. Stealing cattle, horses, brides, land, and fighting for more power in the beginning. The quest for more land and power was always an ongoing condition.
Robert paid for the pies, while Patrick grabbed the box with a jerk. “We know the film is being set in Scotland at one of the castles. You better not have lied to us.” And then the two stalked out the door.
At least they hadn’t fought with Enrick, and they did buy something. Miracles did happen sometimes.
“Hi, Enrick, did you need something?” she asked, relieved beyond words that the men had left without causing any real issues.
“Are you okay?” Enrick asked, looking genuinely concerned.
Enrick had seen everything that had gone on, so Heather didn’t believe he thought the Kilpatrick brothers had done anything to her. Perhaps Enrick was worried about how she felt coming face-to-face with Timothy’s killer today, even if he couldn’t just come out and say so.
Though she had loved Timothy’s wild manner and decisiveness, he couldn’t or wouldn’t control that darker wolf side of him that was always ready to battle the enemy wolf clans, no matter who else it might hurt. The pack leaders had met after the killing and determined Timothy had been at fault, but it didn’t lessen the hurt she’d felt at losing him. It just made her angry with him for starting the physical fight and getting himself killed.
She tried to tell herself it was better she hadn’t mated a wolf who was so reckless and might have left her to raise a couple of kids on her own at some point later in their lives. And she did appreciated Enrick’s asking if she was okay. He might be as growly as all the other wolves combined, but he knew when to fight and when to leave it for another day. He never drank too much, so he always had a clear head, unlike Timothy. She’d loved Timothy, sure, but he’d had his faults. Enrick did too. Everyone did. So it wasn’t like she would ever end up with Mr. Perfect Wolf, nor was she looking for that.
No one had shown any interest in courting her after Timothy died. It had happened two years ago, and she couldn’t help but feel as though she was being judged for Timothy’s actions, that selecting him for her mate said something about her. She’d considered leaving Scotland and going somewhere else, hating to live with the stigma of what he’d done, though everyone said she was not to blame.
But she couldn’t leave her friends and family behind. Argyle Castle was her home and always had been and always would be. She felt connected to it, to her family, and without it, she would be less than whole.
“I’m fine.” She shrugged. “They didn’t do anything or say anything hurtful.”
“I was just…making sure.” Enrick frowned. “So, a movie is being filmed at your castle again? I thought Ian would never agree to that.” Enrick studied her expression, breathing in her scent. It wasn’t that he was trying to catch her in a lie, but it was just a natural condition of being a part-time wolf.
She was sure she was giving him a ton of mixed messages—concern, anxiety, relief—and he wouldn’t know it wasn’t just because of the Kilpatricks being here “Uh, I’m sure Ian wouldn’t agree to that after the last time. So what did you come in for?”
Enrick looked at the sign featuring the variety of savory meat pies, bridies—Scottish hot pockets smothered in brown sauce—soups, burgers, and baguettes.
“I’ll get the Scotch pie. You know how my pack leader is. Colleen has wanted to try it—beans and chips, smothered in brown sauce. She has been talking about it ever since she heard about them and no one has made them at the castle since she’s been there. Since I happened to be in the area…”
Right. He just happened to be in the area, checking up on her for her brothers. She might suspect someone from her own clan of doing the same thing.
“Good choice. It’s fresh out of the oven.” She sent the order back with a note it was for Enrick MacQuarrie, and a couple of minutes later one of the MacNeill ladies brought it out, boxed up for him, all smiles. All the ladies were interested in the two unmated MacQuarrie brothers, so Heather wasn’t surprised, even though she hadn’t put a RUSH stamp on the order.
Enrick smiled at the lady and she smiled back, blushing furiously, then headed back into the kitchen.
“I’m surprised to see you in here,” Heather said.
“I was surprised to see the Kilpatricks in here.”
“So you came in to protect me.”
“If I hadn’t, Colleen would have had my head.”
“Thank you.”
Enrick paid for the pie but hesitated to leave. “Are you sure a sequel to the film isn’t being made at Argent Castle? After the film came out, the reviews said the scenery and costuming and battle scenes were better than anything they’d ever seen. I always suspected they would make another film there, maybe not a sequel, but another Highland period piece. Or at least try.”
“They had great reviews for good reason. The ‘costumes’ were ours and perfectly authentic. Anyway, no, Ian’s not allowing another movie to be filmed at the castle. Why? If he did, would you want to fight in it?” The MacQuarrie brothers had been having trouble with another clan last time and hadn’t been able to join them. The guys were all about fighting. They hadn’t had a good battle in a while—even if it was just film-making magic—and she was sure the need to fight was in their blood.
He gave her a smirk.
“I thought so.” She chose her words carefully. “You know if it’s in the works, the ones in charge probably wouldn’t want anyone to leak the details until they’re ready to share it with the rest of the pack.”
“Then he is. Great.” Enrick smiled, then frowned. “So how come these guys had some idea it was happening when no one else does?”
She sighed. “I didn’t say it was happening, but if it did, would you sign up to
be an extra?”
“If the film is at the MacNeill’s castle? Sure. See you around. And thanks for the pie.”
See you around? To check on her? Make sure she was behaving herself? He was more interested in being in the next movie. “You’re welcome.” She sighed as Enrick left the pie shop.
Lana immediately came over and punched her lightly in the shoulder. “You didn’t say anything that would indicate you wanted to go out with him.”
“He wasn’t here for that.”
“Aye, he was here to protect you. And he asked how you were feeling. It helps to have wolf hearing. His coming here has to mean he wants to have something more to do with you. But since he’s a man, he’s cautious and afraid of rejection. Oh, and what’s this business about a movie being filmed at Argent Castle?”
Heather sighed again and shook her head. “There isn’t going to be a movie shot there. Ian wouldn’t hear of it. Trust me.”
Enrick wouldn’t be happy with her when he learned she had known all along the film was set at his castle, not hers, and she hadn’t told him. And she even had a role in the film. She glanced at the New York men eating their pies. The star of the film could be sitting here right this minute, but Enrick hadn’t even acknowledged if he’d seen him. She was glad he hadn’t, or the man could have given it all away.
* * *
Enrick had been fuming when he saw the Kilpatricks had parked their red truck at the MacNeill’s pie shop and he suspected they were up to no good. He hadn’t planned to be anywhere near the shop today, yet he’d driven in that direction, not even realizing where he was going until he was there. Subconsciously, he’d wanted to see Heather for himself. Her brothers were concerned that if she was ready to start dating, she would date the wrong wolf. He didn’t want to be insensitive to her feelings, though.
Her dark hair and eyes had always captivated him. Even now. She’d always caught his attention. But she was not the she-wolf for him, he reminded himself. He envisioned someone who was a lot less…spontaneous. More predictable. Less out of control.
When he saw the Kilpatrick’s vehicle there, any notion of approaching her about a date had flown out the window. Protecting Heather after what Patrick had put her through was all he could think about. Enrick still wasn’t sure what to make of what had just transpired. She had put on a brave face in front of the Kilpatricks, but he’d smelled the tension she’d been feeling, too. He had wanted to throw the two men out of the shop bodily, but he didn’t want to react to them the way Timothy had done and get himself in the same predicament.
Since Timothy had been a wolf of the MacQuarrie clan, that had also kept Enrick from approaching her. He didn’t want her or anyone else thinking badly of him for not giving her the proper time to grieve, while her brothers were worried she could just start dating a rogue wolf at any moment.
Enrick had been so been busy helping Grant run the estate, he hadn’t had time to find a female to court. What with the trouble Grant’s mate, Colleen, had from the Kilpatricks and their cousins, and being second in command, he’d had his hands full. Yet he had seen Heather was making a mistake with Timothy and had tried to stop her from courting the wolf in the first place. Though, from what her brothers had said, if they told her not to do something, she was sure to do it.
Enrick let out his breath. Now she was free and could be hurt all over again, if he and the others didn’t watch out for her.
The Wolf Wore Plaid
On sale April 2021!
About the Author
USA Today bestselling author Terry Spear has written over sixty paranormal and medieval Highland romances. In 2008, Heart of the Wolf was named a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year. She has received a PNR Top Pick, a Best Book of the Month nomination by Long and Short Reviews, numerous Night Owl Romance Top Picks, and two Paranormal Excellence Awards for Romantic Literature (Finalist & Honorable Mention). In 2016, Billionaire in Wolf’s Clothing was an RT Book Reviews top pick. A retired officer of the U.S. Army Reserves, Terry also creates award-winning teddy bears that have found homes all over the world, helps out with her grandbaby, and is raising two Havanese puppies. She lives in Spring, Texas.
Season of the Wolf
Next in Maria Vale’s extraordinary series: The Legend of All Wolves
For the Alpha, things are never easy. The Great North Pack has just survived a deadly attack, and Evie Kitwanasdottir is dealing with new challenges, including the four hazardous Shifters taken into custody. Constantine, the most dangerous, is assigned to Evie’s own 7th echelon.
Constantine lost his parents and his humanity on the same devastating day. He has been a thoughtless killer ever since. When Constantine moves under Evie’s watchful eye, he discovers that taking orders is not the same as having a purpose. In Evie, he finds a purpose, but there is no room for small loves in the Pack and Constantine must discover whether he is capable of a love big enough for the Great North.
“Prepare to be rendered speechless.”
—Kirkus Reviews, starred review for Forever Wolf
For more Maria Vale, visit:
sourcebooks.com
Wolf Under Fire
New from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Paige Tyler is the action-packed, international series STAT: Special Threat Assessment Team
Supernatural creatures are no longer keeping their existence secret from humans, causing panic around the globe. To monitor and, when necessary, take down dangerous supernatural offenders, a joint international task force has been established: the Special Threat Assessment Team.
STAT agent Jestina Ridley has been teamed with former Navy SEAL and alpha werewolf Jake Huang. Jes doesn’t trust werewolves. But if they’re going to survive, she’ll need Jake’s help.
“Unputdownable… Whiplash pacing, breathless action, and scintillating romance.”
—K. J. Howe, international bestselling author
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Wicked Cowboy Wolf
Cowboys by day, wolf shifters by night—don’t miss the thrilling Seven Range Shifters series from acclaimed author Kait Ballenger
Years ago, Grey Wolf Jared Black was cast from the pack for a crime he didn’t commit. Now, he’s the mysterious criminal wolf known only as the Rogue, a name his former packmates won’t soon forget. But when a vampire threat endangers the lives of their entire species, Jared must confront his former packmates again, even if that means betraying the only woman he’s ever loved…
“This story has it all—a heroine with grit and a hero who backs up his tough talk with action.”
—Fresh Fiction for Cowboy Wolf Trouble
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Bears Behaving Badly
An extraordinary new series from bestselling author MaryJanice Davidson featuring a foster care system for orphaned shifter kids (and kits, and cubs)
Annette Garsea is the fiercest bear shifter the interspecies foster care system has ever seen. She fights hard for the safety and happiness of the at-risk shifter teens and babies in her charge—and you do not want to get on the wrong side of a mama werebear.
Handsome, growly bear shifter PI David Auberon has secretly been in love with Annette since forever but he’s too shy to make a move. All he can do is offer her an unlimited supply of Skittles and hope she’ll notice him. She’s noticed the appealingly scruffy PI, all right, but the man’s barely ever said more than five words to her… Until they encounter an unexpected threat from within and put everything aside to fight for their charges. Dodging unidentified enemies puts them in a tight spot. Very tight. Together. Tonight…
“Davidson is in peak form in this hilarious, sexy, and heartfelt paranormal romance.”
—Booklist starred
review
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