Was there a part that bored you or that you didn't really like in the book? *

Even a character, a scene, or anything. You could say no if nothing bothered you.

What moment from the book you enjoyed the most? *

Something you liked, a specific scene, a character's quality, some detail that caught your eye.

Do you think that Lara's father Harris is too vile for a secondary character? *

• Not at all! I understand his reasons - he is a father worried about his child, it's normal to act harsher in a way.
• A little yes. At moments it felt as if he was a villain too.

Do you like the fake relationship/marriage trope? *

• I love it! It's always so intriguing to watch two people fall in love while pretending to have feelings already.
• Not so much. I have other favourite tropes.

Please describe your favourite trope *

eg. arranged marriage, enemies to lovers, etc.

Is there something else you'd like to share? *

Something you noticed, frustrated you, left you confused, etc.

Submit

Three months later
Castle MacLean

Darragh awoke with a start, the air around him dark heavy. Sweat slicked his muscular frame, causing the rough linen sheets to cling to his body. His breaths came in ragged gasps, each one echoing through the small room like the thud of a distant war drum. Confusion and panic clawed at the edges of his consciousness as he tried to separate the nightmare from reality.

“Wha—where am I?” Darragh’s voice trembled, barely audible above the sound of his pounding heart.

Lara stirred beside him, her lithe form turning to him. Then, she sat up and lit a candle before moving closer to him in the bed, her long brown hair brushing against his damp skin, leaving a trail of goosebumps in its wake.

“Shh,” she whispered, her voice like a soothing breeze. “Yer safe, Darragh. Yer here with me.”

The golden candlelight flickered as her gentle touch caressed his cheek, the warmth of her palm grounding him in the present moment. A faint scent of lavender filled the air, calming his frayed nerves. The terror that had gripped him instants before began to ebb away, replaced by a sense of security that only Lara could provide.

“Ye always ken how tae bring me back,” Darragh murmured, the tension in his voice slowly dissipating.

“I love you,” Lara replied, her words warm and tender. She pressed a gentle kiss to his temple, her lips soft against his skin.

As Darragh’s breathing steadied, his eyes locked onto Lara’s, conveying gratitude beyond words. He reached for her hand, intertwining their fingers.

“Thank ye, Lara,” he whispered, his voice raw with emotion. “I dinnae ken what I’d dae without ye.”

“Neither dae I,” she replied, her smile a beacon of light in the dim room. He had to laugh.

“Ah, there ye are!” exclaimed Laird MacLean, his bushy eyebrows rising in delight. “Come, sit. We’ve been waiting for ye both.”

“Thank ye, Faither,” Lara replied, guiding Darragh to an empty seat beside her younger brother. She helped herself to the food in front of her, while talk turned to childhood scrapes.

“Did ye hear about the time Lara tried to climb the tallest tree on the castle grounds?” Gil teased, grinning at Darragh. “She got stuck halfway up, and we had to call the blacksmith to help get her down!”

“Och, I was only ten!” Lara protested, feigning indignation as laughter bubbled around the table. She glanced at Darragh, who chuckled along with the rest, his eyes crinkling in genuine amusement.

“Ye never did lose yer adventurous spirit,” Elsie said fondly, passing a plate of bacon to Lara.

“Indeed,” Darragh agreed, meeting Lara’s gaze with a tender smile. “I’ve learned much from this lass—courage, love, and how to find joy even in the darkest times.”

The room fell silent for a moment, each member of Lara’s family reflecting on Darragh’s words. Then, her father raised his mug in a toast.

“Here’s tae love and family, and to the journey ahead,” he declared. “Together, we are stronger than any storm.”

“Slàinte!” they chorused, clinking their mugs together before taking a hearty swig.

It had been three months since Darragh and Lara had settled into life with her family, and their bond had only grown stronger.

Harris leaned over to hand a letter to Elsie. “More mail for you, dearest daughter,” he said winking an eye at her.

“Och, look at ye, Elsie!” teased Gil, as he playfully nudged her arm. “Another letter from a suitor?”

Elsie rolled her eyes, though the hint of a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. “Aye, and what business is it of yours, Gil?” she retorted, folding the parchment and tucking it into her apron pocket.

“Only that we want to make sure our dear sister finds herself a proper husband,” chimed in Quinn, his grin revealing a mischievous glint in his eye.

“Three months have passed, and still nae decision?” Darragh observed, feigning shock as he reached for a slice of bread.

“Perhaps I’m waiting for a man as dashing and charming as ye, Darragh,” Elsie shot back with laughter. “Someone who can put up with me siblings’ relentless teasing!”

Lara smiled, watching the playful banter unfold. In the months since Darragh had become a part of their family, she marveled at how effortlessly he’d woven himself into their lives. Her heart swelled with gratitude for the affection they all shared.

“Maybe we could arrange a tournament,” suggested Lara’s father, stroking his beard thoughtfully. “Have the suitors compete for Elsie’s hand in true Highland fashion!”

“Father!” Elsie protested, trying to suppress a giggle. “I’m nae some prize sheep to be won!”

“Of course, lass, but it might nae hurt to see what they’re made of, eh?”

As everyone continued to jest and tease, Lara’s thoughts turned inward. The passing of time had brought with it growth and healing for all, especially Darragh. His once frequent nightmares had lessened, and the shadows that had haunted him seemed to dissipate with each day spent among their loving family.

“Ye ken, Elsie,” Lara’s father began with a smile “I’ve heard that young Duncan MacLeod is looking for a wife.”

Elsie’s grin to matched her father’s, rolled her eyes playfully. “Father, Duncan is so… dull.”

“Ah, but he has a good head on his shoulders,” countered Lara, joining in the banter. “He’d keep ye in fine style and make sure ye never want fer anything.”

“Except excitement,” Elsie retorted, earning laughter from around the table.

Lara caught Darragh’s eye. She could see the genuine warmth in his gaze as he looked at her family, the bond they had formed evident in his relaxed demeanor.

“Perhaps we should be searching for a more adventurous suitor for Elsie, then,” mused Lara’s father, stroking his beard thoughtfully. “Someone who can match her fiery spirit.”

“Like Darragh?” Elsie suggested impishly, glancing sideways at the burly Highlander.

“Och, lass, ye flatter me!” Darragh boomed, grinning broadly. “But I believe e heart belongs to another.”

“Good,” Elsie declared, feigning relief. “I dinnae think I could handle all that brawn.” She winked at Lara.
“But enough about me,” Elsie protested, turning the conversation back on her sister. “How did ye manage tae tame this wild beast, Lara?”

Lara felt warmth rise in her cheeks as Darragh’s arm snaked around her waist, pulling her close. “It wasnae so much taming as finding a kindred spirit,” she whispered, her gaze locked with his. “Enough teasing,” Lara finally added with a smile. “Let us enjoy our meal and give poor Elsie some peace.”

“Very well,” Gil conceded, winking at his sister. “But we’ll continue this discussion later!”

As the meal drew to a close, and the servants began to clear away the dishes, Lara marveled at the life she and Darragh were building together. Through trials and tribulations they had remained steadfast in their love and commitment to one another, emerging stronger than ever before. And with her family’s unwavering support, she knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them side by side, their bond unbreakable, and their dreams of a happy life together within reach.

The sun was now high in the sky, casting a glow over the Scottish Highlands as Lara and her family gathered outside their castle. The scent of lavender from the nearby fields mingled with the earthy aroma of peat smoke wafting from the chimney. A gentle breeze rustled through the branches above, causing the leaves to dance and whisper secrets.

The End.

If you want to know what lies ahead in our story, you may want to get the sequel…

Accidentally kidnapped and auctioned off to a fierce Highland brute, Lillie MacDonald’s life takes a surprising twist. Thrust into an unwanted betrothal with Diarmaid Kincaid, she finds out that even the wildest of beasts can be tamed. Yet, her blossoming love is shattered as she discovers Diarmaid’s ulterior motive: a trade to rescue his own sister. In this intricate dance of passion and betrayal, both Lillie and Diarmaid are destined to suffer the casualties of love…

A Bride for the Kilted Beast