The Fierce Highlander (Blood & Honor Trilogy #2) Read Online Donna Fletcher

Categories Genre: Alpha Male Tags Authors: Series: Blood & Honor Trilogy Series by Donna Fletcher
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Total pages in book: 108
Estimated words: 98745 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 494(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
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Noble is a fierce Gallowglass warrior, his reputation unwavering, his demands for respect and obedience from his warriors unyielding and he expects the same from the woman he weds. He accepts a marriage arrangement to a woman who needs protection in exchange for something he thought was merely a dream. But his dream is about to turn into a nightmare when he meets his wife.Leora’s life was shaped by the promise her father made, the promise that she would have the freedom to choose her own husband. However, unforeseen circumstances force her father to make the decision for her. Her life is in danger and her father chooses someone who can protect her and keep her safe… a Gallowglass warrior, an elite mercenary, a man who can shield her from harm. When Noble arrives to claim his bride, he is met with Leora's unwavering refusal to accompany him willingly. He shocks her when he threatens to physically remove her if she does not comply. It is her sister Elsie who provides her with a compelling reason to leave with her new husband. Hidden within this journey is a chance to determine the fate of their beloved sister Sky, who has taken refuge with Lord Slayer, the formidable leader of the Gallowglass. Leora is torn between concerns for Sky's safety and her own independence, as her destination lies not far from Lord Slayer’s clan. The fierce warrior and the unyielding woman collide head-on from their very first encounter, sparks of discord flying between them. However, amidst their clashes, they begin to discover an unexpected truth… they share more in common than they could have ever imagined. Their similarities, concealed beneath layers of pride and stubbornness, gradually surface as they navigate the perilous terrain of their pre-arranged union. As attempts on Leora’s life intensify and the mystery surrounding her true identity deepens, their bond strengthens. With each challenge they face together, they find themselves inching closer to something neither of them anticipated… falling love, a force as formidable as any opponent they've encountered. In the heart of their tumultuous journey, amidst danger and deception, and the possibility of losing each other, it is their love, that in the end, saves them both.Author There is a story arc that runs through the three books and though each individual love story finishes in each book, the trilogy is best read in order. The Scarred Highlander, The Fierce Highlander, Highlander the Conqueror.

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CHAPTER 1

“Do not waste your breath, Elsie,” Leora warned before her sister could say a word. “He is no husband of mine. Not now. Not ever. I will not have a husband chosen for me. I choose who I will wed.”

“Perhaps that was possible at one time, but no longer,” Elsie said, joining her sister to sit on the end of her bed. “I wish it could be that way for you, truly I do, Leora, but Da wed you and me to Gallowglass warriors to keep us safe and our sister Sky to the brother of a Gallowglass warrior, and it is a good thing he did. That warrior now protects Sky, his brother’s widow.

“I would never choose a husband from a fierce group of aristocratic mercenaries,” Leora argued and raised her hand to still her sister so she could finish what she had to say. “I do understand Da’s reasoning for doing what he did. He and Mum inadvertently caused this situation out of nothing more than kindness and love by accepting three newly born bairns, in danger, as their daughters and never telling anyone about it. I love them even more for saving us from dire circumstances, but I do not want to be forced into a marriage with a man I have never met, let alone a fierce Gallowglass warrior.” She silenced her sister again with another abrupt raise of her hand when she went to speak. “I know what you will say. Your marriage turned out wonderful. You love your husband and Cavell loves you, and I am happy for you, believe me, I am truly happy for you both. But Da spoke with you about the arranged marriage and you agreed to it. I was not given such an opportunity.”

Elsie hurried to speak before her sister could stop her again. “And why do you think Da did that?”

Leora threw her hands up in the air as she hurried off the bed. “It is obvious. He knew I would reject such an outrageous and ridiculous proposal.”

“So, Da did what any good father would do. He took it upon himself to save you whether you liked it or not,” Elsie said and remained where she was and watched her sister’s lovely face scrunch with annoyance.

“It is easy for you to say when things turned out so well for you. What if my husband, Noble, turns out to be nothing like his name. What if he is cruel to me and beats me?”

Elsie rushed off the bed to her sister’s side, gripping her arm. “You will tell me right off and I will help you poison him so you will be rid of him.”

Shock held Leora’s tongue captive but only for a short time. “You would do that?”

“Without hesitation,” Elsie confessed. “I would not see you suffer such a horrible fate.”

Leora smiled softly. “You finally found your courage, Elsie, and I am so pleased you have. But I would never risk having you do such a dangerous thing for me.” She grinned. “I would kill him myself.”

Elsie smiled at her sister’s bravado. “You always could look after yourself, far better than Sky or I could.”

“Determined,” Leora said. “I have a determined nature.”

Elsie laughed. “Stubborn. Da would call it stubborn.”

Leora laughed as well, though it faded. “Presently, I am more perplexed than stubborn. I am aware of the wisdom of Da’s decision, yet that wisdom has determined my fate and I find that difficult to accept.”

“I understand perfectly, Leora, and perhaps it would help for you to know what Cavell told me about Noble.”

“Aye, do tell me,” Leora said anxiously and tugged her sister to the bed for them to once again sit.

“My husband said that he is the fiercest of all of Slayer’s warriors and tracks better than Slayer’s hounds. He follows Slayer’s command without question and expects obedience from the warriors he commands.” Elsie hesitated to continue.

“Tell me everything, Elsie,” Leora urged.

“Cavell told me that Noble will take this marriage seriously and commit to it.”

“Leaving me forever trapped with a husband who expects obedience at every turn,” Leora said and shuddered. “Not a future I favor, and what if I cannot abide his features? What if he is sloven and has a God-awful odor about him?” She scrunched her nose as if she could smell it.

“Why don’t you seek the solitude of your room for the remainder of the day and give the situation thought,” Elsie suggested, hoping Noble would be to her sister’s liking and that time alone would help her come to terms with the situation. She was surprised when her sister’s face brightened.

“That is a good idea, Elsie. That will give you time to meet my husband, since he has arrived here without prior notice, and return to my room and tell me what you think of him.”


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