IN LOVE WITH A WARRIOR
A Gunn Guardsman novel
KARA GRIFFIN
IN LOVE WITH A WARRIOR
All Rights Reserved.
Copyright © 2014 Kara Griffin
Cover Photo © 2014 All rights reserved – to be used with permission.
Cover design by Sheri McGathy http://www.sherimcgathy.com/sheri/book-cover-design/
This book may not be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in whole or in part by any means, including graphic, electronic, or mechanical without the express written consent of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
This book contains adult material, reader discretion advised
DEDICATION
To my youngest daughter, Emily, the inspiration for Emlyn,
who never ceases to amaze me with her humor, talent, and craziness.
OTHER HISTORICAL TITLES
BY KARA GRIFFIN
~GUNN GUARDSMAN SERIES~
ONE & ONLY
ON A HIGHLAND HILL
A HIGHLANDER IN PERIL
IN LOVE WITH A WARRIOR
~THE LEGEND OF THE KING’S GUARD SERIES~
Coming in 2015
~THE PITH TRILOGY~
WARRIOR’S PLEDGE
CLAIMED BY A CHARMER
LASS’ VALOR
SCI-FI ROMANCES
~GET COSMIC SERIES~
COSMIC HEARTS
COSMIC CHEMISTRY
COSMIC CHAOS
PRAISE FOR KARA GRIFFIN’S
GUNN GUARDSMAN SERIES
A HIGHLANDER IN PERIL “I very much enjoyed this story. It was funny, suspenseful, heroic and just a good tell. I very highly recommend the book.” Cindy, Amazon – 5 Stars
A HIGHLANDER IN PERIL “This book has intrigue, mystery, murder and incredibly romantic scenes that you will have a problem putting it down until the very end and then you will wish it had another chapter so you could keep reading the story. I did not put it down until the last word was read. I recommend this book to any who enjoy historical romance with intense intrigue and suspense.” Jusnana, Amazon – 5 Stars
A HIGHLANDER IN PERIL “I just finished reading the third book in the Gunn series and "Loved Everyone"--Cannot wait for James story to arrive. I loved Gunn and Bree's story, was fascinated by Kenneth and Elisa but my favorite was Sean and Jordan I could not put it down and will probably read it again soon.” Lorine, Amazon – 5 stars
ON A HIGHLAND HILL “WOW! Holy Highlander! Those Highland Hills will capture your heart and soul not to mention the men. Fast paced and passion filled.” My Book Addiction and More (blogger) – 5 stars
ON A HIGHLAND HILL “This is another all-nighter from Kara Griffin. Those hot Gunn Guardsman keep me coming back for more. Anxiously awaiting the next Gunn heart stealer” Pam, Amazon – 5 Stars
ON A HIGHLAND HILL “This book had a great storyline, with humour, action, intrigue and of cause a tender romance. I will be reading more work by Kara Griffin for sure.” Julie, Amazon – 5 stars
ONE AND ONLY “I just finished this book ten minutes ago and I’m still smiling. Wonderful. Absolutely wonderful. ... This story has so many truly fantastic scenes. Oh, the days of men of honor, governed by loyalty, duty, and chivalry. And to top it off, they are all strapping warriors wrapped in the Gunn plaid. Need I say more? This author writes truly wonderful historical romances.” Past Romance, Amazon (reader) – 5 Stars
ONE AND ONLY “Love the writings of Kara Griffin - strong characters - men & women - entertaining conversations between characters and the romance (sigh). Cannot wait to read the third book!” Stevie Powell, Amazon – 5 stars
IN LOVE WITH A WARRIOR
Besotted by the Princess
James Gunn knew his heart would forever be hers when she bested him in combat. Never had he met a formidable foe such as Emlyn. Mayhap it was the way her body felt above his when she pinned him and he had no choice to submit to her …
A love coveted but forbidden
Princess Emlyn would allow no man to victor over her on the field, especially the arrogant, sexy highlander. It would do well for him to know she wouldn’t fall at his feet and worship him. Aye, he was God-like in his appearance, strong, capable, and a protector: all the things she said she didn’t want in a man.
All it took was one kiss
Neither could deny their attraction. When Emlyn is betrothed to her clan’s enemy to save her people from being besieged, she beseeches James for help. The only way she can escape her ill-fated destiny and have the man of her dreams is to wage war and triumph. Not so easy a feat for a warrior such as her.
Prologue
Pont Mynach, Gwynedd, Wales
May, 1224
It was a bonny night to die. Stars sparkled in the darkened sky. The air around them warmed with a soft breeze. Scents of the Earth came to life and permeated the air, and the fresh growth of leaves lent a rustling noise to their quiet prayers.
The peacekeeping gathering took place on the eve of Beltane. Were they home, they would be celebrating the spring festival, drinking, and wreaking havoc, and likely fornicating with the women in honor of fertility rituals. Aye, he could see them now: being merry, dancing, wearing their horse masks in tribute to Rhiannon, the Goddess of fertility, and in honor of the rites of spring. But they were not home.
Bevan stood amongst his comrades, knowing this would not turn out as his lord, Llywelyn, predicted. Being the leader on this hopeless mission, Bevan tried to raise the spirits of his comrades. For this night, they’d die. They all knew the outcome.
There were too many combatants and they’d be overtaken. Many of the men of the Iorwerth clan left their weapons far a field for none would be disrespectful and bring them to the meeting. Bevan regretted following orders and leaving their weapons behind. He should’ve known the English wouldn’t obey their accord.
Within the stone circle, on the sacred ground, they’d come to an agreement. They would fight until their last breath. The English supporters waited outside the circle but would not enter for they were leery and superstitious. For once their pagan customs and rituals aided them in a way they’d never considered.
From his position within the circle, Bevan saw the gleam from the foe’s swords, shields, and axes. Unarmed, outmanned, and in a quandary, they would have to meet their fate with bravery. Alas, they stood inside the stone circle with moments to live for the berserkers waited anxiously for the moment to attack. He heard their war cries, as they began shouting.
Bevan didn’t want to displease the Gods by allowing such an atrocity to take place within the sacred monument. He had to come up with a plan to either thwart the enemy or have the fracas moved to another location, outside the stone circle. The only problem with that was they might not be able to get through the wall of Englishmen encircling their sanctuary.
With all the passion of his ancestors and the heart of a warrior, he raised his fist and yelled their call to arms. Even though not one had a weapon to use against their adversaries, they’d go into the fray and would hope for the best.
Sadly, that was not to be, as each of his comrades ran from the stone circle, through the wall of their shielded opponents. Most were cut down before they could make it through two men. Bevan ran with four of his closest comrades, and lost sight of them when the clash of steel against their mail reached his ears and rang true.