Pride Of Lions. Suzanne Barclay

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      “Get out of my bed,” Allisun snapped. Letter to Reader Title Page About the Author Dedication Prologue Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen Chapter Fifteen Chapter Sixteen Chapter Seventeen Chapter Eighteen Chapter Nineteen Epilogue Copyright

      “Get out of my bed,” Allisun snapped.

      Hunter shook his head, his midnight brown eyes glowing with sympathy. “There’s only the one, and my ankle—”

      

      “I’ll sleep on the floor.” She made to bolt from the bed, but he was quicker, one hand snagging her wrist. She tried to wrench free. “You’re hurting me.”

      

      “Nay, you are hurting yourself by struggling.”

      

      Allisun stilled, but her pulse beat wildly as she stared at her enemy. His eyes bored into hers with an intensity that stripped away everything but this moment. She was vividly conscious of his superior strength, held in check by the force of his will. Inside her, a primitive fear stirred. He could do with her whatever he wanted. None of the tactics her father and brothers had taught her could help her now. She was utterly powerless. But she would not beg. Lifting her chin, she snapped, “Attack me and have done with it.”

      Dear Reader,

      

      If you’ve never read a Harlequin Historical novel, you’re in for a treat. We offer compelling, richly developed stories that let you escape to the past—written by some of the best writers in the field!

      

      We are very excited about Pride of Lions, a new Scottish medieval novel and the latest in THE SUTHERLAND SERIES by Suzanne Barclay. Critics have described her work as “Pure gold!”, “Magical!” and “Totally satisfying.” In her latest, a knight and a warrioress from enemy clans join forces and fall in love when they are lost within the territory of an evil laird. Don’t miss it!

      

      Be sure to look for The Heart of a Here, a darling Western by Judith Stacy. Here, a bad boy turned rancher has thirty days to prove he’ll be a good father to his niece and nephew, and enlists the help of the new schoolmarm. The Knight’s Bride by rising talent Lyn Stone is a heartwarming and humorous tale of a very true knight who puts his honorable reputation on the line when he promises to marry the beautiful widow of his best friend.

      

      Rounding out the month is Burke’s Rules, book two of THE GUARDSMEN series by Pat Tracy. Set in Denver, this story features a perfectly mannered schoolmistress who falls for the “protective” bachelor banker who helps her fund her school. Don’t miss this wonderful, sensuous story!

      

      Whatever your tastes in reading, you’ll be sure to find a romantic journey back to the past between the covers of a Harlequin Historical^® novel.

      

      Sincerely,

      Tracy Farrell, Senior Editor

      Please address questions and book requests to:

      Harlequin Reader Service

      U.S.: 3010 Walden Ave., P.O. Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269

      Canadian: P.O. Box 609, Fort Erie, Ont. L2A 5X3

      Pride Of Lions

      Suzanne Barclay

      

www.millsandboon.co.uk

      SUZANNE BARCLAY

      Suzanne Barclay considers herself sublimely lucky to be writing historical romances. What other career would allow her to watch old Errol Flynn movies and call it research? Or daydream and call it work?

      

      On those rare moments when she can tear herself away from the stories she is creating, she enjoys walking in the woods with her two dogs, Max and Duffy, whipping up exotic meals for her husband of twenty-three years and pawing through the local antique marts for special pieces to decorate her office/study.

      

      Be sure to watch for the next installment in the Sutherland series, Taming the Lion, coming out in June, 1999.

      

      Suzanne freely admits that she has trouble keeping track of all the Sutherlands and Carmichaels who people her stories, and has prepared an updated family tree detailing the various characters, their marriages and their children. To receive a copy, send a large SASE to: Suzanne Barclay, P.O. Box 92054, Rochester, NY 14692.

      To my family,

      a constant source of pride and joy.

      Prologue

      

      

      Luncarty Tower, the Scottish Borders

      July, 1381

      

      The setting sun bathed the crests of the Cheviot Hills in red fire and deepened the shadows in the woods along the creek that flowed past the tower. Soon it would be full dark, and everyone knew the land about was wild and dangerous.

      So why in the world was his aunt leaving the safety of Luncarty’s stout walls?

      His belly tight with apprehension, Hunter Carmichael crept after her, careful to stay well back as she negotiated the steep trail down to the edge of the burn. Her movements were quick and jerky, which was not at all like his graceful aunt, his favorite among his father’s five brothers and sisters. But then, she had not been acting like herself all day.

      Hunter frowned. Could it be Uncle Jock’s fault?

      Last night Hunter had heard Brenna and her husband arguing. The sounds of raised voices and weeping had roused