Excerpt of Heart of Stone by Willa Blair

’Tis a harmless thing I do.” She paused, eyeing him, as
if wondering whether she dared continue. A frown marred
the smooth expanse of her forehead, but only for a
moment.

Her reluctance made Gavan wonder what harm a woven strand
of bluebells could harbor. Was she embarrassed or uneasy
to tell him? “Aye?” he prompted, curious now.

She exhaled, glancing skyward, then met his gaze. “’Tis
said if under a waxing moon a maid weaves a chain of
bluebells within the stone circle, the next lad she sees
will be her true love.” She held up her handiwork. “’Tis
no’ quite finished, so I believe ye are safe from me.
Corrie tells me I am safe from ye.”

Gavan gave her his most innocent smile. “I dinna believe
in such things, but if ye do…” Not in the magic, and not
in the illusion of safety her dog gave her. This hound
would be no match for him, despite its great size or the
shaggy gray coat that made it appear even larger. Likely
Marsali Murray trusted most people were unfamiliar with
the friendlier aspects of the breed. After days of
travel, he looked like most people—or worse—rather than
the son of a highland laird with a keep, a kennel, and a
few deerhounds of his own.

She gave him a sheepish grin. “I couldna see any harm in
the attempt.”