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.”