Heart of the Highland Wolf (28 page)

Julia wasn't sure whether any of the brothers would show up for dinner with the Wildhavens,
or
from the looks of it, Julia's
fans
instead. Who knew? It might even help a few more sales.

All Julia knew was that when she retired tonight with the laird of the castle, he would be the only one for her.

“We'll be retiring early tonight,” Ian said with a wink to Julia.

With books pressed to their hearts, the women standing in line started giggling when they overheard his delicious brogue, saw the sexy wink, and heard his words. They might want to go home with the laird, but he was all Julia's. She raised her pen to autograph the next book, still smiling. If she could drag the kilted MacNeill warriors with her to every event, one of her books might just make best seller on one of the premier lists, and then maybe their financial woes would—

Guthrie headed toward them wearing his kilt, looking just as daunting and handsome as the rest of the MacNeill clansmen. She swore the women all took deeper breaths of admiration at the sight of him. Three hunky Highland hunks to choose from, she imagined they were thinking.

Guthrie nodded to Ian and then handed an envelope to Julia.

She looked up at him, questioning what this was all about.

Ian leaned down and whispered in her ear. “The money your ex-boyfriend stole from you. Family takes care of family.”

Tears filled her eyes. “But…”

Guthrie folded his arms. “He had a job. A good paying job. And the proceeds from the sale of several of his investments. He paid back every dime with interest, which is as it should be. I'm the financial advisor for the clan.” He bowed his head slightly. “Anytime you need my assistance, just let me know.”

Several of Julia's fans looked like they wanted to wave their hands and ask for his assistance.

Julia rose from her seat and gave Guthrie a hug. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart. And…” She handed him back the envelope. “…you can put that money in the castle fund.”

Then the signing began in earnest because after dinner with the Wildhavens, Julia and Ian were returning to the hotel and renewing their vows. The small smile he wore and the sparkle in his dark eyes verified he was thinking along the same lines.

After romanticizing for years about what the perfect man in her life would be like, she'd finally found her storybook hero—rough around the edges, a little broke, and as sexy as any kilted warrior could be.

Thanks to Robyn, my co-worker, who suggested I have a “poor” werewolf hero this time around. Already fantasizing about Highland hunks because of my own Highland roots, I figured what could be better than a laird who is about to lose his ancestral home? I also want to thank Lynn Crain and Mary Curtis for fielding Highland questions for me.

And thanks to my editor, Deb Werksman, who has made the dream come true for me; to Danielle, my publicist, who is my marketing inspiration; and to the editorial staff and the cover artists who design such beautiful covers that they win awards and make me proud to say that these books are mine! And to the Rebel Romance Writers critique partners—Judy, Vonda, Tammy, Randy, Pam, Carol, and Betty—for always being there for me! And thanks to my fans who encourage me to write faster.

An award-winning author of paranormal and medieval romantic suspense, Terry Spear also writes true stories for adult and young adult audiences. She's a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve and has an MBA from Monmouth University. She also creates award-winning teddy bears, Wilde & Woolly Bears, that are personalized and designed to commemorate authors' books. When she's not writing or making bears, she's teaching online writing courses.

Her family has roots in the Highlands of Scotland where her love of all things Scottish came into being. Originally from California, she's lived in eight states and now resides in the heart of Texas. She is the author of
Heart of the Wolf, Destiny of the Wolf,
To Tempt the Wolf, Legend of the White Wolf, Seduced by the Wolf, Wolf Fever, Winning the Highlander's Heart, The Accidental Highland Hero, Deadly Liaisons, The Vampire… In My Dreams
(young adult), and numerous articles and short stories for magazines.