Chapter 1

CHAPTER 1

“ W erewolves? You did say werewolves, didn’t you?”

Olivia studied the woman on the computer screen of her virtual morning meeting, Vera Langford, attractive even with the large eyeglasses that hugged the top of her slim nose, and her pinned up dark hair that fell unruly around her face. The oversized burnt orange sweater she wore consumed her slim body and the way she sat with such ease in her chair spoke of confidence. After a messy divorce and being let go as a top editor at a major New York City publishing house, a position she had held for many years, Vera had started over. She dropped her husband’s surname, Duluth, and took back her maiden name, Langford, and a project the publishing house let go with her. Now, she was the owner and top executive editor of an extremely successful boutique publishing company, Langford Publishing, of what only could be described as… unearthly books.

“Yes, you heard me correctly… I did say werewolves,” Vera confirmed. “And who better to write the section on The Sexual Appetite of Werewolves for the book Sexual Appetites of Unearthly Creatures: Fiction, Fantasy, or Facts than a wolf expert.”

Olivia certainly was that. She had degrees in wildlife and forestry conservation, fish and wildlife management and a doctorate in wildlife biology with the majority of her work being done with wolves. She had an impressive resume having done volunteer work since high school at various zoos and with conservation projects. She continued that work all through college, having little time for anything else. Not that she ever complained. It was what she wanted to do. She loved animals and nature, and wildlife conservation gave her that opportunity. But Vera probably knew all that.

“I am a wolf expert, not a werewolf expert,” Olivia corrected, and while she understood the wolves mating process, she certainly was not an expert on their sexual appetites. However, she didn’t say that. She stopped herself from saying more, recalling how there was always someone in the group tour at the wolf sanctuaries she had worked at through the years who asked jokingly about werewolves. Wisely, or to preserve her sanity, she had done extensive research on werewolves and had provided expert responses.

She always ended her talk just as she did now with Vera. “I don’t believe in werewolves.”

“Wait,” Vera urged before Olivia could end the meeting. “Besides the advance for writing the section on Sexual Appetites of Werewolves, you also receive a one-week research trip to Scotland to the MacMadadh Wolf Preserve where you will be the guest of Laird Tiernan of Clan MacMadadh.”

Olivia was speechless, not about staying at a castle but about being able to visit the MacMadadh Wolf Preserve. It was a two-hundred-acre forested wolf preserve that Clan MacMadadh had established with a special permit from the government many years ago. Laird Tiernan’s wolf expertise had been sought concerning the nine wolves from Norway that were recently released into the ancient Caledonian pine forest of Rothiemurchus in the Cairngorms National Park.

Olivia only half listened, knowing there was no way she could turn down this offer. It was really the opportunity of a lifetime. Lord Tiernan was extremely selective of who he allowed to work on the preserve. This could give her a foothold in possibly acquiring a position there. He was believed to be the foremost authority on wolves, and while he had published articles and books on wolves, he seldom traveled for appearances and gave few interviews, preferring the comfort of his home to travel. There was only one problem. She didn’t believe in werewolves.

It was as if Vera read her mind.

“I’m not looking for proof that werewolves exist. Let your imagination take flight along with your knowledge of wolves and give me what you think the sexual appetite of werewolves might be.” She chuckled. “Of course, if you should meet a werewolf then go for it. So, do we have a deal?”

The mighty train wheels grinding to a stop, brought Olivia out of her reverie to get a better view of the lovely Scottish countryside. She couldn’t believe that it was barely two weeks since she had accepted Vera’s offer and hurriedly got her things in order so she would be ready to fly to Scotland. A few more train stops, and she would reach her destination, the small village of Dumford. A car would be waiting to take her to MacMadadh Castle. She was nervous. She would be there a week and within those seven days she hoped to convince Lord Tiernan that she was worth hiring and that she would take any position that might be available.

An elderly woman with a pleasant smile joined her in the car compartment, sitting across from her.

“I am so glad to be on my way home. The city has its appeal, but I’ll take the Scottish countryside over it every time.” The woman chuckled. “I’m Annie MacDougal.”

“Nice to meet you, Annie. I’m Olivia Stanton,” Olivia said, relieved the woman didn’t have a heavy Scottish brogue, so she was able to understand her. A few people she had met so far had been difficult to understand.

“An American,” Annie said with a generous smile. “On a holiday, Olivia?”

“No, work, though to me it’s a holiday being in the lovely Scottish countryside.”

“What work brings you to the Highlands, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“I am here to interview Laird Tiernan of Clan MacMadadh concerning his wolf preserve,” Olivia said, deciding it was best not to mention the exact reason for the interview.

“Oh, the preserve is a wonderful place. It is my grandchildren’s’ favorite place to visit when they stay with me. They have learned so much about wolves and have gained much respect for them. The best part of the visit for me was seeing Laird Tiernan. He is one gorgeous man. Sometimes I think the women go there hoping to get a look at him.” Annie chuckled again. “He is so pleasant and intelligent. He’s a gem. I don’t know why he hasn’t married yet.”

Olivia listened. She had seen photos of Laird Tiernan, and she had to agree with Annie. He was a handsome man, but she was more interested in his work with wolves than his looks. While she had done research on him there was nothing like firsthand knowledge from someone who had the opportunity to meet him and who was familiar with the area. So, she was glad for the conversation with Annie.

“The locals were upset when Larid Tiernan’s great-grandfather started the wolf preserve, worried that the wolves would present a problem to the farmers’ livestock, but Laird Angus agreed to replace any livestock the wolves might touch. He was granted a six-month permit. If the wolves proved a problem, they were to be destroyed.”

Olivia cringed at the thought.

“Not to worry. There was only one incident and while Laird Angus was willing to pay the farmer for his loss, it was discovered that the animal died of natural causes, and the farmer had made it appear otherwise. He was trying to get money for the poor animal. All went well and his permit was extended until the preserve was finally granted permanent status. It is a stunning place. The original castle has been added to through the years and modernized. Laird Tiernan has a Christmas fundraising gala every year, held in early November so December snowfalls don’t interfere with it. On Christmas Eve he holds a private party for the locals and the children get gifts. The parents supply his staff with something a child is requesting for Christmas, and he makes certain they receive it.” Annie smiled. “If it snows, which it usually does, he sends sleighs to bring the people to the castle. The children love riding in the sleighs.”

“You live in the village,” Olivia asked.

“Nay, I live two towns before Dumford, though I wouldn’t mind living there. It is such a lovely little village with such interesting shops and lovely walking and biking trails. Fishing is good, too, from spring through fall unless it snows early. Once there is a good snowfall, the village isn’t easy to reach.” Annie nodded at the window. “It’s cold out there. A light snow is predicted, but the weather can surprise you here. I hope you brought warm clothes with you.”

“I did my research before coming here, so I packed for the cold and possible snow though I am only here for a week and winter?—”

“Starts early in the Highlands, so while December first is still considered part of autumn, here in the Highlands snow can fall before then, which is why the preserve closes the first of November and doesn’t reopen until springtime.”

Olivia had learned that in her research and was glad Vera had booked the trip for December first. There would be no tourists to distract Laird Tiernan and his staff. She would have their full attention to learn about the workings of the preserve and where there might be a job opening.

“In your research, did you happen to come across tales of werewolves in this area?” Annie chuckled, shaking her head.

Olivia smiled, finding Annie’s penchant to chuckle pleasant and friendly, and while she had done extensive research on werewolves in the area for the article, she preferred to hear what a local thought about such unearthly creatures.

“Very little,” Olivia said.

“There is a werewolf story that dates to the 13 th century. The laird of the Clan MacMadadh at that time killed a female wolf, he claimed was a werewolf, supposedly in retaliation for a wolf killing a village woman. It’s said that the female wolf’s mate, who led the pack, found his way into the castle and killed the laird. The wolf even left claw marks on the floorboards letting everyone know he had been there. Supposedly, the marks are still there. It was later learned that the laird had been the one who killed the woman and blamed it on a supposed werewolf. It is a tale often repeated in this area, though how true it is, I can’t say for sure. Laird Tiernan has amassed an extensive collection of books on wolves and werewolves, and I believe some of them have been written about his family since some believe Clan MacMadadh, MacMadadh meaning son of the wolf, is a clan of werewolves.” Annie chuckled. “A ridiculous notion.”

Olivia had found that reference in her research of Clan MacMadadh and realized that that bit of history was why Vera had sent her to the clan. It hadn’t done anything to change her mind about werewolves. She still didn’t believe in them.

“Werewolves are nothing more than a tall tale,” Olivia said. “Research shows that what once was believed to be werewolf killings were actually serial killers, men with the taste for human flesh and blood.”

“Now that makes more sense,” Annie said, “as does the idea that men drinking in a pub late into the night came up with such a nonsensical tale.”

Olivia chuckled this time.

Annie went on to talk about the Highlands and the endless tales and beauty it offered. By the time Annie bid her goodbye, she felt she knew the Highlands more intimately and was looking even more forward to her stay here.

One more stop, then the next one was hers, last stop on the line. Excitement and nerves had her stomach churning, and she was relieved when the train finally arrived at her stop. She got off the train and smiled. The small train station that greeted her appeared as a snapshot from the past. It was well maintained and the stone planters with small trees decorated for Christmas, along with the pine holiday swag hanging over the train station door and windows, gave it an old-fashioned holiday, festive feel.

“You’re the lass doing the interview at Clan MacMadadh, aren’t you?”

Olivia turned to see the train engineer stepping off the train with a stretch and thought that news traveled fast in the Highlands. “Yes, I am.”

“Welcome to Dumford. Harry will pick you up. He’s running late. He always runs late. The old fellow is never on time,” the engineer said. “Snow is in the air. Good thing you got here when you did. A large snowfall stops the train from coming this far in the winter or leaving here, so keep a watch on the weather if your time here is limited.”

“Thank you for that advice, I’ll be sure to keep watch of the weather,” Olivia said and wished she hadn’t packed her gloves in her suitcase, her fingers beginning to feel the stinging cold.

“Time to go,” the engineer said. “Keep cautious if it snows. A light snow can turn into a blizzard in the blink of an eye and that will leave you stranded high and dry for an extended time, possibly through the winter.”

Olivia’s eyes went wide. “The entire winter?”

“Aye, If the snowfall is a big one. So far, the weather folk are predicting a light snowfall, but you never know. They are wrong more than they’re accurate.”

“Thank you,” Olivia said and watched him climb aboard and heard the train spring to life, its wheels grinding on the track and the whistle blowing as it made its way out of the station.

It didn’t take long for her to start feeling the cold as she watched the road for a car. She thought it would never come and considered calling the preserve, but then a black SUV rounded the bend, and she breathed a sigh of relief. Her ride was here.

Olivia stepped into the small parking lot and when the SUV pulled to a stop beside her, she didn’t wait to be helped. She pulled the back door open and deposited her luggage and tote inside. Then she opened the passenger side door and climbed in.

“I am so glad you finally made it, Harry. It felt like it was getting colder by the minute.” She turned to smile at the old man, but her mouth dropped open in shock.

An old man didn’t sit in the driver’s seat. A different man sat there and from the photos she had seen of Laird Tiernan, she could honestly say they had not done him justice. He was drop-dead gorgeous.