‘You’d better eat more than that, MacKinloch,’ Nairna ordered him. ‘You need to get your strength back.’

      ‘And what will I be needing the strength for, a ghaoil?’ Bram asked, taking her fingertips.

      Her face coloured, and she held out a bite of fish, offering it to him. When she pushed the food into his mouth, her thumb brushed against his lip.

      The soft touch brought him into a deeper awareness of her. He ignored the clan members gathering, and the sounds of their conversation grew muted. He looked into Nairna’s worried green eyes, and kept her fingers locked in his.

      ‘Bram, are you all right?’

      No. He was tired, irritated at having to be around so many people, and his mind couldn’t stop thinking about the night he would spend with Nairna. The bawdy conversation was doing nothing to alleviate the sexual hunger he felt for her. He remembered her silken skin and the sweetness of her kiss. Even more, the way she’d clung to him when he’d kissed her only deepened his own arousal. He wanted to be alone with his wife right now. He wanted to explore her body, to learn the mysteries of a woman’s flesh. Unless she kept her hands off him, his control was going to break apart.

      When her hand came up to stroke his cheek, all semblance of reason snapped.

       AUTHOR NOTE

      Ever since I saw the movie Braveheart I’ve longed to write a Highlander story of my own set during the era of William Wallace … only with a happy ending! Bram MacKinloch is a prisoner of war during this troubled time, and he must save his brother from the English who captured him.

      After seven long years Nairna believes she’s lost her childhood sweetheart. But Fate gives her a second chance at love and a family. She tries to help Bram overcome his sleepless nights and horrifying memories, despite his belief that he doesn’t deserve happiness. It’s a story of healing and hope, and how two people can rekindle a lost love.

      A friend of my father’s was a prisoner of war in the Vietnam conflict. His wife never knew what happened to him and he was believed dead until his shocking return years later. I can only imagine the feelings in her heart, and CLAIMED BY THE HIGHLAND WARRIOR was inspired by their true-life love story.

      There are a few additional things I want to note. During the early fourteenth century the Scots did not wear kilts, plaids or tartans; these came centuries later. Also, though they likely understood English, amongst each other the Highlanders would have spoken Gaelic. This is why I’ve left out the Scottish burr that’s common to many romances, since it wouldn’t have been part of a Highlander’s speech.

      This past summer I visited the Scottish Highlands, and took many pictures that inspired my new mini-series. You’re welcome to view the photos at my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/michellewillinghamfans. You can also visit my website at www.michellewillingham.com for excerpts and behind-the-scenes details. I love to hear from readers and you may e-mail me at [email protected], or write via mail at PO Box 2242, Poquoson, VA 23662, USA.

      Look for Alex MacKinloch’s story in

      Seduced by Her Highland Warrior Coming soon

      About the Author

      MICHELLE WILLINGHAM grew up living in places all over the world, including Germany, England and Thailand. When her parents hauled her to antiques shows in manor houses and castles Michelle entertained herself by making up stories and pondering whether she could afford a broadsword with her allowance. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Notre Dame, with a degree in English, and received her master’s degree in Education from George Mason University. Currently she teaches American History and English. She lives in south-eastern Virginia with her husband and children. She still doesn’t have her broadsword.

      Visit her website at: www.michellewillingham.com, or e-mail her at [email protected]

       Previous novels by this author:

HER IRISH WARRIOR*

      THE WARRIOR’S TOUCH*

      HER WARRIOR KING*

HER WARRIOR SLAVE†

THE ACCIDENTAL COUNTESS**

      THE ACCIDENTAL PRINCESS**

      TAMING HER IRISH WARRIOR*

      SURRENDER TO AN IRISH WARRIOR*

*The MacEgan Brothers

†prequel to The MacEgan Brothers trilogy

**linked by character

       Also available in Mills & Boon^® Historical Undone! eBooks:

      THE VIKING’S FORBIDDEN LOVE-SLAVE

      THE WARRIOR’S FORBIDDEN VIRGIN

      AN ACCIDENTAL SEDUCTION**

      INNOCENT IN THE HAREM

      PLEASURED BY THE VIKING

       Also available in Mills & Boon^® Historical eBooks:

      LIONHEART’S BRIDE

      part of Royal Weddings Through the Ages

       Did you know that some of these novels are also available as eBooks? Visit www.millsandboon.co.uk

      Claimed by the

      Highland Warrior

      Michelle Willingham

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

      Acknowledgements:

      With many thanks to Sharron Gunn for her help with researching the medieval Highlands and for being willing to answer so many of my questions.

      Thanks to my editor Joanne Grant and to my agent Helen Breitwieser for their continued support and for challenging me with each and every book.

      Both of you have helped me to grow as an author, and it’s deeply appreciated.

       Chapter One

       Ballaloch, Scotland—1305

      Bram MacKinloch couldn’t remember the last time he’d eaten or slept. The numbness consumed him, and all he could do now was keep going. He’d been imprisoned in the darkness for so many years, he’d forgotten what the sun felt like upon his skin. It blinded him, forcing him to keep his gaze fixed upon the ground.

      God’s bones, he couldn’t even remember how long he’d been running. Exhaustion had blotted away the visions until he didn’t know how many English soldiers were pursuing