Legacy of the Mist Clans Series by Kathryn Loch

When he was twelve, his name was Branan Strickland. He was the heir to the Wardenship of Inglewood, a title to govern a Royal Forest and the land around it. But Branan's father was an abusive sod, beating Branan and his mother for sheer sport. Until the night when his father's fist landed on the side of his mother's head - a wound that would kill her in a few short hours. Devastated, Branan spent those last hours with her... moreWhen he was twelve, his name was Branan Strickland. He was the heir to the Wardenship of Inglewood, a title to govern a Royal Forest and the land around it. But Branan's father was an abusive sod, beating Branan and his mother for sheer sport. Until the night when his father's fist landed on the side of his mother's head - a wound that would kill her in a few short hours. Devastated, Branan spent those last hours with her. Just when he thought his world couldn't shatter any more, his mother told him the truth of his heritage. Branan was not Strickland's son, he was the son of a Scottish Larid, Raulf MacTavish. Strickland had murdered Branan's true sire and forced his mother into marriage. Raina MacTavish had just learned she was breeding when Strickland killed the man she loved more than life. Had she not carried Branan, she would have willingly died. Raina had told no one but Raulf of her breeding. After Strickland bedded her, a couple of months later, Raina announced her pregnancy. She did so only because she feared if Strickland knew Branan's true sire, the blackguard would slay her babe - the last link to her beloved husband. But now she is dying. Raina knows she must tell Branan the truth. Her heart grieves, she can no longer protect him, but there is a family nearby who once called Raulf and Raina friend. Raina also knows Branan is growing into the spitting image of his true sire. Soon, Strickland will see his old enemy staring back at him. Branan has one chance to reclaim what was stolen from him, his title and his father's stolen sword, a huge Scottish claymore with an emerald set in the pommel and a thistle engraved on its hilt. He knows he must learn the ways of a knight and grow stronger. But Strickland discovers the boy's heritage and tries to kill him. Now on the run and wounded, Branan fears Strickland will catch him. He seeks cover in a forest when an intriguing lass with bright blue eyes finds him. To his shock, the girl knows the forest better than anyone. Her name is Catriona and she is part of the family his mother told him about. The girl leads him to safety. Branan's trials are only beginning, while he finds a brief respite with Catriona's family, Strickland does not give up his quest. Branan is forced to flee to his father's lands in Scotland. He abandons Catriona in the dead of night and leaves his beloved foster family behind. 10 years later, Branan's foster-brother, Gavin, searches for Branan in Scotland. Gavin finds him and tells Branan, if he wishes to reclaim his legacy, the time to act is now. But Gavin has more news and Branan is devastated again when he learns Catriona has been betrothed to another man. But Branan's his heart is not prepared for what greets him when he returns to England. The home of Branan's foster family and Gavin's parents, has been burned to the ground. In the ashes, Gavin finds his father's signet ring. Catriona...what has happened to her? Many of the local villagers believe her dead as well, but rumors abound, one woman may have escaped fire to flee to the forest.... less

Captured and tortured by the English during Longshanks's war against the Scots, Ronan MacGrigor finds the strength to escape, only to suffer the fear and rejection of his own clan. Forced to stalk the shadows at night, Ronan becomes a prisoner of illness, fear, and memories. Fearing for his life, his brother summons a healer whose reputation borders on that of a miracle worker, but she comes from the land of the Sassenach, the very people who tried to destroy Ronan... moreCaptured and tortured by the English during Longshanks's war against the Scots, Ronan MacGrigor finds the strength to escape, only to suffer the fear and rejection of his own clan. Forced to stalk the shadows at night, Ronan becomes a prisoner of illness, fear, and memories. Fearing for his life, his brother summons a healer whose reputation borders on that of a miracle worker, but she comes from the land of the Sassenach, the very people who tried to destroy Ronan. A foundling, Lia knows little about wars or politics, she knows only how to treat the wounds they create, and her dedication to healing knows no borders. But the Demon Laird cannot abide a Sassenach within his home, and when a mysterious plague strikes the villagers, he looks to the woman of an enemy nation to be its cause. Even in the face of Ronan's hatred of her and the superstitious fear of the clan, Lia knows she must stand for the truth. Despite their fear of him, Ronan's only goal is to protect his clan from the vicious war raging around them, but when the enemy is at his gates, the Demon Laird must answer. Lia wages her own war, that of healing the soul of a tormented laird—where all others have fled in terror, she refuses to run. The villagers whisper of a curse—the Demon Laird made a deal with the devil—now the devil demands his due. less

Aidan MacGrigor has always known his place in life. He was raised to understand his duty to his brother and laird, to king and country - and the welfare of the clan comes first. Aidan's world is that of shadows and intrigue, of whispered secrets so powerful they can bring death if overheard; of truths so profound they can raise kings; of lies so treacherous they can topple empires... moreAidan MacGrigor has always known his place in life. He was raised to understand his duty to his brother and laird, to king and country - and the welfare of the clan comes first. Aidan's world is that of shadows and intrigue, of whispered secrets so powerful they can bring death if overheard; of truths so profound they can raise kings; of lies so treacherous they can topple empires. He is the Hawk, and in the midst of Longshanks's war against the Bruce, intrigue is Aidan's currency - and he is a wealthy man. His birds softly sing their songs of information, and Aidan uses them to strengthen Clan MacGrigor. Though his life is one of solitude, he has come to savor the freedom it affords him, even if it means sacrificing the joy of having a wife and family of his own. He is resigned to his lot in life . . . until fate sends a bruised and battered sparrow his way and his instinct to love and protect takes over . . . Kenna MacLean has known nothing but hatred and brutality at the hands of men. A pawn in her father's bid for power and control, she yearns for a life of her own choosing, and she gets her chance when her wedding train is ambushed by brigands. Running for her life with her maid and a babe in tow, she stumbles into one of Aidan's nests and embraces the opportunity to reinvent herself and start life anew. Life as one of Aidan's birds is more rewarding than she could have imagined, even if the handsome Hawk she has come to love can never be hers. But as the shadows grow darker and both English and Scottish men scour the countryside in search of a rumored connection to the English crown that could change the entire balance of two nations at war, Aidan and Kenna will have to outwit, outrun, and outplay not one but two enemies to protect their loved ones and their beloved Scotland. Despite doubt and fear, neither can deny the strengthening force drawing them together, but Fate, it seems, has Her own plans. As their enemies close in, Aidan willingly sacrifices everything so his little sparrow might survive. But Kenna is no longer a wounded bird with broken wings. She answers the challenge, but can she act quickly enough to save the life of the man she loves, and the future she is determined they will share, before its too late? less

Connell and Mairi have left the safety of MacGrigor Castle, hoping to reach Edinburgh, vanish into the busy city, and elude the Scottish and English mercenaries hunting them and their infant ward, the bastard son of the newly crowned King Edward II, and a pawn in the war for control of Scotland’s future. With his family dead, Connell has nothing left to lose. He willingly puts his life on the line for Mairi and wee Adam, but he cannot give Mairi what she wants more than anything: his heart... moreConnell and Mairi have left the safety of MacGrigor Castle, hoping to reach Edinburgh, vanish into the busy city, and elude the Scottish and English mercenaries hunting them and their infant ward, the bastard son of the newly crowned King Edward II, and a pawn in the war for control of Scotland’s future. With his family dead, Connell has nothing left to lose. He willingly puts his life on the line for Mairi and wee Adam, but he cannot give Mairi what she wants more than anything: his heart. Holding himself apart from everyone, his grief and guilt threaten to defeat him faster than any mercenary blade, for at his side is a constant reminder of everything he has lost. But as he and Mairi make a new home for themselves and settle into city life in the guise of a blacksmith and his family, Mairi’s loving attentions and the spirit of the Christmas season give Connell something he’s not had in years: hope. But as he lets his guard down and begins to open his heart, a new threat closes in. Connell will have to fight harder than he ever has before for the one precious gift he only now realizes he ever truly wanted: a second chance at life and love. less