The Stone of Fear

She’d give everything to keep his love; he’d chase her through time to save her. Together they find a home.

Marie Murray, a spunky expert on spiritual buildings, jumped at the Mosaic floor renovation led by the dashing hereditary captain of Dunstaffnage castle, John MacArthur.He calls her the woman of the rocks, and she sees him as a found soul who loves life. From their first kiss, sparks fly, and they fall desperately in love.
Believing her work produces magic, a fanatical priest kidnaps Marie and drags her to the 15th century, where he forces her to search religious crosses so he can harness the power of a Stone of Iona. As guardian of the magic Fae stones, John must travel back in time to find The Stone of Fear and save Marie from her fated death. 
She must face her fear of loneliness, and he must face the loss of family. Against all odds, is found love strong enough to survive the search for a magic Fae stone?

An excerpt from stone of Fear

Stone of Fear
Chapter 3 
Marie made her way down the stairs and through the great hall towards the kitchen. She stepped inside and set the candle on the counter. The first cabinet she opened had no cups. Marie moved to the next cabinet. The cups must be here somewhere. A creek sounded behind her, and Marie whipped around. No one was there. Marie stood still for a moment in the dimly lit room. She could have sworn she saw a movement in the shadows. Her breath came in an uneven pattern as the light from her candle cast ominous shapes on the wall and doorway. She turned back to the cabinet and opened another, reached for a cup, and her candle went out. She was left in the pitch dark. She gasped and gripped the cup to her chest. She turned around as she tried to discern the candle in the dark to light it. Lightning lit up the room, and she spied the candle for a moment. Marie placed her hand on the counter and patted down, only to find the sink. Thunder boomed again, and she yelped as she gripped the cup. She reached her hand out again but this time encountered something warm. Marie screamed as she held the cup for dear life. Large arms wrapped around her in a warm embrace. Her face rested against a man’s naked chest that moved as he chuckled. She took a deep breath, smelled John’s scent of light musk, and relaxed in his embrace.“Sorry, a nighean,” my girl. “I only meant to play with ye. I didn’t think I’d scare ye.” Marie huffed and pushed against him. “Well, ye scared me alright. Thought I found the ghostie, the Green Lady of Dunstaffnage, in the flesh." She lifted her head, peeked at him, then rested her hand on his naked chest. He stepped back, took her cup, and set it on the counter. In the dark, he moved to the stove, grabbed the kettle, crossed to the sink, and filled it with water. His form moved in the moonlight, and he’d amazed her at how he easily navigated the kitchen in the darkness. His white teeth glowed as she spoke. “Didn’t ye want some tea?” She took another deep breath. “Aye, tea would be nice.” John chuckled, “This happens every storm.” He returned to the stove, and with his eyes on hers, he opened the drawer, took out a long lighter, and held it up. He smiled, flicked it on, then lit the stove manually. He reached over her and lit the candle. A warm light illuminated the room and cast a golden glow on them. 
As he pulled back, he stopped when their faces were a mere breath apart and stared into her eyes. He stepped closer and smiled as he reached for the cabinet behind Marie and retrieved another cup. Marie shifted out of his way, but he placed the cup on the counter, stopping her motion. He placed the lighter on the other side and trapped her between his arms. As he gazed into her eyes, John opened the drawer next to her hip and felt around, then pulled out the tea and tea strainers and set them on the counter. His gaze held hers. Marie raised an eyebrow. “I see ye have done this in the dark before.” John smiled, “Aye.” 

Lightning lit up the room, and thunder reverberated off the walls. Marie jumped, and her hands gripped his shoulders. John took her hand, kissed one, then placed it around his neck as he embraced her. She rested her head on his chest, her ear aligned with his heart. Beneath his warm skin, its steady beat calmed her. Marie took a deep breath, and they stood there in the night as they held each other. The rain made shadows on the moonlit window ran down the glass in wavy patterns. Thunder rumbled, but farther away now. She wasn't sure who moved first, but she gazed into his eyes. He moved closer, and his lips brushed hers lightly. She didn't stop to think, only felt. Their lips twirled, and she felt his heartbeat, then her heartbeat rushed. His hand caressed her face while the other at her back anchored her to his body. She relished the play of their mouths. Warmth spread from her neck to her toes as her knees went weak. Her hands moved over his chest as she ran her fingers through the soft hair. He deepened the kiss, and she molded her palms over the muscles of his shoulders, then trailed them back to his chest again. John’s kisses sent tingles from her fingertips to her toes. She tilted her head and moaned as John trailed kisses down her neck. The tea kettle whistled loudly. Marie tried to jump away, but John held on to her. He whispered, "Stay here, don't move an inch." John crossed to the stove, shut off the gas, and moved the kettle to another burner. He stopped and lowered his head as he rubbed his neck. They stood there momentarily, his back to her. She glanced down, took a deep breath, and turned away. Before she could move farther, he was beside her and took her into his arms, her face in his hand. “Where ye going?” Marie wouldn’t look at him.  “Back to bed.” John’s thumb came under her chin as he tilted her head till their eyes met. He stared at her a moment and glanced over her face, eyes, and mouth. His hand caressed her hair. “Sit up with me, please?” His eyes came to her face again. “I can’t sleep in storms. Spend the time with me over a cup of tea. We can sit by the fireplace in the hall.” Marie blushed. “Aye, I can’t sleep either. I’ll sit up with ye.” John kissed her nose, then stepped away. His easy manner settled her nerves. John moved close to her, handed her a cup, and then placed his hand on her back as they made their way out of the kitchen. Marie stopped. “John, the candle. Ye need to blow out the candle.” He leaned down and blew out the candle. “That’s the second time I’ve blown that candle out tonight.” 