The Wolf and the Highlander (Highland Wishes) by Jessi Gage

was apt. Even sweaty and matted, his hair and beard resembled a lion’s mane. Riggs bowed his head low, taking care to keep both his hands in sight and far from the handle of his axe. Having this many men so close to Anya had his fingers itching for the feel of his weapon’s handle in his palm, but he’d lose a hand sooner than he could touch his weapon. “You may rise.” His show of deference was acceptable. He met the king’s eyes briefly, respectfully, noting his irises were the yellow-amber color of hardened tree sap. The kin g took in Riggs’s battered face and torn shirt, his gaze moving with the quick alertness of a hawk’s. This man would not miss much. Thank Danu Anya had washed the blood out. Riggs dropped his gaze to the king’s chin and waited to be addressed. “Name and occupation.” The king spoke like a man who knew his word was law. Being addressed meant he had permission to look directly at his king. Riggs sat tall and made his voice clear. “Your Majesty, I am Riggs the trapper, son of Hilda. I live near the border west of Figcroft and have with me a female—” “It’s him, sire.” One of the four guards who had hung back spoke over him. He’d been about to say, female past her time of breeding, but hadn’t gotten the chance. “That’s the name the messenger gave.” The other guards tensed and closed the circle tighter around him. The two nearest him, the knights, drew their swords. King Magnus held up a staying hand. “I’ll hear his version of events.” His version? Had news of An