Page 4 of Sexual Appetites of Werewolves

“There is also the werewolf myth concerning Clan MacMadadh, MacMadadh meaning son of the wolf,” Olivia said, not being able to ignore it, though she thought it nothing more than a myth, but one she had to follow if she were to give proper credence to what she was to write for Vera. “An ancestor of yours, the laird at the time, killed a village woman and blamed it on a wolf?”

“He wasn’t an ancestor,” Tiernan corrected. “He was the Laird of Clan MacMadadh at the time, and after his death one of my ancestors became laird and his bloodline continues to remain in every laird of the clan throughout the years. And itbecame known that the laird who had actually killed the woman had killed other women as well.”

“Proving the serial killer theory, which was not recognized until later when doctors and men of science began to question deaths more vigorously and eventually scientifically,” she clarified. “Though looking back on some old, documented murder cases of thirst for blood and flesh, it is logical to assume why they had been attributed to wolf attacks.”

“Except for one important fact that never was considered,” he argued.

Olivia smiled, knowing what he was about to say. “Wolves have no interest in humans and there isn’t a credible documented case in history of a wolf attacking and killing a human for no reason. And the scant cases that do exist show that the wolves were provoked or that they had foolishly been given the taste of human food and it drew the wolves to places they would have never gone. Wolves fear humans as much as humans fear wolves.”

“Almost right. Wolves don’t fear humans. They just prefer to have nothing to do with them. Their only concern is for the survival of their pack.”

“I am looking forward to meeting your pack of wolves and your staff,” she said, intentionally changing the course of their conversation to see if she could learn of any opportunity of a job at the preserve, while trying to ignore her continuing attraction to him.

“My part-time staff have already left for the winter, and I keep a minimal staff who live on the property year-round and have been with me for several years. Knowing the area, the wolves’ habitat, is essential to caring properly for them.”

She had thought of that and surmised it might prove a barrier for getting a position there. She was counting on her years of experience, extensive knowledge, and most of all herlove of wolves to break that barrier. It wasn’t going to be easy, but she was determined from when she had first heard of this preserve to eventually work here one day. She never had the nerve to apply for a job here, many of her colleagues, with more experience than her, having tried and been turned down. But being here was different. Being here she could show him what an asset she would be to the preserve, at least she was hopeful she could, but she had to ignore this overwhelming appeal she felt for him.

In heat. You’re in heat. A gasp would have shot from her mouth at such a crazy thought if she didn’t lock her lips tight. Colder temperatures affected female wolves’ ovaries triggering a rise in estrogen. But she was not a wolf.

“I would be only too glad to have you explore the preserve, but I need not tell you that you may never do so alone. I or one of my staff will accompany you. I believe your assignment would fare better in my extensive library. There you will find endless books on werewolves, some quite ridiculous and others quite entertaining, but far from truthful. And we can talk about the history of werewolves in Scotland if you’d like, including my ancestor.”

“That would be helpful,” she said, thinking of the challenge it was going to present if she continued to have sexual thoughts about him.

This was not like her at all. Her work came before anything. Wolves came before anything. They were her life. She had no idea the reason why and she never questioned it. She was happier when she worked with wolves than with humans. She could not let this strange attraction she felt for Tiernan get in the way of what brought her the most joy and love… wolves.

“The snow starts,” Tiernan said with a nod at the window. “A light snow is predicted but one can never be sure in the Highlands. Predictions often go astray.”

Olivia looked out the front window, snowflakes dotting the windshield. She was amazed that by the time they reached the castle, light snow had dusted the ground. However, it did paint a beautiful picture as they drove through the main gate and along a tree-lined road to the castle, and she felt once again as she did when first seeing the train station… as if she had just stepped back in time.

She had read about the history of the castle and how three additions had been added to the original section over time. But one would never suspect that seeing it now. All sections flowed beautifully into one another as if they had always been there. It was decked out for Christmas. Lit wreaths and Christmas swags adorned the multitude of windows as well as the balustrades along the two staircases that lead up from either side to the two front doors that were dressed in beautifully decorated pine wreaths while pine trees in white, square containers sparkled with white lights in a lovely pattern in front of the castle and circular driveway. Clan MacMadadh was one of the clans that managed to not only keep their wealth but increase it considerably. The family was wise when it came to investments and depended on no one when it came to maintaining the castle and the extensive property that went with it. With the size of it, it would take her more than a week to explore the place.

Olivia turned her head to catch sight of as much of the impressive and festive castle as she could as Tiernan drove past the front to turn at the far end and drove around to the back where a six-car attached garage sat. One of the garage doors was just completing its ascent in time for Tiernan to pull into it.

“A good cuppa would probably serve you well right now and perhaps a rest before supper this evening. My housekeeper, Fay, will get you settled,” Tiernan said and got out of the vehicle and walked around it to open her door, then snatched her suitcaseand tote from the backseat, and as she heard the garage door closing, he led her into the castle.

As they passed through a mud room, Tiernan said, “The wellies are kept here. I’m sure you will find a pair that fits. Though for snow, you will need a warmer pair of boots, which I’m sure we can find you if you didn’t bring any winter boots with you.”

“I read up on Scottish weather and prepared as much as I could for the unpredictable.”

“You are a wise woman, Olivia,” Tiernan said, sending her a smile before he turned to lead them further into the castle.

Olivia silently scolded herself for letting his smile tempt her libido. She may find him appealing, but it had to end there. She wasn’t here to frolic with the laird. Her desire was to work for him, not to have sex with him. Wasn’t it? She shook her head that she should even question it.

So, he’s hot. Get over it, Olivia. Don’t be an idiot and lose the chance of working at the place you’ve been dreaming about because you find the man who would be your boss, hot.

They entered a somewhat updated kitchen mixed with elements of a bygone era; a long, narrow table with four chairs on either side where one would expect to see an island, polished, dark wood cabinets, copper pots and pans hanging everywhere, herbs in pots that sat on glass shelves across the window over a large copper sink, a modern, eight burner gas stove and a commercial-sized refrigerator that all blended well together.

“This is Fay, Olivia,” Tiernan said, catching her attention. “She will show you to your room and bring you a cup of tea and some of her delicious scones to enjoy.”

“Your sweet-talking tongue will not be gaining you any favors, my lord,” Fay said with a playful nudge at Tiernan’s arm.

Olivia could tell that the two were more friends than laird and servant by the way they teased each other with smiles, and damn if it didn’t make Tiernan even more appealing.

“If you don’t mind, could I possibly have tea in the library. I’d like to get started right away on my research and see what books you have that may help me with it.”

“Not at all,” Tiernan said. “You are welcome to peruse the library and enjoy your tea there. I will see you at supper.” With a nod to her, he left.

“Come with me and I’ll show you to your room and give you time to freshen up if you’d like, then I’ll return and show you to the library,” Fay said and reached for Olivia’s suitcase and tote.

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