He loves her too much to make her his own.

A great, ugly beast of a man, Angus, Chief of the Reahs, strikes fear into his enemies' hearts. Only one person intimidates him - Lady Alissa, the daughter of the former chief. He's adored her since he was a lad and she a wee, downy-headed bairn. Angus longs for her with all his heart, but fear stops his tongue. What woman wants a beast, an ugly one at that, and how could such a petite mite of a woman bear the babes of a brawny man like him? His own ma died birthing him - a fate he will not consider for Alissa. He's a fool!

Lady Alissa has loved Angus the whole of her life. She knows he loves her too, but the stubborn man refuses to court her. Too proud to confront him or admit her love, Alissa arranges her own marriage to a man far away. She is preparing to leave when unexpected tidings change her plans. Wolfstan, reputed to be the cruelest raider on the seas, is revealed as the kidnapper who's been stealing lasses from across the Highlands. Alissa's cousin is among his prisoners. When Angus sets out to rescue them and seek revenge, unbeknownst to him, Alissa joins his pursuit. She's determined to do her part for the clan and prove to him, once and for all, that she is the perfect match for a Highland warrior.