Just when they thought it was safe to start their married life, an unsolved 1906 mystery begins a new haunt...

After leaving the threat of the Hunters behind them in Scotland, newlyweds Aidan and Jade settle into their Pacific Grove cottage by the sea, intent on making up for lost time. Not surprisingly, domestic bliss gives way to another phantom in the portrait above their own fireplace. There, an Edwardian lady in grey takes center stage in the ever-changing landscape.

Once more, Jade puts her art history degree to good use combined with old-fashioned detective work and her newfound psychic gifts. But will her fledgling power be enough to save the trapped spirit in the painting, or will her attempts incur the wrath of an evil entity that feeds on living and dead souls?

With a new husband, the whisper of a family in the making, and everything they ever wanted together at stake, Jade must weave the threads of this harrowing tapestry before her bright future unravels.

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Release Date: April 18, 2023
Genre: Paranormal Romance

A Pink Satin Romance

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Excerpt

Prologue

Aidan and Jade readied themselves for the long day ahead of them. The newlyweds met their friends on the steps of the Scottish castle beneath charcoal grey skies. The staff waited in line to say their goodbyes. The storm had tapered off, with a light dusting of fog kissing the sea. Dougal, the Scottish Terrier, followed at Jade’s heels, while Aidan carried Morrigan the White Raven’s cage. They loaded themselves into two cars and arrived at the landing strip surrounded by fields of purple heather. Once the private jet was loaded, the group took their seats inside. Mrs. Macleary offered Champagne to the guests before takeoff. They sat back, readying themselves for the twelve-hour flight.

“Hopefully, we will have a smoother ride than last time,” Jade said. Mary and Katie exchanged glances.

“Don’t worry. We’ll be fine,” Jade said. For the next several hours, the group enjoyed their flight by catching up, eating, drinking, and sleeping. Before they realized, they were back in California. They said their goodbyes, promising to get together soon. After their driver dropped them off in Pacific Grove, Jade and Aidan took turns carrying their luggage and pets to the cottage.

“I’m dying for a hot shower,” Jade said with a deep yawn.

“Good idea, love. Why don’t you get started, and I’ll get Dougal and Morrigan’s supper ready?”

By the time she left the warmth of the bath, Aidan had lit a fire and fed the pets. Jade headed to the kitchen, but turned suddenly when she heard Dougal growling beneath the fireplace. She joined her husband in the living room. In disbelief, the couple stared at the portrait above the hearth.

“Oh, my God, Aidan.”

The lone man, who once stood by the sea, had vanished. In his place was a grey lady surrounded by a shroud of monarch butterflies.

“What does it mean?” Jade asked.

“Seems like we have another mystery to solve,” Aidan said.

Jade pushed a golden curl from her forehead and yawned. “Looks like it’s time to get back to work. I guess our vacation’s over.”

“Don’t worry.” Aidan smiled down at her. “I promise we will unravel it. It’s not the first time we’ve had a mystery to solve, and it may not be our last. But for now, let’s go to bed. We will figure out everything in the morning.”

Jade sighed, gazing into her husband’s aquamarine eyes. “Hmm, that does sound nice.”

He lifted her in his arms, carrying her to the bedroom. Gently, he laid her down atop the quilts, kissing her soft lips. Outside, the storm pounded the sandy beach, and lightning lit up the bedroom windows. Aidan moved Jade against his eager body, and they created their own rumblings beneath the satin sheets.

Chapter One

Her chestnut curls swept across her ivory shoulders as she dipped the paintbrush. She studied the unfinished portrait with reverence as her delicate hand moved gracefully over the blank canvas. The silver sheen of her Edwardian gown rippled with each dainty movement. The doorbell rang, and a dark-haired gentleman waited anxiously outside the mahogany door. Reluctantly, the young woman placed her wet brush on the palette and moved toward the parlor. The lady’s husband and servants were away for the evening and the unexpected privacy brought a flush to her high cheekbones.

For a moment, she stood in the doorway, twisting her wedding ring, trying to decide. Expectantly, she opened the door to gaze into her lover’s hopeful brown eyes. Biting her lower lip, she moved backward with half-closed lids.

From the upstairs studio, an ebony cat circled the abandoned easel with purpose. When the old tom heard footsteps on the stairs, he leapt onto the pallet of fresh paint. Soft laughter floated down the hallway like tiny bells. The curious feline startled at the sound of the slamming door and knocked the unattended pallet to the floor. As the frightened pet rushed from the studio, he left behind a row of crimson paw prints in the fading light.

* * *

Jade snuggled against her husband’s chest, steel-grey eyes fluttering open as he wrapped his protective arms around her.

“There’s my lovely bride,” Aidan said, lowering his lips to hers. “How did ye sleep, lass?”

“Hmm, good,” she said, sitting up and stretching. “It’s wonderful to be back home, but it seems strange to have to make my own coffee. I miss Mrs. Flannery already.”

“Well, you stay warm in bed,” he said, looking toward the window. “It’s raining again. Don’t want you to catch a chill. I’ll make ye a cuppa.”

Jade watched her husband’s nude form disappear around the corner. After slipping on a robe from his suitcase, Aidan made his way into the modest kitchen.

She’d never tire of his perfect body and gorgeous face. And that was just his human side. The fact he was part selkie added another layer of enchantment. The day he’d transformed into a half-human seal hybrid was forever etched in her mind. During the metamorphosis, his lower body became sleek and powerful, unbelievably exotic and unearthly. After she’d witnessed his transformation, Aidan feared the truth would keep them apart. Yet, his hybrid nature undoubtably saved her from drowning, and she would always love him for it. Despite his brawny physique, her husband’s hands were gentle as silk. Every touch stirred her passion, sending jolts of unimaginable sensations throughout her body. She sighed, reminiscing on their passionate evening the night before. The storm invigorated the newlyweds, electrifying their lovemaking.

“Looks like Mary stocked the kitchen up with groceries,” Aidan called from the kitchen.

Jade reluctantly turned her thoughts to her morning routine and pulled her silk robe over a pearly white satin camise. A few minutes later, she joined her husband by the counter and wrapped her slender arms around his powerful hips.

“Aww, that’s why she’s my best friend. After taking care of the antique shop, she still makes time to ensure we’re comfortable,” Jade said.

Aidan nodded. “There’s a note pinned to the fridge,” he said, eyeing the delicate handwriting.

He grinned. “Mary says she wants us to rest up. Also mentions there’s going to be a big storm passing through the next few days.”

“Oh? Looks like we escaped the weather in Scotland, only to have it follow us home,” Jade said with a yawn.

“It sure does.” Aidan smiled down at his wife, admiring the soft glow of her cheeks in the morning light. “I’ll be heading into work tomorrow, so we should snuggle up today and enjoy the fire.”

“Sounds like a good idea, love. I’m still a bit jet lagged.”

Jade pulled the belt of her satin robe tight and padded toward the fireplace. She let out her breath, enjoying the warmth of the flames. A strong wind whipped the sides of the cottage and a light spray of rain sluiced down the lace-covered windows.

“Thanks for adding wood to the fire.” Jade’s eyes rose to the portrait above the mantel, and she grimaced.

“Oh, God. I’d almost forgotten.”

Aidan looked over his shoulder, frowning.

“What’s wrong, love?”

“The painting is completely transformed. Our Scottish laird has been replaced by an Edwardian lady surrounded by monarch butterflies. Oddly, the entire painting has taken on a grey, misty appearance. I was hoping it was just a bad dream.”

Joining Jade by the fireplace, Aidan encircled his large hands around his wife’s petite waist. As his lips touched the delicate spot by the nape of her neck, she trembled with pleasure. Within moments, her anxiety melted beneath her husband’s loving touch.

“Yes, I noticed this morning, darlin’. Appears the crazy portrait is back to its old tricks. I wonder what happened to the Scottish lad on the beach?”

Jade shrugged and shook her head. For a moment, the couple stood in silence, gazing up at the lady in grey.

When Aidan overheard Jade’s stomach rumble, he took her hand and led her toward the dining room table. Once she took her seat, he hurried to the kitchen. As he stirred bell peppers and tofu into a sizzling frying pan, he glanced toward his wife. Realizing what she desired first thing in the morning, he set the pan to the side and set a mug of piping hot coffee on the table. Grateful for his thoughtfulness, she smiled up into her husband’s adoring eyes.

“Thank you. You know how to make a girl happy,” Jade said, blowing away the rising steam.

“You’re welcome, lass. Don’t worry. We have plenty of time to figure things out. Just relax this morning, and let me take care of you today.”

Jade watched her husband make his way around the kitchen and smiled. She loved how natural everything settled despite their short time together.

Carrying two porcelain plates on his arm, he set them down on the dining room table.

“I bet you’re famished after our lovely evening last night,” he said with a wink.

Jade felt herself blush beneath her husband’s aquamarine gaze. “Yes, I’m starving,” she said, her breath hitching. “You gave me a workout, Laird MacFie. I’m looking forward to a possible encore tonight?”

Aidan chuckled, his hand moving over his wife’s shoulder, then down her side.

“Maybe we won’t have to wait until this evening,” he said with a hint of a smile.

“Promises, promises,” Jade answered, steel-grey eyes gleaming in the morning light.

“Aye, I always make good on my word, lass. Just make sure to finish your plate so ye have plenty of energy for the rest of the day.”

Jade laughed as Dougal padded toward his bowl, stubby tale wiggling in delight.

Aidan took his seat across from his wife and took a sip of coffee. As the rain pounded onto the tin roof, Jade leaned back with a sigh. Their cottage by the sea was everything she’d ever dreamed of and more. Sometimes she felt like pinching herself just to make certain she wasn’t dreaming.

“It’s lovely having you across from me this morning, darling. You mentioned earlier we should make the cottage our main home?” Jade asked.

Aidan reached across the table and covered Jade’s small hand in his own. “Aye. Seems like the perfect place. We can continue our runs on the beach and the horses will arrive in a few weeks once the barn’s repairs are finished.”

“I really love the idea. Can you imagine riding Blackjack and Bonnie along the shore? It will be a dream come true! But are you sure you won’t miss your penthouse? It’s so grand in comparison to the cottage.”

“Well, I was thinking we could use the penthouse as our second home. Maybe we can go back and forth between the two? Also, you’re welcome to store any of your antiques ye don’t have space for. There’s plenty of room.”

Jade smiled. “Thank you, Aidan. You’re always so thoughtful. And I was hoping you might prefer using the cottage as our primary residence. Honestly, the first time you spent the night it seemed so natural. I’m thrilled you feel at home here. There’s such a deep connection to my ancestors within these walls. And since the Mackenzie’s and MacFie’s were friends years ago, it seems fitting that you’re part of my family’s legacy.”

“Yes, it’s incredible our clans knew each other over a century and a half ago. Appears we were destined to be together, love. And I feel the same way about the cottage. It seemed like home since the first night. Thankfully, we can finally put the Hunters’ chapter behind us once and for all. Uncle Brodie promised to keep an eye out in Tobermory, but it sounds like most of the cult members were arrested during the Great Selkie Birthing.”

“Thank God. Now we just need to solve the mystery of this portrait,” Jade said, pushing a locket of sandy-blonde hair from her forehead. Placing her napkin by her plate, she left the table and moved toward the canvas above the fireplace. Aidan followed her to the living room.

“I don’t really know what to think of the recent changes. On one hand, the painting has been a valuable tool. It provided a mirror into the past, and simultaneously warned us about future dangers. And now I realize the alterations were supplying clues all along. But so many questions remain. Why was the portrait in my shop to begin with? Where did it come from? Who’s the artist?” Jade shook her head. “I think I’d feel better once I understand its true purpose. Mary and Katie’s research was helpful regarding its connection to selkie lore. But the imagery has changed, and the Scottish laird vanished. Who’s the mysterious lady in grey? I guess I’ll have to start all over again.” Folding her arms across her chest, she stepped closer to the portrait.

“Any fresh ideas this morning, love?” Aidan asked, staring at the mysterious canvas.

“From my art history background, I can assume a few basic facts. For one, the subject is wearing an embellished tea gown, which suggests the canvas represents a woman living near the turn of the twentieth century. If I had to hazard a guess, I’d say the imagery likely dates to the Edwardian period between 1901 to 1910. Happen to love the style. Many paintings from the era depict charming golden age scenes. A common theme portrays ladies of leisure enjoying afternoon tea parties. Dressed in flowing vintage gowns, the subjects lounge about, seemingly without a worry in the world. Although, I must say, this painting gives off a strange melancholy feeling. The subject’s grey dress matches the dark skies of the canvas. The seascape looks wild and untamed, even a bit threatening. Reminds me of some of the darker elements of the Romanticism Movement during the early to mid-nineteenth century, especially relating to elements of emotion and the power of nature. It’s quite interesting considering the blending of styles. It gives me a jumping off point in my research. I believe it’s time I put what I learned from my master’s in art history to use. I was so preoccupied with getting the antique store off the ground and trying to figure out the strange happenings by the beach, I leaned on my friends for help. Now that the shop’s stable, I think I’m going to put my degree to work.”

“One of the many things I love about you,” Aidan said, stroking her rosy cheek with the back of his hand. “You’re as brilliant as you are bonnie.” With a lopsided smile, he gazed at his wife in the firelit room.

Jade felt herself flush at the intensity in her husband’s vibrant eyes. He moved her against his chest, kissing the top of her head.

“God, I cherish ye. Just let me know if I can help in any way.”

An unexpected boom of thunder caused Morrigan the White Raven to fly from her perch toward the kitchen. She landed on top of the lace-covered windowsill and stretched her powerful wings in a fan of ivory feathers. The room darkened as storm clouds passed over the cottage.

“Are you ready for breakfast, my lady?” Jade asked.

Morrigan cawed in anticipation, bouncing her snowy head up and down, pale blue eyes flickering in the dim light.

Grinning, Jade moved toward the refrigerator and opened it. Inside, she noticed a large bowl of mash stored in a Tupperware next to a carton of almond milk. “Mary thought of everything. Not only did she stock the fridge, but she also made sure Morrigan would have breakfast when we arrived home from the wedding.”

After spooning a generous portion of mash into her pet’s bowl by the window, Jade pushed aside the lace curtain above the farmhouse sink. Torrents of rain pounded across white dunes, and frothy tides churned.

Sighing, she turned to her husband who had returned to his seat at the dining room table.

Jade joined him and took a sip of her coffee.

“I think this is going to be a day to stay inside by the fireplace. I just need a good book and…” Jade stopped mid-sentence as Aidan reached for her hand, sending ripples of pleasure over her skin. Will his touch always take my breath away?she wondered, imagining it would.

After breakfast, Jade brought their dishes to the sink. While the water ran over the porcelain plates, her husband moved closer, gently parting her sandy-blonde waves to the side while kissing the nape of her neck. A myriad of sensations rocked her body as his warm breath sent shivers down her spine.

“Are you ye sure you’ll be reading all day, lass? I had a few other ideas in mind,” Aidan said, his voice deepening as he drew her close.

“Mmm, you have no idea what your touch does to me, Laird MacFie.”

Jade closed her eyes as her husband’s lips warmed her skin.”

“Aye, I feel the same. Glad we enjoyed a hearty breakfast. Since we’re staying inside, I believe we are going to need all the energy we can muster.”

Jade let out her breath, overwhelmed by their reality. They could finally enjoy some down time and concentrate on their domestic life.

 

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