Marcus Cynster is waiting for Fate to come calling. He knows his destiny lies near his home in Scotland, but what will it be? Who is his fated bride? One fact seems certain: his future won't lie with Niniver Carrick, a young lady who attracts him mightily and whom he feels compelled to protect--even from himself. Fate, he's sure, will never be so kind as to decree that Niniver should be his.

Delicate and ethereal, Niniver has vowed to return her clan to prosperity. Having accepted that she can never marry and risk a controlling husband, she needs help fending off unwelcome suitors. Powerful and dangerous, Marcus is perfect for the task. Suppressing her wariness over tangling with a gentleman who so excites her passions, she appeals to him for aid.

Marcus quickly discovers his fated role is to stand by Niniver's side and, ultimately, claim her hand. Yet in order for Marcus to convince her to be his bride, they must plunge headlong into a journey full of challenges, unforeseen dangers, passion and yearning, until Niniver grasps the essential truth--that she is indeed a match for Marcus Cynster.