Page 1 of A Memory Not Mine (Sanguis Amantium #1)

Prologue

“ H ave you seen her again—the girl?” Robbie asked as they made their way up the rocky path behind the cottage, heading into the hills near Caisteal Abhail to check on Baird’s herd of cattle grazing there.

"She’s not a girl , Robbie—she’s a woman. Near to thirty, I’d say." Baird flexed his hands and rolled his neck, trying to shake off the tension that had settled in his muscles. His loyal deerhound trotted alongside, oblivious to his master's mounting frustration.

“But ye keep seein’ her?” Robbie pressed.

“Aye, Robbie—isn’t that what I’ve been tellin’ ye?” Baird said sharply, his irritation slipping through despite himself. This wasn’t Robbie’s fault, and he knew it. In truth, he was grateful to have someone he could confide in. Ol’ Robbie was the only real friend he had left.

" Sorry…it’s just…I thought all of this was behind me.

" Baird ran a hand through his hair, his voice tight.

"When the visions stopped years ago, it felt like being released from a prison. I was finally free." He exhaled heavily, his broad shoulders sagging with the weight of it. "But now…they’re back. I see her—sometimes two, three times a day. Her face just appears in my mind, uninvited. I’ve tried to shut it out, to block the visions, but…I haven’t had much luck. "

“And ye don’t know who she is?” Robbie asked.

Baird shook his head. “Not yet, but I’ve a feelin’ that’s about to change.” As much as he didn’t want to admit it, Baird was certain the simple, solitary life he’d built on the island was about to get significantly more complicated.