The Tiger Within by Amanda Anderson Page B

completely human although it was different than any he’d encountered before. Her scent was human, he was sure of it, but it was so close to that of his kind others might mistake it. Her scent was mingled with that of her husband, but he sensed nothing but human blood flowed through her veins, though something else was there, subtle but there. He could never place the scent. There were rumors, of course, of a blessing upon her family, but no facts were known. He wondered though.
    Lady Euston looked up, when the door opened to find Laird Henry Stewart staring at her with an odd look on his face. She had seen it many times before. For some peculiar reason his kind never understood her. She found it gave her an edge. “Laird Stewart, would you please stop sniffing me and have a seat.”
    “I am dreadfully sorry, Lady Euston,” he said with a twinkle in his amber-green eyes. “I find your scent most refreshing.” He gave her his best beguiling smile. She was a shrewd woman and extremely out spoken and bold, if rumors could be believed. She was not a blue stocking though, she was highly respected for her wisdom and fortitude, but she cared little for politics. Her focus was on the well being of those she loved and she loved her daughter and she had once highly respected him as well. She cared little for his titles or money, so he knew it would be an insult to act as though they were important. She wanted to see those close to her as happy in life as she was. She insisted upon complete honesty. He found her company freeing in a society full of double talk and subterfuge. He would enjoy this visit a great deal.
    “I know why you are here,” Lady Euston went on without preamble. “I wish to speak with you about this in detail before I will permit you to see my daughter again,” she said as she took her seat and invited him to do the same.
    “Of course, what would you like to know?” He said as he carefully studied her. She was a fragile looking woman, but he knew she held an inner strength matching his own. She practically glowed with an ethereal beauty unmatched in any other woman, except perhaps her daughter. He could feel her affecting him and knew she would discern immediately if he tried to be less that truthful. It was another aspect of the lady that confused him. She was human and should have no power over his mind, but he always felt it in her presence. It was a warm assurance of trust that made those around her desire to be honest with her. He frowned as he thought. She broke into his thoughts suddenly before he could discern further the qualities that intrigued him.
    “Is she like you?” She watched him closely.
    He felt her encouraging him to remain completely honest and he tried to gather his now scattered thoughts.
    She looked into his amber-green eyes and found honesty. She could see the signs of his breeding in his countenance. His cheek bones were high, nose strait with slightly flared nostrils that spoke of his highland ancestors. His handsome jaw had a sharp, almost squared angle making him appear stern while the smile that continually played on his wide mouth made it known he was quick to smile. His hair was very black with an odd sheen that shown golden orange in the light. He had a small streak of white at each temple that she knew would move to the back of his ear when he changed. He was in his mid thirties, she would guess, although she knew him to be much older. It was hard to discern in their kind because they tended to live longer than regular humans. She turned her attention back to his words.
    “We soon shall see for sure, but I am almost certain she is,” he said as he stood and began to pace the room.
    “What then?” She impaled him with a narrow eyed expression. “I will not have her dishonored. She is the most sought after young lady of the season so far. There have been several offers for her this morning alone. I fear her father may be over run when he returns,” she said with