Keith Sutherland, the son of a powerful clan, is called home to take over the role of chieftain. The elders impose one stipulation―that he takes a wife. He is given the choice to marry one of six lasses from the most prominent clans in the north. As he courts the lasses, he realizes the one woman who ignites his passion is forbidden to him. Marren Macleod gave her heart to Keith long ago. When he returns home, her desire for him deepens, especially when his kisses spark her unbridled passion. As Marren tries to win Keith's affection, secrets come to light as to why she was sent to his clan for fostering. She is furious to learn she's nothing but a pawn, going from one laird to another in their game of alliances and enemies. To prevent marriage to her guardian's choice, Marren must force her betrothed to break the agreement set by his father. At first, Keith wholeheartedly courts the lasses, but then mysterious happenings occur. Some lasses fall ill and some flee his castle in fear they have been hexed. He refuses to name the lass he intends to marry and delays his nuptials, much to the chagrin of his clan. With seven lasses at his disposal, one laird should be able to find a woman likable enough to marry. If only he might win the heart of the woman he most desires and put behind him the family discord that could be his undoing.