Wolf's Bane
Page 25
Alek had read the papers, too. Something like recognition flared in his eyes, but whatever connection he made, he kept it to himself.
Married and made a wealthy widow on the same day, Charlotte struggled with her new responsibilities and her new social position. Everyone in the village had an opinion, which they freely traded with each other. The vile accusations Mrs. Parkell flung against Charlotte in court—all of which the broadsheets published—did not help. She struggled to maintain a soft heart. Mrs. Parkell and Jase were just as betrayed by Lionel as she. In that spirit, she continued the allowance Lionel established for the pair and offered to cover Jase’s university tuition and expenses.
He declined, having decided that he wanted to hunt monsters. He had known Lionel’s secret for some time and had been forced to be his uncle’s minion to protect his mother. Frankly, Charlotte could not imagine Lattice Parkell needing protection from anything. The woman was a force unto herself.
A year and a day later, Luis and Miles returned from the West Lands.
The man who climbed off his horse and strode across the courtyard was not the unsure young man who left. Time and the trial of the journey had changed Luis in more than physical appearance, but that had changed considerably, as well. His frame had filled out with thick, solid muscle, and exposure to the elements turned his complexion a golden tan.
Luis moved with confidence, and Charlotte hesitated to know exactly how many skirmishes had tested him along the way. Miles appeared equally worn, but he beamed at Luis like he hung the stars.
The entire household and then some had gathered in the courtyard to welcome the returning travelers. Godwin paced impatiently. Charlotte, who had spotted Luis and Miles on the road, had dashed through the woods with the news of their return. Sweat clung to the small of her back, and she did her best to mop up her brow.
Solenne gripped Alek’s hand, and Charlotte averted her eyes, ignoring the pangs of jealousy.
Her friend pointed to the sun dipping near the horizon. “And what kind of time do you call this? You’re late.”
Luis crushed his sister into an embrace. Even from her distance, Charlotte smelled the distinct aroma of sweat, horse, and leather.
“Gah, you smell disgusting,” Solenne muttered, her face pressed into his chest.
“I missed you, too,” Luis said. “Are you shorter?” He pushed her away, hands on her shoulders. “You’re shrinking. Must be all the magic. I do not approve.”
“It’s not magic,” she said, knocking his hands away, “and you’re a giant now. Everyone is shrinking from your vantage.”
“Mystical werewolf bond magic.” Luis wiggled his fingers.
Solenne laughed, sounding so pleased to have her brother back.
Luis and Miles made the rounds, embracing and slapping everyone they saw, including Travers who stood motionless, enduring the hug.
“Well?” Solenne asked. “Did you find Blackthorn?”
Luis gave a dramatic yawn. “We’ve been traveling for days—”
“Only because you were so excited to be near home that you refused to rest,” Miles interrupted.
“Days without pausing to eat or sleep,” Luis continued, as if he could not hear Miles. “I’d like a bath and a meal. Then we can talk.”
Miles rolled his eyes. “Draven has the sword. Apparently, he’s been waiting for someone to come and fetch it.”
“So you have it?” Alek asked.
Luis shook his head. “He wants a trade that I was not qualified to make.”
“What does the vampire demand?”
“A bride,” Luis answered.
The crowd fell silent. The Marechals looked at each other, like they had lost the battle before they had fired a single shot.
“I suppose that’s that,” Godwin mumbled.
“Yes. I said I’d send word, but how could we ask—” Luis trailed off.
“An interesting fellow, but an unreasonable demand,” Miles added.
That family. Charlotte loved them, but they lacked imagination and had a disturbing forgetfulness when it came to history. They squabbled among themselves, demanding to know the terms of the negotiation or if Luis just accepted the terms without protest. Luis refused to discuss until he had a bath. The more details Godwin and Solenne demanded to know, the longer Luis’ list of demands grew.
Alek and Miles watched the exchange, amused and exhausted.
“I’ll go,” Charlotte said.
No one heard her.
“I will go,” she repeated, raising her voice to an unladylike decibel.
The family turned as if one entity, as if they just noticed her presence.
“No,” Solenne said. “Out of the question. You’re not giving yourself to a blood drinker. They’re dangerous—
“Don’t be ridiculous. Send me. This is what I do, isn’t it?” Charlotte retorted. “I marry monsters.”
Afterword
Thank you for giving a Regency-style werewolf a chance. I know it’s not my normal alien fare but I’ve had this idea knocking around my head for ages.
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Please join my Facebook group to discuss Wolf’s Bane and give me a piece of your mind.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NanceyCummingsReadersGroup/
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Not gonna lie. This year has been tough. We’re all going through something. I’ve been fortunate that my husband could work from home. (I already do, but I do miss coffee shops.) I haven’t lost any immediate family or friends to COVID, but I don’t have to look far to find friends who have lost family members.
In an effort to turn off the constant worry in my head, I’ve been indulging in all the things I love. First it started with Jane Austen movies, then Lucy Worsley documentaries, then Agatha Christie shows and movies, jigsaw puzzles, knitting and playing with polymer clay. Anything to keep my hands busy and my brain engaged.
I also decided that it was time to write a book I wasn’t sure about and I tossed in all the things I like. So that’s how we ended up with this Jane Austen/Lost in Space + werewolves mash up.
Will there be more? I have Charlotte poised for her own adventure.
Honestly, it depends on sales. It takes me 3-4 months to complete a book. If I’m dedicating a quarter of the year to a project, I need to be sure that it will pay the bills. Having said that, you can easily look through my catalogue and see all the risks I like to take. Alien shape shifting reindeer? Time travel? Reverse harem with dudes that are mostly lava? I may very well reach the point where I say “fuck it” and write Charlotte’s book.
But this will happen faster if you leave reviews. Even a simple “I liked it” is helpful. Reviews and reader feedback is one of the ways authors determine which project to pursue.
I have a whole slew of people to thank. My GargGirls have been there everyday for writing sprints, pep talks and general kicking my butt into gear. Thank you Stacy Jones, Stephanie West, Regine Able, Tamsin Ley and Abigail Myst. Marina Simcoe, Naomi Lucas, Tiffany Roberts are excellent cheerleaders. Bet McLynn is too damn funny for her own good. Honey Philips is a delight. Jeanette Lynn is the weirdest in the best way (and always poking me about the Jane Austen werewolf book). I think that’s everyone. Apologies if I forgot a writer buddy.
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Stay safe!
About the Author
Join my newsletter and get a FREE copy of Claimed by the Alien Prince.
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I write fun, flirty and fast stories featuring sassy heroines, out-of-this-world heroes, all the mischief they can managed and plenty of steamy fun. Hopefully you want to read them too.
I live in an old house with my husband and a growing collection of cats.
Follow my Facebook reader group for early teasers and whatnots.
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