Rebekah exhaled heavily as she brushed the side of her horse with her hand. “That’s a good lass.”
The mare chomped happily on the grass in front of her, and Rebekah took refuge under a nearby tree. Her legs felt like pins and needles were stabbing through them. She closed her eyes for a moment when she heard footsteps approaching. Rebekah glanced up curiously and found Leo standing right in front of her.
“Forgive me if I startled you, Lady Maxwell. I was hoping we could talk.”
“Aye?”
“I am not sure what happened this morning, but I fear I’ve offended you somehow.”
She smiled weakly. “Ye haven’t offended me, Leonidus. Quite the opposite.”
“It’s because of what I said last night, isn’t it?”
Rebekah swallowed hard. “It’s because ye’re right.”
“About what?”
Silence fell between them, and she had to look away or risk losing her resolve. “I-I feel it, too. That’s why I’ve been avoiding you. This feeling I have, it’s…persistent.”
He sighed. “I know exactly what you mean. I would burn in hell a thousand times for the way I feel about you.”
“Then we will burn together,” she responded instantly.
The next thing she knew, his lips were pressed against hers. Rebekah gasped at the initial contact, but quickly melted from the tenderness in his touch. Leonidus placed his hand against her cheek and she kissed him back, not caring if anyone saw them.
One of his arms wrapped around her tightly and his hand brushed her hair aside. It was so much better than she’d imagined, because this time, he was real. She moaned as he dragged his tongue along her lip, and she kissed him back deeply.
It was the most intense and intimate moment she had ever felt. Everything about their kiss was exactly what she wanted it to be.
She pulled away from him and steadied herself. Leonidus looked back at her with hunger blazing in his eyes.
“Please, don’t pull away from me,” he pleaded. “I love you. I didn’t realize until I met you how much I was missing in my life.”
Rebekah shook her head. “I’m sorry, Leo. This cannae happen. I want to…so badly, but I am bound to another. Ye ken that.”
He nodded, wiping her tears away and then kissing her softly on the lips. “I hope you feel the same about your husband.”
She choked out a sob and looked up at him with teary eyes. “I hope so, too.”
He sighed. “I will never stop wanting you. Lady De Wolfe, or not, to me, you will always be the one my heart desires.”
“If you really care about me, then please dinnae put me in this position. I have to learn to love my future husband, and with ye…it’s like I’ve already betrayed him.”
“If you haven’t said your vows, then you haven’t betrayed anyone,” he said. “You’ve done nothing wrong.”
Rebekah shook her head. “God forgive me fer wanting ye like this. If my fiancé knew…he would hate me.”
She thought he might have been trying to hide a smile when he responded, “I think he will forgive you.”
Chapter Twelve
Rule Water Castle, Scotland
The Wolfe’s Lair
Leonidus gazed out across the hills as they rode toward Rule Water Castle. The memory of Rebekah’s kiss still lingered on his lips as the sweetest thing he had ever tasted. He could only imagine how much sweeter it would be once they were finally married and she could be his forever. Never in his wildest dreams did he imagine there was such a woman for him, that such joy would be waiting in the marches.
His mother Isobeau, had told him once that love has a will of its own, and that fate has a funny way of turning out for the best. It had only been four days since he set eyes on Rebekah Maxwell, and he knew for certain those words had been true.
Four days, and already she managed to get underneath his skin. He was devoted to her.
It had been tragedy and desperation that spurred their initial meeting, but clearly God had put them on a path that would bring them together.
He smiled when the castle came into view. Only a few more hours until he could reveal himself at last.
The massive keep was strategically stationed on the hill as a giant monument to their family dynasty. He led their party along the road with Caius close behind, guiding their horses down the rocky hillside. The Wolfe’s Lair was located on the outskirts of the village.
Leonidus glanced back to Rebekah riding on the mare behind him. Here eyes were red and puffy as if she’d been crying, and seeing her that way broke his heart. It was his fault.
Soon, they were at the entrance and it brought a flood of strange emotions inside him, bringing his bride home. Excitement. Joy. Fear. All at the same time. He felt like a different person.
As they approached the stables, Leo turned to Rebekah and watched her dismount and her maid climb down from the cart. Rebekah’s gaze met his, and she smiled timidly. Leo sighed and handed the reins over to the stable boy.
Leo joined Rebekah and bowed.
She fidgeted uncomfortably and turned her attention to the castle. “So, this is the Wolfe’s Lair?”
He nodded. “It is, my lady. The De Wolfe family has commanded these halls for centuries. It’s a great pleasure to welcome you to your new home.”
“The Wolfe’s Lair is a fitting name,” she confessed, staring up at the massive keep. “And its different than I imagined, but beautiful nonetheless. I never imagined anything so lovely being my home.”
One of the guards approached them. “Welcome home, sir. I see you’ve brought some visitors. How may I be of assistance?”
Caius cleared his throat. “This is Lady Rebekah Maxwell. She is here to marry my brother and become the next Lady De Wolfe.”
The guard bowed and smiled, glancing between Leonidus and Rebekah. “Then I offer my sincerest congratulations! We will help the lady get settled and bring her things into the castle.”
“Thank you, Robert,” Caius said.
Leonidus cast his brother an appreciative glance, which Caius acknowledged with a nod before walking back to Bentley and the others.
“Now that we’re here, I’m afraid there are other duties I must attend to. Lord Atticus will want to know you’ve arrived safely and start preparations for the marriage ceremony. I’m afraid the next time we’ll each other will be at your wedding,” Leo said.
The tension between them was palpable, and he didn’t know what else to say. A knot formed in the pit of his stomach at the thought of leaving her. He didn’t wish to be parted so soon, even though it was necessary.
Rebekah’s eyes misted. “Leonidus, I…”
He shook his head. “You don’t have to explain. I understand.”
“I appreciate that, but…I want to. My heart feels like it’s being ripped apart, but this is nae just about ye and I, it’s about what’s right. I am loyal to my clan and they’re all depending on me to secure this alliance.”
“So, you’re choosing your clan above the wishes of your own heart?”
She nodded. “I’m choosing duty above all else. The De Wolfes have been good to me, they’ve taken care of me. What kind of a woman would I be if I went back on my word after everything they’ve done? I will nae betray their trust and will surrender myself into their care and marry their son.”
Her decision to choose loyalty above all else, made Leonidus love her even more.
“But will you love him?” he asked quietly.
“I haven’t met him yet. I’m sure I will, I just have to give him a chance. That’s the point.”
He nodded and broke eye contact with her. “I hope he’s everything you’re hoping for.”
Just then, Bentley and Caius called him to follow them. “Leonidus, come! You are needed to report. Isobeau and Atticus are waiting.”
“I’m afraid I really must be going. For now, just know you have my heart and I will see you at your wedding.”
She spun away from him to go with
the guards into the castle. As he watched her leave, Leonidus thought, Dry your tears, love. Soon, you’ll know just how much we’ve both been blessed.
Part of him felt guilty for not being honest with Rebekah from the beginning, but the ruse escalated so quickly that he didn’t see a way out of it without hurting her. In any case, it was too late now. The best he could do was make it up to her by being worthy of her hand. Rebekah spoke about the De Wolfes as if she didn’t deserve their kindness, but he felt it was the other way around—it was he who didn’t deserve to be her husband. He promised himself then and there he would do everything within his power to make her happy and to never lie to her again.
Caius walked up beside him. “Leonidus, aren’t you coming?”
He shook off his daze and nodded. “Yes, of course. Forgive me, I was distracted.”
His brother grinned. “I hope whatever you’re planning is worth this secrecy.”
Leonidus grinned. “It is. She’ll know my true name soon enough.”
“Be careful, Leo. You don’t want to anger her. If things don’t go the way you plan, you’ll still be married to her and have to deal with the fallout later.”
“I am well aware,” he responded tersely.
Caius laughed and held up his hands in mock surrender as they started walking down the hall. “I wasn’t telling you not to do it, I was just telling you to be careful. She’s a good woman, and I think you’ll do well together.”
They searched for their father, Atticus. Leo knew he would be anxious to hear about his decision. There were still many things that needed to be dealt with before the marriage could take place.
Morgana poked her head out from one of the rooms when they walked by. “Leo! Caius, you’re back!”
She embraced them and could scarcely contain her excitement. She laughed as she threw herself into Leonidus’ arms.
He smiled. “I’ve missed you, little sister.”
Morgana pulled away from him and looked up expectantly. “Tell me what happened! Do I get to meet her?”
“Soon enough,” Caius told her. “Where can we find Father?”
“He’s in the solar. I’m coming with you this time.”
Leo grinned as she looped her arm through his and let him escort her down the hall. “I’m so glad you’re back! Is it really true that you’re getting married?”
“I am,” Leo confirmed as they started up the winding stairwell. “You will like her, I think.”
“Oh, I’m so excited! I want to meet her right away.”
Caius and Leo looked at one another before Caius responded. “Morgana, why don’t we speak with father first? You can meet her this evening.”
“But why? I want to meet her before the wedding.”
They approached the solar on the second level. The walls were adorned with vibrant tapestries, woven by the women in the castle. “It’s a long story, but please trust me. You will meet her very soon.”
Caius knocked on the door, and a voice called them inside. “Come in.”
Leo stepped into the solar first, bringing Morgana and Caius with him. “Hello, Mother. Father, I trust you are doing well?”
Isobeau set her needle and thread aside when she saw them. “Boys! It’s so good to have you back.”
“Indeed,” Atticus responded from his place by the window. “So, tell us of your journey. Have you made a decision about the Maxwell woman?”
Caius laughed as he sat down in one of the chairs and eyed his brother ruefully. “I could answer that question for him. Leonidus is quite taken with her. He’s scarcely left her side since we arrived at Caerlaverock Castle. I dare say the feeling is mutual.”
Isobeau looked up at them, surprised. “Is that so?”
Leo rolled his eyes at Caius. “Yes, Mother. I accepted her father’s marriage offer and brought her back with us. I think you’ll like her.”
“Well, where is she? I would like to meet this woman.”
Leonidus groaned. “I sent her and her maid with the guards to prepare for the wedding. I want to be married tonight.”
The emphasis he put on the final word caused the others to look at each other curiously.
Morgana was positively beaming. “Well, I think it’s wonderful news. I’ve always wanted a sister.”
Isobeau chuckled. “I understand your excitement, darling. Your father and I hoped you would agree to the marriage, but does it have to be so soon? Give us a few more days to plan…”
Leonidus shook his head. “I don’t want an elaborate celebration. I just wish to be united with the woman I love.”
Caius poured himself a drink from the decanter on the table. “I told you he was fond of her.”
Atticus laughed and crossed his arms over his chest. “Well, this is certainly unexpected. If that’s really what you want, son, I’d be delighted to send for the priest and have a simple ceremony.”
“Thank you, Father.”
Isobeau clapped her hands and smiled as she glanced over to her son. “Oh, Leonidus, I am so happy. This is exactly what I hoped would happen for you!”
Caius wagged his eyebrows at his brother. “Leo, you and I both know there’s something else you need to tell them about her.”
Morgana and their parents all turned to him expectantly.
“Tell us what, darling?” his mother asked.
“Rebekah is…a remarkable woman, and I think she will be a great addition to our family,” he mumbled.
“Then what’s the problem?” his mother pressed.
“Well, for one thing, she’s terrified of you, Father.”
Atticus’s eyes widened. “What?”
“I tried to assure her you were nothing to be afraid of, but she’s still worried you won’t like her.”
“Poor lass,” Isobeau muttered. “We must make her feel welcome here.”
Caius scoffed. “Well, yes. That’s probably good for you to know as well, but it wasn’t what I intended for him to tell you.”
Isobeau appeared confused. “Then, what is?”
“Lady Maxwell is not aware that Leonidus is her intended.”
They all stared at Leo in shock. “What? How is that even possible?”
Leonidus sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. “It was all a misunderstanding that got out of hand, nothing cruel, I assure you.”
“Then explain,” his father demanded.
“When we arrived at the castle, she mistook me for one of the knights. I merely chose not to correct her and spent the trip getting to know Rebekah rather than letting my title change the way she would treat me.”
Atticus frowned. “You’re telling me this girl spent the entire trip here to get married, not realizing her fiancé was with her all along?”
“I know it sounds ridiculous, but it was with good reason.”
Morgana shook her head. “Oh, Leo, why would you do such a thing?”
“She had already agreed to marry the second son of Lord De Wolfe. I wanted her to know me as simple Leo. Rebekah never would have opened up to me the way she did had she known I was your son.”
Isobeau’s features softened as she glanced at Atticus. “I see…”
Caius set his cup down on the table. “Actually, I agree with him. It was a special situation, and I think Leonidus chose well.”
Atticus clicked his tongue and sighed. “Then tell me, son, what have you learned about this girl?”
“Rebekah is a perfect match for me, and I will love her always.”
“And do you think she feels the same?”
Leo nodded. “I do. Once she realizes I’m the one she agreed to marry, she will be overjoyed.”
His parents nodded thoughtfully.
“Good,” his father said. “I will play along with your game for the time being. Please send Father Hubert up to me at once.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Caius, keep your brother from causing any more trouble, won’t you?”
He snickered. “I’ll do my best.”
<
br /> “Good,” Atticus nodded. “While you’re at it, see to the cook and make sure there will be plenty of food this evening.”
Isobeau addressed Morgana, “Dear, how would you like to help me plan some decorations for the great hall? I want to make sure it’s perfect for this evening.”
Morgana smiled. “Yes. Oh, I’m so excited! I cannot wait to have a sister.”
With all their duties assigned, Leo looked at his father. “Thank you. I can’t tell you how much this means to me.”
Chapter Thirteen
Music drifted down the hallway as Rebekah stole away to the private chapel of Rule Water Castle. She was already dressed in her wedding finery and had a thick, wool cloak pulled up over her shoulders to conceal herself. The hood kept her features hidden from anyone that might recognize her.
There was only an hour left before she would be entering this same part of the castle to marry The Viper. She’d been unsettled ever since she arrived, and knew the only place she could find peace was in her faith.
Candlelight flickered off the stone walls, illuminating the wooden pews and a statue of the Virgin Mary. Rebekah approached the confessional slowly and lowered her hood before crossing herself and kneeling at the altar.
As she bowed her head to pray, an elderly priest wandered out to greet her. He wore a dark, brown robe and had black hair. His face was kind and welcoming. “I’m sorry, ma’am, but the chapel is closed for the wedding ceremony.”
“Yes, I’m afraid that’s my fault. I came to give confession before I marry Lord De Wolfe’s son.”
“I see. You must be Lady Maxwell. It’s a pleasure to meet you, my dear. I’m Father Hubert.”
“It is nice to meet you, Father Hubert. Please, if you would allow me this confession it would ease my suffering greatly.”
He frowned, glancing back at the door. “Shouldn’t you be getting ready, child?”
“I’m already dressed. Please, Father. It is too important.”
The priest offered her his hand. “If it will ease your conscience before this sacred union, I will oblige. Come with me. I will show you to the confessional.”
De Wolfe in Disguise: De Wolfe Pack Connected World Page 8