McNeely, Rachel - The Marquis' Mystical Witch (BookStrand Publishing Romance)

by Rachel McNeely

  Looking haggard and every day of her fifty-two years, she set the empty glass down and shuffled to the door. “Go, do what you must. I will be polite to your guests and look forward to the time when you all leave.” She started out, then stopped, her back to him. “I am sorry.” The words were so faint he was not sure he heard them. She closed the door and left him alone with his painful thoughts and memories.

  At the soft knock on his door, he turned expecting to see Jane, but when he called out "enter", Thea cautiously walked inside.

  "I hope I'm not disturbing you."

  Her sweet scent brought all his nerves to attention. Hunger flashed and clawed at him. Taste her, touch her. The words pounded at him.

  "What do you want?" His words came out more gruffly than he'd intended, and she stepped back.

  "To thank you. Today could have been so terrible for me and my sister. I hope we haven't caused a problem between you and your mother."

  "Don't worry," he tried to soften his tone. "Any problems were there before you and Miss Elvie entered this house. As I mentioned before, Garr will look out for you while I'm gone. If he needs help, my good friend, Lord Kenelm, will intervene."

  She slowly moved closer until he thought he'd never survive the deep ache for her. Green eyes studied him. "Are you hurting?" She put out her hand, and he almost stumbled stepping back.

  "I'm fine. Don't touch me please. Go and enjoy your visit with my sister." He motioned for her to leave. Startled, she hurried across the room and closed the door with a snap as she left. Instant regret slammed into him. Damn him and the wolf.

  * * * *

  Thea's short visit had taken only a few minutes. Yet time had seemed to stand still in his office. Of course, before she entered the room, she'd overheard his mother parting words. What had his mother meant by saying she was sorry? Apparently, she and her son didn't have a good relationship, and Thea hated causing more problems between them. She'd try to be especially pleasant to Lady Radford during their stay with her.

  Thea walked slowly upstairs on her way to join Elvie and Jane. Her reactions around the marquis surprised her. Every time she was near him, her body reacted in unfamiliar ways. A deep need to touch him, to be close, urged her to reach out, as she'd never done or thought to do to any other man.

  "We've started here in the Rose room." Jane said, smiling as Thea came to the door. Everything was of the palest pink, from the cream-colored wallpaper covered in tiny rosebuds to the rose-colored bedspread and plush carpet. The oak furniture gave off a soft sheen. Thea loved the relaxing ambiance.

  Through a connecting door, they entered the Silver Lace bedroom. Here, delicate wallpaper edged in real lace delighted both Thea and Elvie. The richness of the wall hangings and the silver and lace bedspread turned the larger room into something spectacular.

  “Which room do you want?” Elvie asked, eyes shining as she moved around touching the furniture and the silky bed coverings.

  Thea smiled. “Jane, don’t you agree this is the perfect room to fit my sister with her silver hair?”

  Jane chuckled. “I was going to suggest that very thing.”

  “Really?” Elvie pivoted with grace and happiness.

  “Yes. For myself, I prefer the quiet calm of the Rose room.”

  Elvie looked at her hard. “You aren’t just being nice and letting me have the best room?”

  Thea shook her head no. Elvie squealed with joy and threw her arms around her sister. “As you can see,” Thea said to Jane, “it doesn’t take much to please her.”

  A clearing of a throat stopped all the playfulness, and all three turned to see Lady Radford eyeing them.

  “Your clothes will not do,” she said, looking at Althea and her sister. “Tomorrow, we will go to my mantua-maker. She can measure you both and have some dresses ready before you leave. The others can be sent to you.”

  “We don’t need new clothes. What we have should be fine for the country,” Thea protested. She did not plan to be deeper in debt to Lord Radford. He was marrying her to save her from Lord Akers. That and giving Elvie a home was more than enough.

  “You must maintain a certain appearance, as expected of a marquis’ wife. You will not bring shame on our family. We leave at ten.” With those words, she strode out, determination in every step.

  Lady Radford's harsh words hurt, and the enormity of what Thea faced tightened her throat. Tears pooled in her eyes, and she blinked rapidly to stop them from falling. Lord Radford had rescued them from disaster. Thea wouldn't forget.

  “Don’t worry. My brother can afford anything you need," Jane said. She squeezed Thea's hand. "He won’t care and we'll have fun shopping. Perhaps we might stop and have ices on our way home." Jane gave her a hug. "Come on." She motioned. "Let's go downstairs."

  Elvie and Jane hurried down the steps together, giggling and chattering. If only Thea could be carefree and unburdened. She was once, when her parents were alive, but it seemed a lifetime ago. Fear that she might make an irrevocable wrong decision for Elvie and her weighed heavy. Would their parents be pleased with the ones she'd made? They'd want her to protect Elvie. With them both gone, there was no one to rely on but herself.

  Thea wished Lord Radford had stayed here the next few days. She suspected he left to avoid any gossip. This left little time for them to become better acquainted before the wedding. She shivered at the thought of marrying a virtual stranger and being under his control. That Elvie trusted him comforted her some, and thus far everything he'd done helped them. Yet, they might be in grave danger if they were mistaken about him.

  * * * *

  Wulf stepped out of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s office, in Doctor’s Commons. Shadows cast across the building told him it was time to leave town. Night was not far away. His oldest and most trusted driver and Bailey would make the trip with him. He climbed into the closed carriage after telling the driver to stop by Jeffrey's on their way out of town. Bailey stepped in behind him.

  Wulf leaned his head back against the cushioned seat, and closed his eyes. “I’m tired, Bailey. None of my research has gotten me any closer to the answer to my dilemma.”

  “I know, my lord. And you have worked hard to find the cure.”

  Wulf opened his eyes and stared at Bailey. “I am beginning to understand why father and grandfather accepted their wolf side. Why can’t I be more like them? I've always hated what I see as a curse on our family.”

  Oh, there were some benefits. Wulf's keen eyesight and hearing was much better than the normal person’s. His father had used both those talents to stay ahead of competitors. On the other side of the coin, his father accepted his more savage side and relished in it, whereas Wulf had fought that part of himself for years.

  Tonight though, he understood better how a man's determination might be worn down. He ached to get to his estate and make the change. All his mixed emotions clawed to get out. He'd relish the freedom to run through the woods. But, soon he'd marry a woman he already desired. He must keep a tight rein on himself when around her. It wouldn't be easy. An aching need tugged at his insides. In his mind’s eye, he saw her white throat, black-as-ink hair and changeable emerald eyes. What secrets did she hide?

  The carriage slowed as they arrived at Jeffrey's. Wulf stepped out and knocked on his friend's door. He hoped Jeffrey was home. He had no time to go searching for him. With all the rush caused by today's occurrences, Wulf had little time to prepare properly for his trip outside the city.

  "Lord Radford." Jeffrey's butler motioned for him to enter.

  "I'd like to see Lord Kenelm."

  "He's in his office. I'll announce you."

  Wulf followed the butler down the corridor and waited until he was announced.

  "Go right in, Lord Radford." The butler held the door and closed it as Wulf entered.

  "I'm surprised to see you are still in town, Wulf."

  "I hadn't planned to be but much has happened since this morning. I find myself betrothed, and I need to
ask if you'll be available should my future wife and her sister need assistance."

  "Certainly, but who is your fiancée?" Jeffrey walked over and poured glasses of whiskey for Wulf and himself.

  "Lady Althea Rigby."

  "I don't expect Lady Radford was too pleased with your choice."

  Wulf ran a hand through his hair. "That's putting it mildly. I hate having to leave them. I know you must have more questions, but there's no time to explain how this all happened. I need to get to my estate. Tonight is the full moon. I'll come by and we'll talk when I return."

  He slugged back his whiskey. Uneasiness settled over him. He hated leaving Thea and her sister under someone else's protection, even if he did trust them. This was just one more reason he had to end this curse. To marry and leave his wife at anyone's mercy once a month was repugnant to him.

  "I've left your name with my man. He's to contact you if Lady Althea or her sister need help. I don't trust her uncle, even if I have moved them to my home and placed them under my mother's care."

  "Don't worry. I'll check later this evening just to make sure they're all right."

  "Ask for Garr. I hired him this morning."

  "You have had a busy day. You trust him?"

  "I do, but I'll be more comfortable knowing you're also checking on them."

  "I'll take care of anything that occurs. You'd best leave."

  Wulf took another swallow of the whiskey and put down his glass. "I'll be back tomorrow or the next day." He strode out of the room and hurried to his carriage.

  Relief washed over him when they passed the edge of town. He'd done all he could for today and soon, very soon, he'd run free.

  * * * *

  It was dark when they arrived. Wulf requested a light supper and counted the hours until he could retire for the night. Quiet settled over the house as the servants went to their rooms. He lingered a few minutes longer to finish his drink, then took the steps two at a time.

  He pulled his clothes press from against the wall and moved a panel aside. An opening to a dark stairwell appeared. Wulf pulled on a cord to alert Bailey to follow him, then he lit a candle and moved steadily down the stairs and along the path toward the hidden room.

  Slipping out of his clothes, so as not to tear them, he quit fighting to keep the wolf inside. The pain hit him as bones popped and rearranged. Dark brown hair sprouted, covering his body. Conscious thought faded into baser instincts as the change swept through him.

  Bailey slipped out of the darkness and moved the large stone away from the small opening. “I’ll be waiting,” Bailey said.

  Wulf responded with a deep growl, then slid through the open space. He ran across the wide lawn and into the concealing woods. Cool night air ruffled his fur. A deep breath brought in the musty forest smell. Small animals scurried into hiding places.

  Moonlight seeped through the thick overhead branches and lit his path. Fueled by the taste of freedom, he ignored the harsh, briary tangle of growth slapping against his powerful legs.

  Standing at the top of a small knoll bathed in silver light, Wulf lifted his head and gave a powerful howl. The sound echoed across the silent countryside.

  Freedom, his spirit sang as he lapped cool water from a nearby stream. He sniffed the damp earth and gnawed at a fallen branch.

  A twig snapped, then another. He raised his head and then rose to his feet. The hackles on the back of his neck stood on end as he caught the scent of humans.

  Slowly, silently, he retreated behind a large tree. He scanned the darkness. They were near. Soft voices penetrated the silence, and he recognized one.

  “I tell you I saw a large wolf running in this direction.”

  “Ain’t nothing to bother with, gov. You said we’s to find the lord and shoot him.”

  The familiar voice spoke again. “We'll find him. Be patient.”

  The other man, dressed in a worn coat and hat, shook his head. “If you say so. But—”

  “Hush!”

  Lord Akers and his underling stopped by the creek, rifles in hand, ready.

  “Drat,” Akers muttered as dark clouds hovered, concealing the moonlight.

  Instinct told Wulf that when the moon reappeared the men would spot him. Then, there'd be no escape. Without hesitation, he lunged forward, knocking his enemies off balance and to the ground. Sharp paws raked across one man’s head and ripped the other’s back.

  Lord Akers hollered with pain and rolled into a ball. The man lying beside him moaned and tried to grab his rifle, but it had landed just out of reach.

  The scent of blood overcame Wulf. He circled his prey, fighting the urge to kill. Leave now. The words, barely recognized, stopped him for a second. Leaves blew across the dirt, and Wulf glanced at the sky. Clouds moved swiftly on the strong wind. Run, run for cover. His muscles stretched out, as he ran through the shallow creek and disappeared into the foliage just when the moon reappeared.

  A rifle fired, but Wulf was long gone, fleeing deeper into the dark. He crept into the opening of a small cave. Panting and with his heart pounding rapidly, he lay down resting his nose on his outstretched paws. He watched and listened. His ears detected no unfamiliar sounds.

  A rabbit hopped by. Wulf uttered a low growl, sending it scurrying away. After what seemed an eternity, he ventured out. His muscles glided smoothly as he loped along, checking constantly for the presence of humans.

  He paced beside the creek where he'd left the men. Their human scent mixed with the smell of blood still hung in the air. He plunged into the cool water. Refreshed, Wulf shook himself on the opposite side. Here the stronger rusty aroma of blood tantalized him more. He shook his massive head and continued on toward the hidden entrance to his home. At the edge of the forest, he raised his head and sniffed the air. No unfamiliar scents blew in the breeze.

  Wulf raced across the open area to the side wall, and pushed behind the large bush. He scratched the wall. Bailey moved the stone covering the opening and Wulf slipped inside.

  Bailey disappeared into the passageway. Wulf hated for anyone to see him change. His bones began to pop. He jerked with the pain. His hair shimmered, then began to fall from his body, disappearing before it hit the floor.

  Breathless and tried, Wulf laid on the cold, damp rocky surface. He put a hand across his eyes. It had finally happened. He’d attacked a human. Well, it was in self defense. Nevertheless, he’d not only wanted to stop them, he'd wanted to destroy them. It was dangerous for him to stay another night, even though the moon still pulled at him. His neighbors would be on the lookout for a large brown wolf. If he stayed, the nearby woods would make it almost impossible not succumb to the temptation. Pushing to his feet, he grabbed his clothes and headed to his room.

  A warm fire and a hot bath awaited him. On a nearby table, a plate of meat, cheeses and fruit set alongside his coffee.

  “Do you need anything else?” Bailey asked, coming into his room and pushing the clothes press into place.

  “No, thank you. Get some sleep.”

  Bailey nodded and left.

  Wulf sank into the hot water. He sighed as the heat soaked into his aching muscles. He leaned back and closed his eyes as the tension left his body. After the water had cooled, Wulf dried off and sat before the fire.

  He was always hungry after his change and he ate the meat, cheese and fruit quickly. He settled his frame into a comfortable chair with a hot cup of coffee.

  Almost asleep, the sound of feet scampering across the wood floors toward his room aroused him. Pulling on his robe, Wulf threw his old clothes into the hidden passageway. The men were injured on his property and someone had probably come to inform him. Still, Wulf had always feared somehow, someday, someone would find out his family's secret. Perhaps his father had not always been careful when he changed into the wolf. Rumors of werewolves and other bizarre tales had come down through the ages and were more likely to be believed by the uneducated.

  “My lord.” Bailey’s urgent tone interrupted Wu
lf's thoughts.

  “What is it, Bailey?” Wulf's heartbeat quickened, but he forced himself to remain calm.

  “There are several men downstairs. They wish to speak with you. They're a strange looking group.”

  Wulf glanced around his room. “Get rid of the bath, push it into the passage. Put my book and one candle by the bed.” Wulf reached up and ruffled his hair before heading downstairs.

  A tall, thin man with a partially bald head stared up the staircase. Wisps of grey hair stood out around the edge of his hairline. His forehead wrinkled in a frown. Next to him stood a short, portly man in a mussed black suit, and by his side, a rugged looking man with black hair and a craggy face. When he smiled, Wulf saw he lacked several front teeth.

  “What brings you good men out at this hour?” Wulf asked. Glancing outside, he added, “It must be close to dawn.”

  “Yes, it is, and I noticed lights on here right early,” the tall man said.

  “I'm an early riser. It gives me time to read, before I go for my morning ride.”

  The man squinted. “Did you hear anything last night?”

  “Such as?”

  “Unusual noises.” The portly man spoke for the first time. The thin man glared at him.

  “I’m handling the questions.”

  The portly man flushed and stepped back.

  “Well?”

  “No. I heard nothing unusual last night.”

  “Several of your neighbors heard a wolf baying at the full moon.” The tall man, who appeared to be the leader, continued to frown at Wulf.

  “Perhaps they have difficulty sleeping. Why are you asking all these questions?” Wulf's tone conveyed his distain.

  “Two men were mauled last night at the creek on your property."

  “I am sorry to hear of anyone being hurt, but what were they doing prowling around my property in the dead of night?” Wulf noted the man’s face flush and his mouth tighten.

  “I was wondering that myself.” The words popped out of the portly man’s mouth. He threw his hand across his mouth, seeing the disgust in the leader’s face.