The Marquis' Mystical Witch (BookStrand Publishing Romance) (14 page)

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 Wulf'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.

“Exactly who are you?” Wulf asked, looking from one to the other.

“I’m the Constable and these are my assistants. Don’t remember seeing you here before. Are you Lord Radford?”

“I am. My father visited frequently in the past. I prefer my other country estate.”

Wulf walked to the window. Dawn lit the horizon. Facing the men, he said, “Gentlemen, you must excuse me. It's time for my ride. I don't wish to miss it. I plan to leave by noon for London.”

“You can’t leave now.”

“And why not? I certainly have more important things to do than to go hunting with my neighbors for a wolf. I'm sure they can handle that without my help. Just see they stay off my property.” The iciness of Wulf’s words could have frozen the noses of the men standing nearby. Wulf moved forward, and the men stepped back.

“Seems like you'd want to see the wolf caught," the Constable said.

"Not at all. I have no idea what the men were doing sneaking around my property, but the wolf is obviously a good deterrent to stop any more nefarious outings on my land."

The Constable glared at Wulf. “Come on, you two,” he snarled. “We will see if Lord Radford's neighbors are more willing to help.” He stopped at the door and his eyes drilled into Wulf. “We'll take care of this matter.”

Wulf inclined his head. “I wish you good hunting.”

Bailey, who had joined them, closed the door and sagged against it, his eyes full of questions.

“We will talk on the way to town. For now, I will ride as I told the gentlemen."

“I will prepare for our departure.”

Wulf went to the stables and waited while his favorite mare was saddled. Mounting, he directed his horse away from the forest and across the open fields. The wind blew through his hair. Wildflowers crushed by his horse’s hooves added a sweet scent to the early morning air. Dewdrops sparkled on the grass and lambs grazed nearby. The idyllic morning contrasted with the evil last night, just as he lived two contrasting existences.

He slowed at the top of the hill and viewed the patchwork of neighboring farms. This estate was not as safe as it had been in his father and ancestors’ time. The family was not known as well in this area, especially since Wulf rarely came to London and consequently seldom came here. He needed the larger acreage of fields and woods on his ancestral estate. Even that might not be enough to continue to hide his secret.

Should he tell Thea the truth before they wed? If he did, she might call off the wedding and tell others about him and his family. He didn’t think she'd betray him, but he couldn’t risk how she might react.

He’d marry her first. She might hate him later, but that would help keep distance between them. He would not risk having a child, yet. Hope still lingered that he'd find the answers he needed. This nightmare had to end with him.

A knock on the door woke Thea. “Come in.”

A young maid brought in a tray and placed it on a small, oval table by the bed.

“Thank you.” Thea slipped out of bed and pulled on her wrapper. After pouring herself a cup of the sweet smelling chocolate, she walked to the window.

Carriages rumbled by. She took a sip of chocolate, hoping the warmth would calm her uneasiness. Now that she was awake, her concerns regarding Wulf's strange behavior and her impending marriage came to the forefront. When might Wulf return and how soon afterwards did he plan to marry her?

She forced the questions and worries filling her head away and glanced around as Elvie came through the adjoining door.