The Marquis' Mystical Witch (BookStrand Publishing Romance) (36 page)

Wulf snarled and yanked Beckett out of his seat, slamming him against the wall in one smooth motion. “I warned you not to test me. I had decided not to have you arrested, but maybe prison would be the best place for you.” He tightened his grip around Beckett’s neck and enjoyed seeing his face turn purple and to hear him gasp for breath.

Lady Beckett came to Wulf’s side and pulled on his arm. “Let him go. You will kill him.”

When he turned his face her way, he curled his lips up and let his eyes flame. She dropped her hand and fell backwards. “What kind of beast are you?”

Wulf whirled around and threw Beckett into a chair. “Now the two of you will listen to me.

“I am a marquis and my lineage is long. The Prince, for a price, would see you both transported out of the country for stealing my wife and her sister’s money. Any gossip you started would be seen as trying to retaliate. I would not advise you to pursue such a course.” Wulf took a deep breath. “This is what you are going to do.” He motioned for Lady Beckett to sit.

“You will receive the yearly amount listed in the original will. If you are frugal, you can manage.”

“No one can live on such a sum,” Beckett protested.

“Many do on much less.”

“Thea will not want to see our daughter hurt. She will not make a successful marriage with no dowry,” Lady Beckett said.

“You are probably right. My wife has a soft heart. I do not.” Wulf glanced from one to the other. “I believe we understand each other. Good day.”

His last impression was of them flushed with anger and obviously frustrated at their inability to do anything to change their future. In spite of the pain in his arm, he chuckled. Good riddance.

* * * *

Lady Radford greeted Thea with cool politeness.

Jane rushed to her side. “How did you stand being in that horrible place? I would have died.” She hugged Thea tightly, before stepping back and adding, “You are very brave.”

“You would be too under similar circumstances.” Thea winced, thinking of anyone having to be in that horrid place. “I did the best I could to survive until Wulf came. I knew he would find me.”

“My son’s name is Ulric!”

“Everyone calls him Wulf,” Thea said.

“That stupid name they gave him after they thought he survived a wolf attack. Has he told you all of his secrets?”

“What are you talking about, Mama?” Jane’s voice quivered.

Thea sent a warning glance to Lady Radford. “I know about his first marriage,” she said, hoping to stop any further revelations.

Jane apparently did not know about the family curse. Wulf would be devastated if his sister turned from him in horror, especially since Thea sensed and hoped, they were close to finding a way to rid the family of the spell cast over a century ago.

Lady Radford gave her a hard look. “You know? You accept all of him?”

The wolf and the man, two sides of her husband. His mother did not accept the two sides of him after all these years. She directed her anger at her late husband and Wulf. Yet they had not been able to control their fate. They hadn’t had a choice.

Silence fell between the three women. Jane glanced between Thea and her mother, questions in her eyes. Thea wet her lips, delaying her answer while she searched her heart.

“I love your son. All of him.” When the words came out, Thea realized she told the truth. Any lingering doubt fell away. How could she not love the man who rescued her twice and demanded nothing in return?

The attraction had been there between them from the start. Love grew as she began to know the man. She sensed his pain, not only from his facial scars, but the pain inside him from the battle he fought to resist whatever clawed at his soul. They would break the curse, whatever they had to do. Thea took a deep breath and steadied her trembling hands.

Lady Radford stared at her, as though she could look into Thea's mind and see the truth. “Hold tight to that love. The years go slowly, and like steady drops on a surface, they wear feelings down until nothing is left but hate.” Lady Radford excused herself and walked out. For the first time, she looked like an old woman to Thea.

Jane looked puzzled and started to say something.

Thea stopped her. “I’m very tired. Would you mind if I went into the small sitting room and spent some time alone?”

“No, of course not. Mama and I have planned to go to the mantua-makers’ for my fitting for a new gown.” Jane’s face glowed. She kissed Thea on the cheek before leaving.

Thea walked two doors down to the quiet sitting room. She chose a chair near a window. Picking up a small book of sonnets, from the table beside her, she opened it but couldn't concentrate enough to read. She was glad for the small fire to take away the chill in the room and in her.

Bailey knocked and entered. “My lady, something arrived for you.” He laid a small package, wrapped in brown paper, on the table beside her and left, closing the door.

She was almost afraid to remove the paper. Determined to shake off her unreasonable fear, she took control of her thoughts, and then gently pulled the paper open at the top. Inside was a wrapped gift.

Wulf had written a short note on his calling card.
Saw this in the store and thought you would like it. Will be home soon.
She tore the wrapping away and found a dainty fan edged in fine Brussels lace. The back was painted with birds and butterflies colored in beautiful jewel colors.

Thea spread it out on her lap. Her hand lingered across the dainty paintings. Hope filled her heart. It was a beautiful, thoughtful gift. If they could end the nightmare, she and Wulf had a chance to find happiness. They must plan what to do next. She sensed they were close to discovering all the answers. A dark cloud wavered in front of her, outlining a woman’s figure.

“Don’t forget me. I will say when and if the nightmare ends.”

“Grandmamma told me I am stronger. The choice will not be yours.” Thea spoke with determination to the ghost of her great-great grandmother.

The figure swirled, and as she disappeared, the fire flashed up the chimney. Outside thunder boomed.

The answers were at her grandmother’s house— in the book. She felt certain of it. She and Wulf must visit Grandmamma soon.

A letter from Elvie arrived shortly after Thea's package. Thea started to read her message when Jane peeked into the room.

"May I join you? We're not going out until later."

"Of course, please do."

"I see you have a letter. Will I disturb you if I play some music?"

"No. I'd enjoy it.

Jane smiled and walked over to the pianoforte. She began to play soft classical music while Thea read.

Dear Sister,

I hope when you receive this letter, you will be safe with Lord Radford. My heart tells me he will find you soon.

I am sorry to send bad news. We received a note from a friend of Grandmamma's, telling of her death shortly after we left. I was not surprised, since she told us that she would not see us again.

Please write as soon as you can. With all my good wishes.

Love,

Elvie

Thea held the paper against her chest. A tear rolled down her cheek.

“What is the matter?” Jane knelt beside her.

“Sad news. My grandmother has died.”

“I am sorry."

“If you will excuse me, I think I'll go to my room.” Thea walked slowly out the door and up the stairs.

She and Elvie were alone. They had no other family.
You have Wulf
. Yes, but they still had many unresolved issues, and she had to admit handling everything without her grandmother’s help was a daunting task
.

You can manage, have faith.
Grandmamma’s voice came to her firm and clear
. Remember, you are strong.

After this last episode, she was tired of people always expecting so much from her. She would love to lay her head on Wulf’s shoulder and lean against his strength, let him handle all the problems.
But, he can not win this battle alone. This time you might have to save him.

Thea had only been in her room a few minutes, when someone knocked. She called out and Wulf walked in.

"You're back," Thea said, feeling relief flow over her.

“I hurried as quickly as I could. Jane said you received a letter from Elvie saying your grandmother died.”

“Yes. Although it was not unexpected, I had hoped she would be there when we went to her home. I feel we must go there together.”

“You want to go now?”

“Yes. I will visit her grave and then we will look for her book of secret spells and potions. I hope to find the answers to end the curse, or solve the puzzle of the amulet.

“While she was alive, Grandmamma had to keep the book in her possession. Now, as her closest living relative, the book comes to me and Elvie.”

“All right, I’ve prepared for us to leave early tomorrow for home. We’ll just change our route. We can stay at the Owl’s Inn tomorrow night and finish our journey the next day.”

“Can’t we drive straight through if you get fresh horses?”

“I have waited all these years for the answers. One more day will not make a difference and I want you well rested.”

“Will you still want me as your wife after we get rid of the curse?”

Wulf held her at arm’s length. His brows rose and his eyes widened. “Whatever gave you an idea that I wouldn’t?”

“You hate the idea my relative brought the curse on your family. You were angry the day I told you the truth.”

“Only briefly. I wasn't thinking clearly. I soon realized I couldn’t blame you for another’s evil deeds.” He framed her face with his hands. “I should have told you, but I thought my actions said more than words.”

Thea reached up and covered his hands with hers.

Wulf ran his finger across her lips. “We have one more thing to do, before we join the others.” His lips brushed across her mouth, taking little nibbles along the way. “I apologize for having so little control the first time we made love. I did not take precautions and feared we might have a son to suffer as I have.”

“I understand. That's why you have kept your distance from me.” Thea said.

He pulled her body against his hard frame. “Yes, but tonight I will be more careful, because I can't stand another moment without this.”

His lips roamed down her neck, her shoulder and to her breasts. She gasped, and he straightened, lifting her into his arms. “Damn the dinner. All I'm hungry for is you.”

The carriage rocked along the rutted, dirt road. Thea wished she had ridden outside with Wulf, but he insisted she had not regained enough strength after her ordeal. She pulled her fur-lined coat around her and leaned her head against the velvet seat. She was as comfortable as one could be traveling over such roads. They should arrive at the Owl’s Inn within the hour.

Thea needed to sit alone for a time and center herself. Memories of last night kept interrupting her other thoughts. Wulf kissed every spot on her body. Thinking about his mouth touching her most private areas made her blush. When he rose over her and went inside in one smooth push, she'd had to struggle not to scream with pleasure. Only the thought of her mother-in-law overhearing stopped her.

The carriage slowed and entered the courtyard of the inn. Wulf opened the door. “Welcome, my lady, to the Owl’s Inn.” He held out his hand. “I sent a rider ahead to order us a hot meal. Are you hungry?”

“I’m ravenous.”

“Good. I believe I can see all your hunger is quenched.” His eyes sparkled at her and his lip curved into a smile.

Thea's face heated from his teasing. “I have faith in you, my lord,” she said, as she stepped down and started toward the inn’s open door.

The proprietor met them. “Follow me, Lord and Lady Radford. I have our private dining room ready as requested.” The short, stout innkeeper led them down a long corridor and opened a door on the left, motioning for them to enter.

“My wife will bring your meal shortly,” he said and backed out, shutting the door.

Thea went to the fireplace and held out her hands. The evening air seeped around the worn window frame and the room had a slight chill.

Wulf poured a glass of dark red wine and brought it to her.

“Drink this.”

“Will you not join me?”

“Of course.” Wulf returned to the small rickety table where the wine bottle sat and filled his glass.

“To us and finding the cure.” Wulf held his glass high, saluting Thea.

Thea raised her glass and took a sip, before she walked to the large round table dominating the center of the room.

“We must talk,” she said.

Wulf joined her. “What's wrong?”

“The closer we get to my grandmother's, the more I sense danger. The curse will not end without a struggle. Grandmamma hid the book with the information in a safe place. She showed me where it would be. But, if something happened and she felt she needed to change the hiding place, it may be hard to find.”