Unleashed (3 page)

Heinrich flushed at his censoring words and tone.

“My wife, Bettina, my lord. My son, Aaron, and,” he suddenly looked around the hall as if just realizing he didn’t know where his daughter was. “Amanda?”

She stepped into his line of sight.

“I’m here, Father.”

“My daughter, Amanda.”

“My lord,” she replied as she curtsied lower than Wulfgar’s rank demanded.

“Maid Amanda.” He greeted her with a nod he had not given other members of her family. “Mrs. Anders?”

“Here, my lord,” the matronly woman replied and hurried into view. “All is ready, my lord.”

His gaze swept the four, again resting longer on Amanda. “Mrs. Anders will show you to your rooms. I dine at eight.”

He turned and walked back up the middle of the grand staircase. He went to his left and disappeared from sight. Amanda was unaware of anything until she could no longer hear his footfalls. As he left their sight, Bettina let out a little screech.

“How rude,” she exclaimed. “Not even a welcome or…”

“Come now, dear,” Heinrich murmured as Anders and his wife bristled at the insult to their master. “Let’s follow Mrs. Anders and get you near a fire. Won’t that feel nice?”

Bettina grumbled and complained all the way up the staircase. Aaron followed, his avaricious eyes taking in the riches displayed around him. Amanda paused near Anders at the foot of the stairs.

“I hope we won’t put the staff to too much trouble, sir.”

“It’s all right, miss,” he assured her. “We don’t get much company these days. A bit of trouble will do us good.” He winked at her good naturedly.

With a chuckle, she smiled and followed the others up the grand staircase and to the right. At the top, she glanced back the other way, wondering where their host had disappeared.

****

Back in his bedroom, Wulfgar stared out at the gardens now covered in a light blanket of snow. Amanda. Beloved, Wulfgar translated. With a voice as soft and gentle as a spring rain, as soothing to hear as her face was to look at.
Dammit to hell!
He didn’t want a woman. He didn’t
need
a woman. He exhaled noisily. So why could he not stop the compulsion to claim her? The animal within him stirred awake and demanded to be unleashed to roam. And it wanted the young maid who had just wandered across his path.

No.

Why do you continue to fight your nature?

“I am not a beast,” he growled. “I am a baron. A civilized gentleman who has served in the king’s court.”

And you are a man with hungers that have been starved for too long.

He closed his eyes. That was true, but that didn’t mean…

Why do you always fight fate?

Shaking his head, he opened his eyes. After what happened five years ago? I could have destroyed the family.

She was necessary for us to live. She understood this and was a willing sacrifice. She died to keep us safe.

Is that supposed to make me feel better?

It is the truth. You have let guilt restrain you for long enough. There is a power in this Beloved. You sense it as well as I.

Wulfgar clenched his jaw. He was not going to give in… The beast backed off.

They won’t be able to leave for at least three days. There’s no harm in dreaming of her.

Slowly, Wulfgar relaxed. Yes, in his dreams, he could have her.

****

Just before eight, Amanda left her elegantly appointed room and retraced her steps back to the grand staircase. A footman waited at the top.

“Excuse me,” she paused next to him. “Where is the dining room?”

“This way, miss,” he replied, leading her down the stairs and to the right. “Your parents and brother are already with Lord Socton.”

“I’m sorry to be so late,” she whispered. “What is your name?”

He paused, his hand on the knob.

“Jordan, miss.” He opened the door.

“Thank you, Jordan,” she smiled, going in.

Bettina immediately began berating her for keeping them waiting. Lord Wulfgar rose from the head of the table. He met the young woman, deciding the pale blue gown did not become her at all. Looking at the hesitant gold eyes that rose to his face, Bettina’s voice faded from his focus and he noticed that the gown fit loosely around her body. Nor did the color suit her. It would, however, be excellent on her stepmother. Realizing she was wearing one of the other woman’s castoffs, Wulfgar wondered why it infuriated him and why he found it so objectionable that she would be wearing someone’s discards.

“Good evening, Maid Amanda,” he greeted her, bowing slightly.

She dropped him a curtsy and he smiled slightly, realizing she meant to atone for her father’s earlier discourtesy. He offered her his arm.

“Good evening, Lord Socton,” she murmured, lightly placing her hand on his wrist. “Your home is lovely.”

“Your room is comfortable?” he inquired.

“Exceedingly so,” she nodded, smiling up at him.

He became entranced by the dimple that appeared in her right cheek. Bettina was already sitting to the left of his chair, with the men opposite her. Reluctantly, he sat Amanda next to the woman. He retook his seat and the first course was placed before them.

Wulfgar stayed mostly quiet during dinner, watching his guests. Amanda tried to eat, but apparently the proximity to her stepmother had drained her of any appetite. Bettina talked through the meal about the parties they’d attended in the capital. Under the belief that such things would impress their host, Bettina mentioned the names of courtiers as if they were on close standing with such highly placed people. She flirted outrageously with both Lord Socton and her stepson. The younger man flirted right back, engaging in a repartee that made Amanda cringe visibly twice.

Each time Wulfgar asked her a direct question, Bettina or Aaron answered for her. Wulfgar glanced at Heinrich and saw that the man was also embarrassed by the behavior of his wife and son, but seemed unable or unwilling to control either.

Mrs. Anders rolled in a cart with an elaborate tea service.

“No sherry?” Bettina exclaimed, startled from the telling of yet another story. “Lord Socton, do you think us too low to serve us wine?” she demanded.

Mrs. Anders placed a steaming tea cup before her master, then moved to Amanda. Wulfgar raised an eyebrow as the housekeeper met his gaze briefly. He smiled slightly. The housekeeper was making it clear to him that she approved of the daughter, and her contempt for the rest of the family obvious.

“I don’t serve wine at all,” he deigned to reply. “Alcohol clouds the brain of clear thinking, don’t you think, sir?” he glanced at Heinrich.

“I’ve seen many cases in court where wine affected the judgment of one or both parties,” Heinrich agreed. “Thank you, Mrs. Anders,” he added as she served him the third cup. Aaron was next and Bettina last.

“Nonsense,” Bettina scoffed, not noticing the insult she’d been given. “Why would you think something like that?”

“Because I saw too many officers who had wine the night before a battle. Too many of their soldiers died because their commanders were foolishly feeling the effects of overindulgence,” he stated flatly. “Tea has a calming effect and produces a deeper, more relaxing sleep.”

He noticed how Amanda listened intently to his exchange with her father and stepmother. Now she picked up her teacup and blew lightly across the top to cool it. He felt something inside him tighten at the sight of her pursed lips. The beast stirred to life. Unbidden, the thought of that mouth accepting his cock came to mind. He remembered the softness of her skin when he’d taken her hand and could just imagine her exploring his body.

Taking a deep breath, he glanced at his lap and willed control back into that suddenly unruly part of him. How long had it been since he’d wanted to be with a woman? Knowing the answer, he thought of his reaction when he’d realized she was wearing clothes made for someone else. He’d never felt anger like that. Nor the need to protect a woman from someone else’s comments.

“One thing before I forget,” he spoke, setting his cup down. His thoughts were dangerous. He knew nothing about her or her family. He’d gone down that path before and it had nearly destroyed him and what was left of his family. He had to remind himself constantly of that. Otherwise he would not be able to resist the hunger. “There are animals on the grounds. They are wolves and listen only to myself and Anders. Do not leave the house unless you are in my company.”

“You have dangerous beasts?” Bettina gasped, a hand fluttering to her throat. “And you let them roam free?”

“The most dangerous beast is not on four legs,” Lord Wulfgar told her, noting the startled look on Amanda’s face. The immediate fear turned to something more like a memory. Interesting. There was more to this maid than meek submission to her family. “But the beast within us all.” He saw Amanda trying to conceal a yawn and smiled. “It’s time we all retired. Mrs. Anders? Please assist Maid Amanda.”

Sharp blue eyes saw Amanda’s start of surprise. She knew that the housekeeper should have been detailed to the senior woman in their party. Amanda recalled how she had been served tea immediately after Lord Socton, and wondered at the protocols adhered to in the manor. Without a word though, she stood and dropped a curtsy to her host.

“Thank you, my lord,” she said softly. “It was a delicious dinner.”

“Good night, Maid Amanda,” he replied in a low deep voice.

Chapter Three

With economical motions, Amanda dressed quickly in her soft flannel nightgown. Shivering slightly despite the fire with the additional log Mrs. Anders had added, she climbed quickly onto the bed and slid under the covers to say her prayers. She turned down the lamp and closed her eyes, hearing the fierce wind beyond the shuttered windows. The constant company of her stepmother and the fear of being lost in the blizzard had drained her emotionally and she quickly fell asleep.

From the depths of her dream, she saw her room. The large log had caught fire and burned with a steady glow, offering just enough light for her to see the shadow of the door as it opened. She couldn’t move, though she knew she should call out. The door closed softly and a tall shadow approached her. Stunned, she recognized the broad outline of Lord Wulfgar’s shoulders. Without a word, he lifted the blankets and climbed into bed with her. His eyes held hers for a long moment before he reached out and pulled her to him. The heat of his muscular body spread through her as her head rested on his shoulder. She closed her eyes and slept in his embrace, safe and warm.

“Good morning, miss,” the maid said cheerily as she entered the room.

Waking abruptly, Amanda glanced about in confusion. It had to have been a dream, yet she could still feel the warmth of his body against hers. The maid chattered about the severity of the storm as she opened the curtains. Amanda could see the thickness of the flakes swirling violently in the wind. They would not be leaving today as her father had hoped. Amanda bit her bottom lip, wondering at the joy in her heart. She would be able to see more of the Beast whose home they had invaded.

****

After breakfast, Wulfgar took them to the library. Aaron and Bettina sneered at the books, but Heinrich eagerly explored the shelves and found a manuscript of an historical legal treatise. With delight, he carried it to the loveseat before the fireplace. Wulfgar ignored the belittling comments of Bettina and Aaron and sat at his desk, instinctively aware of Amanda’s movements. Like her father, she had been quiet through breakfast. Wulfgar had returned her curtsy and greeting with a bow, noticing the blush that spread across her cheeks. A flicker of comprehension crossed his mind, but was quickly dismissed.

Now, having eaten nearly as little as she had the night before, Amanda explored the library shelves. Returning to the leather chairs around the fireplace, she passed the piano. Wulfgar saw the look of delight in her expression before she damped it down. He also saw the worried look in her eyes when they darted to her stepmother.

“Maid Amanda, do you play?”

“Once, my lord,” she replied, her fingers brushing the top. “But not in many months.”

“If you hadn’t insisted on playing when I had headaches, we wouldn’t have sold it,” Bettina said snidely, with a smug look on her face.

Wulfgar caught the pain in amber eyes.

“Play for me now,” Wulfgar ordered imperiously.

“Now?” she whispered, glancing again at her stepmother.

“Now,” he replied firmly, rising and joining her at the instrument.

He pushed the cover from the keys and pulled the stool back.

“I would disturb your work.” She shook her head, taking a step away.

But he saw the look of longing in her eyes and took her small hand in his, enveloping her hand with warmth. Heat flashed through his body like a wildfire.

“It would please me greatly,” he stated, managing to retain his self-control. Considering his inner animal demanded that he throw her over his shoulder and carry her upstairs, he thought he was doing very well. “My mother often played while my father went over accounts. He said it was the only thing that made them bearable.” A smile flashed across her face. “It would please me,” he repeated quietly, knowing it was also the only way the beast in him would stay civilized.

“What would you like me to play?” she acquiesced.

“Whatever you wish,” he replied, gesturing to the stack on the table to the left of the stool.

Nodding, she seated herself and picked up the first piece. Opening it, she set it against the stand, eyes scanning the notes.

“Please remember, it has been some time,” she reminded him, tilting her head to look up at him.

“I will enjoy it,” he assured her, warmth in his eyes.

For an hour she played, her fingers warming to the task. Bettina had started to complain of a headache but was brusquely told by her host to leave if she must, but the music was enjoyable to him. With his support, Amanda worked her way through the stack on her left, creating a second stack on the table Wulfgar had placed to her right.

“This one doesn’t have its composer on it,” she commented, picking up the next.

“A nobody then,” Bettina stated with a shrug. “You mustn’t play it.”