Transformed By A Christmas Star: A Lords of the Night novella

by Sandra Sookoo

  The duchess nodded. “He granted your request.”

  “Yes. He gave me seven days.” Estelle took another pastry in hand but instead of eating it, she crumbled it between her fingers, making rather a mess all over the tea tray. “So, I fell, tumbled out of the heavens as a shooting star, but the descent took me by surprise and was too fast. I plummeted out of control and landed hard on Earth.”

  “But… how?” Elizabeth wanted to know. “Do stars have the appearance of humans?”

  “No, we are more of an ethereal presence, an energy, if you will, capable of harnessing the power of the heavens, which gives us our star shine.” She tilted her head to one side. When said aloud, her story was a tad fantastical. “We exist, I suppose, but I don’t know how else to explain because there are not words enough.” The frown revisited her. “All I wanted was to inspire others so that they would grow into the best versions of themselves. I wished to lead them, give them hope, let them know that perhaps all wasn’t lost.”

  “That’s a noble endeavor for anyone, my dear,” the duchess murmured with approval and a soft smile. “But you said yourself that you are not here forever.”

  “No.” Her time was limited, and that was perhaps the worst thing of all. “I was given my freedom for a week, to gather my thoughts and perhaps come to terms with my new life wed to the dark star.” Moisture gathered in her eyes and it stymied her. What was it for? Was this how humans expressed sadness? “Both my mentor and the Supreme Celestial Leader don’t care what I want for my own life, but how can I remain a star if desolation will dim my light?”

  “Oh, you poor thing.” Alice patted her hand. “It seems men are the same no matter where they come from.” She offered an encouraging smile that did much to dissipate some of Estelle’s worry. “The first thing you must understand about being a human female is that you wield great power within yourself. Don’t despair if your fate looks hopeless; you can shape your own destiny even if it seems the odds are against you.”

  Elizabeth nodded so fervently one of the pins came loose from her hair. “Listen to Alice. We both changed our fates, though it took some fighting, but if you truly believe in yourself and your mission, it can be done.”

  “Thank you.” Estelle gave them both a weak smile. “I’m numb with the future before me, but I’m also excited about the prospect of living as a human for the next six days. Perhaps it will help me to understand you and make me a better star.”

  If I have the chance.

  The duchess rested an assessing gaze on her. “Does Sebastian know your truth?”

  “He does not.” She dusted her hands together. Crumbs rained down on the counterpane. “There was not time to explain, and he seemed rather angry too.” Her heartbeat came faster just thinking of her handsome rescuer.

  “Ah.” Alice nodded as if everything made sense. “Do you wish to further your acquaintance with him?” she asked in a soft voice.

  “I’m not certain, but he is striking and handsome. I think his eyes could be kind if he would let himself know happiness.” She shrugged. “He didn’t have to help me, yet he did, even brought me here when he didn’t wish to, almost feared coming.” A smile curved her lips as she thought about how she’d felt tucked into his strong, protective embrace. Her cheeks heated. “Such a nice human for all the animal primalness I sensed about him.” Why did his essence not feel the same as the two ladies before her?

  Alice exchanged a worried look with Elizabeth, who shrugged.

  “What could it hurt?” the countess asked in a quiet voice. “Stranger things have happened, you must admit, and it is Christmastide.”

  “What does that mean?” Estelle asked. Everything in the human world was so new.

  “It’s a string of days wherein the population is a little nicer, a bit more pleasant. They smile more and wish their fellow man all the best.” A dreamy look came over the countess’ face. “And sometimes, those close to you give small tokens of appreciation and gifts to let you know they’re thinking of you and that they love you.”

  “That sounds wonderful. I’ve never experienced anything like that before.”

  “Oh, yes. It’s also the season of miracles,” Alice murmured almost to herself. Then she transferred her attention to Estelle. Gentleness clouded her pretty eyes. “Sebastian keeps his own secrets, so go carefully with him, and give him compassion. I have a feeling he’s not had much love or understanding in his life.” She patted Estelle’s hand again. “In the meantime, you’ll both stay here through Christmastide. This way you can experience the loveliness and joy of the season.”

  “Yes, and that, more than anything, will give you ideas on how to shine brighter no matter where you end up,” Elizabeth added, her eyes twinkling.

  Estelle’s mind spun as she struggled to take in everything that had happened to her. “Are all humans as kind and wonderful as you are?”

  Both women laughed, and the sound filled the room and cleansed Estelle deep down into the depths of her being where a connection with them formed.

  How was this possible, and was it something unique to a human?

  “You will find, if you stay here on this planet long enough, that there are many different kinds of humans; some do not tolerate differences well. You must remain on your guard.” Alice’s expression sobered. “But I know Donovan, and if his brother has a smidgeon of the honor that the duke possesses, he will protect you from harm. He might need a push in the right direction though.”

  Elizabeth snorted. “That’s where we come in.”

  Estelle didn’t know what that meant, but she smiled. “Thank you. I want to experience everything I possibly can while I’m here, and…” She lowered her voice. “…I think Sebastian needs my help. Perhaps that is why I landed where I did and why he was the one to find me, but I don’t know why yet.”

  “The answer will present itself soon enough.” Alice winked.

  The bedchamber door opened and the maid came in with numerous gowns draped over her arms. Fabrics of all colors and textures gleamed in the morning light streaming through the windows.

  “Excellent.” Elizabeth bounced up from the bed. “You’ll need to look your best, so Alice and I, as well as some of our friends, have donated a few gowns and dresses for your use. We can alter them to fit.” She clasped her hands together. “It’ll be such fun to outfit you!”

  “Yes, and we’ll also need a plausible history and familial connections for you while you’re mingling with the ton.” Alice chuckled. “I’ll leave that part to Donovan, for he does so love to invent stories and push—I mean guide—people into doing what he wants.”

  “My brother, the matchmaker,” Elizabeth grumbled beneath her breath. When Estelle quirked an eyebrow, she shook her head. “It’s a long story of how Rafe and I came together, but suffice it to say Donovan still believes it was by his hand, when that couldn’t be farther from the truth.”

  The countess smiled. “Pish posh. My husband is a darling man. I hope he can teach Sebastian everything a true gentleman needs while we take care of you.” She grasped Estelle’s fingers and squeezed. “Don’t worry about anything. You are in good hands and among friends.”

  Friends. Another peculiarity that belonged solely to the human experience. She let the countess tug her from the bed while the maid laid the gowns on a chair. Already she felt the pull of bonds between her and these women. It added to the yearning and curiosity she knew for Sebastian. Never had she known such… contentment or safety in the celestial realm.

  How exceedingly odd.

  How can I leave such people when my week has elapsed?

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Sebastian paced the length of Manchester’s private parlor, but that small exercise didn’t relieve the restlessness snaking through him.

  He’d woken with the dawn and left the house for his bachelor’s lodgings, where he’d packed a trunk and returned by way of the duke’s waiting carriage. His brother had been adamant that he stay with him, for there was muc
h to discuss above and beyond his affliction.

  His head still reeled to know that he labored beneath a curse and that was why he shifted into the beast each night; it was hereditary through his father. At least the knowledge answered a few of his questions, but it didn’t relieve the anxiety regarding the reality.

  If he believed the duke’s tale, he was stuck this way for the next four years, and even then, he’d need to find a woman and tempt the fates by having her fall in love with him and kiss her during a full moon.

  As if that had an icicle’s chance in hell of that happening, for the beast within was too savage by half, and even if love did fall into his lap, how could he thrust the curse on any male children he might have?

  But that was the actuality and he could do nothing about it, so he’d returned to Manchester’s townhouse with his luggage. The fact the duke hadn’t tossed him out upon hearing the news of his paternity unaccountably pleased him.

  I potentially have a family now.

  Well, he had a family back in West Sussex, the village of Chichester, but they didn’t make him feel as comfortable or as… wanted—valued—as the duke and duchess had in the short time he’d been with them.

  And that was exceedingly odd.

  We cannot remain beneath that man’s roof, his wolf interrupted in no uncertain terms. He is an alpha wolf, and he won’t tolerate having us here for long.

  Sebastian made yet another circuit around the parlor, unseeing the décor in the muted blue space. I have no plans to threaten his position. We will be fine. Above everything, he wished to discover how to exist with his wolf before his sanity shattered.

  We don’t belong here. Why won’t you let me have my head and run?

  And have you terrorize London? No thank you. Soon we will shift and have our fun, but you must remain patient.

  He frowned and came to a halt at a set of floor-to-ceiling windows where the weak winter-morning sunlight streamed in. Navy velvet curtains hung on either sides of the glass panes, the golden thread embedded within the fabric glimmering. What exactly was his purpose here? He’d meant what he’d said; he wouldn’t leave until Estelle was cared for or she found her people. Worry for her pushed through his thoughts. How had she fared overnight? He’d not been allowed to see her after he’d left the duke’s study. Was she all right? Was she more ill than he’d figured?

  Why do you care, human? The wolf’s annoyed tones bounced through his mind. If you won’t bed her, forget about her.

  I’m not sure why I do. Odd, that. He’d never thought one second about the well-being of a female before. Usually, once he was done rutting with them, he sent them off with gifts or trinkets and firm goodbyes. But there was something about Estelle’s delicate vulnerability that drew him in. The fact that he’d discovered her hard on the heels of seeing the shooting star and making the foolish wish was too coincidental.

  You are too old to believe in such gammon found in fairy stories, human. His wolf snorted. Love, matrimony, and happy endings aren’t for you.

  How well I know it. But the longing deep inside him, well beneath his ribcage and down into his soul, still held a kernel of hope that he wanted to nurture.

  Who the devil was she and why did he wish to know more?

  “Good morning, Sir Wimsley.”

  He turned at the melodious sound of her voice. Dear God, she was even more stunning than she’d been when he’d found her. For a few seconds, he forgot how to breathe as she came into the room with the duke and duchess following, but he only had eyes for Estelle.

  With her hair upswept and held in place with Mother-of-Pearl combs, she resembled a goddess left over from the mythical age. Her gown of pale blue satin trimmed with clear glass beads and lace shimmered as she walked. All of that combined with her striking silver eyes and her rosebud lips curved in a slight smile worked to render him incapable of speech.

  You’re in danger of making a cake of yourself, human. And for the likes of her. Apparently, the wolf wasn’t impressed.

  The likes of her? She’s a veritable angel.

  Manchester cleared his throat. “It’s appropriate for you to greet our guest, Wimsley,” the duke reminded him.

  “Right.” Sebastian straightened his spine and gave her what he hoped wasn’t a nodcock’s grin. “Good morning, Miss Forbes.” He used her surname, since that is what she’d done, but a tiny part of him shriveled from being deprived of hearing her say his given name. What should he say to her, especially here before these austere, influential people? In the end, he settled for the mundane. “How are you?”

  “I am well. Thank you.” She sent a confused glance at the duchess, who nodded and smiled. “I’ve been told it’s proper to use formal forms of address.” When she shrugged, the bodice of the gown drew tight across her bosom.

  Sebastian yanked his attention away and focused on her face. He blew out a shaky breath. What the deuce was wrong with him if one unknown woman had the power to see him undone merely by appearing in a correct wardrobe? “It is, of course, but under the circumstances, I beg you to refer to me as Sebastian. We need no more introductions than what we’ve had.”

  “That sounds lovely. Thank you.” A hint of a blush infused her cheeks. “Again, my name is Estelle.” Then she tossed another look at the duchess. “And I hail from…”

  Alice sailed in where the other woman floundered. “Estelle is a distant relative of mine and has been living in Surrey these past few years,” she said without missing a beat. “She just arrived in Town last night and quickly found herself lost in Hyde Park. It was Providence that you rescued her when you did, what with footpads prowling about the area.”

  “And other unsavory men,” the duke added. “Some folks within the ton don’t tolerate others who are different. For months there has been increasing evidence that our secret is becoming more than rumors, and we’re being hunted for it.”

  Sebastian gawked at the company, but his gaze inexorably found Estelle’s. A flicker of apprehension clouded the pretty depths. “You’re from England? I had the distinct impression you were… not.”

  Another tinge of pink stained her ivory cheeks. “I’m not from London, so you aren’t far off the mark.” She twisted her fingers together in front of her. “I hope to see the sites while I’m here.”

  “Which brings me to my own plans for the day,” Manchester cut in with an inscrutable expression. “After breakfast, I have arranged for the two of you to go driving through Town.”

  “I beg your pardon?” Sebastian once more gaped at his half-brother.

  The duke’s grin was decidedly wicked and all too wolfish. “I thought it would be nice if you took Miss Forbes touring. You shouldn’t waste the sunshine in any case.”

  “Oh, dear.” Alice put a hand to her mouth but it did nothing to smother her giggles. “Don’t you think that’s heavy-handed, dearest?” she asked softly of her husband.

  “I do not.” The look he bestowed on her sent embarrassed heat into Sebastian’s face. Did they not care who saw their overt affection? “I thought the young woman could use a companion to help her see London while she’s here. Er, that is, the London removed from balls and other irrelevant social engagements. My brother doesn’t seem to have anything else on his agenda, so it works out well.”

  “Doing it up too brown, aren’t you?” Sebastian murmured, but he couldn’t take his focus off Estelle. It was almost as if he’d never seen a woman before he’d met her.

  Get hold of yourself, man.

  “Not a bit of it.” Manchester moved forward and slapped him on the shoulder. “Since the two of you share some history as it were, it shouldn’t be awkward.” He gestured toward the door with his chin. “Shall we all move into the breakfast room?”

  A rumble from the direction of Estelle’s stomach punctuated his request. Her laughter sounded a trifle stilted. “I am rather hungry even though the duchess and countess already saw that I had tea upon awaking.”

  That only made her more adorable, an
d Sebastian’s chest tightened with a need he’d not known before.

  She frowned. “Where is the countess?”

  Manchester cleared his throat. “No doubt at home with her husband. He, uh, keeps unorthodox hours.”

  That’s decidedly odd. Though he wasn’t one for breakfast, Sebastian suddenly thought the meal a good idea. “I could do with something in my belly, I suppose.”

  Inside his head, his wolf growled. You are pathetic, human. Wasting your time with this one. She’s far beneath you in station.

  Another wild giggle escaped Alice. “Please excuse me. I must tend to my babe, but have a lovely time. It’ll do you both good to take in the air.” She touched Estelle’s arm on the way out of the room. “Remember that we have plans to attend a rout this evening to help you acclimate to… things.”

  Sebastian narrowed his eyes. “What does that mean?” There was something clandestine afoot and he wanted to know what.

  “Excellent.” Manchester nodded and clasped his hands behind his back while he rested an assessing gaze on him. “After that, you and I will run… Er, that is to say we will take in the night air, perhaps go to my club.” He widened his eyes in a speaking glance.

  “Ah.” Sebastian’s ire settled. He nodded. The duke meant to run as the wolf with him. A tiny bloom of warmth erupted behind his ribs. No one had ever wished to appease his beast before. Perhaps coming here had been the right decision.

  Estelle bounced her attention over them all. “Can someone tell me what going driving means?”

  Both Manchester and Sebastian chuckled. “It’s what a man does when he wishes to spend time with a lady without a whole room full of nosy people hovering about,” the duke said with amusement in his eyes. “Or show off horseflesh and skill with the ribbons. In this case, I’ll lend the baron an equine.”

  Is that what I ultimately wish to do? Sebastian couldn’t wade through his confusion to know. How did the unorthodox arrival of one woman affect him so much?