The Reinvented Miss Bluebeard

by Minda Webber

  Adam gave Eve a wink at her mention of buried treasure, then turned toward the others. "I want to thank you all for this gallant rescue," he said. "You've saved my life, and I am deeply in your debt. I have never been more proud."

  "Hear, hear," Major Gallant cried. "But I was only one of your rescuers. I wish you the best."

  Mrs. Fawlty seconded the major's speech. "Aye, you are a fine, lusty man, and a good master. We love ye, Dr. Adam—all of us. And Dr. Eve? Why, she loves ye best of all, and so she should, even if you are part foreign."

  Eve giggled. Adam could feel her warm breath stirring against his chest feathers. He grinned at the tart housekeeper, and at Teeter, who stood beside her bloody and disheveled, nodding with stiff grace.

  "You're family, Dr. Adam, just like our fine Dr. Eve."

  Hugo swung by on a mainsail rope, cackling and trying to tinker with the ship's bell. He called out, "Ye climb the ropes as good as me. Ding-dong, the Hook is dead. The wicked Hook, he was a crook."

  "Oh, get down from there, Hugo!" Teeter scolded. He didn't relish climbing the rigging to fetch the wayward dwarf.

  Adam Pierce Hawkmore—alias Dr. Adam Griffin—did something he hadn't done in years: his eyes filled with tears. "Aye," he finally managed to say, swallowing past the lump in his throat. "I feel the same way. We're family." And so saying, he took three leaping steps and soared off into the sky.

  "Adam! What are you doing?" Eve screeched. He had scooped her gently into the air, and she stared at the sea beneath her. She felt the fierce rush of his wings and heard a victorious cry from his lips.

  "Taking you to heaven," he replied. "Or at least the heavens."

  His words stirred her Bluebeard blood as the wind caressed her face. Glancing down, she saw the deck of the ship far below.

  Noting her tension, Adam asked, "Do you want me to set you back down?"

  She thought about it for only a moment. If pirates couldn't take risks, then who could? "No." She was amazed and afraid, but didn't want to return. Not yet. She'd spent too long trying to keep others grounded. "We're flying," she said, the words whispered in amazement.

  Again, she looked to the sea below. Tiny lights from the lanterns were all that was visible of the ship. In the moon glow, waves crashed and crested. The world was so beautiful from this distance. The violence on board was now hidden, and peace surrounded her.

  Breathing deeply, she simply enjoyed being alive. The strong wind was cold and smelled of sea salt. It was a whole new perspective. "I can't believe I'm flying," she repeated. She lovingly patted Adam's chest, snuggling closer to him.

  He chuckled, leaning his head lower so that she could hear his answer. "It's what werehawks do."

  "You take my breath away," she said.

  "It's the height."

  "You romantic feather-wit, you," she teased. As she laid her head against his chest, she found the feathers were soft as goose down. "How I love you."

  "Thank you for taking a chance on me," he forced himself to say. "For taking that first terrifying leap of faith and giving me your trust. I know how difficult it was for you under the circumstances. But you are my mate. I knew it from the first. I'll always love and cherish you."

  He could feel her tears wet his chest, tears that stirred his soul in a thousand ways.

  "My beloved, where are we going?" she asked.

  "Home."

  Eve nestled closer against Adam's warmth, feeling stupendously weightless. Such a remarkable sensation, this flying. Far beneath her she could see tiny lights glowing. The wind was brisk yet invigorating. Her heart filled to overflowing with love.

  Rubbing Adam's chest affectionately, she asked curiously, "What is your real last name?"

  "Hawkmore," Adam replied.

  "How fitting." And so saying, Eve burst into laughter.

  She was indeed happy. She had a scoundrel for a husband, but if he was one who would fly away, she now believed he'd take her with him. It's a wonderful life, she thought.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Two Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest

  The flight to the asylum, holding tight to the werehawk she loved, was breathtaking. As Eve glanced below, the lights of London looked like tiny sparks. Fog covered parts of the city, increasing the fairyland effect. Above, milky clouds moved slowly against the deep black sky, and the full moon appeared close enough to touch. Eve would never forget.

  Never had she felt so touched by magic. Not even when her father's seventh wife, who also happened to be a witch, had cursed her. She patted Adam's cheek in gratitude, his great wings beating fiercely against the cold night air.

  "You were so brave tonight," she said, filled with love and admiration. "Like a knight of old." Her husband had rushed in where pirates feared to tread, and had won her heart completely. He was a man far above all others, even when he wasn't flying. And while he might not be perfect, he was perfect for her. "You certainly know how to sweep a girl off her feet."

  Looking down at her face, he grinned. "I've told you before that I aim to please. And I'd do anything to keep you from harm. You're my life, Eve," he replied, soaring higher. He held her tightly, his mind replaying the battle. His darling could have been hurt, or worse! He hugged her tighter, his arms around her like bands of iron. He would never let her go again.

  Nestling her cheek against his chest, Eve closed her eyes. She was growing sleepy, and the pitch-black of night was turning to the grays and pinks of morning. And even this high up, she had never felt so safe.

  She sighed as rain began to fall, wetting their bodies and refreshing her. Just as Adam's love had done, she realized, renewing her life with a hundred little blessings—along with one or two big ones. She giggled, feeling ridiculously silly. As she kissed his chest, he groaned and shifted direction.

  His big wings beating hard, he began to circle, gliding lower and lower in a tightening spiral. Over Adam's shoulder, Eve noticed an iridescent rainbow. How fitting. It was a day for new beginnings.

  Landing on the balcony to her bedchamber, Adam gently set her down. Eve met his gaze and, seeing the raw lust glinting in his heavily hooded eyes, she smiled, certain that her own eyes were reflecting the same. Before her was her future, the alpha and the omega.

  Indicating the rainbow, she said, "Look, Adam, our good-luck charm."

  Adam grinned. "Thank heavens Fester isn't here. He'd be squealing with delight and trying to talk me into going and having a look for more pots of gold. But I have more important things to do this morning."

  "Such as?"

  "You want my body, you wanton wench, and being the wonderful husband that I am, I intend to oblige you until you're too tired to move," he teased. But he led her quickly inside.

  Eve shook her head. "I don't know why I put up with you. You're much too impertinent," she grumbled good-naturedly.

  A fire danced merrily in the bedroom grate, and the silken blue bedcovers had been turned down invitingly. Inside the cozy comfort of the room, Adam's wings descended back into the strong muscles of his back. Eve watched in fascination as a deep purple light surrounded him and he finished his transformation. The feathers receded into his skin like water evaporating from the ground.

  "My grandmother Ruby's light was gold," she remarked.

  Back in human form, Adam answered, "Werecreatures that aren't feathered have golden light, but birds tend toward purples. Now, enough talk!" Then Adam whooped and scooped Eve into his arms, his destination the big four-poster bed.

  Eve laughed gaily as he threw her down on the mattress and landed beside her with a thump. He remarked, "I thought you might be a little upset. You got a husband you didn't want, and one who's supernatural in the bargain."

  She replied softly, running a hand tenderly down his cheek, "A wild and winged wonder who has swooped down to steal my heart and mind and soul. I'd hawk your wares any day." And she winked.

  For a moment the two stared at each other in rapt fascination. The looks of love in each other's eyes wer
e stark and elemental, forming memories that would never grow old or fade as the years soared by.

  A great peace descended upon Adam. At last, the bitter sorrow of yesterday was gone. Taking his wife's dainty hand, he raised it to his lips and kissed it. Afterward, he drew her into his sheltering embrace.

  "Oh, my love, before you my days were long and my nights unending. I was a rover, never finding a home, restless and wandering. But you have broken me to your hand."

  Her sigh was deep and fulfilled. "As you have broken me to yours." Taking his hand, she placed it above her heart. "In sickness and in health, and in feathered form, I pledge my love and troth to thee."

  "As do I," he whispered, his voice fraught with passionate yearnings. He began to unbutton what was left of her torn gown, giving her a lusty look. "I've found my Eden."

  Spreading the cloth wide, he gazed down at the thin chemise that barely covered her breasts. "I hope you don't mind, but I find myself fixated on your treasured chest again."

  "I thought you'd never uncover it," she replied.

  Nuzzling one breast, he began to suckle, and it spread fire up and down her body. Eve arched her back. She could feel herself growing damp in anticipation as his tongue and teeth tenderly nipped and swirled, and her fingers clutched at the powerful muscles of his back. He was very strong, and yet at the same time so gentle, making her feel like the most cherished of women.

  As Adam's lust rose, his breathing became harsh. Impatiently he ripped at her chemise and then hurriedly helped her undress the rest of the way. Laughing, they fell upon each other, consumed by passion.

  Eve opened her eyes to see the dark brown hair, the hawkish face, and the hazel beauty of her lover's eyes, which were at that moment all the more beautiful for shining with his love for her. His shoulders were extremely powerful, and they bunched and rolled as he caressed her body. She was breathless, hungry for him; never had she seen a creature more virile.

  His fingers found the damp nest of her nether curls, found the little nubbin hidden within. He teased and caressed her, his fingers dancing in a rhythmic motion that had Eve arching and moaning.

  Then, with a swiftness that both startled and excited her, he began kissing her there. His head was between her thighs, and his tongue was doing wicked things. At first she was shocked, but that quickly faded. His tongue was slightly raspy and very wet—just like she was getting.

  "Adam! Oh, my… my goodness!" She screamed suddenly as the pressure inside her increased to a throb. The sensation was wondrous, as if she were back in the clouds again with the night breezes in her face and the colors of the night swirling all around. Deep hues of purple and indigo interspersed with flashes of bright golden light filled her closed eyes. "Adam," she moaned. "Please take me now. Now!"

  Adam obeyed. The feel of her surrounding him, so hot and wet, almost drove him over the edge. Eve was so responsive and so uninhibited, a true mate for the wildness in his soul. How he loved her, he realized as he thrust inside her.

  He groaned as he felt her muscles beginning to clench. "Eve, my darling!" Rearing back, he pulled her up and flipped her over, positioning her with her hands and knees on the bed. Her heart-shaped buttocks were in the air, a beacon beckoning him onward to glory. Leaning over her he pushed himself into her burning liquid depths, consumed by lust.

  Eve savored the feel of his thighs against her. Again and again she reared back, urging him to thrust home hard and complete this mating ritual. Over and over he penetrated her, her inner muscles clenching around him like an iron glove. Eve felt each thrust all the way down to her toes.

  "Come, fly with me now," Adam said. He felt his climax building. Deep in her honeyed warmth, he knew he'd found paradise.

  Eve's muscles clenched violently around him. Once again, she was thrust high into the heavens. She screamed his name.

  Her shout drove Adam crazy. "I love you, only you, always you," he whispered. Liquid warmth gushed down and around his member, and for a moment he thought he might actually expire from their passion. Being inside her and watching himself thrust over and over into her was his undoing. As she found fulfillment, he gave over to the most powerful climax of his life. It went on and on until Adam was boneless, and he collapsed beside her and kissed her neck. Some moments later, he managed to curve his arms around her, to hold her gently. "This settles it. We'll marry in three days' time."

  Eyes still hazy with passion, Eve whispered, "But we're already married."

  "No, Eve, you made that part up."

  Thoroughly exhausted, Eve was more than a little foggy. But at last Adam's words made sense. "Argh, you're right. I did. But if we get married now, people will know I lied."

  Putting a finger to her lips, he smoothed out her frown. "We'll say we're renewing our vows, since I was gone for so long a time. Everyone will be delighted—especially your father. He'll think you're the cleverest Bluebeard ever to stop sailing the seven seas."

  She laughed. "That I am. And you can begin your psychologist training with me! I kept my university texts, as well as all the monthly Psychology Journals on the Supernaturally Insane."

  "I'd like that. I enjoy helping the patients. It gives me a purpose in life that I haven't found in all my wanderings."

  She kissed his cheek then caressed it with her fingers. "You have great instincts, and you've been a great help already, but think what you can do with more knowledge. You'll rival Dr. Sigmund himself!"

  "I live to rival Dr. Sigmund," he said as he nuzzled her neck. "In matters psychological. But now let me show you where my real expertise lies." His eyes glinted with mischief.

  Eve, the prominent and very rational psychologist, giggled like a schoolgirl. She soon agreed that in Adam's specialized field he was an unqualified expert, and he quite drove her mad.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  A Bluebeard of Happiness

  A rainbow graced Adam and Eve's wedding, and everyone who was connected with the Towers knew that somewhere over it, bluebirds were gloriously flying—and a crusty little leprechaun was looking for pots of gold. The guests watched Adam and Eve make their solemn vows. When the minister declared the bemused couple "man and wife," the rafters shook with cheers. Even Captain Bluebeard, for all his blustery ways, had a tear in his eye.

  With the maddening din of good wishes ringing in their ears, Adam and Eve adjourned to the main portion of the asylum for the reception. Eve stood tall in the receiving line, her smile blinding, revealing to all the happiness that she was feeling. In this unstable and sometimes cruel world, such love as her husband's was as rare as a unicorn.

  Yes, she was blessed. This man who had been a stranger to her so short a time ago was now the center of her life, filling a part of her she had never known was empty. He could fly her to the moon—or to the very heavens themselves.

  "I'll never forget this night," she whispered. "Our wedding night. It's like a fairy tale."

  "I doubt our patients or staff will forget it, either," Adam said. They both glanced around at the crowd of frolicking and laughing well-wishers.

  Eve noted several of her father's crew talking with Major Gallant. The complex Napoleon wanna-be was standing against a column, hand in his stiff coat, and she heard a few of his louder remarks. Something about the rotten English. Her father's first mate, a true Frenchman—one who had seen the real Napoleon—listened impassively, a slight smirk on his face.

  "I hope the major is content merely to plan a victory against Wellington and not enact it," she said. "It's too crowded on the stairs tonight."

  Adam nodded and greeted another guest.

  Sighing in deep contentment, Eve breathed in the fragrant scent of gardenias, orange blossoms, and roses. Tonight the asylum was filled with a plethora of flowers, their sweet scents filling the air. Eve's lips twitched into a smile. So far Jack the Rip, though foxed, was behaving himself. The man was otherwise occupied, flirting outrageously with one of the guests who happened to be wearing a very fetching bonnet with lush
red roses placed around the brim. Pavlov, who was standing near the couple, gave Eve a nod, letting her know that he had his eye on things. Junger lay beside his master, and appeared to be hugely interested in the wedding cake. He was clearly waiting for the bell of the ball.

  Teeter, beaming happily, approached with a tray of champagne in hand. "May I say the madhouse has never looked better?"

  "Yes, it's breathtaking," Eve replied. "You've all done a fine job, and I thank you for pitching in to help." Everyone at the Towers had shown their support. Early this afternoon Fester had generously gifted them with three pots of gold. Eve had cried in joy, and Adam had slapped the crusty little man on the back. Even Teeter had unbent a bit, and praised Fester for his generosity.

  "The leprechaun cleans up well." The butler sniffed.

  Eve smiled and glanced over to where Fester was standing. With his newly acquired wealth, he was now dressed to the nines in a velvet jacket of emerald green. Diamonds winked from his cuff links, and the diamond on his stickpin was as big as his thumb. He wore a black top hat and looked rather debonair as he argued with her father about some supposed triangle in the Caribbean where ships disappeared and were never seen again.

  "That he does," she agreed.

  "Of course, he would have done better to be less vulgar in his display of good fortune," Teeter remarked.

  "I think he looks in fine feathers," Adam spoke up. "Besides, the old codger deserves to enjoy his spoils. He's waited a long time for them."

  Frederick Frankenstein approached, with his escort—Miss Beal! Wearing a stupid grin on his face, the gentle giant congratulated the happy couple, followed by Lady Jane and the Earl of Wolverton, and all their other friends.

  The newly married couple accepted all congratulations with happy smiles, though both were secretly wishing to be alone. They finally found their wish granted, as they stood off to the side by a large group of lush green ferns, just the two of them.