“Reed!” He turned around and saw Bridget walking toward him as she came into the house.
“Hello, Bridget, how was Madame Marie’s?”
“’Twas all right, though it took a little longer than usual.” She frowned.
“Really? How so?”
“Elise was just being fussy and—” She stopped suddenly and her nostrils flared. “What is that?”
“What is what? And what did you mean Elise was being fussy?”
“That smell!” A smile lit up her face. “Oh, it smells so good.” She sniffed the air, her head turning left and right. “It’s like …”
“Bridget,” the dowager called as she entered the front door. “We must head upstairs if you are to be ready in time.”
“Yes, Your Grace,” she replied. “Sorry, Reed, I should get going.” She curtseyed and then bounded up the stairs.
The dowager shook her head. “Everything is all right, I presume?” she asked Reed.
“Yes, Grandmama.” He gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Are you sure you won’t reconsider staying at your home tonight? It will be much safer. I can spare one or two of our clan members to guard you.”
“Nonsense,” she insisted. “I will watch you ascend tonight, nothing will stop me, not even some odious mage.” She turned on her heel and marched up the steps.
As he turned to go to the dining room, he had a strange feeling in the pit of his stomach. His wolf, too, was uneasy having been away from their mate for a few hours. It prowled inside him, urging him to go see her and make sure she and their pup were all right.
He shook his head. Don’t worry, he assured it. We’ll see her soon enough. Another emotion shot through him, something he’d never felt before. Fear. He was afraid for her. What if the mage got to her?
No, he would never allow it. She would be safe. Besides, now that she was with child, she was safe from anything. And she’d handled the mage previously. That bastard should be afraid of her, and not the other way around.
Turning on his heel, he walked toward the dining room, wondering if Elise preferred a diamond or sapphire engagement ring, to match her eyes. Maybe I shall get her both.
“Are you all right, Reed?” Jeremy asked.
“Why does everyone keep asking me that today?” Reed answered in an irritated tone.
“Maybe because you’re worse than a woman,” his Beta quipped. “One moment you’re whistling a happy tune, and now it’s like you want to murder someone.”
“Ye best be savin’ that for the mage, boy,” Alec said. “But for now, try not to scare anyone away, ya ken?”
“I’ll try.” But he was thoroughly annoyed. No, he was spitting mad.
At first, he thought he was imagining things. After lunch, he tried to see Elise but her maid told him that she was sleeping. When he waited at the foot of the steps for her to come down for dinner, she didn’t show up, and Julianna told him that she ate something that made her sick and was still recovering, but she would definitely be at the ball later that evening.
Since the ascension ball was for Lycans and alliance families only, the social rules were much looser, but he still had to open the ball by dancing with his grandmother. Elise had definitely been announced, and he thought he saw her from the corner of his eyes, but whenever he tried to find her, she was gone.
Individually, he would have brushed off all these events, but together, he knew it was not coincidence. Elise was avoiding him.
He would understand if she was some shy miss, but she was the one who’d seduced him. And for God’s sake, they were True Mates, so there was no need to act ashamed. Fate had meant for them to be together, and soon, she would take her rightful place at his side.
“Congratulations, Your Grace,” Lord Finnerly greeted as he came up to them, Lady Finnerly on his arm. “I must say, if he were here, your father would be proud of you.”
“Thank you,” he said. “I—” He stopped short when he spied Elise across the ballroom, looking resplendent in her emerald green gown. She was laughing with a few of the London clan Lycans, looking so carefree and happy. “Excuse me.” He didn’t bother waiting for a response from his companions, and using his Lycan speed, crossed the room in no time. “Miss Henney, may I have this dance?”
Blue eyes widened in surprise, and she looked around as if searching for an escape. Well, there would be no escape because he didn’t bother waiting for her to agree. Instead, he took her by the hand and dragged her to the dance floor.
She stood in his arms like a limp doll.
“Put your hand on my shoulder,” he hissed.
She startled at his tone but followed his command. He led her into the waltz twirling her around the ballroom. Much like the last time they danced, she was once again looking around, anywhere but him. This time though, he was not going to be subtle. He maneuvered her toward the edge of the ballroom, and before anyone noticed, spirited her away to the nearest terrace.
“I—Your Grace!” she exclaimed when she realized they were outdoors, alone. “What are you doing?”
“Reed,” he corrected.
She pulled away from him. “Your Grace, please, it’s not proper.”
“You called me Reed last night. Over and over again as you came apart in my arms.”
Even in the dark he could see her turn bright red. “I … please, we shouldn’t be out here alone, Your Grace.”
He seized her arms and then pulled her to him. “Reed. My name is Reed. Say it,” he commanded.
“I …” Her lower lip trembled. “Reed,” she whispered.
“Good girl.” He lowered his mouth, pressing it against hers in an urgent kiss. Instead of responding, she squirmed in his arms, a move that infuriated him. “You’re mine,” he growled, unable to control his own words. His wolf urged him to prove it to her, to the world that she and the pup she carried belonged to him. “Say my name again.”
“I … Reed!”
He pressed his lower body to her so she could feel the evidence of his desire. “That’s right. My name is Reed. And I’m your True Mate.”
Her entire body went stiff. “You can’t … but you didn’t … you didn’t recognize me!”
So, she knew about that? Damn it all to hell. Someone—Eleanor or Bridget—must have told her. He wished they didn’t because how was he supposed to explain it to her? That he didn’t want her at first, but now he did? “You’re my True Mate. I know it. And now”—he slid his hand down to her belly—“you’re already with child. Our pup and my heir. We shall be married in a week—”
“No!” She wrenched herself away from him. “Reed … no …” She shook her head. “It can’t be …”
“Of course it is. Is that why you were avoiding me? Because you thought we weren’t mates?” He reached out to her. “I’m sorry, love. It’s hard to explain.”
“I … Reed, we can’t!” Her voice was shaking, and so were her hands.
“Then why did you come to me last night? Why did you give yourself to me? Don’t you feel anything for me?”
“It’s not … I can’t explain it.”
“Then try!” What was wrong with her? He was giving her the world—a coronet, his wealth and protection, the lofty station of being his duchess and Lupa. What more could she want? “Is there someone else?” He’d always suspected there was something strange about her relationship with her “cousin.” Or maybe it was Simon Richardson.
“No,” she denied. “I just … Reed …” She hesitated. “Reed, I’ve been lying to you. We’ve all been lying to you.”
Her words stunned him. “You’re not from America?”
“No. I mean, yes, we’re from America. But not from now.”
“Elise, love, you’re not making any sense.” He wrapped his hands around her upper arms. “Please, explain it to me.”
“Reed … Julianna, Cross, and I, we’re not from this time. Not 1820. We’re from the future. Over two hundred years into the future. My father is the Alpha of San Francisco and I wa
s attending Lucas Anderson’s—that’s the Alpha of New York’s ascension—when I was kidnapped by the mage. Somehow, the dagger they were using for his ceremony turned out to be this magical artifact and … I can’t explain how but we were transported here. We weren’t supposed to show ourselves to you but then William was almost run over and …”
“Elise, this is madness.” What was she saying? “You’re not making any sense.”
“Please, believe me. Reed, that mage that attacked us, he’s the same one who kidnapped me. We unknowingly transported him back here, and now he wants the dagger. Your dagger. So he can go back home. And he’s going to—” She covered her mouth with her hands.
“He’s going to what?”
“Reed … I’m sorry.” She pushed at him. “I can’t … we can’t be together. It’s not meant to be. I d-d-don’t care for you at all.”
Her words sliced through him like a dull knife. She was making up this insane story all because she didn’t want to be with him. Once again, he had fallen in love with a woman who didn’t want him.
Things were different now, though. He was much older and wiser. Ice filled his veins, as numbness began to come over him. He dropped his hands to his sides. “If you didn’t care for me at all, then all you had to do was say it. There’s no need to concoct a silly story.”
“Reed, I’m not—”
“We shall talk about this later,” he said. “Don’t even think of running away from me now. Because if you are carrying my heir, then I will take that child, one way or another. But,” his voice turned edgy, “once I do, you shall be banished from my territory.”
She went white as a sheet but said nothing. He turned on his heel letting the numbness take over as he went back into the ballroom.
Chapter Sixteen
Elise couldn’t move. She couldn’t breathe, she couldn’t say a word, she couldn’t even think clearly. Not when her heart felt like it was shattering into a million pieces.
Yes, she did everything she could to avoid him today, even delaying at Madame Marie’s. What could she do? Going to him last night was a mistake. But she just wanted one sweet memory of him to last her for the rest of her life before she went back to her own time where she belonged. She thought that maybe, since he was such a rake, that he would be glad she wasn’t demanding him to marry her after last night.
But Reed seemed to think otherwise. And True Mates? Was he crazy? If that were true, why didn’t he recognize her when they first met the way Bridget said he was supposed to?
No, they couldn’t be together. She just couldn’t hold on to that piece of hope, not when he was going to die tonight.
The terrace doors flew open, and for a second, fear gripped her as she thought it was Reed coming back.
“Where the hell have you been?” Julianna exclaimed as she burst out into the terrace. “We’re supposed to stick together inside where Cross can see us at all times.” That was part of their plan so they were ready when the mage attacked. “What the hell—Elise, are you okay?”
“I—” She couldn’t find the strength anymore to hold back, and she burst into tears. “Julianna,” she cried.
“Oh my—Elise!” Her arms wrapped around her. “What’s the matter? Tell me.”
She took a deep breath and told her friend about what happened last night with Reed until the moment he walked away from her. She did, however, leave out the part about True Mates. She just couldn’t say it out loud, as if saying so would make it true.
Julianna grew quiet, listening to every word she said. Elise expected a lecture or scolding, but to her surprise, the other woman hugged her tighter. “Elise, I’m sorry.” She looked her in the eyes and wiped a tear from her cheek. “You love him, don’t you?”
She nodded. “I do. But … it doesn’t matter. It’s not meant to be. I was stupid for falling in love with him in the first place.”
“There must be something we can do. Did you ask Cross if there was any way we can save him?”
“I did, and he said no.” She took a deep breath. “Reed doesn’t believe me anyway. He thinks I made it all up because I don’t want to be with him.” That was the irony of it all. She would have done anything to be with him.
“Elise, I’m sorry,” Julianna said. “I really am.”
“I know.” And so am I. There was nothing she could do about it now. “We should head back inside.” She gave Julianna a squeeze on the shoulder. “Thank you for listening.”
“Hey, cheer up, we’ll be home soon.” She put on a big smile. “I can almost taste the big juicy cheeseburger I’m going to have the moment we get back.”
She returned Julianna’s smile. “I’ll join you for that cheeseburger.”
Hand in hand, they re-entered the ballroom. Everything seemed to be normal so far, as the orchestra continued to play, and the guests danced, drank, and continued with their celebration.
“Julianna! Elise!”
They both turned around and saw Bridget running toward them. Her face was red and her pretty blue eyes were sparkling, like she was keeping some secret.
“I was looking all over for you two,” she said, her cheeks puffing up with excitement. “I’ve the most wonderful news!”
“What is it?” Julianna asked.
“I’ve met him!” She clapped her hands together. “My True Mate! I’ve met him!”
“You have?” Julianna looked around. “Where? Is he from the London clan? Where is he?”
“He’s hiding in the bushes,” Bridget exclaimed.
“Bushes?” Elise and Julianna said at the same time.
Bridget laughed. “It’s a long story. I was outside, trying to get some fresh air when he popped out of the bushes and declared me to be the ‘bonniest Sassenach he’d ever met.’ Before I could tell him I was no Sassenach, it happened! I felt it and I knew it was him!”
“What’s his name?”
“Er, I don’t know yet,” Bridget said. “One of his friends called him away before I could say anything. But,” her smile became dreamy, “isn’t it wonderful? And he’s a Scot too!”
Julianna glanced at Elise as if waiting for her to say something. So, she reached out and squeezed the other girl’s hand. “I’m so happy for you.”
“You are?” She pulled them both in for a fierce hug. “I’m so glad. You two … I don’t have any women in my family, you know? My ma died after giving birth to me, and I haven’t any sisters. I feel like … you’re my sisters.”
Her throat closed up with emotion, and when she looked over at Julianna, she saw her tearing up too. “Thank you, Bridget. You’re like a sister to me too.”
“Me too,” Julianna sniffed. “I feel closer to you than my own little sister.”
“What are you three doing here?”
Julianna’s expression turned sour. “Well, hello, Your Grace,” she said as she turned to face the dowager.
“Why aren’t you out there, dancing with every available gentleman?” she scolded. Dressed in a rich purple velvet ball gown with ostrich feathers in her hair, the dowager duchess looked even more imposing than usual. “You’re wasting valuable time and all the lessons I’ve taught you.”
“Listen here, lady.” Julianna rolled up her non-existent sleeves. “I’ve just about had it with you.”
“Julianna, please,” Elise warned.
But she didn’t pay her any mind. “Look, after tonight, you won’t have to worry about us. Bridget has found her True Mate, which means she’s off the market. And Elise and I will be leaving soon, so I won’t be disappointing you any longer.”
At that moment, Elise saw something that she’d never seen before. The dowager duchess’s face lost its severe expression. “My dear, whatever gave you the idea that I was disappointed in you?”
“What gave me the idea?” Julianna huffed. “Just about everything you do and say is to criticize me for every little mistake I make!”
The duchess laughed. “And if I praised you at every turn and lauded every lit
tle accomplishment, would you have worked so hard? Would you have done everything you could just to prove me wrong?”
Julianna opened her mouth and then shut it again.
“I’m proud of all of you,” the duchess declared. “Bridget, I’m very happy that you’ve found your True Mate.”
“T-thank you, Your Grace.”
The dowager tsked. “What’s with this ‘Your Grace’ nonsense? You are cousin to my grandchildren and the future countess of Caelkirk, therefore you must start calling me grandmama.”
The young woman’s eyes widened. “Yes, your—er, Grandmama.”
“And as for you,” she turned to Julianna, “I’m most pleased with you. You’ve exceeded all my expectations. If you are leaving after tonight, then I wish you all the best and that you find a husband worthy of your spirit. It’s obvious that you’re not meant for an Englishman. You’d run circles around one.”
“What?”
The dowager ignored Julianna’s slack-jawed expression and turned to Elise next. “But what about you, my dear? Is my grandson still being a stubborn mule?”
Elise blinked. “E-e-excuse me?”
“Don’t play dumb, my dear. It doesn’t suit you.” The duchess’s haughty expression came back. “And don’t treat me like a senile old fool. I know what’s going on between you two.”
“It’s not—”
“Poppycock! I’ve seen that look on his face before.” Her eyes softened. “It was the same one my son had when he looked at his True Mate. I’ve always … felt regret about the way things were between Annabelle and I. And I never got the chance before she …” She cleared her throat. “I only hope that I can be better with you.”
Bridget gasped and Julianna’s mismatched eyes widened.
“He doesn’t … it can’t work out,” Elise stated. What else was she supposed to say? Her emotions felt like they were spinning around in a tornado.
A Witch in Time Page 19
