by Wendy Vella
“There.” Wolf pointed to the captain’s cabin. “He’s in there with Rose.”
They ran across the deck, and Wolf tried the handle only to find it locked. Lifting a leg, he kicked it hard, smashing it open.
“I’ll kill her if you come any closer.”
Captain Hoyt held a gun to Rose’s head. Her eyes were wide, and her neck wrenched at an angle that had to be causing her pain. Wolf battled to control his rage.
“Hurt her, and I’m gutting you,” he growled.
“You’ll die today, Hoyt, I’m making sure of it,” Max said, raising his pistol. “Let the girl go.”
“Let me go, and I’ll take the girl and leave her somewhere.”
Hoyt was sweating now, fear making him shake. It was a volatile situation that at any moment could harm Rose, and Wolf was not allowing that to happen.
He saw Hep then, and with him was a little white dog.
Bite!
“Lower your weapon, Hoyt,” Max demanded.
Hoyt screamed, dropping the weapon and Rose. Wolf dived for her, catching her in his arms and rolling them away while Max and the others dealt with Hoyt.
“I have you, my love.”
She buried her face in his neck.
“You’re safe now.”
He held her head close to his chest, hugging her hard, needing to feel her close, needing her to know she was safe.
“Are you unhurt, Rose?”
“I am well.” Her words were muffled against his chest. “You can release me now.”
“I never want to release you.”
“Up you get.”
Hands pulled Rose from his arms, and Wolf regained his feet to find the Raven brothers looking at their sister.
“Not here,” Wolf said softly. “Let’s go.”
No one argued with him or looked at the body of Captain Hoyt as they left the ship.
Wolf lifted Rose onto Apollo.
“I can walk.” She wouldn’t look at him, so he grabbed her hands, forcing her to.
“I love you, Rose, and because of that I should have believed you. Forgive me.”
Her eyes closed, and he watched the tears fall from beneath her lashes. Wolf vaulted on behind her and pulled her back against his chest.
“Your little beast has befriended another beast.”
Cam stood beside Apollo carrying a dog. He had one brown ear and black beady eyes.
“H-he is mine,” Rose said.
“Well then, he best come home with us.” Wolf took the animal and placed it in her arms.
“Hep may ride with me,” Eden said, and as he liked the duchess, his little beast allowed Cam to hand him to her.
Wolf didn’t speak, simply held Rose in his arms, giving her his strength, which she would need for what she was about to face. Because life as Rose knew it was about to change beyond recognition.
Chapter 36
Rose held the little dog close while Wolf held her. When she’d seen him burst into that cabin she’d wanted to weep. She’d thought that this time she was on her own and no one would save her, but he had.
When they’d left her in that filthy cabin, waiting for whatever fate was to befall her, Rose could think of only one thing: she would never see Wolf again.
She felt his lips in her hair as they rode through London, and finally she allowed herself to feel safe.
“Why did that happen to me again, Wolf?”
“All will be revealed soon, sweetheart. For now, will you trust me that you are safe, and never again will anyone try to harm you.”
“You can’t know that.”
“I do know that, just as I know I love you, and you love me.”
“I did not say that.”
Rose soothed the little dog as he fidgeted. The pup had not left her side in that cabin, growling if anyone dared to come close.
“Yes, you did.”
She could not lie so she fell silent. They turned into the street where he and the others in his family lived, stopping outside the duke and duchess’s house.
“Why are we here?”
“There are some things you need to hear, and this is the best place to do so.”
“What things?”
Wolf dismounted, and she handed him the dog. Placing her hands on his shoulders, he lifted her down, pulling her close, then kissed her softly.
“Stop it, they will see.”
“I don’t care.”
Wolf took her hand, and soon they were following the duke into the house and up the stairs. With him was Mr. Huntington, but of the others there was no sign.
They did not stop until they approached his study. Rose remembered the place well, as last time she’d been in it, she’d been told about the Sinclairs’ heightened senses. Wolf held her back as the others entered.
“Remember that I love you, Rose.”
“I do.”
“And that you love me.”
He held her shoulders, his handsome face serious, eyes lit from within.
“You have another bruise forming on your jaw.” She touched the damaged skin.
“And that you love me.” He shook her gently, and it was then she saw his uncertainty.
It humbled her to think he was vulnerable because of her… plain Rose Abernethy.
“I love you.” She brushed a kiss over his jaw.
“Thank God.” The breath rushed from his mouth.
“I am still angry, but I cannot lie to you.”
He hauled her close, kissing her with a desperation she had not seen or felt in him before. He then took her hand and led her into the study.
The duke was pacing, as was his brother when they entered. Both held snifters of brandy.
Wolf took one, still holding Rose’s hand, and led her to the sofa.
“You have been thoroughly terrified today, Rose. Drink some of this, it will help.”
She took the glass of amber liquid and sniffed the contents.
“Just a sip.”
Fiery liquid spread through her body after a mouthful. Letting that settle, Rose rather thought she liked the sensation and took another.
“Rose, my brother and I have something to tell you.”
The duke had approached and stood before her with Mr. Huntington at his side. Both looked so serious Rose had the urge to regain her feet.
“We have recently been going through our father’s papers, and came across something that concerns you.”
“I don’t understand? What could those papers possibly have to say that concerns me?”
“There is no easy way to say this, so I will just do so,” the duke said, looking grave. “My father married again, without my knowledge, and that union produced a daughter—”
“No.” Rose whispered. “My parents died, and my aunt raised me.”
“Your mother was Lavinia Smyth, Rose,” Wolf said from beside her. “She married the late Duke of Raven, and you were the result.”
Rose felt a loud buzzing noise in her ears as she struggled to comprehend what was being said.
“Take another sip.” Wolf eased the glass up to her lips once more. “Good girl.”
She leaned into him as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
“My father’s lawyer confessed everything. It was he who handed you to your aunt after our father declared he never wanted to see you again, as Lavinia Smyth had passed away giving birth to you.”
“How can this be?”
“I assure you it’s the truth,” Mr. Huntington said… her brother!
“You knew.” Rose faced Wolf as a thought struck and took hold in her head. “That’s why you said you loved me, because now I’m worthy of marrying you.”
He didn’t look upset at her accusations; in fact he looked calm. Rose wanted to scream at him.
“That is untrue, as you very well know. I offered marriage that day in my house.”
“But you did not mean it!”
“Of course I meant it, just as I did the other times I said it.”
Rose looked at him, searching for the answer that her muddled mind needed.
“He did, I assure you,” Mr. Huntington said. She could not yet come to think of him as her brother. It was almost too much to take in. “He sat in here the day after the ball and told both James and me that he loved you and would not live without you.”
“Will you give us a minute, please?” Wolf said to the brothers. Seconds later she heard the door close her in with him.
“Breathe in and out for me, love. That’s it, slowly now.”
The panic slowly began to subside.
“I’ve lived a lie, Wolf. My entire life was built on falsehoods.”
She went into his arms, wanting his strength.
“No, love. Your aunt loved you, that was real, but how was she to tell you that in fact you were the daughter of a duke?”
“She should have tried.”
“You have family now. Brothers and sisters, and you have me and my family, unusual though they are.”
“They are wonderful.”
“Sometimes.”
Closing her eyes, Rose absorbed just being held in the arms of the man she loved.
“Say you will marry me, Rose, because if you don’t I shall once again be plunged into darkness. The light you have brought into my life will be extinguished, and—”
“Yes, yes, I take your meaning,” Rose said, smiling into his shoulder.
“Say yes then, you heartless woman.”
“Yes.”
“The rest we will face together, Rose.”
She gave up then, and simply handed her heart over to him. Her life was about to be turned on its head, and she would face whatever came her way with him at her side.
Wolf stood at the altar in the small church that sat halfway up the side of Raven mountain. They had chosen to wed here because London would have created a sensation and people would have been scrambling to witness the wedding of the long-lost Raven daughter and yet another Sinclair.
“Do you know, I would have liked a bit longer with Rose living in my house,” Max said beside him.
“Too bad, she’s coming to live with me now,” Wolf said, looking at the doorway that was still empty.
“We need only find a few more Ravens and you Sinclairs will be outnumbered.”
Wolf grunted.
“Look after her, Wolf, or I’ll break something.”
“I will, and you could try.”
“I rather like having sisters.”
“You get used to them,” Wolf said, still watching the door.
“I found the three of them, Emily, Rose, and Samantha sitting in a parlor last night giggling. It was a moment I will always cherish.”
“She loves being part of a family,” Wolf said, remembering that conversation with Rose. It had been a week ago, and she’d been lying naked on top of him after they’d made love.
His Rose was losing her reserve finally.
“The show is about to begin,” Max said.
The bridesmaids appeared first, with Samantha, Dorrie, and Somer taking the lead. Kitty was behind them, and all wore rose silk. Wolf looked to where her husband, Mr. Trent, sat smiling at his wife.
James walked Rose down the aisle, and Wolf could see nothing of her face as it was hidden by a veil. Her dress was ivory lace, and he knew Eden had selected it as Rose had told him the task was beyond her.
He took the hand James offered him, and her fingers fluttered in his.
“This is the boring part.”
“Yes, thank you, Warwick.” Dev shushed the boy.
“But at least we get food after.”
The guests, of which there were many, tittered. Rose had befriended the actors who had known her mother and insisted they attend as well.
“And now you may kiss the bride.”
Warwick moaned, but Wolf smiled as he lifted the veil.
“Hello, my love.”
“Hello.”
He kissed her soft lips and knew that tonight she would be in his arms, just as she would tomorrow. Finally, Rose was his and he hers, and now they could begin the life they had promised each other. One filled with light.
A loud bang had them all looking to the door, and in walked Apollo with Hep and Rose’s little dog, Zeus.
“Our family is getting restless, my love. Shall we go and greet them, wife?”
“I can think of nothing I want more.”
THE END
Thank You!
Thanks so much for reading VISION OF DANGER.
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LADY IN DISGUISE – available now
“And are you backing Jaccob Bell in the Derby again this year, Olivia?” The breath left her body as he lifted her easily over a fallen stump and replaced her gently back on the ground on the other side.
“Please don’t touch me.” Lord, she was breathless from that brief contact. She needed to get away from this man. He was far too disturbing.
“Once, you liked me touching you.”
“Once, I was foolish and gullible. I am far from that now!” Livvy snapped and instantly wished she hadn’t, because she had no intention of alerting him to her feelings towards him. “I will, of course, back Jaccob, my lord; however, I also ride in the Derby now,” she added, quickly changing the subject.
Livvy didn’t instantly realize that he had stopped until she took a couple more steps and noted his disturbing presence was no longer at her side. Turning, she searched for him. Surrounded by tall trees and shadows, he looked like a god of the forest who could call together his minions and drag her into his dark world. Not that he would, she reminded herself, because he cared nothing for her.
“Is there a problem, my lord?”
“Surely it is too dangerous for a woman to ride in such a race?”
“Women have competed in the Derby before, and I am a good rider and have managed to ride the previous two years without incident. In fact, even with my limited intelligence, I manage to ride astride.”
His smile started in his twinkling gray eyes and finished on his lips which he opened, revealing large white teeth. It made her stomach flutter again but she kept her expression passive.
He means nothing to you any longer.
“And there is the tempting, mouthy vixen I left behind,” he said. “I was worried that she had vanished under the weight of responsibility you now shoulder, Olivia.”
What did he know of her responsibilities?
“None of us can stay as we were, my lord, and it would be unrealistic and childish to suggest otherwise.” Livvy tried to shuffle backwards as he moved closer. Damn, her words had sounded panicked and he knew it, the rogue. The smile still flirted around his mouth. “I would also ask that you not address me so familiarly and now call me Miss Langley, as we can no longer lay claim to being friends.”
That stopped him; he stood just an arm’s length from her, staring intently, his head tilted slightly to the side, as if trying to read her thoughts.
“We will always be friends, Olivia, and you will always be Livvy to me, even if I am no longer Will to you.”
“Friends do not abandon friends,” Olivia whispered, and then could have cut out her tongue. She hadn’t spoken without thought in years, in fact since this man had left England, and now she had told him how much his departure had affected her. “Not that I cared. It was just impolite of you,” she added, cringing inside at how silly her words sounded.
He closed the distance between them until his chest blocked her view of the forest.
“I’m sorry that I was not here for you when your parents passed away, Olivia, and I will say again that
I’m sorry if my departure hurt you, but at the time I believed the only option open for me was to go. I was angry and confused, and did not think much about the impact my departure would have on those I left behind.”
“You did not hurt me, my lord. I was seventeen and, therefore, quite happy to move on to the next source of amusement.”
Livvy stepped backwards but her escape was thwarted by two large hands cupping her elbows.
“Yet your demeanor would suggest you are angry with me; therefore, I must have hurt you in some way.”
“I have no wish to discuss this any further.”
He was silent for a while, and Livvy could feel his eyes on her face while hers looked over his shoulder.
“I missed you, you know. Missed the way your hand would fit inside mine as we walked through sun-warmed meadows on a clear day. We would seek out the largest tree and lie beneath it and you would sing to me.”
Livvy closed her eyes as one hand cupped her cheek. She willed herself to stay rigid and shut out the memories his words were forming in her head.
“I used to hear the sound of your laughter some nights while I struggled with the need to come home. I could see your face and the way your eyes lit from within when you smiled at me.”
She stiffened as his fingers trailed over her mouth.
“I have never seen a more beautiful smile to this day.”
His voice had always mesmerized her, the smooth deep tones like heated honey, but she was no longer the naive girl he had left behind. The pain of his departure had taught her one thing— never trust him again.
“I have no wish to hear any more of your ramblings,” Livvy said, struggling to get away from him; she winced as pain shot through her. “Therefore, I insist you release me.
“But this, Livvy,” he said, his breath brushing her ear as he inhaled deeply. “I have never smelled your scent on another.”
Lady In Disguise-available now
About the Author
With 30 books published, best-selling author Wendy Vella has sold over 1 million books, and her passion for romance novels has grown stronger with every new release. She loves writing strong heroes and feisty heroines, and has multiple ideas running through her head at all times. Humor is her trademark, and mix that with sensuality and intrigue and you have a book that will keep you turning the page until the end. Wendy writes, contemporary, Regency, and historical paranormal romances.
