by Arial Burnz
She nodded. “Werewolves only come out at night and there are nine days in the moon cycle. We only have six days left. We can stay indoors at nightfall. I have great hopes I’ll develop a cure before the next cycle. In the meantime, I can create enough infusion for everyone. I’ll begin collecting the flower immediately.”
“I’ll help!” Edda chimed at once.
“Nay, I will do that,” Broderick said, as he shrugged into his doublet. “I cannot protect everyone that goes out to gather the herb. It will be easier to protect one person than an entire village in the open forest.” Broderick turned to Helmut. “The construction of the strong house should be during the day, so save your efforts until then. Before I leave this evening, I’ll be sure you have enough silver to get started.”
Helmut dipped his head in acknowledgment.
“I believe I have some of the infusion left over from last night.” Broderick did a casual count of the villagers, who seemed to number no more than thirty. “Is this everyone in the village?”
Several heads swung to and fro, each villager taking an inventory of their neighbors.
“It might be tight, but I think the kitchen house is large enough to hold everyone, yes?” The thoughts of several villagers milled around wondering what Broderick was up to. “Here’s what I propose. I’ll retrieve the rest of the wolfsbane and meet you back at the kitchen house. Paint the infusion on the doors and windows. Be sparing, though, there isn’t much. Stay close to the building and if you need to protect yourselves, go into the kitchen. No fires,” he warned. “The space is too close for that without risking someone getting hurt. Monika and I will gather the wolfsbane and be back as quickly as possible to make more infusions so you can all dress your homes.”
Many heads bobbed in agreement then started filing across the courtyard to the path toward the kitchen.
As Broderick stepped toward the northeast pathway out of the village, Monika grabbed his hand. “Thank you.”
“Of course.” He dragged a curled finger along her jawline and images of him standing shirtless before the crowd flashed in his mind. Monika’s desire heated the air between them. He couldn’t resist teasing her. “Did I shock your delicate sensibilities when I disrobed?”
Her cheeks bloomed rosy. “You delight in making me blush!” She covered her laughter with her fingertips and pushed his shoulder. “Hurry back, you rogue.”
Chuckling, Broderick bowed before departing. He hurried down the road until he was sure no one could see him, then sped back to the docks and leapt onto his ship. The main deck was empty. While he fetched the jug of the remaining wolfsbane from his cabin, he also fastened a small sack of silver to his belt and took an old pair of leather gloves from his chest of drawers to protect him against the herb.
When Broderick came topside, he almost ran into Gilbert.
Fear widened his crewmember’s eyes. “We heard the howl, Cap’n.” He glanced at the jug in Broderick’s hand. “Time to hunt a werewolf?”
“Right now, I’m trying to protect the villagers of Kostbar, the small establishment down the road. You should be in your cabin.”
“Aye, Cap’n. I heard some noise, so I’d come to check it out. The others are below as instructed.”
“Don’t come out tonight. Stay inside like the rest of them.”
Gilbert nodded and disappeared below deck. Broderick sped along the same path back to the road to Kostbar. Vollstadt was at least a couple of miles from Kostbar. And though it was humanly possible for him to have gone there and back in the short amount of time he had been gone, he certainly didn’t look like he had exerted such efforts. Broderick paced at the side of the road. But the longer he waited, the longer the people in Kostbar were exposed to a possible attack. Broderick paced a few minutes more before growling and giving up.
He cantered into the village courtyard and passed the well, then backtracked and tossed in the bucket, fetching some water. Splashing it on his face and drizzling it down the front of his shirt and doublet and under his arms, he was pleased it gave him the appearance of sweating after hard labor. Trotting down the path to the kitchen house, he pretended as if he was out of breath.
Monika gasped and ran to him with a cloth in her hand. “My goodness! What happened?”
“Nothing, I just ran to get the jug.” He handed it to her and bent forward, bracing his hands on his knees, continuing the charade of exerting himself.
Monika passed it to Edda, then carried on with wiping his brow. “You should sit down. That’s amazing! You ran the entire way, there and back?”
Nikolaus cackled. “You’re a mighty fit young man!”
Several of the villagers chuckled.
“Come.” Broderick jerked his head, beckoning her to follow. “Let us gather the wolfsbane.”
“I think you should rest.” She placed her hands upon her hips.
“Bah!” He grabbed her hand and pulled her along. “We don’t have time to rest. Goodbye, folks!” Broderick waved. “We shall return soon.”
Edda and Irma laughed and waved, along with many others in the crowd.
Monika shook her head and followed after Broderick. “You’re mad, you know that?”
He waggled his eyebrows and grinned. “Hopelessly.”
She rolled her eyes, chuckling, and stalked ahead. “I just need to get us some baskets and my gloves.”
Broderick pulled his gloves from his belt and held them up. “I brought my own.”
“Wonderful!” Disappearing only briefly into the cottage, she emerged with two large baskets, each lined with a large square of threadbare cloth.
They trekked into the woods together, Monika in the lead and Broderick keeping his ears and eyes open for anything. With her expert eye, she was able to spot the plant right away and showed Broderick what to look for.
Apprehension and a thick nervous tension radiated from Monika. Broderick glanced at her, but nothing in her appearance betrayed what he sensed. It’s a fair question to ask, he detected from her thoughts. She cleared her throat. “Herr MacDougal, might I ask you a personal question?”
“Of course you may.” He uprooted the next stalk of wolfsbane he came upon and caught up to her in two long strides.
“I’m assuming you’re not courting anyone at the moment since you…well, since we...”
“Since I kissed you last night?” The corner of his mouth turned up in amusement. She was adorable when she blushed…and smelled oh-so delectable.
Monika faced him and swallowed. “Yes.”
“I’m a widower,” he whispered, never very comfortable with that status.
“Oh, I’m so sorry.” She reached for his arm, but stopped, noticing the gloves. Both hands clasped the basket handle as if to keep them in check. “My condolences for your loss. How long ago?”
He smiled. “Several years ago.”
“I see.” Monika drew her bottom lip between her teeth in that achingly familiar gesture used by Davina.
“Since we’re being so candid with each other.” Broderick set the basket on the ground, where he tossed his gloves. “I have not been involved with another woman since her passing. I’ve never had any desire for another woman since she came into my life.” He inhaled deeply, bringing the essence of Monika in with that breath, and his knees trembled. “Until you, that is.”
“Oh.” Such a whisper of a word passing through her plump, red lips.
“In all honesty, Fräulein Kon—”
“Monika.” A timid smile touched her mouth.
Broderick returned the smile and stared at her lips a moment, remembering how they tasted. “In all honest, Monika, I’ve felt that being with someone else would betray our love, and I’ve never wanted to do such a thing.”
She sighed. “Herr MacDou—”
“Broderick.” He chuckled.
Her smile deepened and she nodded. “Broderick.” Monika near breathed his name and raw need swirled in his gut. “You are unlike any man I have ever met.” Husky desire t
hickened her words. “You are the utmost gentleman, yet you reveal the rogue beneath the mask…and always at the right times. You speak of devotion for your wife, even though she passed many years ago. What woman wouldn’t swoon over such attention or dedication to love?” Monika pulled off her gloves and dropped them and the basket at her feet. “You are a man of your heart, Broderick.” She placed her hot hand upon his chest, her warmth covering his soul.
He placed his hand over hers and gazed into her sapphire eyes. “I don’t want my past to burden this. It’s not fair to you.”
“I’m not sure I understand.”
Broderick cupped her jaw and brushed his thumb over her cheek. “There are so many things about you that remind me of her. You have the same eyes, the same mannerisms. Even the same gestures.” Monika drew her bottom lip between her teeth and Broderick chuckled. “Aye, just like that one. And the way you jut your chin forward when you stand your ground.”
“Do I do that?” Her brows drew together.
Deep laughter rumbled from his chest. “Aye, you do.” He brushed a strand of her chocolate hair from her forehead. “Davina is…” Broderick couldn’t finish the sentence. Davina is dead.
“What a beautiful name.”
Tears shot down his cheeks, unexpectedly. He nodded. “Aye,” he replied, his voice heavy with grief.
“Oh, Broderick.” Monika wiped his cheeks with tender fingers, moisture welling in her own eyes. “You are such a beautiful man,” she whispered, and stood on her tiptoes to kiss one of his tears from the corner of his lips.
Like a man starved, Broderick open his mouth and claimed hers in a possessive kiss, drinking her in, dragging her into his arms and crushing her body against him. It was her. Honey on her tongue. Lavender and the sweet essence of her blood filling his nostrils. Her breathy moans, whispering his name. The same nibbles, the sweep of her tongue, her fingertips seeking to caress his mouth as he devoured her, the pressure of her full breasts against his chest. “Davina.”
She stilled in his arms and pressed gently against his chest. He reluctantly broke from their kiss and was almost surprised to see Monika in his arms. She brushed her thumb over his mouth and a soft smile, with a small measure of sadness, curled her lips ever-so slightly. “I understand now what you mean.”
“What?” Broderick groaned. “What did I do?”
“You called me Davina.”
“Oh, Monika.” He shook his head and touched his brow to hers. “I’m so sorry. I—”
She placed a fingertip on his lips. “All is well. I’m surprised. I-I’m actually…I don’t mind. And I understand.”
“This isn’t fair to you.” He dipped his head for one more taste of her lips. “Perhaps I just need a little time.”
“Time is something we have.” She wrapped her arms around his neck.
A lump formed in Broderick’s throat as he held fast to her. Time is something I have, Blossom, but never enough with you.
His kisses still tingling on her lips, Monika gathered as much wolfsbane as she could handle. Broderick insisted he carry both baskets while she collected more of the herb. He managed the load surprisingly well and, baskets stuffed full, they both trekked back to the village, relieved there were no incidents of an attack. Monika informed her neighbors to use leather gloves if they were going to help. If they weren’t helping, they were ordered out of the kitchen. Her Scotsman stood sentinel outside at the edge of the small group, alert for anything unusual.
As Monika supervised the activities, she’d steal glances at Broderick, who winked at her if he caught her staring. She’d blush and he’d chuckle, then pretend to return to guard duty with a stoic expression, but a repressed smile that brought out his dimple.
With the infusion complete, Broderick pulled Monika aside. “I don’t want to leave, but I must. I have some personal needs I must attend to.”
“Of course.” She fought the heavy drag on her heart. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for us tonight.”
Lacing his fingers with hers, his eyes roamed around the clustered group of villagers while he slowly backed into the shadows. Placing a finger over his lips, he pulled her with him and mischief danced in his eyes.
She glanced over her shoulder. No one seemed to notice them slip between the kitchen house and the adjacent cottage. Broderick encased her within his arms against the wall and claimed her mouth with a hungry kiss. Monika melted against his solid frame, her head dizzy from his magic. Heart racing, gasping for breath, she could not get enough of this man. His possessive hands, so achingly familiar. His kisses like sweet memories. Her body knew him. Nothing had ever been so perfect, so right.
The passion from their kiss ebbed, slowing to delicate nibbles and caresses. Monika’s knees buckled and she would have collapsed had it not been for his tight embrace.
He touched the tip of his nose to hers. “That wasn’t enough, but it will have to carry me ’til the morrow.”
She cocked an eyebrow and pulled him in for another kiss.
Broderick groaned into her mouth and lifted her from ground. “Och, woman! You’ll be the death of me.”
Monika gasped, and then grinned so hard her cheeks hurt. “I swear to you, Broderick MacDougal. You’ve leapt from my dreams straight into my arms.”
His deliciously deep laughter rumbled against her breasts. “Aye, lass. Truer words have never been said.” With one more hungry kiss, he let her slide down his body and moaned. Grasping her by the hand, he peeked around the corner then casually strolled back into the wide path, where her neighbors were still gathered, chattering.
“Good night, Fräulein Konrads.” Broderick brought her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles, those hooded emerald eyes seeing into her soul.
“Oy, now, MacDougal!” Helmut protested. “You do that in front of our wives, and they’ll be expecting us to follow suit!”
Riotous laughter filled the streets and Edda punched her husband’s arm. Broderick chuckled, then handed Helmut a small sack. “This should get you started on labor and materials.” He patted the blacksmith on the shoulder. “So all of you know, I do have some duties to tend to during the day, but I will be changing my sleeping habits so I’m up most of the night. That will give me a better opportunity to be alert and awake while the werewolves are active.”
Helmut’s jaw dropped and he and Broderick seized each other by the forearms with a firm shake. The rest of the villagers voiced their appreciation and well wishes.
Taking Monika in hand, Broderick waved goodnight, then led her down the wide path, away from the group of villagers. “Until the morrow? At sunset?”
She grinned. “I shall count the hours,” she whispered, using his own words from the night before.
Broderick laid a sensual kiss to her palm and Monika swooned. As he stepped backward, his hand clung to hers as long as possible before they parted. She stared after his retreating figure, admiring his broad back and shoulders, his well-shaped posterior and powerful thighs. The man oozed sexuality with every step as he sauntered away, occasionally glancing over his shoulder at her and gifting her with a sensuous smile.
“He seems like a good man,” Edda said at her side. “Scottish and a deep voice. Is he the one?”
When Broderick finally walked out of her view, she turned to her friend. “Yes, I believe he’s the man in my dreams.”
“You have the knowing, just like your grandmothers on both sides of your family.” Edda put her arm around Monika and they turned toward the crowd. “I’m happy for you, love.”
“Thank you.” Monika smiled, then waved to address her neighbors. “It’s getting late. Let’s get our houses dressed with the infusions and get ourselves off to bed. I think we’ll all sleep a little sounder tonight.”
Many nodded in agreement and Monika organized the activity. As the villagers set off to do as she instructed, she recalled what Broderick said about Vamsyrians being known as the Blood of the Cursed. Werewolves were cursed. She drew her bottom l
ip between her teeth and tapped her chin. Perhaps there’s something else I can do to protect the village.
* * * * *
Monika made short order of her chores the next morning, grabbed her small basket of remedies, which she was rarely without, and marched the long trek to Vollstadt. Thomas was due for a royal scolding for what he did last night.
As she stomped into the tavern of The Red Stag, Monika jumped at the innkeeper’s voice and stopped at the doorway.
“I don’t know, Aggie!” Otto yelled at the blonde woman at the bar. He vigorously scrubbed the bar top with a brush and soapy water. “You come in here with so many men, how am I supposed to keep track of them?”
Aggie punched her fists onto her hips. “It was that Scotsman, the tall one with the red hair. Ain’t too many of—”
“Oh, him! No, he didn’t say nothin’ before he left. In fact, I don’t even remember seein’ him leave. I thought he was up in the room with you the whole night.”
Monika gasped and quietly sat in one of the chairs.
Aggie crossed her arms. “No.” She paced in front of the bar, pouting. “All I remembers is him kissing me and then I wakes yesterday mornin’ with a stack o’ silver. Are you sure you ain’t heard nothin’ about where he is? If I can keep a man like that happy, I can fills my coffers and…”
Monika had heard enough. She stomped across the room and ascended the staircase. And to think I let him take such liberties with me and those kisses! Tears pricked her eyes and her stomach roiled. Those brief moments she’s shared with Broderick were so special, the sweetest she’d ever experienced. How could they not be true? Surely the feelings they had for each other were sincere. Monika stopped in front of Thomas’s door, wiping her tears. The girl was either lying or Broderick was…and a masterful liar he’d be if he was. Gritting her teeth and wiping her face dry, she shoved her anger aside for the time being. She’d deal with Broderick later.
