by Abby Gordon
Seeing Heinrich flush, Wulfgar turned, satisfied that his father-in-law understood how things were. He and Amanda truly had no secrets.
As Jordan helped Wulfgar dress, Heinrich excused himself to change as well.
****
An hour later, Amanda turned at the soft knock on her door. Putting the brush down, Melly went to the door, spoke quietly, and then turned.
“Your father’s here to take you to the chapel, my lady.”
Amanda swallowed at the change in address, then nodded. Her father entered while the maid left. Turning on the stool in front of the vanity, she looked at him and smiled.
“You look very handsome, Father.”
“And you are beautiful,” he said quietly, stopping several paces from her. “I…”
He took a deep breath and she frowned slightly at the hesitation in his expression.
“Father, you approve of Wulfgar for my husband, don’t you?”
Heinrich smiled and crossed the distance between them. Putting his hands lightly on her shoulders, he kissed her forehead.
“I don’t think there’s anyone else better for a husband for you.”
“Then what is troubling you?”
“So many things,” he whispered, gazing down at her. “Most of all that I wish I’d tried more to understand what your mother could do. What you can do. I deeply regret…”
Understanding the two instances he meant, Amanda stood and hugged him. Her father’s arms went around her and he rested his cheek on the top of her head.
“You continued practicing on your own anyway though.”
“Yes,” she sighed. “I’m sorry I disobeyed you, Papa, but it was growing inside of me and I couldn’t ignore it.”
“At least Aaron never knew,” he murmured. “After Amalia’s death, I hid all but the marriage contract.”
“He found that and teased me daily until he left for university about not having noble blood.”
She felt her father sigh.
“I don’t know what happened to him. Where I went so very wrong as a father. For him to bargain you for his debts.” He shuddered and his arms tightened around her. “I know I’ve been harsh in my judgment toward Crown Prince Karl, and it’s been hard for you, but I am very grateful to him for coming to your rescue at the museum.”
“I’ll tell him that,” she told him, smiling up at him.
“What is this mental connection Lord Wulfgar mentioned?”
“I read about it in Mama’s journal. When we reached court, I sent a note to him, simply saying I had information about his mother’s family if he would like to meet. The next day, we met and started practicing together. One of the first things we learned to do was speak with our minds. We’re getting…”
Cousin?
Karl! I’m getting married any moment. I wish you could be here.
As do I, Mandy. It doesn’t seem as though I’ll be crown prince much longer.
She stiffened and stepped away from her father, barely managing to sit on the stool. She closed her eyes, trying to keep her hands from trembling on her lap.
Karl, what is it? What’s happening?
Uncle Jarl is unconscious. The physicians say he’s in a coma and it’s just a matter of days.
Amanda gasped and looked up at her father’s concerned expression.
“It’s Karl,” she whispered. “The king is in a coma.”
“Is there anything I can do to help?” he said promptly.
Karl, Father is here with me. He’s asked if there is anything he can do?
Thank him for me. I may call upon him. I think things will be fairly quiet until spring. Then the southern lands will start stirring.
Do not start a war, cousin. I like Wulfgar alive and in one piece.
She felt his amusement.
I’ll do my best, Mandy. My congratulations to you both.
Thank you. Be careful.
Always. That’s why I’m still alive.
Her cousin’s presence left her mind and she trembled.
“Amanda?” her father asked quietly.
She repeated the brief discussion and he nodded.
“Something will need to be done to keep them quiet. It would be best for all if it was done without war.”
“I would like that above all,” she murmured, mind reeling at the thought of losing her beloved to a war.
“None of this sadness,” he said, lightly gripping her shoulders and pulling her to her feet. “You are about to get married to a man who is probably ready to carry you to the altar himself.”
Beloved, are you coming?
Amanda laughed.
Yes, love. Karl contacted me.
Is everything well?
The king is in a coma.
She sensed his mind sorting through the implications before a resoluteness settled.
That is for later. Hurry up or I’ll be thinking you don’t want to marry me after all.
We’re on our way now.
Taking her father’s arm, she smiled up at him.
“You have a connection with Lord Wulfgar as well?” her father deduced.
“Yes, and that’s because of his abilities as well.”
As they walked down the staircase, Heinrich sighed.
“I can tell my grandchildren are going to be a handful. Just like their mother was as a child.”
She laughed as they approached the chapel where Bettina stood in a pale green gown and a bouquet of lilies and white roses. With a smile for her husband, the older woman handed the flowers to Amanda, arranged the ribbons, and fluffed her skirt.
“Ready?” she asked quietly.
“Yes,” Amanda stated firmly. “This is where I’m supposed to be.”
With a nod, Bettina turned and pushed open the doors. Amanda and Heinrich stepped forward and stared. Lallas had taken his directive to the extreme—as her father guided her down the aisle, she was sure that not a single bloom survived in the greenhouse. The pews were full of staff members and everyone from the little village beyond the walls. Wilhelm sat on his father’s lap and waved happily at her. She smiled at him. As she neared, she reached out and brushed the boy’s cheek with her fingers. He giggled.
In the second pew from the front, she saw Anders, his head bandaged. He and Mrs. Anders smiled, the housekeeper already dabbing her eyes with her handkerchief.
As they reached the halfway point down the aisle, Wulfgar appeared at a side door and took his place in front of the altar where Father Wenceslas waited. Amanda’s breath caught.
“Amanda?” her father breathed.
“He’s in formal court attire.”
“Let no one doubt his intent,” he told her.
“Who is that with him?”
The man with Wulfgar was also dressed as if they were at the capital.
Wulfgar? Who is he?
My cousin.
And then they reached the altar. Amanda stared up at her love and felt everything fade away. Dimly she was aware of her father speaking and placing her hand in Wulfgar’s. She heard his deep voice, steady and sure, repeat the vows. She heard her own voice, low and hesitant at first, then grow stronger, taking courage from the man next to her. Wulfgar helped her kneel for the blessing as Bettina stepped forward to take the bouquet. She closed her eyes, feeling her mother’s presence, and the spirits of so many others.
Unknown to her, her body seemed to glow pale yellow. Wulfgar squeezed her fingers and she turned her head as he pulled her to her feet. She smiled and now saw the light as it stretched out to include him.
“You may kiss your bride, my lord,” the priest stated.
Wulfgar’s hands framed her face and he stared down at her for a long moment.
“My beloved,” he whispered, lowering his head.
His lips touched hers, lightly at first. She leaned toward him, opening to him.
As if you weren’t testing my control already.
My love.
His head lifted and their eyes held. With a wh
oop, his hands caught her waist, lifting her up and turning around with her. Father Wenceslas and his cousin stepped back, chuckling. Laughing, she put her hands on his shoulders. As he stepped away from the altar, still turning as he gazed up at her, he held her high so all could see her. The staff and villagers applauded and cheered. Near the first pews, he lowered her, letting her body slide down his. As her mouth drew even with his, his arms wrapped around her and he kissed her again.
“Time enough for that, cousin,” the newcomer teased in a voice nearly as deep as the baron’s. “I believe Father Wenceslas needs you to sign the register. Then as far as the realm is concerned, you will be legally wed.”
Laughing, Wulfgar put an arm around her waist and nodded to the priest. Wenceslas lead the way to the side door Wulfgar had come from. Heinrich and Bettina followed them to sign as witnesses.
“Beloved, this rascal is my cousin, Hunter. Your cousin sent him home.”
Pausing as she took the feathered pen from the priest, Amanda smiled at the man so similar to her new husband. Hunter, however, was staring slack-jawed at Wulfgar’s reference.
“Her cousin?”
“Our mothers were cousins,” she told him, signing where Wenceslas pointed. Straightening from the book, she stepped back so Wulfgar could sign it. As he bent over the desk, she rested her hand on his back and studied Hunter. Having seen and felt Wulfgar’s transformation into his beast, she sensed Hunter’s inner turmoil. “How old are you, Hunter?”
“You know?” he whispered as the Baron straightened.
“I do.”
She simply nodded as Wulfgar’s arm wrapped around her waist. Her father guided Bettina to the register. Despair filled eyes a slightly darker blue than his older cousin’s.
“I’ve little time and less control each day,” he said quietly, anguish in his voice. “The crown prince told me it was time for me to return home. Wulfgar, I tried, but…” Tears were in his eyes. “It would be simpler if you killed me.”
“What?” gasped Bettina, whirling.
Her husband shushed her, then quickly scrawled his name.
“In seventeen days, I reach my twenty-fifth birthday. Four days later is a full moon. I will become the beast inside me. Each month…” He snapped his mouth shut and closed his eyes. “Wulfgar…”
“You need a virgin,” Amanda stated quietly. “Willing to wed and bed you within twenty days.”
He nodded. Amanda caught Bettina’s gaze and smiled.
“My best friend would suit you well.”
Heinrich frowned but his wife smiled and clapped her hands together.
“Elise. Amanda, it would be perfect. For both of them.”
“All well and good,” growled Wulfgar. “But do you mind if I bed my bride before you start planning his wedding?”
“Not until you’ve had Georg’s wonderful meal,” Bettina told him. “He worked like ten fiends in the kitchen…”
“Fine,” he muttered, then whispered in Amanda’s ear. “Eat quickly, love.”
Laughing, she let him sweep her out of the office. In just a couple hours, Georg and his staff had pulled together an amazing meal, including a cake large enough for everyone to get a tiny piece. The villagers and staff not in the dining room mingled in the great hall. There were meats and vegetables followed by breads, cheeses, and dried fruits, then beaming from the praise heaped on him, Georg proudly carried the cake from the kitchen. Hunter retrieved the baron’s saber from the lord’s suite and handed it to him.
Amanda put her hand over his and they carefully cut a piece free from a corner. Setting the saber down, Wulfgar picked up the cake and held it for her to take a bite. Eyes glowing, she opened her mouth. Her fingers brushed his as she took the piece from him and fed him.
“Just one more thing, love,” she murmured, feeling the beast in him stirring.
“Are you certain?” he wondered.
Laughing, she took the bouquet from Bettina and ran lightly up the staircase to the first landing. Giggling and blushing, the maids and three girls from the village gathered below her. Turning her back to them, she glanced over her shoulder, winked, then faced the steps again. The flowers flew from her hands and the girls scrambled to the far left.
Startled, Melly reached up just before the others could get close enough. Amanda hurried back down to her husband who was chuckling at Jordan’s intent expression.
“Now can I carry you to our room?” he murmured in her ear.
“I’m surprised you’re asking, my lord,” she replied.
“About time.”
He swooped his arms under her shoulders and knees, starting up the staircase before she could put her arms around his neck. Realizing what was happening, the staff and villagers cheered raucously, with a few ribald comments muttered by the men that drew blushes from the women. Amanda rested her cheek against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart. Her hand moved along his back until her fingers brushed the ends of his hair. At the top of the staircase, he turned and the hall fell silent. All eyes were on them.
“Let the word go forth. This is my lady.”
She let her head fall back against his shoulder. His mouth captured hers as again the hall echoed in shouts. Sure and certain, still kissing her, Wulfgar turned and strode down the hall toward the lord’s suite.
Chapter Eleven
With the door closed behind them, Wulfgar leaned against it, relishing the feel of her in his arms, her lips against his. Slowly he released her legs and her body pressed against his. He could feel her soft curves beneath the silk and his control started to slip. Amanda eased from his arms and turned, sweeping her unbound hair over a shoulder.
“Can you get the buttons, Wulfgar?”
Nodding, he raised his arms and started at the top. After the first few, the material began to fall from her body, revealing smooth creamy skin. Halfway done, he gave in, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her back to him. His mouth went to the exposed shoulder and she sighed and relaxed as he made his way to his ear.
“Are you ready for this, my love? I’m holding back as much as I can but, knowing you’re truly mine, the beast is trying to claim you as well.”
Her head turned so their eyes could meet.
“You’ve been preparing me for this in my dreams. I’m not sure I’m ready for your beast form, but…” Smiling, she turned in his embrace. “He might come in handy for warmth when the deep of winter comes.”
Chuckling, he resumed working her buttons. As he reached the end, just above her pert bottom, he realized her hands had been busy as well. She’d unbuttoned his jacket and waistcoat, untied his cravat, and was working on his shirt.
“Mmm,” he whispered in her ear. “Think there’s something under there you might like?”
“I know there is,” she said softly, a huskiness coming into her voice. Her hands went to the small of her back and untied the ribbons of her petticoat. Taking three steps back, she eased the dress from her arms, caught the petticoat with her skirt, and shimmied out of both. “Is there something here you might like?”
He stared at the sight of her in her chemise, stockings, and slippers.
“Wulfgar?”
“What happened to the demure maid?” he murmured, smiling. “She’s been taken over by a wanton lady.”
A log in the fireplace slipped and blazed up, casting her body into relief against the white silk.
Mine. Mine. Mine.
Striding toward her, he swept her out of the material, leaving it in a puddle on the floor, and carried her to the bed. Laying her against the pillows, he quickly pulled his clothes off. Not content to stay as he’d put her, Amanda rolled to her side and propped herself up on an elbow to watch him. He heard her breathing grow faster and more shallow as he removed his shirt. Tugging his shoes off, he tossed them to the side.
Straightening, he went to the edge of the bed. Two fingers under her chin lifted her face so their heated gazes clashed.
“Watch me, Beloved. Kee
p your eyes on me. Don’t close them.”
Nodding, she sat up, following his hands as they worked on the buttons of his breeches. Being to court standards, he had to peel them over his hips and down his thighs until he stood before her with only his loin strap on.
His cock strained to be free of that last piece of material. His hands went to the knot at his right hip.
“Let me,” she spoke.
“Amanda, if you touch me, I won’t be able to hold back.”
A slow seductive smile curved her lips as she swung her legs over the bed and sat on the edge.
“Promise?”
Holding his breath, he took the last step toward her.
Amanda was also wondering where this wantonness was coming from. It had to be because of the dreams. At the moment, she didn’t care. Wulfgar didn’t seem to mind. In fact, from his teasing and his reactions, he liked it. Her fingers followed the material and quickly worked the knot.
The white linen fell to the floor and she inhaled as his long thick cock sprang free, pointing at her as if it knew exactly where it should be. The purplish mushroom head seemed to pulse.
“Amanda?”
All of her dreams flooded her mind. Pieces she’d never understood, sounds, feelings that had confused and frightened her—now they all rushed forward. And she understood them. It was her blood heritage from her mother. She felt her body warm and her loins tighten. Need.
Lifting her gaze to her husband’s, she reached out with one hand and wrapped her fingers around the velvet-wrapped heat of his cock. The words came to her. A timeless chant that was as much ritual as what they had done in the great hall. With a meaning she wasn’t sure she understood yet, she placed her other hand on his heart and took a deep breath.
“This is mine. As surely as I am yours. I need what only you can give me. I give you my heart and body. All that I am—heart, mind, and body—is yours from this moment until my last breath. All that I am, I pledge to thee.”
Releasing her breath, she released her Flaradian side and the golden glow flared around her.
Wulfgar’s hands framed her face, then drifted down her neck.
“Remember the last dream, Beloved?” She nodded. “I will take what is mine. I will protect and guard you until my last breath. And no other woman shall ever warm my bed.”
