A Tale of Two Dukes, page 24
No hint of deceit wafts from him as he tells me this, and in truth, I have enough to worry about without lumping my closest friends into the mix. With a sigh, I slam my fist into a nearby tree, anger clouding my vision.
“I suppose no sign of her?” I grumble, fear for my mate gripping my heart.
“Not even a whiff. What I did find, however, is far more telling and a bit chilling.”
Pulling documents from his coat, he hands them to me so I can skim them. They do indeed make my blood run cold. “Where did you find this?”
“His study. For one so prone to treason, he certainly does poorly at hiding the evidence.”
“Or he knew we’d be prying into his affairs and left them for us to find. But what is he playing at?” Once more, I glance at the papers, noting the detail in which he planned to execute the Crown Prince.
These are the same crimes his brother hanged for. Could it be this one was the mastermind, and the deceased was the puppet? Either way, there’s no saving Hugh now. None of this helps the more pressing matter, however.
“Do the servants know anything?”
“Not a soul in the house. It appears our sneaking about was for naught. Based on the level of dust in the unoccupied rooms, I suspect Hugh lives here alone or with a scant number of servants. I cannot tell if they do not exist or if they fled when their master was away.”
“Knowing that arse, it could be one or the other. Damnation. Now we have no way of knowing where he’ll be.”
“Ah, you would think that. But again, it appears our luck is holding out.” He brings out another scrap of paper, a piece of a map. “The route here is marked. Could be that’s where he’s taking her?”
“That, or he’s trying to throw us off their trail.” Taking the piece from him, I study it, my blood turning to ice in my veins.
If this is correct, he plans to take her to the far-off shores. Knowing what I do about his business, he could pack her up on a ship and I’ll never see her again. His constant trade with the Americas is the perfect cover, and with her muddled by opium, they’ll just think her seasick.
“We haven’t a moment to waste. If he is indeed heading there, he’s already at an advantage. Come, your house is on the way. We will alert the servants to contact the others, letting them know where we’re going. I can only pray this is accurate and not a deterrent to set us on the wrong path. While we’re gone, the others can continue the search locally.”
As I turn to fetch my horse, a blast of fear races through me, enough to drive me to my knees. Whiteport is at my side, his face lined with concern. Flashes of images race through my brain, all of them tainted with terror.
Through Catherine’s eyes, I see the carriage. A man sits across from her while she lies draped over the lap of another. His hands rove about her body as if he owns it, taking liberties no man should.
Rage fills my soul as I’m forced to endure what’s happening to her. Though granted, feeling it second hand is nowhere near as horrific as what she’s going through. How I wish I could just travel through the bond and break those hands that act as if they own her.
They squeeze her backside, but my little kitten stays silent, not wishing to draw their attention. She’s awake somehow, and through the confusion, I realize she’s not supposed to be. Even now, her thoughts are groggy, ethereal, as if she’s in some sort of trance.
Closing my eyes, I focus on every bit of information I can, but none of it makes sense. The only thing that stands out is names here and there. Loxburn. Apparently, the earl there owes Hugh a favor.
And that’s when I realize his end game. Gretna Green. The place I was prepared to take her so I could seal our vows as husband and wife.
“Bloody hell,” I scream out, jumping to my feet. “It’s a trick. He’s not planning to take her to the shore. He’s fucking going to Gretna Green.”
Whiteport’s face pales as he rises. “But that means-”
“That means I must get to her first. Tell the others. I’ll ride on ahead.”
“Like hell you will,” he grumbles, turning the opposite way. “I’ll ride with you. You needn’t make this journey alone. The others will understand when you bring your mate back home with you.”
Unable to voice my gratitude, I nod and focus back in on Catherine. I’m coming for you, my love. I need you to stay still and safe. You will be in my arms soon enough. A calm washes over her as everything goes blank between us once more.
CHAPTER 29
Catherine
I dip my head above the waves, somehow lucid for a few precious moments. But all too soon, I’m back in the dark. William’s words lap at my brain, soothing me as I repeat them in my heart and mind until the inky blackness overwhelms me once more.
The rocking of the carriage makes me ill, but I find I’m unable to ease my stomach through voiding the contents. Nothing works again. It’s as if I’m restrained by unseen hands.
How I long for the blessed nothingness and pray for it to overtake me. This liminal space between waking and unconsciousness drives me mad. At least this time, I know it’s not my normal affliction.
This doesn’t feel like those moments where I’m caught between waking and sleeping. Besides, the longer I lie bound on top of this stranger, the more I feel my brain trying to work.
At least it does for a few moments before exhaustion takes over. Hands grip at me, tearing at my flesh, but I’m unable to even so much as cry out. I will myself to fall back into the nothing, finding that a far better alternative.
Pain. It explodes through me, forcing a cry from my lips. But it’s silent, a mere motion of my lips with no release. Those hands grab me again and hold me close, burying my face into a shirt.
Again, that stench of wetness and mildew drives into my brain. I know this smell. It should have some meaning, some registering on my mind. All I know is it’s not William.
My lashes flutter open, and my eyes are stabbed by the dying rays of the sun. At least I’m no longer in that infernal carriage. The rocking motion is no more, and so my stomach can rest for the moment.
“She’s waking.” The voice reverberates in my head, pounding against my skull.
“Good. I want her fully cognizant for what happens next.” The one that holds me speaks with such conviction that my body begins to shake of its own accord.
What could he possibly have planned for me? Why is this even happening? It’s as if my mind knows but can’t access any information. In some ways, that’s even more terrifying. It’s as if I’ve been stripped of everything that makes me who I am.
“Welcome to the Blue Peacock Inn. Would you like food or merely a place to lay your head?”
“My wife is worn out from her trip, as you can well see. We need a room at once. And one for my man.”
“Very good. Right this way.”
Fear zips through me, setting my limbs to trembling. An inn? With someone other than William? No. This isn’t right. I try to shake my head, to alert the innkeeper somehow, but nothing I do works. I’m still confined inside my body. Seeing and hearing, but unable to move.
The room he shows us to is modest, comprising a bed and a basin to wash in. I absorb every bit of information I can so that when the bond works, I can tell William how to find me. Though I try again, it’s as if a fog wafts between us.
Tears gather in my eyes as I blink against the stranger’s linen shirt. For now, I must continue to act as if I’m half asleep, so that I’m not deprived of bits and pieces I might pick up.
Even now, my hearing becomes a bit clearer as my mind churns, waking up. As the heavy tread of the innkeeper fades away, however, the fear returns until I’m physically trembling in the man’s arms. His dark chuckle washes over my skin, sending nausea shooting through me.
He lays me down, giving me a good look at his face, and that’s when everything clicks. Mr. Beaumont. In an instant, the bond opens, and I’m flooded with love and concern from William.
Hold on, love. We’re heading to you. Do you know where you are?
The Blue Peacock Inn. Please. Please, William. I’m terrified.
I know, kitten. I need you to breathe. I’m right here. I’m not leaving you. His words are calm, soothing, the balm I need to settle. Can you tell me anything else? Anything at all?
Clearing my throat, I test my voice. “W- Where are we?”
Mr. Beaumont smirks down at me as he loosens his cravat. “That will be all, Elijah,” he calls out to the man behind him. “I have her well in hand. Go fetch yourself some dinner while I dine here with the delectable Kitty.”
At his smirk, my stomach churns. The double entendre is not easily missed as he begins to unbutton his shirt.
“Please,” I croak, my throat dry and sore. “You don’t have to do this.”
“Oh, but I do. You see, I thought you would be my good little slut and give me the means to take down my nemesis. Seeing as you are unable to do such a simple task, I must bring him to me. Once I return with you as my bride, there will be no stopping his rage. He will face me and know you are no longer a viable vessel for his seed.”
“What did he ever do to you? He’s a duke. Far more concerned with other matters, I’m sure.”
“Such a naïve, simple-minded girl,” he spits out. “You’re merely infatuated with the man. It’s by his hand an innocent man was hanged.”
My fingers slide up to grip my throat. “No. You must be mistaken.”
“Your betrothed is dead because of that bastard. But then, surely you knew that. It was you who prattled on about my brother, leading the hell hounds to his door.” Malice glints in his eyes as he glares down at me.
“But I didn’t-” The crack of the back of his hand against my cheek stops my speech.
Pain explodes over my face as my vision blurs. Through the bond, I feel William and the rage that pours out of him. His fury gives me strength to continue. I must, for my sake.
Cradling my face, I give Mr. Beaumont a pitiful look. “I knew nothing of any activity. You must believe me.”
“Oh, don’t you worry your pretty little head about that. Soon, I’ll know every thought, every secret. You will be laid bare to me.”
“No,” I whisper, my heart pounding.
“Oh, indeed yes.”
CHAPTER 30
William
“Damnation,” I roar, pulling my horse to a stop.
Whiteport eases up beside me, his face contorted into a mask of concern. “Any news?”
“He certainly has her. The bastard struck her and has threatened much worse. I have to find her. The Blue Peacock Inn is all I have.” Glancing up at the sign on the inn, fury churns in my gut.
Just the name doesn’t help. I need more. Closing my eyes, I reach out to Catherine, soothing her with my purr. If Whiteport finds my actions odd, he has well enough sense not to say anything.
We’re trying to find you, love. I need more information. Can you pry out of him a street, a county, something, anything? Though I do my best to keep the concern out of my voice, I worry it’s still bleeding over into her.
The pounding of her heart reaches me through the bond. I can feel her distress and fear as keenly as my own. Her anxiety gnaws at me, tearing me from the inside out. It’s not right that she has to face this alone without me there to save her.
For the first time, the feeling of impotence washes over me. However, instead of allowing that to fester and cause me to wallow, I shore up my resolve. I will find her. I will knock on every damn door if I have to. I will visit every inn, turning them upside down until she’s back in my arms.
He’s not giving me much, and I fear he’s growing suspicious. I worry about what will happen when he finds the mark you gave me.
The cocksucker! No doubt he will know she’s spying. Though I’m not sure what his endgame is, knowing she has my claiming mark will no doubt speed up whatever nefarious plot cooks in his mind.
Relax, love. We will find a way. Anything you can give me will help, but whatever you do, keep the mark a secret. Do not pester him any longer.
Turning to Whiteport, my lips thin. “The situation is dire, and we are no closer to finding her than when we started.”
“I would suggest splitting up, but then there will be no way to communicate. Bollocks.”
“My sentiments exactly.”
Urging the horses back onto the road, we traverse the main passageways. Unless he was meandering, choosing unnecessary back roads, we will have to come across this inn. Next to me, Whiteport remains silent as we ride on to the next town.
Every so often, I check back in with her via the bond, but thankfully, nothing has worsened. It kills me to be apart from her like this, especially when I’m so helpless in assisting her. The only saving grace is the strength I feel flowing through her veins. I pray it will keep her alive.
Sunlight fades fast as we race forward. Beneath me, my stallion heaves, no doubt worn out to near exhaustion. We cannot keep riding them like this. Like it or not, we’ll have to stop.
As if fortune smiles down on us, the next inn we see is The Blue Peacock. Elation blossoms in my chest as we pull up and hand our horses off to the groom standing watch. Balling my fists, I storm up to the door, only to have Whiteport grab my arm.
“We cannot burst in there half-cocked. He holds your woman hostage, and I’m sure you do not wish to see her come to harm. I have a better idea. No one will be expecting me to arrive and see no issue with my needing a room. I will come to you when I have information.”
“But she’s-”
“Fine for now, but won’t be if you cause a ruckus. I promise to alert you the moment she is found.”
With a sigh, I wave him on, watching as the fate of my mate lies in the hands of one of my best friends. He disappears into the inn, his body rigid, on high alert. I long to follow him, to be there as he knocks heads together.
He’s right, though. As much as I loathe sitting on my arse while someone else does the work, I can’t chance Catherine getting caught in the crossfire. Closing my eyes, I reach back out, touching the bond.
Fear and anguish blast into me, nearly choking me with its intensity. All I can do is purr. It seems so paltry, so worthless. What the devil is taking Whiteport so long?
Standing, I pace back and forth, no doubt looking every inch the madman. Others milling about grant me a wide berth, not wishing to entangle with the likes of me. As hard as it is to stand idly by, the moment Catherine’s scream erupts into my mind, I know I can no longer just wait.
I storm toward the door, nearly colliding with Whiteport as he races out. He steadies me, grabbing my shoulders, but I don’t see him. All I see is Catherine lying on some dingy bed, terror widening her sapphire eyes.
“She's not here,” he cries out, raising his voice to battle the violence in my mind.
I freeze, looking up at him. “That’s impossible. It was the innkeeper that announced it. Not some villain at his side.” Unless he knows about the bond. But no, Catherine would have said as much. “Do you think he has mercenaries stationed throughout England? Is his reach so vast?”
“Though I cannot speak to that aspect, the innkeeper informed me there are several inns with this name.”
“Then we will visit them all.”
“The innkeeper gave me several locations, and based on his end trajectory, I’ve been able to narrow them down. I understand the driving need, but our horses must rest. You must rest. No sense in hunting them down while staggering on your feet. Come, let us eat and plan our move. By the time we have contrived a strategy, we can set back out.” Pity, sympathy, and just a hint of cajoling threads his voice.
“I’m fine.”
“You’re clearly not. I see how the exhaustion and hunger beats at you. Beats at me. We are no good to her half dead.”
I detest being taken in hand as if I’m a child to be soothed. “We will water the horses and eat our food as we continue to ride. There is not one moment, let alone an hour or two, to spare. Besides, not one bit would touch my lips out of concern for my mate. This is the compromise. You are either with me or not.”
He heaves a sigh and shakes his head. “I am with you.”
CHAPTER 31
Catherine
Mr. Beaumont stands at the door, staring at me. He leaves only to return like a wraith intent on driving me mad. I don’t know what his game is, but each time he steps into view, my panic surges. It doesn’t matter that William purrs each time he feels my distress.
Whatever he has planned, I wish he’d either confide in me or get it over with. This constant war with myself is taxing, exhausting, and downright distressing. There were a few violent outbursts when I tried to ascertain our location, but now he’s quiet.
Too quiet.
There’s an odd quality about him as he watches me, his gaze roving over my body as if he owns it. I cannot figure out his mind, and this newest action, or lack thereof, has me on edge. His steps are heavy, threatening even as he strides toward me.
“Such a pretty little doll,” he murmurs, unbuttoning his breeches.
Fear slams into me, stuttering my breath. Does he mean to force himself on me?
As if he can hear my thoughts, he chuckles. “Such a silly little harlot. Though you’ve spread your legs for the Alpha who bought you, I’m far more respectable. I don’t plan to fuck your lithe body until you’re my wife.”
Wife? The word rolls about in my mind, eliciting a snarl from William. How I longed to be my mate’s wife, and now I’m set to be chained to someone I despise, someone so cruel. The enormity of my plight eats at me, reminding me how unfair and brutal life is to women.
Tears gather in my eyes as the monster continues to approach me. At least that’s one small consolation. He won’t rape me. Not right now, at least. It doesn’t give me any sort of comfort, however, as his member juts out in front, his blasted seed pearling at the tip. If he’s not planning to use my body, why is he disrobing?
