To Tame a Wolf Page 10

  "Our daughter, his intended, is missing and he's wenching?” Hawke's infamous temper, never far from the surface, fought his tenacious hold. “We will see Lord Geoffrey."

  He rode past the man, heading through the village to where the gate of Red Thorn stood closed. When he reached it, he shouted to the men above. “I am the Black Hawke. Grant me entrance or I'll take the entrance. Your choice."

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  Chapter Eight

  The guards at the gate stared down in trepidation at the Black Hawke. Even outnumbered as he was, they knew he would not hesitate. Their fear of Lord Geoffrey and his torturous ways faded before their knowledge of the past exploits of this man. With little hesitation, they unlocked and pulled open the gates, allowing the men and woman to pass through.

  Gaddon, the most senior of the guard, gestured toward the youngest. “Run to the keep, Carsden. Let Lord Geoffrey know that he will be having visitors.” He shooed the young man on his way. The soldier raced across the battlements before descending to the cobbled ground below.

  "My glorious Lord Hawke,” he said, stopping the man and his group. He bowed low, holding up his hand to have them wait while he fought to catch his breath. “My pardon, sir. Youth is wasted on the young. Oh for those wonderful days before the wisdom of my seniority took me.” He took another deep breath, bowing again to the mighty Hawke. “Lord Geoffrey has only just arrived home himself. Yet I know he will be glad to entertain you. You honor us with your presence and..."

  Hawke cut him off with a growl and stared down at the man, knowing he was being stalled. “Tell me, sir knight, did Lord Geoffrey have a woman with him on his return?"

  "Uh, no,” Gaddon admitted. “His bride has been stolen from him, Lord Hawke, by the wolf of this land. Lord Geoffrey returns to gather fresh men and horses to resume the search."

  "Your loyalty to your lord is admirable,” Hawke said. “Now remove yourself from our path. I would see if Geoffrey truly readies himself for the search—or if his time is being spent searching under a wench's skirt.” He kicked his huge warhorse. The beast pawed the air inches in front of the man's nose. Gaddon quickly leapt to the side.

  "You tried,” another of the men said, patting Gaddon on the back as they watched the Hawke's party ride into the bailey.

  "I don't think it was enough.” Gaddon shook his head and then climbed to the battlements once more. His eyes searched the hillside. The campfires that dotted the black night were as numerous as the stars. “So many men. Geoffrey had better keep his glib tongue wagging."

  * * * *

  Carsden pounded on his Lord's door. A very drunk, very angry and very naked Geoffrey opened it. The wench he'd carried up to his chamber lay upon the huge bed behind him, her pale body exposed. She reached for the folds of her skirt, only to halt at a growled command from her lord.

  "I didn't tell you to cover yourself.” He scowled at the young guardsman. “What is it? If it isn't important, your ears and hands shall be forfeit."

  "Lord Hawke is arrived, my lord. He has brought with him an army the likes I've never seen. It sits on the hillside, waiting his word."

  Geoffrey cursed, sobering at the news. “Find my mother and have her entertain Lord Hawke. I shall be down momentarily."

  "Yes, my lord,” Carsden said, taking his eyes from the nude woman on his lord's bed to bow and back from the door. He needn't have bothered. Geoffrey slammed the door before his bow had started. A woman's screech and other noises came from behind the wooden portal. Turning, Carsden made his way to the great hall, going to one of the cooking fires off to the side and sending a serving girl after her ladyship.

  Solana hurried down the stairs in time to hear the banging of a gauntleted fist against the outside door. She nodded for one of the men to answer it, slowing her step and smoothing her gown over her slender hips. Her first glimpse of the huge Black Hawke almost had her scurrying back up the stairs she'd just descended. Instead, she forced a smile and stepped forward.

  "Lord Hawke, you honor our humble keep with your presence."

  "I wish to speak to your son, lady. Fetch him immediately.” Hawke walked into the great hall, noticing the condition of its people with an angry eye. Most were too afraid to raise their faces and there was none of the constant chatter normal in his own hall. Geoffrey's men seemed more likely to bury their faces in their cups than to raise their eyes and meet his.

  Hawke reached for Maddie's hand and pulled her to the fore. “What do you see, love?"

  Her eyes flitted from the tattered draperies on the walls to the people, just as ragged. “I see a keep in need of a woman's hand and a people in need of a true leader, husband. This is...neglectful."

  A young lad of about two summers got loose from his mother, rushing toward the doorway, that frantic lady hot upon his heels. Hawke leaned down and scooped up the young lad. “What's your name?” he asked the rambunctious lad.

  "He's Darren, sire,” his mother said nervously. “Please, Lord, it is my fault he was not restrained."

  "Restrained?” Hawke asked, smiling at her to ease her fears. “Are your children not allowed to play and run?"

  "Not when Lord Geoffrey..."

  Whatever she was about to say was lost as she saw the Lady Solana standing behind Lord Hawke.

  "Please, sire,” she said softly, holding her arms out for Darren.

  Hawke handed her the boy after whispering something in his ear that made him giggle. It was the only sound in the great hall. The servants and soldiers seemed discomfited by the sound, their eyes unfailingly tracking the Lady Solana as she stepped up to Hawke.

  "My Lord, might I not offer you a repast after your long journey? Surely your lady wife would appreciate a bite to eat and rest for her feet."

  "His lady wife wishes to know where her child is,” Maddie answered. “Only your child can tell us that, Lady Solana. Please, have him fetched before my husband loses his temper and tears your keep down stone by stone searching for him."

  "That shan't be necessary, Lady Madelaine."

  Solana took a step back in relief as her son came down the stairs behind her. “My son,” she said in greeting.

  "Mother, have a tray fixed and sent to my solar. I shall explain to Lord Hawke and his wife what happened to Lady Adaira.” He bowed to Lord Hawke. “If you'll follow me?"

  Hawke cast one last glance around the quiet room and fixed Geoffrey with a baleful stare. “I don't think so."

  "Pardon me?” Geoffrey turned back, staring in consternation at Lord Hawke.

  "I've come to do two things, Geoffrey, both of which can be accomplished right here and now.” Hawke took two steps forward, his fist flying at Geoffrey. The punch landed just as he'd wished. The too handsome lord collapsed at his feet. Geoffrey's eyes blinked as he tried to clear the stars from his head.

  "Lord Hawke!” Lady Solana gasped, shocked. She rushed to her son's side.

  "That was for trying to make my wife into your whore. Be glad she talked me out of using a sword.” He reached into the small pouch he wore at his waist, bringing forth a scroll. With great pleasure, he tore the thing into small pieces, letting them rain down upon the man at his feet. “That was the marriage contract. No man who would treat a woman the way you do deserves the honor of my daughter's hand. You couldn't even see her safely here."

  "It was Wulf,” Solana cried staring at the pieces of the marriage agreement resting upon her son's chest. “He stole Adaira away from Geoffrey while he slept. ‘Tis not Geoffrey's fault."

  Maddie knelt next to the woman. “That is Geoffrey's problem right there. You're making excuses for him. Let him grow up, Lady. Quit trying to protect him. He must take responsibility for his actions. I've given birth to four sons. Not a one of them is perfect and I wouldn't want them to be. I find them even more loveable for their faults.” Hawke helped her up. “If you know the whereabouts of our child, Lady Solana, tell us now. My husband would not take it well were we to discover you knew her location fro
m the first."

  Solana glanced fearfully at the Black Hawke, wincing at his dour and forbidding look. “Wulf's mother lives in the village. Hers is the second cottage from the village gates. She might be able to tell you more.” She wrung her hands fretfully. “Please, you must not hold Geoffrey responsible for your daughter's well being. He did his best."

  "He lost my daughter. His best is clearly not enough. How he has kept this keep as long as he has...” Hawke's gruff voice trailed off. “Tell your son to prepare for a real fight, Lady. If he is smart, he'll tuck his tail between his legs and run. You might do better begging for my mercy than begging for mercy for him."

  Maddie tugged on Hawke's arm, eager to be away from the sense of hopelessness in this keep. The people here were not just unhappy, they were inhumanly morose. “Please, Hawke, let us go find this lady."

  He nodded, his black eyes leaving Solana and finding his wife's face. “Yes, I find the atmosphere here stifling.” He took her arm, leading her out of the hall and into the bailey. Their horses were still saddled and he lifted her gently atop of her mare. “It surprises me greatly,” he said softly, his voice sad.

  "What surprises you, my husband?"

  "I found you in the meanest of villages, yet you know more of how to be a lady then one born and raised to the part.” He touched her cheek fondly. “I find myself giving thanks once more that you were put in my path, Maddie."

  She leaned down, her lips caressing his cheek until he turned his head. Then his lips took hers and she sighed again. Her emotions were never far from the surface when he was near. She had once thought she knew love, until this man killed that man, Rose's father. She had wanted to hate him, only to discover a deeper and almost disturbing truth. Hawke was her true love.

  "Let us go find our daughter,” he said softly, cupping her cheek.

  "Yes."

  * * * *

  Lady Liana hurried through the tunnels, her candle wavering and flickering. Her eyes still marveled over the sight she'd witnessed. The hillside seemed alive with campfires. An army bigger than any she'd seen before. If they were to attack...

  With a little cry, she passed her son's bed chamber, the door wide open, the gown she'd left outside gone. Noise echoed in the long tunnels and she could hear her people. They would be sitting down to eat the evening meal. Afterwards, Wulf and Rose would be married. At least, they would be if the men weren't out fighting for their lives.

  The tunnel widened into a hall. Long trestle tables ran the length of the room, bench seats filled to capacity with the people who'd gone into hiding instead of working for Geoffrey. Liana stared around the room, searching frantically for her son. With a sigh of relief, she found him sitting at the Lord ‘s Table, laughing at something.

  "Wulf!” she cried, her voice breaking through the conversations until the hall went eerily silent.

  "Mother?” Wulf stood, taking two steps toward her before she'd raced around the edge of the table. “What is it?"

  "A huge army is camped upon the hillside."

  "My father,” Rose stated, rising and going to Wulf's side. Her hand came up to rest against his forearm, an intimate touch that caught Liana's eyes.

  "Things are well between you?"

  "We will be married as soon as the priest has eaten his fill."

  Liana smiled. “I've always wanted a daughter.” She held her hand out to Rose. “But perhaps we should get your father's blessings."

  Rose nodded, taking Liana's hand. “You left this gown for me?"

  "Yes, it fits well. I'd thought it would."

  "It was very kind of you."

  "You will be my daughter.” She said the words matter-of-factly. “Come, we must get back to my home."

  Rose took Wulf's hand, following him down the tunnel behind his mother. She smiled as she thought of being swept up in her father's strong arms and seeing her mother once more.

  Wulf, on the other hand, frowned. He couldn't stand the thought of losing Rose, and he might. He wanted to turn, to head further into the tunnels. He wanted to take her to the other side of the mountains and run until they reached somewhere no one knew them. But he couldn't do that. He couldn't leave his people in Geoffrey's hands. They'd never survive.

  They reached the ladder and Liana hurried up. As Rose was about to follow, Wulf stopped her.

  "Rose...I...” His voice trailed off and he looked at her helplessly.

  "What is it, Wulf?"

  Wulf glanced up the ladder. He could hear his mother's footsteps, heading toward the door to her cottage. Panic settled into his stomach. He reached out, grabbing Rose around the waist and pulling her against his chest. His lips swooped down, taking hers in a kiss fraught with the frustration and fear he felt. Only when her lips softened under his did he gentle the kiss, trying to tell her without words.

  When he let her go, her eyes were dewy and soft. She touched his cheek with her hand. “It will be fine, Wulf. My father is a reasonable man. You'll see."

  "I hope so,” he said. “I'd hate to have to steal you away again. Your father's keep would be harder to breach than Geoffrey's defenses.” He shook his head ruefully. “I won't lose you now."

  "No,” she agreed with a smile. “You won't."

  * * * *

  Halfway up the ladder, Wulf heard Rose's cry. He burst through the trapdoor, sword in his hand.

  It proved to be a cry of happiness, not fear. She was wrapped tightly in her father's embrace, her mother almost dancing in place, waiting for her turn.

  A sigh escaped him and he lowered his sword, sliding it back into its scabbard. When he looked up again, the Black Hawke stood in front of him. Without a word, the man balled up his fist and slammed it into Wulf's face.

  Rose cried out again, this time in horror as she watched Wulf fall. She pulled from her mother's embrace and ran, crouching beside him. “Why did you do that?"

  "Because he deserved to feel some of my wrath for what he put your mother through.” Hawke watched as she lifted Wulf's head and rested it against her breast. “Oh, don't coddle the boy. He knows he deserved it and more. He'll consider himself lucky I didn't do worse."

  "I do,” Wulf said, moaning a bit as he moved his jaw. “I'd have thought the Black Hawke would hit harder.” He accepted his soon-to-be father-in-law's hand and let him help him to his feet. “That was a bare love tap."

  "I couldn't maim my daughter's husband, now could I?” Hawke laughed, enjoying the younger man's wit. “She'd never forgive me."

  "So ‘tis your army that waits beyond the gate?” Liana asked, her hands clasped beneath her breasts.

  "It is,” Wulf nodded. “You must be Cedrick's wife. I've heard him rave of your beauty."

  "You knew my father?” Wulf's ears perked.

  "Aye, well enough to share a cup or two. He was a good man.” Hawke watched as Rose stood and Wulf's hand came out to draw her to him. “You have feelings for her?"

  "Aye,” Wulf said, his arm resting on Rose's shoulders, pulling her even closer. “We are to wed tonight."

  Maddie clasped her hands together and stared at her own husband, wondering what Hawke would say to that. He didn't take well to younger men and their brashness.

  "With your blessings, that is,” Wulf added.

  Hawke smiled. The young man had recovered just in time. “I shall have to think on the matter."

  Wulf nodded, expecting nothing less from a man like Hawke. He did not expect Rose's reaction.

  "No!"

  "No?” Hawke's face was impassive.

  "You heard me, I said no."

  "It is not your wish to marry this man?” Maddie asked, standing beside her husband.

  "It is my most fervent wish, but I will not let Papa hem and haw over the matter, especially not when I could be carrying Wulf's child."

  Hawke's eyes darkened and Wulf saw the iron face of the man who'd built an empire. “You've defiled my daughter?"

  "Yes sir, though I'd never think of it as defiling her. But we have ma
de love and she could be carrying my son. I love her, Lord Hawke. I will protect her with my life."

  Rose stared up at him, hearing words she'd longed for spoken for the first time. The fact that they were to her father and not to her was an arrow to her heart. Once more, she was being treated as if she had no say in what happened to her. She stiffened under his arm, pulling away from him.

  "Rose?"

  "You love me?” she asked softly, her pretty eyes hardening. “When were you planning on telling me?"

  "I did tell you.” He held his hands out to her. “Earlier, before we went to dinner."

  "No, you didn't. I think I would have remembered something like that.” She walked to the fireplace and held her hands out, as if suddenly cold. A chill rose in her body, but centered around her heart.

  "Rose, I told you I cared for you.” Wulf glanced around the room, noting the interested faces of his in-laws as well as his mother.

  "There is a great difference between caring and loving, son,” Liana said softly. “Anyone can have a care. I care for my garden and I care that the meat for my dinner is not overly charred. But that isn't love."

  Rose glanced back at the slender lady, giving her a small smile of thanks.

  "Adaira Rose, if you've given this man your body, then it is his responsibility to make you his bride. This is not time for foolishness."

  "Papa, is it foolishness to want the same thing that you and Mother have? I've seen you watch her when she doesn't notice. I've seen the look in your eyes. It's the same as in hers. Is it wrong for me to want a man who wants me for me, not for what you can give him?"

  "Well, he certainly didn't say he loved me."

  "No, but he told you how he feels before telling me. That's something a woman wants, to know that her husband holds her feelings dear and will treat her as more than just a warm body.” Rose blushed to the roots of her dark hair, but she didn't back down. “I wish to know I have that as well."

  "Lord Hawke,” Wulf said quietly. “If I might speak to your daughter in private?"

  Hawke nodded and Wulf reached out, taking Rose's hand, though she tried once to pull away. He tugged her gently along behind him, going out the door of the crofter's hut and around to the side. It was cooler now that the sun had set and Rose shivered in the night air.