AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Wesley wanted to say that she was his wife, but he’s already shown more of his hand than was wise. “Enchanted,” he said instead.
Martin nodded. “She did mention a wolven when the Earl and I made her acquaintance.”
“Oh?” His heart was practically doing a dance. But it was also possible they’d spoken to Phillipa after his encounter with the fae…and there was no telling what she would have relayed to her human friend.
“Yes, she had many questions about a wolven.” Martin tapped his gloved finger against his chin and turned to Wesley. “She asked us more than once if we had any idea how to kill one of them.”
ChapterNine
Wesley
“Kill me?” Wesley said, incredulous.
“Why, I’m not sure if she was speaking of you specifically, wolven, but she did have many questions, and some nefarious aspirations. I must be frank with you, it was quite the turn on.” Martin took a long sip of his drink.
Wesley growled. “My Phillipa.”
The minotaur frowned. “She did not declare any attachments to any beast. It’s possible there is more than one Phillipa here. There are many lovely ladies. Although, this particular Phillipa made a splash in the gossip rag by arriving completely disheveled, like she’d taken a roll in the mud. It was quite scandalous, and Countess Stalbridge had almost sent her home. I’ve also heard if that was the case, she wouldn’t have had a home to return to, for her family did not approve of her attending the Ball. A woman who’s wild like that can’t possibly be claimed. She needs a beast, or possibly beasts, that can satisfy her carnal needs while letting her heart be free.”
He was definitely speaking of his Phillipa. His cock stirred, thinking of how many times he’d watched over her while she’d worked in the garden, not giving a care about how much dirt got on her skin, her dress…
No. This was not the time to wax romantic when the minotaur leveled such serious accusations toward his beloved. That his beloved was trying to kill him.
Kill him!
That fae had leveled a curse on him, he was sure of it. There was no other reason this could be happening. If Martin was telling the truth, perhaps she had Phillipa under the fae’s spell as well. He preferred to believe that the minotaur was simply making up stories, like the gentlemen who were bluffing their tablemates at the card game.
He had to admire that skill. As a wolven, he’d lost the art of subtlety. He wanted what he wanted, and no one would stand on his way. Traditions and niceties be damned. He would claim his mate.
“If you’d like an introduction, I’d be happy to make one. Simon and I are hoping to reconnect with her, perhaps tomorrow night, but a woman as wild as her might not be satisfied by only two partners. A taste of a delectable woman like her will surely make you want to come back to the Ball for more.” The minotaur laughed with delight.
Wesley wanted to punch the bull in the face. Bring the festivities to a halt. He’d surely be banned from the Ball, and it could be the last time he ever saw Phillipa again. Not only because the introduction was above the minotaur’s station, but as much as he hated to admit it, he knew there was truth in that gossip Martin had shared. Phillipa and her family had been at odds ever since she’d returned home.
“Thank you, kind sir.” Wesley bowed to the minotaur. “But I assure you, once a delectable woman like Phillipa has a taste of a beast like me, she’ll spare no thought to any rake.”
Martin nodded. “This is the room for friendly wagers, and I shall see that bet, and raise you that once a delectable woman like Phillipa has her fill of a minotaur and a serpent, her hunger for such things will become insatiable.”
“That is a wager I intend to win,” Wesley growled and stalked out of the room. He couldn’t stay in this grand hall any longer, surrounded by smug minotaurs and absurd accusations.
How could Phillipa possibly want to kill him? The fae must have leveled a curse on him. His Phillipa was kind, gentle, and open-minded. And how could the bull even fathom that Phillipa would be interested in him or his damnable friend? Or even worse, both of them? If she had any idea he was in attendance, she would have come to him, right?
Wesley chuckled to himself. Just like you went straight to her. The realization hit him like a stone. She was here to entertain the offers of other beasts.
He had waited too long. His beloved had given up hope of his return.
No. He would claim her by the end of this Ball.
As soon as he reached the yard, he tugged at his cravat, taking his first full breath all night without the stuffy thing. He’d always disliked that part of fashion. He didn’t bother with the buttons on his jacket, ripping it away from his body. Those dreadful breeches were next to go. He knew a few things about being wild and free, and tonight would be the first night he completely embraced his wolven nature without any apologies.
He trotted around the Hall, through the gardens. Tall shrubs and statues illuminated by firepots guided the way. It was a warm night, and the windows to the Hall were open. The band’s music floated effortlessly outside, and some couples danced in the moonlight.
He stopped, peering around a shrub. A familiar laugh made his fur stand on end.
Phillipa was here.
This time, he wouldn’t run. He would drink her in.
She was magnificent, her skin radiant in the moonlight. He wished he could get close enough to see how the green in her dress complimented the color of her eyes.
