Page 251 of Ten Lords for the Holidays

Brier growled inside.Stubble it, he told that annoying voice.

“Nothing vital to anyone else, or even myself, I suppose. Stockings…” A great sigh heaved from her chest. “My other dress. The better one I was to wear to my interview.” She looked down at her feet and he could feel the stark tremble that bled through her limbs. “These were my only good slippers. My last employer didn’t go out much, saw not the need for me to ‘spend frivolously’ upon walking boots.”

Brier grunted. To his experienced eye, her only “good” slippers were now good for nothing more than the rubbish pile.

“My mother’s Bible…” She was still counting off what was gone. “Father’s cherished snuff tin…Grandmother’s handkerchief.” She gave a loud sob. “I swear I could still smell her when I lifted it t-to my nose. So what else is missing? Just my remaining memories…a min-miniature of my sister… ’Tis all I have left of her. Went missing shortly after she turned fifteen.”

And I thought I was alone?

“I shall see you safe. Find you something fresh to wear. Bring another bowl, with warmer water this time. After a quick wash, a decent night’s slumber, things will look brighter in the morn. I vow.”

Just how do you propose to keep that promise?

* * *

Two hours ago

a far piece away from the snug shop

“She’s gone,” the being who (formerly) referred to himself as The Beast gritted out in dismay. “The quiet one beneath the tree.”

His companion dashed the persistent rain from his forehead, both their protective hats long since lost tonight. “Likely left with the others.”

If wishes could only make it so.“No. She remained after they departed.”

His companion and friend straightened, propped his hands on his waist and surveyed the surrounding destruction they sought to recure. “Then she lived nearby,” Adam concluded in a tone no doubt meant to be convincing. “No need to be anxious over her whereabouts. We have more than enough to deal with right here.”

“Nay again. The others hailed from the north, claimed it only a short distance to their destination.Shedid not accompany them today.” The beastly one (for old habits were oft difficult to break) inhaled, nostrils flaring. “Seawater. I smelled it on her cloak, a hint upon her hair. Unlike the others, she was on the stage from Brighton.”

“Well, shit.”

He inclined his head. “As you say. One of us needs to—”

“I know, I know.” Rubbing a finger over a bushy, rain-slicked mustache, Adam huffed. “Given the lingering drizzle and time, it needs to be you, E. Can you still smell her? Track her by scent? Make sure she’s all right? Doesn’t succumb…” The heinous acts they were all too aware of the last few months didn’t need to be named.

A second, intent inhale proved the truth of Adam’s supposition. “Aye. I shall see to her.”

Already, his powerful thighs shook with the need to chase after her, to ensure her safety, not have the death of one more innocent weighing upon his soul.

“Then go,” his friend said. “We’ll handle things here until your return.”

A brief nod and he was off, storming through the dark, sodden night, surprised by how good it felt to escape the carnage behind, if only for a short while.

Felt good until he caught up with her only to discover a crew of rufflers and rogues had her in their sights as well.

As his friend would say,shit.

They’d reached the edges of the inner city, dark and dank in both fact and feel, not far from the river; not far from decent destinations. But now? Tonight? Evil would overtake her before she had a chance to flee beyond the threats. He paused, assessing, vexed that she was still racing ahead, but knowing he could overtake her—once this new danger was nullified.

There were seven, mayhap eight of them, cackling and arguing in the alley, deciding who would have her first.

Bile rose in his throat.

He could take two or three of them, likely four, on his own, but beyond that was risky. Especially if he didn’t want to become a beast in truth and leave carnage inhiswake tonight. Draw unwanted attention.

So he did the only thing he thought might work—allowed the creature within to surge forth, but not completely. Stopped just out of sight of the gang, opened his mouth and lungs and roared as if his life depended upon it.

Because he knew with certainty that hers did.

---