Persuaded to Love: A Kendawyn Paranormal Regency Page 15

  Lady Silence didn’t look as if she believed her companion. But all she said was, “Well.”

  Venetia didn’t doubt for a moment that Lady Silence took in the situation, the barely concealed hostility in Rhys’s gaze, and recognized that the woman—whoever she was—had been up to something. Lady Silence did not look impressed. Venetia doubted that the girl’s mother would be able to get Lady Silence to follow her into the bushes again, or for that matter, to be as likely to help the woman trap some unsuspecting male into an unwanted alliance.

  Chapter Eighteen

  “Why did you do that? Scare her so much?” Venetia asked. His Grace and Antigone led the way out of the uncultivated portion of the gardens and back into the maze, and there was just enough space between them for a semi-private conversation.

  “I won’t deny that I hope you’ll accept an offer once I dare to make it,” Oliver said. He took her hand and set it in the crook of his elbow and placed his other hand over the top of hers. “But I want to be wanted back, Venetia. I want to be loved and to love. I am as surprised by that as anyone. I want what Alice and Hugh have—and my brother George and his wife, Phoebe. They adore each other. There is a light in Hugh and George’s eyes. A light that wasn’t there before they loved, and I’m not so stupid that I can’t put the pieces together.”

  Venetia said nothing, she just let him speak. She didn’t look at him because she wasn’t sure that she could stand the earnestness in his face and his voice. She wouldn’t deny that she was intrigued by him. Tempted to pursue what he offered. But she wasn’t there yet. Not fully. She was afraid that she was crippled by her past and would be unable to give him what he so earnestly wanted. His happiness seemed to be more and more connected to what she would do. She wasn’t sure she could continue under this pressure. But she couldn’t—she wouldn’t say yes when she wasn’t certain.

  “I’m not sure,” she said, looking towards the gardens, noticing the weaknesses of the plants, the places where they needed to be thinned, or a plant was in the wrong place, “that I can be what you want.”

  There was a hesitation before he said, “You owe me nothing, Venetia Malvern. And I look for something given freely. That is all.”

  She took a deep, shuddering breath at the honesty in his words. A load she didn’t realize she’d been carrying had been lifted. He—he didn’t expect what she couldn’t give. And she wasn’t responsible for his happiness. That lingering need to run faded away as he took responsibility for his feelings and let her feel what she felt without responsibility for him.

  She wasn’t sure what it was, but she suspected more and more that she could come to love this man. Or perhaps, that if she were capable of loving and being loved in return that it would happen with him—or no one.

  “What is taking you two so long,” Antigone asked. “I am done with all of these people. I need to get out of this crowd or go mad.”

  Her gaze truly did seem to have an edge of panic at the edges. Venetia’s concern focused on her friend and she stepped forward to examine her more closely.

  “Surely you’ve already gone mad,” His Grace said. “That is the only explanation for refusing a catch as perfect as myself.”

  “Are you teasing me?” Antigone’s voice was shocked. Her gaze darted up and down the Duke’s form as if she were seeing something impossible.

  “Who me?” He grinned at Antigone, a cheeky, teasing grin entirely without arrogance or command.

  “What is happening?” Venetia asked Oliver.

  “I have no idea.” He whispered back, but there was a smile on the edge of his mouth as if he knew exactly what he was seeing. "But I suspect that he's either drunk, or he's decided to stop playing at being a nincompoop."

  “He seems,” she whispered, “to be a weird version of you.”

  “Please don’t say that,” Oliver said with a pained expression that was its own kind of teasing. Especially considering the evil grin he gave the Duke.

  Rhys snorted at Oliver and then said, “As if, only you, were the troublemaker. As if, only you, were capable of setting up elaborate pranks, stealing tarts, and getting Hugh into trouble.”

  He socked Oliver on the arm who pretended to cower away and whimpered, “Whatever you say O, Mighty Alpha.”

  Venetia laughed. That same sneaky laugh that bubbled too high and too fast and was entirely unexpected. Perhaps it was the shock of nearly being compromised. Perhaps it was how much she was coming to enjoy Oliver’s company but not just Oliver—Rhys as well. That she could even consider that huge beast of a Duke as anything other than His Grace was shocking to her. Perhaps it was the sun shining and being in Arathe-By-The-Sea. Perhaps it was just the dumbfounding nature of the last few weeks, but she could hardly believe that she was walking through this event on the arm of a man that, perhaps she loved or could love while her dear Antigone was being chased by the Duke of Wolfemuir.

  No one said anything about her near hysterical laughter, and they continued through the gardens while she examined her thoughts. The truth was, Venetia thought as she examined the couple ahead of them—it was just possible that the Duke really was a perfect match for Antigone. Not that she thought Antigone would ever admit that.

  “Oh no,” Antigone said.

  There was actual worry in her voice and her friend dropped the Duke’s arm and rushed back to Venetia, grabbed her arm, and begged, “Part the trees, now!”

  Venetia didn’t hesitate. She pushed her ability in the trees, shoving her friend into them and tucked them closed behind her, making Antigone a refuge among the branches.

  “Hello Miss Malvern,” the voice came from Maud Janus. Venetia's face must have shown her concern for Oliver had become stone under her hand. It was just..Maud Janus--bloody hell, Maud Janus who was one of the few who had discovered Antigone’s secret.

  Maud looked more than shabby. She’d gone from school girl to someone with an edge of dissipation and cruelty about her face. Maud had never been kind, but whatever restraint she'd had before, whatever goodness, was buried deep.

  Venetia met the narrowed gaze and glanced up and down the form of their former classmate. The dress was shabbier than Venetia expected, the eyes were colder than they had been in school, and the way they looked beyond Venetia said that they had seen Antigone and knew that she had fled. There was a pleased, predatory way about the expression on Maud’s face, but it was nothing compared to the silent man behind her. He was tall, beautiful, slim, powerful and there was no question that he was evil. He looked possessive as if Antigone was his already despite her being out of sight and safe for the moment.

  Venetia just heard Rhys growl low in his throat as she faced off with the intruder.

  “Maud,” Venetia replied without warmth. “Whatever are you doing here? I thought you had returned to Shyreland and didn’t intend to come back to this part of Kendawyn ever again.”

  “Plans can be changed. Wherever is your slippery shadow?” The snide insinuation could not be ignored.

  “I’m sure I don’t know what you mean,” Venetia lied, eyes on the man who stared boldly and seemed a little bored. Not uninterested, but as if he were ready to move beyond fake pleasantries to something else.

  “Didn’t I just see Miss Crestwell?”

  Venetia smiled her own predatory smile. She stepped forward and with her the trees rose taller and thicker. They threw shadows down on Maud, leaving the man behind her entirely in darkness, as Venetia replied, “Well, I think we’re done here.”

  She turned, taking the Duke by the bicep, and pulling him along as they left.

  “Oh, I don’t think so,” Maud replied, threat implicit in her tone of voice.

  Venetia didn’t let the threat lie. She turned back and told Maud, “I suggest that you tread very carefully before you find yourself somewhere you don’t want to be.”

  “Are you threatening me? Careful, careful.” The carefree laugh was as much of a lie as Venetia’s polite smile.

  Venetia let go of
Lord Stanwullf’s arm and dropped the Duke's arm to stand free from the both. She leaned into Maud Janus’s and said very clearly, “Yes. That is exactly what I am doing. And it is you that needs to consider her actions carefully. Neither of us is weak or soft. You will begin something that you can not end.”

  “I am not the one with a such a delicate secret.” There was no give in Maud's voice, and the threat was ever present.

  Venetia stepped even closer, the branches of the maze reached out like claws towards the woman who did not back down. “I will end you.”

  “Right,” Maud laughed. “The perfect princess? I doubt it."

  Venetia did not laugh. She did not back down. She stared at Maud Janus until the she-devil backed away one step, another and then another and then turned and left. Maud didn't rush, but she did not stroll either. Her hulking shadow followed her after spitting at their feet.

  “What in the bloody hell was that?” The Duke demanded, jabbing at the trees until Venetia allowed them to part and Antigone stepped free.

  Venetia didn’t answer. She linked her hand with Antigone and turned from the now overgrown maze and strode out of the maze. Not through the paths, but out of it, with the boxwood hedges backing out of her path, her fury rolling before her, like a presence. Like a monster.

  “Venetia,” Oliver asked, taking her arm, but not slowing her. “How can I help?”

  Venetia simply shook her head and sent a servant for a coach. She had to return to their house and see just how spooked Antigone was. But the thing was…Maud Janus had clearly either sold Antigone’s secret or was going to do so. How could Venetia keep her friend safe? How could she protect Antigone from those who would exploit her? Her clearest path to safety and the ability to move freely was if no one knew that she was a reaper. And that was no longer the case.

  Chapter Nineteen

  “Antigone?”

  She didn't answer, but she turned as they arrived. Her face was pale, her eyes stricken. She stood looking out the window at the adorable street they visited each time they came to Arathe-By-The-Sea. Venetia didn’t need to be told that Antigone was already mourning her freedom to come and go here. As Venetia had been unable to shake Oliver and the Duke, they were in the sitting room with Alice and Hugh as well.

  “Why are they here?” Antigone demanded, staring at the Duke who was uncharacteristically quiet.

  “I couldn’t get rid of them, ” Venetia sighed as she sent a servant for brandy and glasses.

  “What the hell was that?” His grace finally spoke, and as he did he crossed the room and took Antigone by the arm. Her look was so cold and furious, he actually let go of her arm to make a fist.

  “I believe that Venetia nearly tore that shabby female apart with trees from a maze. It might have been a close thing for the female,” Oliver sounded shocked. Hugh and Rhys looked at Venetia echoing the feeling.

  Neither Alice or Antigone turned a hair at the statement, though Alice shrugged.

  “Venetia is terrifying when she’s angry,” Antigone said turning back to stare out the window.

  “It is unfortunate,” Alice said with a dark, furious look, “that you did not remove Maud the last time, Vee.”

  “Agreed,” Antigone said. She slumped onto a chair and put her head in her hands. “I…”

  Alice and Venetia did not answer the questioning looks the men shot them.

  “Explain please,” Hugh said. His voice was soft, and he was not asking Alice. He was asking Antigone. He crossed the room, took her hand, and knelt before her. “You are not alone, my dear.”

  “I…”

  “She’s a reaper,” Venetia said, seeing the reluctant permission in Antigone’s face. “But you see, her father and her mother are not ghosts.”

  “You’re illegitimate,” the Duke stated without emotion.

  Antigone nodded once. If it were found out, her place in society, her freedom of movement, even her fortune could be denied to her. Probably would be, given that her family was not so powerful as the Wolfemuir. Given that being a reaper was something that had been exploited too often.

  “And that female knows? She intends to use it against you.” It was Oliver who stated the obvious.

  “She’s tried once before,” Alice said with a sigh. “Venetia got rid of her last time.”

  “You scared her away?” Oliver asked.

  “Maud Janus doesn’t scare,” Antigone said. “Venetia told Uncle Bradford, and they paid her a fortune to leave me alone.”

  “Thank you for that,” the Duke said.

  “You don’t get to be grateful,” Antigone said, but her words were tired rather than fierce.

  Venetia did not acknowledge the comment with more than rolled eyes. She stared at her friend and her friend stared back. Their gazes had met and a lifetime of worries and feelings were being communicated without a word.

  “It won’t matter,” Venetia finally said. “Nothing that they can take from you is something you desire. You don’t live in society. No one that cares about you cares about your heritage.”

  “There is more risk than that,” Rhys said. “She is valuable beyond measure to all sorts of unsavory types. You can not protect her alone.”

  “I am not alone,” Venetia said. “Uncle Bradford loves her as much as he loves me.”

  “He is a gentle and kind soul,” Oliver said. “You need the Wolfemuir.”

  “This isn’t your problem,” Antigone snapped, finally turning from the window fully, glancing down at Hugh, and then scowling at Rhys.

  The Duke stepped forward, he leaned down and forced her gaze to his. “You mean the world to Alice, Oliver is so in love with your best friend, he can’t see straight. You are Wolfemuir now.”

  “I am not yours.”

  “You are,” he said it clearly, leaning down and into her. “Accept it.”

  “You, you,” Antigone’s eyes filled and Venetia stood. She crossed and put herself between the Duke and her friend.

  “Enough,” Venetia snapped.

  “You need Wolfemuir,” His Grace said, "And you will get Wolfemuir help."

  “That is true,” Venetia replied, “But that doesn’t mean you get to claim her.”

  “She is mine,” he growled.

  Venetia marveled for a moment, this was a new side of the Duke she hadn't seen before, but she was suddenly understanding the reputation of the Wolfemuir and wondering just how much of this dominance that Oliver was hiding from her.

  “She is hers,” Venetia growled back, shoving Rhys away from Antigone.

  He was so shocked he stepped away. Venetia followed, crowding him.

  “We are not animals,” she stated it fiercely. “We will, none of us, behave as animals.”

  He growled at her.

  And she stepped closer. “Back down.”

  “For the love of…” Oliver started, taking Venetia’s hand. She twisted away and pushed the Duke into a chair. She was not gentle, but he did need to let her push him down.

  “We are none of us, animals. But we are all of us monsters. If you want to see my monster come out, you continue to push my friend towards the edge.”

  “You think you can take me, little girl?” There was a dark edge of humor in his voice.

  “Yes,” Venetia said clearly. “As you said, your wolf has claimed me as pack. I have not claimed you back. But my monster will do whatever is necessary to see to the happiness of my friend. It is only an accident of birth that makes Antigone and I anything other than sisters. In our hearts, that is the case. And you can rest assured that every bit of darkness within me will slaughter you or anyone else who threatens my family.”

  “Yes,” Oliver said, solemnly. “I am definitely in love. Desperately so. I will, however, throw myself at your feet later. Rhys, you’ve been challenged and she’s right about you, so I suggest we take on the real threat and stop trying to bully each other.”

  Rhys growled at Oliver who instantly held his hands up in surrender. “I’m not challeng
ing, cousin, I’m just suggesting we sent aside this argument to deal with the real foes.”

  “We should go to Wolfemuir land,” Rhys said. He accepted the brandy that Hugh thrust into his hand, leaving the chair where Ventia pushed him to pace by the mantle. It was clear Rhys's instincts as alpha were fighting the realization that he could ruin his relationship with Antigone and Venetia if he stepped wrong. There was more to being alpha that being the strongest. And though Rhys was strong, he was also calculating enough to fight the battles that he could win. Hugh handed glasses around, but Venetia didn't accept one. She was still standing in front of Antigone as if any threat to her friend could be fought off at that very moment.

  “Wolfemuir land isn’t a terrible idea,” Hugh said, gently to Venetia.

  “No,” Venetia replied firmly.

  “We can control Wolfemuir land.”

  “We are ending this,” Venetia said. “Too long we’ve been haunted by Maud Janus. It was always only a matter of time before she cropped back up in our lives.”

  “What are we going to do, tell the world my mother’s secret? Vee, she’s still married to my father. They live together and seem to actually be happy.”

  “Halfway across the world and far away from you. There is no way your father doesn't know.”

  “Yes, but… He can pretend now.”

  “Your mother is not my concern,” Venetia said. “You are.”

  “But…”

  “Antigone,” Venetia said, softly, following Hugh's example to kneel in front of her friend. “Your Mother made this mess. We’ve done what we can for her. But…that wasn’t some gentleman with Maud who wanted your abilities for his family’s gene pool. That man was evil. Tell me you didn't sense it”

  “I just…I can’t just…she’s my Mother.”

  “I know,” Venetia said. “I know. It doesn’t matter. It can not.”

  “I don’t see how we can save her and you,” Alice said. “Antigone, the only way to safety for you, is to stop hiding the truth.”

  “Leave,” Rhys commanded them. “Right now.”