Read Online The Cursed One by Ronda Thompson - Free Book Online Page B

him.
    Before Amelia’s eyes, the man began to shift. His features changed into those of another man … she recognized him now. He’d been tending the stable when they arrived. Then he began to shift into something else. Something inhuman. His teeth grew longer; hair sprouted from his body. His form began to twist and turn, to shrink. That was when Lord Gabriel shot him for the second time. The man, thing, whatever it was, jerked backward.
    The howls began. All around them the sound echoed in the night. “Damn,” Wulf cursed. “He was meant to draw us out. Run, Amelia! Run to the house!”
    She heard his instruction. She knew she must run, but it was if she were frozen. Frozen by fear and shock. Wulf cursed again; then he gathered her in his arms and raced toward the house.

    Even in shock, Amelia heard the sound of tree branches snapping behind them. Whatever was in the woods, they were coming after her and Gabriel Wulf. She also realized how fast he moved, how effortlessly he carried her. How could a man with a wounded leg run so fast? How could any man run so fast?
    They reached the door and he slammed against it with his shoulder, knocking Mora back in the process. He rushed inside and nearly threw Amelia at the startled girl. Amelia’s knees were wobbly as a newborn foal, but she managed to stand, surprised that Mora had the strength to support her.
    The girl looked like she’d weigh slightly more than a wet kitten. Wulf nearly had the door closed when something thudded against it. A hand reached inside. A hand that was neither human nor animal. A hand covered by thick fur, with long claws jutting from the fingertips.
    Amelia screamed. Wulf slammed his body against the door, and whatever stood on the other side howled in pain, retracting its hand. Then Lord Gabriel had the door closed, throwing home the bolts. He stepped back and aimed his pistol at the door.
    â€œMora, get Lady Collingsworth into the parlor, away from any windows.”
    Together, Mora and Amelia moved to the front parlor, where a cherry fire still burned, making a mockery of the nightmare without end. Amelia was in shock; she knew that. Her hands and feet were freezing. Mora helped her sit upon the settee and crouched down beside her, the girl’s eyes large and frightened.
Through the doorway, Amelia saw that lamps were being extinguished. Soon the house was plunged into total darkness.
    She heard nothing, nothing except the pounding of her heart. How long they sat waiting she couldn’t say, but finally Gabriel entered the parlor.
    â€œThey are gone … for now.” He bent down before Amelia, took her cold hands in his, and began to rub.
    â€œHow do you know they are gone, my lord?” Mora whispered, her voice frightened.
    Yes, Amelia’s mind screamed, although she couldn’t seem to speak. How did he know?
    â€œTrust me,” he answered. “They’ve slunk back off into the woods. I don’t see them anymore.”
    â€œIt’s dark outside,” Mora said. “Maybe you just can’t see them. Maybe they’re still there.”
    Gabriel glanced away from Amelia. He turned a stern look upon the girl. “No need to upset the lady further, Mora. They are gone. We are safe. I will make certain we remain safe. Understand?”
    The girl ducked her head and nodded. Wulf’s voice was gentler when he said, “Take a candle and light it from the fire. Go into the kitchen and fix Lady Collingsworth a cup of warm tea.”
    Amelia’s throat finally relaxed enough to allow her to speak. “Something stronger would be better,” she said.
    â€œWe’ve used all the brandy,” Mora responded softly.
    Gabriel continued to rub Amelia’s hands between his, and she felt his warmth spreading to her. “See what you can find,” he said to Mora. “Even cooking sherry will suffice, but bring the tea, too.”

    The girl rose from her