Page 79 of A Tale of Two Dukes

With a thin smile, I watch as she closes the door, waiting until her footsteps descend. At that moment, I burst into action, looking for anything that I can use to protect myself. The room, though pretty, is unfortunately bare.

As I think to pry at a loose floorboard, the door slams open, revealing Mr. Beaumont. Bollocks. I must have allowed my thoughts to run away with me.

“Indeed, you have. Come, my little charlatan, our future awaits.”

“Your future, you mean,” I retort, grabbing my hand from his. “I want no part of this.”

“Oh, but you will have no choice.” Leaning forward, he growls, the intensity of his roar driving me to my knees.

Frantic, I look about for any means to protect myself, to stop this infernal sound from turning my insides into mush. But I find that I cannot move. Not one finger. Inside my mind, William also roars, but his is a sound of frustration, not one to command me.

With deft fingers, Mr. Beaumont plucks me off of the ground and hefts me over his shoulder. With his Alpha roar no longer pinning me down, I burst into a flurry of movement. I beat his back with my fists as I kick out.

With a growl, he wraps his arms around my legs, his strength too much for me. “Please,” I cry out to anyone who will listen, but all they do is turn their faces into their drink.

The only one who shows any sign of concern is the innkeeper’s daughter. But even she is silenced by the owner of the tavern. I understand their reactions, betas and omegas, the lot of them. Only an Alpha could truly stand up to the likes of this monster and have a hope of living.

Again, as we go out of the inn, the sound of the anvil rings in my ears. It’s loud, overriding my thoughts. I need it to stop. Desperation beats at my insides as I continue to flail about, my feeble blows glancing off Mr. Beaumont’s back.

“We wish for you to marry us,” he growls out to the man pounding away at the metal.

A pause, a sweet relief to have the shattering sound stop, allowing my thoughts to resume once more.

“And ye have the coin? Witnesses?”

“Coin I have aplenty. However, witnesses we are in need of.”

“Please!” I scream. “Don’t do this!”

Mr. Beaumont chuckles, adjusting his grip. “Nerves. You know how young virgins can be.”

I wish I could look upon the man that will ruin my life, the one willing to tie me to such a monster. But face down as I am, all I can see is grass, rock, and Mr. Beaumont’s coat tails.

“If ye are both indeed earnest, then a wedding there shall be.”

“Like hell you are.”

CHAPTER 34

Catherine

Just the sound of his voice fills me with such elation that I collapse against Mr. Beaumont’s back. My salvation is nigh. With a snarl, my captive upends me, setting me down on the ground before whirling to face William.

I can’t think. I can’t speak. The only thing I can truly comprehend is the love that blossoms through me.

It’s our love combined, pulsing through the bond until it overwhelms me. Knees wobbling, I reach out, attempting to take a step forward, needing to be in William’s arms. But then Mr. Beaumont is there, his hand lashing out like a whip to hold me back.

Helpless, I stare up at William, noting the jump in his jaw. Anger writhes through his veins. I feel it flowing through the bond, but only for a moment.

The instant he feels my distress, he puts a shield up, shutting down the emotions so they do not overwhelm me. Unfortunately, that still leaves me with Mr. Beaumont’s raving. It’s nonstop, an incessant chatter that drives me mad. Clutching my head, I grip my hair in a paltry attempt to drive it out.

“Seems you’re too little, too late. My bride and I are to be wed. All we need are the witnesses.”

People gather from all around, surrounding us. Their faces look on in curiosity, taking in the scene playing out before them. Witnesses, it seems, are in vast supply.

“Ahh,” he cries out, motioning to the crowd. “I believe any of these lovely people will do.”

I open my mouth to beg the people, to plead with them, but William shakes his head. It’s almost imperceptible, but I see the minute movement. Biting down on my lower lip, I look to the ground, doing my best to quell my nerves.