Haunting Secrets (16 page)

Ahead of them, the island grew closer. Tall trees lined the shore and hid the secret way into the caves. The ghost stories told about the island kept most people away. Except for the stubborn, curious ones.

People like Peter Fawson, Victoria’s father.

Bethany had wanted him to search the island and the caves within. While Peter Fawson studied every crevasse, every stone and the ancient drawings on the walls, she’d watched from afar with interest. She’d waited for the island’s curse to kill him.

It hadn’t. This led her to believe the curse was false. But she’d dared not test its powers yet.

Bethany had bided her time and waited until he wrote the book, wondering if he would mention the treasure map. She knew he had it. Rumors from her ancestors had her believing in its existence. His book may not have mentioned the location of the treasure, but Mr. Fawson’s words hinted of the knowledge.

Determination surged through her, making her more headstrong to find it. Especially when she’d confronted Mr. Fawson the day he’d died.

The insipid man wouldn’t divulge any information. She’d threatened to kill him, and when he wouldn’t budge, she was forced to follow through with her promise, using the poker from the fireplace to crack his skull. That was after he’d mentioned Justin’s name, of course.

Excitement had bubbled in her chest. The treasure was within reach. Yet Justin had been as stubborn as Mr. Fawson. That, she would not abide.

Unfortunately, she still didn’t have the treasure map and she didn’t feel any closer to obtaining it than she had a year ago. Lately, she’d felt Victoria was a key to the mystery, whether the young beauty knew it or not. She had to be. Her father made it to the island without the curse taking him, and his daughter might have the same ability.

With Francine out of the way, Bethany could get closer to Victoria. Perhaps Miss Fawson was the woman who could break the curse after all. Bethany had brought many young women to the island, but none of them had found the treasure. None of them died, either, which proved the island’s curse untrue. However, Bethany’s treasure was real, and she needed the right woman to find it: A woman with a pure heart.

Morris climbed out of the boat and grasped the lantern. Holding it high above his head, he reached for Bethany and helped her out. Francine would have resisted had he not yanked her from the boat. The girl cried out and struggled, but couldn’t break free of the large man’s hold.

In the cave, the maid grew quiet and still. Darkness enveloped them, except for the lantern Morris held aloft to lead the way down a narrow, rocky pathway. Musty smells tickled Bethany’s nose and she forced herself not to sneeze, knowing it would echo loudly. Way above their heads, a group of bats hung upside down. Francine sobbed and pressed closer to Morris. The winged-horrors didn’t frighten Bethany any longer.

A light at the end of the tunnel grew larger as they approached. On reaching the heart of the cave, Francine halted and gasped, her hand flying to her throat. Bethany grinned as she glanced at all of the girls she’d gathered in the past year. Each one had originally come to court Jonathan, but they left quite suddenly. Bethany needed them here digging—just as she needed Victoria’s maid.

The girls looked up at their visitors. The pathetic creatures no longer resembled gentle-bred ladies. Their dresses were dusty rags now. Dirt and mud caked their hands and faces. Ratted hair replaced the refined styles they’d first worn when they arrived at the manor.

Bethany stepped over the rocks to move past Morris and their newest slave. “Welcome to your new home, Francine.”

Shovels and buckets were propped against the wall. Bethany took one of each and handed them to the maid. “From now on, the only thing you are required to do is dig. When my guards feel it is time to feed you, they’ll do so, but not a moment sooner.” She swept her hand toward the seven burly men. “And when they feel it’s time for you to sleep, they’ll lay out blankets.” Stretching her grin wider, she faced Francine. “Do you have any questions?”

Tears streamed down the girl’s cheeks and she shook her head. “I d—don’t understand. Why—why am I here?”

Bethany stood before the cowering girl. She lifted the maid’s chin until their eyes locked. “You’re my prisoner. You’ll dig for gold. You’ll dig for silver. And you won’t stop until it’s found.”

Turning, she brushed her hands against her cloak. “I must return. I’m quite certain my foolish husband has gotten into some sort of mischief in my absence.”

Morris pushed Francine toward the closest guard and the maid stumbled to her knees. As she landed, she sobbed loudly and covered her face with her hands. One of the women ran to Francine and helped her stand.

Bethany shook her head and tsked. “Amelia Hartley. Always the brave one. Always the kind-hearted.” Bethany sighed. “Still trying to soften the hearts of my guards, are you?”

Amelia glared at Bethany. The younger woman’s face was smudged heavily with dirt, but the fire in her eyes bore deeply into Bethany.

“I’m waiting for the day when you’ll get your comeuppance, and I’ll be privileged to see it happen. It will be soon, Mrs. Maitland. Mark my words.”

“Blah!” Bethany threw her hands in the air and marched back down the tunnel. “Come Morris. I grow weary of these imbeciles. How dare they doubt who is in control here.”

“Yes, Mistress.”

Morris led the way with the lantern held high. Bethany followed, but her mind was not on the prisoners. Instead, she plotted how she was going to grow close to Victoria and obtain the information she needed. Victoria knew something about her father’s work. Bethany merely had to dig deep enough in the other woman’s mind to recover it.

Soon, Bethany would have the treasure and the world would be at her disposal. She’d waited a long time for this. Even before she married Roderick she’d wanted to be rich. Being raised poor made her covet that which she couldn’t have.

Justin had been the first man to make her feel like a woman. As a young girl in pigtails, she had sat atop the hillside to watch him exercise his horses, secretly dreaming of a happier life with him as her husband.

Bethany’s smile dropped into a frown. Why hadn’t she been able to make him love her? Perhaps she was a worthless creature as her mother had drilled into her head since infancy. Mother had said Bethany could never find a wealthy husband. Poor women like their ancestors had been, and like Bethany had been raised to believe, could never obtain their dreams.

Balling her hands into fists, she clenched her jaw. No. This time was different. Bethany had the power. She wasn’t a worthless creature, but a goddess. Never again would she live in squalor.

Eventually, she’d prove her mother wrong. If the older woman was alive, she’d beg on her knees for Bethany to forgive her. Bethany was very close to claiming her prize.

* * * *

              Justin blinked his eyes open. Against his cheek, the cold ground supported him. Straight ahead, his bed beckoned.

Warmth. Comfort. Peace.

Wearily, he stood and took a step forward. He stumbled, but righted himself. When he finally made it to the bed, he slumped down on the edge. Running his fingers through his hair, he closed his eyes. He breathed heavily and concentrated on clearing his mind, readying himself for sleep.

Images and sounds floated through his head. A dark night. Fog. A wolf’s howl. Tree limbs whipped across his body. Ahead of him, a woman ran. Screaming. Her long, chestnut hair flew in her face as she looked behind. She stumbled and fell. Fear must have paralyzed her for she didn’t move. Wide eyes stayed on him as he crept closer.

The memory faded and he covered his face. He sucked in a quick breath.
No!

Agony wrenched his heart. No, not Victoria. The beast had killed her. Never before had he remembered any part of being a wolf, and now he wished he hadn’t.

He didn’t need to recall anymore. His sweet Victoria was dead because of his feelings for her.

Tears gathered in his eyes and he squeezed them tight. Why couldn’t he have just stayed away? Why had he made excuses to be near her? To touch her? To taste her passionate lips?

The beast within had torn apart his life. And hers. Poor, Victoria. Dear Victoria who had done nothing but agree to come to Maitland Manor to court Jonathan. Why hadn’t she heeded Justin’s warning and left? If she had, she would be alive.

His chest ached to the point that he cried out to release the pain. He jumped to his feet, anger flowing through him like molten lava, giving him strength. The witch did this to him. To Victoria. That evil woman had to be stopped. If killing the witch would kill him too, then so be it. He couldn’t stand to hear of yet another helpless victim who’d been attacked by the murderous white wolf.

Justin grabbed his black velvet robe and draped it over him, tying the sash around his waist. He’d like to strangle the witch with his bare hands, but she’d certainly cast some kind of spell on him. So how could he catch her unawares and put an end to her wickedness?

An idea popped into his head. Poison! He’d sneak some in her tea…

The creak of the floor in the other room brought him to a halt. Someone was here. Probably the witch to torture him further. Hatred burned inside him, wanting her dead that much quicker.

Louder the footsteps came, closer to his room, and he detected a faint scent. But it wasn’t the overbearing perfume the witch always wore. Instead, lilacs hung in the air.

His heart beat faster. Only one woman smelled that intoxicating.

Victoria.

He hurried to the bedroom door and stepped out. Victoria jumped, her hand flying to her mouth. Her gaze swept over him from the top of his head to his toes, and a blush reddened her cheeks.

Praise the Almighty! She was alive.

Happiness burst inside of him. Unable to stop himself, he scooped her up in his arms and crushed her body against his, burying his face in her neck. Emotion choked his throat.

“Oh, my dear, sweet, Victoria,” he muttered against her skin before leaving light kisses along her neck. Her body had been stiff for a mere moment, but the more he kissed, the faster she relaxed.

His mouth moved over her chin and met with her seeking lips. Delicate fingers threaded through his hair as she held his head to her while she kissed him. He thought he’d lost her. Now he must show her how much she meant to him. True, he’d shift, but not until tonight.

“Justin, please,” she muttered, breaking the incredible kiss.

“Victoria,” he muttered, still kissing her face. “Oh, my dear Victoria. I’m so thankful you’re alive.”

Her body stilled and she braced her palms against his shoulders to move him away. Soft eyes filled with confusion stared back at him. Her lips were swollen from his ardent kisses. He swept his fingers over her cheek, her chin, her throat, wanting to feel more.

Her breathing was as ragged as his. He smiled and kissed her again, but she broke away.

“No, Justin.”

Bewilderment clouded his mind. He studied her eyes, trying to see why she’d acted this way. Her gaze moved over his face and rested on the half he’d always kept hidden from her.

I’m not wearing my scarf!
In his excitement to see her, he hadn’t covered the scars on his face.

Justin let her go as if she were a hot coal, and pulled away. His heart twisted, pain like a knife stabbing into his flesh over and over, tightened his chest. Keeping his gaze on her, he searched for signs of disgust, waited for her to turn and run away, screaming in horror.

She didn’t. Instead, she looked at him in interest. Her hand moved as if to touch him, but he jerked back.

“Please don’t,” he whispered.

Nodding, she withdrew her hand and sat on the edge of his bed. “I’m sorry to have disturbed your sleep, but—” she licked her lips, “I had to find you. Talk to you. I must know why…why…” Victoria drew in a deep breath and met his gaze fully again. “Where were you last night? Why didn’t you come to my rescue when I needed you?”

Fear crawled up his spine and churned in his stomach. “What are you talking about, Victoria? What happened?”

Tears brimmed in her eyes and clung to her long eyelashes. “Francine, my maid…she’s gone. From out my bedroom window, I saw someone take her. When I ran into the thicket of trees to search for her, I became lost.” She wiped a hand across her eyes, but when she removed it, more tears welled. “I couldn’t find her.” Her voice choked. “Then the white wolf came.”

Justin sucked in a heavy breath and held it, his heart hammering against his ribs.

“I cannot explain it, but the wolf didn’t try to attack me. He did at first, but when I spoke, he—he—”

He knelt on the floor before her and grasped her clutched hands. “He what?”

“It was like he calmed down. He showed me the way back to the manor.”

Without being able to stop it, his jaw hung and his eyes widened. “He
helped
you?”

“Yes. He even allowed me to pet him.” She wiped her eyes again. “Oh, Justin. I was so scared, but then I realized he wasn’t dangerous like everyone said.” She sniffled. “When I stumbled into the house, Roderick took me to the parlor and gave me a drink stronger than I’ve tasted before.”

Her bottom lip quivered and more tears poured from her eyes. Justin gritted his teeth.
If my brother touched her at all…

“A different fear crept over me then,” she continued, shivering. “The look in Roderick’s eyes told me what he wanted. I prayed you’d come to help me, but you—you—didn’t.”

She buried her face in her hands and sobbed. Justin’s heart twisted, guilt tearing him apart with each cry. He took her in his arms, but she thumped his chest with her fists.

“You didn’t even come,” she cried harder before pressing her face against his shoulder.

Sliding his hands up her arms, he drew her closer and kissed the top of her head. “Oh, Victoria.” He swallowed the lump in his throat. “I tried to tell you the other day. I tried to warn you I might not always be there.” He kissed the side of her face, and her tears dampened his lips. “Please forgive me.”

He held her tight until her crying ceased. Lifting her head, she looked at him with drenched eyes. Her frown tugged at his heart. He’d do anything to make her smile again.