The Marquis' Mystical Witch (BookStrand Publishing Romance) by Rachel McNeely

and son were locked in anger and determination. From the corner of his eye, Wulf saw Jane start to rise. He shook his head at her before returning his full attention to the woman in front of him.
    “I will do as I said,” his mother snapped and turned to leave.
    He waited until she reached for the doorknob. “Remember who controls the money, Mother. I can make it very uncomfortable for you.”
    Her face paled. She turned to face him. “You wouldn’t dare.”
    “I am my father’s son.”
    Cheeks flushed and head high, she stormed out of the room.
    He could almost hate her. Jane’s soft hand on his arm brought him back to the present.
    “You can not do that to Mama, Wulf. Her place in society is all she has.”
    He clasped her small hand in his. “I prefer not to, but she must accept my decisions.”
    “I will talk with her. She will change her mind given time.”
    “Jane, you want us all to be better than we are.” He shook his head. “Sometimes I think you are a changeling, left by mistake at a house full of monsters.” He leaned down and brushed a kiss across her cheek. “And what a blessing you have been.”
    “How silly you talk.” Jane smiled and blushed. “You are everything that is kind and gracious.”
    Wulf kissed her hand and watched as she left the room. If you knew the truth little one, you would recoil from me in horror. His body grew taut with his next thought. The one way his mother could really hurt him would be to tell Jane of the curse. To tell Jane he was a monster. A werewolf. He hoped his mother didn’t know the power she held.
    Walking to the windows, he looked out at the grey skies. He had several important errands to run, but first he needed to speak with the man who would be protecting his future wife. He went to the door and found Bailey stationed right outside.
    “Did you get the new man a uniform?”
    “Yes, Lord Radford.”
    Wulf studied his butler. Obviously, he had not gotten over his displeasure at Wulf's order. “Send him to me. I shall be in my study.”
    The fire had not yet dispelled the morning chill. Wulf added another log causing sparks to dance up the chimney. Pausing, he held his hands toward the warmth and considered his future. A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. “Come in.”
    The man looked decidedly different cleaned up and with his hair combed. “You wished to see me?”
    “I take it you are still agreeable to be in my employ?”
    “Yes, my lord.”
    Wulf walked around the man. “You appear strong. Do you know how to fight?”
    “Wouldna lasted in the streets this long if I din know how to use me fists.”
    Wulf nodded in agreement. “I have a special assignment for you. I believe you can be trusted.”
    The man nodded. He stood straight and unflinching before Wulf’s direct stare.
    “What is your name?”
    “Garr.”
    “Garr, I’m to be wed. I want you to protect my fiancé and her sister until the wedding. Any questions?”
    “Do I need to know who I’m protecting them from?”
    “Anyone that appears to want to harm them. They are not to leave the house without your escort, and you are to be within range of them in the house, just in case they need you. Day and night.”
    “The ladies are willing?”
    “Yes. If anyone tells you different, send a message to me. If I am not available, send one to this man.” Wulf scribbled Jeffrey’s name and address. “Can you read?”
    “A little, but me brother can and he works for Lord Beckett.”
    “I did not tell you the name of my future wife.”
    “No, but it don’t take no brains to figure that out after the note.”
    “You knew who it was from?”
    “Miss Elvie told my brother.”
    “All right, go now and stay with them until I say otherwise.”
    “I won’t fail ye. Been on the streets too long.”
    The young man’s eyes were aged beyond his years. Wulf reached out and touched his shoulder. “I know.”
    Garr touched his hat and bowed before exiting the room. Wulf didn’t