Moonstruck

By Christy Poff

Calvin Wright has seen a great deal over the span of his life but presently runs blockades for the Confederacy, though only at night. He's a man wanted by the Union. Lady Harley Windsor is being hunted by a Union colonel. She's wanted for passing secrets about the U.S. president to the South and turns to Cal for help. Will his unique lifestyle and her needs become moonstruck—a good omen—or will one Union officer destroy their love?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Torrid Books
• Release date: Sep 1, 2010
• ISBN: 9781603138536

Book preview

Prologue

Charleston, South Carolina 1863

Anchal stood on the deck of The Sea Ghost gazing at what promised to be a magnificent sunset. The time between late afternoon and full dark her favorite, she tried to see it every day. Feeling a presence behind her, she smiled and waited.

Anchal, beautiful evening, a voice said.

Yes, Admiral, it is, she agreed. Did you rest well?

Yes, I did, thank you.

Captain Murphy wanted me to tell you he has several things waiting that need your personal attention.

They can wait a few moments. After all, we have all evening.

Admiral Calvin Wright had commanded a small fleet of Confederate warships until mid-1861. Having lost three during the battle at Fort Sumter, his small group numbered two—The Sea Ghost, his flagship, and The Southern Hope. From the beginning, they raided other ships and tried running Union blockades but only at night—the only time their admiral felt his strongest. Because of this, they’d been extremely successful opening Charleston Harbor and several other harbors so merchant ships could make their deliveries and sail out with goods for foreign trade. In some cases, her crews offloaded the shipments off the coast then took them the rest of the way to the ports enabling the larger ships to literally sail another day. Never had he seen such despicable behavior as he’d witnessed dealing with the Union.

Captain Murphy knew Wright’s secrets, swearing to never tell a soul. More than a decade earlier, he’d seen Wright in action when he happened upon several soldiers attacking Murphy without cause. Calvin Wright walked up to the men while they beat a man to death.

Excuse me, gentlemen, but what’s going on?

This man’s been runnin’ from military service, one said.

No, I’m not, Murphy loudly protested with what little strength he had left.

Calvin stood back watching as two men held their victim against a wall while the others took their shots at him.

Don’t you think you’ve stacked the odds some?

I’d stay out of this, Mister, if you know what’s good for you, one warned.

That would make it four to two then, wouldn’t it?

Mister, I…

That’s Admiral to you, Cal stated as he grabbed the one who’d been obviously leading this gang and threw him back. The second man went after Cal, defending his lieutenant while the others dropped Murphy’s battered body to the ground in order to help their commanding officer.

Four on one—again bad odds that need changing.

You and…

Without warning, Cal threw one of them against the wall, the man landing next to their victim. With two unable to stand, Cal went after the remaining men, chasing them down a dark street. Catching up with them, he dragged them into an even darker alley and took care of them, both dead from massive blood loss. Returning to where he’d first come upon them, he found the other soldiers where he’d left them though the one next to Murphy found the will to get up and raced away.

Cal went after the ring leader of the gang—a junior lieutenant who refused to keep his mouth shut. Grabbing him by the collar, Cal threw him against another wall and leaned into him. His fangs descending, Cal sensed the man’s fear as it forced his blood closer to the surface, his heart rate quicker.

This is for ignorance of my rank and the brutal attack on my friend here.

Seconds later, he fed again taking every last drop of blood he could before dropping his victim’s body to the ground. Turning away, Cal looked at Murphy, frozen in terror.

I won’t harm you, Cal said, helping Murphy up. What’s your name?

"Captain Dennis Murphy, sir, late of the Sea Angel. I… You’re…"

Captain, I am Admiral Calvin Wright. I command a small fleet of ships and can offer you a command and a good life. I only ask that you keep what you’ve just witnessed to yourself.

No one would believe me anyway.

Then we have a deal?

Aye, sir, but I need help. Those guys beat me pretty good.

Come, Cal said as he helped Murphy back to The Sea Ghost.

Once onboard, two crewmen helped take Murphy below deck to a cabin near the admiral’s. A Hindu beauty joined them, the men leaving.

This is Princess Anchal and she’s very good at healing wounds. Relax and allow her to tend to them.

Admiral, is the entire crew…

No, just myself.

May I ask how long?

Suffice it to say I sailed for England against the Spanish Armada. After that, while on a voyage to Spain for Queen Elizabeth, the ship ran into bad weather just off the Spanish coast. Rescue parties saved a handful of the crew along with me and my lieutenant. Being on royal business, they treated us well but before our scheduled departure back to England, I met a woman—a marquise—who decided I should stay with her and not return. Though I argued that I had to go back to my crew, she refused to let me leave her home. Before I knew what she had planned, she’d sunk her teeth into my neck and created her eternal mate.

Where is she now?

While on a voyage for the Spanish crown years later, she became bored with my absence and looked for someone new. She got tangled up with a bad-tempered vampire who had a thing about royalty and he destroyed her.

Did you have any feelings for her?

Yes.

Then my sympathies.

Anchal quietly worked while Cal and his new captain talked, Murphy obviously feeling better.

What’s her story?

"Another voyage several years ago. We sailed to the Caribbean and came across pirates threatening Florida. When we raided the ship, we found the pirated goods—silks and other things from India as well as Anchal who they’d abducted from the ship. I gave her the choice of returning to her homeland or staying with me. She chose to stay because the man she intended to be with refused to have anything to do with her because he believed her to be damaged goods, so to speak."

And she knows your secret?

She lives with it.

What if she finds someone?

She knows there are no restraints on her—she’s free to come and go as she desires.

From then on, Calvin Wright trusted Murphy without question. He’d been right when he told Cal no one would believe him but, because of one night in his life, he’d sworn loyalty to a man others considered a monster. Cal knew some of the rumors floating around about him—one or two hitting on the truth—but he had no worries thanks to Murphy.

Where are you? Anchal asked, bringing him back to the present.

Memories.

Good ones, I hope.

Yes, Anchal, he assured her as he pulled her close. Very good ones.

* * * *

Lady Harley Windsor had escaped New York, fleeing back to Ireland but the fact the Union considered her a spy caused her to leave her Irish home again, this time ending up in Charleston, South Carolina. Once there, she planned to find the right captain to take her to one of the islands in the Caribbean.

Upon her arrival in Charleston, she’d heard about an admiral who sailed by the moon. If she could leave the country under the cover of darkness, she might be able to make a new life for herself—one possibly free of being on the run. Carefully inquiring about the admiral, she learned what she needed to know—or so she thought—then set out to find him.

Every inquiry she made, the answer remained the same—You don’t want to engage him. The more she heard the warning with various reasons as to why, the more she determined to contact him.

The admiral don’t take jobs—he’s a raider, several told her when she inquired at one of the local haunts near the docks.

I’d like to hear it from him, she stated, holding her ground while underneath her cape she trembled, her hand on one of several weapons secreted in its folds.

A fair lady like you has no business trying to find a night raider. The moon is his friend—not you.

I want to speak to him myself. I don’t see why…

To meet him, one must go to the docks near midnight and they are no place for an elegant woman like you.

Don’t patronize me, Mister…

Consider me a friend, answered the red-haired gentleman with intense green eyes. Tall, he had a commanding presence but he still didn’t convince her to forget her intentions. I wouldn’t dream of patronizing you, Miss…

Lady Harley Windsor.

Lady Windsor, he said, his voice causing her to tremble a little more. I would tell a man the same thing. Hooligans and roughnecks walk the docks looking for one of four things—more whiskey, a woman, a fight or a hapless person to gang up on. Your fair beauty added to the fiery red hair and bright blue eyes make you a perfect target for them.

And what about you? Aside from beauty, though you are handsome, you’ve described yourself.

The difference is that I’ve proven I can hold my own with them. They don’t bother me.

Then take me to the admiral, Harley persisted.

No, he said flatly.

This does not negate my need to meet this mysterious admiral.

Why do…

Personal business, she stated. The less who know about it, the better.

What?

Please, it’s obvious you can’t—or won’t—help me. So if you don’t mind…

Pushing past the man, her light touch on his arm caused an unfamiliar sensation, despite her glove. Shoving her feelings aside and in spite of repeated warnings, she headed to the docks in hopes of finding the elusive seaman.

Chapter 1

Knowing Her Ladyship headed straight into harm’s way, Cal left a few moments after Harley. Unbeknownst to her, he’d read her thoughts seeing the exact reason why she needed his particular talents.

Considering she wore a gorgeous low-cut crimson gown highlighted by black beading and lace, he worried about her. The moon full, clouds sporadically floated by making her the perfect target for any drunken sailor or vagabond she may encounter. The garnet she wore at her neck not only complimented her beauty and the dress but would make someone a hell of a lot richer once they pawned it. And in these times…

Forced into a nighttime existence, it had always been a problem at one time or another but never more than now. Something about Lady Harley Windsor caused a reaction in him, arousing feelings he hadn’t experienced for centuries—not even with Anchal. Why Harley and not Anchal? Destiny?

The fact the Union wanted this beauty for spying impressed him but her reasons for wanting to engage The Sea Ghost endangered all of them. Bad enough he’d been successfully running Union blockades up and down the Carolina coast and as far south as the Caribbean, but to take on someone wanted for treason pushed the limit. He’d be able to get out of any scrape—almost any—and do the same for his crew but harboring a traitor would tax his talents. Though he’d begun to see something special about the determined woman he followed.

As they neared the dock, he saw Murphy and relaxed. He’d be able to handle anything until Cal got there or he could disappear to protect them. As he feared, Harley headed straight for trouble and his captain had yet to spot her. Damn it!

Three drunken sailors spied the lone woman in their midst and the cape she wore did nothing to stop them as they encircled her trying to get a better look at the evening’s prize.

Stop it, she stated firmly as she pulled the heavy cape around her. Leave me alone.

Why, poppet?

You’ve got three strong men of the sea to spend your time with. Now, let’s see…

"I’m not that type of woman!" she declared as she stepped back into a tall man.

No? Then what kind are you and why are you parading along the docks like this?

It’s my business. Now, if you don’t mind…

But we do, poppet, another said as the others took firm hold of her arms.

Let go of me! she demanded as she fought them.

Too good for us, Miss High and Mighty? The way she acts, you’d think she’d be royalty.

The lady told you to let her go. I suggest you do so, Cal said from the shadows.

Show yourself if you’ve got the guts.

If you don’t do…

You and who’s navy?

Damn, I get tired of this, Cal muttered.

Problem, sir? Murphy asked, deliberately not letting on to Cal’s true identity.

These men are just about to leave.

No, we aren’t. She’s ours for the evening and you won’t deprive us of a good night.

I don’t think so, Cal said as he lifted the one he took to be their leader off the wood planking of the dock. The lady has other plans.

When I…

You won’t, Cal stated as he easily tossed the man into the water. Only Cal could hear the thud when the man’s head hit one of the moorings. Turning to the others, he glared at them knowing his eyes had turned blood-red with fury.

I suggest you let her go, he stated quietly yet firmly.

Quickly sobered up, the two sailors released Harley then ran never thinking to look for their friend.

Cal turned to find Harley sinking to the dock, her normally pale complexion paler. He touched her neck feeling a heartbeat though weak plus two other things—a rising heat between them and the fact her heart had a problem that would ultimately kill her—and soon.

Take her to the house, he told Murphy. Call Doctor Haig and ask him to come immediately. She needs help now.

Aye, sir, Murphy said as they helped Harley to her feet.

Murphy here is going to take you to my home on Battery. He’ll stay with you and call for my personal physician.

Doctor? I don’t need…

I insist. I’d like him to make sure, Cal said while still lingering in her mind. I understand determination but not at the cost of your health.

But I need to find the admiral.

I have some business on my ship. While I’m at it, I will see if he’s in port and pass along your desire to meet with him.

No, I must do this…

I understand but you’ve suffered a shock plus the two who ran may be lurking somewhere down the dock waiting for you. I’d feel better, and I’m sure the admiral would as well, if you waited for word from him at my home.

He watched Harley reconsider his idea and weakly nod, Cal not liking the way she acted.

Come now, Miss, Murphy gently urged as she took his arm.

Cal watched them walk away then took off in the opposite direction after the two sailors. Having no intentions of letting them get away with what they’d done, Admiral Calvin Wright would see they paid—dearly.

Catching one followed by the other, Cal took his time with them. After ripping one’s neck out then leaving the scene to look like a wild dog attack, Cal caught the remaining man sinking his teeth into the sailor’s neck. Draining him, Cal disposed of the body in a way that it wouldn’t be found for a long while—if at all. You’ll never hurt anyone again.

Once he watched the sailor’s body float into the darkness in the middle of the harbor, Cal made sure he didn’t look like a predator after the hunt then nonchalantly walked along the docks before heading to the house on Battery.

Now, to find out more about Lady Windsor…

* * * *

Dennis Murphy noticed Harley Windsor leaning on him more than she should. If what Cal suspected proved true, she couldn’t handle life onboard ship—no matter how short the voyage. The tension she obviously lived with thanks to the Union had to have contributed to her condition. He hoped Doctor Haig would be able to help her but Murphy knew Calvin Wright might come up with another solution.

Murphy had seen the charge between his commander and the beautiful redhead he escorted along the streets of The Holy City. If this woman had that kind of effect on the admiral then Wright would spare nothing to keep her in his life—even if it meant taking her over to his dark world.

Once they reached the house, Murphy knocked on the door and waited for one of Wright’s servants to answer.

"Oui? Marie said as she cracked the door a little. Ah, Capitaine Murphy, comment ça va?"

"Très bien, merci, Murphy answered as he guided Harley inside once Marie had opened the door to them. Continuing in French, Murphy explained what Cal wanted done. Can you take her upstairs while I run for the doctor?"

"Oui, Monsieur," Marie said as she took Harley’s arm to help her upstairs.

Captain Murphy?

Lady Windsor, I’ll be back within the hour with Doctor Haig. Marie will stay with you and see to whatever you need.

Harley nodded, Murphy able to see how much weaker she’d become. Making sure Marie took her upstairs without problem, he left and headed straight for the physician’s home. Once there, he rapped on the door loud enough to wake the man who slept in a rear bedroom and had no servants at night.

I’m comin’! a voice yelled.

The door opened, Murphy waiting for Haig to see his visitor under the candlelight from the sconce above the door.

Murphy? What happened? Is the admiral all right?

It’s a guest of his, Murphy said before going into a detailed explanation of what had happened to Harley Windsor.

I’ll meet you at the house. When you get back there, make sure she’s resting comfortably. If it’s as Calvin suspects, she doesn’t need anything more upsetting her.

Aye, sir, and thank you.

Murphy hurried back to the house on Battery several blocks away from the doctor’s Tradd Street home and entered through a side entrance deliverymen used during the day. He made his way through the kitchen and into the main house where he met Marie.

How is she?

I gave her a cup of tea and she’s breathing easier than when she arrived.

Good, he said. Doctor Haig is on his way. Please let him in when he arrives.

Yes, sir.

Murphy went up the grand staircase and headed to the guestroom across the hall from the master suite. Looking at the furnishings, he shook his head. Because of unforeseen events in the lives of the family who originally owned the three-story home, it had been sold somewhere in the early 1850’s. Calvin bought it as it sat telling the owner that if they could afford to buy it back, he’d be glad to sell it to them at the same price he’d paid.

With Calvin’s nocturnal lifestyle, material possessions meant nothing as he rarely if ever entertained here—his meetings either onboard The Sea Ghost or at a local bar or restaurant. Now, the house would become a façade for the admiral’s life until he could figure out what he’d do with the lady