Werewolf's Temptation: Otherworldly, #2

By Jessica Coulter Smith

Atlanta, 1896

I never thought I'd do something so horrible my family would disown me, but I was wrong. Caught kissing a boy, my father cast me out. With nowhere to go, my only choice to see out the local madam. The thought of living that life, or being someone's mistress, scares me. An unfortunate accident placed me in the path of an aristocrat visiting from England. Meeting Lord Richards set me on a path I never would have imagined. Demons. Werewolves. Losing my heart to more than one of them can only end in heartache, but it seems I'm a temptation they can't ignore.

 

*Previously published in 2010 as To Tempt a Werewolf by Jessie Colter. The content has not changed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: JCS Books
• Release date: Jun 17, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393679905

Jessica Coulter Smith

Author of Adult & Erotic Romance, with an emphasis on paranormal and fantasy.

Book preview

Prologue

Atlanta, Georgia, 1896

Lila

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I stared at my parents in horror. What do you mean I have to leave?

My father shook his head. You went too far this time.  We may only be merchants, but there are still standards we have to meet.  This is the second time we’ve caught you in the arms of a young man.

But father, nothing happened!

I’ve heard enough of your lies, Lila.  I want you out of here. Tonight!

Fighting back a sob, I rushed to my room to pack a small bag. I couldn’t believe they meant to throw me out!  I had no skills to use as a seamstress or maid, and with a reputation in tatters, it was impossible to think of being a governess.  It didn’t matter that I hadn’t done anything more than kiss a guy or three; I’d been caught alone with them. That only left me one route, one that chilled me to the bone.  I would have to seek out Ms. Dalyrum, the local madam of Atlanta.  Living a life of prostitution was out of the question, but perhaps she could find me a protector.  It was better to be one man’s mistress, than the alternative.

How could they do this? They had to know what would become of me.  Did they care so little?  Or had I finally just pushed them too far? Either way, I knew it would be the last time I saw either of them, and it broke my heart.

Without a backward glance, I ran from the only home I’d ever known into the streets of Decatur.  Atlanta wasn’t that far away, but it would take forever to get there on foot.  Since I had no money, I knew it was my only option.

****

I’d been in Atlanta for an hour, searching for the local madam’s house without much luck. As I wearily stumbled down the street, I heard loud voices approaching.  It was a busy night for the well-to-do so I didn’t think much of it, until I felt something sharp in my ribs.

Well now, look at what we’ve found here, Sam.

The man called Sam leered at me, and my blood ran cold. I’d seen looks like that before, and they always spelled trouble. And tonight, I was on my own, helpless to whatever horrors they had in mind for me. If I screamed, it wasn’t likely that anyone would come to my aid. In the well-to-do area in which I found myself, no one would spare me a second glance. I was beneath them and therefore not worth the trouble of saving.

What do you want with me?  I don’t have any money, I forced out bravely.

The man holding me at knifepoint ran a hand down my hip, making me shake in revulsion and fear. Money isn’t all you have to offer, now is it, lovely?

I would never willingly lie with you.

Sam leered again. Who said you had to be willing?

I screamed in terror, finally realizing what they had planned for me, but they muffled the sound soon enough.  I fought and struggled as they dragged me into an alley, kicking and biting, yelling for all I was worth, even though I knew it was no good.

With a frown, Sam looked at my attacker. I don’t think she’s worth this much trouble, Gus.  Just take her trinkets and let’s get out of here.  It won’t be long before someone decides to investigate.

Gus nodded and ripped the small gold cross from my neck.  I felt my two simple rings wrenched from my fingers, both of them gifts from my grandparents.  After that, all I remember was an explosion of pain in my head and then sinking into oblivion.

Chapter One

The Templeton’s Ball

Dominic

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Lord Dominic Richards, the new Earl of Leamont, sipped the tepid punch and surveyed the crowded ballroom.  It had been less than a month since the beautiful Lucinda Caden married his older brother, now the Prince of Carpus.  Having compromised the young woman, his brother had done the honorable thing and married her, but everyone could see it was a love match. Just reading his brother’s letters, he’d been able to tell the man was head over heels for his wife, and Dominic was pleased for him. If anyone deserved to be happy, it was Benton.

Dominic’s life had changed drastically in the past month.  Losing a brother, gaining a sister-in-law, and finding out your great-grandfather was really a demon, was a little much to swallow.  But he’d had no choice in accepting his position as the earl, and forged ahead with his brother’s wishes – that he find a wife to carry on the line. And so, he found himself in America, in the city in which Benton had found the love of his life.  However, Dominic knew that a love match wasn’t likely, and he wasn’t seeking one. He’d settle for a young lady who wouldn’t bore him to tears and didn’t look like the back end of a donkey.  So far he hadn’t found anyone who had the combination of those two traits. They were either witty and ugly, or pretty and empty-headed.

His eyes scanned the crowd, hoping to locate the one he'd smelled earlier.  The trail of jasmine and lavender had lured him, only to die off before he could find the creature wearing the delightful scent.  His eyes rested on a dark-haired beauty across the room, her lush figure encased in a burgundy gown befitting a princess.  A host of eligible men surrounded her, paying court. Intent on his quarry, he pushed away from the column upon which he had been leaning and began to skirt the room, making his way to the luscious temptation.

When he stood close enough to smell her again, he inhaled and closed his eyes, letting the aroma of jasmine and lavender wash over him. With a smile, he realized he’d found her.  She laughed at something one of the gentlemen said, the sound of tinkling bells filling the air. Her hazel eyes rested on him a moment before flicking away to one of her suitors once more.

Grinning, he realized she’d found him lacking.  As her eyes raked over him again, he wondered if perhaps she was more interested than he'd first thought.  Pushing his way through the crowd, he made his way to her side.

I believe this next dance is mine, gentlemen.

A chorus of groans filled the air, and he smiled as he lifted her from her chair. Once on the dance floor, his arms encircled her small waist.

I don’t believe I’ve had the honor of your name, he said.

She gave him a flirty smile. Perhaps if you’d truly asked me to dance, you would know what it is.

He arched a brow and stared at her.

Miranda. Miranda Colthorp.

He inclined his head in a bow. Lord Dominic Richards at your service.

Her eyes sparkled. The new Earl of Leamont?

"Ah, so you have heard of me."

She shrugged an elegant shoulder left exposed by her gown. Next to Prince Asterot and your brother, you’re the talk of the town.

Dominic held his neutral expression, but he wanted to grimace.  The last thing he desired was to be the talk of the town.  He would prefer to hunt for his bride in peace and quiet, but it seemed that was not to be the case.  Already, several matchmaking mamas had spied him and tried to wrangle a dance for their boring daughters.

I believe you mean the Duke of Haelstrom, as the title of prince now belongs to my brother.

She shrugged a shoulder again and looked bored.

Well, Miss Colthorp, what did you think of the whirlwind romance of my brother and new sister-in-law?

She huffed. Honestly, I can’t believe how scandalously she behaved, practically throwing herself at any eligible gentleman who came her way.  I’m amazed your brother gave her a second glance, but then I heard he had compromised her.  Pity he’s stuck with her for an eternity due to just one moment’s pleasure.

Dominic fought to keep control over his emotions.  He hadn’t met his sister-in-law yet, but he knew his brother loved her and that she had the respect of Alexander Asterot.  Alex’s wife, Suzette, was another matter.  Dominic had hated the woman from the moment he laid eyes on her. He had a feeling that Suzette and the woman in his arms were probably friends.

Lucinda makes my brother happy, and that’s what matters, he said in a curt voice.

Oh, of course. It’ just too bad she won’t be accepted in polite society anymore.

Dominic raised an imperious brow. You mean the same society that showed up for their wedding and that wished them well?

Melinda nodded, oblivious to the fury coursing through the werewolf’s veins.  It was all a show, what with your brother now being a prince and all.

I see. 

Dancing them closer to the outer edge of the dance floor, he stopped and gave her a curt bow. Thank you for the dance, Miss Colthorp. I hope you enjoy the rest of your evening.

She stared at him in open-mouthed shock. But... the dance isn’t over!

It is for us, Dominic muttered as he stalked away, disgusted with the debutantes that had been thrust under his nose thus far.  None of them measured up.  Every last one was out for his title and nothing more.  He could've found more compassion in a pack of city rats.

Making his excuses to his hostess, he exited the ballroom and beat a hasty retreat from the Templeton’s mansion. He didn’t care how much money these people had; they were no better than a pack of dogs.  No, on second thought, he figured dogs acted better.

Outside, he called for his carriage and waited on the curb. Shoving his hands in his pockets, his ears pricked at a faint noise.  Listening intently, he realized it was a whimper, the kind made when someone was in pain. He looked around and saw the darkened alley a few yards away. 

Dominic walked to the alley with long, purposeful strides. Using his keen eyesight and hearing, he detected a small crumpled form.  He stealthily entered the alley, keeping an eye open for trouble and knelt beside the figure.  His breath hissed through his teeth when he saw it was a young woman.  A large bruise had already formed on her cheek, and she had a knot on her forehead. There was no telling what other injuries she had sustained.

Lifting her into his arms, he carried her out of the alley and to his waiting carriage.  The driver opened the door without batting an eye and Dominic stepped inside, cradling the poor creature he’d found in the alley. Her clothes were torn and stained, but it didn’t look like she'd experienced anything worse than a sound thrashing. Just the same, he found himself furious at whoever had hurt her. 

Long, chocolate hair hung down her back, her hairpins having come loose, probably during her struggle.  Though battered and bruised, her face was delicate and pale, the face of an angel. Her slight form scarcely weighed anything at all, and he wondered when she’d last eaten; the thought of someone so beautiful having fallen so far left a bitter taste in his mouth.

As the carriage lurched to a stop, he waited for the driver to open the door before descending the steps to the sidewalk. Thank you, Marks.  I don’t believe I’ll need the carriage again this evening.

Very well, my lord.

Dominic took the stairs to the front door two at a time.  When the butler, Hastings, opened it, he walked inside and immediately went upstairs.

Send Mrs. Beesom up, Hastings, he called over his shoulder.

Yes, my lord. 

If Hastings wondered why his new master was carrying an unconscious, unfortunate woman in his arms, he knew better than to ask.

Dominic stared at the woman he was holding and the urge to protect her welled up inside of him.  He didn’t know what had happened to her, but he'd make sure she lacked for nothing.  Judging by her clothing, she wasn’t a debutante, which meant she couldn’t be his wife. Oddly, the idea of being married to her didn’t bother him in the slightest. It felt more right than anything had since he’d come to America.

He stepped into the guest chamber nearest to his own.  Propriety declared that she be housed further away from him and a chaperon to be in residence, but that wasn’t going to happen.  Dominic would see to her well-being regardless of what society thought.

You needed something, my lord? Mrs. Beesom asked as she stepped into the room.

Yes.  This young lady has met with an unfortunate accident.  Please see that she’s taken care of.

Mrs. Beesom’s eyes went wide at the young woman in her master’s arms. Oh the poor lamb!

She’ll need clothes and a warm bath.

Right away, my lord.

Mrs. Beesom hurried out of the room once more, leaving him to his lazy perusal of his houseguest.

The woman in his arms stirred for a moment and opened her eyes.  He would have bet money that they were brown, and he would have lost.  He found himself staring into an exquisite pair of gray eyes.

You’re going to be fine, he murmured to her, hoping to reassure her.

She mumbled something he didn’t quite catch and then her eyes drifted closed once more.

*****

Lila

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The next morning, I woke to a splitting headache.  Groaning, I forced my eyes open and found myself staring up at an unfamiliar ceiling.  Where was I?  With a frown, I vaguely remembered the alley, and later a startling pair of blue eyes. But that didn’t explain what happened from the moment I passed out until now.

You’re awake, a deep voice said softly with an English accent.

I gasped and jerked my head to the left, immediately regretting the swift action as the room swam before my eyes.

Easy, you took a blow to the head last night.

Where...where am I?

I found you in an alley and brought you to my home. My housekeeper bathed you and changed your clothes. I’m afraid what you had on is completely ruined, but I sent out for some new things, the man assured me.

I looked at him again and gasped in surprise.  The blue eyes I remembered from the night before stared back at me; eyes that were set in a chiseled face with an aquiline nose and full mouth.  Long, shaggy black hair gave him the look of a fallen angel. I’d never seen anyone as handsome as my rescuer.

Who are you? I whispered.

Dominic Richards.

Thank you for saving me, Mr. Richards.

Just then, an elderly lady bustled into the room. I see she’s awake, my lord. I’m afraid the dresses aren’t ready yet, but the seamstress assured me they would be here by this afternoon.

Thank you, Mrs. Beesom.  Could you perhaps bring the young lady some breakfast?

The woman hurried out of the room to do her master’s bidding, and I stared at him in shock. My lord?

He grimaced. Yes.  I’m the Earl of Leamont.

My brow furrowed as I tried to remember where I’d heard that name before. The man who married Lucinda Caden?

He shook his head. That was my brother, who is now the Prince of Carpus.  I inherited his title.

I sat up and swung my legs over the side of the bed, intent on leaving. I’m sure my old dress will be fine. If you’ll just tell me where it is, I’ll get dressed and get out of your way, my lord.

He frowned and stood, glowering down at me. You’ll do no such thing!  I can’t allow you to leave when you have a head injury.

But...it isn’t proper for me to stay here.

The moment the words were out of my mouth, I wished I could retract them.  I felt so stupid.  My reputation didn’t matter anymore, and I would do well to remember that.  After all, I’d been trying to find Ms. Dalyrum’s house when the men had robbed me.  I couldn’t sink much lower.

I realize that, and I’m sorry.  Maybe I can do something to keep your reputation from being damaged too much, but it can’t be helped for now. If you’d like to notify your parents that you’re safe, I’ll be sure the letter is delivered.

I paled and looked down at my hands, now twisted in my lap. That won’t be necessary.

I assure you, it won’t be any trouble.

I sighed, knowing I would have to tell him something, at least part of the truth. My parents don’t care where I am, my lord.  They threw me out.

What?

I nodded. A gentleman friend of mine got a little too friendly, and while nothing happened, my parents insisted that I had to leave their home.

He growled and mumbled something under his breath. Who was it? The man.

I shrugged. No one of consequence.

He sat down in front of me again, still looking tense and fierce. You’ve never told me your name.

Lila Andrews.

Lila. He smiled. A beautiful name for a beautiful young woman.

Startled, I looked up at him. Beautiful? Me?  Hardly, but the compliment warmed me just the same. It had been a while since a gentleman had treated me like a lady, and I wished it could last forever.

Well, he said, since you don’t have a home to return to, you’ll have to stay here.

I shook my head. You don’t understand.  If you’re really an earl, then I would imagine you’re here looking for a wife.  You can’t keep me here and expect a respectable young woman to agree to your suit.

He arched an eyebrow. And just why not?

I blushed furiously. I hadn’t wanted to tell him everything, but it seemed I had no choice. I couldn’t let him ruin his chances at a good match because I wanted to stay.  He’d rescued me and I owed it to him to be honest, no matter what it cost me.

Because I no longer have a reputation to protect. My eyes met his. I was on my way to Ms. Dalyrum’s house when those men attacked me.

A gasp from the doorway drew my gaze, and I paled at the horrified look on the housekeeper’s face. I dropped my eyes in embarrassment and horror. 

I don’t understand, Dominic said in confusion. Who’s Ms. Dalyrum?

The local madam, I said softly.

But you said the man hadn’t compromised you.

I shook my head. It doesn’t matter; the damage was done just the same. I’m no longer considered marriageable and no one would willingly hire me to work in their house or keep their children.  My only hope is to become someone’s mistress.

*****

~ Dominic ~

The words hit Dominic like a blow. This angelic creature was going to sell herself?  Were things really so bad for her that she had no other options than to become someone’s mistress?

There was no way he would allow her to do that.  Despite how she saw herself, maybe things weren’t as bad as all that.  But a quick glance at Mrs. Beesom’s face crushed that hope immediately. The old woman looked like there was a demon in the house.

With a wry grin, he wondered what the old housekeeper would think if she knew his secret, that he was part demon.  The demon blood in his veins is what gave him his ability to shift into a werewolf when the moon was full.  While his brother had always fought against being a werewolf, Dominic embraced it.

His gaze focused on the woman in front of him again and he knew what he had to do.  He only hoped his brother would forgive him.

You’ll have to marry me.

The poor thing turned even whiter, opened