The Taming of the Wolf Read Free

Brimsworth, you are not a welcome guest at Westfield Hall. Your sins are numerous and we both know them, the most important being you are an uncontrollable, feral Lycan. And if you think I’ll allow you to stalk the halls of this home, you are sadly mistaken.”
    The air whooshed out of Dash’s lungs. “That’s why I’ve come to you for help, sir. I need a mentor, and—”
    “You are here because His Grace, Lord Benjamin, and I kept Lord William from tearing you to shreds when you tried to claim his wife this very evening. Now sit down while I think,” the man ordered gruffly.
    “Trying to claim Lord William’s wife was a poor decision on my part—” Dash began. If he could just explain.
    “I said, ‘ Sit !’” the major snarled.
    Dash tucked his tail into a chair and watched a series of emotions flash across the other man’s face.
    Finally, the major sat taller and rubbed his chin. “You do need a mentor, and I need to keep you far from the Westfields.”
    “I mean them no harm.”
    “As you have already escaped from me once, my lord, please understand that I don’t intend to take your word for it.”
    Dash could see the man’s point.
    “My family hails from Glasgow. I’ve got a cousin, a shipbuilder, who still lives there. I’m certain I can persuade him to take you on.”
    Glasgow? Dash shook his head. He didn’t know anyone in Glasgow, and going there didn’t solve his situation with Miss Macleod. “But the girl—”
    “Does not need a feral wolf in her midst, nor would she tolerate one. You can take my word for that. Once you have control of yourself, you can seek her out and see what’s to be done with the mess you’ve made.”

Two
     
    “Lord Brimsworth,” the Duke of Blackmoor’s persnickety butler called from the doorway of the study. “Your coach has arrived.”
    Dash had sent for his carriage to take him to Glasgow, along with a letter of introduction from the major to his shipbuilding cousin, Mr. Niall Forster. Dash rose from his seat and stepped toward the old butler. Still, there was something he had to do before he set off for Scotland. “I’d like a word with Miss Macleod first, if you don’t mind, Billings.”
    The old servant frowned at him. “I’m afraid that’s not possible, my lord.”
    Not possible? Dash resisted the urge to snort. He didn’t want to spend any more time at Westfield Hall than was absolutely necessary, but seeing Caitrin Macleod before he left for Glasgow was of the utmost importance. If he truly was connected to the chit until the end of time, it would be best if they got a few things straight before he departed.
    “I’m not leaving until I speak with Miss Macleod.”
    The butler sighed irritably. “Miss Macleod is no longer in residence, my lord. So it won’t matter how long you wait.”
    “No longer in residence?” Dash echoed. How was that even possible? Only a few hours earlier, he’d kissed the girl, held her against him, and claimed her .
    “I believe she has started for home, sir.”
    She left without speaking to him, without giving him a chance to explain? Dash thrust his hand into his pocket and crumpled the major’s letter in his fist. He stalked out of the manor and was immediately assaulted by her honeysuckle scent. He continued down the stone steps and hauled open the door to his traveling coach. Dash slumped against the squabs and glared at the empty spot across from him. The journey was going to be a very long one.
    “Glasgow?” His coachman, Renshaw, asked from the open door.
    Dash nodded once. Major Forster hadn’t given him any choice in the matter. Glasgow, for God’s sake. Surely the old officer could have found him a mentor in England, someone who wasn’t so bloody far away. The trip would take forever on the North Road in the middle of winter. Perhaps Forster thought he’d tumble to his death in the Pennines. Maybe that was the old man’s plan.
    Dash sighed. “I’m in a bit of a hurry, Renshaw, but safety