London Fairy Tales Book 3
Penulis
Rachel Van Dyken
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What happens when one is both Hunter and Wolf? You know it’s going to be a bad day when you get shot at—twice. Hunter Wolfsbane, Duke of Haverstone, also known as "The Wolf" is having exactly one of those days. Things take a turn for the worse when he’s notified that he’ll be acquiring a partner for his newest mission. The rub? He’s kissed her---twice. In his defense, she was already ruined, but it doesn't help matters that she's the sister-in-law to his best friend--perhaps his only friend.
And how does a woman protect her heart from one who has the power to destroy every-thing she holds dear? Lady Gwendolyn has only one thing on her mind--Finding the Wolf and strangling him where he stands. Unfortunately, she needs him to complete one final mission for the Crown and to keep her family safe. It has absolutely nothing to do with her attraction to him, or his golden eyes, or his wicked smile, or the fact that he’s convinced to keep his heart encased in ice—that is, if he still possesses one
PROLOGUE
Book 3: The Wolf's Pursuit
1805 London, England
Lucy had a thing for flowers, especially the pink frilly ones that made most men roll their eyes. But Hunter, he could never deny her anything. She was his soul mate, his love.
They’d been married for a year now, and the thought of being away from her was unbearable. But his life as a spy was relentless.
He’d be gone for weeks, spending countless sleepless nights tossing and turning, yearning for Lucy, the Royal Duchess of Haverstone.
He was only one-and-twenty, still learning the ropes of romance. But he’d put in hours of effort into planning this surprise for her.
Crossing the street, he couldn’t help but smile, picturing her throwing her head back in laughter and jumping into his arms.
Lucy was never a traditional bride. She didn’t give a hoot about what was proper and often kissed him in public, much to the ton’s chagrin.
He craved one of those kisses now. He needed to taste her lips.
Checking his pocket-watch, he realized he was running late. He’d spent too much time picking out her favorite flowers and daydreaming on his way to their meeting place.
As he approached Gunther’s, he saw Lucy waving frantically in the other direction. She was jumping up and down, trying to get someone’s attention.
He quickened his pace, his heart pounding with anticipation. Something must have excited her to make her act so impulsively.
Her behavior reminded him of how she acted when she saw him after he’d been away for weeks.
Suddenly, she stomped her foot and started crossing the street.
Fear gripped him, and he started to run.
But he was too late.
The carriage was moving too fast. She turned just in time to see it swerve, but not enough.
She fell.
Hunter cursed, his legs heavy as he sprinted to her side. Blood trickled from her mouth. Her small body was twisted in an unnatural way. Tears blurred his vision.
The salty taste of his tears was sickening, a bitter reminder of her impending death.
“Lucy, love, can you hear me? Everything’s going to be okay, I promise.” He held her limp hand. She tried to shake her head. “Don’t move, just stay still. I love you. I love you so much.”
A single tear rolled down her cheek. “I l-love you.” Her voice was weak, her lips trembling as she struggled to breathe.
“No, Lucy, you can’t leave me! Do you hear me? You can’t!
“You just can’t.” His vision was blurred by tears, but he could still see her blue eyes lose their spark as she took her last breath.
“No, no!” Hunter cried out, not caring that he was in the middle of the street. His body shook. This had to be a nightmare!
The flowers he held—the anniversary flowers—were never meant to be laid on her grave.
Strong hands pulled him away from the street. He heard someone shouting orders and looked up to see his twin brother.
His brother’s eyes were filled with guilt, shame, and regret. “She thought I was you. I didn’t know, I didn’t…” Ash’s eyes welled up with tears. “I was too late. I didn’t know.
“Oh, what have I done?” Ash’s face was pale, his expression haunted as he hugged his brother.
Hunter couldn’t speak. He felt empty, hollow.
He knew he would never forget this day. Not just because he’d lost the love of his life, but because with her death, she’d taken his soul with her.
He would never be the same.
