Free Uncaged by Alisha Paige

small kiss along her hair line. His scent comforted her. Now she was safe.
                  “Oh, Bruce, thank you for coming,” she whispered.
                  “Of course, my darling. Shall we go pay our respects?” he asked grimly, wanting this over as quickly as she.
                  Wren nodded. They made their way to the casket, though Bruce had already seen the bastard a night ago, bumping into him in the dark. His manner of decay had already worsened. The captain’s cheeks and eyes had sunken further into his wrinkled face and a most unnatural deep scowl slashed his ruddy features. Two coins lay upon his eye lids as was customary. It gave Wren a small measure of comfort, indicating that her father had died with them open. She could only hope that he’d been in terrible pain just before passing. The bastard deserved it for all he’d done to her and her dear mother. She had no doubt he would spend the rest of eternity burning for his sins.
                  A fire had been lit in the far corner of the parlor. Wren noticed a hoard of men gathered around one tall, thin man. The group was laughing raucously. Wren thought it in terrible taste during a wake and wondered who the man could be. She’d never seen him before. She also noticed he held her father’s brandy snifter in his hands, for the Whittier family crest was etched on the outside. Rose walked into the parlor, carrying the silver tea pot. When she knelt to place it on the table, Wren tapped her on the shoulder.
                  “Some tea, ma’am?” Rose asked softly.
                  Wren ignored her question. “Rose, who is that man over there?”
                  “Where, ma’am?”
                  “That man in the corner. The one holding my father’s brandy snifter. I’ve never seen him before.”
                  Rose frowned as she looked to the corner of men and back at her mistress, vying for the right words. Gentle words that wouldn’t shock her.
                  “Rose!” Wren hissed when Rose only wrung her hands.
                  “I’m sorry, ma’am. I’m tr ying to recall his last name. Ah, yes. Sheldon is his name. Mister Ralph Sheldon.”
                  “Why is he here?” Wren pressed.
                  Bruce leaned closer, now just as curious as Wren.
                  Rose fought for the right words, looking first to Bruce and then back at Wren who stared at her, waiting. She thought of making something up, but realized that Wren would find out anyhow and besides, she didn’t want any of her mistress’ anger at the matter to be directed toward her. Now that she knew for certain that Miss Wren dealt with the devil, she certainly didn’t want any black magic cast her way.
                  “He’s here to claim the estate, ma’am.”
                  Wren gasped. Bruce clasped an arm around her shoulder, pulling her closer. Both of them had believed Wren to be the only heir. It had been written into her father’s will years ago. This was her ticket to freedom. She would be financially sound for all her remaining days, or so they thought.
                  Wren blinked uncontrollably, gathering her wits about her. “Wh-what?”
                  “Aye, ma’am. I’m so very sorry. He was named benefactor in the captain’s will.”                
    “Bu-but my father named me heir in his will years ago. He told me so himself. Are you certain?”
                  Rose blinked at her mistress. “Quite certain, ma’am.”
                  “When did he arrive?” Wren asked between clenched teeth.
                  “This morn, ma’am. I would have told you sooner, but I just learned of it myself,” Rose lied, praying that witches couldn’t read