Free Wild Things (BBW Paranormal Shifter Romance): Shifter Lovers Romance by Catherine Vale Page A

But then she thought it was
only the wind. And the wind lulled her to sleep.

Chapter Six
     
     
    Someone
was knocking on the door, softly, but she heard it. She opened her eyes, coming
awake instantly, but in confusion. Gabriel never knocked at her door. And it
was light, the sky the lemon-yellow of early dawn, not the soft darkness of
night.
    The
knocking started again, louder this time, and the door rattled against the
lock. Someone called her name. When she sat up, the empty wine glass fell to
the floor, breaking into shards. The bed was damp with spilled wine.
    “Just
a minute.”
    She
climbed out of bed, stepping around the broken glass. The plate of food was
still there, untouched. She refused to believe what she saw, there must be some
mistake. Or simply that it must still be the same day, it had to be. She’d
fallen asleep before dark; that was all. But she’d seen the comet crossing the
dark sky, made a wish on it.
    But
she had to accept the truth; Gabriel had not come to her. He had stayed away.
    “Senna.
Open the door.”
    She
tied the robe closed, clasping the shawl around her shoulders and crossed to
the door. She turned the key. Anacelia was there, looking worried. Behind her
were several manservants, big strong men who waited patiently.
    “Senna?
Are you well? You look pale as the moon.” Anacelia took Senna’s hand as she
stepped into the room.
    “You,
wait there.” With her free hand she closed the door, leaving the men in the
hall.
    “I’m
fine…really.” She didn’t feel fine, but she couldn’t admit she was dying inside
of disappointment. “I…I didn’t sleep well.”
    “You
drank wine and didn’t eat. No wonder you slept badly. Here. Sit.”
    Anacelia
brought the tray of food, setting aside the plate of capons. “Here. Cheese and
figs, and the date cake. It’s a bit dry, but it will do. You can’t start this
day weak with hunger.”
    “I’ll
faint and then take to my bed.”
    “They’ll
just carry you to the train. Senna, no one is going to wait for you to gain
your strength. Your wedding day is only two days after you arrive; the Ottway
will not stand for your delay. There have been plans made, guests arriving…a
feast at least.”
    Senna
picked at the cake, nibbling on a piece. It stuck in her throat when she
swallowed and she coughed. Anacelia scurried away, returning with a cup of
water.
    “Here.
Drink. And we must hurry. The train was seen only a short distance away.”
    Anacelia
took up the brush, running it through Senna’s hair with vicious strokes. Senna
listened to the woman muttering about hair, and pins, and why they’d been
packed, what to use.
    “At
least you bathed. After I tame this mess, we’ll get you into your traveling
costume.”
    Senna
pulled a face, but a sharp tug from Anacelia’s brush silenced her words. “Fine.
I’ll wear the Ottway’s gift. It’s been repaired?”
    “It
has.” Anacelia was working furiously, braiding and twisting and pinning. “And
put on your jewels. The gifts from the Ottway.”
    Senna
took up rings, sliding them on several fingers, then managed to attach large
earrings while Anacelia jerked her head to and fro.
    “And
that hateful corset? It’s horrid, too small. I’m not sure why the Ottway
thought I was a child, with no shape.”
    At
that Anacelia laughed, her frantic brushing coming to a halt. “That, you will
be happy to learn, has mysteriously disappeared. You may wear one of your own.”
    Senna
managed a smile. “Small favors. At least I’ll be able to breathe.” Senna
reached for a heavy silver necklace set aside from her own stash of packed
jewelry. She held it for a moment, then lifted it, set it against her neck.
    “And
maybe it will improve your temper. Here, let me.” Anacelia took the ends of the
necklace, clasping it quickly.
    Senna
drew a breath for a reprimand at Anacelia’s words, but she didn’t have the
heart today. Instead she reached for the little velvet bag on her