Free Taming the Wicked Wulfe (The Rogue Agents) by Tammy Jo Burns Page A

Zachary could have been killed.”
    “I have everything well in control,” she argued, attempting to keep a hold of the squirming little boy.
    “But Aunt Bekah,” he protested.
    “Yes, it looked like you had everything under control.   Just keep the damn door shut and child and beast inside.   Can you manage that, lady wife?” Wulfe sneered.
    “Oh, go get…”
    “There are children present,” he shook his finger at her before slamming the door shut.
    “Aunt Bekah, Piddles has to…”
    “What, Zachary?   What does Piddles have to do?”
    “Piddle,” the little boy said just a bare moment before the pup relieved its nervous bladder within the confines of the traveling coach.  
    “Oh goodness!” She cried.   “Stop, stop!” Rebekah called out to the driver and gathered up the puppy in her hands, holding him far out in front of her.   “Open the door!”
    “What is this about?” Thorn asked, his tone turning even more surly, if that were possible.   He dismounted his horse and stalked to the coach.   Before he knew what happened he had a puppy relieving itself on his shined, sparkling Hessians.   “By all that is holy!” He exclaimed, attempting to watch his language in front of the children.
    “Welcome to the world of parenting.   Do take the children and pups for a walk while I clean up this mess.”
    “Don’t tell me it started in the carriage,” he groaned.
    “Oh no, husband.   I just love to constantly be on my hands and knees scrubbing the floors of carriages.”
    “I could show you some things we could do on our hands and knees in a carriage that we would both find quite enjoyable,” he offered rakishly.
    “Go to Hell,” she hissed.
    He clucked his tongue three times and shook his head before he responded.   “There are children present, wife.”   He let the laughter roll through him as he looked at her arched brow and the murderous look that crossed her face.   “Come Zachary and Ivy, let’s go see if we can’t scare up some fairies, shall we?”
    “Fairies?” Ivy squealed in delight while Zachary commanded the dogs to scatter as many fairies as they could find.
    “Mistress, let me clean up that mess,” one of the maids accompanying them offered.  
    “Thank you, Nancy, but I have it,” she answered with a smile before turning with the   damp cloth the maid had provided and scrubbed the carriage floor as if she were removing her husband out of her life.  
    ***
      The newness of the journey had warn off for the children as the passing scenery looked much like that at home.   Rebekah had recited every story she knew, making certain to use different voices while telling them.   She also had brought games they could play in the confined space, but nothing kept two four-year-olds occupied very long.   Then the bickering had begun, followed soon by the whining.   The dogs seemed to pick up on this and before long, Rebekah’s head pounded in time to the whimpering of dogs and children.   Finally, able to stand no more, she waved out the window to get Thornton’s attention.   What I wouldn’t give to be sitting astride his horse, enjoying the fresh air with him inside here trying to keep this foursome entertained , she thought sourly.  
    “Yes, love?”
    “Don’t call me that,” she snapped.
    “What would you like me to call you?” he teased.
    “Nothing.   I merely want to know how far until the next village.”
    “You sound like the twins,” he teased.
    “I’m not surprised,” she muttered under her breath.
    “What was that, sweetheart?”
    “Nothing, and don’t call me that either!”
    “What can I call you?”
    “Lady Wulfe or Rebekah, if you must.”
    “You are going to beg me to call you so much more,” he whispered and started to trot off.
    “Wulfe, get back here,” she demanded.
    “Would you make up your mind?   Do you want me or not?”
    “Quit putting words in my mouth,” she hissed through the window.
    “Oh, love, that is