The Marquis' Mystical Witch (BookStrand Publishing Romance) Read Online Free

feelings. Evan had often encouraged Ulric to return to town and find a wife among them. After witnessing the palpable relief on another young lady’s face as he excused himself, he had his doubts any of them desired his attention.
    He continued walking until he saw his mystery healer standing about five feet away. A younger girl, face animated and hands moving as she talked, held her attention. He noticed that while his healer listened to the girl, she also glanced several times to her left.
    Lord Akers stood not far away, a predatory demeanor in his stance and gaze. Ulric had heard unsavory gossip regarding Akers and his prurient lust for young girls. After running with a wild group in his youth, many said he’d never lost his taste for vulnerable young women.
    A flash of distaste crossed the face of the unknown woman when she looked at Akers. Now would be as good a time as any to find out her name and Akers’ business.
    Wulf ambled nonchalantly toward the man. “Enjoying yourself?”
    Startled, Akers took his eyes off his prey. “Haven’t seen you for a long time, Radford. Thought you might be dead.”
    “At thirty-one?” He chuckled mirthlessly. “No. I simply prefer the country to London.”
    “Guess you had to come to your sister’s ball.”
    “I wanted to come.” Wulf frowned at Akers. “Jane is special.”
    Akers’ attention went back to the two women talking.
    “You seem interested in those ladies,” Wulf said.
    “Yes, the tall, black-haired one is going to marry me.” Lord Akers smirked.
    “I hadn’t heard you planned to wed again.”
    Akers scowled. “I need an heir and that one pleases me.” He continued to scrutinize his future wife.
    “So does she have a name or is that an insignificant detail in your plans?”
    Akers grunted. “Her name is Althea.” His tone suggested Wulf had overstepped his bounds.
    “She isn’t familiar to me, but then again I’ve been away from London for several years. Who is her family?”
    “Her parents are dead. She’s Lord Beckett’s niece. Her father was a Viscount, but she’s no one now. A poor relative, no dowry, but I want her.”
    So do I. Wulf surprised himself by the vehemence of his desire for a woman whose name he hadn’t even known a minute ago. He tensed and the hackles on his neck rose. Clenching his fist, he managed to speak. “May I wish you both the best?” Wulf bowed and continued his walk toward the door and his escape to his study.
    Her family must know the type of man Akers was. No proper family would let the man near their daughter. But perhaps Akers has fooled them. Or Akers had impressed them with his lofty title and wealth.
    Ulric glanced around. He couldn’t wait to leave the loud overdressed guests behind and seek the sanctuary of his den. Diamonds sparkled around necks and fingers, and women stared at the eligible men with avarice intent. He took one last glance at Althea.
    She stood beside an older man and woman, probably her aunt and uncle. Her shoulders held back and face forward, she presented herself as cool and calm amidst the clamor around her. Her black hair shined glossy in the candlelight. Too tall for many of the men, she only reached his shoulder. She was not the typical golden beauty so adored by the Ton, so few of the men took any notice of her.
    For a second, she glanced his way and her captivating eyes held his gaze. He took a step toward her, then stopped. Merely looking at her stirred the beast inside to unmanageable levels. But, he’d made a decision. She was going to be his. Akers would never touch her. He left the room for the quiet of his study before the animal inside him brought out his worst behavior. He needed time to think and plan.
    Wulf removed his tight coat and opened the neck to his shirt before planting himself in front of the fire. He took a puff on his pipe, enjoying the warmth and solitude. The fire crackled and flared as one of the logs burned in half.
    He tried to clear his thoughts, but