Page 58 of Wolf's Bane
“You don’t mind? If I deliver books to Colonel Chambers?”
Solenne paused before answering, wondering what her friend was trying to ask. “You didn’t volunteer to nurse Jase because you feel affection for him, did you? He was a beast to you. To us both.”
A pretty blush spread across Charlotte’s face. Rather than answer straight away, she stuffed a cookie in her mouth. “The starberries are very sweet this year, don’t you think?”
“Charlotte—”
“Colonel Chambers is interesting.” Solenne opened her mouth to protest, but Charlotte continued. “He is. He’s traveled and seen much of the world. He’s interested in pre-colonial and early colonial history.”
“He is.” She knew of his collection, though she had not had the opportunity to admire it. Several pieces were removed for the dance.
“He’s generous and rather handsome, I think. You should have seen how concerned he was for Jase! Hardly slept or ate. I had to convince him to rest. A man who’d wear himself ragged for his nephew has to have a good heart, don’t you think?”
“Yes, I rather think so.” Solenne had been so focused on the things she didn’t like about Chambers—namely, not being Alek—that she did not see his better qualities. “He reads the most scandalous fiction, full of secrets and passionate embraces, and the best part?”
Charlotte leaned forward.
“When he’s finished the book, he gives them to me.”
The smile on her friend’s face was radiant.
“I’m pleased for you. I only hope he has the good sense to return your regard,” Solenne said with sincerity.
“As do I, when I won’t need to go to Founding or stuffy Aunt Tessie.” Charlotte made a pleased noise and then helped herself to another cookie.
“Speaking of your father’s books, I was hoping to rummage through his collection. I can’t find the information I need.”
“Certainly. What are you searching for?”
“I’m not sure. Reasons a cursed beast would have control over their transformation? Be able to retain their mind and hide their affliction?”
“Oh, that’s simple. They have a mate bond,” Charlotte said.
Solenne’s cup rattled in the saucer again. “What? No, there’s no such thing.”
“Yes, there is. Come along.” Charlotte stood, carrying her tea into the house. Solenne had no choice but to follow. “It’s odd. Colonel Chambers asked the same question. I have the books already pulled. There are some early colonist accounts and a local history.”
“But people with that affliction don’t take mates or have a mate bond. I’d have read that.”
“Darling, you are my dearest friend. You’re very well read on stabbing and poisoning, but little else,” Charlotte said as they entered the study. Mr. Wodehouse’s collection sat tidy and organized on floor-to-ceiling shelves that lined every wall. The collection did not compare in size to the library in the Marechal House, but it contained several obscure titles.
“Not true. I just read a brilliant novel with the most ingenious method of poisoning…oh. I see your point.”
“If I want something dead, you are my first call,” Charlotte said, amusement bubbling in her voice. She flipped through a book, searching for a passage. “Here we are. The mate bond acts as an anchor, keeping the afflicted partner grounded and negating the worst symptoms of mutation.” She snapped the book shut. “There you are. To tame a beast, you must anchor it.”
“But how?” And how was Alek tamed, for lack of a better word?
“The details are fuzzy.” Charlotte pulled down a slender volume from the shelves. The book was little more than a cloth-bound pamphlet. “It seems to involve a romantic partnership, so one must assume there is an emotional component and perhaps a fluid exchange. Beauty soothes the beast.”
“Like a kiss, blood or—” She thought back to the kiss she shared with Alek and how he said she was in his blood.
“I’m uncertain,” Charlotte said, then plonked the pamphlet into Solenne’s hands. “This is a firsthand account of an original colonist. Reprinted, obviously. You may take it home to read. Father won’t mind.”
“Oh, thank you. Is it rare? I wouldn’t trust myself with something irreplaceable.” The book felt unreasonably fragile in her hands. She’d make pains not to damage it.
“Not particularly. The account is rather scandalous and, um,graphic, so it’s popular.”
“A dirty book? I never.” Mirth bubbled up at the sight of Charlotte’s blush.
