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Captive Moonlight

A gentlewoman will do whatever it takes to rescue her captive werewolf betrothed.

When her betrothed, Joe Taylor, is taken captive by a group of men looking for werewolf laborers, it’s up to Charlotte, a genteel frontier lady with no training, to track him down and win him back—even if that means putting her own life in danger.

Excerpt:

Charlotte stretched up on tiptoes and pressed a kiss to his lips. “I look forward to it.” A soft creak of the hallway’s wooden floor reached her ears. She hurriedly pulled on her dressing gown, then sat in front of her vanity and picked up her brush. She’d be able to fabricate a tale for Betsy if she needed to.

Joe opened the window and jumped out. Only the faint sound of his boots hitting the ground gave him away. They didn’t have much to worry about since her window faced a rarely used alley.

The soft footsteps stopped outside her door. Charlotte ran the brush through her brown hair, pulling at a few tangles. She hoped Betsy would go back to sleep and not disturb her. After a brief pause and another squeak, the footsteps retreated again.

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Charlotte sighed in relief, but she waited a moment more. When she was sure it was safe, she dashed across the room and closed the window. She glanced out to see Joe heading toward the main street. His gaze turned to meet hers as if he knew she was there. He smiled and tilted his hat.

From the shadows, a group of four men rushed at Joe. Her eyes widened, and she placed her palms against the windowpane. Desperation punched her in the gut.

* * *

Joe frowned at the sudden change of expression on Charlotte’s beautiful face. What had caused... The rapid sound of boots hitting dirt next to him penetrated his thoughts. He’d been so focused on his lover. Damn it.

Twisting around, he faced the four men, wondering what they wanted. More importantly, he wished he knew if they’d seen him come from Charlotte’s window. He didn’t want her to be looked down upon by anyone because of what they’d shared that night. Her father would never let Joe near his daughter again if he knew.

The men closed in on him, standing much closer than Joe felt comfortable with. He watched them in turn, keeping an eye on each, while his wolf’s instincts raged and warned him of danger.

He’d never met these men and had no idea what they wanted. He didn’t want to hurt anyone, especially with Charlotte was watching. If he showed his true nature, he’d alienate himself from town. He couldn’t do that, not when he had so much to lose. “What do you all want?”

One of the men, a guy with graying hair who looked to be their leader, stepped forward. “We have a job opportunity for you.”

“I’m sorry, sir, but I already have work. Thanks for the offer.” Joe stepped aside to move around them, but the whistle of metal near his head caused him to stop. He turned to see one of the men holding a gun. He grabbed the barrel of the pistol as the man’s blue eyes widened with surprise.

Pain filled Joe’s head, and his legs collapsed under him. He cursed himself for being so distracted.

The older man stared down at him as Joe’s world darkened. “That wasn’t the answer I was looking for.” As the man’s image faded, Joe barely heard his command, “Load ’em up, boys.”

COLLAPSE
Reviews:Donna Hokanson on Goodreads wrote:

Well written and very entertaining to read this self-contained story.