Forever Midnight Read online

  “What silver bullet?” Her pulse raced. The thought of Samuel dying was too much to bear, not when they’d only just begun exploring their love for each other.

  “The one I had him make long, long ago, while the battles were still being fought. It was agreed by myself and those who knew my secret, that if I ever lost complete control of the beast, I should be destroyed. If I ever turned on my own men, then it would have to end.”

  “There must be a way to end this curse, Samuel.” She pushed away from him and paced the room, her fists clenched.

  “I’ve searched.” He ran a hand through his hair. “There are some legends among the Indians about animal spirits, but none have told of a way to expel one from the body of a man.”

  “The reverend claims to have found someone who can help.” Maggie clung to that hope. Quite by chance the reverend had learned of Samuel’s curse. He’d told them how, late one night, he had had been visiting parishioners far on the outskirts of town. So close to the forest, it wasn’t unusual for wild animals to wander the dirt path leading to their cabin. The reverend had crossed a black bear and would have been mauled had it not been for the gigantic wolf who sprang from the trees and killed the other predator. The reverend ran, terrified for his life. The wolf followed. As dawn neared, the wolf’s cries sounded strangely human. Stumbling, the reverend fell into the dirt. As he pushed himself to his feet, terrified that the wolf would kill him, too, he saw that the creature’s hair had receded. Its eyes lost their enraged glow. Moments later, Samuel lay it at his feet.

  The reverend admitted his first reaction was to call upon his parishioners to destroy this man obviously touched by the devil. Then he remembered the bear and the desperate look in Samuel’s eyes before he lapsed into the unconsciousness that always followed the change. Being a man of God, the reverend believed that there had to be a way for good to combat such evil.

  He made it his duty to help Samuel find a way to exorcise his demon. Now he claimed to have found someone who might know of a cure. Maggie prayed it was true.

  “Perhaps…” Samuel’s voice trailed off. His concerned expression faded for the most part as he offered her a smile. “The wolf won’t appear until the next full moon, so we must not waste what time we have. Would you like to go for a ride in the snow?”

  “Very much. After we eat. I’m starving.”

  Chuckling, he dragged her close and kissed her. “Lovemaking works up an appetite.”

  “It certainly seems to.” She grinned, her palms straying to his buttocks which she squeezed. “Now release me so I can go cook and perform my duties as a servant should.”

  “I find, Maggie, our roles have reversed.” One of his hands pressed the small of her back so her body fitted snugly against his. He buried his hand in her hair and gazed into her eyes. “I am your humble servant, my sweet, dark beauty.”

  His words made her tingle yet she nearly laughed aloud. “I hardly think so.”

  “If not for this curse, I would take you as my wife in a heartbeat.”

  “Wife,” she breathed, trying to pull away, but he wouldn’t let her. “Samuel, you know that’s impossible. We would never be accepted anywhere. We would—”

  “My father was a man who lived by tradition. He tried to ensure that I would be the same, but it’s not inside me, Maggie. I truly believe that no man should bow down to another, that we all deserve freedom and happiness. I fought for that belief and I will uphold it until my dying breath. I love you and nothing or no one will tell me I cannot have you. Not laws, not gossipmongers. No one. Tell me you feel the same.”

  “I feel it.” She held his gaze as she slipped her arms around his neck. “But it’s not that easy. Just because you say we belong together will not simply make it possible.”

  “When has life ever been simple?”

  Maggie couldn’t argue with that. As far back as she could remember life had been all too difficult. Perhaps it could work between them, two people from completely different worlds.

  “Will you try, Maggie?”

  “Yes. I’ll try.”

  “Whatever happens to me, I’ll see to it you’ll never want for anything again.”

  She embraced him tightly. No one had ever been as kind to her as Samuel. No one had ever inspired her love and respect as much as this man. One thing was for certain, he would have her love and loyalty forever.

  * * * * *

  While Maggie washed the breakfast dishes, Samuel left to brush and saddle his horse. When she stepped outside, wrapped in a heavy cloak, he and the gray stallion stood in front of the house. Puffs of cold air floated from Samuel’s mouth and the horse’s nostrils. Both looked magnificent, two tall, well-muscled studs waiting to carry her off into the snowy morning.

  Maggie smiled as he helped her onto the horse then mounted behind her. Drawing a deep breath, she tried to still her giddy stomach. His chest, so warm and hard, pressed against her back and his arms wrapped around her as he held the reins. Desire stabbed her as she glanced at his steely thighs so close to her.

  Upon Samuel’s command, the horse cantered across the white fields. A thrill of excitement coursed through her as the stallion soared over a frozen brook and landed without missing a beat.

  When the house had disappeared from view and only fields and forest surrounded them, Samuel slowed the horse to a walk. Tugging down her hood, he brushed aside her hair and kissed her nape. A ripple of desire raced through her.

  “Oh, Samuel,” she sighed, leaning against him as he slid his hand inside her cloak and traced the shape of her breasts. In spite of the heavy dress and shift separating her flesh from his fingers, her nipples tightened beneath his caresses. Her clit throbbed and ached as he continued stroking her breasts and kissing her neck. He ran his tongue along the side of it, tracing a pounding artery before taking her earlobe between his teeth and nipping it gently.

  Maggie tried to steady her breathing, but it was next to impossible. She gasped as one of his hands dipped between her legs. His palm and fingers rubbed her clit through her dress. Growing wet and hot, she thrust against his hand and closed her eyes as she rested her full weight against him. If he hadn’t steadied her, she probably would have fallen off the horse.

  Her neck and ear tingled from his lips, tongue, and teeth. Her nipples felt so wonderfully tight. If he continued rubbing her, she was going to come right then and there.

  “Samuel, stop,” she panted, her entire body tingling with desire. Her nipples turned to red-hot beads beneath his touch. She wanted him to fuck her so badly.

  “Why?”

  “We’re outside.”

  “No one can see us.”

  That much was true. They were completely alone and as free as two people could be. There were no walls and no rules.

  So true. Why should she refuse this kind of pleasure?

  He tugged up her skirt so a cool breeze brushed her flesh. The stroking of his palm over her thigh warmed her quickly. Maggie’s eyes closed halfway and she leaned against him, completely surrendering to the lust coursing through her.

  Wriggling a bit in the saddle, she tried pressing closer to him. He stroked through the hair between her legs. One fingertip brushed over her clit. Leaning back a bit more to accommodate him, Maggie’s pulse leapt. Their wild behavior thrilled her, and she wanted so much more.

  As if sensing her needs, Samuel slid two of his fingers lower, gathering moisture from her pussy. His wet fingers slid over her clit and along the side of it. The pulsing bud of flesh throbbed. Shifting her hips, she tried to rub against his fingers.

  “Impatient, my beauty?” he purred close to her ear, yet he accommodated her by stroking faster, circling her clit and sliding his finger up and down its sensitive side. To Maggie, the day was no longer chilly at all. Her entire body burned with the need for release. Her belly clenched and unclenched mercilessly and her heartbeat seemed to keep time with his rubbing fingers.

  Suddenly his stroking slowed. Maggie whimpered when his touc
h left her clit. Once again his hand settled on her thigh, soothing and caressing. His lips teased the side of her neck, sending little ripples of pleasure coursing though her. Using the tip of his tongue, he drew random patterns on her flesh, then pressed gentle kisses down the back of her neck.

  These sensations thrilled Maggie, but also touched her heart. She could scarcely believe that she and Samuel had denied their love for so long. Moaning softy, she leaned her head against his shoulder. His cheek rested against her hair and his hand returned to her clit. This time he used his palm to caress her soft mound.

  “I love how hot and wet you are, Magge. You’re so beautiful.”

  “Oh, Samuel, I can hardly believe this is happening.”

  Once again his deft fingers returned to her clit. His stiff cock pressed against her, evidence of his lust. Still, he made no attempt to satisfy himself, either by dismounting and taking her standing up or by asking her to turn in the saddle. His desire to please her excited her as much as his marvelous caresses.

  “My Maggie,” he whispered against her cheek, his fingertips rubbing in fast yet gentle circles over her clit.

  Maggie panted, completely lost in sensation. Her eyes closed tightly and she squirmed in the saddle, allowing him to hold her steady. Using one finger, he slid the entire long length of it up and down the side of her clit. That slow, steady caress pushed Maggie over the edge.

  “Ah. Samuel,” she cried, bursting with pleasure. Her hips jerked and her heart pounded. Orgasm pulsed through her as she rubbed herself against his stroking hand.

  “I love you, Maggie,” he said close to her ear, his deep, husky voice enticing her almost as much as his caresses.

  “I love you, too.” She turned, holding his gaze. “Samuel, tell me you’ll have Paul destroy that bullet. Promise me you won’t ever give up on finding a way to lift the curse.”

  “I can’t do that, Maggie. I don’t want to die, but if I become a danger to others, especially those I care about, the only possible way is for me to end it.”

  “I don’t want to lose you.”

  “You never can. We’re in each other’s hearts. Nothing can separate that kind of love. Not curses, not the will of others, not even death, Maggie.”

  “That sounds wonderful, but you know as well as I do that loving a memory is not the same as sharing physical warmth with a person. If you’re dead, you can’t take me in your arms.”

  “Close your eyes.”

  “Why?”

  “Just close them.”

  She did as he asked. The horse stopped and all three stood in complete silence. She was intensely aware of his arms around her, of the rise and fall of his chest against her back. Even more were the sensations she felt deep inside. This was a memory she would treasure forever.

  “If you’re ever alone, think of this moment,” he said. “As will I, should I ever be lonely and need to feel your presence. Pretend, if just for a brief time, that we’re together in this field with the cool wind and the warm sun. Know how much I love you and always will.”

  She opened her eyes and folded her hands over his. Silently, thoughtfully, they headed for home.

  * * * * *

  Samuel and the reverend stopped their horses along a narrow, twisted path that disappeared in the trees. The animals snorted, pawing the cold, snow-dusted ground.

  Samuel’s face brushed the back of Maggie’s hooded head and his thighs pressed harder against her. He was glad she’d accompanied him on the ride. His pulse raced as he realized that maybe this was the first step in ending his curse.

  “I can’t go any further,” the reverend said. Both Samuel and Maggie glanced at him and he continued, “I’ve always met with Longmeadow along this path or at the edge of the woods. He said you were to go to his home.”

  Samuel’s brow furrowed. “How am I supposed to find it?”

  “He said if you are what you say you are, you’ll find him.”

  Maggie turned slightly in the saddle and looked at Samuel with concern in her lovely brown eyes. “I’ll go with you.”

  “No. Wait here. It will be safer.”

  “But—”

  “Do as I say, Maggie,” he stated without room for discussion.

  Samuel dismounted. Pausing, he drew a deep breath. What did Longmeadow expect from him? True, the wolf was always with him, yet after the full moon he reverted to almost complete human form for at least a week. Then, gradually, the beast took over. Little by little his disposition would change as his senses heightened and primal emotions struggled against more civilized ones.

  Stepping into the trees, he felt hopeless. Chances were he’d get lost in the woods instead of finding Longmeadow. The day was frigid. By the look of the sky—what he could see of it through the tree branches—a storm was coming. If they didn’t get home before it started, they all might be caught in it. He should never have allowed Maggie to accompany him. Wait. The reverend would leave if the storm started, and he’d see that Maggie… Impossible. If Maggie got it in her head to remain, no one would change her mind.

  Samuel drew a deep breath and released it slowly, closing his eyes for a moment. If he was to find Longmeadow, he would need the utmost concentration.

  He tried remembering how it felt to be the wolf.

  Wind whistled through the trees’ naked branches and blew bits of ice onto Samuel’s face. As he concentrated on the forest, he became of aware of the scurry of tiny animals’ feet and the echo of birds’ pounding wings. The scent of each forest creature wafted on the cold air.

  Opening his eyes, he gazed through the trees, his vision keener than before. A movement ahead caught his attention and he walked toward it. The flash of fur and amber eyes of a timber wolf lured him, quickening his pulse along with his feet. He raced through the trees, ignoring the lashing branches and unhindered by the rugged ground. A new scent had caught his attention. Human.

  The scent grew stronger and stronger. The wolf was in sight now. Moments later, he’d cornered it against the side of a cabin. It growled yet cowered, apparently sensing Samuel’s beast in spite of his human form.

  At the sound of footsteps, Samuel turned slightly, his gaze fixed on a tall, gaunt man with long gray hair and a beard that brushed his chest. He wore animal skins and knee-high boots. As the wolf darted into the trees, Samuel glanced at it then returned his attention to the man watching him with pale blue eyes more chilly than the winter wind.

  “John Longmeadow?” Samuel asked.

  The man nodded, his grim lips turning up in the faintest smile. “Come inside. We’ll talk.”

  Samuel studied the man carefully as he followed him to the front of the cabin and up a narrow flight of rickety steps.

  The door creaked open. The single room inside was small, warmed by a fire blazing in the hearth that took up most of one wall. The sparse furnishings included a bearskin-covered bed and a square wooden table, the surface scratched and worn. Two shelves on the wall near the table held several bottles, two wooden mugs, and a frying pan.

  “I’m guessing you know I’m Samuel Whittle?”

  Longmeadow raised a bushy gray eyebrow and nodded. “Sit.”

  Samuel tugged the single chair away from the table and watched Longmeadow take a pipe from the mantel and light it using a twig in the fire. As he drew on the pipe, he gazed at Samuel through the puffs of smoke surrounding his face.

  “The reverend said you might be able to help me end the curse.”

  “The curse, eh?”

  “Yes.”

  “The ability to run with a demon’s power, to know total freedom.”

  “You make it sound like a good thing.”

  Longmeadow shrugged. “Maybe. Maybe not.”

  Samuel’s pulse raced. He was starting to lose patience. Standing, he said, “The reverend and a young woman are awaiting me in the woods. I’d like to get back to them as soon as possible.”

  “A young woman? Interesting.”

  “Who exactly are you?”

/>   “Just an old man with older stories.”

  Samuel closed his eyes and sighed. A waste of time. Longmeadow didn’t know how to break the curse. No one did.

  “It’s getting harder to control, isn’t it?” Longmeadow asked.

  “What?”

  “What do you think?”

  The wolf. “Yes, it’s getting harder to control.”

  “Why do you suppose that is?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Because you’re getting used to it. You’re starting to like it. Ain’t ya?”

  “I don’t see what this has to do with—”

  “But it does. Don’t you get it? The longer you live with the demon, the more a part of you it becomes. There will come a time when you won’t even care about being human anymore.”

  “How do I stop it?”

  “By keeping your humanity.”

  “How am I supposed to keep it when I’m constantly becoming the wolf?” Samuel demanded. Even now, he felt the creature inside him. Oh, it was asleep, resting deeply, but not for long. It would rouse soon enough. Come the next full moon it would be growling to get loose and taste blood.

  “The only way is to keep what makes you human close to your heart. You see, your heart is the one thing that’s truly yours. The beast wishes it could destroy your heart, but if it does, then it will die as well. The heart keeps you alive, Mr. Whittle. If you can listen to it, even when the wolf takes over, then you have a chance.”

  “There has to be more to it than that.”

  “If you keep your heart and your humanity, then you might be able to convince a person—particularly a person you care about—to touch you, even in that savage, destructive form. Then you got a chance to break the spell—or so I heard. You see, Mr. Whittle, the demon hates gentleness. That touch, by someone who cares for you enough to risk themselves to save you, should drive the demon out and leave your heart intact.”