Compromised by the Duke (Completed)

Chapter 3. 1811

Once Nathaniel signed his initials into the final slot, he took her hand and escorted her back into the ballroom. Leading her to the dance floor, he pulled her gently against him. He kept his hands firmly yet securely around her as they moved to the waltz that was beginning to play.
Nathaniel. "If I may ask, how old are you Miss Bradford?"
Jacqueline. "I am 18 your grace. And you?"
Nathaniel. "I am 23."
Jacqueline smiled. "We are five years apart in age."
Nathaniel. "We certainly are. When did you have your first shift?"
Jacqueline swallowed hard, suddenly becoming nervous. "Three months ago."
Nathaniel paused, staring at her with wide eyes. "You had your first shift three months before this evening?"
Jacqueline nodded. "Yes, I turned 18 in January. I've been able to successfully shift after that day, but I'm still not quite able to walk on my paws."
Nathaniel brushed his knuckles against her cheek with a gentle caress. "I will help you. I know how difficult first shifts can be. Mine was two years ago when I was 21."
Jacqueline. "How long did it take you to maneuver as your wolf?"
Nathaniel maneuvered them across the ballroom. "Not long, about a month or so. You will adjust quickly."
Jacqueline smiled. "Thank you for helping me your grace."
Nathaniel smiled. "Please, call me Nathaniel. You are mine and I am yours. Because of that, I believe we should begin calling one another by our Christian names."
Jacqueline giggled. "Very well Nathaniel, you may call me Jacqueline."
Nathaniel smiled. "I will do so Jacqueline."
As they danced across the ballroom with several other couples, they knew that Selena had done her work. They were mates. They were tied together for all eternity. They simply had to activate their immortal wolf bond, and the flame of passion would ignite.
***
Three days later, Jacqueline was curled up in bed, her eyes scanning over the words of a romance novel she was currently reading. She had quite the love of literature. Books kept her mind engaged, as well as informed.
Jacqueline had just flipped a page, and was on the next one, when she felt an ache deep within her body. She tried ignoring it, but soon realized that was proving to be unsuccessful. Placing the ribbon thin bookmark into her spot, she closed the book and put it aside, then gasped as a fierce wave of heat and pain exploded through her core.
Jacqueline's eyes widened as she realized what was happening. She was in heat, the time in which she needed to mate. She whimpered softly, curling up into a ball. Her hand traveled down to her core to try and soothe the burning, but it worked to no avail.
Knowing she needed help, Jacqueline climbed out of bed, removing her shift and nightgown. Left naked, she opened the door to her balcony and stepped out.
Closing the door softly behind her, Jacqueline stepped forward until her naked arms touched the railing overlooking the garden of Bradford Park. Closing her eyes, she allowed her wolf to come fourth. Within moments, she was on four legs.
Jacqueline allowed her eyes to travel across the garden, searching for the best place to land. Finding one, she used her strength and jumped from the balcony, landing on a path in between two bushes of roses. Feeling the overwhelming heat cascade through her body, she whimpered and ran through the garden and out into the clearing. She had no idea where she was going, but she knew she needed help.
After several minutes of running, Jacqueline flopped onto the grass, panting with exhaustion and agony. Her ears perked up at the sound of another wolf approaching her at lightning speed. Her head lifted as the sweet smell of vanilla a sailed her nostrils. Nathaniel.
Scrambling to her feet, and then flopping forward again, Jacqueline watched as a majestic, and very large, black wolf came to a slow walk a few feet away from her. She recognized those beautiful blue green eyes and knew it was the Duke of Rutland. His midnight coat was a stark contrast to her pure white coat.
Jacqueline barked softly, showing him that she was no threat. Rising on shaking legs, she slowly stumbled toward him. She licked his nose once she was close enough.
Nathaniel purred, reciprocating the action by licking her nose in return. Then he began to circle her, his massive wolf dwarfing her smaller one ever so slightly. His head dipped, and his nose brushed against her aching center.
Jacqueline whimpered, before flopping forward and turning back into her human. She curled up into a ball, whining like a puppy. The pain and heat were excruciating.
Nathaniel whimpered, knowing exactly what was going on. Turning back into his human, he moved toward his mate, kneeling in front of her and holding her against him. His cock throbbed with desire as he felt her sweet wetness against him.
Jacqueline raised her head, and her mouth began to water as she stared at Nathaniel. Her body seemed to ache and burn even more as she felt her skin pressed against his. She whimpered softly.
Nathaniel caressed her cheek. "I know my love."
Jaqueline moaned. "It burns."
Nathaniel held her close. "I know darling, I will make it go away, I promise."