Compromised by the Duke (Completed)

Chapter 12. 1812 

WARNING: this chapter contains scenes of torture.
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Her heart pounding with panic, Jacqueline watched as Charles slinked toward her, a devilish smile on his face. She covered her belly protectively with her hands, determined to keep her pups alive. They wouldn't die, and neither would she.
Just as Charles reached her, the dagger poised to strike, he heard a vicious growl from behind him. His body stiffen, his head snapping around to see who had joined them. His eyes widened, the color draining from his face. "No, it can't be."
Jacqueline's eyes flew to the shadows, and her heart fluttered with relief. She smiled softly. "Hello my love."
Standing before them, looking majestic and regal, yet vicious and merciless, was a large black wolf. His glowing blue green eyes were fixed on Charles, his lips curling away from his dripping canines. He snarled menacingly.
Charles dropped the dagger, whimpering with panic. "Please, I beg you, don't hurt me!"
Nathaniel snarled, his eyes flashing with fury. He crouched low, and then sprung forward. He knocked Charles to the ground, turning back into his human. Snapping his fingers, a white shirt black trousers and black boots materialized on his muscular body.
Charles struggled against Nathaniel's strong grasp, his eyes widening as the tip of a dagger was placed at his throat. "You wouldn't dare."
Nathaniel growled, pressing the blade into his neck. "How dare you take my mate. How dare you try to kill her and my pups."
Jacqueline felt her heart sputter. Nathaniel wasn't speaking with his normal Tamber, but the voice of his wolf. It was deep, rich and powerful.
Charles whimpered, his eyes wide with fear. "How do you know something has happened to her?"
Nathaniel squeezed his throat, the tip of his dagger still pressed against his skin. "Do you believe me an idiot? Her scent has been altered."
Charles was gasping for air, his throat continuing to be squeezed, his airway constricting. "All right, all right! I stabbed her!"
Nathaniel snarled. "With what?"
Charles was turning purple in the face. His voice came out like a squeak. "Wolfspane!"
Nathaniel. "Do you believe I should give you the same fate?" he moved the tip of the dagger along Charles's throat.
Charles whimpered, his eyes pleading. "Please don't hurt me your grace, I swear I won't do anything like this again."
Nathaniel. "My sincerest apologies Lord Watson, but I will not grant you mercy."
Jacqueline watched with pure satisfaction as Nathaniel drove the blade of his dagger into Charles's neck. She watched the gentleman's face go from purple to gray. He collapsed to the floor, his body twitching before going still.
Nathaniel turned to face his mate, his eyes drinking in every last detail of her. Then they fell on the wound on her right shoulder. He moved quickly, dropping to his knees beside her. He brought her against him, kissing her passionately. "Are you all right?"
Jacqueline returned his kiss. "Aside from a headache and feeling a bit feverish, I'm all right."
Nathaniel. "And the pups?"
Jacqueline. "They are alive and thriving. I am just not sure how you are going to be able to remove the Wolfspane."
Nathaniel smiled, snapping his fingers and producing a gold chalice, blue white and lavender moonstones decorating the rim. He gave it to her. "Drink this, it will help you heal."
Jacqueline took the chalice from him, raising it to her lips and beginning to drink. Immediately, she felt the magic of the clear sweet liquid flowing through her body, the burning and pain disappearing. She exhaled with relief. "What was that?"
Nathaniel took the empty chalice from her. "A gift from Selena. Magic infused spring water with a touch of honey."
Jacqueline smiled before bringing Nathaniel close, pressing her lips against his. "I love you."
Nathaniel returned her kiss. "I love you. Let's go home."
Exchanging another sweet kiss, they moved out of the bedroom, knowing that Charles was dead and gone, and stepped out of Watson Park. Climbing into the carriage that Nathaniel magically created, they settled back against the tufted seat, holding one another close as their vehicle drove them home.