BEASTLY INFERNO

Prologue

1800s
20th century

Victoria paced the room with apprehension. She could hear her father speaking to his guest, though his voice was not entirely clear. She had a sinking feeling that they were discussing her betrothal to Lord Raven. Her forehead was coated with sweat, and the butterflies in her stomach fluttered uneasily.

A movement from behind startled her, and she let out a light scream, which died down when she saw that it was her lover, Felix. "Felix!" Her eyes widened. "What in heaven's name are you doing here?"

He pulled her into his arms, pressing his lips to hers in a bruising kiss. "To see my love," he murmured. Just as he was about to kiss her again, she stopped him.

"You must stop this, my father is in the other room talking to my future husband, and we are to be engaged today." His eyes darkened with unshed anger.

"Blazes, why? If you were mine, you would never be without hunger or my love."

Tears welled in her eyes as she spoke, "I know, my dear Felix, but it can never be. I am a blue-stocking lady, and you are but a farmer." She barely suppressed a sob.

He shook her gently, almost frantically. "Let us run away, right now."

Victoria wanted to agree, but she could not bring herself to be so selfish. Her father's status and honor would be shattered. Her father was a good man, and she would never bear the thought of destroying his reputation. "I am so sorry, Felix, but I cannot leave my papa. If I ran with you, where would we go? I love you more than life itself, but I cannot and will not break my father's heart. I do hope you forgive me."

She hugged him tightly, and after a moment, he returned the embrace. They broke apart, and Felix leaned in to kiss her again. His hands tangled in her hair, and the pins fell to the floor like raindrops. He lifted her and carried her to the bed, their passion flaring. But soon, his urgency became too much. He stood and removed his belt in a frantic motion, his heat escaping in a desperate rush. He lifted her gown and thrust into her welcoming heat. She moaned in response, feeling the weight of him as their bodies moved together.

She tried her best to stay silent, shuddering with the cry of his name. Felix groaned, releasing his tension within her. Her eyes flew open, and in a moment of clarity, she pushed him away.

"I told you not to do this again, Felix! You could make me heavy with child."

She rushed to a rag, cleaning herself hurriedly. As she wiped, she pulled her hair back into a bun, straightened her bodice, and reapplied her makeup. She turned to Felix, who had done the same.

"I hope to get you heavy with child," he muttered, a playful grin crossing his lips.

Victoria shot him a deep frown. "You can be a real dingbat sometimes."

A knock sounded at the door, and they both stiffened.

"Miss Victoria, it is time."

She squared her shoulders and lifted her chin. "I will be right out."

She heard the maid's retreating footsteps and sighed deeply. "I will love you forever and a day, Felix." Without waiting for a response, she opened the door and stepped out to face her potential future.

The garden was filled with guests seated and waiting, and Victoria forced a smile as she entered. Her father's face brightened when he saw her. "Ah! There you are, my flower. May I introduce Sir Raven?"

Victoria curtsied and replied, "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, my Lord."

As Lord Raven stood, she couldn't help but notice his striking beauty. He was scarily handsome, with a hint of mischief in his eyes. He reached for her hand, intending to kiss it, but stopped short.