To tame a wolfe de wolfe.., p.1
To Tame a Wolfe: De Wolfe Pack Connected World, page 1
To Tame a Wolfe
Part of the De Wolfe Series connected world
Jennifer Siddoway
Text copyright by the Author.
This work was made possible by special permission through the de Wolfe Pack Connected World publishing program and WolfeBane Publishing, a dba of Dragonblade Publishing. All characters, scenes, events, plots and related elements appearing in the original World of de Wolfe Pack connected series by Kathryn Le Veque Novels, Inc. remains the exclusive copyrighted and/or trademarked property of Kathryn Le Veque Novels, Inc., or the affiliates or licensors.
All characters created by the author of this novel remain the copyrighted property of the author.
De Wolfe Pack: The Series
By Aileen Fish
The Duke She Left Behind
The Duke’s Scandalous Kiss
By Alexa Aston
Rise of de Wolfe
By Amanda Mariel
Love’s Legacy
One Wanton Wager
Forever in Your Arms
By Anna Markland
Hungry Like de Wolfe
By Ashe Barker
Wolfeheart
By Autumn Sand
Reflections of Love
Reflections of Time
By Barbara Devlin
Lone Wolfe: Heirs of Titus De Wolfe Book 1
The Big Bad De Wolfe: Heirs of Titus De Wolfe Book 2
Tall, Dark & De Wolfe: Heirs of Titus De Wolfe Book 3
By Cathy MacRae
The Saint
The Penitent
The Cursed
By Celeste Barclay
A Spy at the Highland Court
By Christy English
Dragon Fire
By Danelle Harmon
Heart of the Sea Wolfe
By Emmanuelle de Maupassant
Master of the Moor
By Emily E K Murdoch
Whirlwind with a Wolfe
By Hildie McQueen
The Duke’s Fiery Bride
By Jennifer Siddoway
De Wolfe in Disguise
To Tame a Wolfe
By Kathryn Le Veque
River’s End
By Lana Williams
Trusting the Wolfe
Ruby’s Gamble
By Laura Landon
A Voice on the Wind
By Leigh Lee
Of Dreams and Desire
By Mairi Norris
Brabanter’s Rose
By Marlee Meyers
The Fall of the Black Wolf
By Mary Lancaster
Vienna Wolfe
The Wicked Wolfe
By Meara Platt
Nobody’s Angel
Kiss an Angel
Bhrodi’s Angel
By Mia Pride
The Lone Wolf’s Lass
The Last Wolfe Lass
By Michele Lang
An Honest Woman
By Rosamund Winchester
The Defender and the Dove
By Ruth Kaufman
My Enemy, My Love
My Rebel, My Love
My Rival, My Love
By Sarah Hegger
Bad Wolfe on the Rise
By Scarlett Cole
Together Again
By Sherry Ewing
To Love a Scottish Laird
To Love an English Knight
By Tammy Andresen
To Want a Rogue
By Victoria Vane
Breton Wolfe Book 1
Ivar the Red Book 2
The Bastard of Brittany Book 3
By Violetta Rand
Never Cry de Wolfe
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
De Wolfe Pack: The Series
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Epilogue
About Jennifer Siddoway
Other titles by Jennifer Siddoway
Chapter One
Rule Water Castle
Scotland, 1482
The great hall was bustling with commotion for the Easter celebration as Caius lifted a cup to his lips. He drank the French wine and glanced around the dance floor in search of something to amuse himself with. Minstrels filled the hall with music, and the food was plentiful, so everyone was in good spirits—making it the perfect combination to get himself in trouble.
There were several things his mother Isabeau was known for, and her celebrations were on top of the list. The festivities were the highlight of his year, and the perfect opportunity for Caius to work his charm. No woman had ever refused his advances, and he was on the prowl to satisfy his hunger. He thrived in being the center of attention.
As they danced across the floor, the crowd became a blur of swirling skirts and smiles. He wasn’t interested in any of them—it would be too much work—he was looking for something more approachable.
A pretty woman standing by herself in the corner caught his gaze and smiled at him, causing his lips to curve up into a grin. He recognized her instantly as Lady MacGregor, one of the daughters to a visiting noble. Her light brown hair was pulled back, her eyes were lined in black, and a revealing dress accentuated her curves.
Well, what do we have here…?
Caius downed the rest of his drink and set down the cup. He excused himself from his companions and strode up to her. “Good evening. I don’t believe we’ve been introduced. Caius De Wolfe, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
She blushed and smiled up at him. “Good evening, Sir De Wolfe. I don’t believe we have.”
He grinned at her reaction; it was exactly what he was hoping for. “What is your name?”
“Catriona MacGregor, milord.”
“Catriona,” he repeated, taking her by the hand and lifting it to his lips to kiss respectfully. “Beautiful. Are you enjoying the festivities?”
She exhaled a nervous laugh. “I am indeed, though I wasn’t expecting the company of one such as yourself. I imagine your family is quite busy when it comes to celebrations such as this.”
Caius nodded. “They are, but I make a point of welcoming all our guests. Especially when they are as lovely as yourself.”
Catriona’s blush deepened, and she looked away from him, embarrassed. “You flatter me, sir.”
His smile widened. “You look beautiful. Of course, if the party becomes too much for you, I’d be more than happy to give you a private audience. It’s the least I can do.”
She giggled. “’Twould be an honor, Sir Caius.”
He kissed her fingers again before turning away and disappearing into the crowd. On the way, his brother Leonidus chuckled.
“Really, Caius? You’re still playing the same old tricks? I thought you would have grown tired of that by now.”
“No tricks, just enjoying the party.”
His brother, Leonidus—otherwise known as the Golden Viper due to the color of his hair—could not have been more different that himself. He was a powerful warrior on the battlefield but preferred solitude rather than the noise and excitement of being at a celebration. He would make an appearance out of obligation but slipped away at the first opportunity.
He didn’t relish in it the way Caius did.
Leonidus rolled his eyes at him as his wife, Rebekah, took her place beside them. His gentle, Scottish bride joined their family a year ago and was instantly adored by everyone who knew her. Leo placed his arm around her waist and greeted her. “Hello, darling.”
Rebekah kissed him on the cheek and placed her hand over her swollen belly. “What did I miss?”
Her voice was rich with a Scottish brogue whenever she spoke. Hanging from her neck was a silver chain with a charm depicting a wolf’s head—a wedding gift from her husband to welcome her to their family. She and Leo had only been married a year and were still passionately in love with one another. Now that they were expecting their first child, it had only served to increase their affection for each other. They’d travelled all the way from Falstone, a small peel tower to the south, to be with them for the celebration. Lord Atticus De Wolfe had put them in charge of the estate to extend the family’s reach as an envoy from the border.
Leonidus turned to her. “My brother is being a disingenuous fool and playing games with the ladies in court again.”
Rebekah rolled her eyes and clicked her tongue in disapproval. “Of course, he is.”
“I was not!” he argued.
“Then what did we witness just now with the daughter of Lord MacGregor?”
“Am I not allowed to socialize with guests?”
His brother frowned. “Not when you have dishonorable motives. You shouldn’t tease the poor girl like that. She’ll fall all over herself trying to get your attention.”
Caius scoffed, glancing back across the room to where Ingrid was still watching him with a smile. “You’re overreacting. I enjoy the company of fair women and they enjoy mine. She’s a pretty girl, so what’s the harm i
Rebekah shook her head. “Lasses are nae a commodity, Caius. They dinnae exist fer yer amusement. Tis cruel tae lead them on when ye’re already promised tae another.”
Caius almost laughed at that. “Don’t be ridiculous. Kendall is hardly more than a child, and it will be years before we’re married. Am I supposed to live like a monk until then?”
“No one is suggesting that,” Leonidus responded in an attempt to ease the situation. “But you aren’t exactly being fair to your future bride, either. Think about that.”
Caius leaned back against the table and frowned, crossing his arms in front of his chest. “Not everyone can be as lucky as to fall in love with the person chosen for them. I am glad the two of you have found such happiness with each other, but my situation is different—I think you know that.”
He meant every word of it. From the day Leonidus and Rebekah met, they were a perfect match. They were cut from the same cloth in every way.
Rebekah reached out and took his hand. “Sometimes we need tae make our own happiness.”
He nodded thoughtfully and gave her fingers a gentle squeeze before kissing Rebekah on the forehead. She was like a sister to him.
“God smiled on my brother when He brought you to him. Thank you, Rebekah.”
Rebekah smiled as she pulled her hand away and stepped back to Leo. Leo put his arm around her waist. “Caius, I’m sure Lady Kendall will be a perfect match fer ye as well. Ye just have tae give her a chance.”
He snorted, pouring himself another cup of ale. “Kendall is still a child.”
Leo rolled his eyes at him. “You haven’t seen the girl in years. You’ve grown up since then, and so has she. For all you know, she could be a beauty.”
It took everything inside him not to laugh. Caius remembered his betrothed, with long brown hair and a girl’s awkward body.
“Perhaps. But even so, you know as well as I do my betrothed has never been fond of me.”
Leonidus raised an eyebrow. “Well. that’s not true. As I recall, Kendall was quite fond of you when we were children. ’Twas you who’ve been avoiding her.”
“Why are we even discussing this?” Caius demanded. “Father has not announced the time is come for us to marry. I, for one, would like to put Kendall and the prospect of marriage out of my mind for as long as possible. I plan on enjoying bachelorhood while I can.”
Leonidus shook his head. “So, you’re determined to flirt with every girl in court just because you can?”
“I see no reason why not.”
Just then, Morgana came dancing up to them and laughed. “Rebekah, come dance with me!”
Her dark curls were twisted back with a piece of ribbon, and her face was filled with delight. Morgana had always been a striking woman, and she approached life with joy.
“I…”
“Go,” Leonidus told her with a laugh. “Enjoy, but don’t exhaust yourself.”
Rebekah smiled and glanced back at her husband apologetically, before being whisked away again. Caius watched them go, laughing as the women floated across the dance floor.
Their younger sister, Morgana, was headstrong and possessed a biting tongue. Any man who dared so much as even glance in her direction would have his work cut out for him. Both Caius and his brothers were fiercely protective of her, regardless of whether or not she wanted them to be. In many ways, she and Rebekah were complete opposites. Yet, Morgana brought out a playful streak within his brother’s wife. It was amusing to watch their friendship grow.
Once the women had gone, Leonidus turned to him and sighed. “You know I just want you to be happy, right Cai?”
Caius nodded absentmindedly, still watching Morgana and Rebekah on the dance floor. “I do, and I appreciate it. But since I am still unmarried, I see no harm in womanizing.”
“Do what you must,” Leonidus conceded. “Just be careful not to get too caught up in it. Some habits can be hard to break, and I don’t see Lady Kendall, or her father, tolerating that behavior.”
Caius huffed. “Your opinion is noted.”
The two of them went back to watching the dance as Caius finished the rest of his ale. The swirling gowns and rhythmic patterns of the footsteps made it difficult to look away. Music drifted across the crowd in a cheery tune as Lord Atticus De Wolfe and their mother, Isabeau, entered the hall.
Lord De Wolfe was tall and stood a full head above his wife, with jet black hair and the hint of a scar along his cheek. Their mother had pale blonde hair streaked with white and it was born to her title. Her gaze shot around the room, and her expression brightened when she found her sons. Their parents approached with open arms. “Leo! Caius! How are you?”
Leonidus embraced Isabeau. “I am well, Mother. Thank you for asking. This is a remarkable party.”
“Thank you, dear. Leonidus, I’m so glad you and Rebekah were able to make the trip up from Falstone—especially in her condition.”
Leo gave her a one-armed hug. “We couldn’t miss one of your celebrations, Mother. I appreciate you having us.”
Isabeau nodded as she continued to look about the room. “And Rebekah? How is she?”
He sighed, glancing over at his wife on the dance floor. “She’s been kidnapped by Morgana again but seems to be doing well. There are still a couple months left before she gives birth.”
“Make sure she rests. I don’t want her or the child to be harmed.”
Leonidus nodded in agreement. “Of course. I’m keeping an eye on her, but you know how Morgana can be.”
“And what of her health otherwise?” their father inquired.
“She tires easily,” Leonidus responded. “Our child gives her little rest these days.”
Isabeau chuckled. “That sounds familiar. I will pray for her then.”
After a brief pause, their mother turned her attention to Caius. “Caius, you’ve barely spoken. How are you this eve?”
He frowned. “I was enjoying the festivities before Leo decided to go and spoil my mood.”
Atticus laughed and clapped him on the shoulder. “Well, perhaps this will lift your spirits. I’ve decided to have a Mayday celebration on the eve of Beltane.”
“Father, that’s inspirational,” Caius complimented.
“I’m glad you think so. We’ll invite everyone in the village and the Del Reys.”
Caius’s expression fell at the mention of Kendall’s family. “The Del Reys? Honestly.”
“Of course, why wouldn’t we invite them? I’ve known Phillip for almost twenty years, he’s one of my oldest friends. Our reunion is long overdue. It would give you a chance to see Lady Kendall, as well. Now that you’re older, I think it’s about time we start revisiting the issue of your marriage.”
Caius turned to Leo and cast him a glare that could curdle milk. Suddenly it all made sense, the talk about Kendall and getting ready for marriage. “You knew about this, didn’t you?”
Leonidus grinned. “Father may have mentioned it.”
He huffed angrily, feeling stupid for not have picking up on it. “You should have told me.”
“As if that would have changed anything.”
Caius was about to respond when Lord De Wolfe cleared his throat. “That is quite enough. Now, your mother and I have discussed it, and invitations have already been sent. The Del Reys and our other guests will be arriving in three weeks. That should give us plenty of time to prepare.”
“Let me know if I can help in any way,” Caius said, though not happily.
Isabeau stepped toward him and placed her hand on his arm. “Caius, I know that you’re upset. However, as heir to the De Wolfe family, it’s time you took on some responsibility. Your younger brother is already married and about to become a father. If you’re to remain as the next in line, you must marry.”
Caius groaned as he listened to his mother, knowing she was right. It was not the news he’d been hoping for. Yet, it was what he needed to hear. He didn’t want to think about Kendall Del Rey, or anything about their last encounter. They’d parted on such awful terms, he couldn’t imagine what it would be like seeing her again after all these years.
“If you insist, but I still think Lady Kendall is too young,” he said.
Atticus chuckled, the hint of a smile curling his lips. “You clearly haven’t seen her recently. The last time I was down in Yorkshire, I caught sight of her at her father’s table. She’s quite lovely, and I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.”
Caius nodded as his father patted him gently on the shoulder, finding his encouragement hard to believe. While it was true they had once been friends, he had never looked at her in a romantic way. His mother smiled at him weakly before following their father across the hall. He could tell there was something more she wanted to say, but that would have to wait for another time.
