Bella woke the following morning with the sunrise as the bright light filled her room. Groggy, she slipped out of the enormous bed naked and darted toward the commode. She became clear-headed as she relieved herself, vaguely recalling the sensation of being carried the night before.

Bella's cheek flushed with embarrassment. The memory of a deep male voice came then as she panicked. A man had pulled her drunken body from the bathtub and carried her to bed. She filled the water basin to wash her hands and face as she tried to calm herself.

A man saw me naked. A man that is not my husband saw me naked! Perhaps it would not be so terrible if she had any clue who it had been. She felt hope and fear that it had somehow been Wolfe taking the same gentle care of her as he had before.

Bella grabbed the plainest dress she could find in the wardrobe and readied herself quickly. The soft blue material fit her well, and the white pinafore she slipped into emphasized her waist and hips. Bella plaited her hair to the side and tied it with a white ribbon. She found soft brown leather slippers in the wardrobe and thanked the heavens that they fit.

She readily braved the world outside her room, pocketing the key in her pinafore. Bella searched for what little she recognized, eventually finding her way downstairs. She stopped a few times along the way, listening and wincing at the sounds of the house as it came alive. The scent of baking bread filled the air, and Bella followed it in search of the kitchen. Charles Swan swore by a particular cure when the drink left him aching and miserable. She intended to prepare herself one now.

As she rounded a corner to the main hallway, a tall, heavyset older man stepped into view. Startled by the sight of him, Bella nearly stumbled backward. His dark eyes shone with amusement as he pointedly scrutinized her appearance. The man tucked his hands into the pockets of his trousers and turned toward her. Long, shiny, black, and gray-streaked hair smoothly gathered and tied just below his shirt collar. His shirt hung loose, untied at the chest as Wolfe's had the day before. His dress coat reached mid-thigh and hung open at his sides, unbuttoned. He had a commanding presence and a mischievous grin.

Is this my future father-in-law? Charles had said William Black's health was failing. Besides his heavy figure, this man seemed well enough as he strode past her. He opened a set of French doors and stepped out into bright sunlight. A large mirror at the end of the hallway reflected the light, suddenly filling the dim space. Bella winced as the sunlight illuminated the long hallway, and her head throbbed. A warm draft whipped through the open door, making her shiver as the heat fled as quickly as it came. She suspected a small greenhouse was built for the kitchen staff.

With the world around them covered in the early snow, she felt sorry for the harvesters that would arrive any day.

"Good morning, Isabella."

Bella jumped at the deep, familiar tone and forced a smile. "Good morning," she greeted him. The sound of her voice reverberated in her head. Bella squeezed her eyes shut and winced again before rubbing her temples.

"May I speak with you privately, Miss Swan?"

Bella wasn't sure she should speak at all. The ache in her skull was steadily worsening with every quietly spoken syllable. She opened her eyes, squinting up at his serious face.

"Headache?"

She nodded slowly in silence. Wolfe's brow furrowed as he looked away worriedly. Bella nearly smiled at his concern.

"Return to your room, Bella. I will ask Ms. Cleary to send up something for the pain while you rest."

"Wolfe," she said and hissed from another stab of pain. Bella took a deep breath before speaking again, "I was going to make myself something for it. What is the reason?"

"The reason for what, Isabella?" He inched closer and met her gaze before glancing down at her lips. Despite the pounding of her skull, her heart jumped as she recalled his lips on hers.

"You asked to speak with me," she reminded him.

Bella watched the mirror as the heavyset man strode back inside and shut the doors. The hallway became blessedly dark, and she sighed as the pain decreased. Unfortunately, the pleasant smell of food she had followed was now beginning to turn her stomach.

"There's nothing to say that cannot wait until you feel better," Wolfe said.

Another deep male voice grumbled, "That is not true."

Wolfe scowled over her shoulder at the man now standing behind her.

"Come with me."

Bella followed them into the room the elder had first come from and looked around the extensive study. Bookshelves lined one complete wall, putting her father's meager collection to shame. Wolfe watched her in amusement as she reluctantly pulled her tired eyes from the many tomes, unable to fully appreciate them through the headache.

The older man cleared his throat, redirecting their attention as he sat in a wide Tudor-era chair. He gestured toward the sofa across from him, and Bella swiftly took a seat.

Wolfe came to stand at her side. He rested his hand behind her on the back of the sofa, brushing against her upper back. She blushed but remained still, waiting for the older man to continue.

"First, Miss Swan, I believe we have an agreement. Did you bring the documents?"

"Y-yes, sir," she stammered. "They're in my luggage, which has not come inside. At least not to my room."

"Well, we shall remedy that, then." Looking up at Wolfe, he said, "Go ask for her belongings."

With that, Wolfe silently left the room to do as ordered, leaving them alone.

"Do you know who I am, Miss Swan?"

"I am assuming you are William Black," she admitted, hoping he wasn't her intended fiance. She had believed Jacob Black was closer to her age.

"I am," he confirmed.

Bella let out a sigh of relief. She could not picture herself lying with this man in a marriage bed.

Narrowing his eyes at her suspiciously, William said, "I'm aware you are not the daughter your father and I agreed upon for my son. Please tell me why you are here."

For the third time, she explained, "Mary Alice intends to marry another. I am offering myself." Bella hoped she wouldn't have to repeat it anymore.

"And why should I allow this? In what ways can your presence contribute to my family?"

Again, her spine straightened under the scrutiny, and the amused sparkle returned to his eyes.

"I am allowing my sister the opportunity to marry the man she loves. I can contribute to domestic tasks she cannot, and I have been my father's steward for months now."

"You keep his ledgers, then?" William asked.

"Only since he had to let the previous man go," she admitted.

William glared at her suspiciously and asked, "Your father can confirm your claims?"

"Absolutely," she answered with conviction. "I am many things, Mr. Black, but deceitful is not among them." She blushed, recalling her deceit two days before as she rushed to assume her sister's place. "Besides my presence here, that is. I must confess I left without his permission. Coming here was my choice alone."

He chuckled. "So, you hoped for our cooperation?"

"Yes, Mr. Black."

"You signed the agreement? With your name and not Mary Alice's?"

"Yes, Mr. Black."

"I assume Charles's signature is a forgery?"

"Yes, sir." Bella looked away from him for a moment, willing the heat in her cheeks to recede. Despite her embarrassment, she would rather be uncomfortable than deceitful to the man cradling her future in his hands.

I must be the color of radish by now. Even Bella's arms were red under his scrutiny. This man could send her away if he chose, humiliating her family even further.

His laughter drew her attention back to his face. To her surprise, he said, "Then I shall pretend I know nothing of it. It was only necessary for monetary purposes. Your forgery was in his favor, I assure you."

Her mouth fell open in relief, an automatic smile splitting her face. "Thank you, Mr. Black."

"This decision is not mine, Miss Swan. My son has approved of you. He insisted he'll not have anyone else. The contract is binding with one final signature and notarization through my solicitor."

Bella was stunned. Though it would undoubtedly help her plans, she felt skeptical. They had never met, that she could recall. Jacob Black had never laid eyes on her before. Why would he demand to marry me? Had Wolfe sparked his master's interest and pleaded her case? Had Ms. Cleary?

"Whose signature, sir?"

"Mine," he said with a smirk. "However, a ceremony with a priest and witnesses must proceed."

He suddenly tapped the chair arm with his index finger. "Two signatures, my dear. I had almost forgotten that the Reverend must sign it as well. I will settle that right away."

Bella had no chance to wonder about a ceremony as pain shot through her temples.

William Black's face fell as he watched her wince. He stood and walked to his writing desk, where he pulled a rope similar to the one in her room. A bell chimed from somewhere near, and the sound seemed to thrum through her skull.

The same maid who had glared at her the evening before arrived. Her demeanor was no kinder than it had been. Impatient with pain, Bella hung her head and used one hand to block the maid and light from her eyes.

"Jess, ask Ms. Cleary to gather something for a headache and breakfast for Miss. Swan." His tone changed as he added, "I am sending you back upstairs to rest, Isabella."

"No. We need to speak privately first," Wolfe answered sternly, glaring at William as he reentered the room. Bella's head snapped up at the order. His footsteps were feather light on the hard floor as he carried her luggage to her side. Bella looked up in time to see the maid bite back her smile as she watched Wolfe's every move. Bella instinctively glared at the wench in understanding.

William cleared his throat, and the maid jumped back to attention. "Do as I asked," he urged gently, shooing her away. The maid gave Bella one last hateful glance as she fled the room.

Ignoring her retreat, Bella asked Wolfe, "Is something wrong?"

"There is," he nodded.

Bella dug into her luggage and relinquished the signed agreement for him to hand to William. Instead of passing them, Wolfe clutched them tightly and walked over to shut the door. "Isabella, my apologies for making you wait longer, but I need to speak to both of you. First," he sat on the sofa beside her. "I'm concerned about your safety."

"And why is that, Jacob?"

Bella looked up at William Black in surprise before gaping back at Wolfe. She stammered, "Y-you're Jacob Black?"

Why would he lie? Then again, the first thing she had done upon meeting got immediately repeated as she snapped, "You jackass." Had he any idea how he had affected her?

William chuckled.

A soft smile replaced Wolfe's serious expression as he nodded. "I can be. I'm sorry for the deception, but I needed to know you better before this meeting happened. Most people, including Jasper, know me as Wolfe. That was not a lie. It is to conceal and protect myself outside of these walls. I hope you can understand."

Of course, she could understand. William was the wealthiest and most eligible widow nearby. That was despite his supposed poor health. Jacob was to inherit his father's wealth, property, and title. It did not surprise her that his safety would be in question.

The revelation was a relief. Her newfound feelings were irrevocable and seemed impossible to ignore. She smiled back at him and then blushed under William's watchful gaze. To her further embarrassment, the older man chuckled again.

She asked, "What should I call you? Which do you prefer?"

Jacob reached for her hand. Gently squeezing it, he said, "Either is fine, Bella. It might be nice to hear someone other than my family refer to me as Jacob."

"Now that names are out of the way," William said dryly, "why is miss Swan's safety a concern?"

Worry filled his features as Jacob dropped her hand. "I need to apologize again, and you will understand in a moment. I went by to check on you last night."

Oh. Then Wolfe - Jacob - was the one to put me to bed. Again, she felt relieved. Feeling he would understand, she whispered, "Thank goodness." Better him than any other man, she supposed. He would be her husband soon, and the past could not change.

"Excuse me?" William glared at his son. "You went to her room? Why?"

His irritation confused her. Was this the same father who allowed his daughters to roam unchaperoned during the social season, as Alice had claimed?

"Only to ensure her comfort. I had already guarded her overnight and escorted her to the house alone. My intention was no different."

Bella bit back a grin as she recalled the kisses they shared in the woods alone. William harrumphed but remained silent otherwise.

Jacob continued, "I knocked and called out but received no answer, so I went inside and yelled again. You responded the second time but sounded off ." His eye color brightened as he scowled angrily. Bella had no time to react as he said, "You were passed out and freezing, your lips blue. The fire was out, and the windows were wide open."

Although she was relieved he did not mention her state of undress, Bella sat back in alarm. She was unsure if he was angry with her. Did he believe her simply drunk and foolish? "I did not do those things," she nearly whispered. "When I fell asleep, all was well."

He nodded. "I assumed as much. After I found you and tended to the room, I checked your wine. I suspected someone added Belladonna as the cause of your delirium. When I poured out the rest, I found I was right." He pulled a small, cinched bag from his shirt pocket and opened it. Jacob showed her the blueberry-wine-stained flakes of Belladonna inside before holding it out to his father.

"There was plenty more in the bottle. More than enough to have killed you if you had consumed it all. I imagine Ms. Clary's supply is much lighter this morning."

William snapped, "Someone in this house attempted to poison her? You are entirely certain, son?"

Bella squeezed her eyes shut and winced as his loud voice boomed in her ears.

William frowned in sympathy and quietly said, "I'm very sorry, my dear. I suppose we know now why you feel so poorly. Do not drink the draught you'll find in your room. Ms. Clary uses Belladonna in some of her sleeping draughts, but not enough to hurt anyone. You've already consumed too much." Turning back to Jacob, he asked again, "Are you certain?"

"I am," Jacob said. "And I believe they tried to freeze her to death by opening the windows and dousing the fire while she was asleep. If the wine had not done the job, the cold would have finished it."

William turned to stare out the window, his face reddened with fury.

"Thank you," Bella said as Jacob grasped her hand again. "Ms. Cleary warned me to lock the door."

Spinning back toward her suspiciously, William asked, "Did she, now?"

Bella pulled the key to her room from her pinafore pocket. "She gave me this to do so."

"She sensed something," William grumbled. "Why the hell did she not warn me?"

Jacob said, "I'm going to escort her back to her room. I still need to speak with Bella privately."

"Jacob," William said sharply.

"Father, be done with it," Jacob said. "I trust her."

"Are you sure of that?" William held his son's stare, refusing to look at Bella. Clearly, the feeling was not mutual.

Jacob swallowed hard as he glanced her way before turning pleading eyes on his father. "I have already explained. What else am I to do?"

William sighed in defeat as he nodded. "Do what you must, then."

Jacob stood and handed the papers to his father before lifting her luggage.

As they left the study, Bella whispered, "What is it you need to tell me?"

He said, "We will speak more in your room. These halls have too many ears."

Bella followed him in silence, with Jacob Black scowling the entire way.

Once inside her room, Jacob set down her bags and shut the door before closing the curtains. Bella moaned with instant relief as the room went dim.

Jacob whipped around to meet her with the same lascivious grin that had initially caught her eye. He walked over to the tiered table to inspect the breakfast left for her and seemed satisfied until sniffing the steaming hot mug of tea. He tasted it and scoffed.

"This isn't even a medicinal draught. It's mint tea and will help with the headache. It's safe." His mischievous smile returned as he handed her the mug.

Bella sat on the sofa and reached for a piece of dry toast, needing something to settle her stomach.

As if he could sense her thoughts, he said, "The tea will help your belly, too. Mint is good for that."

Bella glanced at the mug nervously before taking a small sip. The sweet mint was soothing, and she took another drink. Looking at the various breakfast dishes, she said, "Please eat if you haven't already. I won't touch most of it."

"You truly despise eating alone, don't you?"

Bella could only smile in response, pleased to feel so easily understood.

He sighed as he placed a small portion of eggs and more toast on a plate. Jacob handed it to Bella carefully, and she accepted it without argument. He filled a much fuller plate for himself and sat on the floor between Bella and the fireplace. She took a small bite to appease him and sipped the tea while watching him eat.

Jacob would look up from his plate occasionally. He smirked each time, amused by her quiet staring as she nibbled on toast. Bella's eyes strayed along his muscular torso and flat stomach. His neck and jaw fascinated her as he chewed. It reminded her of his lips on her neck the day before. She wondered how he would react if she kissed along his throat the same way. The same unfamiliar ache in her belly forced her to change her sitting position as her cheeks turned pink.

Bella gasped as she watched his eye color change to golden honey and back. A low growl rumbled from his chest as he set his plate on the floor beside him. Kneeling in front of her, Jacob gently cupped her cheek in one hand while using the other to move her plate. Bella tried to keep her breath even as her heart raced. She leaned into his palm, his rough fingertips whisking her cheek as she lifted one hand to cover his.

His brow furrowed in consternation as Jacob searched her face. Before she could ask him if something was wrong, he closed his eyes and pressed his forehead to hers.

"How does your head feel?"

"Much better," she answered, surprised to find it was true. The tea, toast, and darkened, quiet space had helped immensely. Jacob's touch was more comforting than the nearby fireplace. Bella longed to be surrounded by his warmth and the sensations he stirred in her. She closed her eyes and hummed her contentment, instinctively scooting closer.

Bella opened her eyes as a slight trembling overtook him, and his breath hitched. The man in front of her felt very different. Gone was the polite, dutiful young man she'd seen all morning. In its place was the roguish, bold huntsman she'd first met. He glanced over her form with lust-filled eyes, leaving her heart racing and her brain utterly useless. Unable to ignore the urge any longer, Bella leaned forward and firmly pressed her lips to his.

Wolfe wasted no time returning the kiss, eagerly pulling her closer to his kneeling form. She sighed as she pressed into him, sliding her arms around his shoulders. He slid his tongue between her parted lips and moaned as his hands moved to her waist.

Their kisses seemed to go on forever as she lost herself in him. When Bella finally pulled away to catch her breath, she found herself in his lap with his arms gently cradling her to him. Her surprised gasp left him chuckling as she pulled herself out of his arms. Blushing, Bella moved back to her seat and out of his lap on the floor.

"I don't even remember moving," she admitted, hiding her face behind her hands. Her head ached. Jacob moved her plate to the table so he could sit on the sofa beside her.

"Please don't be embarrassed," he said. "I like your enthusiasm."

She peaked from behind her hands to ask, "Truly?"

"I'd have it no other way," he whispered as he pulled her hands away from her face and held them in her lap. "I would not want to marry a cold fish, Isabella."

Despite the smile on his face, Bella could sense his hesitation. Recalling why he accompanied her to her room in the first place, she asked, "Are you ever going to tell me what you needed to say downstairs?"

Jacob opened his mouth to speak and took a deep breath instead. He let it out slowly and looked away. "Before we can proceed with this union, there is much you need to know."

"Tell me," she said eagerly. She wanted to learn everything about the easily fallen-for stranger in front of her.

His resulting scoff was unsettling. "I am afraid of how you will feel about my revelations," he admitted with a frown. "But I must allow the opportunity for you to reject me if you wish."

Why would he assume I might go back on my word? What had she done for him to doubt her? Even after kissing him in the woods and believing he and Wolfe were two different people, she continued on her course. She had been honest with him to a fault. Someone had possibly tried to murder her already, yet she sat happily in his embrace.

Bella turned further toward him, squeezing his hands in reassurance. Clearly, firmly, she said, "I have already accepted you. I have become so fond of you already. Please tell me you believe that."

Jacob released her hands and stood. He walked over to the fireplace and leaned one arm against the high mantel. His very tall, muscular, and scowling form hovered there, surrounded by the golden aura of firelight behind him. Bella stood and stepped toward him.

He snapped, "Come no closer." His sudden anger was startling. A shudder shot through Jacob, nearly rivaling her own as she stepped back again. He softened his tone to beg. "Give me a moment. Please."

The throbbing in her head was increasing. Bella tentatively returned to her seat and drank the rest of her tea.

Jacob looked away from her again, staring out into the snow-covered balcony. "No!" His cry startled her again, and the cup rattled on its saucer in her hand. He flew across the room to throw open the French doors and cursed. Jacob stomped out into the snow and yanked a rose blossom from the vines. He stepped back inside slowly, staring down into his hand as he latched the doors shut with the other.

Unconsciously, a curious Bella had moved to his side. "What is it? What's wrong?"

Jacob held up the once-white blossom, now almost entirely red. "It's too late," he whispered. "It has begun."