Escaping The Beast: A Darkhills Romance (The Darkhills Series Book 2) by Elizabeth Greene (young adult books to read TXT) 📕

The shuffling of the man’s feet grew quieter as he retreated down the hallway.

Lucian sighed. Time to see if the despicable Mr. Daxton really would have his only daughter take his place, while he tried to find the finances required to settle his debt.

When the man had first requested Lucian’s assistance with the notoriously sadistic mob overlords to whom he was indebted, he had felt pity for the man. He had played a fine fiddle and Lucian had paid off his debts and consolidated them into one. When it became apparent that Kyle Daxton was avoiding making any repayments, Lucian had requested they meet to re-negotiate terms. It had taken weeks for the man to be persuaded to face Lucian again. When he had arrived four months ago, he had been desperate and had tried to demand an increased loan so he could invest it in a ‘sure thing’ and make them both rich men.

Lucian didn’t need to be made a rich man. He already was one. He refused the man’s offer and suggested he pay out his debt through servitude to him. For the past few months, Kyle Daxton had lived at Tumbricane in comfort while he considered the proposition. Lucian understood that the man felt that this was unfair imprisonment, but he had been provided with a comfortable room, within which he could move about freely. He was given three good meals a day and if he at any point wished to accept Lucian’s offer, he would be allowed to have contact with others.

When he had requested a meeting the previous night, Lucian thought he was finally going to agree to undertake employment. What he didn’t expect was the man to negotiate, offering Lucian his adult daughter to stay at Tumbricane in his stead, while he got Lucian his money. Intrigued as to whether he would truly go through with such a plan, Lucian had agreed. Perhaps the incentive of returning for his daughter would be what was required to get the man to square his finances once and for all.

Lucian strode from his chambers and in a flash swept down the hidden stairwell that led to the great hall below. He appeared as a blur of movement as he slid out from behind the heavy tapestry that covered the wall and graciously sat in his chair that formed the centrepiece of the room. He watched as the nervous-looking Mr. Daxton had visibly paled at his sudden appearance.

The man must’ve had an inkling as to what Lucian was, but was most likely too frightened to say it out loud. Frightened of sounding like a madman and frightened that it was true. Beside him stood the man whom Lucian had hired as a guard for Mr. Daxton. Lucian suspected he had no idea that he’d been under guard while staying at Tumbricane, but Lucian had ensured he was kept abreast of the man’s fruitless attempts to escape during the day.

Mr. Benson Pines had never had to intervene, but he remained ready to act should it be required. Lucian had originally thought to hire the new Darkhills Alpha for the task, but it hadn’t worked out that way. Instead, the brutally capable bear shifter had proved to be a worthy replacement.

Lucian raised his hand and silently beckoned the two men forward. The difference between their gaits almost comical as the man hurried forward as though his coattails were on fire, whereas the bear shifter simply ate up the ground in long confident strides.

“Good evening gentlemen.” Lucian began. “You both understand why you are here. Mr. Pines, please may I extend to you my thanks thus far. I am certain you will continue to prove useful to me. Please keep me informed as to how matters progress, as previously discussed.”

The bear shifter nodded silently and turned and left. Lucian would receive updates regarding how Kyle Daxton was progressing with his plans to settle his debts. He would be followed and watched from afar by the hired man and, if at any point Lucian felt it were necessary, Mr. Pines would be instructed to apprehend him.

“What about me? Am I free to go now?” The obnoxious voice of Kyle Daxton broke through the silence.

Lucian wondered how someone who appeared so nervous and on edge, could manage to sound so entitled.

“Not yet, Mr. Daxton. We are awaiting your daughter’s arrival, are we not?”

“Of course, of course.” He nodded, “You’re gonna really love her. You’ll be pleased to know she gets her looks from her mother.” Kyle laughed, as though they were on friendly terms.

Lucian ignored him. The way the young woman looked was of no consequence to him. She would be well cared for while in his home, he was a gentleman and did not believe in punishing others for the actions of their kin. He would not prolong the young lady’s visit here for any longer than necessary. Lucian had already decided upon a timescale in his mind. Mr. Daxton had three months to repay his debt, or he would be returning to Tumbricane once more.

“I mean she’s real pretty, got a big pair of titties on her. Just like her mother did.”

Lucian fixed the man with a withering look that told him to stop talking. Unfortunately, the idiotic man didn’t seem to know how to shut up.

“You know my ex-wife used to dance on the strip in Vegas. That’s where we met you know, I was the high roller and she was the prettiest piece of eye candy you ever saw. My kitty-kat could be just as good if she let loose a little bit. Not that she’s not fun, but you know she’s-”

“Mr. Daxton, I believe now would be a good time to desist.”

“OK, OK. Sure, sure. I mean it’s getting close to midnight and I’m thinking maybe she’s gotten lost or something, so perhaps I should head outside and see if I can’t find her,”

“Enough.” Lucian held up a hand and summoned