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considered asking him to stay longer, then decided against it. I know Lynx is eager to go home to Jane.”
    â€œIt’s the very devil when you’re in love with your wife.”
    Jory began to unfasten her gown. “Is it indeed? Most men don’t have that problem.”
    â€œLet me do that.” Guy removed her gown and caressed her bare shoulders.
    â€œMortimer for instance. His wife, Joan, remained in Ireland. He told me she prefers it to Wales because she lives on a grand scale, but I happen to know that Roger transformed both Wigmore and Ludlow into veritable palaces. In Wales, Mortimer lives like an independent prince. They choose to live apart. They have been estranged since their youngest daughter was born.”
    Guy disrobed quickly. “Their families wed them so young, they had no say in the matter.” His eyes followed her possessively as she hung her gown in the wardrobe.
    â€œThe marriage was to gain land and castles for the ambitious Mortimers. It wasn’t a love match, though they have certainly produced enough children.”
    â€œYes, Mortimer is a good father. He made excellent matches for four of his daughters with the sons of England’s wealthiest nobles.”
    â€œHe will be ambitious for his sons. I hear he has approached Lord Badlesmere, who owns Leeds Castle in Kent. He’s arranged a betrothal between his heir, Edmund, and Badlesmere’s daughter. The girl’s mother is a de Clare and Mortimer knows that family owns almost half of Wales.”
    Warwick swooped up his wife and carried her to their bed. “Enough of Mortimer. Are you trying to make me jealous of the virile devil?”
    Jory reveled in the prolonged foreplay. His kisses and caresses always thrilled her to her very core. When Warwick made love to her, he made her feel beautiful and special and her body responded to his every touch. After an hour of lovemaking, they spent together and Jory stretched languidly with satisfaction.
    Guy’s arms came about her again and pulled her against his body. She was surprised to feel his hard erection against her belly. “You are extremely amorous and possessive tonight, my darling. What stirs such deep passion?”
    Suddenly, Jory went very still.
    â€œYou are leaving me! You are returning to Wales with Mortimer to fight the Despencers.”
    â€œI am.” His deep voice was implacable. “My dearest love, I have no choice. The barons have pledged to stand together.”
    Jory’s heart contracted. What if it’s civil war? It could be a fight to the death! She took a deep breath and masked her fear. “Of course you must go. Mortimer could not have a stronger ally.”
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    Wolf Mortimer sat on the edge of the bed, the pair of dice held loosely in his hand. He conjured a picture of Brianna de Beauchamp in his mind and concentrated upon it until it came into sharp focus. Then he freed his thoughts to seek out her chamber so that he could enter and observe her with his inner eye.
    He smiled in the darkness as he watched her ready herself for bed. When she removed her shift and revealed a pair of firm, high breasts, a wave of pleasure washed over him. When she donned a night rail that concealed her nakedness and covered her long slim legs, he experienced a moment of disappointment.
    The young beauty stepped before a mirror and began to brush her lovely red-gold hair and his enjoyment returned. He watched her lay the brush down and approach the bed. To his surprise she did not pull back the covers, but sank down onto her knees. He heard her voice, earnest and contrite.
    â€œIt was wrong of me to call the wolf wretched. I did not mean it. I truly love all animals. She is a beautiful creature.” Brianna whispered the wolf’s name with reverence. “Shadow.”
    Wolf glanced down at the silver wolf that lay at his feet. “She is thinking of you and speaks your name. Go to her.”
    The animal arose and