A HAUNTED ROMANCE

Gabe grabbed a box from the car and walked up the path. Stopping she looked up at the old house, in the dark it looked creepier than she remembered. Turning the key she pushed the door open, its hinges in desperate need of oil creaked at the unwanted movement. Putting the box down she reached inside for matches, lighting the lamp on the table beside her. Reaching inside again she pulled out a torch and headed back to the car. After half an hour of going back and forth she finally had the car unloaded, closing the door behind her she went into the living room.

Gabe silently thanked herself for having the presence of mind to bring logs and soon she had the old fire going.

Uncurling her sleeping bag she poured herself some coffee and stretched out.

It was to late to start now but tomorrow she would get to work and soon have the old place ship shape.

The sound of a cockerel woke her, shit was it morning already. Rolling up her bag she made some breakfast on the camp stove then went for a look round. With a tinge of sadness she opened one door after another, the rooms looked the same, the furniture old and worn the peeling paint and paper and everything covered in dust, no work had been done on this place in years. Picking the main bedroom she got to work, cleaning windows scrubbing floors and washing woodwork, the old iron bed looked great after a bit of TLC. Deciding the room was now habitable she put her stuff in and unpacked her own bedding. Picking up her keys she drove to town and returned within the our her car full of necessities. Sitting down with a sandwich she thought of her Great Aunt.

She had spent a lot of time here as a kid, her Great Aunt had always welcomed her, Agnes loved the house dearly and as the years passed Gabe fell for it just as much which was probebly the reason she was left the property and a good deal of money. Doing this place up was not going to be cheap. Swallowing the last of her sandwich she tackled the kitchen, the cupboards just needed scrubbing but the sink needed replacing, the stove after a good clean was filled with wood and shortly after she could feel the chill leave the room. The fresh country air and hard work had her exhausted; not waiting for the stove to heat the water fully she jumped under the shower and quickly washed. Crawling under her covers she instantly fell asleep.

The following day she started on the living room, working all morning. Jumping at the sound of something breaking she went to investigate. After a thorough search she found nothing, odd but maybe it was her imagination. That night she settled down early with a book. An hour later she blew out the lamp, settling under the covers she was startled by a loud bang. Leaping out of bed she grabbed her torch and went looking for the cause but again found nothing. Remembering as a kid the noises she heard at night she decided it was the house settling after all it had been empty for a while or over tiredness she had been working long hours.

By the following week the noises had become more than just sounds of movement. Doors slammed, furniture was heard sliding across the room and foot steps could be heard on the floor above. Gabe was not the timid type but this unnerved her. Settling in bed one night a fortnight later she checked she had her knife, silly really but it made her feel better. She was just drifting off when she heard the front door slam, leaping from her bed she grabbed the knife, this time she was going to find the cause. Making sure the inside was secure she ventured outside, waving the torch to and fro she searched the grounds but saw nothing. Turning back she caught her foot on a tree root, dropping the knife and torch she closed her eyes and waited for the inevitable thud.

"Are you alright?" Opening one eye she found herself being held by a man, a big man "Err I think so, just my ankle" The man bent down and studied her leg "It looks ok, just a sprain, its not a good idea to be wandering around in the dark" Standing upright she looked at the man who had come to her rescue "No, I guess not, thank you Mr....." The man smiled "Talamaur...Garwolf Talamaur now how about I get you inside" Leaning on him she hobbled into the house were he made her comfortable. "Do you have any brandy?"

"No but I have whisky" Gabe pointed to her pack in the corner. Finding a wine glass he poured the amber liquid into it and handed it to her "This will help with the shock and warm you up"

Gabe stared at the stranger. Turning he lit a lamp "I didn't know anyone was living here"

"You live nearby?"He turned to face Gabe. "Yes, the house behind"  She hadn't been kidding when she thought he was big, big tall and broad with thick black hair and eyes so dark they were almost the colour of his hair, Gabe felt a dampness between her legs, Christ! "And you are?" the man asked. "Sorry, Gabe McKenzie" The man raised an eyebrow "Gabe?"

"Short for Gabriella, my Mother loved Gabriella Anderson novels" He smiled again "I see"

Remembering her manners she nodded to the bottle "Please help yourself" The man bowed slightly "Thank you but no"

"You're not one of those, the kind that sips tea and tuts at us drinkers" The man laughed "No I drink but not whisky" Gabe was relieved. "Thank goodness for that, I mean I'm not a big drinker but I like the odd one" The man smiled again as he looked at the half empty bottle  "So I can see"

"Look, will you at least sit down; you're making me nervous Mr Talamaur" Nerves was not her problem "Please call me Wolf" he insisted as he took a seat opposite. "Wolf, so where you from with an accent like your's I'd guess you're not local?"

"I'm from Spain"

Gabe whistled "You're a long way from home, you lived here long?"

"A few years what about you?" Gabe waved a hand round "My Great Aunt left me this place, I always loved it as a kid"

"You plan on staying here?" Wolf remembered her now or at least remembered the kid, noisy and mischievous, more than once had she fallen from a tree to her injury he had lost count the amount of times the paramedics had been to the house. "I was sorry to hear about you're Aunt" Gabe swirled her drink "We knew it was coming but......" Wolf watched as the girls face changed became sad, he felt the regrette she had for not being able to say goodbye. "I must be going, will you be alright?" Gabe laughed "Me, of course it'll take more than a sprain to put me out of action"

It was late when she woke. Hobbling downstairs she made breakfast and sat on the back porch to eat. October was not the time of year to eat alfresco but it was dry and sunny if a bit chilly. Looking up at the house opposite she shuddered, she thought her place was creepy hell that place looked as if came straight from a horror film. Taking one last mouthful of cereal she went back inside. By dinner she had the bathroom and landing done and was looking forward to eating and maybe a drink. She had just sat down when she heard it, a shuffling sound from one of the rooms above. Taking the stairs two at a time she threw the door open......nothing. What the hell was going on, it wasn't mice not unless they wore combat boots and there was no one else here? Now she really needed a drink.

Wolf stood at his window and looked at the house below. He sensed the surprise that quickly turned to anger then uneasiness, he was sure of the feelings he got from her, he had felt her admiration last night, her desire for him. He felt the same way, from the moment he had caught her, seen those piercing blue eyes the blond hair, he wanted to touch her, kiss her.....but she looked so young. Maybe he should go down and check on her, just once.

Making herself comfy Gabe sat by the fire, reading. Lifting her head in surprise to the sound of knocking, who could that be, hope turned to delight as she opened the door to Wolf. "I was just passing and thought I'd see if you were alright?" Gabe moved back from the door "Come in"

Sitting on the floor she indicated for him to join her. "I see you're ankle is better?" Gabe gave it a wriggle "Much better, thank you"  Wolf nodded then stared at the fire, he had to be mad but he couldn't deny he was drawn to her. Gabe took the chance to look at him properly, his chiselled features illuminated by fire light, his broad shoulders and thick arms, she guessed he had strength, moving further down he eyes lingered over his hips then round to his crotch.... "So, you married?" Gabe blurted her voice sounding shaky. Wolf turned to her "No, you?" His eyes seemed darker than before; staring into them she felt she was falling.

Leaning over Gabe lowered her head, her lips pressed against his. Taken aback by the sudden action Wolf froze, he'd never had a woman make the first move but he liked it. His lips moved with hers making her moan softly, moving her legs she straddled him her arms sliding round his waist. Wolf felt his blood boil could hear it roar through his body, one hand caressed her cheek the other her shoulder. Her Uncle always said her recklessness would get her into trouble one day but she had wanted to do this the moment she had first laid eyes on him. His hand slid round to her breasts causing her to groan and her kiss deepen. The sound of glass braking snapped them out of their desires. "What was that?" Gabe smiled nervously. "Nothing, I'll be back in a moment" 

Upstairs she looked round, everything seemed to be ok. Opening the door to her own room she found her perfume bottle laying on the floor in pieces. Bending down she picked up a piece and looked round, it was sitting on the dressing table, how? "Is everything alright?" Wolf stood in the doorway watching her "What happened?" Gabe turned to the table. "I guess it fell" 

"Was that where it was sitting?"

"Yes" Wolf noted the distance it travelled, there was no way it could have gone that far on its own.

Wolf watched the colour drain from her face as she came to the same conclusion. "What's going on Gabriella?" Sighing she sat on the bed and told him what had been going on from almost the day she had arrived. Doors slamming, furniture moving and foot steps at night, the sounds of braking had always lead to nothing till now. Wolf listened in rising alarm "And you're still staying here?"

"Of course, there's no way I'm running over a few odd noises"

"I don't think its safe here, maybe you should leave" Gabe shook her head, apart from the fact she liked it here she liked him...a lot.

"Well you shouldn't be here alone, is there no one else that can be here with you?"

"Just my Aunt and Uncle or my cousin Sophie but they hate the place"

"I don't think you should be here alone" Gabe shrugged her shoulders "I'm not leaving"

Wolf came round every night after that and stayed till.....she didn't know when, he was here when she went to sleep but gone when she woke in the morning. She got used to his strange hours, work commitments was his reason. The kiss wasn't mentioned but Wolf felt the need in her, the desire to do it again so he kept himself at a distance. Gabe didn't know what to think, from his reaction to her kiss he had wanted too but now he seemed to be keeping her at arms length. There had been no more strange happenings since the night of their kiss and while Gabe was thankful she had the unsettling feeling 'it' was waiting for something.

A few nights later Gabe went to light the fire in her room, it was colder than it had been and her poor room was so cold ice had started to form on the inside window. Reaching the top of the stairs she looked down the hall and froze in horror. Sensing her Wolf was by her side in an instant just as she let out an ear piercing scream. "What's wrong"

"There, there was something there, in the shadows, I couldn't make out what it was but it was there I saw it" slipping her arms round him she buried her face in his shirt. "Ssh, come downstairs" Settling her in the living room he went back up to see to the fire then wandered round. Trying to pick up what she had seen and finding nothing, no scent or feelings of anything but her.

Back downstairs he found Gabe still shaking. "Did you see anything?" Wolf shook his head "It doesn't mean that you didn't"

"Oh Wolf, what's going on?" Sitting close he allowed her to cuddle into him. Gabe relaxed, whatever it was it was gone now, she was safe for now, safe with him here. Inhaling deeply she took in the scent of man and something else, like mustiness, it was faint and his maleness overpowered it, she could feel her body reacting.

Wolf felt the passion rise within her, could hear her erotic thoughts. "How old are you Gabriella?" Gabe lifted her head, that's an odd question to ask now? "Eighteen, why"

Turning her to face him "I'm forty"

"So" Gabe had an idea where this was going "Age doesn't matter, not really"

"To me it does, there are other men out there, better men than I, younger...."

".....I've never wanted to till now" Wolf stared at her, shocked by her revelation "You've never.....?"

Gabe smiled shyly "Nope" He faced the fire, watched as the flames danced and the smoke rose up the chimney "I am not the man you think I am, I can be dangerous, do you really want to loose your virginity to the likes of me?" Gabe knelt beside him, her hand caressed his arm her lips brushed against his neck "Does that answer you're question" she murmured in his ear.

Wolf groaned "Gabriella....please!"

"I want you Wolf" her hands slid inside his shirt, so close to the fire and still his skin was cool. Wolf looked at her, his lips pressed down on hers "You understand what you ask of me?"

"Yes" Stretching his legs out he pulled her closer, his kiss deepened. Undoing her cardigan he tossed it to the floor her blouse quickly followed, removing his own shirt he gave her time to change her mind, your first time was special he didn't want her to regrette it.

Her body was on fire, every inch of her ached for his touch the feel of him beneath her felt wonderful, she guessed he was moving slowly, considering her situation and she silently thanked him....but oh God she wanted more.

Wolf could take no more, he had tasted and explored every inch of her silken skin and now needed, wanted to fell himself inside her. Leading her to the floor he pushed her legs apart. Gabe gave a small cry as he slid into her then hesitated as he felt the slight resistance, wriggling she pushed herself down till she consumed all of him. Slowly he moved inside her, the feel of her damp warmth driving the excitement in him further, he was no longer looking at her with eyes own eyes, pulling her into a sitting position he held her close. Realising what he wanted Gabe took over and gently moved up and down his length; wrapping her arm round his neck she closed her eyes relishing the sensations of love making, of his naked body against hers.

Feeling something rise she started to move faster, Wolf grabbed her hips and helped drive her down on him, he too near satisfaction. Gabe clung to him as the final release washed over her like a tidal wave, hearing a deep groan from Wolf as he too reached satisfaction.

Gabe stood back and admired her handy work; its amazing what a lick of paint could do. She had been up since dawn, had the walls ready by eleven and with a quick trip to the store had found some paint. Not stopping for lunch she mixed the paint and got to work, now it was just gone eight as she finally put her brush down. Feeling strong arms wrap round her waist she gasped. "Someone's been busy!" a deep voice murmured in her ear. "Wolf I never heard you come in"

"Didn't you, guess you were to busy, looks nearly as good as you" Gabe shuddered at the passion in his voice "I must look a state!"

"You look good enough to eat" pressing himself against her so she could fee his hardness, his hand stroked the nape of her neck.

Turning Gabe wound her arms round his neck "I'm covered in paint!"

"So?" He was right, it didn't matter , in the month they had known each other he had seen the best and worst of her. The old place had her knee deep in grim most of the time but finally she had started the best bit, decorating. She missed him in the daytime but business kept him away and she had plenty to keep her busy but as soon as the sunset he would come to her. "Why don't you go for a shower and I'll make you something to eat" Wolf suggested. "You can cook?"

"Of course" patting her rear he nudged her towards the stairs. Thirty minutes later she was back down refreshed, Wolf wasn't kidding when he said he could cook, she was stuffed.

She knew so little about him, what he had meant 'he was dangerous' he never explained and she never asked, she was content with him just being here. Even the horrors of the night were a distant memory, the house now quiet maybe he had banished the terrors. Gabe knew one thing for sure, she loved him, probably had done since the night she first laid eyes on him but she kept it to herself. "What you thinking"

"Nothing, just enjoying the night" 
Wolf had heard her thoughts, his heart almost burst when she said she loved him. He loved her, more than words could ever say, but fear kept him from speaking out. "Tired?" he asked hearing a stifled yawn.

"A bit"

His hand slide under her towel "How tired?"

"Not that tired" she replied seductively, taking his hand she lead him up the stairs.

Satisfied they snuggled close and talked. Gabe told him of her childhood, her parents were scientists and were exploring the Amazon, it was to be their last trip but they disappeared. At two she was to young to understand, she never missed them, how can you miss what you never had. Occasionally she wondered what happened, where were they, were they still alive but not often. Her Aunt and Uncle took her in but she spent a lot of time here.

Wolf chuckled as she told him of the trouble she got into, the broken bones from climbing the near drowning not forgetting the scrapes and bruises, she was a tomboy, loved the rough and tumble the adventure.

They wanted her to go to college but she was happy working in the grocery store, their constant nagging was driving her away, when she was left this place she took the chance.

"I need to use the bathroom" sliding from his arms she pulled on her PJ's and padded across the hall.

Opening the door she suddenly felt uneasy. A dark heavy weight pressed down on her, she had the feeling she was being watched. Deciding she was being silly she sat on the toilet, nervously looking round the room she saw nothing. Glad to be finished she washed her hands and headed for the door. It was behind her, slowly she turned. The walls started to weep, blood seeped through the tiles leaving smear marks and strange patterns, she swore she could see writing. Blood oozed from the floor near her feet, spreading across the boards the puddle grew larger and larger.

Wolf sat up, the feelings from Gabe suddenly seemed faint, foggy, concentrating he sensed confusion followed by panic then terror "Gabriella!" Bolting across the hall, the door was blocked. Pushing hard he found the reason. Gabe lay on the floor........

                                                                      Part two, Secrets