Allister, J. Rose - Discarded Cowboys [Lone Wolves of Shay Falls 2] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) Read Free

to take flight. “No. The truth that you are a creature I could never, would never be with.”
    Those words failed to stop him this time, and soon his inhumanly glittering eyes were mere inches from hers. “Are you so certain about that?”
    His head dipped toward her, and though she licked her lips automatically, she knew she didn’t dare let him kiss her. She had to think fast, while she still could.
    Her hand flew out to land on his hot chest, and she gave a firm shove. “I can help you,” she blurted out.
    He wavered. “Oh, I’m sure you can.”
    “My people know magic,” she stammered, wondering whether she was really about to do this. “There’s a spell that can cure you.”
    The hand that was reaching for her halted. “Ain’t no magic cure for what I’m thinkin’ right now, darlin’.”
    “It’s a full moon spell,” she went on. “A magic derived from the moon itself. The power to cure a werewolf.”
    Now his hand fell straight to his side, and he stared at her for a moment. “Who says I want to be cured?”
    “None of my dreams showed me the curse you’re under. I’m betting this either happened recently, or is not a destiny you wish to embrace. Maybe both.”
    “So, you admit you’ve had the dreams.” He studied her face intently, and she did her best to keep a mask of calm in place. “What would I need to do for this cure?”
    “Come to my camp,” she said. “I have all the supplies I need there.” Indecision seemed to flicker in his expression, and she reached out to lay a hand on his arm. “Tonight begins the full moon cycle, doesn’t it?” She spoke through gritted teeth, willing herself not to pull her hand away and stop the maddening tingles of contact shooting through her. “Just think what life would be like if you no longer had to worry about controlling the curse.”
    He nodded, seeming speechless for a moment. “Finally.” He shut his eyes for a moment, as though in silent prayer. “Guess I know why a Gypsy was chosen to be my mate. Fate knew you would free me and give me my life back.”
    Guilt left a bitter taste in her mouth at the almost haunted-sounding hope in his words. Still, she forced a smile onto her face. “Come with me. We made camp right through these bushes. You can be free of the curse before nightfall.”
    She slid her fingers down his arm to take hold of his hand and almost wished she hadn’t. His body temperature was so warm—another hallmark of shifters—but the dampness erupting in her palm when his fingers laced hers had little to do with it. Sparks of need, of recognition , trailed up her arm. Every inch of her body tingled acknowledgement of their highly compatible chemistries.
    “How does the spell work, exactly?” he asked as they pushed through a clump of brush.
    They stepped into the clearing just as her father happened along. His dark eyes dipped straight to her and Russell’s clasped hands, slid over the shifter’s naked form, then landed on her eyes with a chaotic blend of anger and fear.
    “Talaitha! What do you think you’re doing?” he asked with undisguised incredulity. “I assumed you’d gone off to start cooking with the women. Instead, I find you strolling along with this…this…” he trailed off, his face reddening unattractively.
    “Papa, don’t be angry,” she said. “I found this man in the woods and offered our help to break his curse. I was about to put him in the cage so I can perform the full moon spell. To cure him.” She widened her eyes at the last sentence, giving her father a pointed look.
    To his credit, Zakono caught on quickly. “Yes, I see. Of course.”
    Her fantasy man was not similarly impressed. He yanked his hand away and turned to her. “Cage? You didn’t say nothin’ about that. I don’t do cages.”
    Zakono flicked a gaze to the man. “A mere precaution only,” he said in a mock-reassuring tone. “You must understand, it is for our protection. There is a good chance you will